Microgestin 1/20 User Reviews & Ratings

• Jackie
• January 10, 2016

For Birth Control "I wanted to write something as I'm in the process of researching new birth control (I have underlying high blood pressure and smoke, so the pill may not be the best long term birth control option for me) and I found that there's not a lot of good info out there comparing methods. Most reviews seem to be people complaining, because who's going to take the time to write something when they're happy? Well, I want to. I've been on microgestin for over a yr and it's been great. My acne is much improved on it, I've actually lost weight in this time, I haven't had any spotting. My libido is still high and I haven't had issues with arousal. I miss my period sometimes but I think that's from using this continuously so often to skip it. No pregnancy!"

• Jazmyn
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 10, 2019

For Birth Control "This is my first birth control experience and I would have to say that this medication makes me want to never try birth control ever again. I have endometriosis and I was put on this pill just to alleviate that pain and improve my cycle. The day I began taking it I fell into a deep depression where I just could only feel numb. (I am always a happy person with no history of depression.) I was crying all day or just feeling like there was nothing to live for. This also made me go in to fits of rage where I would lash out on people for no reason. My anxiety peaked and I could only be anxious at night so I wasn't sleeping either. This continued for about a week and I couldn't take it anymore, so I just stopped taking it as a whole. Overall, a horrible experience and I would not recommend this to first time users."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 25, 2012

For Birth Control "I've been on this pill for 4 months now. It was my first ever so I was really nervous! While taking it everything was normal no side effects which was a plus! Before the pill my period was for 5-6 days and on the pill it was only 2-3 days which was great! In my 3rd and 4th month I was spotting A LOT! On top of that I was getting my period which was a pain! No weight gain and acne, my sex drive increased."

• Nicol...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 28, 2014

For Birth Control "I was on this birth control for almost 10 years...it was very effective at preventing pregnancy, even though I missed it a few times and there weren't any crazy noticeable side effects like weight gain, nausea, headaches, etc. I think because I was on it for so long, I didn't realize the side effects until I went off of it...once I stopped, I felt like a completely different and better person...my sex drive went through the roof and I realized how much it had suppressed my sex drive this whole time. I also found a huge sense of peace and was able to let go of things much easier I felt like a cloud of depression was lifted. When I tried to go back on it, it made me really irritable and I had to stop. "

• Mae...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 2, 2017

For Birth Control "Severe acne, low sex drive, vaginal dryness, extreme nausea and vomiting at the start of each pack, turned me into a raging psycho most of the time (literally felt like a different person on this pill, it was amazing getting off this and feeling like a cloud of anger and anxiety had been lifted off my shoulders). But the real kicker was when I started experiencing random shooting pain on my right front thigh, followed by right leg numbness. Fast forward a few more weeks and both legs started going numb and I got shooting pain that would travel up to my chest and arms. Doctors couldn't determine what was going on exactly (my BP was normal) but advised me to get off the pill, which I gladly did. Craziest BC experience of my life by far"

• Lily...
• May 6, 2015

For Birth Control "(First month went particularly well, I didn't recognize any symptoms. I felt 100% myself. I was so afraid it was going to trigger my anxiety (I have GAD) but it hasn't! I love microgestin so far. My first "off week" when I got my period was very different. I usually have a heavy to normal flow that last 5 days, but I had a very light flow that lasted the whole week. It stopped once I started the pill on Sunday. I am now three days into my second month, and I haven't noticed anything new. I feel great!"

• SMano
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 17, 2015

For Birth Control "My biggest fear with bc pills was the weight gain - I can assure you now that this does not happen & is somewhat of a myth. I'm married, been on this pill for about two plus years & haven't had any scares or issues. I get a little nausea when starting a new pack so I always take at night (my only real hang up). Never emotional, super light and predictable periods. Very happy."

