Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel and Weight Gain: What Users Say

• spi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 11, 2019

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I just recently switched from the pill (Sronyx) to the NuvaRing. Not going to lie, I got on this website the day I got prescribed the NuvaRing and I scared myself half to death...all of the reviews were so scary, and I was terrified. Needless to say, I still tried it. I've been on the NuvaRing for about a month already, and I absolutely love it. I've pretty much forgotten about it, my boyfriend can't feel it during sex, and neither can I. People complain about a low sex drive on the ring, but if anything, mine has gone up. Everything is more enjoyable now than ever because I don't have to remember to take a pill. When I got on the pill, I gained 15 lbs and was literally psychotic and depressed, but with the NuvaRing, I feel normal again!! Do NOT let these reviews scare you. People are more likely to leave a review if they have a bad experience, and if all is good, they forget about it, move on, and never return to the website to leave a positive review. Don't be scared, try it out!"

• Per...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 4, 2019

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "Personally, I have had extremely heavy and bad cramps on my period. I’ve been on birth control since I was 14. I started with the pill but forgot to take it all the time, then I went to the IUD but had extreme weight gain and headaches. My anxiety also worsened with the IUD. I switched to the NuvaRing around 5 months ago, and it has been the best decision I’ve made for my reproductive health. My periods are a light spotting, my cramps are tolerable, and I haven’t gained any weight. Plus, my boyfriend can’t feel it during sex. Don’t be afraid of the negative reviews, everyone’s body is different, and you just need to find what works for you!"

• HRa...
• October 10, 2020

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "Greetings, for the ones having problems with EluRyng, you can call your insurance, they add a note explaining you can’t tolerate the generic. I used this medicine as a substitute for NuvaRing, per my insurance. Physical: extreme ocular migraines for days, chronic fatigue, cystic acne, gained 30 pounds in 6 months. Vaginal smell and discharge even using the ring. Emotional: executive dysfunction, extreme anxiety, overwhelmed feeling all the time. This interacted severely with my ADHD medicine (Vyvanse). I told my psychiatrist how I was feeling, and he raised my dosage, it didn’t work. Now back to NuvaRing, balancing the EluRyng effects, I’m feeling the effects I felt taking Vyvanse for the first time, EluRyng interrupted my psychiatric treatment. The extra drug interactions list doesn’t have information about this, this is a very dangerous effect that can get a person to a really bad place. This medicine needs to be recalled, it's dangerous."

• Cal...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 4, 2020

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I was on NuvaRing for 6+ years and had no issues. It was honestly the best birth control I had ever been on! Flash to now. I got switched to the generic version that just came out. I am incredibly moody, anxious, and getting depressed. I am continually gaining weight even though I exercise and eat well. My libido is GONE. Like 100% gone. This is horrible. There is something not right about this generic version. I have decided to just stop BC because of this and switch to condoms. It's not worth it anymore."

• Mis...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 26, 2014

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I absolutely loved this birth control. Was on it for 8 years and would still be on it now, except that when I switched jobs, my new insurance didn't cover it. No weight gain, super clear skin, no mood swings, light periods with no cramping and the convenience of not having to take a pill every day. Couldn't feel it inside me at all and it never bothered my husband or me during intercourse. Highly recommend."

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 6, 2020

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I was on this for 3 months (I usually have NuvaRing and they didn’t tell me they changed it), but I've had the worst 3 months of my life. I’ve gained weight, gotten stretch marks everywhere even though my weight gain wasn’t significant, I’ve had horrible headaches, missed my period all 3 months. I’ve been so anxious and moody, tired all the time. The other night I started having horrible heart palpitations, and I ended up having a panic attack and throwing up. I felt like my heart was going to explode. I thought I was insane, so I googled the birth control because there was no other cause, and I read all these, and I took my ring out a week early. I’m already starting to feel more normal. This shouldn’t be legal. I went and bought the NuvaRing out of pocket the other day for $177. I’m lucky I can afford it, it’s ridiculous that insurance will put women through this to save a couple bucks."

• ADD...
• October 6, 2008

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I have used several pill-form birth controls, and the NuvaRing is my first non-pill method. I really like the fact that it is hassle-free. I always had a hard time remembering to take the pill. Also, unlike the patch, it is not visible. I am the type who likes to have a period each month as an additional reassurance that I am not pregnant, so it is a better option for me than the shot or other period-free methods. The side effects that I have experienced were mostly common-some water weight gain, shorter and lighter menstrual cycles, and some cramping during my cycle. Some new side effects that I do not enjoy are a regular (heavy) vaginal discharge, which is stated as common for the ring. Also, I have random abdominal cramping."

