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Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol / levomefolate calcium and Weight Gain: What Users Say

Brand names: Beyaz, Safyral, Tydemy

Weight gain: mentioned by 47 users (18.0%)

Based on user experiences from 261 Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol / levomefolate calcium reviews, the following table shows the most commonly mentioned side effects.

All user comments are moderated by Drugs.com. Each review is verified for relevance and screened for inappropriate content. Side effects are user-reported and not clinically verified.

mood swings 24.5%
acne 22.2%
cramps 18.0%
weight gain 18.0%
nausea 16.9%
depression 14.2%
headaches 11.9%
bleeding 10.3%
bloating 9.2%
sexual dysfunction 7.7%

Reviews for Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol / levomefolate calcium

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • K e...
  • January 3, 2011

Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol / levomefolate calcium for Birth Control "I am 27 years old and started taking Beyaz a few months ago. I was extremely hesitant about taking this because I was so, -SO- afraid of gaining weight. I have taken other pills in the past that have caused weight gain, nausea, bloating, etc., but this pill has proven me wrong, I have had no side effects. It's actually a bit shocking. I'm so glad my doctor recommended this to me."

10 / 10
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67 Report
  • Kat...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • September 19, 2013

Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol / levomefolate calcium for Birth Control "Previously, I was on Yaz for about 5 years, and my insurance didn't cover it, so I switched to Beyaz. I was on it for a good two years because it's the same thing as Yaz. Personally, I love this birth control. This is the only birth control for me. I suffer from PMDD, and this helps me tremendously. I also suffer from acne, my skin cleared right up in a week. Periods are better and shorter. No weight gain or other side effects. Perfect pill. I highly recommend this birth control."

10 / 10
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39 Report
  • Ind...
  • April 20, 2013

Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol / levomefolate calcium for Birth Control "I'm 16 and I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome about 2 weeks ago. I was basically not getting my period. My pediatrician recommended Beyaz to control my hormone level and some other things. I was skeptical about taking birth control because of side effects such as depression and weight gain. I tend to be a very happy and energetic person and honestly, I was scared to lose that. I was VERY SURPRISED, THOUGH, Beyaz hasn't changed my mood at all, I haven't gained weight, and overall I feel fine! Except for it's made me TIRED. I work around that though and it's no big deal. As for acne, Beyaz controls it amazingly. So far, THANK YOU BEYAZ! You're really helping my future."

8 / 10
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32 Report
  • zoo...
  • March 5, 2011

Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol / levomefolate calcium for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I have been on Beyaz for 2 months now, I have had problems with other birth controls in the past, such as large amounts of weight gain, moodiness, etc. I haven't had any of these problems with Beyaz. In fact, I haven't gained ANY weight on it! It has helped my PMDD greatly, I went from having cramps that would knock out an elephant to having almost no cramping at all, and I don't get moody or bloated like I have on other birth controls."

9 / 10
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29 Report
  • lau...
  • May 26, 2011

Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol / levomefolate calcium for Birth Control "The birth control pills I tried before Beyaz made me so emotionally crazy. My academics and social life crumbled to pieces. After stopping those pills, my gynecologist suggested Beyaz since I have a history of anxiety and depression, and I am so glad he did. Because of my history and how hormones mess with those conditions, if Beyaz had the same mentally severe side effects, I would be forced to forgo birth control altogether. But now my life is back on track, and I deal with no emotional or hormonal effects from this pill, no nausea, no weight gain, and only headaches that went away after 2-3 months. Thank you, Beyaz."

9 / 10
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25 Report

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  • sha...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 1, 2018

Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol / levomefolate calcium for Birth Control "Here to give an update! Last time I posted here was the beginning of November, so it's been just about 3 months. Please, if you're thinking about trying it, go for it. Safe to say I absolutely love Beyaz, the spotting problem I had went away after the first pack and is normal. I originally went on Beyaz for acne and bad periods. My acne has never been better than it is right now. The first month was hard, but by the end of the second pack, I started to see serious changes. I'm now onto my fourth pack, and I still get a few breakouts (small, maybe 2-3) when I'm on the sugar pills, but I'm hoping even those go away soon. I used to bleed through a tampon and onto my clothes within 2 hours, and now my period lasts 3-4 days, no cramps. No noticeable side effects, weight gain, headaches, or mood changes. This pill is truly the best thing that has happened to me! I feel confident in myself again. Thank you, Beyaz!"

