Desogestrel / ethinyl estradiol and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Yan...
• December 4, 2019

For Birth Control "I just want to say, my first period on this pill was one of the worst experiences of my life, and I wanted to share with others in case they're going through the same thing. It DOES get better, though. I have PMDD and moderate bleeding, my periods would last 3-4 days. The 1st period I had on Isibloom, I experienced severe PMDD, cold chills, hot flashes, headaches, I slept for 12 hours a day and did not eat. I was bleeding through tampons every 45 minutes to an hour. The bleeding was so bad that in class I bled through a regular tampon, my underwear, and my jeans in under an hour. I wanted to change to a different birth control immediately, but I was told to give it three months. Things DID get better for the second and third periods (I take pills continuously). My PMDD is not as bad as it was overall, and I don't experience the side effects I did on the first period. My acne DID clear up a lot on this birth control. My flow is light to moderate, but my periods are now 5-6 days long."

• Kit...
• June 16, 2018

For Birth Control "I started taking it in December 2017. I felt fine, minor headache here and there. Early February it all went downhill. I always had the lingering headache but dismissed it. I developed hypertension 150/110, high heart rate (130s), palpitations, clammy hands and feet, and extreme migraines in late February. The walk-in clinic dismissed it as migraine. My PCP disregarded it as 'anxiety'-related hypertension. I also developed mood disorders from taking this pill (my doc wanted me on Zoloft). It caused my vitamin D to drop horribly, causing depression-like symptoms coupled with anxiety. My cortisol levels were also high. I saw an endocrinologist who told me to STOP taking it as I had adverse effects that were causing me these horrible symptoms. It's been 1 month since I have stopped, and my anxiety is still lingering. I regret ever starting this medication. It did give me amazing short, painless periods, but my hormones went wonky. I also gained 15 lbs. Take at your own risk."

• Ame...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 5, 2019

For Birth Control "I got Isibloom through The Pill Club. During the first week, I took the pill in the morning, and I would get very nauseous, have headaches, and tender breasts. After reading some reviews, I decided to start taking the pill at night, and symptoms went away. After taking it for two months, I've noticed that my appetite changes every day - sometimes I'll be very hungry or not hungry at all. However, I haven't gained any weight from the pill. Also, my mood swings calmed down by the end of the second month!"

• Fin...
• September 21, 2015

For Birth Control "I changed to this birth control at the advice of my gyn to try to treat my menstrual migraine headaches after being on Tri-Sprintec for almost 10 years. It did what birth control is supposed to do; prevented pregnancy and regulated my period, but the side effects were awful! I gained over 20 pounds in less than 6 months, had really, really bad mood swings, and the medicine caused me to have bad headaches and migraines at least once a week. Even with dieting and exercise, the weight isn't coming off, and it's so frustrating. I never had these problems in my 10 years prior on birth control. It has gotten to the point now that I have discontinued the medication because of the side effects. I hope others have better luck than I did!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 3, 2019

For Birth Control "I haven't had a problem with this BC! The first month taking it, I had some more headaches than usual, but nothing too terrible. It lightened my periods (which used to be awful) and prevents pregnancy. All in all, I recommend trying it!"

• Anonymous
• April 12, 2011

For Birth Control "I was prescribed this for birth control because I didn't like the weight I gained on Yaz, but it was a mistake. For weeks, I had horrible headaches to the point where I couldn't think, and then I had terrible mood swings. Effective as a contraceptive because I didn't get pregnant, but I was confused as to why I didn't feel like myself at all. After I figured out that it was probably Kariva, I stopped immediately. I had no clue birth control pills could make me that crazy! After a month, I felt much better. Not taking this ever again."

• rld...
• August 31, 2011

For Birth Control "This is the second month I have been on Reclipsen, I had to change from the pill I took before due to breakthrough issues. I have noticed that I have very bad headaches after taking the medication. I had severe migraines last week during my period week, even though my period didn't start until a day after the migraine. I have never had such intense side effects from taking birth control, but I don't know why else I would have such headaches. I'm starting to feel like there is no birth control out there for me. I wish there was birth control for men instead!"

