Desogestrel pill vs Noriday pill

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Desogestrel pill

£From £0.20/day

Noriday pill

£From £0.17/day

Overview

Rated 2.6

381 reviews

Daily

Frequency

91% - 99+%

Effectiveness

None

Blood clot risk

None

Effect on fertility

Rated 2.7

113 reviews

Daily

Frequency

91% - 99+%

Effectiveness

None

Blood clot risk

None

Effect on fertility

Desogestrel pill ingredients

Main hormones in Desogestrel pill

Less-Androgenic progestogen


Noriday pill ingredients

Main hormones in Noriday pill

Androgenic progestogen

What Lowdown reviewers say

34% somewhat negative

43% stopped periods

54% lost sex drive

43% no impact

46% no impact on skin

Cycle return

40% don’t know impact

35% somewhat negative

44% irregular periods

43% no impact

47% no impact

42% no impact on skin

Cycle return

52% don’t know impact

Benefits: What this contraceptive can help with

Period pain

Period pain

Try it now

£From £0.20/day

Try it now

£From £0.17/day

Check out our latest reviews

Real life reviews from people like you

Desogestrel pill reviews

381 reviews

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
20 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 day ago

Desogestrel pill  

Tried the mini pill because combined contraception scared me and I knew I had to go on something as I had recently got an abortion and suffered badly with period cramps. So far I’ve had very few side effects in the first month I had a couple of acne spots popping up due to the change in hormones but they stopped towards the end of my second month. I’ve been keeping an eye on my weight and it’s had no effect and I haven’t had an increase in appetite as I take the pill before I go to sleep at 9:30pm which I recommend so much. Overall my mood hasn’t been affected at all and I have stopped bleeding pretty much, I have had a small period recently on my 2nd month of pills but no cramps or bloating. Overall I’m super happy I started this pill of course it’s different for everybody my advice go with what you think is best for you and regularly check in with your doctor. It’s trial and error but don’t read into it online as everyone has different side effects this pill may work really well for you and not for others! I defo recommend though 🫶

Read more

Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
24 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 weeks ago

Desogestrel pill  

3-6 months: (started the pill on 14/10/2024. I've done a review on my first 3 months so this is a follow up) Day 126 - 17/02/2024 – I’ve pretty much had 2 back to back periods with a 2 day break between which I really didn’t appreciate. They really hurt and I convinced myself something was wrong. I have made a doctors appointment to talk through everything. I’m just fed up with bleeding all of the time. I’m spending SO MUCH on pads it’s ridiculous. 12/03/2025 - I’m on my second week of my 6th month of the pill. I’ve kept having back to back periods and consulted the doctor. Because I’m coming up to 25 I had a routine smear (that came back clear) and the doctor did a pelvic exam and they recon it’s the pill that’s the cause of all the bleeding (which I assumed it was anyway. But better safe than sorry). I’m fed up of the bleeding but they’ve given me 6 more months after this to see if it settles. If not we’ll switch to something else. 5/4/2025 - I’m coming to the end of my 1st week in the 7th month of the pill. All I can say is that I’ve stopped bleeding/spotting for the most part. It’s been about 3 weeks since I last bled. So I guess the doctor was right. However, I had like a 1 day period at the beginning of the week it was painful and some period blood and then nothing since. But the last couple of days I’ve had some cramping as if a period wants to start but hasn’t yet. Overall, I think we’re getting back on track hopefully. Sorry I didn't reflect as much but it's pretty much been the same sort of story for the past 3 months


Worse skin

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 5 - 8 yr
24 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  22nd Mar 25

Desogestrel pill  

I’ve been taking the pill since I was 17, I’m now 25 and have never had an issue with it! I’ve not had any side effects at all! It stopped my periods after about 2/3 months and has been smooth sailing since then. I find the ‘window’ in which you can take it without it being considered a ‘missed pill’ is also really reassuring if you suffer with anxiety! Would definitely recommend.


