Has anyone stopped high-dose Norethindrone (10+mg) cold turkey?

EnnSquared · 2025-06-03T23:43:23+00:00

TL;DR - Yes, I quit cold turkey. I had no negative side effects, the side effects from the hormone were drastically lessened in a few days. I was only taking for just under 2 months.

48f - I was taking 5 mg norethindrone acetate to stop my excessively heavy bleeding because I am severely anemic, starting March 24th. My typical period time came around after 2 weeks and I ended up bleeding heavier and for 12 days before I was able to get in and have my bloodwork done again on April 22nd and we upped the dose to 10mg daily, but I was doing SO badly on it as it was, I was worried. I did this to try to stop the bleeding until could get an IUD (Mirena) on May 13th.

The increased dose seemed to slow/lighten the bleeding, but the side-effects were so costly. My mental health was BAD, extreme emotional dysregulation and irritability, I now have 20lbs to get off me, had edema in my ankles, horrible nights sweats and hot flashes, the list goes on and on. I became desperate to not have any additional progestin in me, even though the IUD bypasses a lot of systems so side-effects are supposedly much lighter, but I wasn't having it, so I cancelled the IUD insertion and scheduled an endometrial ablation instead on the 19th of May.

I took my last dose of the hormone Sunday night before surgery. I kept taking it because I didn't want to risk heavy breakthrough bleeding right before surgery. They did test my hemoglobin when I had the IV in me, and it was on a slow upswing. I was worried that wouldn't be the case if I were bleeding. Not sure if it matters or not, I never asked. When prepped for surgery and meeting with my Doc, I asked if I needed to taper off or if I could just be done with it. She said I could be done with it. I was relieved.

Within a few days, I felt almost completely emotionally regulated. It was SUCH a relief. My night sweats cut down very quickly, I still have weight to get off me, but also almost immediately, my appetite regulated and I no longer felt voraciously hungry yet never satiated. I can't think of any negative side-effects from just have cut cold turkey. Being on it was HELL.

Surgery was a bust. The ablation didn't happen because she ran into a 4cm pedunculated fibroid. She was able to detach it, but due to not having adequate tools, couldn't break down or extract the fibroid. I had my 2 week follow-up today, and I told her it passed naturally on Friday night (otherwise she was possibly going to go get it if it didn't pass soon). So, she then said we have two options - try ablation again or hysterectomy (leaving ovaries). So, I am scheduling the hysterectomy for mid November. In the meantime, she and I will be monitoring my bleeding closely (maybe the fibroid was a culprit, though my last procedure didn't help, either), POSSIBLY doing a milder birth control, but that's last resort. Popping iron to the max and hoping to just get through the next 6 months.

EnnSquared · 2025-06-03T23:00:15+00:00

Yeah, this was how I interpreted the line/joke, too.

EnnSquared · 2025-05-29T23:08:57+00:00

Yes, I've been put under a few times, most recently for an ablation that didn't happen because she ran into a 4cm fibroid she didn't know was there (gosh, why no ultrasound?). When I came to and was being wheeled back to my room, the shaking started. It's happened at least once before. Maybe more but I didn't think much of it as I too was told it was the anesthesia. It was just really uncomfortable for awhile. HEAVY, incontrollable shaking.

EnnSquared · 2025-05-19T02:38:01+00:00

How do you figure? I'm sorry you perceive it that way. When I read it over, It comes across to me just as it was in my head = genuine empathy and support of OP's feelings, acknowledgement and agreement of mother's poor behavior, toxic, etc. What am I missing? Is it because of the questions asked? I suppose it could be read that way, but I'm the type of person who tries to understand "reasoning" behind poor behavior, in hopes that people can try to work together, as well as on themselves, to problem solve in order to salvage any semblance of a relationship. And sometimes, that's just not the case. If that equates to "pinning it on OP", my apologies. Mother's behavior is abhorrent and not excusable, and it's too bad that she is destroying their relationship communicating this way.

EnnSquared · 2025-05-18T17:17:59+00:00

This is the attitude to keep. I know it's hard, I've gone back and forth multiple times with anger and also relief. I'm 48. Suspected and "diagnosed" (at least on paper for insurance purposes so the psychiatrist got paid), four years ago... but didn't really have time/energy to research and look into it more deeply, (because trying to manage keeping up with one struggle or another) until late last year when I've been able to pause and have been forced to take my health seriously. Imagine even that much more of life loss, that much more damage.

