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Norethindrone and Spotting: What Users Say

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

Spotting: mentioned by 182 users (11.6%)

Based on user experiences from 1,571 Norethindrone reviews, the following table shows the most commonly mentioned side effects.

All user comments are moderated by Drugs.com. Each review is verified for relevance and screened for inappropriate content. Side effects are user-reported and not clinically verified.

bleeding 22.0%
weight gain 18.5%
acne 18.3%
cramps 18.1%
mood swings 14.9%
spotting 11.6%
sore breasts 11.2%
depression 10.7%
headaches 10.5%
bloating 9.1%

Reviews for Norethindrone

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Pri...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 10, 2021

Norethindrone for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "It’s been 75 days of constant bleeding - from a few days of using a pantyliner with a few spots of brown blood to couple days of needing a medium pad for red blood then back to spotting then back to slightly heavier bleeding. Basically non-stop spotting and bleeding. And I’m sick of using hygiene products EVERY DAY."

2 / 10
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75 Report
  • EM0...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 6, 2013

Norethindrone for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "This medication was amazing at the beginning, but now it has caused severe moodiness and abnormal uterine bleeding. (I've had 2 full periods in 3 weeks) and some days I start spotting and get cramps even though I take my pills on time."

3 / 10
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99 Report
  • Fir...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 11, 2020

Norethindrone for Endometriosis "Errin is a medical miracle. I have been off birth control for quite some time and have started this wonderful medication. My sex drive is up, I feel so much energy, I'm excited for my husband to come home. So far, no bleeding or spotting. And I have been urinating like crazy, so it looks like I am dropping a ton of water weight. I'm excited to see what next month holds as far as my period goes. Thank you for whomever made this drug. My husband and I love you."

10 / 10
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45 Report
  • GSa...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 18, 2021

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I tried this pill 2 different times. First time, I had brown spotting for over a month, so I stopped. I tried it again about a year later (currently on it), and I'm having a better experience. I spotted brown for only about a week when first starting, and I haven't had any issues with it since unless I'm taking it late. You need to be SUPER consistent with it (which you probably already know); if you can do this, then this is a great pill. I know it says within 3 hours, but any later than 10 minutes (for me), and I start spotting for a couple of days. But I get NO nausea or other big side effects that I can notice. And hey, I'm not pregnant yet. So I'd say it's doing its job."

9 / 10
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38 Report
  • Emi...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 31, 2024

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I started on Jencycla around 6 months ago due to my birth control options being limited because of a blood clotting disorder and migraine with aura. After checking reviews, I was terrified of spotting every day, but that honestly wasn’t the case for me. In the 6 months I was on Jencycla, I had spotting for maybe 5 or 6 days, and my period was prolonged by 2 or 3 days each month. However, my anxiety has become unbearable since I started taking it. I’ve had very manageable anxiety for as long as I can remember, but since starting this medication, I’ve had nearly constant panic attacks out of nowhere, and I constantly feel like I’m going insane. However, everyone has a different experience, so what didn’t work for me may work for you!"

5 / 10
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  • Mea...
  • May 8, 2020

Norethindrone for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I was put on Norethindrone 5 mg up to three times a day. I take it twice a day right now. I've been on it for almost three months now. This is my last option or I have a hysterectomy. I'm 32, I am trying to put that off. TBH, this works for me. Here are the side effects I have had. I do get night sweats, I do get occasional cramping, but only at night, and yes, they are like period cramps, but nothing like I was having. I can't even have one glass of any type of alcohol without getting sick, and I cannot skip a dose to drink, so that's all off the table. I do get random spotting, and it lasts maybe a couple of days. It's not too bad. I cannot go without eating on this, or I get really ill. I have gained some weight, which birth controls are notorious for doing to women, so it's a common one. 7. Sometimes you do get mood swings, but any hormone, including regular birth controls, can cause this. It's something you just need to work on, realizing it’s happening and then trying to manage the situation."

