Alesse User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)

• HTano
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 16, 2020

For Birth Control "This pill was the worst. I broke out in acne all over my body. My breasts were so swollen and tender and the bloat never ever ever went away. Ever; don’t even ask about the weight gain. The only thing it did was avoid pregnancy. DO NOT TAKE THIS. Find another pill."

• JoyBar
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 12, 2013

For Birth Control "My doctor switched me from YAZ to Alesse to help with the weight gain that YAZ gave me (20 pounds in 1 year) and I hate this birth control. From the first month of using it I was an angry beast, it was way to much. Second month I noticed that I lost a little bit of the weight but I noticed I would start crying for no reason often and become depressed. My doctor told me to stick it out for 3 months. Third month I am still an angry beast as well as extremely irritable for extended period's of time. Mind you that YAZ also caused some of these symptoms as well but on Alesse it was tripled."

• Amyro...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 23, 2012

For Birth Control "I just finished my first month on Alesse and I am SO pleased! I used to avoid hormonal birth control because of reccurent yeast infections and weight gain, but with Alesse, I have no problems! I feel like myself again! It's hard for me to review the contraceptive effect on me since I was told to wait a whole month before having "unprotected" sex. But so far, so good. No weight gain, no infections, no nausea, but sometimes my breasts hurt a little. They didn't get any bigger though. I sometimes feel crampy in the last few days of the month, but nothing severe. I take it with no stop in between, because my PMS and period were too intense. I'm in love with Alesse!"

• julia
• August 9, 2013

For Birth Control "I'm 20 years old and have been taking Alesse for 2 years now. It has done wonders for my period, no cramps or bloating, period is so much lighter and manageable. I haven't had any acne problems or weight gain. My moods have been affected but I believe its only around the time I get my period. As for the tenderness of breasts, I only feel it if something accidentally hits them, other than that the pain isn't noticeable or disturbing. Another plus is the pill is extremely small and easy to swallow, I hate taking pills. I definitely recommend this pill."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 11, 2014

For Birth Control "Almost done my first pack of Alesse. This is the first birth control that I've been on and the experience hasn't been too great. I had extreme nausea the first three days, extreme anxiety for three days after that, and painful breasts that followed and have not stopped. My breasts have also grown a bit (but that's more of a good thing). I'm hoping that the side effects will eventually go away but so far it has been a negative experience. I'm scared to switch to other pills in fear of the symptoms being worse."

• Miss...
• August 8, 2014

For Birth Control "First Time, First Month on Alesse 28! This first month on Alesse has been really something. I have had really no side effects except the odd feeling weird until about 4 days ago. I started bleeding with 5 days left on the pill and feeling nauseous with a headache here and there, fatigued, and achy everywhere! While I'm still able to eat, I have no energy and feel like crap all the time...Will this get better going into the second month? The cramps start over heavy then get lighter, it's really off and on but my for my period right now, it's a bit lighter then before but I haven't seen a big difference yet? Is this because it's only the first month? Just wanted to share my experience because it's really been something!"

• Sally...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 5, 2014

For Birth Control "Alesse was the first birth control pill I tried. Prior to this pill I had Depo Provera (there was about a 3 month gap in between these contraceptives) and it was such an awful experience. I was so scared to try any birth control cause the last one made me feel so incredibly crappy. My nurse told me to try Alesse because it was the lowest dose of hormones (according to her) so I reluctantly tried it. Its been 9 months and I haven't had any problems. Periods are only 3 days and they're extremely light. No depression, no major weight gain (I work out regularly so its hard to know for sure), no complete loss in sex drive, no spotting. Only con to Alesse that both my friend and I agree on is the facial acne. Try Alesse if you need birth control!"

• Alesse
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 29, 2016

For Birth Control "Just quit Alesse after 4 months. I tried to tough it out but it just wasn't working. I was always hungry, then I would eat and feel constantly nautious and bloated. I had no energy and felt tired, always wanted to eat sweet stuff. Didn't really gain much weight, just water weight around my hips and boobs (those were constantly sore as well), such bad mood swings and depressed and anxious often. Got lots of headaches, acne got worse (cystic acne on my chin back and chest), and lower sex drive. This is my first day without birth control (period will start in a few days) and I can honestly say that I feel sooo much better, which is weird because Alesse is 'ultra low dose hormones'."

