Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol and Headaches: What Users Say

• Acn...
• August 3, 2020

For Acne "Since I’m spending so much time reading through reviews on this page, I thought I would add in my experience from this pill! I am currently halfway through my second pack of a random generic for Yaz. Like a lot of you, my doc put me on this pill to help reduce acne (I tend towards blackheads, close comedones, as well as those dang cysts that stick around forever). Hate to say it, but I am definitely one of the ones experiencing worse skin, since beginning, I have had pretty constant cysts on my cheek/jaw area. Right now, I can count about 8 different spots that are very red and will linger for weeks (as well as my original congestion). I am hopeful that, like others have said, by pack 3 I will wake up with that magically clear skin. AS A SIDE NOTE: I am miraculously side effect-free other than the acne! No nausea, weight gain, moodiness, headaches, nada! I even started mid-cycle and didn’t get any breakthrough bleeding. I will update with this same name around the three-month mark."

• Par...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 30, 2013

For Acne "I was suffering from acne since 12 years. Now I am 27. I had taken various costly treatments, including chemical peeling and other cosmetic treatments. When I was 25, my skin specialist suggested Yasmin. I took it for 11 months. In the first month, I had a little bit of headache and nausea, but in the second month, there was no discomfort like that. In the third month, my face was almost clear, and by the end of the 11th month, my skin started glowing, there was not a single acne or mark on my face. Friends started asking about my glowing skin. I did not gain weight. But I stopped taking Yasmin after getting glowing skin, within one year, acne came back. Now, I am starting it again."

• Anonymous
• June 28, 2008

For Acne "I'm 31 years old. Had mild acne for years. Tried many OTC kits and prescription topicals. Naturopathic to Allopathic. I am a very healthy vegetarian, eat whole foods diet. Nothing helped. Most breakouts were under my chin or around my jaw. I was against the idea of taking a BCP for acne. I hated the idea of putting something artificial into my body. I am so happy that I gave in. My face was totally clear within 2 weeks. No negative side effects. I have finished 2 packs. Mild nausea and headaches the first week."

• Rac...
• June 29, 2009

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I developed premenstrual dysphoric disorder after having my first child and it was unbearable. Two weeks out of every month I would be terribly swollen and bloated, hungry, craving weird things, suffered from insomnia, had headaches and felt tired, and just really sick in general. I was also totally crazy and my moods would go up and down really dramatically. I just finished my first pack of Yaz and it has been AMAZING. Within the first month, ALL of my symptoms have gone away and I feel great. I have even lost some weight. I had a slight headache and nausea the first 2 or 3 days I was on the pill, but other than that, nothing at all. I was afraid to take it because of all the negative reviews, but everyone is different. Worked great for me and has changed my life."

• Two...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 12, 2020

For Birth Control "I am going on my fifth year taking this medication. I LOVE this pill. I was prescribed Lorena by a new doctor about three years ago, and I tried that for a short time only to have the worst bleeding, abdominal pain, and headaches of my life. I went back to my doctor, got them to prescribe me Nikki again, and I’ve never looked back. This medicine has helped me so much. It has fixed my irregular cycle and completely cured my acne. When I first started it, I do remember feeling nauseous and having headaches. But I continued on it and those symptoms went away very quickly. Like I said, it’s going to be my fifth year on this pill, and I will never take anything else."

• Sda...
• January 25, 2020

For Acne "I’m 31, and I’ve struggled with moderate acne since I was about 20. I tried everything from retinols, antibiotics, Proactiv, and various face washes and cleansers. I’ve been taking Sprintec for years because it was supposed to be good for acne. It was only until recently I realized that my breakouts coincided with my cycle. A week before my period is when I normally break out. I did some research and switched to Nikki despite the mixed reviews. I just finished the first pack, and I have to say I am amazed. My skin is actually clear, I really hope this isn't a fluke, but I seriously don’t have a zit on my face. While I still have some scarring, I actually left the house today without makeup, something I haven’t done in years. As far as side effects go, I have noticed a few headaches, mostly minor, which I am monitoring. None have persisted and go away with Motrin. But all in all, I could not be happier, I never thought I would see the day my skin was clear ever again."

