Ortho Tri-Cyclen for Birth Control User Reviews (Page 3)

• ECano
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 31, 2018

"Cleared up my acne. Increased sex drive. Increased sugar cravings. Worked perfectly for contraception. Regulated my period. No problem getting pregnant after going off. Possibly contributed to developing dry eye syndrome."

• Anonymous
• April 18, 2012

"I was on Ortho Tri-Cyclen for over a year. It did what it had to do which was to prevent pregnancy. During the use of the birth control, I had mild spotting in between periods as well as some cramping. But I became very depressed and emotional. Anything would set me off. I would be happy one moment then I would start crying. Now I've been off for two months and my family and friends can tell the difference."

• Olive
• October 4, 2013

"I'm 24, been on it for 1 year. I have gone from 112lbs to 127lbs but have pretty clear skin other than during my period and the week after. Periods come the same day same time each month and are not too heavy. My biggest problem with this pill is my absolute lack in sex drive. Planned parenthood gave me the Nuvaring to try. Hoping it doesn't mess me up!"

• lea
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 8, 2020

"I first started using this birth control a month ago and it gave me really bad headaches and I never had acne before but since I have been on it I’ve gotten little bumps on my forehead and under my eyes. It also gives me really bad mood swings"

• Anonymous
• December 7, 2010

"I took Ortho Tri-cyclen for a few years when I was younger. During the first month I gained 5 lbs, but that was it. I did notice I was very emotional for the first couple of months and I was told by others that I got angry or upset easily. However, while taking Ortho Tri-cyclen, I never got pregnant. It helped decrease my acne, my period went from 5-6 days to 3-4 day, my period was also very light (almost no heavy days), and I almost never had cramps. I switched to Ortho Tri-cyclen Lo after and I was less moody and less emotional so I guess the decrease in estrogen was better for me and the pill was just as effective as the regular Ortho Tri-cyclen for me."

• Meowm...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 28, 2015

"I went on this for 2 months to see if it would offset the breakthrough bleeding I had on ortho tri lo. I lost weight because this pill caused me to have terrible diahrrea. It was so bad it continued after I was off of it for 6 months. I had to see a GI dr because I thought I had IBS. This pill caused me to be nauseous, have acid reflux and zapped my sex drive. It caused vaginal dryness too. I would also get terrible migraines and I NEVER get migraines or headaches. I ended up going off of it because my body couldn't handle the side effects. Made me slightly melancholy and tired too. It did prevent pregnancy and no spotting. I also had a decreased appetite and weight loss so it wasn't the worst."

• migra...
• November 7, 2013

"I tried bcp in college, but they aggravated my migraines. At age 23, my neurologist said that because most of my migraines occurred just before my period, OrthoTricylen would work for me. My migraines got BETTER, my already clear complexion become clearer, and my periods lightened. However, the first three months were tough. My breasts swelled from a 34C to a 34D+ (enough to buy a bigger bra), I was easily enraged, and I became a bit of a space cadet - but it all went away after the first 3 months. I also never got pregnant until after taking this pill. If you have migraines, talk to your neurologist about this pill."

• carly
• October 17, 2008

"Ortho Tri Cyclen (in my opinion) seems to be the most effective birth control pill with the least amount of unwanted side effects. I have tried several generic forms as well as the Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo and experienced mild unwanted side effects such as cramping and spotting."

• Cher
• August 30, 2016

"Worst ever. Mood swings. Depressed. Doesn't feel like I get enough sleep. I get angry then sad for no real reason. I am also noticing an increase in appetite, break outs, no energy. This is the most horrible bc because one is not going to be able to function to lead a normal life. I'm so disappointed that it has cause irregular bleeding. "

• Aunt...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 22, 2017

"I took this from age 16 to 27, when I got married. Now I'm 36, and my husband and I have tried for 10 years and I can't get pregnant. My periods have been torture since I quit taking it. It is nothing unusual for me hurt so bad within the first 48 hours of starting my period, I wind up passing out on my cold tile floor naked in a puddle of sweat. I've spent a fortune trying to get pregnant, or at least find some reason behind the crippling effects of my period, which comes every 18 to 21 days. Maybe ortho isn't to blame, but I can't help but wonder if my inability to have a child is related in some way."

• Kathl...
• March 28, 2016

"This birth control had given me side effects from the start, moodiness, weight gain( ten pounds), headaches, nausea, it did clear my skin which is what I went on it for however 8 months into taking it I was admitted into the hospital with bi lateral blood clots in my lungs. I understand this may just be specific to my case but just because it is a lo estrogen birthcontrol does not mean clots can not happen. Please be aware and if risk of clotting runs in your family or you are at all concerned please talk with your doctor before you take this pill."

• lingl...
• March 15, 2016

"Just some of my background so some of you can relate: I'm 115lbs, 23 years old, in my third month of taking Try Cyclen which is the first BC I ever went on. So far thank God no pregnancies, although increased amount of discharge and I got a vaginal infection which I never had before and that was strange. At first I gained weight and my breasts went up a size which was great but now I'm back to loosing a lot of weight. Yes mood swings have increased but I was always emotional and thought of myself as someone with depression lol so you guys really have to be careful about what is really considered to be called depression. Periods have stayed the same, just a little bit more regulated which is also a plus. So far no drastic changes."

