Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Br3...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 5, 2016

For Birth Control "I have only been on this for a month. I am one of the several of you ladies who are going through the agonizing trial and error for the 'perfect' birth control. Zarah seemed perfectly fine when it came to controlling my mood swings and not getting me pregnant! BUT, I have gained weight, and on my period week, my flow was very heavy and crampy, plus it lasted the whole 7 days... eww, I am not used to that. I also did take note of how it affected my sex life. I still wanted sex, but noticed I had a very hard time trying to orgasm. Sorry if that's too much info, but I personally like knowing how the birth control affects my sex life. I hope some of this info helps. Don't give up, ladies!"

• Miz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 15, 2020

For Acne "Ok, so I want to start off by saying I was prescribed Ocella, but was given by my pharmacy a generic version of it. I was a little uneasy and nervous to take it because my previous experience with another birth control (Tri Lo Sprintec) was horrible! I broke out so bad all over one side of my face and chin and experienced the worst mood swings in my life. However, with Ocella, it has been smooth sailing. I’m barely starting my third pack, and my face has gotten so much better. I did gain about 5 pounds since being on this BC, however, that could definitely be from a lifestyle change. I would suggest a healthy diet/exercise as a good solution. I realized the pounds aren’t hard to lose if you eat right and run. For BC use, I wanna say it’s working because I haven’t gotten pregnant, but I don’t wanna jinx it. So, with that being said, good luck, ladies, I wish you the very best. May the odds be ever in your favor."

• 123...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 11, 2016

For Birth Control "I don't usually review anything online, but I really feel like I need to share my experience with this pill. I was on Yasmin for a year and a half, and although superficially it was okay (no weight gain, no acne, etc.), mentally I went crazy, and this seems to be the case for a lot of women. I was anxious, my mind was foggy, I was snappy and overly aggressive (which is very unlike me), and generally just didn't feel myself. I then spoke to a doctor following an anxiety breakdown, and they said it could've been due to my pill. I recently changed from Yasmin to another pill, and it has changed my life. I FINALLY feel myself again, and I've realized how much Yasmin messed me up. I would not recommend this pill or experience to anyone."

• Vic...
• June 17, 2021

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I started Yasmin as I read that it helped with severe PMS and didn’t cause weight gain. In short, I thought I was dying when taking this. A list of the symptoms I was experiencing, which have gone since I stopped taking it: Extreme fatigue (big into my fitness and I couldn’t do a 10-minute walk at times), extreme emotions (crying, depression) whilst feeling numb and disconnected, joint pain, knees especially, muscle pain and shooting pains in arms and legs. DOMS would last 5 days instead of 1 day. Weight gain - over a stone, constant nausea, night sweats, anxiety and chest pains, regular heart palpitations, declining kidney function, painful, swollen feet, bleeding under the skin, bad headaches, sore eyes and blurred vision, hair loss and brittle, broken nails. Please reconsider taking this pill, I think it’s awful. Now on the copper IUD and I’ll take the very painful periods any day over how I felt on Yasmin."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 22, 2016

For Birth Control "Worst pill. Went on it for around 5 months, and it made my life a living hell. Almost immediately, I experienced an annoying, impossible-to-get-rid-of weight gain. Went from a B cup to a D/DD cup, depending on the time of the month. I also experienced some serious bloating around my stomach and could not get rid of it. Around the same time, I also became incredibly moody. As the months went on, this only got worse. Along with my moodiness, I became anxious, depressed, and found that my libido had disappeared completely. Ultimately, I felt as if I had become a different person completely and decided to toss my remaining packs. While my weight and mood went back to normal, my libido took forever to reappear, and I still feel it's not the same."

