Drospirenone and Weight Gain: What Users Say

• Tay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 13, 2021

For Birth Control "I just started month 3 of this pill, and I absolutely love it. I was taking norethindrone before, and I was getting mild acne (never had acne before in my life), heavy irregular periods, and slight weight gain. On Slynd, my face is back to normal with only the extremely rare single pimple, and my period is almost non-existent. It always comes on day 3 of the green placebo, lasts 3 days, and is little more than spotting with mild cramps and tiredness. I haven't gotten pregnant yet, so it seems to be working on that front as well. I started to take birth control as an effort to control my migraines. They're not gone, but I have noticed any hormonal related ones I get after my period are much less severe. I haven't noticed any weight gain or loss with these, and my sex drive seems to be about the same as it was before as well. Obviously everyone's miles will vary, but this pill has been absolute magic for me so far. I hope it continues as is."

• Fio...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 12, 2022

For Birth Control "Don't take this pill. Everyone on here has complained about the bleeding, which has also happened to me, but there are other unexplainable side effects that this pill has. I started taking it four months ago and during that time there was only one week when I didn't have my period. Constantly spotting and full bleeding 24/7. Besides the bleeding, this pill really messes with your mind and changes your mood. I have been irrationally angry since beginning this pill. I'm easily annoyed, agitated, and frustrated all the time. This led to a disruption in most of my relationships. This pill also made me extremely fatigued to the point where walking up the stairs became a full workout (and for context, I'm only 22, walking shouldn't be difficult for me). Also, this pill says nothing about weight gain, but I have gained 11.5 lbs since taking it. Don't take it."

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

For Birth Control "I have now finished my first month on Slynd. After not being on birth control for a long time (always had severe side effects), I took my doctor's recommendation for Slynd because my cramps were very painful, I had heavy clotting, and I found out I have an 'extremely thick uterine wall.' So far I’m not happy with how I’ve been feeling since taking this pill. I am going to try it for one more month since I have the pills already. I have started breaking out, which is unusual for me. I’ve already experienced some weight gain, and my mood swings are worse than normal. I’m lethargic and I have no sex drive anymore. I constantly feel bloated and dehydrated. I also have not had a period, but have had cramps during the time of when my cycle regularly is."

• Ter...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 8, 2021

For Birth Control "Let me start off by saying, so far this pill has been the best type of birth control I have ever had. When I first started birth control I was younger and couldn't remember to take the pills. I was put on birth control to stop the heavy periods that were putting me in the hospital. Then I switched to Depo because it was easier to remember. I was on Depo for 6 years (horrible idea, wouldn't recommend). I was having so many issues with Depo (mood swings, weight gain, and excessive bleeding). So, my gynecologist switched me to Slynd, mainly because my mother had estrogen-fed breast cancer twice. Let me just tell you, the first two weeks of my new birth control I dropped 10 pounds. I have been on it 6 months now and I have lost 38 pounds since I switched. My moods are so much better. I am so much happier now and my sex drive has picked up also. I have no issue with bleeding too much, my periods last probably 3 days."

• Kai...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 19, 2020

For Birth Control "I have been on Slynd since last October (about 7 months now). I am 24 and was prescribed it because I have high blood pressure. Since I started the pill, I haven’t had a period or any spotting, and I am taking the placebo pills every month. However, this doesn’t seem to be the case for everyone else! I also didn’t notice any weight gain, I think I actually lost weight when I switched from the combination pill to this one. My acne has also gotten better on my face, but I did break out pretty bad on my back, which I thought was strange. Overall, I’ve liked it and haven’t had many negative side effects, but it is concerning every month when I don’t get a period!"

• 0...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 29, 2024

For Birth Control "So this is my very first time trying hormonal birth control. I went to get a copper IUD originally but discovered I had uterine hypoplasia, so no IUD will ever fit my tiny uterus :( I was so worried about any pill due to physical and emotional side effects. I already have PMDD, bipolar II, and anxiety. I’m stable due to several antipsychotics and couldn’t imagine going “crazy” again. I also have large breasts and told my doctor I did not want them to grow…. He said he prescribes his patients sensitive to hormones Slynd. It also has four inactive pills each month, which I like. It helps keep things balanced for me. Before Slynd, I had terrible mood swings before my period and would basically rage. I feel so level-headed and “normal” now since taking this! I’m shocked! Zero weight gain, no breast changes, and I’m actually less bloated. Like what!? No acne or anything either. And my sex drive is actually better."

