Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Chl...
• September 26, 2015

For Birth Control "I didn't think there was a problem, no immediate reactions, 2 years, and I'd put on 15 lb without changing my lifestyle. My (mild) acne seemed to improve, and it was great being in control of my periods. Then I became moody, emotional, combative, and depressed. Really depressed. I had migraines, at least 3 attacks a month, I had hypertension. And because I had put on so much weight, I was trying to lose it, playing football 3 times a week and going to the gym 2 times a week, no big difference, and I ate less than my slim friends. I don't smoke. I had hypertension (185/135 being the highest reading). I stopped taking it, and now I feel better, lost 10kg, happier, blood pressure is normal. Now I have polycystic ovaries, I blame that pill."

• Cle...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 25, 2024

For Birth Control "I have been taking Yasmin/Ocella for more than 20 years. Ocella is the only Yasmin generic that doesn’t cause me any side effects. I have had such a positive experience taking this drug and terrible side effects when I’ve tried to change methods-weight gain, anxiety, unbearable cystic acne, all almost immediately on stopping. My only complaint is that it seems to be increasingly difficult for my pharmacy to keep this in stock and fill my orders in time."

• Kat...
• October 11, 2018

For Birth Control "Just finished my first pack of Ocella. I am pleased so far! This is the third birth control pill I have tried, the first two were nightmares. I quit the pill altogether for two years but decided to start up again with Ocella. I was on Kariva, then switched to Minastrin. I had awful weight gain with both. I didn't change my diet, it was all water weight that was lost within a week of stopping the pills. So far on Ocella, I have not gained any weight and do not feel bloated or puffy. I am assuming that has to do with the diuretic effect of the progestin, which I am all for if it keeps bloating at bay! The first few days of taking this pill, I had extreme nausea, but that went away. I also had a few headaches, but I got that before taking Ocella. Given my past experience, I was terrified of taking this pill. So far, it has been a breeze. I am hoping that it continues to be like this! Give it a shot and see how it works for you. If you have struggled with other pills in the past, this may be the one for you."

• Anonymous
• April 28, 2010

For Birth Control "I've tried just about every birth control in the book. Depo was by far the worst with over 15 lbs weight gain in a year, horrible acne, and leg cramps. Loestrin24 wasn't far behind with chronic exhaustion, zero sex drive, and depression. Ortho wasn't bad, but I did experience weight gain (about 5 lbs in a year). Yaz is by far my favorite, and I can say that both before having my first child and after. Yaz stabilized my pre-menstrual mood swings. I think it actually increased my sex drive post-pregnancy. I've had no weight issues and no acne problems. I think all the commercials about Yaz's side effects are bogus - every birth control is going to show correlations with some disease or another. I'd recommend Yaz in a heartbeat."

• Pri...
• April 4, 2008

For Birth Control "Out of all the birth control pills, this one is best! Gained some weight in the 'right' spots :) Less PMS, if any at all, lighter periods/flow. And this pill is safe enough to take for 3 consecutive months, so you can have your period only 4 times a year!!! That's so AWESOME!"

• NWa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 11, 2020

For Acne "I think it was really good for my acne, but the breast swelling and water weight gain made me dislike myself. I don’t know what to do, I stopped taking it a week ago, and I started breaking out again :("

• Ash...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 3, 2021

For Birth Control "Syeda worked on the positive side of the middle ground for me. Nothing notably amazing, but certainly nothing terrible. I do not recall any weight gain or changes in acne, affected my breast size only slightly (did experience some breast soreness during the first month or two, but was expected). The first month was a bit hectic emotionally. Periods were regulated, but cramps were only slightly lessened and periods did not decrease in length (stayed at my normal 4-5 days). I decided to go off of Syeda after I moved pharmacies and was unable to take it for a month. After getting off for that month, I recognized my mood/anxiety being noticeably better than when I was on. Maybe it was my own placebo, but I decided that I had probably not noticed the mood changes while on Syeda, and it was time to switch. Overall though, no complaints! Just was not the exact best fit for me."

• sad...
• February 24, 2020

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "This pill was great for the first couple of months. My acne cleared, which was a problem due to my PCOS, and my periods were finally regular. I could feel these mood swings coming on, but I felt like a demon. This all hit me full force after I passed the third month. I was irritated at the smallest things, zero libido, it was an out-of-body experience. My self-esteem plummeted to where I never wanted to even look at myself, severely depressed and anxious, which I have not struggled with in the past, and gained 15 pounds out of nowhere. I couldn’t go an hour without crying. One day I almost had to pull over while driving because I couldn’t breathe. The way these hormones hit me was a nightmare, I am never ever going back to the pill. I’ve done too much trial and error for this, it’s not worth my mental health/state of mind. One week off of it and I feel like myself again, thank goodness. Avoid Gianvi if you want to keep your brain the same!!!!"