• Anonymous
• November 6, 2009

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I started taking this - before, I was very moody - caused a lot of fights with my boyfriend from mood swings. I suffer from depression, PKD, POD, etc. I took the medication, and within the first month, I noticed I wasn't as moody. I'm also very overweight - lost 30 pounds the first 2 months (granted, I ate healthy and exercised, but what a boost - POD is a heavy cause for weight gain). My hair also didn't grow as fast, so I didn't have to shave as often, and I was a lot happier in the end. I've been told to switch to another one, and I'm very, very hesitant to do so - only due to this not being recommended for kidney disease."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 14, 2013

For Birth Control "At first, I really loved Yaz. There was little to no weight gain, it didn't make me have any mood swings. I've been taking it for 7 months, and for the last 4 months, I've noticed a decrease in sex drive, very, very little lubrication, and I haven't gotten my period for the last 3 months... which is a scary thing. On top of that, I started bleeding during intercourse. Each month, I went to the gyno to see what was wrong, I took a pregnancy test there each month, and every test came out negative. I got looked at and got other tests done, and everything came out negative and normal. I've now been very tired and irritable lately, and the doctors still don't seem to know exactly what's wrong, which is very stressful. I'm now switching to NuvaRing."

• Pix...
• April 13, 2017

For Birth Control "Best hormonal contraception I've tried. Originally used the cheap Levlen brand, which made me emotional and gain weight. Also tried Implanon, the arm implant, but continually spotted for a year before having it removed. Nurse prescribed Yaz for me after an unwanted pregnancy. It made my periods lighter and shorter, and not as painful; I have no side effects or mood swings; my skin is clearer, and I haven't added any weight because of it. I like that it has 24 active pills and I often skip periods. The only downside is the price - it's quite expensive in Australia."

• Can...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 19, 2014

For Birth Control "Upon requesting a Yaz prescription from my doctor, I was initially concerned as I was very nauseous and threw up a few times in the morning during the first week. Nonetheless, I remained on Yaz, and I am certainly glad that I did. I do not suffer from any acne with the exception of the couple of days preceding my period (minor and unpreventable chin acne due to hormones/menstruation). It's highly effective in preventing pregnancy, and I have not noticed any weight gain. In fact, I felt thinner when I first began taking it. I do not experience any physical pain or health issues (I recently turned 21, I do not smoke, and I am very slim and active). Overall, Yaz is great."

• KCa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 9, 2013

For Birth Control "I switched to this after taking Yaz for years due to cost. Under the Affordable Health Care Act, BCBS offered me Gianvi for free, whereas I had to pay $50 for Yaz. After 6 months, I'd pay anything to switch back. Since going on Gianvi, I've seen considerable weight gain (some attributable to lifetime changes), but I now experience uncontrollable bouts of anger that near the level of rage. My sex drive is virtually non-existent, and my skin isn't nearly as clear as it was on Yaz. I switched back as of today. The only upside... after dealing with my increasingly awful personality for the past few months, my boyfriend is still around. Guess the Gianvi was confirmation that man really does love me!"

• Anonymous
• April 17, 2010

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I was given Yaz because of my PMDD and misplaced ovaries that made ovulation exceptionally painful. My friend and her mother were instantly concerned because of my friend's bad experience with Yaz. She had migraines, anxiety, and gained a lot of weight on it. I fared much better than my friend. My acne didn't go away, but it's not as bad. My ovaries aren't hurting nearly as much, I don't have any more cramps, my mood swings are much more manageable, and my periods aren't all over the map anymore (the doctor actually laughed when I showed him the calendar I used to track it!). I have gained weight on Yaz. I'm going to guess I've gained about 1/2 a pound, and that is in my boobs. I am finally out of an A cup, and I am thrilled about it!"

• Val...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 15, 2014

For Birth Control "It is the most amazing medicine for birth control I ever used. I actually didn't use anything else except Yaz, never switched to another birth control pill. The only side effect is that I gained weight, but that's nothing compared to how amazingly it works. I also got all the acne gone, and I have regular periods."

