Norethindrone and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 2)

• 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."

• Cam...
• June 8, 2016

Norethindrone for Birth Control "Before this, I tried one mini pill and had mood swings/breakouts. Then tried the combined pill (Lucette) and gained weight rapidly- even went up a cup size in a week. As a result, I felt depressed because of my weight gain. I then tried the IUD, intercourse felt like being stabbed internally, and I had bleeding every day for four months with flesh clots. Although my GP claimed this wasn't because of the IUD, they eventually removed it due to an ovarian cyst. Within days, all side effects stopped, but my GP put me on Cerelle, which made me have insane mood swings and depression. This is the first pill with no side effects other than light breakthrough bleeding every few months."

• Anonymous
• February 17, 2011

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I was prescribed Jolivette due to my high blood pressure, which was being caused by Ocella birth control. For the first 3 months, I did not experience any side effects besides the irregular period, which was advised in advance. After 3 months, I first noticed the side effects below: extreme weight gain (50 pounds!) and cravings for food that I had not previously eaten. Oily scalp and hair loss, this was a first for me and I thought that I was just getting older, but then confirmed that it was Jolivette! (I'm 30, by the way). Anger and stress to the extreme. Depressed for no reason (I actually thought I was pregnant and would take home and doctor tests, but they resulted as negative every time). Chest and stomach pains."

• K G...
• July 16, 2014

Norethindrone for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have been on Nora-BE for 2 full years now, prescribed post D&C for heavy bleeding and birth control. I have bad fibroids. It didn't really help with the bleeding at all. Fibroids won that battle, so I recently had the UAE procedure. Night and day! The doctor said normal periods would resume 2-4 months after UAE, and to keep taking Nora-BE. Now, 6 months post UAE, not sure when/if the period is coming. Didn't last month at all. Lots of spotting though... maybe this is my period? But spotting lasts longer than my 5-day period, more like 8-12, kind of annoying. Thought the itchiness was just me, but now that I read other users' experiences as well... I'm connecting the dots. Definitely weight gain, approximately 8-10 lbs. Breast tenderness, acne, questioning whether to continue."

• Wor...
• July 18, 2009

Norethindrone for Birth Control "Compared to the full pill, this is fantastic. Side effects are minimal and easy to treat. I experienced some decrease in libido and severe vaginal dryness during my first month, but Replens (available in any drug store) took care of that right away. Works like a charm. I also experienced some water weight gain during the first few weeks, but Diurex helped. My body has adjusted since then and do not need the diuretics anymore. Bottom line, I totally prefer these mild side effects than to deal with the worrying that I'm pregnant every month. But you HAVE to take it at the same time every day. I take it every morning at 7 am, I actually set my alarm. I keep a glass of water on my night table next to the pills. I love being worry-free."

• tde...
• April 10, 2017

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I've had trouble finding a birth control that wouldn't make me gain weight, give me UTIs, or make me depressed. I have finally found the one! This birth control has given me no issues at all. At first, my period was a little irregular when adjusting to this pill, but now it comes regularly and I have no negative side effects. You do have to be a little more exact with the time you take this BC, but I have my phone alarm set every day to the same time, so it's usually not a problem. The only time it is, is when my schedule is a little out of whack. Other than that, this is the best birth control I've taken and will continue to take."

• efa...
• May 21, 2014

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I have been taking Nora-Be for a year now and have noticed the following side effects: 1. I never knew when I would have my period. On this birth control, it seems to be every 3 months. 2. I have gained about 10 pounds even though I have maintained my normal level of physical activity and diet. Before starting BC, I had maintained the same weight for a number of years, so the weight gain is not welcome. 3. I have experienced minor vision problems. Mostly, my eyesight is blurry, and sometimes I have difficulty focusing. 4. My breasts have increased in size (probably due to the weight gain). Though I cannot really complain about the larger breasts, they are fairly tender-sometimes uncomfortably so."

• ABC...
• June 12, 2019

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I started taking Camila six months ago, after having a medical abortion. Somehow in my late 30s, I have become quite fertile, and I was afraid to get pregnant again, so I went on birth control for the first time since high school. They would not prescribe me anything with estrogen because of past migraines, so I went on Camila despite reading all the reviews. I have not had any issues with mood swings. I did not get acne like some have warned. I still have a healthy sex drive. I always shed, so I don't think this birth control has made that any worse. I have definitely gained weight, but I could blame that on late-night munchies as well. The periods were all over the place. Sometimes I would get my period twice in a month. Then last month, I didn't get it at all. In fact, I got PREGNANT using this birth control perfectly! Every day! At the same every day! This was not supposed to happen. This birth control failed me. Approx 13/100 women will get pregnant on this pill. BEWARE!"

• Dev...
• April 24, 2016

Norethindrone for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I would not recommend this pill for anyone, not any progesterone-only pill. Bloating that makes me look 3 months pregnant, constipation, 50 pounds of weight gain in under 2 years that won't exercise off, skin feeling too tight all the time, headaches, fatigue, appetite is weird, constipation and diarrhea, mood swings, hot and cold flashes, and a never-ending period. Medical staff all say it's normal and can't be the pill... so it's all in my head. I stopped this pill 2 nights ago and lost a third of my stomach as the bloating is decreasing. Stay away from these pills!"

