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Ethinyl estradiol / norgestrel for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding User Reviews

Brand names: Cryselle, Low-Ogestrel-28, Elinest, Ogestrel 0.5/50, Turqoz

Ethinyl estradiol / norgestrel has an average rating of 5.2 out of 10 from a total of 35 reviews for the off-label treatment of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding. 40% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 43% reported a negative experience.

Ethinyl estradiol/norgestrel rating summary

5.2/10 average rating

35 ratings from 38 user reviews.

Compare all 59 medications used in the treatment of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding.

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Reviews for Ethinyl estradiol / norgestrel

  • AHano
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • September 5, 2019

Cryselle (ethinyl estradiol / norgestrel) "I started taking Cryselle for heavy bleeding due to a uterine fibroid and it has been highly effective. The bleeding stopped almost immediately and the Cryselle has managed it well for a year now. I am peri menopausal so I will likely keep taking this through early menopause. It is helping manage those symptoms ok, though I still have night sweats and headaches."

10 / 10
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13 Report
  • Anna
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 19, 2019

Cryselle (ethinyl estradiol / norgestrel) "WORST BIRTH CONTROL EVER!!! Positive: It helps with the bleeding and cramps. Negative: I never had health issues until now. I’m having the worst anxiety attacks, panic attacks and depression. I feel like I’m going crazy! It makes you feel you’re in a dark place... If you have these symptoms you should go to your doctor immediately."

3 / 10
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9 Report
  • mura
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • September 11, 2014

Cryselle (ethinyl estradiol / norgestrel) "Cryselle was the 4th or 5th pill I tried in my journey to find a birth control that improved my cramps, heavy flow, and regularity without intolerable side effects, which was also covered by my insurance. I've been very happy with it! It has all but eliminated my PMS symptoms and although it didn't have a marked impact at first, my cramps have become less severe and my flow lighter the longer I've been on it. I haven't experienced any negative side effects, either. If anything, my mood seems to be more stable on Cryselle. (I've been on pills that made me crazy!). It's also been effective as birth control."

9 / 10
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15 Report
  • bjg
  • August 25, 2017

Cryselle (ethinyl estradiol / norgestrel) "I was prescribed Cryselle for extremely heavy periods due to a fibroid tumor. The bleeding I experienced not only interfered with my daily life, but also caused anemia and seemed to only be getting heavier by the month. I started taking Cryselle 4 months ago - and haven't experienced any negative side effects (other than the expected break through bleeding month two, which I attributed to my body adjusting to the medication). My periods are much lighter! Also,PMS type symptoms like sore breasts and bloating have significantly decreased. I'm very pleased so far with Cryselle!"

10 / 10
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11 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 7, 2013

Cryselle (ethinyl estradiol / norgestrel) "So I've been taking this pill for two months and right off, I got some bad side affects. I'm always tired and moody. I lose my appetite or I'm just too nauseous to eat. I even have more freckles and got acne, which I didn't have before. The only good that came out of this pill, is I get my period and I lost weight."

4 / 10
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13 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

  • Eliza...
  • March 20, 2013

Cryselle (ethinyl estradiol / norgestrel) "A month ago I switched from Lo Loestrin Fe to Cryselle because of the expense of Loestrin. So far I think Cryselle is okay. I'm on birth control to regulate and lighten my periods and Lo Loestrin did that for me. So far this month Cryselle didn't do anything for them. They are just as heavy and and I still have bad cramps. But they are regular. What I do like is it cleared some of my acne. I've had no weight gain but I am very emotional. Oh and my breasts have grown tremendously."

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12 Report
  • Kath
  • December 13, 2010

Lo/Ovral-28 (ethinyl estradiol / norgestrel) "I was put on Lo Ovral at 13 for abnormal bleeding, basically 6 weeks, non-stop. I stayed on it until I was 28 years old with no problems. Previously, as most young girls I was very moody and had a lot of struggles. On Lo Ovral I did have one hard day a month, prior to getting my period but otherwise it was great. I never noticed any weight changes, had no spotting, acne symptoms, cramping, or heavy bleeding. I have two children now, and had them without any difficulty relating to taking this birth control for so long. Problem is now that I am older, 33, it no longer works for me, I spot during the month. I am truly struggling to find a good replacement birth control. It may not work as good for everyone, but I wouldn't be afraid to try it!"

10 / 10
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13 Report
  • Devon
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 29, 2020

Cryselle (ethinyl estradiol / norgestrel) "I could have DIED while taking this medication Cryselle. Spent about 3 weeks hospitalized recently because Cryselle caused me to get Pulmonary Embolism( blood clots in both lungs) and a DVT blood clot in my left thigh. I couldn't breath out the blue, crossing the street and a car could have hit me, or I could have collapsed. An ambulance was called for me and the CT scan revealed what I had at the hospital. Doc said it was from the birth control pills that I was taking for abnormal uterine bleeding. Now I have to be on blood thinners for 6 months. This has created so much anxiety in addition to the physical pain."

