Norethindrone and Weight Gain: What Users Say

• Ms ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 27, 2021

Norethindrone for Endometriosis "Nuvaring user aged 19-22, tried again at 29. In 2016, I began having pelvic pain, turned out to be a ruptured cyst. In 2019 and 2020, I underwent testing for endometriosis. In 2021, I had a triple-surgeon operation for endo and was put on Norlyda to keep hormones in balance, at the age of 34. I noticed tiredness with the first packet. I am about to finish my third pack, and my skin itches horribly every day, my vision gets blurry, I'm sweating more, feeling depressed (and coping differently), and have gained 13 lbs!! These are listed side effects for Norlyda, unbeknownst to me. What's not listed is that my nipples look incredibly ugly now, my butt crack hair grows quickly, and I have more acne breakouts. BUT, I am living pain-free and with little effect on my pooping schedule. My periods are sporadic, usually shorter with darker blood. My whole body changed using this birth control. :( Sorry if TMI, but I think it's important to share, and I hope I helped someone with my experience."

• ACa...
• May 1, 2020

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I have tried every type of birth control, from implants to IUDs to rings to 5 different types of combined BCPs, but Ortho Micronor is my favorite. I take generic Micronor and it has the least amount of side effects of any hormonal birth control method I have ever used. It’s the only pill that doesn’t cause me mood swings. I have not had any notable extra acne, no facial hair, no weight gain. All other combined pills made me emotional, weepy, agitated, and irritable. I have PMDD, and Yaz actually made it worse. I will take Norethindrone for as long as I can. It’s been the best yet for me. I know every body is different, but I wish I tried this sooner. I would have saved myself a lot of painful and emotional trial and error."

• Ama...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 10, 2015

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I love this birth control! I have struggled since I was 16 with finding a birth control that was right for me. I have had so many issues with abnormal bleeding, mood swings, weight gain, etc., and have not liked the fact that the long-term effects of birth control can lead to heart disease, blood clots, and more. This birth control has changed my life. I have lost all of my mood swings, I feel so much better in general, I have lost weight, and most of all, ladies, my sex drive is THROUGH THE ROOF. Not that me or my husband are complaining. It's been a very nice thing. All you have to do is take it every day at the same time. And no matter how busy your schedule, you can set a simple alarm on your phone. Try this pill! You won't regret it!"

• wea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 14, 2013

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I've been taking Jolivette for three months now, and couldn't complain about it. I used to have crazy irregular periods, for instance, the month before I started, I had a 10-day cycle, which meant two and a half periods in a calendar month, and the time before was 50 days. Since taking Jolivette, I haven't had a single period. No cramping, bloating, weight gain, mood swings, nothing. In fact, I've lost weight. It's also great because I no longer get migraines as opposed to being on an estrogen pill. Would recommend it to anyone."

• 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."

• Tis...
• April 30, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have uterine fibroids, and I'm anemic. I elected to have the myomectomy, however, all surgeries were canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to stop the bleeding and keep my blood levels up, I was prescribed norethindrone to stop my cycles altogether. The first three weeks or so, I didn't have any bleeding. However, at one month, I began experiencing severe acne at 42 years old! The same week, I noticed bleeding and then more frequent breakthrough bleeding while at work and when I woke up. I called to tell my gynecologist about these incidents, and the dosage was increased to 1 in the AM and 1 in the PM...the bleeding never stopped. Three packages of overnight superpads and 1 box of super tampons later, I began having excruciating contraction-like cramps. I couldn't even stand up straight. I've gained 15 lbs, and within 2 months, all of this...I'm not going to take this medication. I'll take my iron pills and hope for the best with my cycles. But nothing should feel like this."

• Mom...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 6, 2017

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I love Micronor. I have been on it for 2 years, and I'm about to get off it because I want kids. For the first 3 months, I had some side effects (tender breasts, bloating, cramping, breakthrough bleeding). But after those 3 months, it was PERFECT! No symptoms, no mood swings (unless PMS), and sometimes, I would just not have my period, which was fun in summertime. I had tried Alesse, Yaz, NuvaRing, all of them giving me the worst headaches and weight gain. On Micronor, no weight gain, I was dieting, so I managed to go from 130 to 115 pounds in two years on that pill. :)"

• 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."