10 / 10
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38 Report
  • Ric...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • June 1, 2020

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I see a lot of people leave really bad reviews for this birth control pill, Camila, and while I know people react differently, I thought I’d share a positive experience. I went on Camila because I have a migraine disorder and can’t take the combo pill. The only side effect I’ve noticed (I’ve been taking Camila for almost 2 years) is occasional spotting and a slightly longer period, which are common side effects. Besides that, my period is regular and I didn’t gain weight or experience any other negative side effects."

9 / 10
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36 Report
  • Lde...
  • July 9, 2013

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I have been taking this birth control for about 7 months now. Overall, it is very effective. It took me about a month to get used to it, and I had 4 or 5 months after that that were excellent. Some people would get spotting when they were even a half hour late taking this, I had no problem whatsoever when I'd take it late. In the last couple of months, however, I have been having a period every 2 weeks. Sometimes the second one would be more spotting than bleeding, but still very annoying. Also, I have gone up 2 cup sizes since taking this medication. No real noticeable weight gain otherwise, just much larger breasts!"

8 / 10
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64 Report
  • Can...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 20, 2014

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I started taking this because my doctor said that this pill uses a hormone similar to progesterone (what the human body produces). The other pills I've tried (Tri-Cyclen, Yasmin) use estrogen, which is more likely to cause blood clots, heart attack, high blood pressure, and stroke. I had minor spotting, and then no period at all. I have had a few headaches, but I am not sure if they're related. I've also had WAY less of an appetite, which was usually the opposite when I took birth control in pill form. I'd love to have a more natural form of birth control, but at this point, I'm happy with Micronor as a solution."

9 / 10
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61 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 25, 2020

Norethindrone for Birth Control "This pill, Camila, is awful!!! I’ve been off and on it a few times, unsure whether it was the pill or just me. Nope, it was the pill. If you enjoy crying nonstop for no reason, extreme anxiety and depression, unable to get out of bed due to exhaustion, weight gain, and anger issues, this pill is right for you! If not, run. This pill completely changed who I was, and I didn’t like it at all. I was no longer my motivated, bubbly self but rather a very mean crybaby who slept all the time. Not to mention the constant spotting and headaches. I couldn’t stand this pill anymore, so I quit. Highly do not recommend."

1 / 10
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34 Report
  • J B...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • April 3, 2020

For Endometriosis "Been on 5 mg once a day now for six months. Taking for endo pain. New doc put me on this higher dose as a last resort and it’s now working well. Initially had bloating, moodiness, some insomnia, and mild cramps. Periods stopped after 3 mo. Have had spotting for long periods of time but recently stopped. I also had some migraines with aura about four times a week, but it completely has stopped, and they never caused pain, which my doctor monitored. I’m 50, but of late I have like hot flashes a lot. Used to get maybe a few a week at night, which caused insomnia. But of late, I get this wave of heat coming over me all times of the day. With the Covid thing, I take my temps twice a day, but nothing. I almost feel like I’m fighting a bug but no other symptoms. Overall, I would take it again as it’s completely changed my quality of life for the better. Anyone else having hot flashes? Lol."

8 / 10
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27 Report
  • mac...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • December 7, 2022

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I've been on Jencycla for probably close to 2 years now. I was taken off of regular BC because I was prone to migraines. My old pills were perfect, did everything they needed to do; lessened cramps, regulated my period, and helped with acne. Since being on these pills, I feel like a different person. I have major mood swings, become super moody, my anxiety is at an all-time high, I have bloating, 0 sex drive, and my periods are all over the place (missing a period one month, then having three the next). I experience period symptoms all of the time (cramping, spotting, nausea), my hair is thinning, and I am always tired. I've talked to my doctor about other progestin-only options, and none of them sound any better. Honestly debating going off them altogether because the only benefit this pill has had is preventing pregnancy and only because I take it at the exact same time every day."

