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Norethindrone and Sore Breasts: What Users Say (Page 5)

Brand names: Jencycla, Errin, Heather, Camila, Incassia, Gallifrey, Sharobel, Deblitane, Lyleq, Affodel, Meleya, Emzahh, Norlyda, Norlyroc Lyza Nor-QD Tulana Orquidea …show all brand names

Reviews for Norethindrone

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • tee...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • February 14, 2018

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I have high blood pressure, migraines, and my insurance wouldn't cover an IUD, so I was put on this. I do notice my boobs are much more heavy, swollen, and sore when PMSing, and the irregular periods are inconvenient and nerve-wracking. However, now that I've been on this pill for over a year, they have become a lot more regular (will still randomly show up when it's not supposed to, but maybe only once every few months now rather than all the time - the periods I get are no lighter or heavier than what I'm used to). I had way worse issues with my weight, acne, bloating, sex drive, cramps, etc. on other hormonal BC than I do on these. These reviews make it sound like this is the worst BC in the world, but personally, I'm not that bothered by it. It's worth it to not have migraines and a stroke risk anymore. It's not a bad option if it's your only option."

8 / 10
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  • 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%."

1 / 10
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  • 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."

5 / 10
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  • Mrs...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 12, 2017

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I went on this because I am 36 and premenopausal with premature ovarian failure. My periods are 21 to 28 days apart with premenstrual migraine with vertigo, and I've had severe endometriosis with the removal of an ovary and fallopian tube. I've been on 5 mg of Norethindrone every day for the past 4 months. Side effects I've had: nausea, breast tenderness, and cramping at certain times of the month, headaches, weight gain (12 pounds in 4 months!) - I am hungry ALL the time! Big-time bloating!, mood swings, constipation. I have not gotten my period in 4 months. Night sweats are gone. And premenstrual migraine with vertigo has decreased slightly. I still think I have been ovulating and cycling only without my period (if that makes sense)."

5 / 10
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  • Hea...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 22, 2019

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I was recommended to go on Errin after the combo pill almost landed me in the hospital. I’ve seen negative reviews on this birth control previously, but tried it anyway. Within 2 weeks of being on it, I’ve noticed my hair declining in quality, my appetite is never-ending, and I am bleeding for days on end, and constant breast pain and cramps."

1 / 10
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  • Aan...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 16, 2019

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I like this mini pill (Tulana) I am on because the side effects are less. I like that I don’t have crazy mood swings. I had sore breasts for a few weeks, but not anymore. I had migraines before starting the pill, and they have stayed about the same. Love this pill! Side note: it’s $0 for me because I get my prescription filled at Planned Parenthood."

10 / 10
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  • Hel...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 17, 2019

Norethindrone "I have adenomyosis (the cousin of endometriosis) and was put on this in order to try to manage my pelvic pain. Not only did it not help my pelvic pain, but it made my breasts incredibly sore. I'm not talking a little breast tenderness, I am talking about my breasts and nipples being so sore I cannot tolerate my partner touching them, and wearing a bra is torture. These may work great for birth control, but they do nothing for pain management."

2 / 10
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  • Hel...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 17, 2019

Norethindrone "I have adenomyosis (the cousin of endometriosis) and was put on this in order to try to manage my pelvic pain. Not only did it not help my pelvic pain, but it made my breasts incredibly sore. I'm not talking a little breast tenderness, I am talking about my breasts and nipples being so sore I cannot tolerate my partner touching them, and wearing a bra is torture. These may work great for birth control, but they do nothing for pain management."

2 / 10
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  • Jan...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 28, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I was put on this norethindrone contraceptive pill because I was having a lot of breakthrough bleeding and weight gain. I bled the first two weeks I was on it but just figured my body would 'adapt' to it. Then I started having nightmares and panic attacks at night that would wake me up. I didn’t know a birth control pill could cause nightmares or panic! Then my breasts got SO SORE I could barely stand to have a t-shirt on, much less a bra. This went on for 2 weeks! I would actually cry out if my husband hugged me too tightly. Then one month in, I had another period. The cycle started all over except it happened every 2 weeks for the next 6 months! My doctor has prescribed a different pill, thankfully, but the reviews I read on it were scary too. The only good thing I can say about this pill is that it KILLED my appetite, everything tasted bad. I lost 20 pounds! So not a complete loss!"

5 / 10
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  • meg...
  • December 23, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been on norethindrone for about two months. Here’s the bottom line: I have suffered from acne for quite some time now, and this cleared up my skin almost immediately. However, I would gladly turn back time (and take my old skin back) in an instant if it meant that I never would have gone on this pill in the first place. I have put on so much weight, am always bloated, and I never feel full or satiated. Furthermore, I am constantly in pain, whether it be physical (headaches, cramps, sore breasts) or emotional. I am literally always on the brink of a complete and utter mental breakdown. I am incredibly moody all the time and will snap at the drop of a pin. I always feel like crying, and I have no motivation for doing things I used to love. I also have zero, and I mean zero, sex drive. How ironic is that? All in all, I am quitting after I finish this second pack because though clear skin is lovely, feeling ugly and depressed isn’t."

