Skip to main content

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Menstrual Disorders User Reviews

Brand names: Lo Loestrin Fe, Junel Fe 1/20, Blisovi Fe 1/20, Loestrin 21 1/20, Junel Fe 24, Hailey 24 Fe, Aurovela Fe 1/20, Nortrel 1/35, Hailey Fe 1/20, Nortrel 0.5/35, Blisovi 24 Fe, Microgestin Fe 1/20, Junel 1.5/30, Junel Fe 1.5/30, Junel 1/20, Larin Fe 1/20, Hailey 1.5/30, Larin 24 Fe, Brevicon, Jinteli, Alyacen 1/35, femhrt, Estrostep Fe, Hailey Fe 1.5/30, Larin Fe 1.5/30, Taytulla, Necon 0.5/35, Melodetta 24 Fe, Finzala, Blisovi Fe 1.5/30, Layolis Fe, Tarina Fe 1/20, Microgestin Fe 1.5/30, Microgestin 1/20, Microgestin 1.5/30, Balziva, Kaitlib Fe, Dasetta, Minastrin 24 Fe, Ortho-Novum 7/7/7, Nortrel 7/7/7, Aurovela Fe 1.5/30, Fyavolv, Charlotte 24 Fe, Larin 1/20, Mibelas 24 Fe, Generess Fe, Pirmella 1/35, Cyclafem 7/7/7, Gildess Fe 1/20, Necon 7/7/7, Nylia 7/7/7, Zenchent, Nylia 1/35, Aurovela 24 Fe, Tarina 24 Fe, Aurovela 1.5/30, Tri-Legest Fe, Gemmily, Briellyn, Dasetta 7/7/7, Vyfemla, Larin 1.5/30, Gildess 24 Fe, Wera, Wymzya Fe, Pirmella 7/7/7, Cyclafem 1/35, Gildess Fe 1.5/30, Norinyl 1+35, Aranelle, Leena Zenchent Fe Femcon Fe Cyonanz Aurovela 1/20 Taysofy Leribane Cyclafem 0.5/35 Tri-Legest Gildagia Tilia Fe Lomedia 24 Fe Philith Dasetta 1/35 Nexesta Fe Oshih Alyacen 7/7/7 Rhuzdah Gildess 1.5/30 Gildess 1/20 Merzee Chabelina Fe …show all brand names

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone has an average rating of 5.7 out of 10 from a total of 132 reviews for the treatment of Menstrual Disorders. 42% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 38% reported a negative experience.

Ethinyl estradiol/norethindrone rating summary

5.7/10 average rating

132 ratings from 142 user reviews.

Compare all 124 medications used in the treatment of Menstrual Disorders.

10
17%
9
11%
8
13%
7
8%
6
4%
5
7%
4
2%
3
11%
2
8%
1
18%

Reviews for Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone

  • Glow_...
  • September 26, 2010

Loestrin 24 Fe (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone) "I never write reviews on things, but since there are so many negative reviews about this birth control and I've actually had a great experience with it, I thought I'd make an exception. Loestrin 24 Fe is the 5th birth control I've tried in the past 4 years, and as I was going on this I vowed that if it didn't work I'd have none of it and just give up on the pill. Lucky for me, it seems like the 5th time's the charm. My skin is the clearest it's ever been, the horrible cramps that would leave me practically crippled are so mild that I can actually walk around without pain, my horrible headaches are gone, and my sex drive is far from lessened. I genuinely give this pill two thumbs up, and want to remind you that everyone's body is different."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
153 Report
  • Sydney
  • July 27, 2015

Microgestin Fe 1/20 (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone) "Ladies, please realize you are putting synthetic chemicals into your body. It is completely normal to have side affects, your body won't regulate the pill until after about 3-4 months of consistent pill taking. I have been on microgestion for about 2-3 years and it lightened my period, helped my cramps, and helped my mood swings. However the success of the pill depends on how it reacts with your body. Give these pills a chance (3-4 months) otherwise you won't find one that works. You can't expect it to work within a month."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
30 Report
  • breland
  • December 29, 2011