• Freyers
• October 10, 2013

For Birth Control "Alesse 21 is the first birth control pill I've ever tried, so this might make the review a little biased, but I'm still going to share my experience and hope it helps other women out there. So during the first month it was kind of tough, especially since it was the first kind of birth control pill I've ever taken. I did not feel good emotionally. I had a quick-snap temper and it was taking a toll on my daily interactions (this was about two weeks into first taking it) but now, it honestly doesn't affect me as much anymore. I never experienced any bad breakouts of acne, though I still have my occasional mood swing. In terms of period taking the pill definitely regulated my period and made it so much lighter than before."

• Conce...
• July 25, 2018

For Birth Control "I'm very concerned about this pill. My daughter has been experiencing severe leg cramps. Actually has a hard time walking and lasts for two days. Her hands swell and legs swell becoming very very heavy. She is in tears. Actually had blood work and her inflammatory markers were elevated. Anyone taking this pill. BE CAREFUL. Listen to your body and seek medical attention when needed. Don't wait. Reviewing reports about this medication I realize that all medications have side effects but this one is SCARY. Ladies do your research and let a friend know."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 18, 2014

For Birth Control "Up until this past fall, I hadn't experienced any negative side effects while taking the pill. Then I started having anxiety attacks, feeling depressed about everything, rapid weight gain (25lbs in 2 months despite living at the gym), extreme irritability, heavy bleeding (3-4 super tampons every 2 hours) halfway through a pack, intense cramping, new and powerful migraines, and horrible skin. I've been off of it for 2 months now and I feel worlds better. I still have bad skin, and although my anxiety is manageable it's still there, but at least I can get out of bed, and the headaches have slackened. I'm looking at other options now because abstinence is difficult."

• Sun
• October 25, 2018

For Birth Control "I took this pill for 2 months and a half, never have been so sad and depressed, always nauseous after taking the pill, never had so many fight with my boyfriend because of the crazy mood swings. I don't recommend it at all. Also, had awful sleep patterns, slept awfully for all those months"

• Kayli...
• April 13, 2014

For Birth Control "I've been on Alesse for about 3 years including the time I decided to have Mirena put in (then promptly removed a month later) and tried the patch for about a month. Neither Mirena or the Evra patch, despite how easy they are to use, compared to Alesse. I also tried Triceclyn Lo for about 6 months, but my doctor switched me to Alesse after I complained of stomach cramps and constant bloating, which Alesse seemed to fix. THE PROS: no weight gain, no facial acne, no weird side effects like unwanted hair growth, no pregnancies and a period that is fairly short, light and always on time. THE CONS: Acne on my back, mood swings and depression, low sex drive, and quite painful menstrual cramps. Overall, I like it and would recommend."

• Cleo
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 11, 2020

For Birth Control "When I started taking Alesse the only side effects were feeling a bit nauseous for the first few days. I’ve now been on it for a month and a half and I’ve noticed increased mood swings, sadness, and irritability that I never experienced before taking Alesse. I’m also starting to experience a bit of depression (not sure if it’s related to birth control) I’ve gained a bit of weight and feel bloated/appetite has increased majorly. At times I also feel like my sex drive is lower. I’m going to continue until the 3rd pack, if I see no improvement consider switching to a non hormonal birth control."

• Alano
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 21, 2019

For Birth Control "I was on it for three years. It’s hard making sure to take the pill everyday at the same time. At first the pill was great and I had no problems with it. However, I started to feel down all the time, cried without reason in front of people, and had no drive. I realized it must be because of the pill and as soon as I got off of the pill I felt amazing! Would never want to experience this pill again."

• Anonymous
• March 22, 2016

For Birth Control "I was skeptical after reading the many negative views but now I'm on month three and here's what I have to say (every body is different ps): The first month was hard. I broke out and got back-acne. I was exhausted to the point of fatigue (and a real weird eye twitch). I had a few moments of intense nauseousness. And a couple headaches. My first period week was rough - my energy levels depleted immensely and I was an emotional cry baby. My boobs grew a lot which was fabulous. And I even noticed my nails and skin (I have really dry, dry skin) and hair all strengthen and become healthier. By month three, everything resided and I feel back to normal. With healthier nails even ;) Give it time - at least the 3 months to see if it works!"

