Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Ema...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 14, 2021

For Birth Control "I love the fact that I can’t get pregnant. I hate the fact that it’s made me gain weight, and I now go through mood swings like crazy, and it has awakened my long dormant depression again. I stopped taking it after college and just started it again. I’ve used it for about 8 years total because I can’t remember a pill every day."

• gue...
• February 20, 2013

For Birth Control "Been on NuvaRing for about a month now, so far so good. I've had my share of troubles with trying to find the perfect birth control, and it seems I've found it with NuvaRing. I switched from pills, which caused major weight gain and significant side effects after prolonged use. I haven't experienced any serious side effects besides slight nausea/dizziness from time to time with NuvaRing. Other than that, I can't complain.... 5 stars in my book."

• San...
• September 25, 2019

For Birth Control "So I was on NuvaRing for over 2 years, and I’m still not sure how I felt about it. I always had really bad leg cramps, as well as my arm would swell up, but no blood clot. During the whole time I was on it, I was always fearing a blood clot would hit me. I liked the ease of use, and I did use it continuously. I did gain some weight. I did always have to plan trips around when I had to insert/take out because it has to be refrigerated. Also, I took a medication for an infection, and during that time, for over a month, I experienced HEAVY bleeding, my doctor said it interacted with my NuvaRing. I never got pregnant, but I’m not sure all the stress was worth it. The day I took it out, I experienced my first ever 4-hour panic attack. Looking into Skyla or Kyleena!"

• dpa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 8, 2013

For Birth Control "Switching to NuvaRing was an awesome decision, and I would never go back to other birth control methods. I experienced no weight gain (people blame their birth control for that way too often), my skin was fine, no mood swings, no side effects whatsoever. You can't feel it when you're having sex, and it's relatively easy to put it in and to remove it. You don't feel it once it's in. The only downfall is it is pretty expensive (with my insurance, $90/month), but there's a 50% off coupon that the company offers, so it makes it much easier to afford. I love this birth control and would recommend it to anyone who asked."

• TxG...
• August 10, 2011

For Birth Control "I'm a 21-year-old female, and I recently stopped using NuvaRing. I must say that I have been feeling so much better since I've been off. While on NuvaRing, I experienced many negative side effects. I was EXTREMELY moody every month for 2 weeks out of the month (more so than usual PMS). My body also felt very tired, and I had little energy. I gained about 20 lbs while on it for 6 months. My libido was very low, putting quite a strain on my relationship with my boyfriend. Since being off of NuvaRing, I am back to my normal self. I know that it will affect people differently, but I would suggest if you begin to feel any of these similar side effects on NuvaRing, stop using it. The side effects do not get better over time."

• Nbe...
• November 13, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been on the NuvaRing for a little over 3 months (because my doctor made me see if it would get better although I tried to change to something else less than a month in). I have gained 15 pounds, lost my sex drive, and have been extremely moody and unable to feel like myself. However, I would have to say the worst side effect is the breast tenderness. I have been on many different birth controls, and this one has more unpleasant side effects than any other birth control."

• Mis...
• July 9, 2013

For Birth Control "This is the first time I've ever had any problem on birth control. I've taken Depo-Provera for 3 years, did perfect on that, aside from finding out I have low bone density now. With NuvaRing 3 months in, I have had mood swings, headaches, weight gain, 142 lbs to 157 lbs. I'm very athletic, so this is ridiculous. I have had tender breasts, and to top that off, low sex drive and supposed breakthrough bleeding for two months straight."

• Jil...
• May 13, 2019

For Birth Control "So I've been on the NuvaRing for 2 months now going on 3. I was on Junel Fe before this and was complaining of severe bloating, weight gain, erratic mood swings, almost complete loss of sex drive, and boy did I eat like a man! I was begging for something different and was nervous to try this, but I finally did it, and I feel like a new woman! I lost about 8 pounds almost immediately due to my back to normal appetite and my loss of water weight. My bloating has been consolidated to only my period week, which I might add I did not get a normal period cycle until trying this. I was a little emotional to start off with it, but it quickly subsided along with the very mild nausea. I didn't get any vaginal infections or irritation, but I do prefer to take it out during sex because I feel it moving around. I also like that I don't have to take a pill every day. My only complaint is that I am very sleepy all the time. I'm not sure if that's a side effect of this or just me, but I will look into it."

• Kat...
• July 27, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been on the ring for 4 years. I was on the patch before that, but I had an allergic reaction to the adhesive. I leave each ring in for 4 weeks without any gap weeks, so I don't have periods (though I take a gap week each year). I do still get moody, cramps, headaches, and sometimes spotting during the would-be PMS week. I have gained some weight since I started the ring, though I am not sure if this is because of the ring or just my eating habits (or if the ring causes my sweet tooth). I take it out for sex, it can be out for up to 3 hours a day. I have a short vagina, so the ring can be on my cervix and still be right at the opening, which can be annoying because I can feel it (not the ring's fault, just a note for others with this issue)."