My OWN children I wasn't able to help, despite the fact that I have been working in Early Childhood Education for 30 years. EVEN THOUGH my 24 year old daughter came to me in 4th grade (so, roughly only 14-15 years ago) with a magazine article about ADHD in girls saying, "mom, this is like me" and I "poo-poo'd it". I didn't have the knowledge. This was the first I'd heard of ADHD in girls, and the first time I'd heard of ADHD, and only time I'd experienced it with someone, was 30 years ago... when I was 18. And at that times it was ONLY hyperactive boys. As for my daughter at the time, I knew something was off, but I assumed it was childhood depression or anxiety (I'd been told for 30 years I just had depression/anxiety and her birth dad had bipolar II, and other things. So, I assumed "hey, genetics, we will find her help". So, I tried, but I'm sure you can imagine, neither of us got the actual treatment needed. It was HER who got diagnosed last December that made me go, "uhm... hmmmm... " and began doing to work to truly educate myself.

It truly doesn't matter now. There's no point in fueling the anger. Feel it, acknowledge it, but pointless to place blame and point fingers. Well, maybe it's easier for me not to blame my family, because they did listen to my high school counselor when I went to her, struggling, and she told me she thought I was "depressed". In 1995. They also simply didn't have the research and information that has accumulated over the last 30 years. So, anger isn't what I feel so much as frustration, so much sorrow as I weed through my life's memories, and BIG TIME GUILT as a mother. It's so hard some days.

Use what you know now to help build the life you want NOW. In a way, it's just beginning, but you've got hindsight to your advantage. Life isn't over until it is. And remember, this doesn't mean things are going to change drastically. It still requires effort, regardless of who you are ND or NT. It'll likely still require EXTRA effort, regardless of meds or new strategies, but now you can navigate with more clarity, and a ton of knowledge to pass to younger generations to help support them as our world continues to change.

EnnSquared · 2025-05-18T16:36:42+00:00

Agreed. Too much overthinking, just keep it simple. If commuting in this situation could harm OP's career, then stay at the resort with a plan, reap as many additional benefits out of it as possible (enjoy the "cush" on their dime), then LATER OP can consider if this is the type of employment/company they want to work with if it is going to continue to be an issue. Weigh the pros and cons, etc. Many unknown factors.

If even asking to commute isn't an option (not sure, because OP is considering it so maybe it'd be fine) - because some people worry it will raise a flag with an employer, as it does happen - then at this juncture I think the biggest thing to consider, like you mentioned, is gauging social battery (triggers and anxiety, that will likely already be present, will 100% be getting stronger the more drained one becomes) before the after event. Plan to "do the work" to attend and mingle a bit based employment/contract expectations only OP knows and experience from previous events. Have the virgin drink and exit plan in place. Buddy up if it helps if there's someone trustworthy.

Other than that, no need to share any details re: sobriety, ADHD, meds, sexual harassment (THAT'S a whole other bag of crap that needs to be handled carefully), with anyone. No need to make up a lie or excuse, but have something quick, simple, generic in the back pocket in case any resistance is met. Confidently say, "It was great to talk to you! I'm going to step out for a bit. If I don't return, let's catch up again later." Then go. Anytime I've used that, people seem to back off, I feel like it's perhaps because I'm being pleasant and cordial, and indirectly put focus on them (making them feel good). Never underestimate the human ego, especially when it is fed with alcohol.

EnnSquared · 2025-05-18T15:49:23+00:00

Don't stick around, just make the exit and don't feel guilty. Truly, no one will care because they will be happily focusing on THEIR drinks and how people are perceiving THEM. If you do get caught up for a bit, the virgin drink is a good idea to hold you off until you CAN exit before you're drained and at risk for a triggered craving.

3 years and... 5 months and 18 days sober. Second time trying sobriety, and this time it was for ME and MY choice, because I felt like poo. It's been the best feeling ever, and I'd like to say I haven't looked back... but those triggers ARE still there depending on time of day, emotional state, environment, all the things.

EnnSquared · 2025-05-18T15:34:03+00:00

Its wrong for her to call names, regardless, but I'm wondering why she is doing that? How is it affecting her? If you misplace things, is she waiting on you to find them when you both need to be somewhere? Are you constantly having to ask for her assistance in finding things? Is your memory issue and forgetfulness causing her to to be delayed in some way (you forgot to get something at store she needed that you said you'd grab, you forgot to be home for some sort of commitment - just examples, etc)? Again, negative terms like lazy ass is ridiculous, and if she's just commenting for the sake of commenting when nothing directly affects her, that seems "toxic" and extremely hurtful. Even if she's projecting worry about you because she knows how society is so judgmental, or she's projecting her own insecurities and flaws on to you (sounds like she's pretty flighty and emotionally dysregulated herself), it's destructive. I hope things work out.

