Hana pill vs Noriday pill
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Overview
Rated 2.9
18 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
What Lowdown reviewers say
Benefits: What this contraceptive can help with
Period pain
Period pain
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Check out our latest reviews
Real life reviews from people like you
Hana pill reviews
18 reviews
Used for 3 - 6 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 1 month ago
I have been taking Hana for 4-5 months now. Generally I have enjoyed the effects of taking a POP, but the specific effect Desogestrel had has led me to trying Slynd instead. Aside from the contraceptive effect, I mainly started taking this pill to combat low mood, hormonal headaches and to hopefully lighten my period. I did find all of these things improved on Hana, but I found that inconsistent and increasingly frequent bleeding was killing my sex drive, making it a touch redundant and prompting the switch. I would have likely reluctantly kept taking Hana (or tried a different brand) as I do feel my mood has benefited overall, and it is advised that bleeding can settle down over time, but now that Slynd was finally available in the UK, I see no need to compromise. In my first month on the pill, I had no bleeding at all (as you would expect). I also generally didn't notice many other side effects. I did have some mood swings - which took me by surprise, but were easier to handle once I identified what was happening and generally settled down after the first month. I also noticed slight vaginal dryness (not uncommon for me in my luteal phase and nothing a bit of lube can't fix) but have been unable to determine if this has also settled. As I got to the last week of pills in my first pack, I had a withdrawal bleed, which again was not unexpected. I was pleased to note that this was much lighter than my normal period, even if it lasted longer, because I could essentially just wear period underwear instead of my normal underwear and that would last all day. In my second month, I noticed some light but otherwise entirely manageable spotting. This alone would not have dissuaded me from taking this pill. I again had a withdrawal bleed around the start of the last week in the pack and would have been happy with that cadence. This is where the problems started, however. Through the course of the third month, I noticed that the light spotting was turning into more prolonged bleeding, which by the end of the month was almost constant and in some cases led me to leak through my clothes. Having done some research online, I decided to try taking two pills instead of just one - this did seem to make the bleeding lighter but it has continued. While I feel that the hormones have overall had a positive impact on my sex drive, it is very hard to feel attractive or think about sex when you are constantly bleeding.
Somewhat positive mood
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 11th Aug 24
Hana has worked like a charm for me. I was a bit worried about starting it, as I had a horrendous experience with the combined pill, but my periods are heavy and painful, and I just couldn't stand it anymore. Not getting pregnant was a reason to start Hana, but I was mostly looking for period relief, and it really has delivered. At the beginning I had a few unusual periods - some shorter, some longer, and a bit irregular, but they were immediately lighter and less painful. After about 3 months, things had evened out, and now 2.5 years later, I can't even remember the last time I had a period, only that it lasted about a day or so and was so light I barely even needed a pad. My partner and I have had no pregnancy scares, and it works wonderfully for me. I think my mood is absolutely fine - it felt maybe a tiny bit flat at the beginning, but more because it was no longer fluctuating so much during my cycle. Now it's like I get to be at the end of the first week after my period, all the time. My main negative with starting Hana is that it really increased my appetite at the beginning - about 6 hours after taking it, I *had to* eat snacks. It felt impossible not to. This contributed to some weight gain, and while I've gotten used to the snack-attacks now and can manage them, I haven't been able to shift the weight, despite using methods of weight loss that have worked for me in the past. I can't say for sure if this is because Hana is making it harder for me to lose weight, or if it's just because I'm getting older. I am currently contemplating taking a break from Hana to see if I can lose the weight off it, but I'm reluctant to as it has had such a positive impact on my quality life. If you're also experiencing an increase in appetite, and want some advice, it really helped me to change the time I take Hana - I moved it to later, so that my craving hits much closer to dinner time, which is perfect. All in all, Hana has worked much better for me than I could've even hoped, and I would recommend trying it to see if it works for you.
Decreased sex drive
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 29th Mar 24
I have PCOS, so I don't have periods normally as is and hormonal birth control effects me differently. My review is for the other PCOS girlies who have amenorrhea (lack of/no menses). I started cramping almost immediately. I take the pill at noon everyday, and the cramping sets in 30 minutes later. It is worse at night before bed. As far as emotional side effects, I've noticed I am more apathetic than usual, but otherwise fine.