• Anonymous
• March 29, 2011

Norethindrone for Endometriosis "I started this after my second lap surgery for my endometriosis. Had no problems the first month, but have now been bleeding nonstop for 6 weeks. I really liked the fact that I didn't suffer from the side effects that I feel with a typical combination pill (weight gain, nausea, etc.), but I cannot take the bleeding and pain anymore. I have had to take 2-3 pills a day to control the bleeding and am still experiencing spotting and cramps. I'm sure that this is the right method for controlling endometriosis for some women, but it is definitely not right for me."

• Kel...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 27, 2019

Norethindrone for Birth Control "Like stated before, everybody handles birth control differently! For me, it has significantly improved my mood! I haven’t had the weight gain, if anything, I’ve lost. Periods can be a little off or nonexistent sometimes, but nothing crazy. (I enjoy the break from a period, lol.) Give it a try!"

• ang...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 12, 2020

Norethindrone for Birth Control "Was on the depo shot for 2 years. Everything was okay the first year, but I switched because my last 6 months on it was terrible! I had no period for 4 months, it made my depression worse, I was always bloated, gained over 30 pounds, had nipple discharge, and was struggling to stay self-lubricated during sex. I decided to switch to a pill, and my doctor recommended Errin due to my background of migraines. I have been on it for almost 4 months, and I got my period back a month into it. I am no longer constantly depressed or constantly bloated, it doesn’t seem to give me rapid weight gain (I lost two pounds since starting), no more nipple discharge (my breasts grew half a cup size, actually), and I have no dryness issues. I finally feel normal again. I would give it a 10/10, but I haven't been on it long enough. I would recommend anyone who had a good experience with depo that turned horrible to try Errin out."

• liv...
• October 21, 2013

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I have been on Errin norethindrone tablets for almost five months now and have liked it a lot more than regular birth control tablets. I gained a lot of weight on birth control with estrogen and have not on Errin, which I liked. But, it has not helped acne like my old birth control. I also haven't had a period since the first week I took Errin, which is somewhat concerning, but I'm not pregnant, so I assume it is just my body getting used to the medication. Errin has not affected my mood or mentality."

• Rac...
• July 15, 2015

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I've tried many, many forms of BCPs. Having given up hope that I could find a decent pill that didn't cause weight gain and depression, I made an appointment to get a Mirena IUD or the Implanon. I asked my doctor one more time if she thought there were any low-dose options I should try, and she put me on this. So far, so good. I can normally tell what the side effects are very quickly upon trying a new pill. This one seems fine so far, and it's only been a few weeks. With all pills containing estrogen, I feel very foggy, a bit depressed, my athleticism suffers, I don't sleep as well, and I gain weight. I already lost 3 pounds when switching to this pill without any dietary changes. I feel great when climbing/hiking/running."

• Tri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 13, 2015

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I've been taking the mini pill for three months now! My first period lasted three days, with the first day heavy and the rest with spotting. I chose this mini pill for a few reasons. I have 4-day periods with heavy flow and horrible back pain. I love to snowboard, so that wasn't going to be okay to be dealing with. As well, my family has a history of mental health, to which I don't like to play with the chemistry in my body. So far, I've been on it for three months with one period! Of course, I'm loving this mini pill, but when is my period going to hit?! I haven't gained any weight, and my breasts are not tender."

• Run...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 19, 2019

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I have been using Heather for 3 months. I was advised to switch to a no-estrogen pill since I am 38 years old and a smoker. My prior birth control pill was Ortho Tricyclen Lo, which was phenomenal! Since I began taking Heather, I am either extremely irritable and moody or completely emotionless. I have gained 8 pounds, yes 8 in 3 months, coming from someone who runs a full marathon every year and is an addictive runner. I have lost all motivation and energy to work out, due to being extremely fatigued! I’ve also experienced breast tenderness, severe bloating, painful low back pain, and muscle aches. Not to mention that I’ve had my period 6 times in 3 months! I will be stopping this medication as soon as my husband gets his vasectomy and his post-vasectomy test is clear!"

• poo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 31, 2020

Norethindrone for Birth Control "If you enjoy having your period daily for a month and a half straight, and feeling bloated and pregnant - without actually being pregnant, then this is the pill for you. You get all the wonderful symptoms of early pregnancy, bloating, tender swelling breasts, weight gain, hunger, plus the added bonus of having your period every day as well. It is a win-win!! In case you can't tell, I'm being sarcastic. This pill is not worth the hassle. It would be more convenient had I actually been pregnant, than dealing with all that. Pretty sure I ended up being anemic before I finally said no more and stopped taking them. I was only on them for a month and a half, in which I had my period almost every day. Stopped taking the pills and period finally stopped a day or two later. This pill is garbage."