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  • Anonymous
  • March 11, 2008

"I've been on many birth control pills as I am 35 years old. I had the least side effects with this one. No mood swings, no break through bleeding, and no nausea. My doctor told me that this brand is no longer available. I hope this is not true. I am researching now."

7 / 10
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14 Report
  • Tmano
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 4, 2020

Cryselle (ethinyl estradiol / norgestrel) "I was having abnormal bleeding due to ovarian cysts so my gyno put me on birth control, even though I told her my body has never reacted well to any kind I’ve tried. I’ve been on it for 1.5 months now and my breasts have already increased a full cup size and they hurt so bad I have to put heat on them at night. My face was clear until I started Cryselle...I now have cystic acne and currently icing my face to bring down the inflammation. Only positive thing I can say is I haven’t bled for almost 2 months which is amazing , but I’d take abnormal bleeding anyway over these side effects.!!!"

2 / 10
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3 Report
  • Jenny...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 15, 2015

Cryselle (ethinyl estradiol / norgestrel) "I would rather deal with 1-3 days per month of cramps than living every single day of my life with acne, female baldness (was getting there anyway), nausea/vomiting, migraine headaches, skin peeling, no sex drive/inability to orgasm, irritability/crying/depression/anxiety, insomnia, panic attacks, shaking, high blood pressure. Omg - stay away from this stuff if you can! "

1 / 10
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5 Report
  • Casey
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 24, 2020

Low-Ogestrel-28 (ethinyl estradiol / norgestrel) "I am 55 and after 6 months of no period- mine came back with a vengeance. 14 days straight heavy bleeding huge clots. The doctor put me on this medicine and instructed me to take 4 pills on day 1, 3 on day 2... etc until I was down to one a day- skipping the placebo and going straight to the next set of pills. It works great except one thing- the nausea. I am nauseous all the time. Is this normal?"

9 / 10
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3 Report
  • justme
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • January 16, 2017

Cryselle (ethinyl estradiol / norgestrel) "I've been taking cryselle since I was 15, I am now 21. I needed a medication to lighten my periods because I have severe anemia. Overall, I was satisfied with this birth control. I did have side effects like weight gain. I gained nearly 50 lbs over the last 7 years which isn't normal since I have a strict diet and work out every single day. My periods were still heavy at first. But during the last year and a half, my periods last 2 days and are very light like spotting. I am sexually actively, so I was worried that I may have been pregnant, but tests say otherwise. I had random acne before my periods on my chin and cheeks. I craved salty foods around the time of my period so that could be the culprit of my acne. Cramps weren't awful. There would be cramps that stopped my in my tracks but they lasted a few seconds and I was fine. It's just the normal period symptoms that are normal to have! I am currently switching to lo loestrine and have read more bad reviews than good ones. So I'm not sure that I want to go ahead and start the pack after my last dose of cryselle or not."

8 / 10
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4 Report
  • hlamb...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • August 31, 2015

Low-Ogestrel-28 (ethinyl estradiol / norgestrel) "I was given this pill because I was having my period for a full month and breaking out badly. I've always had these problems and other brands of birth control wouldn't work for me. I took this and my period went back to normal right away. My skin has gotten absolutely amazing. I used to try every single thing I could to cure my acne. When I got on this pill my skin completely cleared. When I do get a pimple, it'll only be one and it'll very small. I couldn't be happier with this birth control. Me and my partner have had slipups and I haven't gotten pregnant."

8 / 10
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4 Report
  • Stacia...
  • July 15, 2015

Low-Ogestrel-28 (ethinyl estradiol / norgestrel) "I have just finished my first month of taking Low-Ogestrel. I was put on it because of my horrible menstrual cramps and haven't really experienced any bad side affects other than migraines during the first week or so. I am currently on my period and didn't have any cramps i am also bleeding very lightly. So thumbs up for me!"

5 / 10
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  • lena...
  • July 17, 2015

Cryselle (ethinyl estradiol / norgestrel) "I used to take ogestrel 28 , which is a high dose . I have been onogestrel 28 for over 5 years . I am on the pill to help regulate my period . I got a new GYN dr and he wanted to change the pill to a lower dose , so I started on cryselle. I gained 30 Pounds. Diet , physical activity was the same as before , in fact I was more physically active but I still gained all that weight . My primary dr thought it was me that I was over eating or not active. That she doubt it was the pill . I went from a normal BMI to crossing the obese border, after starting cryselle. I told my dr I wanted to change back to ogestrel 28. Within the first few months back on orgestrel I started to lose the weight."

1 / 10
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3 Report
  • Anonymous
  • October 22, 2008

Low-Ogestrel-28 (ethinyl estradiol / norgestrel) "It is the only medication that controls my period. I am 50 years young and my period should have stopped. After trying many things I am taking this even though I can no longer have children. I have been on it for a year and have gained some weight but I don't know if that is the pill. I exercise regularly and eat healthy. I would recommend anyone to try it."

