Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol and Weight Gain: What Users Say

• Dan...
• October 16, 2020

For Birth Control "By far my favorite birth control I have ever taken. I have been on the pill since I was 16 (22 now) due to heavy periods and to help with my acne. I was on Loryna from 16 to 19 years old, then tried the Kyleena IUD, which was a nightmare for me. I ended up getting it removed after 6 months and went right back to Loryna. I have been the same weight since I was 16, and the IUD caused me to gain 5 to 8 pounds within 6 months, but my weight went right back to normal when I went back on Loryna. My skin rarely ever has any acne on it, and the best part... I haven’t gotten my period in 2 years on this pill! Ignore the scary reviews and give it a try!"

• 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."

• Ell...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 20, 2020

For Birth Control "I'm on Yasmin for 3 years. 3 very long years. I started on Yaz and had it for a year and had breakthrough bleeding, so I was told to go onto Yasmin. Well, I've gained two stone. Skin is spotty around the time of the month, which never used to happen. I cry if I'm tired or angry. I cry if something happens that wasn't supposed to. I'm very emotional. I've had enough of it now and am changing the pill after my break. My sex drive? Nonexistent. My mood swings? Dangerous. My body? Fat and tired."

• JB3...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 1, 2013

For Birth Control "I've been experimenting with different brands of birth control for 15 years. I took every pill under the sun, including the shot but always suffered terrible side effects from nausea and vomiting, to crazy mood swings, depression, anxiety and weight gain. Yaz is the ONLY pill I've been able to tolerate. I have very minimal side effects (some breast tenderness, occasional spotting). My skin looks great, I have more energy, I haven't gained a single pound, my periods are light, I still have a sex drive, and my emotions are not all over the place. I get that everyone is different and what works for some may be a nightmare for others, but if you've not been able to tolerate any other brands I'd give Yaz a try."

• ani...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 29, 2021

For Birth Control "DO NOT TAKE Syeda! During Covid-19, my pharmacy switched me to Syeda from Ocella. I didn’t think anything of it. Oh boy, was I wrong. Gained 20 lbs FAST, had severe acne, and crazy depression and anxiety. Thought it was all due to Covid-19 stress. However, from doing my research, I am now learning Syeda messed me up! Throwing it out now."

• Ell...
• April 7, 2018

For Birth Control "Trying Yasmin for the first time and honestly, I was freaked out by all the bad reviews on the web! But a review from someone (a nurse) said everyone's body is different so you can't rely on others, and besides, people usually feel the need to write reviews when things are bad, and don't bother when it's good. So, I'm gonna give it justice. I've tried it for 2 weeks, expecting all these depression, mood swings, nausea, weight gain, loss of sexual desire, and all other things people say happen to them... to happen, but NO, nothing changed at all! All those did not happen at all! I know I only tried it for 2 weeks, but this review is to tell you all ladies out there, just try it; if your body 'matches' with the pill (like mine I guess, I hope it will continue like this), it feels amazing because you have the safety without any side effects!"

• Kat...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 15, 2019

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "Yasmin (brand name only) has been a miracle drug for me. I have PCOS, and when I'm not on it, I gain weight, have severe acne on my back and chest, grow excess hair on my body, lose hair on my head, and I'm super lethargic. When I'm on Yasmin, all of these symptoms go away. I will go on it again as soon as I can!"

• Sav...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 16, 2019

For Acne "I was on this medication for 3 years, and I love it. It was the first birth control I tried. I haven’t had any negative symptoms. I had gone on Loryna because of my cystic acne and for the cysts in my ovaries. I didn’t experience any nausea or weight gain. I actually lost weight on it. I used to have panic attacks almost every day, and those stopped too. I’ve recommended 3 of my friends on this birth control, and they have the same experience as me. It completely cleared my acne (it was my last thing to try before I went on Accutane), and I don’t regret it."

• Ann...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 18, 2020

For Birth Control "My doctor recommended this birth control to regulate my period. I was on this for about 3 months, I gained 10+ pounds from this birth control and cried nearly every day about the smallest things. I was so emotional and depressed. I have taken about 5 other birth controls in the past, and they have never given me any side effects like this. I strongly do not recommend."