2 / 10
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  • jem...
  • September 22, 2017

Norethindrone for Birth Control "There's a lot of bad reviews on here, so I thought I'd offer my experience to balance it out. Camila has been fine for me. Switching from estrogen-based birth control to progestin-only, I have noticed a few negative side effects. I have slightly more acne/greasier skin. I also have a lot more breast pain/tenderness when I PMS than I did before. I hate having to remember it every day, and given the side effects, I would go back on estrogen in a heartbeat. Since that's not an option, this has worked out fine for me. I haven't noticed any weight gain or moodiness."

6 / 10
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  • Nor...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • April 8, 2023

For Birth Control "Actually the worst thing ever. Please, please be careful before you go on any sort of birth control. Doctors don’t tell you the full story of what can happen, and it’s important to know your body! The first 3-4 months were totally fine. In the 5th month, my nipples were sore and leaky. Then I started spotting, and my periods got so long, even to the point where the last 2 months I had 4 periods! That’s not normal at all. Yes, it did its job of serving as birth control, but not at the cost of my physical and mental health. My last pill messed with me mentally, and this one did both. I was spacey, nauseous, dizzy, and exhausted. And really emotional. I was constantly either hungry or lost my appetite, and my periods got so heavy. I just got off two days ago after about eight months, and this is the best I’ve felt since the beginning of taking this. Going to look into other birth control options. Not worth it for me :("

1 / 10
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  • Sha...
  • March 18, 2019

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I have been on and off with the mini pill, switching between pills to see what works best. I haven’t been consistent until just now, starting in January. I constantly bleed. Either it's every other week or every other two weeks. My period comes every 28 days, but I always spot in between, and it’s bothersome when you think you’re done bleeding for the month and then out of nowhere start bleeding again. When my period is about to come, my breasts hurt super bad, and I get real nauseous. It made me think I was pregnant, until the test was negative and my period came on the 28th day. I get terrible cramps when I’m spotting and also when I’m on my period. It protects you for sure, but it’s a hassle to deal with constant bleeding. I also break out when I’m on my period, and my face does clear up though after my period ends. I crave things sometimes and mood swings. I get irritated more quickly, and I’m super tired most days."

10 / 10
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  • fid...
  • January 11, 2017

Norethindrone for Birth Control "After 5 years of the Mirena IUD, it got lodged in my uterus and required surgical removal. I was going to get another one until that happened. I was then on the depo shot and gained a ton of weight. Since I was a smoker and over 30, my doctor didn't want me taking anything with estrogen, so she put me on Sharobel. I noticed that my boobs felt HUGE and super sore for the first week, and also my chin and back broke out for the first few weeks. The only other gripe I have with this pill is that it has to be taken the same exact time every day. I'm busy, forgetful, and my schedule is all over the place. Might be going back to the shot soon just because of that. Upsides: less risk of blood clots and no period to speak of (yay!)"

5 / 10
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  • Emi...
  • September 8, 2016

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I had previously been on Errin for 1 year. After switching pharmacies, they gave me the generic version, Jolivette. I'm finishing up my first pack this week. While on Errin, I had two periods a month (aggravating, I know!), but it was just like clockwork. After starting Jolivette, I had my first period during my second week but did not start on my fourth week like I did with Errin. I called my doctor, and she told me that even though they are essentially the same drug, they can affect you differently. She told me to give it a few months to work itself out. The only complaint I would have so far is how ridiculously pregnant it makes you feel. I had very sore and tender breasts for almost 2 weeks and irregular periods! Time will tell!"

5 / 10
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  • Emi...
  • September 8, 2016

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I had previously been on Errin for 1 year. After switching pharmacies, they gave me the generic version, Jolivette. I'm finishing up my first pack this week. While on Errin, I had two periods a month (aggravating, I know!), but it was just like clockwork. After starting Jolivette, I had my first period during my second week but did not start on my fourth week like I did with Errin. I called my doctor, and she told me that even though they are essentially the same drug, they can affect you differently. She told me to give it a few months to work itself out. The only complaint I would have so far is how ridiculously pregnant it makes you feel. I had very sore and tender breasts for almost 2 weeks and irregular periods! Time will tell!"

5 / 10
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  • Jes...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 3, 2016

Norethindrone for Birth Control "Well, I initially went on this birth control to regulate my hormones - lots of breakouts lately and mood swings. I've been on the patch, Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo, and Yaz before - all of them I had bad side effects with. I can say for sure Nora-Be calmed my breakouts and mood swings, which is great... but it definitely gave me a heavy period, bloating, fatigue, depression, aloofness, itchy dryness, and tender breasts. The pros do not outweigh the cons in this case, so I will be going off. Also, I just read about the ovarian cyst side effects... not worth it!"