10 / 10
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10 Report
  • Bma...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 2, 2016

Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol / levomefolate calcium for Acne "I'm 35, a mom of 2. I had acne as a teen, and Accutane cleared it up. Then I didn't have any issues with acne in my 20s. It progressively got worse after I had my second child. Spiro didn't help. I finally decided to get back on BC to see if that would work. I started taking Beyaz 3 weeks ago. I noticed my skin was less oily the 1st week. In the 2nd week, I noticed there were no new pimples (where there would usually be a new one or more daily!), and now in the 3rd week, my skin is glowing. Like, actually pretty. It's not been this clear in years. I've not had any of the typical side effects so far (no nausea, weight gain, or reduced sex drive). So far I love it! Give this a try if you're struggling with adult acne!"

10 / 10
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12 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • February 17, 2014

Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol / levomefolate calcium for Birth Control "I have been on Beyaz for several years (3+). When I first started using the pill, I experienced frequent nausea for almost a year. I gradually switched the time of dosage to the evening upon recommendation from my obgyn. The nausea did clear up. I virtually have no acne. Within the first few years, I did have lighter periods (3-5 day bleeding with minimal cramping). However, in my fourth year of being on this pill, I have been getting my period for only a day. Most times I skip a period entirely. This is due to the thin uterine lining. I did, however, develop severe mood swings and panic attacks, which I suffer from daily. I also have had some hair thinning and some weight gain. Loss of libido at first, but it did return after the 1st year."

6 / 10
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15 Report
  • 23...
  • January 15, 2015

Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol / levomefolate calcium for Birth Control "I feel wonderful taking Beyaz, but it's not perfect. It really helped with moderate acne, sometimes I would break out on my back and chest. Since taking it, I don't remember when I had a blemish. I have no mood swings, bloating, or weight gain-I'm actually at my lowest weight. The best thing is my sex drive is great. The only minus is my period still varies, sometimes it's heavy, sometimes it's light, and I'm still getting intensive cramps the first day. But honestly, I have no other issues, and I can deal with it."

8 / 10
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12 Report
  • Anonymous
  • March 9, 2011

Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol / levomefolate calcium "I took myself off birth control a year ago and felt better than I have in years. I developed an ovarian cyst, and my Gyno strongly recommended birth control for treatment. I was very hesitant/concerned about going back on birth control, particularly because I have been training for a marathon. The first month I was on Beyaz, my symptoms were mild, and my cyst went away, but 2 months and 3 months went by and my symptoms got much worse. Depression, weight gain, no sex drive, and my marathon training went downhill fast."

5 / 10
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20 Report
  • mar...
  • July 27, 2011

Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol / levomefolate calcium for Birth Control "I was on Loestrin FE for 5 years, and I was also diagnosed with bipolar disorder while I was in high school. Loestrin worked for a little bit, but I gained 20 pounds quickly. I still had sexual desire mentally, but my body wouldn't react, and I was always too tired or too moody or too emotional. Since I've been on it for a while, the side effects seemed like they hit me a second time, and it was like my period was playing peek-a-boo with me. But 3 months ago, I switched to Beyaz, and I've never been happier and more... well... attacking my fiancé. I give Beyaz a 10 and highly recommend it! And I'm 20."

10 / 10
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16 Report
  • Anonymous
  • March 24, 2012

Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol / levomefolate calcium for Birth Control "I've been on Beyaz for almost a year. Since then, I've gone through times of weight gain and loss, which could just be my body's normal function. Recently, I have noticed aversions to certain foods, nausea, severe migraines, and lack of sleep. I haven't noticed a change in sex drive. My skin is flawless, but recently I've had severe migraines."