• KH2...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 26, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been on NuvaRing for 6 months. I previously had the arm implant, but the hormones caused cystic acne and irregular bleeding. No problems with the NuvaRing aside from slight weight gain (a couple of pounds), which I can live with. My periods have been very regular, no spotting, no mood swings, no change in sex drive. I experienced minimal cramping the first month and continued bloating during my periods. This is a good option for those who have a hard time remembering to take the pill every day. Once a month is phenomenal!"

• Chr...
• March 3, 2015

For Birth Control "I used birth control pills for 6 years prior to trying the NuvaRing. I had pretty good experiences with my old brand, but wanted to try something different and thought not having to remember to take a pill every day would be awesome. I was on the NuvaRing for about 6 months, and I noticed extreme breast tenderness, increased acne, and the worst part was the 15 lb weight gain. The weight was extremely hard to lose while I was on the ring, but after I switched to another contraceptive, the weight I had gained melted off. The one plus was that my moods were great on NuvaRing and my anxiety decreased."

• Mor...
• April 5, 2017

For Birth Control "I've been on the NuvaRing for almost 4 years with very few issues. I've never had a pregnancy scare, but have had a few issues with bleeding/spotting in between periods, especially if I leave the ring in for 4 weeks and try to skip my period. Now I follow the 28-day cycle (leave it in for 3 weeks, take it out for 1 week, then put a new one in) and have no issues. I have never had issues with mood swings, weight gain, etc. If you pay attention and use the ring in the way that's best for your body (leaving it in and skipping your period or taking it out and having your period), you shouldn't have any issues."

• JB1...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 2, 2023

For Birth Control "Last year, I picked up my birth control, and the packaging looked different. When I looked more closely and saw this was a generic, I was shocked. My doctor had not prescribed it, nor had my insurance company alerted me to any change, but wanting to stay on my schedule, I tried it. This was an absolute mistake. Within days, I was having terrible burning and discharge. As most women do, I decided to power through. This wasn't a good idea because things only got worse. Then came the cramps, back pain, spotting, insane mood swings, and unbelievable weight gain. I gained about 10 lbs in about 6 weeks. That is not normal! Not to mention that all of the symptoms only got worse with time. I was suffering. I went to my gyno and found out that this was an allergic reaction. In addition, my psychiatrist and endocrinologist have all had problems with their patients and EluRyng. I've had to fight my insurance company to get Nuvaring covered."

• CC9...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 20, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm going on my third month of NuvaRing. I have had about a four-pound weight gain (I attribute it to my eating habits), increased moodiness, and my acne has progressively worsened. However, this is the best and most convenient birth control method I have had. My sex drive has not decreased, no vaginal irritation but excessive lubrication, my period lasts 2-3 days, and no spotting while the ring is inserted. My breasts are tender around the second to third week, but nothing severe. Additionally, during my second month, I did have a case of nausea and vomiting for about two days; I'm not sure where this stemmed from, though. Overall, I give NuvaRing a thumbs up for me."

• Ano...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 19, 2023

For Birth Control "I honestly love this birth control! The pill has always made me nauseous and bloated, and I gain weight. The NuvaRing/Haloette is great, I don't feel as if I'm even on birth control. It's by far the best route to go when it comes to birth control."

• Ann...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 27, 2023

For Birth Control "Main Takeaway: Trust your gut! I used EluRyng for nearly 1 year and 6 months. Should have stopped sooner. The first 6 months I had little to no side effects. It was easy to use and trustworthy. After about a year, though, I began to notice weight gain, bloating, stomach pain, and a constant need to eat. I could never skip a meal or it felt like death. It's easy to think that maybe it's just in your head or another factor with birth control, but trust what you feel! I'm now 6 months off it and I no longer have stomach bloat or pain. I've gone down 10 pounds and I think I may still lose more."

• Jes...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 19, 2016

For Birth Control "NuvaRing was the first birth control I was ever on, and I've never had any terrible issues with it in the 4 years I've had it so far (18-21). My periods are so regular I can nearly tell down to the hour when it will start! My acne cleared up, but I did gain a little weight, but nothing crazy. The only issue is breast tenderness a week before my period that can get annoying, but otherwise this birth control has been great and super easy to remember. Also, I was able to change my schedule for a vacation, so I got my period a week before traveling, which was amazing, it didn't screw up my body... just read the pamphlet on how to properly do this (and don't do it all the time!)"

• hal...
• December 15, 2013

For Birth Control "I love the NuvaRing! Third birth control I've tried and by far the best, I will never be trying anything else. I was on Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo and then Junel. On both of those, it was so hard to lose weight, and Junel actually made me gain. Ortho gave me really bad anxiety too. Once I switched to NuvaRing, my anxiety went away, my moods are super under control, and I have lost 5 lbs very easily in the past month. The single bad thing is that sometimes it comes partway out, and I will have to go and fix it, but it's quick and easy and happens very rarely."

