I was on norethindrone for about 7 years until last month. It took me a while to find the right dose, but once I did, I felt pretty good, which was nothing short of a miracle for me. If you are on it long term, push to have routine imaging of your liver (after a while of taking it--that wouldn't be necessary right now). Good luck!

One more thing-- I was told that it is possible, if you are on a high dose, for your body to convert the extra medicine into estrogen, which fuels endo growth. That's something to consider if you are still having pain after a while of being on norethindrone. Have you had a laparoscopy recently? Might be time for another?? any diet changes that could be contributing to the bloating? Dairy is a big no no for me. Just shooting out thoughts. Again, good luck. I hope you get some relief soon.

Thanks so much! My last lap was almost 2 years ago. I know that my doc wants to try meds first to see if that will help. I really think it's back with a vengeance right now. How long were you on it before you had pain relief?

I am currently on norethinodrone and have been for over a year and a half. For me, it never completely took away my pain, but it stopped my periods which was like heaven. I can't remember how ling it took me before I saw some relief, maybe a month or two? I remember making the transition from nuva ring to norethinodrone was a little rough.

I have never taken femara though, so it is possible you aren't reacting well to that or the norethinodrone (everyone is different) it is hard to tell when 2 medications are started at the same time.

I hope you get some relief. :-)

I am sorry you are still in pain. :-( I have been on/off norethindrone since 2011. It helped me a ton. Like Vally said I also have never had a period on norethindrone. Sooooo nice! Also my endo has been almost non existent because of it. My last two laps (December 2011 & October 2013) had virtually no endo (stage 1) compared to stage 4 in June 2011 where I had so much endo my OB had to spend an extra 45 minutes on the surgery (so my surgery was 1hour and 45 minutes long).

Anyway, I hope eventually the norethindrone works as well for you as it has for me. :-) Good luck!

Thanks a lot!!

The info the pharmacy gave me with my norethindrone listed bloating as a possible side effect, which I definitely experienced. I talked to my dr about it and she said it is usually temporary and I have found that to be true. I have only been on it for a couple weeks and the bloating and gas is improving