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

• 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."

• kt8...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 13, 2014

For Birth Control "I've been taking Ocella for 6 months. First birth control I've ever been on, and I haven't had any major problems. I used to have terrible cramps during my period with a very heavy flow, and now it's wicked light and virtually no cramps! Didn't have any moody side effects and no weight gain."

• Kay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 11, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been on this pill for 3 months, and so far, it has been fairly good. Pros: - regular periods - low cramping - PMDD not as bad - doesn't cause acne - no crazy mood swings - prevents pregnancy, as it should! Cons: - weight gain/ difficulty losing weight - massive breast size increase (good for some people, but not me) - headaches during placebo week - mild stomach upset on the first day of resuming medicated pills. I am guessing that the lack of real effectiveness on my acne is due more to my weight rather than the pill itself. Hopefully, after a few more months, it will be better!"

• Gis...
• December 23, 2020

For Birth Control "I have been on Yasmin for about 5 years because I experienced horrible cramps due to cysts. At first, I gained weight, but then after, I lost it. My cramp pain decreased, and it regulated my period. I didn't experience acne, but I did have constant breast tenderness. After so many years of taking it, I stopped because I was experiencing bad headaches. Now I'm currently looking for different birth control."

• Ano...
• August 8, 2019

For Acne "I am 20 now and started taking Yaz when I was 15. I had terrible acne, not just painful cystic acne, but also tiny bumps all over my face. After about 3 months of me taking it, my acne cleared completely. I still had occasional cystic pimples on my chin, but nothing like it used to be. I used to have bird legs, and after taking it for about a year, my thighs and butt blew up. I also gained weight in my stomach (not a terrible amount, but still noticeable) and would be bloated all the time. I feel like I was more emotional on the pill. About 3 months ago, I decided to stop taking it. A lot of my acne has come back, and my hair has been shedding like crazy. I’ve read a couple of things online about the hair thinning being normal after taking yourself off the pill. The hair thinning and acne has gotten pretty bad within the last month that I’m really considering going back on the pill."

• Ksu...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 27, 2015

For Birth Control "I started taking Yaz almost 3 months ago. I was put on Yaz for hormonal acne (chin and jawline). I've had terrible experiences with birth control, weight gain, acne, mood swings, etc. I was nervous to start Yaz. Within a week, my acne was completely gone! I did not experience any mood swings or weight gain! No 'hungry all the time feeling.' I was beyond excited. I started my 2nd pack, and my face lit up like never before. Probably the worst breakouts I've ever had. I just finished my 2nd pack, and my face is finally clearing up. I'm just dealing with the aftermath from the breakouts (purple blue spots). I'm guessing my body was just getting used to the hormones. I'll check back in after month 3! Hopefully, it will continue to clear up!"

• 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."

• Anonymous
• November 11, 2009

For Birth Control "I started out on Yasmin but had to switch to Ocella since I have no prescription coverage. Between the two, I was on them for over 2 years. In that time, I gained 20 pounds. After I switched to Ocella, while I was taking it, my moods were level, but the first day without the pill, I felt completely out of control of my emotions and on an emotional roller coaster to the point of having to leave work a few times, which is not me at all! Once I got my period, it was better, but I didn't look forward to the next month. After a crazy month of breakthrough bleeding, emotional ups and downs, and feeling like I was going crazy, I asked my doctor to switch me to something else. My sister had the same symptoms within a month or two, and so did friends."

• foo...
• September 2, 2009

For Birth Control "I have been using Yaz for almost 3 years now. I have no mood swings, and my acne cleared completely. I get one or two zits before I get my regular period once a month. I gained a few pounds, but it can be fixed. I am 20 years old, and I have no mood swings. Sex drive is the same, and I love this pill. I used to be on the NuvaRing for a year, but it made me moody. So Yaz is the best thing ever invented to reduce human overpopulation!"

• 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."

• Meg...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 20, 2021

For Birth Control "I was 19 years old when I had to have an emergency life-saving surgery as a cyst burst in my stomach. My stomach was filled with blood, and I had no idea about my condition. After I recovered, I was prescribed a pill that made me feel very ill, gained weight, and was hungry all the time. When I was introduced to Yasmin, it literally saved my life. I lost all the weight I put on in no time, as it regulated my appetite, made me feel happier, gave me more energy, resulted in no painful periods, and regulated my periods. I was taking it for about a year, and I fully recovered and got pregnant 2 years later with a healthy baby boy. I haven't had problems since."