• ann...
• October 23, 2016

For Birth Control "The only good things about Zarah 28 were that it helped me not get pregnant, my acne cleared up slightly, and my boobs grew. But ever since I started the birth control, my emotions have been out of control, and I haven't felt like my true self. I gained 20 pounds, my sex drive decreased significantly, and I've felt depressed ever since. The only way to express any of my emotions anymore is to cry, and it drives me insane! I do not recommend this drug, and I have recently decided to quit the drug and not switch to a new birth control to see if I become the happy person I used to be. I will post a new review after a few months of stopping the drug and talk about results."

• Lay...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 10, 2017

For Birth Control "I hated being on Yaz. It caused me to gain a lot of weight, so much so and so quickly it actually scared me. I was incredibly depressed and sad all the time, finding myself crying nearly every day, whereas I am normally a person who almost never cries or gets overly emotional. I had difficulty breathing and felt like my chest was weighed down. Anxiety and panic attacks became my daily norm. Another strange thing was it gave me little red bumps all over my face that weren't acne but just texture. I have been off Yaz for a year now, and I still have the red bumpy texture all over my face."

• Lol...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 11, 2019

For Birth Control "Ocella is my second birth control that I've tried in my life. The first one I took gave me acne, and it stuck with me even after I got off of it! So when the time came to get back on one, I was terrified something bad would happen. But Ocella is awesome!! No acne, no irregular periods, no rashes or anything weird, and no weight gain. The only downside is that when I first took it, I was a raging you-know-what, but you just have to learn to control your mood swings better. Other than that, I LOVE Ocella for the fact that it doesn't give me acne or make me gain weight."

• nur...
• February 14, 2009

For Birth Control "I have been on Yasmin since I was 15. My periods used to last 9-11 days, were heavy, and very painful. I can remember my mom keeping me out of school due to this. Not only was my cycle completely crazy, I had acne on my shoulders, upper back, and upper arms. Being in high school, something like this can be traumatizing. Anyway, after almost 6 years, I have been acne-free (maybe the occasional bump or 2) and 4-5 day easy periods! I did gain weight... but who knows if it was because of the birth control... like the lady said before, she gained in all the 'right' places so I can't complain about that one. I went up a whole size! I plan on taking this until I decide to make a little one (another 4 years hopefully)."

• Kat...
• February 7, 2017

For Birth Control "I've had nothing but positive experiences since I started taking Yaz in 2009. Clear skin, light or no periods, and of course, no babies. I haven't had any negative side effects like weight gain or mood swings."

• Cam...
• January 2, 2016

For Acne "This is a very good option for acne! I am 18 and I have had acne since around 7th grade. I did not know what exactly was causing my acne... hormones? The food I was eating? I was not sure, but I feel this pill was effective. I am also on Solodyn, which I love! And also I use Cetaphil to cleanse, then moisturize with the silver serum. My routine works very well for me; I have not gotten a pimple in a while; however, I have gotten small bumps along the way. Gaining weight was not a problem at all while taking this... I even think I lost weight. So I would recommend this and Solodyn; they definitely helped with my acne."

• ANA...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 1, 2019

For Birth Control "I've been taking Nikki for a couple of months now, and it helped my acne so well. I have taken Sprintec and Ortho Tri-Cyclen before, and none helped. Also, it has only 4 days of sugar pills, thus shorter, lighter, and painless periods. I love it! I sometimes skip those days to keep my skin clear because I tend to break out during period days. I also had very bad side effects with other pills, such as headaches, weight gain, etc. I haven't had any of these with Nikki."

• Cas...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 20, 2018

For Acne "Month two and my skin has cleared up by 80 percent combined with prescription face wash. I was looking at Accutane as the next option because I have tried everything including a vegan diet! However, it was cystic acne that was on my cheeks and around my mouth, which is very hormonal. I am 23 years old, and this started getting bad around 21-22. I have always hated birth control pills because of weight gain and side effects. However, I have gained no weight and do not have that bloated ring around the belly or waist. I also no longer have sleepless nights before my period. This has solved skin issues and sleeping issues for me without bad side effects. My breasts did increase in size, but for me, that is not a negative side effect. Sex drive has gone down, but hey, I am in grad school, and it helps me stay more focused on my studies...lololol. Overall, please ladies, give this a try. If your acne is hormonal, it's the only thing that saved me from having to undergo Accutane!"

• Anonymous
• August 20, 2019

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "So I was put on this pill about 4 months ago because I had lost my period for over 9-10 months due to rapid weight loss, and I had done everything to try and get it back, so the gynecologist put me on Yaz to force me to get my period. I think the pill is great, I don’t really experience a lot of the side effects except for a little weight gain, which I don’t know is from not going to the gym consistently like I used to or from water retention. But I have noticed that my boobs have grown like 2 sizes bigger. I also get headaches once in a while, but that’s not a big deal."