Improved skin

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
20 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 day ago

Desogestrel pill  

Tried the mini pill because combined contraception scared me and I knew I had to go on something as I had recently got an abortion and suffered badly with period cramps. So far I’ve had very few side effects in the first month I had a couple of acne spots popping up due to the change in hormones but they stopped towards the end of my second month. I’ve been keeping an eye on my weight and it’s had no effect and I haven’t had an increase in appetite as I take the pill before I go to sleep at 9:30pm which I recommend so much. Overall my mood hasn’t been affected at all and I have stopped bleeding pretty much, I have had a small period recently on my 2nd month of pills but no cramps or bloating. Overall I’m super happy I started this pill of course it’s different for everybody my advice go with what you think is best for you and regularly check in with your doctor. It’s trial and error but don’t read into it online as everyone has different side effects this pill may work really well for you and not for others! I defo recommend though 🫶


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
24 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 weeks ago

Desogestrel pill  

3-6 months: (started the pill on 14/10/2024. I've done a review on my first 3 months so this is a follow up) Day 126 - 17/02/2024 – I’ve pretty much had 2 back to back periods with a 2 day break between which I really didn’t appreciate. They really hurt and I convinced myself something was wrong. I have made a doctors appointment to talk through everything. I’m just fed up with bleeding all of the time. I’m spending SO MUCH on pads it’s ridiculous. 12/03/2025 - I’m on my second week of my 6th month of the pill. I’ve kept having back to back periods and consulted the doctor. Because I’m coming up to 25 I had a routine smear (that came back clear) and the doctor did a pelvic exam and they recon it’s the pill that’s the cause of all the bleeding (which I assumed it was anyway. But better safe than sorry). I’m fed up of the bleeding but they’ve given me 6 more months after this to see if it settles. If not we’ll switch to something else. 5/4/2025 - I’m coming to the end of my 1st week in the 7th month of the pill. All I can say is that I’ve stopped bleeding/spotting for the most part. It’s been about 3 weeks since I last bled. So I guess the doctor was right. However, I had like a 1 day period at the beginning of the week it was painful and some period blood and then nothing since. But the last couple of days I’ve had some cramping as if a period wants to start but hasn’t yet. Overall, I think we’re getting back on track hopefully. Sorry I didn't reflect as much but it's pretty much been the same sort of story for the past 3 months


Worse skin

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 5 - 8 yr
24 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  22nd Mar 25

Desogestrel pill  

I’ve been taking the pill since I was 17, I’m now 25 and have never had an issue with it! I’ve not had any side effects at all! It stopped my periods after about 2/3 months and has been smooth sailing since then. I find the ‘window’ in which you can take it without it being considered a ‘missed pill’ is also really reassuring if you suffer with anxiety! Would definitely recommend.


Improved skin

0 helpful

0 comments


Noriday pill reviews

113 reviews

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
26 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 weeks ago

Noriday pill  

I have been on this pill for 4 months. My periods are regular which is the ONLY good thing about it. My skin is awful, bloating is insane. The bleeding is heavier than I’ve ever experienced and my sex drive has completely disappeared. Everyone’s experience is different but personally, this is the worst pill I’ve ever tried.


Very negative mood

3 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 5 - 8 yr
23 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 month ago

Noriday pill  

Never have had a pregnancy scare (touch wood). I’ve been on Noriday for at least 5 years now and affect trying 2 different BC’s and another mini-pill, this is by far the best off.


Improved skin

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 3 - 5 yr
27 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 month ago

Noriday pill  

I’ve been on this pill for about 4 years now and I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone. Periods come and go when they please (at least 2/3 times a month) and can last for weeks on end. I tried to change to Desogestrel after a trip to the doctors but that made me throw up for 5 days straight. I’m limited to what pills I can take due to family history so I’m stuck with this until I can find an alternative, only plus side is is haven’t fell pregnant once whilst on it.


Improved skin

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
26 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 weeks ago

Noriday pill  

I have been on this pill for 4 months. My periods are regular which is the ONLY good thing about it. My skin is awful, bloating is insane. The bleeding is heavier than I’ve ever experienced and my sex drive has completely disappeared. Everyone’s experience is different but personally, this is the worst pill I’ve ever tried.