Decreased sex drive
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 6 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 1 month ago
I have been taking Hana for 4-5 months now. Generally I have enjoyed the effects of taking a POP, but the specific effect Desogestrel had has led me to trying Slynd instead. Aside from the contraceptive effect, I mainly started taking this pill to combat low mood, hormonal headaches and to hopefully lighten my period. I did find all of these things improved on Hana, but I found that inconsistent and increasingly frequent bleeding was killing my sex drive, making it a touch redundant and prompting the switch. I would have likely reluctantly kept taking Hana (or tried a different brand) as I do feel my mood has benefited overall, and it is advised that bleeding can settle down over time, but now that Slynd was finally available in the UK, I see no need to compromise. In my first month on the pill, I had no bleeding at all (as you would expect). I also generally didn't notice many other side effects. I did have some mood swings - which took me by surprise, but were easier to handle once I identified what was happening and generally settled down after the first month. I also noticed slight vaginal dryness (not uncommon for me in my luteal phase and nothing a bit of lube can't fix) but have been unable to determine if this has also settled. As I got to the last week of pills in my first pack, I had a withdrawal bleed, which again was not unexpected. I was pleased to note that this was much lighter than my normal period, even if it lasted longer, because I could essentially just wear period underwear instead of my normal underwear and that would last all day. In my second month, I noticed some light but otherwise entirely manageable spotting. This alone would not have dissuaded me from taking this pill. I again had a withdrawal bleed around the start of the last week in the pack and would have been happy with that cadence. This is where the problems started, however. Through the course of the third month, I noticed that the light spotting was turning into more prolonged bleeding, which by the end of the month was almost constant and in some cases led me to leak through my clothes. Having done some research online, I decided to try taking two pills instead of just one - this did seem to make the bleeding lighter but it has continued. While I feel that the hormones have overall had a positive impact on my sex drive, it is very hard to feel attractive or think about sex when you are constantly bleeding.
Somewhat positive mood
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 11th Aug 24
Hana has worked like a charm for me. I was a bit worried about starting it, as I had a horrendous experience with the combined pill, but my periods are heavy and painful, and I just couldn't stand it anymore. Not getting pregnant was a reason to start Hana, but I was mostly looking for period relief, and it really has delivered. At the beginning I had a few unusual periods - some shorter, some longer, and a bit irregular, but they were immediately lighter and less painful. After about 3 months, things had evened out, and now 2.5 years later, I can't even remember the last time I had a period, only that it lasted about a day or so and was so light I barely even needed a pad. My partner and I have had no pregnancy scares, and it works wonderfully for me. I think my mood is absolutely fine - it felt maybe a tiny bit flat at the beginning, but more because it was no longer fluctuating so much during my cycle. Now it's like I get to be at the end of the first week after my period, all the time. My main negative with starting Hana is that it really increased my appetite at the beginning - about 6 hours after taking it, I *had to* eat snacks. It felt impossible not to. This contributed to some weight gain, and while I've gotten used to the snack-attacks now and can manage them, I haven't been able to shift the weight, despite using methods of weight loss that have worked for me in the past. I can't say for sure if this is because Hana is making it harder for me to lose weight, or if it's just because I'm getting older. I am currently contemplating taking a break from Hana to see if I can lose the weight off it, but I'm reluctant to as it has had such a positive impact on my quality life. If you're also experiencing an increase in appetite, and want some advice, it really helped me to change the time I take Hana - I moved it to later, so that my craving hits much closer to dinner time, which is perfect. All in all, Hana has worked much better for me than I could've even hoped, and I would recommend trying it to see if it works for you.
Decreased sex drive
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 29th Mar 24
I have PCOS, so I don't have periods normally as is and hormonal birth control effects me differently. My review is for the other PCOS girlies who have amenorrhea (lack of/no menses). I started cramping almost immediately. I take the pill at noon everyday, and the cramping sets in 30 minutes later. It is worse at night before bed. As far as emotional side effects, I've noticed I am more apathetic than usual, but otherwise fine.
Decreased sex drive
0 helpful
0 comments
Noriday pill reviews
113 reviews
Used for 3 - 6 mo
26 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 1 month ago
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
Used for 5 - 8 yr
23 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 1st Apr 25
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
Used for 3 - 5 yr
27 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 31st Mar 25
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
Used for 3 - 6 mo
26 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 1 month ago
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
Used for 5 - 8 yr
23 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 1st Apr 25
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
Used for 3 - 5 yr
27 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 31st Mar 25
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
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
21 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 18th Mar 25
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
Used for 6 - 12 mo
21 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 4th Mar 25
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
Used for 6 - 12 mo
26 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 28th Jan 25
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
Used for 6 - 12 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 21st Jul 24
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
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 10th Jun 24
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
Used for 1 - 3 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 1st Apr 24
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
Used for 6 - 12 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 24th Mar 24
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

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