• Kat...
• February 25, 2014

For Birth Control "I have been on Ocella for a year now. I used to take Yaz, which is in the family, and loved it. I have definitely gained weight and am having a hard time losing it. My moods are fine, I don't feel sick at all. I actually feel very normal. The downs I found, besides the weight, are that I have zero sex drive, and I do get chest pains."

• Dis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 26, 2018

For Birth Control "Last year, I had to start the pill due to an irregular menstrual cycle. My gynecologist recommended I take this brand for 6 months. I was always the happiest and brightest person. I would be the one to cheer people up and make their day. This pill gave me depression. It took away my identity. I was on it for 4 months, and I would have extreme mood swings every single day. I had to stop taking it due to severe spotting for the last 2 months of it. I would bleed every day and a heavy amount too. I gained so much weight (10-15 pounds) and was very bloated. My appetite was amplified to the max. There wasn’t a single moment when I didn’t have food in my mouth. I tried to stay on Yaz, but it was an absolute disaster. I didn’t realize why these awful changes were happening to me. After I got off of it due to heavy spotting, I realized my mood improved. This pill ruined my life. I still have depression, and I resent this brand for giving it to me."

• YP2...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 24, 2021

For Birth Control "Favorite birth control of all time! I originally switched to Ocella when my insurance quit covering Yasmin, and I’ve been on it for 10 years now! After 10 years, I started having some brown spotting, so I may start to look elsewhere, but virtually no problems with anything on this pill. It makes me feel “normal.” I’ve had a really good experience with this pill! Period very regular and light, no mood swings, acne, or weight gain!"

• KCa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 14, 2018

For Birth Control "My pharmacy switched me over from Gianvi to Nikki. Since taking Nikki, which has been for about 4 months now, my once clear skin has become a playground for acne. Not only is my skin a problem, but my periods, my horrible cramps have come back, and I never know when it's coming. One of the main reasons for being on birth control is to regulate my cycle and also help with my PMDD. I plan things around when my cycle will be, and with this I have had to miss wax appointments because my period just shows up randomly. Can't forget to add the headaches, nausea, weight gain, blurred vision, and the biggest problem being mood swings and aggression it has caused me. I have found myself becoming increasingly aggressive, and that's not me. Thank goodness I went and saw my doctor last week, and I have now been switched back to Gianvi. I can't wait to feel back to normal again."

• MAa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 26, 2020

For Acne "I went on Ocella about a year ago (freshman year of college, 18) to help with my hormonal acne that I had been struggling with since I was 15. I immediately noticed that I felt a lot more depressed/moody, but I was also adjusting to college. Three months in, my acne was the worst it had ever been, but I decided to stick it out. Suddenly, around 4-5 months, it started to clear up, and my skin has been clear since! I also noticed some weight gain and water retention, but that went away over time. I have also developed some issues with anxiety that I never experienced before the pill, but cannot really say whether Ocella directly caused it or not."

• Che...
• December 24, 2016

For Birth Control "Worst mistake of my life. I was on Yaz for 3 months, my acne is worse than ever. I gained a lot of weight, my mental health has never been so bad - anxiety, depression. My self-esteem is so low it's terrifying. I would not recommend this medication to anyone - but I understand everyone is different, and some have had great experiences with Yaz. Unfortunately, I was not one of them."

• Peg...
• April 9, 2021

For Acne "PRO: very clear skin, didn't experience any hair loss or anything. CON: weight gain and lack of energy/enthusiasm. I was 18 when my skin suddenly flared up (after having pretty good skin all of high school). It was awful. I was up late at night on YouTube and Google looking for advice. I was first on Merina birth control pill for about a year. It cleared my skin fairly well, but I gained so much weight. And I was shocked because my whole life my friends have envied how I can eat whatever rubbish I like and not put on a stitch of weight. That was me. Twig with no breasts. I switched to YAZ hoping to lose weight. The transition was smooth, but I continued to gain weight. 20 kg. I'm 24 now, and I'm too scared to switch pills because of all the reviews I read. I went off the pill for 9 months, and my skin hit me hard again. My energy was back, though I felt so alive and so enthusiastic. The pill makes me a zombie. And I lost 6 kg with no lifestyle change! But my skin... So I went back to YAZ."

