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

• 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."

• Cas...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 20, 2023

For Birth Control "I have been on Nikki for over a year, and I am excited to be going off of it at the end of this month. I have gained 20+ pounds and have had no luck losing weight with diet and exercise. I live a very healthy lifestyle, the weight gain does not make sense to me. I have also had severe issues with libido, so low, almost non-existent. This is not natural for me. I often feel bloated, even when I change my diet to reduce inflammation. I do have healthy skin and hair, but I also don't know if there's a connection with Nikki or not."

• Mad...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 8, 2016

For Birth Control "Heavy bleeding and intense cramping were my primary concerns for starting birth control, and since I still bled heavily on my first pill, I was switched to Yaz. The good is that the mild acne I did have is now non-existent, no more cramps, and my cycle is the lightest it's ever been. I can actually *want* to do more than stay in bed during my cycle. The bad is the random spotting. Theoretically, it's caused by not taking the pill at the same time every day, but I keep a pretty tight schedule, so it sucks. The mood swings are also discouraging. I feel myself getting mad or either sad about literally anything more often now. I've also picked up about 10 lbs despite the same eating habits and activity level."

• Lan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 10, 2021

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "So I am ending my 3rd month of Nikki, and unfortunately I have gained about 10 pounds in the last 2 months. I’m very sensitive to hormone shifts, having PMDD for years, but really, since taking Nikki, I don’t feel any better. I know it can take months for the body to adjust, but I don’t know if I can stick this out any longer. The first 2 months I was nauseous almost every day, now my bloating is out of control, my stomach is always distended and worse right before my period starts. For the past two days I’ve had 2 people ask me if I was pregnant :(( I’m really over it. The only positive is my period went from 6-7 days to 3/4 with moderate bleeding. I still cramp 1-2 weeks before my period starts. It could work for you, but it just isn’t worth it for me at this point. I’m sad about it."

• 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!"

• 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!"

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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!"

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Lin...
• June 25, 2014

For Birth Control "My experience on Zarah was absolutely horrible. At first, things were good. I never carried water weight, and my periods lightened up. All of a sudden, in these last couple of months, my body has been going haywire on it. Everybody swears I could be pregnant, but I'm not. I have gained 20 lbs, even though I watch my diet and stay active. My acne has not cleared up, I spot 2-3 times a week, crave spicy foods a lot, sweets make me nauseous, and I stay with headaches and constant mood swings. My OB-GYN switched me back to Safyral because I was never bloated and, in fact, lost all my excess weight. The only side effect I had was that my periods were a bit heavy the first 2 days. So my OB-GYN tried me on Zarah. I would much rather deal with heavy periods."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 12, 2012

For Birth Control "It did its job by not getting me pregnant, however, I gained a lot of weight. I also had terrible mood swings. One time I cried for two hours and couldn't stop. I was on Yaz for about 6 months, and I still had terrible mood swings, so I switched to Loestrin and have been very happy so far."

• Akj...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 29, 2019

For Birth Control "I have endometriosis and PCOS, and my doc gave me Yasmin. All my life, I've maintained a normal weight. Ever since I started taking Yasmin, I've been gaining weight. I started in April 2019, and my weight was 53 kg. By mid-July, my weight went up to 59.3 kg. I'm stopping it. I feel bloated all the time, no sex drive, and a disturbed sleep pattern."

• Gab...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 13, 2019

For Birth Control "I just finished my first month on the Yaz birth control. My OBGYN put me on it because I tend to have excess anxiety and depression prior to my period for about 2 weeks. This has been a bad month, I have to say. I have been constantly bloated and gained weight in my stomach area despite 5-6 days of workouts per week and a good diet. And the worst part is my anxiety and depression have been through the roof. I have been anxious about the weight gain as well, and it’s borderline paranoia and being so uncomfortable in my own body. Birth control works differently on everyone, I understand, but after doing more research on Yaz and drug company distribution, I feel it’s a very sketchy drug company due to recalls in the past and unexplained product ingredients as well. Yaz probably works for many people, but this is my experience as well, and I am sharing mostly to let those who haven’t had good experiences know they’re not alone!"

• Jan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 31, 2019

For Acne "I started taking this because I would get one or two cystic pimples near the time of my period that would lead to bad scarring. I figured I would give Gianvi a try since it is known for treating hormonal acne. I have only been on it for two months. Although I have read that it can take at least three months or longer to fully adjust, I am going to stop taking it. I’ve tried a few different birth control pills before, but this one has been the worst for me. I have experienced irregular bleeding, bad headaches that can last days at a time, weight gain, and the worst acne I’ve ever had in my life. All of these symptoms have made me depressed. Maybe I should’ve waited another month to see, but it wasn’t worth it to me. Everyone reacts differently, so you have to try it out for yourself. I’ve read that some girls had their skin clear up in two weeks. Sadly, I did not have a positive experience on this birth control."