Microgestin Fe 1/20 (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone) "Wow! I LOVE this medicine! I am excited about the hope of bigger breast, aren't we all ladies? It apparently has increased my sex drive. I am 35 years of age, married for 18 years and have 5 children. I cannot say anything bad at all about this medication, I love it! Oh yeah, it regulates my periods so as I have them more often with less cramps, I also have lighter periods, which is always a plus."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
36 Report
  • mitzi
  • July 14, 2014

Microgestin Fe 1/20 (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone) "I love this pill.I have been on it for 3 years..it regulates my period and the lost of appetite has helped with weight lost..in February 2013 I weighted 282 it is July 2014 and I weight 236. I'm more emotional to movies and everything but thats fine"

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
25 Report
  • missd...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 30, 2014

Microgestin Fe 1/20 (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone) "I have been on Microgestin 1/20 for about three weeks now and the side effects were not shy. First two days I had bad migraines, the third and fourth had cramps and the fifth to seventh day I was extremely depressed. I cried over almost everything and anything. Starting the second week it seemed like things were going okay until I started bleeding and it hasn't stopped. Isn't that the whole purpose? I got over my period two and a half weeks ago and now I'm getting it again and there are no signs of it stopping anytime soon. Good thing is I don't have mood swings or anything anymore but this excessive bleeding is now the problem."

3 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
24 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

  • Sligh...
  • January 15, 2013

Loestrin 24 Fe (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone) "Loestrin is VERY effective as a contraceptive. However, I am on the pill because of irregular and painful periods. The pill is good but what bothers me is that my monthly cycle, though tolerable, is COMPLETELY UNPREDICTABLE. The first few months i had a period, short and light. Then my period disappeared, and I thought i was pregnant. My doctor told me this is normal with this pill. After two or three months of no period it came back preceded by cramping and severe nausea -- I thought I was pregnant AGAIN! The number of days between periods is not consistent. This cycle I was exhausted, nauseous and moody a week and a half before the bleeding began. Now I am having nausea though physical symptoms usually disappear a day or two of bleeding."

6 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
24 Report
  • westi...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 29, 2016

Microgestin Fe 1/20 (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone) "I got my tubes tied about 8 months ago and it ruined me. Extremly painful heavy periods. I mean to the point where I could not walk. Painful ovulation and for the first time ever--- my skin broke out like a teenager. I have never ever had skin issues. My Dr put me on hormone therapy. Started with junel, but that did nothing. My insurance changed it to microgestin and I was a little apprehensive. I started taking it to try it out, and I love it! My skin cleared up in a matter of a week, no weight gain, no mood swings and very light periods! It did make me nauseous at first but that went away. It also increased my breast size a bit. I read the reviews and was nervous to try it, but I must say, I love it!"

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
17 Report
  • Paige...
  • July 6, 2014

Microgestin Fe 1/20 (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone) "I've been on this for two cycles and I hardly have any side effects! No weight gain or nausea like some others have experienced on it. I'm a little more sensitive and get more upset over things but overall it's been great. Just keep yourself in check and remember that you're on hormones when you start getting overly sensitive. I would recommend this."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
18 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 22, 2013

Microgestin Fe 1/20 (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone) "I have been on the pill for about 3 weeks now, everything has been going okay. I have less mood swings I'm more calm and my sex drive has improved so that's a plus. There are a few side effects I've experienced though, my acne is breaking out again, I've been having spotting and severe cramps, but I'm going to finish my 3 months and see how it goes... hope this helps good luck ladies!"

5 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
19 Report
  • Anonymous
  • July 18, 2010

Loestrin 24 Fe (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone) "I was taking Yaz for 3 years. My Ob/Gyn took me off and put me on this one. I have been taking it for 2 months and until I came across this site I wondered what was going on with my body! I have gained 15 pound, no periods at all, bigger breasts, very bad headaches, anxiety, leg cramps, insomnia and very moody. I feel like a whole different person and I don't like it. I loved YAZ. I was taking a birth control to help my never ending periods but have decided I don't like what this pill is doing to me and I don't plan on taking it anymore."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
22 Report
  • Nay...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 2, 2016

Microgestin Fe 1/20 (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone) "Microgestin is terrible! Although it stops periods, you cannot run out of packets at all with this medication. I missed a pill due to delays while I was in Texas, and right after, breakthrough bleeding started. It happens every month. You cannot miss a pill. The minute you do, breakthrough bleeding starts immediately after."