• ElN...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 26, 2024

For Birth Control "With my previous experience with coc birth control, I was a bit dubious. I’d gained so much weight and developed awful acne on Microgynon. I’m really thankful I was able to get on Yasmin. I’d been struggling with PCOS and its side effects, but I didn’t realize how bad it had gotten. After just a week on Yasmin, I’ve noticed my skin is so soft, my hair is growing back, my skin feels plump, I’m losing weight mostly from my arms and stomach, and I genuinely feel mentally balanced in a way I hadn’t been in a very long time. I’m so taken aback by how great it’s been so far, and I really hope this lasts."

• Loa...
• April 21, 2019

For Birth Control "Started Yaz about 6 months ago for endometriosis pain control. Right away, I became emotional, anxious, and depressed with super dark thoughts. My doctor told me that it takes about 3 months to level out your hormones. Two weeks ago, I started having side effects that I didn't even realize were because of the birth control until I started reading other reviews. I'm 29 years old, work out 5 days a week, skinny, etc. I've become constipated, bloated, gaining weight, hungry all the time, extremely exhausted, mood swings, angry at everyone and everything, depressed, anxious, obsessive bad thoughts, hot flashes and sweating, breakthrough bleeding, etc. I have my period every 3 months on this, but my first period after the 3 months is the heaviest period I've ever had in my life. Not to be graphic, but it was flowing out of me like an endless waterfall. Soaked through super tampons in 15-20 minutes. I'm miserable and would rather risk my endometriosis pain coming back than dealing with this. Not taking another day of this pill."

• Lan...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 15, 2020

For Birth Control "I live in Korea, and had to switch from my Ortho Tri-Cyclen in the US to Yaz here in Korea. I went to a doctor to talk about it, and she suggested Yaz as it was fairly close to what I had been taking in the States. I got it for 6 months, and now that I'm nearing the end, I am thinking more seriously about finding something else. The biggest side effect for me is the decrease in my libido. I went from desiring intimacy with my fiancé almost every day to never, within a month of starting Yaz. It was an extreme loss of sexual desire that I am 100% sure was due to Yaz. I also gained a few pounds and have not been able to lose it. I did start to notice more extreme mood shifts towards the end of each cycle as well. Feeling depressed, fatigue, and anxiety every 4 weeks is tough on me. I am nervous about switching to something else because I have only ever taken Ortho Tri-Cyclen pills, but Yaz is just not for me in the long run."

• mon...
• May 20, 2013

For Birth Control "I've been on it for 2 months now. I switched to Ocella to treat moderate acne. So far, I have noticed a slight decrease in breakouts, but also noticed I have no self-control over what I eat anymore and have gained weight. I am an active person, and I have noticed a change in weight. Also, very moody, and I have a short temper and am very moody. I snap at everyone, even at work."

• Anonymous
• September 12, 2009

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I was placed on Yaz in May and taken off of Sprintec because of extreme joint swelling. At first, Yaz was great. I had no complaints the first month, then the weight gain started. I have been 120 lbs my whole adult life and went to 130 lbs within days into the second pack. By August (just months), I slipped into a depression with extreme hopelessness and could not stop crying. I also noticed that my skin was getting oily. I called my doctor, and they placed me back on my old pills. Within a week, my mood has improved, I'm not crying uncontrollably, and my skin is normal again. The pharmacist stated that women either love Yaz or they hate it. Too bad it didn't work for me, I am very glad to be off of it."

• Anonymous
• January 24, 2012

For Birth Control "I recently switched from Yasmin to Gianvi by accident (I thought I was on Yaz instead of Yasmin and asked my doctor for the wrong pill). After reading reviews of Gianvi, I was really scared to start taking it. Many reviews mentioned increased acne, weight gain, mood swings, and heavy periods. I have been taking Gianvi for 4 months now and have had no negative side effects. I have no acne, I lost 5 pounds, my periods last only 3 days and are very light, and I have had no problems with my mood. I actually feel better than I did on Yasmin. Each pill works differently for each person, and there are people with positive experiences with Gianvi."