• Peri
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 24, 2019

For Birth Control "This pill has been great for my forever long, heavy, peri menopausal periods. I’ve been taking them for over a year (started them at age 46) and other than making my breasts tender I have no complaints. My very light period shows up every couple of months and lasts about three days. Doctor said this was normal for low dose pills. I’m hoping to be able to take these until I hit menopause. I sleep better and am much more pleasant to be around."

• Anony...
• January 26, 2014

For Birth Control "I was on a different birth control beforehand and I had every side effect possible, so my doctor switched me to Microgestin and I'm so glad she did! I haven't had a single side effect since being on the pill! I used to get terrible cramps and even after taking the pill for a month the cramps were completely gone. The only thing that happened was that my breasts got bigger, which I'm not complaining about!"

• Tenie...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 13, 2019

For Birth Control "I would not recommend microgestin 1/20. I was prescribed this because I have very heavy periods and am very anemic. I have been bleeding for 13 days. I feel like having my uterus removed!! Once I am done with this pack I am never taking it again!!!"

• Anast...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 23, 2015

For Endometriosis "I have been on this for almost two years and I am so glad that I am on it! I gained zero weight (I actually lost weight), I am not moody, my skin is smooth and clear, the periods are SO much better! I only get a little bit of a flow and the cramps are minimal. I actually barely get a period anymore, but my GYN said it was normal."

• kim
• November 28, 2014

For Birth Control "I was 23 when I started this birth control. It was my first time using it and I was terribly afraid of getting pregnant while on this. Surprisingly after almost a year of using it and turning 24, I haven't gotten pregnant, my skin looks the best it's ever looked and my periods are finally regular. there is some heavy spotting that comes unpredictably and heavy cramping at times but it works and if you have insurance it should be free. i take it at the same time every day. i used a condom the first month so my body could get used to it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 24, 2014

For Birth Control "I switched to Microgestin after I could no longer afford Lo Loestrin Fe. I didn't get my period or have any bad side effects while on Lo Loestrin Fe so I was worried that I would when I switched. Thankfully no side effects or period."

• Anonymous
• January 2, 2016

For Endometriosis "The first 2 months I took this pill I wanted OFF and a new OB. I had horrible side effects from nausea to paranoid anxiety. I've now been on it for 6 months and love it. I have no side effects, no periods (continuous use) and I have endometriosis and NO cramping! It's a literal miracle. I have had a 10lb weight gain, but I have also recently been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and have stopped working out where as before I attended Zumba weekly to bi-weekly. I don't know what to attribute it to for sure but I would say maintaining your weigh would not be difficult even if it was the pill. If you're googling because you were just put on it and are freaking out, I suggest pushing through. This has worked miracles for me!"

• rando...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 19, 2014

For Menstrual Disorders "I take birth control for my severe PMS symptoms, and this is easily the best I've tried. After a few days of very mild nausea in the beginning, Microgestin 1/20 has given me no noticeable side effects besides going up a full cup size. If anything, I've lost weight (including the three pounds I gained on my previous birth control), have had no breakouts or spotting, and cramps so mild that for the first time in a long time, I didn't need to take any pain medication. Plus, the low dose means no significant increase in breast cancer risk. I'd recommend this BC to anyone."

• Your...
• April 23, 2016

For Menstrual Disorders "I've been taking this pill for two months now and have been bleeding for the last 28 days, and this is with already skipping the sugar pills. Can't imagine if I actually had let my body have a period. The doctor said give it three months, I'm waiting. I have cramps every day, motrin is like a daily routine now day and night. Has anyone experienced this?"

• anony...
• May 6, 2013

For Birth Control "I've been on Microgestin for about a year now. My OBGYN said it would be best if I took it continously, so that's exactly how I've been taking it. I take it consecutively for 3 months and then I take a break for week. Ladies, I haven't had a period in over year and although it sounds scary believe me it is totally fine. Zero nasty side effects like headaches, cramping, long periods, moodiness, etc. The only thing is lowered libido but hey, after all there is no perfect pill that won't have any side effects! Good luck with this medication."