• Sus...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 24, 2020

For Birth Control "Highly do not recommend Yasmin. Advantages - no pregnancy, lighter periods. Disadvantages - weight gain, bigger breasts, no sex drive, decrease in hair quality. Within the first three months, I already had a UTI and a yeast infection, which I’ve never had before in the past. Overall bad for me, I started being way more anxious and stressed out, felt like it was way more difficult to be happy at all. Do not recommend at all! Feel so stupid as I didn’t link any of my symptoms till now, even though I only started having these issues after the pill."

• Lol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 16, 2014

For Birth Control "Mood improved dramatically, PMT gone! Completely, and this was becoming a problem as I'm 40, it seemed to be getting worse. I've lost a few pounds and find it easier to keep my weight down, it must be the diuretic and no fluid retention. Bigger breasts, a bit tender but better with time, I've been on it nearly 3 months now. Libido maybe even better, as I feel happier. This is by far the best pill I've been on, and I didn't take the pill for years because of the effects of weight gain and libido. I've tried Mirena twice, awful, mini pill, mini pill injection, cap, and coil. Finally found one that suits, now my GP won't prescribe it! I will try family planning."

• hol...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 27, 2020

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I started taking Nikki mainly for my PMDD. I used to get it so bad the 2 weeks leading up to my period-extreme anxiety about everything, panic attacks, zero energy or motivation, suicidal ideation, and even attempts. I was seriously considering dropping out of university and getting my uterus removed before finally getting prescribed Nikki! It took around 4 months to really notice any difference, but I’ve been on it for about a year now and my mental health has never been better! I feel like a normal person now. Also, I used to have cystic acne (even Accutane didn’t clear it up), but Nikki has made my skin amazing. I haven’t noticed much weight gain or hair loss either. I also skip the placebo pills, so I don’t get my period, and it works perfectly for that."

• Joa...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 10, 2014

For Birth Control "I was taking Yaz for almost 7 years, and I loved it! My weight never changed, my skin was beautiful, normal sex drive, no cramps, 3-4 days periods. In 2013, I saw some weird spots on my face, after the consultation with a doc, it turned out to be melasma (nothing dangerous, but it doesn't look good). One of the most common causes is oral birth control. It wasn't the Yaz, just birth control with a higher amount of progestin. I switched to Mirena, and that was the worst decision ever! Acne, mood changes, gained 20 pounds in 3 weeks. I'm going back on the pill this month, and we will see how it goes, I will post about it in about 6 months."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 15, 2020

For Birth Control "I get my prescription sent to my pharmacy via Nurx. I was on Gianvi for a little over 2 years when all of a sudden my pharmacy stopped carrying it, didn’t inform me, and switched me to Loryna. I’ve been taking it for almost 2 months, and I was absolutely miserable. I have PCOS, and while I was taking Gianvi, my periods only lasted maybe 3 or 4 days. While I’ve been on Loryna, my latest cycle has been 2 weeks+!!! I also gained a little bit of weight, which I’ve never had an issue with weight gain while on Gianvi. So I asked my pharmacy if I could get Gianvi elsewhere, and they gave me another location to pick up from that DOES carry Gianvi. So I switched back today and am hoping it gets everything back to my “normal” again. I DO NOT recommend Loryna."

• Ema...
• April 27, 2020

For Birth Control "I was on the pill Loryna for a year and finally got off of it. I was on it originally for acne and then for the birth control aspect. I have never felt so anxious or depressed in my life. I continued to blame my irrational emotions and physical appearance on circumstances in my life but had no idea that this was primarily due to this prescription. I gained weight, which was really weird for me because I was a college athlete, working out 2-3 times a day. I began to develop some pain in my left breast, eventually getting an ultrasound because my doctor was concerned by some lumps that she felt. The radiologist told me that I had an extreme amount of extra breast tissue due to this prescription. I had panic attacks on a daily basis and nightmares almost every night. I highly recommend not taking this. I wish someone would have warned me about everything I was about to go through."

• Ema...
• February 23, 2021

For Acne "I think Loryna is a good birth control! I was VERY nervous to start it because of all the bad reviews. But birth control affects everyone differently! I was previously taking Junel 1.5/30, and it was making me very hungry, and I was gaining a bit of weight. It was also making me unmotivated (also may have been because of the pandemic and everything going on in the world), but nothing too drastic. Junel was just an 'ehh' type of pill. Then I switched to Loryna, and I noticed the first day of taking it, I felt a little sensitive and a little more moody. But the moodiness went away the second day. I saw a lot of reviews about nausea, but I DID NOT experience nausea. I also look A LOT LESS bloated! I also weighed a few pounds less! My skin is nice and clear, and I feel good! I think Loryna is a good pill, it helps clear up your skin, and it's good if you don't want to gain weight. Loryna also helped with the vaginal itchiness in my pubic area from my previous pill (from the high estrogen dose)."

