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Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol and Cramps: What Users Say (Page 5)

Brand names: Yaz, Yasmin, Ocella, Loryna, Nikki, Syeda, Lo-Zumandimine, Gianvi, Jasmiel, Zumandimine, Zarah, Yaela Melamisa …show all brand names

Reviews for Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Cla...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 17, 2018

Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I suffered PMT in my youth, and after years of being free, at the age of 42, the condition came back with even more severity. I was prescribed Yasmin by my gynecologist, and the first month was fantastic. I am now in my second month, and my symptoms are worse than ever. I have constant headaches, severe bloating, cramps, breakthrough bleeding, and chronic fatigue. I am hoping the third month will regulate my cycle and settle the symptoms."

6 / 10
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  • ESm...
  • December 3, 2017

Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol for Acne "This pill has cleared up my acne and regulated my period! I used to never get my period, and now I get it every single month. I did go up a few bra sizes, but I remain the same weight overall. It did make my period very heavy and very painful, along with bad emotional breakdowns on the sugar pills. Other than that, I really like this pill!"

8 / 10
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  • Kan...
  • October 10, 2019

Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol for Birth Control "I've been taking the Gianvi birth control pill for the past 3-4 months and have experienced more good than bad. The first couple of things I've noticed that's different are my skin and period cycle. For one thing, it did what it was supposed to do and regulated my period. I used to get my period every other month during random days. It was irritating because I never knew when it would come. For my skin, it's improved a good amount, but I'm not someone who had bad skin to begin with. I noticed I stopped getting pimples altogether, and when I do, it's rare (I promise I have a bad skin routine too, so I was surprised.) I haven't gained weight and I didn't experience any decline in my mental health. The only thing that it didn't help with was my period cramps. My OBGYN told me this was supposed to help, but my cramps are just as sore. I also noticed that my periods are longer than when I wasn't on birth control. I used to only have my period for 5 days, but now it's the full 7 days."

8 / 10
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  • SBa...
  • July 3, 2021

Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol for Birth Control "MOST USELESS PILLS EVER!! I took Ocella for years, and my periods were light and guaranteed to start Placebo Pill Tuesday or Wednesday. My insurance company started making us do mail delivery in ‘18 or ‘19 and changed my pills to a generic that didn’t even have a name, then started sending me Syeda in ‘19, and in May of ‘19, it’s like I’m not even on birth control pills anymore. I randomly start spotting, bloating, and cramping at some point during the 3rd week of active pills and have absolutely NO idea when or if I’ll start my period and have started my period while still on the active pills! I’ve started on Placebo Pill Monday, occasionally Wednesday, but mostly Thursday or Friday. Starting on Tuesday has completely stopped. My flow is absolutely unpredictable. My Ob-Gyn has me taking Lysteda to control the heavy bleeding that starts on day 1, and length ranges from 4 to 9 days and has even gone for 3 straight weeks. These are seriously the worst pills."

1 / 10
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  • Zan...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • June 10, 2019

Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I switched onto Gianvi after taking Loryna for several years. Gianvi is the generic for Loryna. The effects aren’t much different, and both have been helpful for my PMDD and my period in general. My cramps decreased in frequency (though not in intensity), and my period is long but less severe than it might be without the pill. Psychologically speaking, I feel a little better all through my cycle, and my mood and behavior are a lot more stable when my period comes close."

8 / 10
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  • pea...
  • June 25, 2019

Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol for Acne "Been on Nikki-generic of Yaz for about 9 months. I used to have periodic breakouts before starting to take birth control and then fewer breakouts with other pills. With Nikki, I have a rare pimple pop up every month but clear skin otherwise. My periods used to be heavy and painful, the flow has decreased, and I only get light cramping on Nikki. The only downside is the decreased or very low libido. Overall, a good pill with little side effects."

9 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • January 13, 2009

Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol for Birth Control "Yaz has been a really good birth control for me. It improves my mood and makes my periods very light with hardly any cramping. And I heard it helps you lose weight also. I would recommend this to anyone wanting an overall good birth control."

9 / 10
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  • Zar...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 8, 2020

Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I started Yaz a month and a half ago, and the first month was great. I almost thought this would be it, but suddenly my head started to fog, and I would be unfocused and tired every day for no reason. Other than that, the constant cramps, back pain, and decrease in my libido made me realize this was not good for me. I had high expectations that weren't fulfilled. I wish for new users to find this helpful."