• Mom...
• January 17, 2019

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I’m breastfeeding, so my doc gave me this med as birth control. I’ve been taking it for almost 2 months. During that time, I’ve been extremely gassy, gained about 20 lbs (after losing almost all the baby weight!) with no change in eating habits (generally eating healthy and balanced and exercising), and have felt “blah.” I have not experienced any bleeding-no period, no discharge, no cramping, or abdominal pain. I do have breast tenderness. No emotional side effects like mood swings. At first, I didn’t realize what was making me feel this way. Thought it was the stress and business involved in taking care of 5 kids. Then, when I was taking the pill one morning, my husband suggested maybe it was the reason. I went online to see if others also had similar issues. Needless to say, I’m making an appointment with my doc to see if she can switch to something else that is safe to take during breastfeeding. Hope this feedback helps."

• For...
• August 30, 2017

Norethindrone for Birth Control "Symptoms: Weight gain, weight gain, weight gain, overall body pain, bloating, dizziness, tiredness. After years of taking this medication, I became extremely miserable and had to backtrack to find the cause. I rated this a 10 because it is an effective birth control for many reasons. Plus side: Symptoms disappear after you stop this medication."

• olo...
• January 16, 2013

Norethindrone for Birth Control "The first 3 months I had a period every 14 days. They lasted about 5 days, slightly heavier bleeding than normal for me. Then, after the 3rd month, my periods went back to their normal 28-day off, 6-day periods. I'm breastfeeding my 7-month-old, so this is a great option. No weight gain, no mood swings, no soreness or anything negative."

• Jen...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 13, 2021

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I never post here, but after the nightmare this BC put me through, I had to. Started Errin in 4/20, the doctor refused to give me any more combo pills due to high BP. I was put on Errin. 6/20 came around, I noticed my periods were lighter, but my cramps were crazy. I dealt with it and thought it was that one time. THE NEXT FEW MONTHS are a BLUR. I was out of it most of the time when my period came around. Pain in breasts, moody, 30 lb weight gain, bloat, nausea, dizziness, headaches, but THE PAIN in my ovaries back and uterus-out of control. I stayed on these for a year, until 4/21, I couldn't go to work because the pain went from happening during my period to EVERY DAY. I was miserable and felt majorly depressed. I was scared. When the doctor suggested I switch to Slynd after not finding anything wrong, I decided to give it a go, thinking Errin wasn't the problem. 3 months later, the pain is gone. I should have known. I went to the ER for this 5 times. I do NOT recommend. If in doubt and you feel off, check your BC."

• Mam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 12, 2018

Norethindrone for Birth Control "Been on this for 3 months now. Only taking this pill because I am currently breastfeeding and have no other options, really. I've had probably 6-8 periods since I've started this birth control. I'll bleed for 6-9 days, stop for less than a week, and start the process all over again. The bleeding is heavy. I've gained some weight. The acne is terrible and extremely painful. I've developed constant cramping and occasional heart palpitations. Oh, and the hair loss. My god. I have to empty my brush 2-3 times when I brush my hair, and clumps come out in the shower. The worst side effect I have encountered on this pill is the moodiness. I get so angry for absolutely no reason and catch myself freaking out over the littlest things. The side effects of this pill are terrifying. I've been on numerous different pills as well as the depo over the last 11 years, and this is by far the absolute worst. I would never recommend."

• Anonymous
• October 3, 2011

For Endometriosis "This medicine has significantly improved my life. I've had surgery for 'endometriosis' twice. The second surgery showed no sign of endometriosis, yet I continued getting severely ill with my cycle and missing work for several days each month. The doctor always gave me oral contraceptives that included estrogen, which caused constant illness and extreme bloating. Finally, I was prescribed norethindrone. My cycles have stopped, and although I have mild night sweats, decreased sex drive, and some weight gain, my quality of life is so much better! It's been about 7 months; hopefully, the side effects don't worsen and the benefit continues."

• Mel...
• January 17, 2020

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I started taking Errin over one year ago when my doctor recommended me to get off the combination pill because of migraines, my age, and high blood pressure. All I know is that since I’ve been on it, I’ve gained 10 to 15 pounds that I cannot lose. I work out, I eat right more than I ever did before. I don’t know if the pill is contributing to it. I also have mood swings. I normally do not get my period, but though last month I got one, and it was pretty heavy. I do get the breast tenderness, so I’m not sure if I want to stay on it or not. The weight gain is what’s really bothering me."

• Nan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 8, 2020

Norethindrone for Birth Control "I’ve been on the mini pill for 6 months now. For background, before starting on this birth control, I had a very regular menstrual cycle and always had PMS symptoms a week or two before and leading up to my period. Now my menstrual cycle is still regular, it’s just about every 35ish days instead of every 30. I don’t have such awful symptoms leading up to when I start, and I feel much less irritable overall. My flow is heavier than it used to be but only lasts for 2-4 days instead of 5. I haven’t gained weight or gotten acne. I feel like my acne is the same but not worse or better. I feel much better overall, and I’ll continue taking this because it has worked well for me."