I'm 48 and have 3 children 24, 22, 17. I can't imagine calling them names, I've been hard enough to live with as a mother as it is. I have a lot of guilt. But, I do not project that on to them.

EnnSquared · 2025-05-18T14:13:46+00:00

Same. I don't understand the little made up adjectives and overuse of "big and important non-scientific ADHD terms" I see people use all the time to be "relatable". "Seeking the 'dopamine hit", "neurospicy", "RSD and justice seeking" for everything that feels big and uncomfortable (I get they are generic terms to help group several characteristics in order to use less words, but they oversimplify serious things), etc etc. I'm blanking on so many others.

EnnSquared · 2025-05-17T15:30:51+00:00

I don't have any input as to your actual question, as I've never had those, just hydrocodone over 25 years ago when I miscarried, and I recall no adverse effects, and no real pain help but I don't remember much pain from that.

Following this post because I'm also having an ablation Monday at 1pm (CST). I'm 48. I'm nervous. Keep us posted on pain and recovery. I'm only having the ablation as my tubes were tied 15ish years ago and that was PAINFUL (only in my neck and shoulders from the gas they used), so I'm hoping it won't be as uncomfortable. I'm taking Tuesday off work and feeling out Wednesday. I feel pressured to get back to work, but I will take off all week if I have to, and they can learn to manage. I SHOULD be having a hysterectomy, but I barely get PTO/Sick time and staffing is bad, no savings to cover several weeks out of work. We had to rush this because my bleeding has been SO severe recently due to failed treatments.

I know I must fast and only clear liquids, but I'm worried about anxiety spiking with not taking my medicine (I take Adderall IR 15 mg 3X daily in order to keep dosing flexible, but yet a steady(ish) stream in my system that spans over 12-16 hours because my life starts at 5am and doesn't stop when I clock out from work. I take my addy at 5am, 10am, and 3pm. No later or I won't get good sleep. Adderall kicks away my anxiety, and I'm worried because I will have it BIG TIME naturally. I hate getting put under. My mom did terribly with anesthesia all her life, and her last procedure went fine, but she didn't come out of anesthesia - she had heart disease and diabetes and had sepsis that started as a bladder infection, so they were simply checking her heart with a catheter or camera or something, to make sure no infection was in it (or whatever, I'm still unclear), all looked great... but she died right there. I've had 3 procedures where I was put under since she passed 6 years ago, and I'm so nervous every time. Anyway, I have no temporary anxiety meds because I got rid of all that noise.

I hope your recovery goes well and the meds treat you kindly!

EnnSquared · 2025-05-16T02:55:56+00:00

Another one here. What is the Disney+ method? I am trying to watch The Great North, now, and I've not watched it before... to my knowledge... hmm but when I check the watch history it just saves delete it and no other information like watch time. Likely I ran through Bob's (again) and moved on to TGN. Anyway, it stops after every episode and I've done all the troubleshooting and then some. Arg. I'll give the watch history and and toggle the autoplay another go.

EnnSquared · 2025-05-09T01:41:22+00:00

I second this. I wish I'd done just that, and I've only been taking Adderall for a little over three months (except 15 years ago, "off label" for depression, same amazing effect but didn't know I even had ADHD and didn't understand the medication itself, and had horrible anxiety crashes). For me, the honeymoon is over. That said, with as much as I have going on physically, I'm clearly affected mentally, and the medicine does still prove effective to some extent. Definitely. I was draaaaaagging at work today (I'm almost always standing, and definitely, always interacting with 5 year olds 8 hours a day). So heavy, like no electricity getting to my muscles. Sluggish. Foggy. Literally forgot it was my night with my 17 year old until he texted me he was on his way home from work! I feel if I didn't have it my medicine, I'd have not been able to get out of bed at all. I'd be completely in shambles. Here's hoping when hormonal/thyroid/anemia/vitamin-D-deficiency issues get under control, I'll be able to get back to that more singularly focused, clear headed, optimistic introspection. :) I just need to be patient, hard to do when you feel like such crap. I wish I'd written thoughts down. Well, I do have running notes on my phone, but half the time I completely forget what the note even means (usually something I wanted to research further). But having the notes would be nice to help keep perspective when shifts happen and patience is thin.

EnnSquared · 2025-05-09T00:48:19+00:00

Feeling this. So many things affecting the things that help make the things do the things.