5 / 10
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  • Lac...
  • August 3, 2016

Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol for Birth Control "I haven't been on the pills for a month yet, 3 weeks, and I'm going to try and stay on them for at least 2 months, and if I don't see an improvement, I'm probably going to change my prescription. I feel nauseous at least 30 minutes a day, and now that I've gotten my period, it's gotten 10x worse. Good helps for maybe 10 short minutes, and I'm back to feeling gross and sick. I'm constantly tired, yet it's so difficult for me to sleep. And my cramps have gotten worse, I didn't even think it was possible. My back and abdomen cramp at the same time (that's usual), and normally the only way to get rid of them is heat, so I take a bath, and not even that is helping, and of course, the heat would make me more nauseous. Has anyone had this problem?"

2 / 10
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  • dan...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 5, 2023

Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol "I wish I had taken this earlier! Don't be discouraged by negative reviews, as everyone's bodies react differently. Over the past two years, I've been struggling with depressive episodes, excessive facial hair growth, hair loss on my head, and difficulty losing weight. Additionally, I have a history of a recurring cyst on my left ovary that can impact my hormones. Realizing that I needed to take action, I consulted with a doctor who suggested the 'mini-pill,' which turned out to be a terrible decision. The extra progestin caused breakthrough bleeding and made me feel mentally unstable. After abandoning that doctor, I sought out a women's health specialist who promptly prescribed Yasmin, primarily for my hair issues but also with the theory that it could boost my mood. To my delight, she was right! I haven't experienced any weight gain, and in fact, I'm slowly shedding some pounds. My hair has been falling out less, but I have noticed some cramping and a bit more fatigue. Overall, though, Yasmin has been fantastic!"

10 / 10
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  • Ver...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • February 25, 2023

Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol for Birth Control "I would not recommend it. Mostly because of the long-term side effects. I used to never get migraines. Once I took the pill, I got severe ones, and now I get them every month, even though I stopped taking the pill over a year ago. My period is more irregular (was not before), and I have more cramps than before the pill in general, and I am moodier still... It's sad for me, I wish I could have been more informed. Moreover, especially for the whole first month (yes, every day) of the pill, I was super depressed, but I got through it because I thought it would go away, and it did, mostly, but overall, I still got a lot of depression cycles on that pill. It also affects your sex drive badly. I do not recommend it for your own safety, it's not worth it. Track your cycle instead and live a peaceful life."

1 / 10
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  • HT2...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 22, 2016

Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol for Birth Control "I was on Yaz for 2 months and started to become anxious, paranoid, and depressed. I asked my doc to get off it, and she told me to give it more time. I got off it, nevertheless, because I did not need it. My life improved dramatically over the next 6 months. I started dating again, so I decided to give the pill another shot. I started to be anxious and insecure immediately. I started believing and accusing the person I was seeing of not being into me and got upset at him over the littlest things. A week before my period, I went into full anxious and depression mode. It felt like the world was ending. I also experienced severe cramps, migraines, and bled for 2 weeks. I am now off this drug for 2 days and noticed an immediate difference."

1 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • January 27, 2011

Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol for Menstrual Disorders "Yaz has been the greatest medicine ever. A few years ago, before I went on the pill, I would get terribly sick. I went through crazy tests, MRIs, then finally my mom recommended going to the gynecologist. She put me on Yaz, and ever since then, my periods are so light and only one day. I have no acne whatsoever, no mood swings, barely any cramps, and I no longer get extremely sick. I love Yaz and will never take anything else."

10 / 10
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  • Bay...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • January 25, 2023

Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol for Birth Control "I've been on Yaz, or a generic of Yaz like Vestura, since I was in middle school. I'm 27 now, and this is still the only birth control that my body seems to agree with. I tried Ortho Tri-Cyclen at one point, which made me depressed and gain weight. I also tried the copper IUD, thinking it was better for me to be off of hormones and 'all natural.' That just led to extreme cramps and heavy periods, and also all of my teenage acne came back in my mid-20s! So, I decided to go back to the tried-and-true Yaz generic. I think everybody is a little different, so you just have to find the right birth control for you. This brand is a little higher in hormones, which I think my body actually does well with. My periods are extremely light, where I only have to wear a panty liner for a couple of days. Also, no more hormonal acne! I also think it makes my boobs a little bigger, which is a plus for me."

10 / 10
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  • svo...
  • July 31, 2009

Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol for Birth Control "I was on Yaz for over a year before I had Mirena put in. I had really heavy periods and severe cramping before I was on Yaz, and Yaz made my periods almost invisible. No cramping, light bleeding, and I had energy. Recommend."