• Nin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 29, 2013

For Birth Control "I've been on many birth controls trying to find the right one for me. I was on Apri a couple of years ago, which gave me very bad anxiety, so after that I switched to Tri-Sprintec. This pill didn't cause any anxiety, but my skin broke out so terribly on it! My third and final switch was to 'Yaz', at the pharmacy, I was handed the generic Gianvi. I spent hours reading reviews and was a little nervous to start taking these pills, but they have been great. My skin has completely cleared up, I never break out at all anymore. I had no mood changes or anxiety, nor weight gain. This pill is sensitive with regards to breakthrough bleeding, if just one pill is missed, you can expect spotting the next day. Otherwise, an AWESOME pill! Highly recommend!"

• 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."

• lan...
• November 14, 2019

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I've been struggling to find a pill that works for me for ages. I get anxiety about getting side effects like weight gain and depression, as I have experienced them before on Levlin and Yasmin. The doc suggested Yaz due to its lower dose. I have had minimal side effects so far and feel pretty great on it, except that I have been bleeding for the past 2 months. Sometimes it's really light (spotting) and others not so much. I'm hoping that if I wait it out, my periods will become more regular. After hearing so many negative comments about Yaz, I asked my doc about the blood clots, and she said that all pills increase the risk of blood clots and that it's just because Yaz is a newer pill, it's getting more attention. Also, you are at a much, much higher risk of getting a blood clot if you are pregnant. Everyone's hormones are different, so if this pill works for you, then great, if not, then try another one."

• 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!"

• Ano...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 27, 2015

For Birth Control "Been on Yasmin for 5 years. Always had brain fog. Gained 50 lbs. Lost hair. Stressed. Appetite went way up. Recently decided to go off the pill. After the period, I instantly felt better. Sex drive is coming back. Just feel good. Hope it keeps up, but I'm not going back."

• Anonymous
• December 11, 2011

For Menstrual Disorders "I have taken this pill for 7 years, and my gyno recommended a lower dose pill (Yaz). Yasmin has done wonders for PCOS symptoms of acne, weight gain, and overall mood issues. I am 45 years old and do not smoke. Overall, it has been an amazing pill."

• Anonymous
• November 5, 2009

For Acne "I have been on Yaz for a year, and it has been a good pill for me. I originally started taking it because of acne. I really used to think that my skin was a hopeless case, and I never even wanted to leave the house. It took about 2 months to see any real improvements in my skin, but after the third month, I completely stopped breaking out, and now I can't even remember the last time I had a pimple or a breakout when I used to break out every single day, and I'm talking bad acne all over my face. This pill has been wonderful in curing my acne, but the only complaint I have is that it caused me to gain weight quickly: 130 to 145 (in 4 months), and now my thighs and hips are covered in stretch marks. My advice is to work out regularly and eat right."

• I...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 7, 2020

"It’s been almost 2 years on the pill (Yaz). I started taking Yaz because of my period and acne. I would bleed so heavily I could never control it, horrible back pain and cramps. I also had acne so bad I hated going anywhere. After about 6 months to a year being on the pill, my acne cleared up, and I just was getting small pimples every once in a while. I gained weight in my butt, sides, and thighs. Now, being on the pill for 2 years, I have realized how much it has affected me emotionally. Every month at the end of my pack, I get very depressed and cry for reasons I can’t explain. The depression and crazy mood swings affected me, my parents, and my boyfriend. I’m not myself, and I’m not sure what to do. I feel like if I talk to my doctor about it, I’m gonna have to be taken off the pill, and what if my acne comes back and my period gets bad? At this point, I don’t care. I’m tired of not being me and feeling depressed. Any help?"

• Bib...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 10, 2013

For Birth Control "I LOVE GIANVI! No mood swings, no weight gain, it's helped my acne, it controls my appetite, and my breasts have actually gotten bigger. I have been on and off Gianvi for three years now (I tried different birth controls here and there, but I always come back to Gianvi because it has always been the best for me), and it's absolutely free! I definitely recommend it, but like always, everyone is different."