Was this helpful?YesNo
14 Report
  • Emilyyy
  • May 5, 2014

Microgestin Fe 1/20 (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone) "I was put on Microgestin because I have awful cramps at the start of my period, and ovarian cyst ruptures that would put me in the hospital. Microgestin took the cramps away, as well as my period! I was on it for 7 months before I began to realize that it was giving me some bad side effects. I felt nauseous, had blurred vision, shortness of breath, and felt tired all the time. I also experienced hot flashes and some mood swings. Today is my first day OFF the pill, and I can already feel the cramps. Guess I will have to decide which one is worse, the cramps or the side effects."

6 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
15 Report
  • rando...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 19, 2014

Microgestin 1/20 (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone) "I take birth control for my severe PMS symptoms, and this is easily the best I've tried. After a few days of very mild nausea in the beginning, Microgestin 1/20 has given me no noticeable side effects besides going up a full cup size. If anything, I've lost weight (including the three pounds I gained on my previous birth control), have had no breakouts or spotting, and cramps so mild that for the first time in a long time, I didn't need to take any pain medication. Plus, the low dose means no significant increase in breast cancer risk. I'd recommend this BC to anyone."

Was this helpful?YesNo
14 Report
  • Your...
  • April 23, 2016

Microgestin 1/20 (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone) "I've been taking this pill for two months now and have been bleeding for the last 28 days, and this is with already skipping the sugar pills. Can't imagine if I actually had let my body have a period. The doctor said give it three months, I'm waiting. I have cramps every day, motrin is like a daily routine now day and night. Has anyone experienced this?"

3 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
12 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 29, 2012

Microgestin Fe 1/20 (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone) "I've been taking this for a week and a half. So far, two different times I felt alarming numbness in one arm and dizziness - thought I was having a stroke. But it passed. Also, my breasts feel very tender, sore and heavy. They have not grown that I've noticed, though. I have also broken out (acne) more than usual. So I have experienced side effects. I'm going to try this pill out for a whole pack before I switch. I haven't experienced moodiness, which I was concerned about, because I am prone to melancholy. I would recommend that you try this pill and don't back out because of the negative reviews. Give it a chance. That's what I'm doing."

7 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
16 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • October 16, 2012

Nortrel 1/35 (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone) "I love this pill! It has helped my skin, made my periods shorter and lighter (2 days) and I like it because its a monophasic pill. Triphasic pills often can lead to breakthrough bleeding because the hormones increase each week but the monophasic pills don't increase..they stay the same. "

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
14 Report
  • Taylo...
  • July 25, 2016

Microgestin Fe 1/20 (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone) "I just started my second pack of microgestin fe 1/20 and I cannot complain! I definitely have the side effect of feeling a little sick, but that is to be expected. My first month of using it I also had started working out and I actually lost 7 or 8 pounds, so I had no problem with my weight. I'm sure it is based upon your body, but if you maintain a healthy lifestyle weight gain should not be a problem. I started taking this due to the unreal pain I was experiencing while I was on my period. This past one was nothing! I had zero pain and it was extremely light and only lasted about 2 days. It was so nice! My only complaint is my stomach hurting during the first few days of pills."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
10 Report
  • kings...
  • April 26, 2019

"I'm finishing up my second month of these pills now, and I'm miserable. I have no energy, I had chest pain up until about a week ago, I'm depressed and extremely anxious, and I'm constantly between diarrhea and constipation. I'm nauseous daily, usually right before I take my pill and for the next few HOURS afterward. My face, my chest, and the back of my shoulders have been broken out. The breakouts on my chest and shoulders are something I've never experienced prior to taking this. The same goes for the spotting I experience about half way through the pack, and for the severe period symptoms I've been experiencing. I was trying to wait this medication out, since experts say it takes 3 months for your body to fully adjust to new hormones, but I'm going to quit this once I finish this month. I got on this to get my period regulated but the side effects are NOT worth it. I wouldn't recommend these pills to anyone."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
7 Report
  • Jane...
  • February 9, 2016