• Lyn...
• October 13, 2020

For Birth Control "I started Apri about four months ago due to migraines during my period and pretty bad acne, especially leading up to my period. My pharmacist said this is what she takes, and she takes it continuously, so recommended I do that as well. For the first three months, it worked great aside from my sex drive dropping to below zero. Not getting a period for the first time in nearly 15 years was amazing. It did help clear my acne. However, about a month ago I started spotting and had a couple of mild headaches. Google said this was normal, so I didn't freak out. Last week I started bleeding much more heavily and having the worst cramps I have ever had. Make me double over in pain cramps. Advil and Tylenol barely work. Came here looking to see if others have had this experience but instead found a ton of other symptoms people are experiencing as well. I'm afraid if I stop, my migraines and acne will come back, but I don't know if I can handle this for much longer."

• fir...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 27, 2020

For Birth Control "I am 19 years old, this is my first birth control, and I have been on it for around 9 months. The first 3-7 months were bearable, I didn’t gain weight, my mood swings increased a little, and I had a few headaches here and there. Months 8-9, I’m noticing more breakouts on my skin and more dryness around my eyes, it could just be the environment, though. Overall, Isibloom does its job of preventing pregnancy, and its side effects aren't all too bad."

• Nen...
• September 13, 2020

For Birth Control "I was prescribed Viorele for ovarian cyst. It's been 10 days since I started taking it, and I've had constant intense headaches, body aches/weakness, and dizziness. My mood is horrible. First time I'm taking contraceptives, and I feel so awful. Ready to drop it at this point."

• kch...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 20, 2014

For Birth Control "I've been on this pill for about a week now, and I've noticed some changes. I've been spotting daily, which is annoying to say the least. I also had a headache for the first couple of days. Something else that hasn't been pleasant is the feeling of bloatedness. All of these symptoms come and go, and they're not unbearable when they are present. One thing that is confusing, however, is I was told that my libido would be decreased with this pill, and it's been the complete opposite. And so far, I have not noticed any weight gain."

• ouc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 20, 2022

For Birth Control "I can’t speak for its effectiveness at preventing pregnancy, but I wanted to share my experience for PMDD/PMS. I tried Junel Fe in the past and liked it, but felt like I was always bloated. Then I asked my gyn if I could try something else because I felt like the Junel helped with anxiety and digestion, but didn’t like some of the effects on mood. I took Apri at night, and within 15 minutes I was incredibly drowsy and dizzy. I slept by the toilet all night because I felt like I was on the verge of throwing up, but I never did. Horrible headache the next day. If this one doesn’t work for you, try another (: each pill is different, and I don’t regret taking it because it told me something about my body. Seriously, don’t be afraid to experiment!"

• Fer...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 10, 2017

For Birth Control "I've been on Reclipsen for a month. I started it to see if it would decrease my flow and cramps. My mood dropped drastically when I first started. Depression usually lasts for a period of time, so I wasn't depressed. However, my mood was very low to the point that it was scary. When my period came, it felt like the worst ever. My flow and cramps were bad. I have other side effects as well, such as nausea and headaches. I'm going to see if my body adjusts to it for two more months only because I need a solution for my periods. I've been on birth control in the past, and I've never had these side effects."

• Pam...
• October 18, 2016

For Birth Control "Worst birth control ever, made me sick. I have headaches since day one, mood swings, anxious, was feeling terrible. So I found out that a lot of people taking this birth control are having the same conditions, so I stopped. The next day my headache was gone."

• Liv...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 29, 2019

For Birth Control "I have had a very good experience with this Enskyce pill. I was on a previous pill that gave me massive headaches, and I needed a switch. I kept asking for people's opinions and got sucked into the internet rabbit hole. Now, I’m taking Enskyce and have been for 2 years. I love this pill. Great contraceptive, ladies, also, my acne is NOWHERE to be found. Highly recommend."

• jul...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 2, 2019

For Birth Control "This was an awful experience for me. I fell into deep depression, couldn't leave my bed for 14 hours at a time and had really dark thoughts. I became a ball of anxiety everywhere I went, my mood swings were insane. I had a headache that literally lasted for 2 weeks straight and painkillers wouldn't do much, and the nausea I felt like I was going to vomit at the most random times, and every little thing irritated me, so I was being annoying to my boyfriend, my friends, and my family, and I truly felt like I was going crazy. I forced myself to toughen up and at least finish the month (there were like 4 red pills left when I realized I didn't want to do this long term). Now I've reached the placebos, so I'm waiting to get my period and then never touch this medication again. I reacted very badly to Plan B as well, so I'm thinking birth control pills just aren't for my body at all. In conclusion, unless you're lucky enough to not experience symptoms, this can and will mess you up!!!!! :("

• Jme...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 23, 2019

For Birth Control "I just started using Viorele about a week ago. I have tried many birth controls in the past, and by far this is the best one. I haven't had any side effects like I have with others: no mood swings, headaches, irritability, and nausea. Hopefully, it is able to control my irregular and painful period. I'll find out in 3 weeks."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 8, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been taking Isibloom birth control for 1 month now, and things have been fine! The only side effect I got was headaches the first week, but they went away soon. No noticeable weight gain or acne."