• Cat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 23, 2020

Norethindrone for Endometriosis "I have had excessive bleeding, blood clots, and bad cramps since 2016. This medicine, Aygestin, is my last resort, I've been trying to avoid surgery. This medicine has helped with my symptoms, however, I have experienced some side effects from Aygestin: 1. Allergy symptoms: runny nose and sneezing (daily). 2. Acid reflux (daily). 3. Nervousness (occasional). 4. Mood swings, feeling uptight (daily). 5. Feeling hot (daily). 6. Trouble sleeping (occasional). 7. Frequent urge to urinate. 8. Weight gain. Although I had these side effects, it is still better than what I had previously experienced, I am considering surgery. I just want to feel somewhat normal again."

• man...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 19, 2019

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I was on this birth control for about one year, April 2018 to April 2019. My gyno told me to expect changes in my skin/weight, but boy did I not know what I was in for. The only upside of using this pill was no periods, but the downside was so much of my hair fell out, I gained about 30 pounds, and I went from clear skin to the worst acne I've ever had in my life. I'm 31, and it wasn't even this bad in my teenage years. I'm officially done with this pill. I gave it time for my body to become used to it, but even after a year it only seems to be getting worse. Seems like the weight gain is not stopping and the acne is so bad. If possible, please find another BC pill."

• ama...
• May 11, 2015

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I was on a combo pill for years before Micronor, and it was the worst. I had terrible mood swings, weight gain, an increase in appetite, and low sex drive, and the headaches were TERRIBLE. Once I started getting aura migraines, my doctor made me switch. I thought Micronor would be just as bad or worse. Thankfully, however, everything has been good! I've only noticed around an 8 lb weight gain, and it pretty much all went to my chest, I went from barely a B to a full C. Can't complain about that, lol. My only real complaint is that my face, which has always been clear even throughout my teenage years, now breaks out every so often. No mood swings, decreased appetite, up sex drive, bigger boobs, regular periods, and no babies. Go Micronor!"

• Bri...
• June 30, 2016

Norethindrone for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have been on plenty of birth control methods. From the ring, patch, IUD, and pills. Nothing seemed to work, then (as a healthcare professional) I decided to research and try Norethindrone (Ortho Micronor). This was the best decision, Sharobel and Micronor are my favorites! No weight gain (like I've had on others), no anxiety issues/depression. Sex drive is the same. I will NOT go back to anything else! I'm so grateful."

• Sar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 17, 2016

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I started using Micronor because I heard it lacked estrogen and I heard it was a healthier method of birth control. I'm surprised by all the poor reviews because I had absolutely no problem with this pill. I'm 5'4" and 120 pounds, and I never work out. I had no weight gain, no depression/moodiness, no lowered libido, etc. So don't get scared off by the reviews, everybody's different. I combined this medication with a condom because I've heard it's common to get pregnant on this pill. For that reason, I'm ending my use this month (after 8-9 months) and switching to the combined pill Alesse because I want to try condomless sex with my partner. Give it a try :) you can always stop using it if you have issues."

• pri...
• November 19, 2009

Norethindrone for Endometriosis "Having no periods every month is wonderful, and all my pain from endometriosis has subsided. I feel wonderful, but I did experience quite a bit of weight gain with this medication, but in the long run, it is worth it."

• CCa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 8, 2020

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I am on my second pack of Jencycla and highly considering calling it quits. My periods were always 3-4 days prior to taking this pill, and the past month, my period lasted for 9 days and was heavy the entire time. My period stopped for 5 days, and now I'm bleeding again. In a little over a month, I've gained close to 5 lbs, my skin feels different, I have on/off depression and moodiness, and seriously, the random and constant cramping. Also, I don't know if anyone else has noticed this, but I swear I can smell chemicals from my skin, and it only started once I started taking this birth control. It's a very noticeable and strong chemical smell that's especially strong on my hands. No amount of washing with soap gets rid of it. I'm giving this one more month, and if the side effects don't stop/slow down, I'm going to try a different pill."

• HLN...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 12, 2014

For Endometriosis "I have endometriosis and fibroids and had a terrible time last year when I visited my sister in Colorado. I was having horrific cramps that radiated up my back, in my butt, and down my legs. I ended up in the ER there and was told I may have had a cyst burst. I was told that higher elevations will make cramps a lot worse if you are not used to the elevation. When we drove up in the mountains, the cramps got significantly worse. They gave me some strong pain medication, but it really only made me groggy, and the pain was still there. When I came back home and visited my doctor, she put me on these. So far, it has been over a year, and I have had no periods, no cramps, and no pain! It's like a miracle! Unfortunately, I have gained weight though."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 7, 2013

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I've been on this pill for about 9 months now, and while I love not having a period and no mood swings, I've had terrible acne, breast tenderness (to the point of walking being painful), and I've put on about 15 lbs. I've even increased my exercise and gone on a diet, and I'm still putting on weight."