Junel Fe 1/20 (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone) "I am genuinely happy with this pill and haven't had any problems with this pill up until now. I started taking this pill because of my excruciating menstrual cramps, excessive bleeding, and acne. I've been on this pill for six months and all of my symptoms decreased.My period has been very regular since I've taken this pill I always know when I'm suppose to start my period. My period has never been late before but I'm currently two weeks late. I've read up about this and it is said that the low estrogen levels in this pill can make you late or even skip periods. Which is the one side effect I do not like because you can't tell if your pill is working or you are pregnant which scares me."

6 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
10 Report
  • Lna
  • January 11, 2015

Microgestin Fe 1/20 (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone) "I'm 22 and this is the 1st time I've been on birth control. I've always had irregular periods, missing them for 2-3 months so that I would only get 5-6 periods the whole year. I have had no side effects at all with Microgestin. During the placebo week, I actually got my period on time as predicted and it only lasted for about 4 days. I'm used to it being very heavy and lasting a week. During the end of the 2nd week and throughout the 3rd week of the pills, I had brown discharge but that usually happens before I have my period. Overall, no complaints and it seems to be working!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
11 Report
  • MamaB...
  • April 8, 2010

Loestrin 24 Fe (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone) "I'm 22 and have only been on Loestrin 24 for 5 months. I started taking it because I was having severely irregular periods, and the first two months this pill did not help change that. My doctor told me to wait it out through month 3, which I did, and I'm so glad about it. I absolutely LOVE this pill. I'm more emotional, but like most things in life, I do have some control over how my reactions are, so I can't blame everything on the pill. I have cyclical depression, but this pill has no real effect on it or my anxiety, so I'm lucky. No acne, no weight gain but I did get a little (though not needed haha!) boost in cup size. Over all, I recommend this pill to all my friends and everyone who's looking for good birth control."

Was this helpful?YesNo
15 Report
  • Anonymous
  • November 15, 2011

Loestrin 24 Fe (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone) "I am in my second pack of Loestrin and its awful. I had just ended my period when I first started taking it, then I started it again after my first week of pills. I have currently been on my period now for 4 and a half weeks. Not only that, but I have gained 5 pounds since I've started. I'm an extremely active person, but this pill has made me so tired and hungry all the time. I've had the craziest dreams and it just hasn't been a good experience at all. I just can't get over the fact that I've been on my period this whole time and that I've gained weight (and its noticeable). "

3 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
13 Report
  • Destoo
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 20, 2016

Loestrin 24 Fe (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone) "this pill has been giving me the blues. Since starting I've had constant yeast infections & bv. Increased hunger nausea and severe bloating. Only thing it does efficiently is prevent pregnancy & btw. I haven't seen my period in 3 months. Feeling terrible "

4 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
9 Report
  • Skeptic...
  • July 24, 2015

Microgestin Fe 1.5/30 (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone) "I was skeptic of BC pills because of bad experiences with bleeding weight gain etc while on it. My periods started to get extremely heavy and would last for 2 weeks due to cysts I started microgestin and it has been great no acne and I have actually lost weight and it supresses my appetite. Nothing bad to say about it so far."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
10 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • May 23, 2012

Loestrin 24 Fe (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone) "I was on Lo Estrin for a year. At first it was great. Then my period stopped completely, except for spotting all month long. It constantly made me feel pregnant. My breasts would hurt, I'd feel nauseous often, and the fact that I wasn't getting a period gave me great anxiety. Furthermore, I was experiencing anxiety regularly, and developed a sort of hypochondria- where I thought I was sick constantly. I think it was because my hormones were so out of whack. I am now on a higher hormone pill and don't have anxiety issues anymore. I really think this pill was my issue."

2 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
12 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.