2 / 10
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16 Report
  • Kri...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 6, 2019

Norethindrone for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Okay, so I have been on this for a week now. My face hasn’t broken out more than usual. I have insanely irregular periods, and literally the day after starting this, my period ended, and it hasn’t started up again. Before, I would have maybe two days of no period, and then it would hit me like a freight train again. My body feels much better than it has in years! Again, I have only been on this for a week. I haven’t had any weight gain or random spotting... yet? Idk. Before I got put on this birth control, I literally bled, had intense cramps, mood swings, and migraines pretty much daily. I’m not saying it’s good for everyone, as everyone’s bodies are different. It has worked wonders for me. I will post another review as time goes on. I also haven’t had any issues with my hair falling out or being dull. It’s so nice to not be so damn hormonal every day. I feel so much better health-wise now. I think it’s honestly balancing out my chemicals, but I’m not a doctor."

8 / 10
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27 Report
  • Kik...
  • July 18, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Took for 1 month. Spotting day 2-30. Terrible!! Do not take this pill!! My doctor prescribed to lighten my period. Terrible decision! Spotting every other day for over a month! I told my doctor about spotting while taking it, and she thought I was crazy! I am so annoyed!! I asked 4 times to get off of these crazy pills, and they thought I was crazy! Now reading reviews, I see I am not alone! Something needs to be done about this pill! It’s supposed to be birth control for me as well. Well, there you have it, folks-I’ve got birth control, all right-I have heavy spotting every other day, and I have been off of the crazy pill for almost 2 weeks! Shame on the manufacturer and my doctor for not hearing my concerns. I can see you gals and I are not alone-I’m sure they heard this complaint before! My question to all of you is how long it is going to be before I stop having spotting every other day. I have not taken the pill for almost 2 weeks and still have crazy spotting. Smh in Texas."

1 / 10
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26 Report
  • CCa...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • September 7, 2019

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I started taking Nora-Be over 7 years ago after having my baby. I was breastfeeding at the time, and going on this mini pill made sense. Throughout the past 7 years, I’ve gained 37 pounds. I didn’t change my diet or exercise. I had horrible migraines and sensitivity to light. My hair was falling out like crazy. My periods were so irregular. I would have random bleeding and spotting throughout the month. I had horrible mood swings and anxiety. I would feel sad and stressed out for no reason. I had bad insomnia, and my blood pressure also increased. I never got pregnant, though. I never ever made the connection that Nora-Be could be the reason why I was experiencing all these issues. I kept going to the doctor throughout the years, and no one made the connection either. I finally stopped taking it 3 days ago. I hope it gets better for me. I’m in the process of losing weight and just being healthier. Everyone is different, but I wouldn’t recommend Nora-Be."

2 / 10
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26 Report
  • Emm...
  • December 5, 2014

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I have been taking Micronor for almost a month now. I used to take Yaz for 2 years but had to stop due to migraines. I've honestly had 0 problems with Micronor, much to my surprise after reading so many negative reviews. I do not have spotting, weight gain, etc. It doesn't help my acne, but I don't think it's making it worse. I think people may be having issues with spotting and heavy bleeding because they are not taking the pill at the exact same time every day. I take it at exactly 6 and have had no problems!"

9 / 10
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39 Report
  • HEB...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • May 17, 2013

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I started taking this after my son was born because I am breastfeeding. I've been on the medication for about 7 months now. Unfortunately, last month I had two periods! Two full periods, not spotting. This appears to be happening again this month, and I just can't have my period every other week. It's too messy and exhausting, on top of having a one-year-old."

5 / 10
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41 Report
  • ABC...
  • January 12, 2016

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I decided to post a review to hopefully help anyone out there who's looking for info. Me: I'm 39, no kids, no other medications, alcohol only a few times per year. My results: The first two months I had irregular spotting and two periods a month lasting 4 to 5 days each (the periods were 2 weeks apart, so 4 in 2 months). After that, the next 6 months I have been very consistent, one period per month starting on the same day each month and only lasting about 5 days and no spotting in between. Breakouts have been more common in these 6 months just before my period starts, frustrating but controllable with sleep, a multivitamin, and an acne cream to help. I have not gained weight, but struggle losing it. No harsh or scary side effects so far."