• fli...
• August 20, 2009

For Birth Control "I have been taking Yaz for around 5 months and am absolutely miserable. I felt fine over the first two months, and eventually, the side effects reared their ugly head. I have never weighed this much in my life, I gained about 20 pounds. I cry every night and am extremely irritable, especially to my poor boyfriend, who does not deserve any of it. I was on Loestrin 24 Fe for around 2 years, worked as a birth control pill, didn't gain any weight, was able to lose weight, wasn't moody, only had slight acne... which is why my gynecologist put me on Yaz. I'd rather have terrible acne than feel the way I do on this pill."

• Car...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 11, 2021

For Acne "I’m 23 and been on Yaz for 4 months. I went on it for acne, and my face is clearing up, but I am also on other acne medication. Other birth controls have caused me weight gain, depression, and mood swings. I have lost weight on Yaz, and my mood seems stable, which is good. My boobs have grown a ton, even with the weight loss, they’ve grown at least a cup size. (Disclaimer: I dieted and exercised to lose the weight, the medicine didn’t make me lose it.) The only negative side effect is that once I started my period, I have been bleeding/spotting for almost two months now. Hopefully, that will regulate with time. So far, it’s the best BC I’ve ever taken."

• J25...
• July 16, 2009

For Birth Control "I have had horrible mood swings and have gained weight. I never know when or if I'm going to get my period, and my poor husband has had to deal with my mood swings. I was on Ortho-Tri-Cyclen-Lo for 2 years before this and never had a problem. I'm changing back."

• Anonymous
• October 4, 2011

For Acne "For the first month and a half, I was extremely hungry and gained weight, although I did not realize it and just blamed it on the pill. I was also very tired. Then the hunger pains went away, and I started to gain my energy back, so I naturally lost weight. The acne started to go away, but now, almost finished with the third pack, I am having a flare-up. It is probably normal, and I just need to give it some more time. Overall, I am very happy with this pill, and I have been on a few."

• hap...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 4, 2014

For Birth Control "Zarah is officially my favorite birth control I've tried. Other pills and the NuvaRing gave me very bad side effects (acne, moodiness, weight gain), but I've been taking Zarah now for almost 3 months, and I've experienced no bad side effects. It has only enhanced my life! My periods are now much shorter (3-4 days long) and lighter, my skin has been clearer than usual, and since taking Zarah, I have had absolutely no period cramps, which I used to get very badly. This pill also doesn't affect my mood or weight. When I was on NuvaRing, my emotions immediately went crazy, and I felt paranoid about everything, so I am very glad to have found something that doesn't turn me into an emotional wreck! Love Zarah, can't say a bad thing about it."

• Ken...
• November 9, 2019

For Acne "I have been on this birth control for a little over a month. It has cleared up my acne a lot. If I forget to take a pill that night, I take it right away the next morning, and I don't have any breakthrough bleeding. I feel like my moods have calmed down a little, but I do get upset kind of easily after starting this pill. I also have noticed barely any weight gain, but my breasts became fuller after starting this pill."

• KBa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 28, 2018

For Birth Control "If I could give this a zero and wipe the pill off the earth forever, I would. I was on Yaz until March, I had an issue with my insurance and got switched to Nikki. I already have anxiety and depression, all of which were completely under control at the time I switched to Nikki. The first few months were fine with no side effects. About six months ago, my attitude took an insane turn, my anxiety and depression had reached levels I could not handle anymore. I kept putting it off, thinking I was finally just at my breaking point. And now, exactly one and a half months ago, I have not stopped bleeding/spotting. Seriously, not even for one day has it stopped. The past six months I've gained nearly 10 pounds because I can not stop eating, the hunger cravings will not go away. I finally looked up all the reviews I possibly could and I'm now seeing how many people are saying the same thing happened to them."