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

For Birth Control "Slynd is the **ONLY** non-estrogen pill available in the US that works for me! In many other countries, you can get Desogestrel, which for me is very similar. No breakthrough bleeding and, of course, no weird estrogen side effects with either. I've tried a bunch of different B/C for my PMDD, and this is by far the best one, though I still have symptoms, unfortunately. I was extremely binge-y and gained so much weight with estrogen-containing pills. I lost the extra weight, and this pill works well now."

• Kri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 19, 2021

For Birth Control "On my fourth month of taking Slynd, and I can’t take it anymore. I need to call my gynecologist and see if I can just get off altogether. I was on Sprintec, but due to BP concerns, I was put on Slynd. I absolutely don't like this pill. I have had the WORST CYSTIC ACNE since I’ve been on this pill, and I’ve been to the dermatologist and spent a few hundred on some prescription topicals, and nothing is getting rid of this awful hormonal cystic acne. I haven’t had my period in about a month, so I guess that’s the only plus of this medicine. Lots of bloating, weight gain, and very emotional with this pill. I have never taken a mini pill, and I don’t think I ever will again!"

• NLG...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 15, 2021

For Birth Control "I have suffered from long, extremely heavy periods since I was 11 years old. At 38, with my tubes tied and 3 kids, I was at my wit's end. Being anemic due to my period had taken its toll. I went to my Dr. asking for a hysterectomy. He recommended Slynd. I argued, since I have taken other birth controls in the past with no help for my bleeding. But he said he wouldn't recommend a hysterectomy without exhausting all efforts. Now, a year later, I am so glad I found Slynd. I only spot on my 2nd day of placebo and have little to no cramping. Also, my hormonal acne has all but gone away as well. I do have some negative side effects like bloating and weight gain (10 lbs in a year), but for the first time in my life, I had labs done and I am no longer anemic."

• Bri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 1, 2021

For Birth Control "Worst birth control I’ve ever tried. I’m almost done with my 3rd month, and I’ve bled almost every single day since I started my first pack. I’ve never had problems with weight gain in the past (I have two kids and always remained at 120 after having them). I got on Slynd 9 months after having my daughter, I was already back to my pre-pregnancy weight then. NOW, I’ve gained 15 lbs. I’ve never been this heavy. None of my clothes fit. I’ve always been active and have worked out since I was 16, I’m now 26. I go to the gym 3-4 times a week and run a mile a day, and I CAN'T LOSE THE WEIGHT. I don’t eat meat, I’m pretty healthy. I’ve literally never had this issue before, and I am so upset. My mental health has been rough since starting this birth control too. I’ve been having such bad depression."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 31, 2023

For Birth Control "I started this medicine to help lighten my periods. I started bleeding the day I started the pill and have been bleeding since - 2 plus months now. I've gained weight, and the mood swings/anger are off the charts. I would not recommend this to anyone. I'm done with it!"

• Kay...
• May 7, 2023

For Birth Control "Started taking this pill 4 months ago, very active person, healthy eater, went to go out in a pair of my jeans that fit a few weeks before, and I could not button them. The weight gain, partially in my lower half (first time in my life), is piling on so rapidly with no lifestyle change, I can hardly believe it. Haven’t had a period since starting it, but my goodness, I blew out my fat pants. Will be stopping immediately, suffice to say, this will be a plump girl summer."

• not...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 24, 2023

For Birth Control "Right after starting Slynd, I noticed I felt off. My blood pressure went up, and I was very moody. It did help with my heavy bleeding after being on it for a while, but I continued to have a light period about every 2 weeks despite only taking the placebo every 3 months. I got very painful acne, awful headaches that didn't respond to anything, weight gain and bloating. I lost a depressing amount of hair, and I had no energy. I gave it over a year, and it never improved. Finally gave up. I've been off Slynd for 2 weeks now, my energy is back, my acne is clearing, and I'm down 5 lbs."