• Colts
• February 5, 2019

For Birth Control "I started this BC about a year ago. The start it was okay. Soon after starting it I experienced no sex drive. Now I experience in between period bleeding that can last what seems like forever. Like I have been mildly bleeding for 12 days and counting...all because I took it two hours after scheduled time. Mood swings. Mild depression. Getting off this ASAP!!!"

• 1Owow...
• November 2, 2016

For Birth Control "I have been using Alesse for a year now and I have a great skin, although I did have clear skin prior to Alesse. I have gained 10lbs. I haven't been able to pin point what is wrong with me so to speak, and after reading all of the reviews, I feel I have FINALLY targeted the issue. I have always been sensitive... but I have been EXTREMELY EMOTIONAL this past year, crying at the smallest things. I have been so emotional that I am currently suffering from depression. Yes, I did not get pregnant, but I don't believe this pill is worth the side effects!"

• witch...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 15, 2022

For Birth Control "I began taking this medication after being on Diane35 for about 9 years, originally being put on it for acne. Diane was a perfect birth control pill for me, however due to the higher risk of blood clots my doctor and I decided I should try a new pill. I didn't experience spotting and my period was light on this medication, which was a plus. However, it reaked absolute havoc on my body. I haven't had acne for about 2-3 years now, and going on Alesse caused me to break out horrifically all over my face, on my shoulders and on my chest. The acne would start to go away only when I was on my week of sugar pills, and then come back a few days after starting the next pack. It also caused the worst mental health and mood issues I have ever experienced. I have never struggled with depression and only have mild anxiety. After going on this pill, my anxiety has become unmanageable and any inconvenience makes me want to cry and sink into a hole. I am almost in a state of being nonfunctional now."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 31, 2014

For Birth Control "I started on Alesse when I was 15 and it was the first birth control pill I had ever used. The first night I got awful headaches, and they carried on for the rest of the week. After that, I became very moody and just about anything could make me cry. Honestly that was the worst part, I've never been more moody and sad in my life. After about four months I began getting two periods a month, and I finally got fed up and switched pills."

• Anonymous
• October 7, 2009

For Birth Control "I've been on this for a month and after the first two days I had spotting occur and it hasn't stopped since. I never had this problem when I was off birth control and when I was on Seasonique, unfortunately it's quite costly.I've also been extremely tired and experienced depression while on this pill. I'm switching as soon as this month ends."

• vttox
• January 6, 2017

For Birth Control "I've been using Alesse since April of 2016. It works as a contraceptive and my skin is clear, my moods are in check, my periods are much lighter now and it is also the first contraceptive that I have used. However, I have noticed lately that I'm hungry ALL the time. In fact, food is all that I think about some days which has caused me to gain almost 20lb in the past near-year I've used it. I'm not sure yet if this is due to the pills or if it is due to stress or something else, but otherwise alesse works."

• beepo...
• August 18, 2009

For Birth Control "I use Alesse and it works in that I have not gotten pregnant and that it drastically lightens my periods. The bad thing is that ever since I started taking it 3 years ago I've been tired all of the time. Morning, noon and night! It's getting worse so I'm going to stop taking this pill. I want my life back."

• Bean
• Taken for 10 years or more
• November 8, 2019

For Birth Control "After trying a few types of birth control pill in high school, I settled on Alesse and have been using it most of my life. I liked that it was low estrogen which for me meant less mood swings than other pills. I also eventually started only getting periods once every 3 months, and short when I had them, which was nice. The downside was that I realized now after quitting Alesse that the levonorgestrel was causing me increased facial hair growth. If it's happened to you as well, now you know why!"

• Howdy...
• October 8, 2017

For Birth Control "Personally I have had so far a great experience on alesse. I've been on it for just over 6 months now, it has helped with acne and regulating periods. I haven't noticed any weight gain at all, and my period are super light. I however just recently started having sex, and overall I am a nervous person about getting pregnant, but so far all good! *finger crossed*"