• ana...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 29, 2019

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I began using Yaz 7 months ago on my mother and sister's recommendation (my sister also suffers from PMDD and has been taking Yaz for years). For the first few months, I saw a drastic improvement: my mood was better, my skin cleared up, my boobs got bigger, etc. However, I have recently decided to come off Yaz as I was starting to experience negative side effects, mainly the worsening of my mood. I was suffering from immense mood swings and a lot of the time feeling very depressed. My periods were becoming irregular (for example, coming before I had begun the sugar pills), and I also started suffering from severe headaches every day. Now, every experience is different as my sister has had no trouble for years, so I think it is worth a try, however, I strongly suggest you keep some sort of record of all the symptoms you are feeling and keep an eye out as it took me a while to realize things were going downhill again."

• sar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 10, 2019

For Birth Control "I started using Yaz to treat my PCOS and excess facial hair growth. I always felt depressed, but I kind of dealt with it, it wasn't that bad until I started taking this pill. First, I was crying every night for no reason. I had terrible headaches (something that never happened to me before), and my anxiety and depression are at their highest. I'm having really dark thoughts, and I'm so scared because I think I will hurt myself or my family. And don't get me started on obsessive thoughts, they make me hate myself. Do not take this pill for any reason!"

• xob...
• July 12, 2009

For Acne "I have taken Yasmin for 4 months. The 1st month had increased acne, headaches, nausea, tender breasts, and slight irritability. Halfway through the 2nd month, skin started to improve and side effects stopped. My period came on the 2nd day of taking the white placebo pill. Usually, the week before my period, I have painful cramps and have to take painkillers, this time there was no bloating or cramps and pain. On the 3rd month, my skin is starting to heal and look a lot clearer, periods are normal and pain-free. Only mild discomfort half an hour before my period starts. Yasmin will make your skin breakout when you first start taking it, but it will start to improve. After I wash my makeup off, I can't believe how clear my skin is."

• LJa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 23, 2018

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I had previously been taking Gianvi primarily for PMDD, but also for birth control. I decided to make a switch from (my beloved) Gianvi to Nikki due to price reasons. I was a little leery at first because of the seemingly mostly negative bad rap it was getting on this site. But I decided to give it a try. I'm glad I did because it was a completely seamless transition! No changes in mood, weight, headaches, etc. I'm very happy with this medication, and I'm glad I decided to give it a try. My wallet is happy too. Remember that people are more likely to complain than compliment, so there are probably many women satisfied with Nikki who haven't written reviews. I was pleasantly surprised. Remember that nothing is permanent, and you can always switch if you are dissatisfied."

• Abb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 3, 2021

For Birth Control "I started taking Loryna about 3 months ago, and I've never felt worse! I feel bloated all the time, get severe headaches (which I normally never get), have gained stomach issues, and to top it off, I have put on a few pounds. Plus, Loryna also makes me feel sad 24/7! And if I'm not sad, then I'm having outrageous mood swings. This oral contraceptive is definitely not the one for me. However, everyone is different, so take my experience as you please."

• Lor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 3, 2020

For Acne "I was using Trinessa for 15 years, and it was wonderful. They stopped manufacturing that about a year ago, the pharmacy switched me to TriSprintec. I was on it for 8 HORRIBLE months, where I got cystic acne, which I had never experienced before, on my face, chest, and back. I tried every topical solution and wash, which did absolutely nothing. I was so insecure and thought this was my life now. One of my friends suggested I switch birth controls, and I switched to Loryna. I continued to use acne topical solutions on my skin while using it, so I saw some results, but my skin felt dry and itchy, and I was still getting some new acne marks (although less than before, and they didn’t turn cystic). In the third month, I decided to stop using the acne products to see what the birth control did on its own, and IT WAS A MIRACLE, I literally cleared up in like 4 days, guys. I also had no other side effects on this birth control other than an occasional small headache. Highly recommend this birth control."