9 / 10
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27 Report
  • Jes...
  • July 1, 2019

Norethindrone for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have just finished my 2nd pack. Starting 3rd tomorrow. I am bleeding every other week. I started taking it to regulate my periods. It has made it worse. I am constantly bleeding, either spotting or full-blown. My breasts have gotten bigger. My mood swings are off the wall. I do not know if I can make it through this 3rd month all the way. I am tired of having to buy 2 packs of pads."

1 / 10
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17 Report
  • kpu...
  • March 22, 2016

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I'm not gonna go into detail because it would take too long. My periods and body have been all messed up for years. Normally, I would have 10-day periods with excruciating cramps. Tried all different kinds of birth control to help with it. Nothing worked... I have been on Lyza for 4 weeks now. I'm just taking it continuously. At first, I had a period that was 7 days long... I kept taking it even through my period. I just finished week 4 with no spotting or side effects so far! No blood, no period symptoms, no acne, no nothing! I am beyond happy. I hope to keep taking them every day and not have a period. So far, so good! My goal is to not have periods anymore because I'm sick of them and they cause more problems than they should."

10 / 10
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25 Report
  • Jab...
  • February 5, 2016

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I am not allowed to take a combo pill because I have migraines. I started Micronor, and it has been terrible. I get my period every two weeks, my breasts are extremely sore all of the time, and I'm constantly spotting. I am also irritable, moody, and have cramps all of the time. Before I started it, my period was always on time...predictable to the hour it started. I don't think it's worth bleeding constantly and being irritable and depressed...so I have stopped. Back to condoms it is."

2 / 10
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22 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 15, 2013

Norethindrone for Birth Control "My first period on it was heavier than normal. After that, I was spotting for several days, which I have never experienced. This past month, I have either been bleeding or spotting, and it's incredibly frustrating! Lots of random cramps as well. My mood has been up and down, which is also frustrating."

2 / 10
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28 Report
  • Bri...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • July 8, 2017

Norethindrone for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have been on this pill for a year now. I went a while without a period, just constant spotting. Well, I can't tell if it's an extremely light period or just spotting. It's not enough blood for a tampon or pad, but a liner. I hate it because if I do want to have sex, I have to act like I have to pee right before just to make sure I'm not bleeding. I'm on my last pack, and then I'm done with it. I also was on this pill due to high blood pressure and horrible periods. I'll take my risks at not taking this anymore!"

3 / 10
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19 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 6, 2023

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I have been taking this birth control for about 2 and a half months now, and it’s been very hard to not call it quits. Before being on this birth control, my periods were very normal and perfect timing every month. As soon as I started this birth control, I have been what feels like constantly bleeding or spotting. I have gotten 2 periods each month that have lasted over a week long, and then only have had a week in between where I’m not bleeding. Then I start bleeding again. It is so inconvenient to be constantly bleeding. I am hoping it sorts itself out within the next month or two, but if it doesn’t, I am calling it quits. I’ve started taking this for the awful cramps I used to get with my periods, which have been better since being on it, but it has given me more migraines and more bleeding, so I don’t know if there is a win there."

3 / 10
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8 Report
  • sil...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 11, 2020

Norethindrone for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I was on Errin for two months. I'm in perimenopause, and it was recommended to control some abnormal bleeding. The first month was okay, but I basically bled all of month two, either spotting or very, very heavy. Stopped it a few days ago and still bleeding. I went to the doctor and had an exam - no other physical cause for the heavy bleeding. He agreed I should stop taking it, although he wanted me to try originally for three or four months. I don't see how - this was the worst bleeding ever. I'll take perimenopausal irregularity over this."

3 / 10
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13 Report

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