• Anonymous
• February 4, 2011

For Birth Control "Since I work at an OB-GYN office, I'm somewhat of a birth control connoisseur. I was on Yaz for a year before switching over to Beyaz with folate. In the entire time I've been taking these pills, I've only had three periods even though I take the placebo pills. Also, I haven't experienced a single one of the bad side effects like I've had with other pills. No weight gain, no tenderness, no periods, no crazy anger, and my sex drive has improved 100% since I was on NuvaRing before. I rate Yaz an A plus!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 4, 2022

For Birth Control "I’m giving this a two only because it was prescribed to me for my debilitating cramps that caused me to call out of work because I was unable to move from my pain (my boyfriend had to carry me to the bathroom type unable to move), and the pain was almost gone aside from an occasional cramp that would leave me winded. For me, however, the side effects of this birth control were not worth it. While Nikki is supposed to make your period light/stop completely (stop completely was the goal for me), Nikki made my periods LONGER, my last month using it, my period lasted for 9 days, along with spotting, which I never experienced before using Nikki. I also became a lot more depressed and anxious, and the weight gain was horrible as I gained about 20 more pounds. If any of this is relatable, PLEASE reach out to your doctor rather than just waiting it out like I did."

• BP5...
• August 12, 2017

For Acne "I have been on Yaz for 3 months. I switched from Diane, in the hopes my skin would improve. I'm 28 and still have congested skin, and I am just over it. Nothing changed by moving over to this pill EXCEPT the fact that I've gained 4 kilos in just 3 months. For my entire 20's, I've weighed, give or take a kilo here and there. My eating habits have not changed, and neither has my exercise routine, so Yaz is all I can put it down to. 4 kilos may not now sound like much, but it felt like it went on overnight, so it's all been a bit of a shock."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 17, 2012

For Birth Control "Works great for me. After two children, I use Zarah as birth control, and after endometriosis and multiple ovarian cysts, I appreciate the positive effects of this medicine. Decreases my horrid mood swings, decreases my cramps, and decreases noticeable ovarian cysts. Give it at least 1 month, you may like it. I do have a bit more weight gain with this."

• Sje...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 19, 2017

For Acne "After suffering from horrible cystic acne for a year, I decided to go on Yasmin to clear my skin. Within the first 2-3 months, there was no effect on my acne, in fact, I thought it was getting worse. I considered going off the pill then and there, but decided to wait until after the 3-month mark to see if there were any improvements. I wish I hadn't. My skin completely cleared, however, I've been experiencing extreme sadness, irritability, and weight gain. I have been on Yasmin for about 5 months now and have gained just over 8 kg. I am a very slim frame and have never in my life gained more than a kg or so. I also cry most days and feel very pessimistic about my life. I wish I had never tried Yasmin. I can't wait to feel like myself again."

• Ren...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 13, 2020

For Birth Control "I was on Ocella when I was 16 for about three months. In those three months, I became severely depressed, I was uncontrollably angry and sad every day of my life, I gained 20 pounds, and I became a recluse. This might just be a unique experience for me, but please talk to your doctor before you have your mind set on this birth control. It barely helped with my cramps, which is the reason I was taking it. I don’t think, in my opinion, that it was worth it. It took two years for the effects to wear off."

• Anonymous
• October 13, 2009

For Birth Control "While effective as birth control, I had some bad side effects. I took Yaz for three years and had an increasing number of issues. All the issues I contributed to something other than Yaz until reading some forums where people were having similar problems. Some side effects I experienced were weight gain, severe depression, nightmares, severe migraines, and heartburn. Today my doctor switched me to Aviane. I will take my first pill in about fifteen minutes, so I hope that it works for me. I think everyone needs to remember that each person's body chemistry is different, so each type of medication will affect everyone differently. I think it's pretty much trial and error to find the perfect pill for your body."