• Han...
• April 19, 2015

For Birth Control "I recently started the Yasmin pill, and at first, I honestly didn't think I would be able to carry on with it because it was making me feel so nauseous! I also got really bad headaches, which caused me to be really moody. However, my doctor told me to give it a few weeks to settle and for my system to get used to it. I was not happy about this, let me say! I wanted to scream at her to feel how ill I felt. It got better though, on the fifth day, I woke up, and I felt fine all of a sudden, all of the side effects I was feeling had just gone. I had terrible skin, and it has made my skin so much better, and I feel fine now. If you're taking it and you're feeling ill like I did - I know it feels like crap, but honestly, just hold on, because it will go."

• Sha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 23, 2019

For Birth Control "I've gotten into a serious relationship this past year, and I opted to get birth control. I have had the Xulane birth control patches and the generic Yaz, Gianvi. Xulane gave me every side effect possible-mood swings, nausea, and headache, and Gianvi made me have mood swings. I asked my pharmacist to give me the non-generic version, and I finally got Yaz. I've had zero side effects, no mood swings, no weight gain, and glowing skin! If you're hesitant to try because of previous bad reviews, give it a shot! I am the person who has every possible bad side effect of every drug, and I highly recommend it!"

• Mon...
• March 15, 2015

For Birth Control "Been on Yasmin for 6 months now after years on all other brands under the sun. I have always been fit and healthy, but for some reason on this pill, I am even thinner. I can't gain weight no matter how bad I eat, it's amazing! The only downside is I am so hungry a lot of the time, but it's awesome because it doesn't lead to any weight gain, so I can eat as much as I want! Also, no cramps at all, and I used to get them bad. Limited headaches. Finally, after 12 years, I've found something that works super well for me."

• Dph...
• April 12, 2019

For Acne "I spent a fortune on washes and face lamps for my acne before going to the doctor who prescribed me antibiotics, which changed my life, but they stopped working. I tried another antibiotic, which didn’t work, and then 2 other face creams. I was at my wit's end and cried daily about my skin. I researched some more and came across Yasmin, which I started 3 months ago. For the first 6 weeks, my skin was awful, the worst it has ever been. I got cyst spots over my neck (never suffered with neck) and face, and even places like my toe. I felt awful thinking I can’t wait another 2 months to see if it works. The last spot cleared 8 weeks in, and I think I’ve had one spot since, and even flying, drinking alcohol, and being on my period, which are usually all bad for my skin. When I first started, my moods were all over the place, but now my body is used to it, that’s calmed down, one bad headache, but I put that down to stress. Try it, but don’t give up if your skin goes really bad like mine did!"

• Saw...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 4, 2020

For Birth Control "I am in my second week of my second month of this BC and have been nauseous every day, along with having terrible headaches. I honestly feel worse now than I ever did during my pregnancies. Wouldn’t recommend."

• Nat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 28, 2013

For Acne "Having been on Estelle-35 for nearly a year (which gave me the worst acne of my life, 10 times worse than it already was), I decided to change to Yaz. I'm in my third month of taking it, and I think I've broken out (4-6 spots at the same time) twice, whereas before I was getting 4-6 new spots per day. No initial breakouts. Only had one cyst in nearly three months. The only side effect was my fault - I didn't wait until my period to start taking them and had breakthrough bleeding for around three weeks. I haven't experienced any weight gain, headaches, etc. If you're deciding whether to try the pill for your acne, just do it. Seriously. It's done wonders for my confidence and anxiety, and I can actually look people in the eye now!"

• Bir...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 18, 2018

For Birth Control "I just started Nikki a month ago. For the first week, I had terrible nausea and headaches. However, now my skin is so, so clear. For the past 2 years, I have been struggling with terrible bloating to the point where I look pregnant. Nikki helped me feel less bloated, and I have lost 10 pounds in one month! I am 120 lbs now, so losing 10 lbs was a big deal for me! I am so happy and thankful for this pill. It really has transformed my life. Best of all, my copay is $0!"