10 / 10
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  • svo...
  • July 31, 2009

Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol for Birth Control "I was on Yaz for over a year before I had Mirena put in. I had really heavy periods and severe cramping before I was on Yaz, and Yaz made my periods almost invisible. No cramping, light bleeding, and I had energy. Recommend."

10 / 10
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  • Sam...
  • October 13, 2017

Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol for Birth Control "I was taking Gianvi for five years, maybe longer. My pharmacy switched me to Nikki about four months ago, and I have noticed a major change with my body ever since. I have started cramping and spotting two weeks before I am supposed to start. I've also noticed more acne and some major mood swings. I'm glad to see that others are having the same problem as me. Once my current pack is finished, I will be finding another pharmacy that sells Gianvi and switch back to it."

4 / 10
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  • Ali...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • April 23, 2018

Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol for Acne "I was on Gianvi for years, and my skin was like glass. I was thin, no mental issues, etc., and had no problems until my pharmacy randomly switched me to Nikki. I've since gained 10 pounds on my 5'5" frame. None of my pants fit. My super thick hair has been falling out like crazy. My cystic acne is back. My mood swings are back. My cramps are back, and my periods are heavy. What is this pill? Stay away!"

1 / 10
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  • All...
  • April 16, 2012

Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol for Birth Control "I'm 26 and was on Yaz for 8 months, first time taking birth control pills. I had very tender breasts and a light two-week period for the first month. It made my acne disappear and made my body hair slightly thinner/took care of a weird chin hair that I had. No noticeable weight gain or loss. I had vaginal dryness throughout, just took a little more time to get me going, although no change in sex drive. Experienced vaginal irritation post-pill due to soap I was using. Periods never got lighter/shorter. Only slightly reduced PMS (cramps, bloating, etc.)"

8 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • March 14, 2010

Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol for Birth Control "I've been on Ocella for over a year, and I don't mind it. It does its job. Negatives: It kills your sex drive, horrible cramps, acne around your period time; but that's with anyone. Positives: Emotions have been under control, and periods only last about 4 days. Overall, I would recommend this birth control. I don't have spotting, emotional breakdowns, or any of that."

7 / 10
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  • jkd...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 27, 2015

Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol for Birth Control "I used to be on TriPrevifem, and I could only last a month on that. The nausea was so bad, and I was only like 3 weeks into my first pack. Now I'm on my second pack of Ocella, and I've had virtually no side effects, which is amazing! No weight gain, thank God. The only thing is my cramps during my period were downright deadly, but I hear that gets better over time. I am so happy, I forget I'm even on birth control, and that's an awesome thing."

9 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • June 18, 2010

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I have been on Ocella for a month and two weeks and have not experienced any weight gain. I was scared to hear all the negative reviews about Yasmin and Ocella, and I didn't want to take it, but unfortunately, I have PCOS and I had to. When my period came, I experienced extremely painful cramps, which some girls experience during that time of the week, but I never have. A Pamprin solved that problem. I am nauseous a lot of the time, but it's not too debilitating, and I think it helps me eat less. I noticed my acne clear up tremendously after taking Ocella, and I have regular periods again, which is a relief. Everyone has a different reaction."

10 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • March 12, 2011

Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol for Menstrual Disorders "I have been taking Yaz for 4 years, due to an irregular cycle related to ovarian cysts. I am pleased that my periods are shorter, and there is absolutely no cramping. It has helped alleviate hormonal migraines, and my skin has never been more clear. Prior to birth control, my cycle was completely irregular, such as skipping months altogether, and it was frustrating being so unpredictable. Now, I know exactly when my period is coming. The only negatives: I did gain a little weight, and it is expensive since I don't have insurance."

8 / 10
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  • Sdo...
  • May 1, 2014

Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol for Birth Control "I've been using Ocella for a few months. I don't use condoms, and I've had zero scares so far. I have hormonal acne, and it's getting better slowly. My periods are amazing now. I have no cramps whatsoever. My moods are great. Not on birth control, I am a crazy monster. My cramps are unbearable for days. I have not had much weight gain, and my cravings are less than normal. So far, I like this."

8 / 10
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  • Led...
  • August 17, 2016

Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol for Birth Control "I've been on Yaz Plus for about a month now. I was worried at first from hearing about the blood clots, however, I find that there was not much to worry about. My first experience was breaking out. A lot. I also found my period to extend much longer, spotting for another 5 days after, and I was getting a little worried, but after 2 weeks of that, everything got better. My skin cleared up (any other breakouts were mostly from the heat), and it didn't really cause any cramps. I didn't find my sex drive to be any less than it was before, and overall, a positive experience so far."

8 / 10
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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.