4 / 10
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13 Report
  • Anonymous
  • July 19, 2011

Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol / levomefolate calcium for Birth Control "I just finished month 2 of Beyaz and am hoping things get better after month 3. I have had just about every side effect that has been listed except for the mood swings. I have gained quite a bit of weight. In the first few weeks of taking Beyaz, I was very nauseous and vomited a few times. I have daily headaches. I have zero sex drive, and the thought of sex makes me ill when I am usually very sexually active. Thank goodness I have an understanding partner. I am unbelievably tired no matter how much sleep I get. I normally have acne on a regular basis, but it hasn't gotten worse, but I am patiently waiting for it to get better. I will continue to take Beyaz as recommended by my doctor for at least another 2 months and hope things get better."

9 / 10
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13 Report
  • Geo...
  • August 12, 2014

Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol / levomefolate calcium for Acne "Beyaz was the second birth control I used. In terms of acne, it completely cleared my back, chest, and face acne. However, I have gained about 15 pounds and am very active and cannot lose weight. I also am irritable like no other. I have terrible mood swings. I loved that it cleared my acne, but the mood swings and weight gain have to go, so I am switching to Apri, but if that doesn't work, I would go back."

8 / 10
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10 Report
  • ger...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • May 30, 2019

For Birth Control "I switched from Beyaz to this generic form and will be going back to Beyaz. There's something in the ingredients that I'm reacting to. I've gone up a cup size and my boobs swell for no reason... I eat something salty and I'm instantly bloated and my boobs retain water. I can't lose weight. I get emotional before my period (crying, feeling insane anxiety, cramps) and during my period, but like in an unhinged way. I gave it some time (9 months) for my body to get used to the hormones and was hoping my boobs would go back to normal size, but they haven't and I feel fat and emotional. Beyaz is better."

3 / 10
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5 Report
  • Lan...
  • July 20, 2011

Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol / levomefolate calcium for Birth Control "I started taking this birth control a while back and then stopped after I completed one cycle. I did have a little weight gain because of the carbohydrate cravings. Breast tenderness and bloating were also a factor. Those were my negatives. The positives for me were age-related. I am over 35 and a non-smoker. Therefore, the extra vitamin B and folic acid supplements are excellent. I did stop taking them after the first trial because of the food cravings. After a few months, I decided to try them again. I am on a weight loss plan and have lost weight. I wasn't significantly overweight from the beginning, but needed to drop about fifteen pounds. I reached my goal. My only real concern at this point is will I have the cravings."

7 / 10
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11 Report
  • Anonymous
  • May 13, 2011

Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol / levomefolate calcium "I had never taken birth control until last year. I started on Loestrin, and it was okay until the 3rd month when I started cramping almost every day. I started Beyaz after that and am into my third month of it. My periods have been longer and a lot more heavy. I get nauseated all the time now, no matter the time of day, and I'm not pregnant. I get hungry more frequently and have gained some weight. I also have a lot of headaches. I'm going to try something new again. Beyaz just isn't for me."

3 / 10
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10 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 19, 2013

Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol / levomefolate calcium for Birth Control "I've been on Safyral for about 6 months now. When my doctor first put me on this pill, I really liked it. It was my first time going on birth control, so I was nervous about all the weight gain rumors. But it was fine, I didn't gain any weight. I actually lost weight, and my breasts got bigger. My skin cleared up, it has been a great contraceptive so far, but it made me so emotional. Maybe 2 or 3 months in, I just got so depressed. Randomly, I would just get so sad and not even know why. I cried all the time, I had a short fuse. The littlest things would just upset me, and I've never been like that, so I'm switching. Everyone is different, though, and besides the emotions, it was a great birth control."

7 / 10
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11 Report
  • Koj...
  • May 2, 2013

Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol / levomefolate calcium for Birth Control "Been on Safyral for 6 weeks. I have no complaints. I've never been on birth control but had to go on it due to bleeding for 2 months straight, really heavily. My bleeding stopped, I've not had any mood changes, weight gain, acne, or anything. It's regulated my periods, and now I'm back to normal. It's been a great first experience with birth control."

