Norethindrone and Mood Swings: What Users Say (Page 5)

• Nur...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 23, 2018

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I used to be on birth control for years to inhibit the growth of ovarian cysts. I stopped and was off pills for 6 years. Unfortunately, I am still very fertile, and as a single mom in a committed relationship, I did not want to have more children, especially since I will be 40 next year. I decided to try the mini-pill to avoid the effects of estrogen. This worked in that I didn’t get pregnant while on it, but it caused me pretty much every side effect. I developed acne on my face, my mood swings were crazy and very negative, my appetite greatly increased and I gained weight, I no longer had natural lubrication since my vagina became very dry, I noticed an obvious decrease in libido, and my breasts became very sore and tender the whole time on the pill. I did experience some very light spotting, but I wouldn’t have a problem with that if it weren’t for the other symptoms. Unfortunately, I’ll have to resort to another method of birth control. I had high hopes for this pill."

• emi...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 29, 2016

Norethindrone for Birth Control "Horrible experience with this medicine!!! Now granted, I didn't get pregnant, so I guess you could say it was 'effective.' BUT the frickin' mood swings that go along with it!!! I was constantly worried about EVERYTHING. I would go from being in a great mood to down in the dumps, depressed within minutes. I would get so frustrated I would *embarrassingly* almost punch my husband during any tiny argument. I also had a headache almost every day. I have noticed a lot of reviews mention weight gain, I can't say I experienced that per se, but I do notice that after a couple of weeks off of it, I have stopped craving carbs as much. Good luck to ya if you do try this medication. Just monitor moods."

• Anonymous
• June 30, 2016

Norethindrone for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "34 yo; overweight; PCOS: I went to the doc for BC because my PCOS was causing abnormal bleeding again. I wasn't prescribed a combo pill because I've had migraines before and was assured Nora-Be would stop the prolonged bleeding I was experiencing. Nope. My flow increased dramatically on day 3, I've had stronger cramps than I've ever experienced before, my whole body is swollen (feet and legs especially), my mood and energy have plummeted, and my frustration has increased. After much research, I've discovered that the progestin norethindrone is the worst kind for PCOS."

• Eno...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 30, 2019

For Endometriosis "I have stage 4 endometriosis. My doctor prescribed norethindrone because of awful mood swings from the combo pill. I was highly skeptical and resistant to birth control pills, I felt that any manipulation of my hormones would cause me mood swings. I only took this because I was desperate to get rid of period pain. I took this for six months and only got a light period with minimal pain in the first month. I’ve been physically pain-free the entire time. I’m stopping now because, like all hormonal birth control, the anxiety and mood swings are getting out of hand. As a lot of the reviewers have said, my thoughts have become very dark, so it’s time to get off."

• Con...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 23, 2016

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I've been taking this birth control for about 6 weeks now. My doctor prescribed this to me because I was having horrible migraines with one I was taking before. I haven't had my period yet, but have been spotting randomly since I started the pills. I used to have regular periods, so I'm not sure if I'm going to get them at all anymore. Not having the intense cramping every month like I used to is nice, though. I haven't experienced any weight gain or hair loss. Side effects that I have noticed are emotional. I have been experiencing severe mood swings, anxiety, fatigue, and depression. I know that I'm not pregnant, but this birth control makes me feel as though I am. Not sure if I'll continue taking it, for side effects may not be worth it."

• jol...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 21, 2019

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I was previously on Ortho Tri Cyclen, which made me have weight gain, super bad mood swings, anxiety, and depression. I was then switched to Jolivette and have had no horrible side effects. I have noticed I haven’t really been able to lose the weight gained from my previous pill, but that’s the only downside. Other than that, I completely love this pill! I am back to the same old normal happy me. :)"

• Lil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 1, 2021

For Birth Control "Norethindrone made things much worse. Instead of the rock-solid 26-day cycle I've had for years, my cycle has been severely affected, and I'm now experiencing menses every 21 days. I've been off norethindrone for 8 months, and my cycle has not reverted back to normal, so norethindrone has shortened my menstrual cycle by almost a week, and I'm menstruating and PMSing now every three weeks instead of every four weeks, so I'm experiencing more pain and mood swings than I would have had I never used norethindrone at all. Now instead of about 13 menstrual cycles per year, I'm experiencing about 17 cycles per year. Terrible experience. Would never recommend norethindrone (or Micronor) to any woman. Beware, it may make your PMS/PMDD much worse and more frequent."