4 / 10
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  • Bek...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • July 26, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Dr. prescribed for abnormal bleeding, post D&C for PCOS. It has been a lifesaver for me. No cramps, period lasts no longer than 2-3 days... breast tenderness, something I've never felt until I started BC. I hadn't felt many 'normal' female symptoms before due to my irregular condition(s). Therefore, I was happy to experience them. I actually feel like a grown-up."

10 / 10
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  • poo...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 3, 2022

For Birth Control "Norethindrone was amazing for me. This was the first BC I took, and I didn't experience any negative side effects. For me, I personally loved norethindrone. .35 mg/day. The first month, I definitely noticed breast and nipple tenderness (it developed my areolas a bit, hooray!), and my body was getting used to the birth control, so I lost my appetite, and in turn, a few pounds. It made my skin GLOW. Girrrl, if you have acne, I highly recommend taking this. Even after my body got used to the dosage, I still experienced clear skin and softer hair. I've gotten a lot of compliments on my skin from family members, and they usually ask, 'Are you wearing foundation?'. Like TMI, sorry, but girl I needed to BREED. I felt like I was in heat. My sex drive increased a ton during that period, more so than I've ever experienced, which was both scary and nice. Loved norethindrone. If you're still hesitant, I recommend trying it out."

10 / 10
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  • poo...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 3, 2022

For Birth Control "Norethindrone was amazing for me. This was the first BC I took, and I didn't experience any negative side effects. For me, I personally loved norethindrone. .35 mg/day. The first month, I definitely noticed breast and nipple tenderness (it developed my areolas a bit, hooray!), and my body was getting used to the birth control, so I lost my appetite, and in turn, a few pounds. It made my skin GLOW. Girrrl, if you have acne, I highly recommend taking this. Even after my body got used to the dosage, I still experienced clear skin and softer hair. I've gotten a lot of compliments on my skin from family members, and they usually ask, 'Are you wearing foundation?'. Like TMI, sorry, but girl I needed to BREED. I felt like I was in heat. My sex drive increased a ton during that period, more so than I've ever experienced, which was both scary and nice. Loved norethindrone. If you're still hesitant, I recommend trying it out."

10 / 10
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  • can...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • October 11, 2020

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I’m 20 years old, 135 lbs, and 5 foot 1. I’ve been on this Heather contraceptive pill for about 7 months, and I love it. Initially, I had tender breasts, but about 2 months in, I had no further symptoms. I don’t know if my experience is rare, like, I literally have no side effects while taking birth control, maybe I’m lucky. My cycle still comes regularly, and my cramps are WAYYYY more tolerable than they were before I started taking Heather. I use this exclusively for birth control, but I still use condoms/withdrawal method because I don’t completely trust them alone (better safe than sorry), and so far, I’m not pregnant. So I’m overall very pleased with my experience with these pills :)"

10 / 10
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  • Whi...
  • August 14, 2016

For Birth Control "Can't use estrogen pills. This was my other option. Periods varied from 3 days to 3 weeks. After suffering from horrible depression, weight gain, fatigue, nausea, constant breast tenderness, unpredictable periods, constant spotting, dizziness, trouble sleeping, and cramping. After a year of hoping this would get better, the side effects continued getting worse. I chose to quit using the pills. I will no longer be putting hormones into my body."

1 / 10
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  • Kay...
  • February 21, 2018

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I started taking this after my IUD came out, and my doctor advised that this was a safe pill for me since I have a history of elevated BP. Upon starting to take the pill, my breasts became incredibly tender, and none of my bras would fit. After about 3 months on this, I gained about 20 pounds even while following a healthy diet and exercising regularly. I would also bleed every other week and had constant mood swings. It did its job, though, I didn’t get pregnant, but the side effects, I felt, ended up being too much for me to deal with."

2 / 10
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  • VAg...
  • October 21, 2017

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I'm new to taking birth control. Had a very normal cycle before, regular as clockwork for 27 years. I decided on this pill BC it's a 'mini' & thought maybe a good way to ease into BC. 5 weeks into taking Deblitane, I noticed my breasts were always sore and full. My skin was more oily & I've gotten the worst case of breakouts (big, red pimples on my cheek and a series of breakouts along my jawline). I haven't had a period. However, leading up to when my period is usually due (I tracked my cycles for years), I started having cramps, feeling bloated & lasted for a few days (almost a week). My mood was fine. Sex drive has been low. Finally called my doc and switching off it to something without hormones mainly to fight this bad case of acne."

3 / 10
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  • lit...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 21, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been on Noriday 28 for just over 2 months. I switched from a combination pill that I had been on for over 10 years due to high blood pressure. I was terrified to switch to progestogen only, thinking I would get terrible hormonal acne (this is why I went on the pill in the first place) and other side effects. In reality, I have had minimal issues with Noriday. I have had two short, light periods around the 28-day mark. No acne (having said that, I also follow a strict skincare routine and had been taking Zinc/Vitamin A and a probiotic). Cramping is about the same as it was on the combo pill. No breast soreness. The horrible headaches I had while taking the inactive pills on the combo are gone. Obviously, all pills work differently for each person, but I wanted to share my relatively positive experience."

8 / 10
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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.