• 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."

• Ali...
• November 6, 2020

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I don't normally leave reviews, but I definitely felt obligated to share my experience with the Heather birth control pill. This is a mini pill, so of course, I was taking it after I had my son, so I could continue to breastfeed him. Not only did it make me gain all 30 lbs back that I initially lost after I had him, but it completely wrecked my normally clear skin. Aside from physical issues, the reason I really wanted to leave this review is because of the mental side effects it gave me. I am regularly a very happy person, however, this BC made me extremely depressed, which is definitely not good for a woman who just had a baby! I don't believe it should be prescribed for women, period, but most definitely not for new mothers. It did its job of allowing me to not get pregnant and still breastfeed, so I gave it a couple of stars, however, other than that, I would recommend something else."

• Bit...
• July 29, 2014

Norethindrone for Birth Control "So I have been taking Lyza for 5 months now. If I am 1 hour or more late on taking my pill, then I will automatically start a bleeding cycle for at least 5 days. I have no clue when my period actually is anymore. I also have had a 15-pound weight gain. I have also been losing hair, been depressed, and other odd things. I do not like this birth control at all, it does not work well with my body."

• Be ...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 28, 2017

Norethindrone for Birth Control "You should be very attentive to your body and well-being when taking this medication. It can cause significant weight gain, it can cause overall body aches and pains (headaches, sciatica pain, ankle and knee pain, muscle pain, tingling sensations from your nerves), tiredness, dizziness, and moodiness. If you start getting these symptoms, I would recommend that you stop this medication immediately. From my experience, I can tell you that your symptoms will only get worse the longer you take it. Ortho Micronor made me feel like my life was spiraling out of control with health issues. I was unable to sleep at night due to the pain shooting down my leg, my ankles felt like they were going to break when walking, and I gained a good bit of weight. I was absolutely miserable and at my breaking point when I decided to stop this pill. Note that it was my choice, not my doctor's choice, to stop this medication. They never worried about this medication causing issues, and no questions were ever asked on what could be the cause of my problems. On the plus side, I did notice a significant difference within two days after being off of this pill. I had no more leg pain or ankle pain. I'm not gaining weight any longer. Overall, my health is improving, and I'm working on losing the weight I put on from being on the pill. I would recommend you pay very close attention to your symptoms and not let them get out of hand as I did. You are the only one that knows your body. I truly feel this medication would have continued to cause issues (if not killed me) had I stayed on it."

• 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!"

• blo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 10, 2018

Norethindrone for Endometriosis "Taking this medicine is a severe mistake. This drug does not at all reduce cramping, bleeding severity, or promote bodily menstrual regularity. Instead, after only 2 months of using it, my hair is falling out in the shower, my acne is severe, I've gained 11 pounds, and my anxiety is unbearable. This drug has caused me to have a period every 2 weeks since being on it, and with each period, I am vomiting and swelling up. My breasts are so tender that I cannot even put a bra on. I am entirely exhausted all of the time - something I never had an issue with until taking this medicine. I have an appointment first thing tomorrow to come off of this drug - what a nightmare."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 11, 2023

Norethindrone for Birth Control "This is awful. I am 25 years old, and this pill has made me gain over 20 pounds in half a year. I bleed every other week heavily, and it's never red anymore, it's always dark brown. I have terrible and extreme cramps, worse than I've ever had too! My acne is next-level bad, and a rash started appearing on my shoulders, chest, neck, and back. My skin is super dry and weird too. I had to go on this birth control because of my migraines, but I absolutely hate it. I have never had issues like I've had on this pill before. I will be trying to get on something else soon."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 16, 2016

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I have been on Errin for about a year now. I chose it because I had just had a baby and wanted to be able to breastfeed. I've had a great experience with it. No moodiness or weight gain. I've been on other birth control pills that were combo ones, and those I could tell changed me emotionally, but I haven't had a problem with this one. I can't relate to others who have mentioned having a period for 3 weeks straight because my period didn't come back for about 9 months after having my son. But now I seem to have a period every other month, and it's only about 3-4 days max and not too heavy. I would recommend it to anyone, especially if you are sensitive to meds or just had a baby and want to nurse."