• Aub...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 18, 2020

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I mean, I didn’t get pregnant, so that’s cool and all, but I gained thirty pounds, was suddenly covered in stretch marks, couldn’t bear the idea of sex anymore, and when I did try to have sex, it was immensely painful. Mood swings like crazy; crying one second, laughing the next. Really bad fatigue and paranoia. Migraines 2-3 times a week, body pains, horrible cramps, and it put me on my period for over 6 months! I mean, but I didn’t get pregnant."

• she...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 1, 2014

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "Pros: ease of use, decreased acne, reduced headaches, which was wonderful. Cons: 15 lbs weight gain in 6 months, unprecedented! Reduced sex drive and slight depression. Discharge and yeast infection for the first 2 months, terrible breakthrough bleeding."

• Fut...
• December 8, 2009

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I've been on the NuvaRing since 2005, and I love it. No pregnancies, my period shortened from about 7 days to 4 days. I also used to have bad cramps, but this helped a lot. I've tried Ortho Tri-Cyclen (hated it, gained a lot of weight that took many years to take off), Tri-Norinyl (liked this but still had to take a pill every day), Paraguard IUD (hurt for the 1st week then was fine, expelled it after 3 months though). My sex drive did not decrease on NuvaRing. My only complaint is my skin is a little worse, and every once in a while, I have to take it out during sex. Thumbs up from my boyfriend and myself."

• Anonymous
• June 15, 2008

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "Absolutely LOVE IT! With every other birth control I've used, my periods were unpredictable, but they have been almost perfect since I started the NuvaRing. I have gained a few pounds, but that's no big deal, because it beats thinking I am pregnant every month or that I'm going to die from losing so much blood."

• Sin...
• March 15, 2014

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "My partner and I finally decided to try some alternate methods of birth control. NuvaRing was my first choice because I'm too forgetful to try pills, and I must say I've had a mixed experience. I love the fact that I can insert it and forget about it. I don't feel it during sex, and it doesn't slip out. It got rid of my recurring yeast infections, I even grew a cup size. However, I can't help but notice that I've gained weight, especially around my waistline, which almost never happens, and my sex drive has decreased. I exercise regularly, so I know it had to be the hormones. I experience extreme mood swings, I'm a lot more angry, I find myself depressed, have random urges to cry, and my periods are just as painful as before. I just may switch soon."

• Que...
• August 6, 2014

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "My doctor put me on NuvaRing just shy of 3 months ago as a temporary alternative to the Assure procedure due to needing to take birth control 3 months before the process. Previously, I had not taken any hormones in over 10 yrs. The first month was fine. No problems, and I had a lighter cycle than usual. The 2nd month, I started having crazy mood swings and bloating. At this stage, I just saw my OB/Gyn today because I have gained so much weight and bloat. I'm unable to wear my regular clothes. I work out 4 times a week, eat healthy (almost vegetarian), and my only caffeine is a daily cup of coffee. My doctor said I have gained 10 lbs and need to remove NuvaRing."

• Anonymous
• July 26, 2010

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I love, love, love NuvaRing! I have been on hormone-based birth control for 6 years now. I have been on NuvaRing for 1 year. So far, this is the best one I've used, and I have tried several. With other pills, I have had weight gain (not in my breasts, unfortunately), acne, moodiness, lack of sex drive, spotting, periods that lasted forever, etc. With the NuvaRing, nothing. My skin is clearer than it has ever been (not perfect, but I'll take what I can get), I haven't gained any more weight, I only worry about it once a month. I think it's perfect. The thing people have to remember is everyone's going to be different. It's not the product, it's the person. Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo didn't work for me. Neither did Lo Ovral. And they're rather popular."

• Ser...
• July 11, 2014

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "Used the ring for 6 months. I gained 20 pounds. I went from 120 to 140. It's not very easy for me to gain weight. Had a lot of discharge that made it extremely uncomfortable. I never get yeast infections and got one on the ring. And my sex drive went way down on the ring. I am switching back to the pill because I've never had any problems with the pill, only minor, and I've used the pill for 3 years."

• Era...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 28, 2014

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I loved the NuvaRing! I switched to it after being on Yasmin and seeing all of the scary commercials about it (which I liked too, but I'm a hypochondriac). I liked the fact that I just put it in and didn't have to worry about it for 3 weeks, and I always started my period on the same day, which was very helpful! I think I gained about 10 lbs while taking it, but I don't think that was due to the birth control; my husband also never noticed it during sex, added bonus. I wish I could take it while breastfeeding, but my doctor doesn't recommend it. Overall, I loved it!"

