Drospirenone / estetrol and Bleeding: What Users Say

• ros...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 7, 2022

Drospirenone / estetrol for Birth Control "I got switched to Nextstellis when my previous birth control pill started causing breakthrough bleeding after years of use with no problems. I had such high hopes for it because of the natural estrogen and reports of it improving users' mental states. Unfortunately for me, it had the opposite effect. I noticed that during the second and third week, I became severely depressed each month. The main issue for me was that it caused me to have 2 to 3 full periods per month. Sometimes they were so heavy I would be dizzy and have to take iron supplements. I soaked 3 pads in 2 hours routinely. In addition to the multiple periods per month, I often spotted too. I really wanted this medicine to be the solution, but it just was not for me. I did, however, avoid getting pregnant as best I can tell. I would still recommend trying this pill out because I seem to be in the extreme minority with these side effects. Most users have given it good reviews."

• Ale...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 21, 2024

Drospirenone / estetrol for Birth Control "I have taken Nextstellis for the past 2 years now, and I've officially decided to come off of it. In the first year, it was fine. I had the spotting and breakthrough bleeding that others mentioned, but it eventually stopped, and I have had super light, painless periods. In the last year, however, I think how I have been feeling emotionally and mentally is related to Nextstellis. I first noticed major dips in my mood, especially during the few times I was late taking the pill. I've either been feeling super flat or depressed. Also, I became socially withdrawn and not interested in things I used to like - a recent red flag for me. I've had 0% libido since being on the pill. I haven't felt like me for a while, but I'm feeling a lot more normal now since coming off it. I felt validated reading a few of the other existing reviews here and thought I'd give mine. Maybe this review will help others make a choice in their decision to continue taking it."

• maj...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 14, 2023

For Birth Control "I love this medication. It's helped tremendously with migraines and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and I've had very few side effects. Withdrawal pills are only 4 days, so my period does creep into the next pack. For the first 1-2 months, I had consistent breakthrough bleeding, but I kept going and was happy that I did. I've tried other low-dose birth control pills and did not have great experiences, so I'm happy I found this one."

• lal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 21, 2022

Drospirenone / estetrol for Birth Control "Started this because I have painful, long periods off of birth control. On every birth control that I've tried, I bleed at least twice a month for around 10 days. The first month was great. I was hopeful because my bleeding held off until about 3 days before the inactive pills. Period lasted long, but I was fine with it. Second month started, and I began bleeding again. On the positive side, I have noticed way less mood swings/PMS compared to what I experienced on other OCPs. No major increase in acne or weight gain so far either. Only main complaint is the constant breakthrough bleeding and irregular periods."

• Cma...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 6, 2023

Drospirenone / estetrol for Birth Control "I was on Junel Fe for years, but recently switched to Nextstellis because of the vaginal dryness the Junel caused. That was the only downside of the Junel, but it was making intercourse uncomfortable. The Nextstellis works wonders for the vaginal dryness, but it caused many unwanted side effects for me. I have a history of bad acne, and the Junel kept it under control for years, but when I started the Nextstellis, I began to have breakouts. They were mild at first, but by month 5, it was all over my face, back, chest, and shoulders. I haven't had breakouts like that since middle school. It also caused breakthrough bleeding, terrible cramps, sore/painful axillary lymph nodes, and hair loss during my placebo pills/period. These symptoms seem to have worsened month to month, never getting better. So, I will be trying a different pill, it just sadly wasn't for me."

• ann...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 20, 2024

Drospirenone / estetrol "I am over halfway through my second pack and bleeding nonstop. Some days, it's just spotting, other days, it's a full heavy period with clots and cramping - I never know what I will wake up to. The first 3 weeks of this pill were amazing - nothing but positives, but I started spotting a week before the placebo pills and haven't stopped. It's a shame because everything else has been wonderful. All my perimenopause issues are gone - no anxiety, weight loss, sleeping better, just feel good! But I'm not sure I can handle bleeding 24/7 - doesn't seem like a fair trade-off. This is the first pill I've ever been able to take for more than a week - all others have given me constant migraines. I'm sad it's not working."