• JHa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 21, 2020

For Birth Control "I’m finishing my third pack of Loryna. I’ve really struggled with giving my body the adequate time to adjust to it, but I can’t take the side effects anymore. I switched because the last few pills I tried did not clear up my hormonal acne. Loryna has helped clear up my skin, and my period is much lighter, both of which are nice. However, I also take Vyvanse for ADHD and narcolepsy, and I swear Loryna is messing with the effectiveness. I’m incredibly fatigued and sleepy all of the time now. I’m also experiencing awful headaches. I’m so depressed and anxious to where I can hardly recognize myself. My boobs have gone up a cup size, I’ve gained 11 pounds, and yes, I’m starving all the time. I have done intermittent fasting for the last two years and dropped 25 pounds, but rapidly gaining 11 pounds in under three months and struggling with my intermittent fasting, along with other side effects, is ruining my self-image and happiness."

• Lop...
• December 29, 2019

For Birth Control "This is a good birth control pill! I've been on Yasmin for a couple of years, and it has never failed on me. I also took it for acne, but that was hit or miss. I go through periods where my skin is clear and then periods where my skin is bad. If I wasn't on Yasmin, though, my skin would be 10x worse! In addition, my periods have gotten very light and only last 4 days. No mood swings, no nausea, no headaches. I truly recommend this pill."

• gui...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 10, 2012

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "This is my second day on Yaz. I have been on countless other birth control methods such as Marvelon, Tri-Cyclen Lo, Demulen, and most recently, Aviane. When I was on Marvelon, I never noticed anything while I was taking the pills side effect-wise, but my periods were unbearably heavy. On Tri-Cyclen, my period was light, but it never stopped for three months! On Demulen, I went into a deep depression that I am still getting over. And finally, on Aviane, it was great, but I gained about 40 lbs in the past year. I went on Yaz to help keep me upbeat and happy (coupled with my daily dose of Prozac) and to hopefully help me shed some weight and give me comfortable and short periods. So far, so good. High libido and no negative side effects except slight headache."

• Aut...
• September 5, 2019

For Birth Control "I was suffering from bad PMS from the day I ovulated to the day I finished bleeding. Bad pain, depression, mood swings. I've been on other hormones, but symptoms of depression and bloating would become worse. I also have PCOS. I started Yasmin with the intention to take it back to back to stop my period, and it has worked well for me. I feel happier and better in my moods, love not having a period, and I've got less facial hair. The only side effects are tender breasts (but this is lessening) and some headaches in the beginning. Also, the skin on my jaw gets a bit itchy, but other than that, it's been good: no weight gain or bloating. I'm aware of the risk of blood clots, I don't smoke and live an active lifestyle, so hoping this helps, as I would like to stay on this pill for as long as I can. I'm 33 and not planning a future pregnancy. If you have had bad reactions to other forms of contraception, it's worth a try. It's helped me a lot so far, where other hormones have made me feel worse."

• Col...
• March 12, 2019

For Birth Control "Personally, I don't think you should take into account the advice of people who only used it for a month when starting this product. Of course, within the first months, there will be some adjusting, breast size increased a little, experienced some nausea, and had some hyper mood changes. Now, I have 0 acne all the time, sex drive has not been particularly affected, have gained some weight but I wouldn't blame it on the pill, and my period is four days long. Unfortunately, there have been some notable side effects: minor headaches for like 5 seconds at a time that hurt a bit (not that often but noticeable), sharp pains in the abdomen during my period. The thing to watch out for, though, is the PMS. This drug really doesn't prevent it, and I think it ramps it up a bit. I hate ending every month realizing that I was being really irritable and upset and arguing with people the week before my period. I'm chill 90% of the time-except for that week."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 9, 2020

"I wasn’t able to get my usual birth control, so I used Yaz and had a terrible experience. I got bad anxiety and depression, headaches, nausea, moodiness, and I gained several pounds around my lower belly in a matter of weeks. I would not recommend this birth control."