• Mar...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 28, 2016

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "Best birth control I've tried. Super comfortable and easy to use. I've had zero side effects. No weight gain, and I have clear skin! No issues with sex either. I've been on it for 2 years, and there's been no changes in my sex drive. Give it a try! It changed my life for the better. Don't let the bad reviews scare you!"

• dtl...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 3, 2020

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "If you want to fart and cry for a week every month, then NuvaRing is right for you. Aside from not wanting to get pregnant, I use this because I’m on a category X drug. I’m not allowed to take this medication unless I’m on birth control. I’m forgetful, so the pill was never my friend. Depo made me gain 20 lbs. I dismissed IUDs because of the risk of infection, but after 10 years of week-long mood swings, irritability, crying, and farting, I’m going to talk to my doctor about making the switch. It works, but at a cost."

• For...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 2, 2020

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "Like others here, I’ve experienced more than noticeable side effects after being switched from NuvaRing to the generic brand by my insurance this May. I had been on NuvaRing for more than a decade with no issues whatsoever. Since being on the generic, my periods have been heavier with spotting in between, along with a 30 lb weight gain. I would say that about 10-15 lbs of this weight gain was due to quarantine (not being as active with gyms shutting down, spending more time at home and snacking, etc.), but in the last few weeks since I’ve been on the generic, I have ballooned in size. Truly alarming. I have also experienced increased anxiety, fatigue bordering on narcolepsy, and have been restlessly kicking in my sleep, where I previously never had any sleeping issues."

• Swe...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 6, 2015

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I have been on NuvaRing for four years. I had major cysts on my ovaries when I was younger and was forced to change my birth control medications six times in three years. I was skeptical about taking the Depo shot and any IUD for fear that I would have cysts develop again. My doctor wanted to conduct an exploratory surgery. I had to try something immediately. I asked my doctor about the NuvaRing. If it didn't help, I would go through with the surgery. I was constantly in pain, and I was fed up with it. I read the information and started my dose. After 24 hours, I felt wonderful. In four years, I haven't had a cyst. Lighter, shorter periods, no weight gain, less acne, healthier skin and hair, and very little PMS. I highly recommend it."

• Yog...
• September 25, 2019

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "After reading all of these reviews, I feel like I was crazy for staying on the NuvaRing for so long (3 years), but for at least the past year, I have been wondering why I’m not myself. I started the NuvaRing when I was 18/19 and have gained an extra 15 pounds that I can’t seem to lose no matter how much I eat/exercise. I also have had LOTS of mood swings and went through a depression last year, I thought it was my schooling since I am an engineering major, but now I’m not so sure. And the worst was that I lost my sex drive. My boyfriend and I have been together for at least 2 years before I started the NuvaRing, but for the past year, he always wants to, and I just am not in the mood. I feel like these changes started slow but became more clear after the years went by. It wasn’t all bad though, I love its convenience and ease of use, but for what it did to my mental health and weight is frustrating. Thanks, girls, for all your input, I thought I was going crazy!"

• Kel...
• June 23, 2014

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I have been using NuvaRing for a year now and have decided to take it out. In that year, I gained almost 30 pounds and have had insane mood swings. I kept it in so long because I thought other things were causing this until I talked to my doctor."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 13, 2020

For Birth Control "This thread made me feel less crazy! I had been on the NuvaRing for 11 years, then Cigna refused to pay for it and tried charging me $120 a month for it. So I was forced to switch to the generic ethinyl estradiol with etonogestrel ring. My mental health declined, my anxiety got unmanageable, I gained 30 lbs that I can’t seem to lose no matter what I do. Do not use the generic! It’s terrible."

• Liz...
• August 19, 2016

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I had NuvaRing for about 4 months, and I just took it out and will be getting back on my previous pill. I had been on the pill for like 6 years with no problem, except I was just tired of having to remember it. My doctor recommended NuvaRing, so I tried it. Totally effective when it comes to preventing pregnancy, and you can't beat the convenience. BUT I feel like I have a UTI all the time, my skin has gotten worse, and I've gained 10 lbs even while eating healthy and cutting out processed foods and dairy (I'm 5'1", so 10 lbs feels like 20 lbs). Just my two cents, but all birth control affects people differently."

• Anonymous
• December 27, 2009

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I have been on and off NuvaRing for the past...oh, maybe five years. Before that, I did the pill and HATED IT. I was always forgetting to take it and would count the pack at the end of the month and freak out. With the NuvaRing, I never had that problem, just stuck it in and was good to go. Occasionally, the weeks would slip by and I'd forget when I put it in, but overall it wasn't too bad. I wanted to write a good review about NuvaRing because it is a wonderful product. In all the years I had it, I didn't really gain weight or see a big change in my skin or experience major mood swings. Just try it and see if it works for you."