• Chr...
• January 6, 2020

For Birth Control "Geez! Since this is pretty much my first real experience with BC, I don't really have much to compare it to, but let me tell you ladies something - this pill beat me down like I was in a street fight. I'm 35 and only taking it as part of my IVF process, but headaches are just the tip of the iceberg. I am nauseated the entire day, even though I take my pill at night. I have a fever and hot flashes that make me so angry I want to SCREAM! I have no appetite and lost 6 lbs. in the 9 days because I am also nauseous. I haven't experienced a yeast infection or any spotting, but there is ZERO love-making to get had and my husband is very kind and understands my feeling yucky is a side effect. His issue is my inability to control my emotions. If I'm not furious, I'm crying my eyes out. Save yourself!"

• Boa...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 1, 2016

For Birth Control "I have been extremely happy with this birth control. After about 3 years on this bc, I had to switch pharmacies, and my new pharmacy switched me to Viorele, which led to my absolute worst experience with birth control. I had headaches, felt fatigued, experienced a heavier period with more cramping, and gained weight. Finally, I realized that even though Kariva and Viorele should be the same, they, in fact, are not! Once I switched to a new pharmacy that would specifically fill Kariva, I lost 10 pounds in about 2 months, and all the other side effects from the Viorele disappeared. After a year of consistently being on Kariva, my pharmacy just switched to Pimtrea, which really upsets me that they can't be consistent with Kariva."

• Dia...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 26, 2021

For Birth Control "I am 25 years old, and I was prescribed Isibloom over a year ago. I have not experienced any negative side effects! I will say that I may have gained a little bit of weight, but nothing extreme/out of my normal range. I do not have any mood swings or headaches! My period/withdrawal bleeding is pretty much exactly the same as it was pre-birth control! The only thing that changed from that was that my breasts do not get sore before my period. My experience pre-birth control vs. now is pretty much the same, other than I am protected from pregnancy!"

• Anonymous
• June 19, 2011

"I've been on Kariva for 2 months, and it has turned me into a completely different person. I'm always tired. I can sleep just fine, but I'm constantly tired. I never feel rested. I've noticed it's made me depressed. Everyone around me notices, also. I've had horrible headaches. My appetite has changed. I have blurred vision, dizziness. It's ridiculous. As far as spotting, I haven't experienced any of that. So, effectiveness has been pretty good."

• E8a...
• January 13, 2016

For Birth Control "I gave it a rating of 5 for its effectiveness in preventing pregnancy. I only do the withdrawal method with this. But the side effects are so awful. Possibly the worst I've had with any brand. It is quite potent, I'd tell you that. I get a lot of headaches, nausea, and stomach discomfort for a week into starting a new pack, decreased libido, and in the beginning, I'm quite dry, which is, uhm, I've never been an issue for me. I get so moody, stress is harder to deal with, I get anxiety attacks, I get so easily fatigued, and the combination of these two I just get so unmotivated to do daily activities. It's pretty bad. I'm changing brands on my next cycle. Maybe a milder combination OCP."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 4, 2012

For Birth Control "I have been on for 1 month and a half. My period lasted for 10 days, then I came on again in the same month for another 10 days. That was all new to me. Sex drive has increased. My period is still irregular, so I'm waiting on my next period. Slight headaches, and I feel sick sometimes. This is my first birth control, and I haven't been on it long. Things may change. Not sure."

• Dis...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 6, 2021

"I started taking this about 3 years ago. At first, it was great. For about a year, things were wonderful. No headaches, anxiety, or moodiness. I take it continuously due to headaches and fatigue. I am a very active person, walking and weightlifting 7 days a week. I weighed 131 when I started on the pills, now up to 166, and no matter what I do, I seem to just keep gaining. My moods, anxiety, fatigue, and headaches are worse now than before starting the pills. We have bounced around with doses, and nothing helps. I CONSTANTLY spot. Acne is horrible on my face, chest, and back. My skin on my cheeks down to my neck has changed colors, gotten darker. I know a lot of people have great reactions with this med, but it seems when you get side effects from it - you get them ALL."