• JamieG
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 12, 2016

"I was hospitalized within the first 3 weeks of taking Tricyclen as I had a severe side effect. It created excess spinal fluid in my body causing pressure on my brain. This required two lumbar punctures to help drain my spinal fluid following by a week of being bedridden. Please please please talk to your doctor before taking this. I have never had a problem like this with BC before until I got put on Tricyclen and threw the rest of them out."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 15, 2016

"Pros: clearer skin, no hair loss (happened to me on another pill) minimal bloating, no break through bleeding, no tiredness, no irritability, no breat tenderness and most importantly no pregnancy Cons: headaches from time to time, slightly decreased sex drive and slightly increased food cravings"

• Kloiber
• Taken for 10 years or more
• June 18, 2017

"I'm sad that I'm switching to another pill as I have been on Ortho tricyclen for so many years. No mood swings, no PMS, no depression, I feel the same every day. My complexion has never been so clear. Very light periods, no cramping."

• e199458
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 13, 2015

"I developed a breast lump while on this pill! It turned out not to be cancer, but it was still scary. I also had lots of breast pain and tenderness. When I switched to a different brand of birth control, all the breast problems stopped. I also gained 10 lbs while on the pill"

• Kbee
• January 8, 2017

"The first week was fine then after that I started getting headaches then comes the nausea in the morning and then I throw up non stop with all that I get diarrhea and dizzyness, lack of energy and appetite I stayed in bed all day today its horrible the worst I ever took"

• Pained
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 24, 2015

"I've been on this pill for 6 months, I have lost my sex drive, my cramps are worse then normal, my period last a full week, and I have worse acne then normal. I am changing my b/c at my next doctors visit!"

• Oceanna
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 29, 2020

"Terrible birth control. I took this for a year, and I was nauseated almost every single day after taking it! I would bloat up massively before my period, and I’ve gained 15 pounds ever since I started. Apparently birth control pills aren’t supposed to cause weight gain, however I don’t think this is a coincidence. On top of that, my hair fell out over the first three months. The only positive has been perfect clear, glowing skin. I do recommend if you have acne, but the weight gain has made me so depressed I hate to even leave my house."

• Emily
• December 2, 2016

"I was put on this birth control after I had been on a progesterone only pill which made my usually clear skin break out horribly. Once I started taking this pill my skin cleared up. My periods are shorter and my cramps less severe. I have had weight gain but that's more due to my lack of exercise and being in college. I sometimes get headaches during the placebo pill days but those are easily combated by advil."

• Rab
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 7, 2018

"My first pills I took were regular orthcyclen. I switched due to bleeding between cycles to another pill. They pill worked for awhile until I had more breakthrough bleeding a year in. They then switched me to this. I had no irregular bleeding. But over 6+ months me & my partner noticed a big change in my moods. I already struggle with depression and anxiety and it wasn't for 8 or so months that I had a full on mental breakdown unlike I have EVER had. I started thinking about it & I really have a low stress life at the moment so I looked for triggers. Then I thought about the fact that this is a TRI phasic pill which means constantly changing hormones from week to week. I feel like that hormonal swing could possibly be that trigger. Immediately set up an appointment and switched to a monophasic pill & my mood has changed tenfold. Not a good pill for people with already touchy mental health in my opinion."

• JAMK
• October 13, 2016

"I did not experience any weight gain, acne or physical side effects, and the birth control did do its job (prevent pregnancy). I was however vey emotionally effected by this pill. I was not depressed, but incredibly over emotional. I normally never cry and keep most things to my self, but cried every single day while taking this pill. Ultimately changed to another BC because after 6 months, it did not go away."

• Bell...
• October 17, 2016

"Hey everyone, I usually never write reviews but here it goes.. I've been taking this BC pill for about two years now, I've never experienced depression ,aniexty or mood swings. I haven't had a pregnancy scare or anything to be so worried about. I never seemed to have a problem remembering to take my pill cause I have an alarm on my phone. Weight gain which I'm not sure but I don't think birth control took a big toll on it. Being that I'm in college and in love I think I had to be a blame for my own weight gain lol. But overall it's a great BC to take .. my only thing is will it truly effect my body once me and my fiancé are ready for kids or not."

• nichole
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 1, 2016

"Definitely does its job. light and manageable periods that last 5-6 days. skin has never been so clear. About 4 pounds of weight gain which is no problem. But, I am MOODY. I have always been a happy person and this pill causes you to snap easily and cry easily. Still rating a 10 because it does its job and other than mood swings I have no complaints"

• Anonymous
• March 3, 2010

"I began Orth Tri-Cyclen at 18. The first two or three months I was extremely emotional and would spontaneously sob for no reason on the Saturdays prior to getting my period. After a few months, I adjusted and had a good experience with this pill. My periods were generally 5-6 days long. I've since began Alesse/Aviane for insurance reasons. I've experienced some hair thinning, which may or may not be caused by the pill. My periods are light and last 3-4 days. But I am considering switching back to Ortho to see if this helps with my hair."