• Katyi
• May 12, 2011

For Endometriosis "I have taken this medication for 6 years. I have no side effects. I take it continuously and do not get a period. It has improved my life so much. I have so much less pain. I had tried so many different birth control pills and this is the one that works for me."

• Ms Hb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 18, 2017

For Birth Control "I've been on this pill for about 3 months and haven't had any issues.I am wondering about my sex drive though but I am not sure yet if its the pill or work stress because I have a lot of that. My periods are shorter and lighter and as long as I eat when I take it I don't experience any stomach issues. Everyone's body is different and just because someone had a bad experience doesn't mean you will. I don't have issues with anxiety or depression. Those who experience that already may have an increase of those symptoms. Pills don't make you gain weight food does. If your appetite has increased on it practice some discipline and eat less. I exercise regularly and have not gained weight."

• Norma
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 15, 2015

For Birth Control "I have had a very positive experience with microgestin. I started using it about 6 months ago, and it was my first time on birth control. It helped to clear up my acne and made my periods much lighter and shorter (from 7 days to only 2 or 3). I did not experience any weight gain or nausea. The only negative side effects I had were that I was a bit more emotional than usually in the first two weeks of use, and that for a few months, I would have a bit of light spotting leading up to my period. Overall, it has been a really great birth control and had very few side effects."

• Katie-2
• March 25, 2012

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I had a very bad experience on Lo Ovral (angry all the time, dead sex drive, hungry constantly) in the past, and was not sure how I felt about going back on the pill for my PCOS. But turns out Microgestin has been okay on my system. I'm about a year in, and within the first 3 months my breasts definitely grew half a cup size. My sex drive decreased and my nipples are tender. I did feel paranoid for about 3 months, then it normalized and my mood has been fine since. I am convinced it has made me gain weight around the hips, ugh- however I have not actually gained real weight. After being on it about a year, my sex drive is coming back finally and mentally I feel normal. My periods are nice and light, they linger about 5 days total."

• candy...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 10, 2019

For Birth Control "I dont like this Microgestin 1/20 birth control at all. Since taking this med, my acne has gotten so bad. It doesn't make my face oily, but I am getting so much acne around my jawline and down my neck which is new for me. My skin just feels so gross! My boobs are also constantly swollen. I lack energy. I've been depressed. I haven't been myself! So happy that I finally realized it was this birth control, because I will never take this stuff again! Awful!!!"

• Saint...
• January 18, 2016

For Birth Control "I wanted to write this review because I read many negative reviews and do not want people to think birth control is a horrible thing. Everyone's body is different so the reactions to the pill will be different- it is not a one size fits all type of deal. Additionally, it is best to stay on birth control for at least 3 months before switching over. Some people only stay on it for a month or two before switching because they are not happy with the side effects but do not realize they disappear over time. I've only been on the pill for over a month but overall I am very satisfied with the results. I did experience back pain, breakouts, breast tenderness, and headaches but it went away. My period is shorter and cramps are way less painful."

• Izzy
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 13, 2019

For Birth Control "I got on this pill Microgestin 1/20 so I wouldn’t have periods, as I was basically bedridden during that time of the month. I missed one pill in June and took one pill 6 hours late a month later in July. It is mid August and I have been spotting with cramps for a little over two months. I have absolutely no sex drive. It’s completely disappeared and that’s hard for me as I am in a long term relationship with my boyfriend. I love him so much and want to be intimate with him, but I just have zero libido for it. I also feel like I’m crazy. My emotions have been all out of whack. I’m either sad, angry, or numb. My last birth control lowered my sex drive and made my emotions funky sometimes but it was NOTHING compared to this. Would not recommend to my worst enemy. I give it a 2 out of 10 because I’m not pregnant which is the ONLY upside."

• higs
• August 5, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm taking it for a regular birth control and I'm just fine.. I haven't had any crazy mood swings, no weird cravings, and my acne is actually clearing up. It all depends on your body and how your body takes it, like I said I'm just fine!"