• ebe...
• October 19, 2015

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I really wanted to have a more positive experience on Errin, but it just wasn't a good fit for me. After a month of bi-weekly periods, I started spotting every other week, and as a result, it felt like I was constantly PMSing. I gained about 8 pounds of water weight, and I felt uncomfortable and bloated almost all day, every day. Lastly, I just didn't feel like myself on Errin. I would get very inconvenienced by small things, it made me very emotional, and it was even hard to get out of bed in the morning some days. It also kept my psoriasis breakouts pretty constant. I asked my doc if I could take some time off instead of starting a new pack, and within 5 days, I was back to a normal weight, my skin cleared, and I felt like myself."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 9, 2021

Norethindrone for Birth Control "The worst birth control ever. Please read reviews and don’t be a know-it-all like me: 10 lbs, 100 mood swings, and 12-day periods later. This is by far the most awful experience I’ve had on birth control. I was encouraged to use this progesterone only because of my severe migraines and to prevent pregnancy. I would rather have the migraines and another baby than be on this pill. A man must’ve created it because it literally turns me into an angry fat mommy and spouse. Beware you’ve been warned!"

• hap...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 26, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve been on this pill for almost a month, and so far, I love it. I was on combination pills before this and could never find the one that worked for me. My doctor told me to take progesterone since I get migraines with aura. After starting this pill, my face has cleared (which I have been struggling with since starting birth control 3 years ago). My sex drive is higher, and my boobs are bigger. Was emotional the first week, but I feel back to normal now. I started it when I started my period, and my period only lasted 5 days rather than 8. I have not gotten my period yet, hopefully, it will come soon, but I also hear it’s common not to get a period on this pill. So far, so good on this pill."

• Car...
• December 5, 2015

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I've been on this pill for quite some time. I was put on this pill because other birth control pills would affect my blood pressure. My period comes on time every month and lasts for 5 days exact. Bleeding is very heavy, and the mood swings and aches can be intense."

• cit...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 31, 2020

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I've tried two other forms of birth control before this one. The IUD caused insane mood swings, and Chateal made me insane and caused very high blood pressure. That is when I switched to Tulana. This, by far, has been the easiest birth control for me. No major side effects that I have noticed if you take it as you are supposed to. No periods either. The only time I've ever gotten a period from this is when I slack on taking them on time or if I miss a day or so, then I get a light period for about four days. Other than that, my experience with this has been a very easy ride!"

• Moa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 3, 2021

Norethindrone for Birth Control "Initially, it seemed like a great option for me, a 30s black woman with 2 children, taking the pill to prevent future pregnancy. I did rate it a 4 because it did prevent pregnancy, which was the main reason I took it. I have high blood pressure, so I can’t do the combo pill, but I took it for about a month and a half. The first thing I didn’t realize right away was the mood swings, irritability, and extreme depression - I’m talking about extreme depression, my thoughts were crazy, suicidal, fatigue, or not having energy to do anything. Then there was spotting for days at a time (started after week 1). Once my cycle started (week 6), I discontinued the pill 3 days into my cycle once I saw how much heavier it was. I’m now on day 7 of a med-heavy cycle (my cycle is typically 3-4 days long and light to medium flow). My hair is also thinner than usual. Do your research, ladies."

• CEM...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 2, 2022

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I have been taking Heather for about two months. I am a transgender man, and I'm taking this pill to practice safer sex/not get pregnant. This pill was recommended to me by my doctor as an estrogen-free BC option. I’m sharing my experience since I have seen no other reviews from trans people. I was extremely nervous about this medication “bringing my period back,” as I have not menstruated since I started HRT five years ago. I was relieved when I noticed no side effects. The only thing I noticed was an increase in appetite for about two weeks, but no subsequent weight gain, as I controlled myself and didn’t alter my diet. No acne, no mood swings, it also didn’t mess with my head at all, which I was concerned about considering my history of depression. As long as you can remember to take the pill at approximately the same time each day, this is a great hormone-free BC pill option for trans men."

• Jen...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 16, 2015

Norethindrone for Birth Control "The only negative side effects I've had is longer bleeding per cycle and mood swings when I go off and on to the pill. The mood swings happen with every type of birth control I've used, so that isn't so abnormal. The bleeding is a bit odd, but the doctor said it was a normal side effect for the pill."

• Mim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 21, 2020

For Birth Control "I started using Norethindrone 0.35 mg (mini pill) as birth control since using the regular pill made me sick, and the depo shot made me extremely moody. I have been on Norethindrone for 2 weeks now and have not experienced any mood swings, weight gain, issues with my period, or anything. It has worked out so well, thank goodness. If you have tried tons of other forms of birth control and nothing’s worked, ask your OB for the mini pill!"