8 / 10
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5 Report
  • Dont...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 7, 2021

Cryselle (ethinyl estradiol / norgestrel) "At only 18, I’ve tried numerous different birth controls (around four, not including Cryselle) to regulate my periods, prevent severe cramping, and heavy flows. Ever since starting, I have been vomiting at least twice monthly and experience nausea frequently. It occurs at the beginning of the month always, and at times will happen towards the end as well...Almost as if it’s simultaneous with my cycle. I switched from morning consumption to at night, have tried consuming it with food- all to no avail, the same symptoms persist. I’ve been on Cryselle six months now. My doctor suggests the Depoprovera injection or an IUD due to my lack of success with oral contraceptives, both of which I have concerns towards. All of this for a normal period.."

2 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • September 24, 2020

Low-Ogestrel-28 (ethinyl estradiol / norgestrel) "I was on this birth control pill Low-Ogestrel-28 for 3 years. Overall, I had no problems. I weighed about 115lb when I started it and after 3 years I was about 135. I was a college athlete and have always been active, but I found it harder to maintain my desired weight on this pill. Although I don't fully contribute my weight gain to the pill after the first month after stopping it I have dropped almost 8 pounds. (with balanced diet and exercise). Other than weight, I have completely enjoyed this pill. My periods were light and lasted about 4 days total. Minimal cramps. My period also started exactly when it was supposed to every single month. I only had to switch birth control methods due to high blood pressure caused by the estrogen in the pill. But if you are good about remembering to take the pill I highly recommend this pill!"

8 / 10
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  • Monica
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 16, 2020

Cryselle (ethinyl estradiol / norgestrel) "I started this 3 months ago to stop my ovarian cyst from growing. Well that shrunk but a tiny fibroid I had grew 3 times it’s size and my new OB said it was from this pill. Now I have to get surgery and take 4 weeks off work because I have had nonstop cramping for 3 months and I’ve had a heavy period for over 3 weeks now (and I skip the placebo). My depression has gotten so bad I scored in the “severe depression “ category and life is so hard everyday so now I’m on antidepressants. This pill is a nightmare. OB is having me switch to progesterone only now."

1 / 10
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  • Bnn
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • November 27, 2015

Low-Ogestrel-28 (ethinyl estradiol / norgestrel) "I am so satisfied with Low Ogestrel! I am only a teenager, just using this birth control for period management; not actual birth control. Before I was on this pill I had the worst periods ever. I had unbearable cramps, I was sick all of the time, and yet we're very very heavy! Now I have been on Low Ogestrel for 8 months and I couldn't be happier with the results. My periods are much lighter, only last a few days, I have far less cramping, and I don't get sick anymore! I experience very slight side effects, sometimes nausea after taking the pill every night, and slight weight gain. Overall, totally worth it!"

10 / 10
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2 Report
  • Kano
  • April 17, 2020

Cryselle (ethinyl estradiol / norgestrel) "Please do not EVER take this pill. After a lifetime of smooth, glowing skin, I suddenly had extremely severe cystic and hormonal acne & wildly textured skin that nothing seemed to help. I would have TWO WEEK PERIODS and be left with barely any time to recover in between them. I was constantly so mean and moody that everybody around me would have to walk on egg shells. I lived through actual nightmarefor 3 years until I quit Cryselle. After stopping the pill, I literally feel amazing."

1 / 10
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  • c16
  • December 25, 2015

Cryselle (ethinyl estradiol / norgestrel) "I've tried many birth controls, probably about eight, but this one stands out in my memory as the worst just because of the side effects. I will say I can appreciate a short period, four days I believe? I was on this pill for only a month a while back, but if I recall correctly that was the month I reached my highest weight ever, gaining ten pounds. I got rather irritable and was glad when I switched to Quartette and apologized for snapping at people :^)"

3 / 10
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2 Report
  • Pat
  • October 22, 2015

Cryselle (ethinyl estradiol / norgestrel) "I've never really been a pill taker but after 2 kids and heavy flow I decided to take something and this is what the doctor gave me. My legs and arms fall to sleep my vision is blurred I have terrible headaches and my mom is crazy. How can you take this mess with kids and still be able to function. Needless to say I will stop taking them!"

1 / 10
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  • nativ...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 9, 2016

"So my doctor prescribed me this birth control to help with my periods. It hasn't been a full month yet. But its had a lot of bad side effects. I'm not myself lately. I find everything getting on my last nerve. One minute I wanna rip someone's head off the next I'm bawling like a baby. And the next I'm laughing. Then its right back to being angry again. And the cycle continues. This is so NOT me!! Not to mention my husband just told me its been a whole week since I've wanted to have sex. I didn't even realize it at all. I've got no sex drive at all. Not to mention I'm going on two weeks of having a period. My periods usually last 4-5 days. My husband has told me to stop taking the pills. I think I will. I don't like who I am on them."

1 / 10
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1 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.

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