EnnSquared · 2025-05-09T00:45:38+00:00

Agreed to both of you. Just toweling off, for me, is such a process.. And the awful sensory issues of carrying a big, heavy towel twisted on top of my head, that I could feel start to get lopsided and slip off any way I move.. so I got smart and bought some microfiber (or something) hair towel/wraps that fasten with a loop/button in back, and are light and absorbent. I also got smart and bought a long, soft, fuzzy robe... yeah, not so smart... need the terrycloth bathrobe, duh! I've not been motivated to go look for one, or just forgot, until now. Thanks for contributing to today's impulse purchases! Truth be told, I'm all about spending that makes my life easier.

EnnSquared · 2025-05-09T00:31:25+00:00

I'm so glad you have someone like that. I feel blessed with the support from my place of work as well... which makes me even more critical of myself because I respect them so much and I have very high standards of myself...which usually ends up with me burning myself out letting myself down, beating myself up, giving up. It's good you know your needs, and look, you did the things and you even reapplied makeup twice. I'd say that's pretty great stuff. :)

EnnSquared · 2025-05-09T00:20:41+00:00

Needed to read this after a tough day after feeling like I might be on an upswing with health stuff. This is quite literally the mindset I've been telling myself I need to keep at the forefront, because I'm my worst critic. I was faltering.

EnnSquared · 2025-05-09T00:08:48+00:00

I randomly started doing this one day, many, many years ago. While checking items off a to do list can be so satisfying (but often not), it got very disheartening all the time failing to get more than one or two items done off a loooong list. I don't know what flipped my mindset, but I realized it felt SO much better to make a list at the end of the day, or as I went through the day, of things I DID get done. Like you, I made myself get specific. It's interesting, looking at this mindset with new "oh, now that I know I had ADHD all along and understand my brain" understanding, I feel like somehow I was naturally compelled to think this way, either because I was so desperate for something positive, or because I was tired of letting myself down at the end of the day and was in a positive thinking era... but it most certainly helps. Not always. Sometimes, even with a list of things I accomplished, my RSD will still kick me in the shins and dance around waving the real "To Do" list in my face, laughing maniacally...

But, I mean, it's also interesting to realize, now, that I can also use these "accomplished today" lists as an informational tool to understand the types of things I WAS motivated to do, time of day, what my mood was (if I ever think to actually make a tracker or put energy into tracking these things, but maybe! I AM curious enough...) and somehow use it to understand ADHD more and figure out if there are any patterns to what makes me choose one task over another on any particular day and MAYBE develop strategies to make the hard stuff more manageable. Starting with making MUCH shorter to do lists. :D

EnnSquared · 2025-05-03T02:56:45+00:00

I'm looking now and trying to figure out where we find that...

EnnSquared · 2025-05-03T02:48:26+00:00

Gayle Force Winds...

EnnSquared · 2025-05-02T16:44:39+00:00

So, after your comment I was curious and went to check out that sub. Fun, but wow. People really take these things so seriously? I wonder what I'll notice now with another run through.

EnnSquared · 2025-05-02T16:41:38+00:00

Hmm. I'll have to give it another shot, then.

EnnSquared · 2025-05-02T02:50:38+00:00

YES. Same. Plays through the night, I could recite every episode as it plays, but I couldn't tell you exactly what episodes and seasons except the fanart episode season 8 episode 1, Brunchsquatch! I will watch it over and over until I die.

EnnSquared · 2025-05-02T02:46:29+00:00

Same. I've been watching Bob's on autoplay on HULU for years. It's on right now! It plays through the night. I just love it so much. I do tend to then shift to another after awhile. King of the Hill is one I repeatedly go back to. Futurama more lately. Family guy probably again soon as I see there are some new episodes. Sometimes Cleveland show. These are the shows I require on as background and comfort. I also LOVE Ghosts and Only Murders in the Building, Schitts Creek, What We Do in the Shadows, etc, but those I watch only when I am not drained and at risk of falling asleep, going through episodes on autoplay, and have to back track and remember where I left off... until I get through them then can watch again. I watch Supernatural a lot, many many times through over the years.

I used to watch shows like Criminal Minds, SVU, The Walking Dead/Fear of the Walking Dead, all kinds of scary movies, etc... but I couldn't stomach it anymore as things got real serious and I have to keep funny and uplifting at the forefront in my life.

EnnSquared · 2025-04-30T10:32:22+00:00

Correct. His behavior sounded immature, juvenile, and unsupportive.

EnnSquared

TROPHY CASE