• Anonymous
• October 16, 2016

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I'm on month 3, and at first I had no side effects because I had just gotten off the depo shot. But this month I'm having mood swings. My face is breaking out, and I've always had nice, clear skin, and so far I've been bleeding 8 days straight and cramping every day as well, which I've never done! I'm seriously thinking about getting off this pill or taking nothing at all. I'm tired of all these toxins in my body doing me harm!"

• mmr...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 18, 2015

For Birth Control "Love this. I switched from a combined pill because of migraines and will never go back. I haven't had a single period on it, which my doctor has informed me is completely normal on this pill. I have not experienced mood swings, weight gain, or changes in my skin. The only (slight) drawback of not having a period each month is not knowing for sure that you are not pregnant. For someone like me who is predisposed to anxiety, this can be stressful."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 12, 2020

Norethindrone for Birth Control "PREGNANT. Yup. To be honest, the pill seemed to work great for me. No weight gain that I noticed. No mood swings, crazy bleeding, or pain. Nothing. But alas, it failed me. Took the pill every day. But still ended up with a bun in the oven."

• Anx...
• December 19, 2011

Norethindrone for Birth Control "First, this pill kind of freaks me out with the whole 'have to take it within the hour at the same time every day.' I also deal with no period for a week, a period of 3 days, no period for 4 days, then a period of another 2 days...on and on and on. I have been on it for three months and thinking that this might not be the pill for me. It has given me some anxiety and increased my mood swings. I do have breast tenderness at times. Probably not the pill for me. But I was put on it since other birth control pills give me a headache, and so far this pill has never given me a headache, so at least that has worked."

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 9, 2019

Norethindrone for Birth Control "Major weight gain! Holy heck! Want to know how bad it was? There happened to be a lapse in my refill of this medication. I could not get it for almost 3 weeks. I lost almost 15 pounds. Started taking it again - boom. Weight is back. It seems so hard to believe that the 0.35 mg I am on causes so much hassle. Side effects at the beginning were so bad I thought I was going insane. Massive mood swings, my breasts hurt so bad I thought I was going to die of boob pain, back pain, horrible weight gain... I could go on and on! Also, I got pregnant on this medicine even with perfect use in the first 6 months of taking this medication despite my husband 'pulling out' and suffered a miscarriage. I literally had no clue I was pregnant until that happened! Scary! I've been on all the other brand names of this medicine Errin (discontinued?) and Heather - but Jolivette is the WORST!"

• Ros...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 13, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been taking the generic version of this pill for three months now after switching from the combination pill because of high blood pressure. I loved the combo pill, but I absolutely hate this pill. For the first two months, I had no bleeding at all but was so bloated and retaining so much water, and my boobs were so swollen and sore I thought I was pregnant. Then, in the third month, I got my period in the middle of the pack, and then exactly one week later I got my period again. I have noticed extreme bloating all over my body and swelling of my boobs. I’ve gained about 10 pounds of water weight from the bloat! My cramps are unbearable when I do have my period, which is something I’m not used to coming from the combo pill. I’ve noticed hair loss and mood swings, and my anxiety has been awful. Being on this pill is making me contemplate not taking anything at all! I do not recommend this whatsoever."

• Anonymous
• June 12, 2011

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I've had an up-and-down experience with Jolivette. The first week was a bit rough with some dizziness, an increase in appetite, and slightly more emotional. However, those initial symptoms disappeared within the first month. What's been driving me crazy is my period. It came a week after I began the pill (I also was incredibly emotional the day my period came). Then I had two weeks off before it came again. And again. And again. Three months on Jolivette and my periods are becoming longer (7+ days from 4 days) and with only 4 or 5 days in between. And recently, my hair has started growing in straight after being solidly curly. I recently went off it and still got my period right on schedule as if I was still on it!"

• KBe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 2, 2022

For Birth Control "I know everyone is different; my experience… was told I should not be on the combination birth control anymore due to headaches. On norethindrone, I was extremely emotional, breasts very tender, bled every day for three months straight. Totally messed me up. I’ve been off of it for three months, and I’m starting my combination pill again because that worked for me 100%."

• Min...
• November 19, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have been on Norethindrone for a month now. I was put on it because of uterine fibroids, where I would bleed so heavily at night I had to wear two very thick pads, and even then would wake up to have to change because I’ve gone through both pads. I was told that I wouldn’t gain weight, but have gained 10 lbs back that I worked so hard to get off the last few months. I have mood swings, depression, and bad acne. I am deciding whether to continue on this or get a hysterectomy, which will probably be my last option. I already have 6 grown kids and don’t plan to have any more. I would not recommend going on this unless you're really willing to deal with the side effects."