• MHM...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 22, 2023

For Birth Control "Horrible! Previously, I had Mirena (3 times) with minor issues that I didn't think outweighed the benefits. I have 3 children and wanted to try regular birth control. I started with Northindrone because I wanted a progestin-only option. However, I got off it after 6 weeks due to severe mood swings and no change in my period. Then I started Slynd. Mind you, the goal was to get rid of PMS and heavy bleeding. I started Slynd about a week before my period was due. In the first few weeks, I didn't experience any significant side effects. However, my period started one day late (despite not taking the green tablets, so I shouldn't have had one at all), and it lasted for 16 days. After that, I started another period just 3 weeks later, and I'm currently still on it. During the entirety of this time (3.24 packs), starting from about a week before the 16-day period, I have been plagued with intrusive thoughts of harm, daily severe anxiety and panic attacks, constant mood swings, irritability, and crying. Additionally, I have experienced a loss of sex drive, extreme hunger (resulting in a 3 lb weight gain), cravings, general exhaustion, breast pain, and bleeding. I have made the decision to go back to Mirena on Thursday. My advice is to stay away from Slynd!"

• Nel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 5, 2023

For Birth Control "Avoid this birth control at all costs. I took it for two months and experienced weight gain, headaches, and significant hair loss. My mood swings were severe, and my sex drive disappeared completely. My period became irregular, and after taking this birth control, it stopped altogether."

• Hun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 24, 2021

For Birth Control "I've been on the pills for about a month and a half now. I don't want to go on and on, but the pill has only had negative side effects on me. My face is breaking out badly, I'm gaining weight quickly, and my depression is getting worse. I'd advise strongly against this one unless you have no other option."

• Jan...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 24, 2021

For Birth Control "First of all, I really hoped that this would work for me, but it didn't. I was taking this to suppress my endometriosis. I am 35, and this is the first BC I have been on. My first three weeks were fine, and I was optimistic because of no cramping and no endo pain. Then came my second packet. I started to have breakthrough bleeding. More than just spotting. I am severely anemic due to having endo for so many years. Needless to say, I started feeling absolutely awful due to the constant bleeding. I had to quit my job because I could no longer handle the long commute due to weakness from bleeding so much. Luckily, I found a job closer to home. I actually stuck it out with Slynd for 6 months to give it a fair chance. The final straw came when I started noticing that I was feeling incredibly down about weight gain and the never-ending bleeding. I was breaking down every day. I should have stopped taking it after month 3 instead of month 6. I put myself through too much giving this a chance."

• ama...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 20, 2020

For Birth Control "I was switched to Slynd after taking Sprintec for 3 years due to high blood pressure. I unfortunately had a bad experience taking Slynd. It gave me the worst cystic acne (my skin was clear before). I had a lot of spotting during the first pack and horrible cramps. My period was very light, but the cramps were so bad during it I contemplated going to the hospital. The second pack, I also experienced horrible cramping that would wake me up at night, but my period never came and still has not. I’ve gained 20 pounds since starting Slynd without changing any of my normal daily habits. On top of all this, my insurance refuses to cover it, and it is very expensive ($250 a pack)."

• gir...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 22, 2020

For Birth Control "I’m on my second pack of Slynd, and it was a big change for me. From switching my old birth control, Taytulla, to Slynd was the best decision I made. I was depressed, had bad migraines, gained excess weight on Taytulla, but when my doctor recommended Slynd, I didn’t think it would be much of a change, but it worked!! Mind you, I’m now 11 months postpartum, and sometimes after birth it may take a while for your body to get back to normal or for you to learn your body again, so switching to Slynd made my journey easier. I do not take the placebo pills, as I realized they may or may not give you your period. If you want to completely stop your period on any birth control, do not take the placebo pills and start your next pack right away. It’s worked for me, I love Slynd. So far, so good."