• Anonymous
• May 15, 2017

For Birth Control "To make this review easy, I'll share a list of the pros and cons that I have experienced on the NuvaRing while being on it for 5 years. Pros: very light periods with minimal cramping (although I am lucky enough that my periods beforehand were already pretty light, but my cramps were horrible), super easy to use, can skip your period if you want to, insurance covered it, you barely know it's in there, can take it out for up to 3 hours while having sex. Cons: ZERO sex drive, moodiness, constant bloating, constant tiredness, cravings, weight gain, my vagina has actually become swollen after sex, sometimes painful sex. Everyone is different, but the cons are outweighing the pros for me at this point, so I am looking for a different option immediately."

• Mai...
• November 15, 2022

For Birth Control "I would not recommend this to anyone. Like many other reviewers, I was on the NuvaRing and had no issue. Honestly, it was the ideal birth control. My insurance no longer can cover NuvaRing, and I was given this generic brand. I am never one to look down on generic brands (food, cleaning products, etc.), so I didn’t mind. However, 1.5 years later, I wish I would’ve taken the change seriously. I have gained so much weight. I don’t even look the same, I went from a size 4/6 to a size 10/12. On top of that, during my time with the birth control, I was so anxious to the point of nausea. Before any social event, I needed to drink so much to calm down. I was just an anxious mess! I decided to get off this terrible birth control at the end of July (about 4 months ago). I feel mentally better and I can actually go places without being drunk! I am working out and finally seeing results! I went from 215 to 193 - I have a lot more to go, but this is progress! I wouldn’t recommend this birth control."

• Emi...
• June 13, 2019

For Birth Control "Although the NuvaRing has kept me protected from getting pregnant, my acne from this is unreal. It’s taken almost a year to recover from, and I’m still breaking out. The entire lower half of my face was covered in cystic acne for the first 6 months of taking this. I didn’t want to change because I didn’t experience any other side effects. No weight gain, no mood swings, nothing. I had to couple it with another medication and two prescription gels to clear my skin. I’m most likely going to be going off this in the next month and try something else due to my skin still struggling."

• cas...
• April 22, 2015

For Birth Control "I was on NuvaRing for about six months. For the first month or two, I had terrible headaches at the end of the days I had class, but everything else was fine. Fast forward to 3-5 months, I was moody, I was even a little depressed, and I had no sex drive. I wanted to eat everything in sight. From the second month to the sixth month, I gained about twenty pounds with no significant lifestyle changes or dietary changes besides the NuvaRing. If you are tolerant of high hormone levels and don't gain weight, this might be a good option for you. It stays in for three weeks and comes out the fourth week for your period (which mine came very regularly while on it). If it wasn't for the significant weight gain, I would have stayed on it."

• Mel...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 19, 2017

For Birth Control "Please keep in mind when reading these reviews that every person is different and every experience with medication is unique. I have been on NuvaRing for a little over 1 year. I loved it for the convenience of not needing to remember to take a pill daily. However, I did notice the 'belly bloat' about 6-7 months into taking it. I was almost concerned I was pregnant. I have always been lean, and I'm in my mid-20s. My weight and size are fairly consistent. Now, I'm at 12 months in (definitely not pregnant, by the way) and I finally am noticing an overall weight gain in addition to my belly bloat. Total, about 10-15 lbs. I loved this method, but my self-confidence is suffering, so I am stopping (and hoping I see a change, as I am very active!)."

• Ano...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 12, 2015

For Birth Control "I really enjoy the NuvaRing. I cannot take birth control pills because they contain lactose, and I am allergic to dairy. The NuvaRing is super convenient and easy to use. If you put it in correctly, you'll never know it is there. I used to faint during my period without the NuvaRing - which I don't now. Also, I barely have any cramps with NuvaRing and have a shorter period. The side effects that I endured were nausea and breast tenderness for the first month. Also, I have had some weight gain and loss of sex drive - but both are minor. The most prominent side effect was breast enlargement - I went from a 32C to a 32DDD."

• Soc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 12, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been on the NuvaRing for a little over 5 months. I started it to help my heavy periods, but the longer I go, the more I am wondering how much the side effects are bothering me and from the ring. I’ve read other comments, and like a lot of others, I have gained a ton of weight and can eat like a man, as someone said. I’m always tired and definitely have mood swings. I don’t have much of a period anymore, but I have spotting literally every day, so I still have to wear a tampon, which my doctor keeps saying will stop, but I don’t know. My headaches have definitely gotten worse as well. It’s a high price to pay to not have a period, and I think I’m going to take it out and see if I feel better. My periods mess with my body as well, but not like this!"