10 / 10
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10 Report
  • Anonymous
  • October 30, 2016

Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol / levomefolate calcium for Acne "Beyaz saved my skin. Literally. I always had nice skin as a teenager with the occasional, mild breakout. But about 10 months after I turned 21, I broke out in hormonal acne. It legitimately covered my entire face except the sides of my cheeks. I seriously tried everything before my mom finally suggested birth control. I was skeptical because I feared I would gain weight, but desperate for clean skin again, I decided to try it. My doctor told me it would probably make my skin worse before it made it better, which it did, but after 3 months, I saw good results. Now, at a little over 5 months, my skin is almost as clear as it was before. It takes a little bit of time, but it's so worth it. It also didn't affect my weight. So grateful for Beyaz!"

9 / 10
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6 Report
  • Anonymous
  • February 8, 2012

Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol / levomefolate calcium for Birth Control "The only reason I got on Beyaz was because I developed 2 very large ovarian cysts. My doctor recommended the pill to reduce ovulation, which would only make the cyst bigger. I was scared that I was going to gain weight. At first, I hated the pill because I bled very lightly for an entire month. My doctor said that was normal for the first month. Then I noticed that my skin was clearing up really nicely. I didn't notice any weight gain, but the best part was Beyaz sorted my monthly cramps. I was so relieved. The only thing I can say that I don't like about Beyaz is that if I miss a pill and take it when I remember, it seems like over the next 2 or 3 days my acne flares up really bad, and I hate that. Just stay consistent, I recommend it 100%."

8 / 10
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8 Report
  • Sha...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 26, 2016

Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol / levomefolate calcium for Birth Control "I am 19 years old and have been taking Beyaz for 3 months. This is my first time being on birth control. However, I am switching because of the mood swings. I feel like I have crippling depression. I am NOT like this at all - this isn't me. It has gotten worse each month. I cry at every little thing and have had increasing suicidal thoughts. It is absolutely miserable. Other than depression, other negative effects have been weight gain (nearly 10 lbs), low sex drive, and my acne has stayed prominent. The only positive aspects are I didn't get pregnant (a few times I missed my time to take the pill up to 7 hours), and my breasts are definitely bigger than normal."

5 / 10
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5 Report
  • Lis...
  • November 24, 2017

Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol / levomefolate calcium for Birth Control "If you're browsing this wondering whether to try it, just give it a chance for 2 months. Everyone is so different, you'll never guess your own reaction browsing others' experiences. But if you're curious - here's mine. It was recommended to me for a hormonal imbalance/acne when I was 18. I'm 25 now and still taking it. The first month was awful, but I'm glad I stuck it out. Now my periods are lighter, cramps are milder, migraines are gone, and I did not experience any major side effects (no weight gain or moodiness!). However, my sex drive isn't as high. Not nonexistent, just taken down a notch. I still think the benefits have outweighed the cons for me. Also - I was switched to Rajani and then back to Beyaz. Didn't notice any difference."

9 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • January 15, 2012

Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol / levomefolate calcium "I've tried about 5 different birth controls over the past two years. I started with Yasmin and even tried Lo-Seasonique. I had side effects ranging from extreme hormonal emotions, weight gain, and migraines. Since starting this pill almost a year ago, I have had absolutely no negative side effects, and I would recommend this to anyone looking for a birth control that's not only reliable but doesn't affect your weight or your emotions."

10 / 10
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6 Report
  • mia...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 3, 2019

For Acne "I have been on Sandoz brand for a month and a half now, and my experience was terrible. No help whatsoever with my acne, migraines every single week, constant, no pain reliever worked. My eyesight started to worsen to the point where I swear my eyes are crossing. I already had IBS before I started these pills, but they have made my symptoms unbearable (abdominal pain, nausea, constipation), so painful I actually got prescribed meds for it. I have been so tired, falling asleep at 4-5 pm and waking up at 6 am the next morning. I would wake up in the middle of the night starving, then I would eat, thus making me gain weight. Everyone's experiences are different, so just pay attention and stop them immediately, it's really not worth it."

1 / 10
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3 Report

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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.