• Net...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 7, 2020

For Birth Control "I am halfway through my 3rd pack of Slynd pills, and so far, I really like this one. I was on norethindrone (Mylan) for almost a year and had headaches, weight gain, and mood issues. I stopped for a month, then got on Slynd. I started it the first day of my cycle. I started my second pack and had spotting for 2 days (I'm assuming it was a period) and slight cramps. My third pack, same thing, I had spotting the first day of the pack (when my period was to come), and slight cramps and felt like I had a period with mild symptoms. I'm hoping it stays like this, but I know I'm still adjusting. No weight gain so far, no acne, and my mood is much better than with my other pill. I get it through Nurx, and my insurance covers it, luckily, because so far, so good!"

• Lil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 24, 2021

For Birth Control "I am on birth control because of my PCOS. I have been on this birth control because I received migraines with other forms of birth control. This birth control worked for the migraines. I am rating it such a low rating because the migraines are not as bad as the other side effects I had with this birth control. The side effects for me are the worst acne of my life, weight gain, and severe hair loss. I tried lo estrogen, and I didn’t really like that because I got a lighter period, but it was very irregular, and I still had migraines. I am in the process of finishing this pack and then switching to Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo again, it caused migraines but had no other side effects for me."

• Kay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 28, 2022

For Birth Control "I started taking Slynd June 9th of this year. I am now at the end of my second pack, and so far I have no complaints. I was on a combination BC, Yaz, and then Yasmin for PMDD and abnormal bleeding. The estrogen was wreaking havoc on my body, so I had an endometrial ablation and then I started Slynd. The second week into the first pack, I bled like I was dying for 8 days, and now no breakthrough bleeding. I have maybe had one day since then where I had faint brown spotting for a few hours. I am skipping the placebos until the end of my third pack so that the medication has time to get into my body, but like I said, so far no problems. I feel better, mentally no mood swings, no acne, and no weight gain at all. I’m 34, my tubes are tied, so I am not using it for protection but for PMDD and period regulation. I really recommend this for women who can’t handle estrogen and are going through severe PMDD in their mid-30s because this has really worked well. I hope it continues to do its job!"

• haz...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 3, 2022

For Birth Control "I’ve been on Slynd for about a year and a half. My personal experience has been very positive. I’ll start with access to the drug; my insurance covers 50%, and the rest is brought down to $25 a month using the manufacturer coupon. It used to be $10 a month, so I am sad it went up. Without Slynd, I have regular but very painful periods. When I take Slynd, I don’t get a period at all (and no breakthrough bleeding—haven’t gotten my period since August 2021, and I’m writing this in June 2022). It’s amazing because it has relieved me of so much pain. Also, before Slynd I got very bad hormonal acne, and now my skin is completely clear. I take an additional 25 mg of spironolactone with it to help with the acne, but the Slynd alone did make a huge difference. I didn’t gain any weight from the pill or anything like that. Slynd is my only form of birth control, and it’s done its job well! I take a pregnancy test approximately once a month to be sure. I highly recommend Slynd."

• Kri...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 25, 2020

For Birth Control "I love this Slynd birth control pill. It got rid of my hormonal anxiety and lightened my periods to almost nothing. My doctor switched me to another similar pill due to insurance reasons, and it was horrible. I told my doctor I don't care if I have to pay $200 a month for Slynd (there is no generic, only similar pills), it's worth it to me. We found an affordable solution, thank goodness. Maybe the only side effect I had was weight gain...but that could be due to COVID lockdown, as well...can't be sure. I've tried many birth controls, and all were a 'no' for me, due to effects on my anxiety. This is the only one that got rid of my hormonal-based anxiety."

• gga...
• February 1, 2021

For Birth Control "Started this pill at the end of July and am now ending my 5th month with no period whatsoever. Have had a few breakthrough bleeding/spotting over the course of these 5 months, but nothing major. As far as mental symptoms go, I have noticed that I have developed severe depression episodes, and mood swings have been on a rollercoaster. Physical symptoms I have noticed are an increase in acne, specifically around the chin area, which I did not have before taking Slynd. I noticed weight gain in the beginning, which I am currently trying to work off... Personally, I do not recommend this birth control."