Very negative mood

3 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 5 - 8 yr
23 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 month ago

Noriday pill  

Never have had a pregnancy scare (touch wood). I’ve been on Noriday for at least 5 years now and affect trying 2 different BC’s and another mini-pill, this is by far the best off.


Improved skin

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 3 - 5 yr
27 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 month ago

Noriday pill  

I’ve been on this pill for about 4 years now and I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone. Periods come and go when they please (at least 2/3 times a month) and can last for weeks on end. I tried to change to Desogestrel after a trip to the doctors but that made me throw up for 5 days straight. I’m limited to what pills I can take due to family history so I’m stuck with this until I can find an alternative, only plus side is is haven’t fell pregnant once whilst on it.


Improved skin

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
21 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  18th Mar 25

Noriday pill  

Monitor your moods closely. Don’t recommend using if you’re not in a somewhat ok place mentally.


Very negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
21 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  4th Mar 25

Noriday pill  

It is good for those who struggled with irregular periods and breakthrough bleeding. I was on the injection for a year before and it ruined my body made me gain 30 kgs and caused me to constantly bleed all the time! This pill has been good at regulating my periods, and no breakthrough bleeding. However I changed the time I took it recently for the first time since I started taking it and it has badly affected my moods, anxiety and period. I hope once I settle into it, the symptoms will subside. I need to change the time back to the morning in a month and I think I will just take it at the time I intend to change it to instead of taking it a few hours later every day until desired time.


Somewhat negative mood

1 more effect

1 helpful

1 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
26 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  28th Jan 25

Noriday pill  

My doctor switched me to this after another progesterone only pill didn’t work. I took this alongside norethisterone 5mg. I kept having breakthrough bleeds that were painful and heavy and the only way they would stop is if I increased my Norethisterone dose. Finally I couldn’t take any more Norethisterone on top of the Noriday and I had the most painful bleed I have ever experienced. I stopped taking everything and needed multiple strong painkillers and other meds just to manage the pain and flow. Other than this I felt my skin get a little worse and my hair was thinning. I also gained some weight which I lost after stopping this pill.


Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
  •  21st Jul 24

Noriday pill  

I got pregnant whilst using Noriday i was on Yasmin but because of migrains with aura i decided to change the docs put me on Noriday and i never had any problems what so ever appart from the fact i got pregnant lucky i still had regular periods so i knew straight away i was deverstated i felt let down by the pill and i couldnt trust it anymore sex hasnt been the same scince im now on the implant and ask men to use condoms cause im paranoid contrception will let me down again.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
  •  10th Jun 24

Noriday pill  

I have PCOS, so don’t get regular periods and take the mini pill in order to balance my hormones. However, I don’t feel that it truly does balance them; I frequently get break through bleeding, feel bloated, have very low energy and experience cramps even when not on my period. As there is no breaks in this pill cycle, I never know if bleeding is a real period or an effect from this pill which concerns me. If I forget to take this pill, it can trigger a hormonal migraine.


Increased sex drive

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1st Apr 24

Noriday pill  

Took this for 7 weeks and my mood has rapidly declined over the last two weeks. Any inconvenience that I’d usually be able to brush off or get over seems to leave my crying uncontrollably. Anxiety levels are higher than normal for me. The two periods that I had while on the pill were definitely longer lasting, would usually be 5 days max but last one was 8 days (although light towards the end). Stopping today because of the depressive thoughts


Very negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
  •  24th Mar 24

Noriday pill  

Noriday worked well for me with regards to my mental health. I didn't notice any major change, unlike other progesterone only pills. However, I had UTIs constantly for the whole time I was on it. I've been off Noriday for a week and my bladder feels back to normal!


Decreased sex drive

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Contraceptive alternatives and comparisons

Compare the Desogestrel pill with other contraceptives

Compare the Noriday pill with other contraceptives

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