• Anonymous
• December 18, 2011

For Menstrual Disorders "For years, I never had a regular period. Sometimes they would even be 6 months apart. With a busy lifestyle, it is extremely hard to prepare for periods when it is unpredictable when they will be. With Yaz, I have an idea of when I get them, usually exactly a month apart. It also helps my acne, and I have not gained any weight. For anyone with irregular periods, use this product, it helps so much, and you won't regret it."

• Arr...
• March 3, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm currently still on Yaz because my mother won't let me off of it. I'm 18 and not using Yaz for contraception but for depression and anxiety, which I find horrendous that my doctor has kinda just gone, 'you're a female, it must be your period!' Idiot. However, Yaz was kind of working at the start, everything has gone downhill, and now in my fourth month of using it, I'm thinking of stopping taking them against my doctor and mother because my periods are irregular. I drink a lot of water, but I'm constipated daily. I have funny discharge, I've put on weight, I have headaches and feel dizzy. Closer to my period, I get sick and feel like vomiting, and I'm not happy. These pills don't help me how they're supposed to, they just hurt me."

• Ril...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 13, 2015

"I hate this birth control. I was originally taking Gianvi, which I absolutely loved because I didn't gain ANY weight. My acne cleared up, and I stayed slim. For some reason, my pharmacy switched me to Nikki, and in 2 months, I went from 121 to 143. I am 5'4" and I lift weights 5 days a week. I used to be defined/toned, and now I'm so bloated all the time I look fluffy and bulky. I do NOT like this birth control, and my skin does not like it either!! :("

• May...
• January 14, 2018

For Menstrual Disorders "I have been on this pill for over a year now. I have not had any negative side effects. No cramping or spotting or any weight gain. My bra size went from a 32B to a 32D, can't complain about that. I have endometriosis, and my periods without this pill were a painful nightmare. I was fainting due to the severity of my cramps, I was also vomiting due to the pain. I became anemic due to it too, but since going on this pill, it is a breeze. I usually skip the inactive pills and just not have a period, but when I do, it is about 3-4 days long with moderate cramping. Not as bad as before. I have no complaints or problems."

• ani...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 1, 2016

For Birth Control "Worse birth control ever! I had breast tenderness, vaginal dryness, 0 to none sex drive, mood swings, and weight gain. I was on this pill for 1 year before I thought it was ruining my relationship with my husband because I had no libido whatsoever and vaginal dryness. I experienced dry skin as well. My periods were long, 7-8 days / regular. I am now on a new pill, Lo Lolestrin Fe, I think it's called, and noticed a significant improvement. No breast swelling, no long periods, happier moods, not as angry or tired, and have regained my libido...I think even more than before I started taking birth control. It's amazing! Just in case someone has the same side effects as me on Zarah."

• PMD...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 15, 2023

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I have tried every single birth control out there, the depo shot, mini pill, ring, patch, sponge, you name it, I’ve tried it. They have all made me feel like I was losing my mind or would affect my moods severely. I gained weight on the depo, which didn’t help with my mental health issues. I finally saw a doctor and told them all of my concerns. They told me I was suffering from PMDD, and everything made sense. A couple of weeks before my period, I would turn into Wolverine. It wasn’t good for me or my family, especially my partner, because I would pick fights, literally for no reason. I have been on YAZ for one month now, and I was hesitant because of some of the negative reviews. But I took the risk and am so glad I did. I did not get my period, my acne is disappearing (I have severe bacne), I can speak calmly to my kids if they’re acting out, and I haven’t argued with my partner. I can sleep again! You just need to try everything until you find the perfect BC. It’s YAZ for me."

• Slp...
• January 20, 2016

For Acne "I've been on Yaz for about 4 months now. I tried the generic Gianvi, but it was seriously like taking rage pills, so now I'm using the brand name even though insurance doesn't cover it. I started taking Yaz to help with my skin because I was breaking out really bad. I noticed a significant difference in my skin within the first month, and now my skin is completely clear with the exception of the occasional bump or two around my period. I get the typical mood swings around my period, but nothing too crazy. I have noticed I feel a little more anxious since I've started taking it, but it isn't extreme. My boobs are much more full now, which I like, but I have gained a little weight (about 3-5 pounds), which has proven hard to get rid of."

• Kay...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 19, 2018

For Acne "Before going on this BC, I was suffering from depression, major hair loss, painful and irregular periods. Within that year, I was diagnosed with PCOS and a hormone imbalance (increased testosterone). The doctor put me on Yaz to increase my estrogen. As soon as I went on Yaz, I felt a major change in my mood and energy levels. I was underweight due to the depression, and I gained 5 lbs. My breast size also increased (from a 32B to 32DD). I just felt so much better and balanced. I haven’t had any negative side effects unless weight gain is negative for you. Highly recommend to get your hormones tested before going on this pill. I don’t think you should take it if your estrogen levels are already high. Good luck!"