Alesse User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)

• Eri...
• August 10, 2013

For Birth Control "My doctor prescribed Alesse for me after convincing me to get off of Diane 35, as it had a much lower hormone dose. Almost immediately, I began suffering from abdominal cramps, spotting unpredictably, and increased acne on my back, shoulders, and jawline. I expected much of this from reading about coming off of Diane, and my doctor assured me it would only last a few months. It's been nearly a year later, and although the spotting and cramping have subsided, the acne is still there (I can't even wear a top without a hood, let alone a tank top or bathing suit!), and I'm displaying a huge lack of interest in life. I have some good days, but spend a lot of time feeling unmotivated, tired, uninterested, etc. I want my life back."

• Amy...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 23, 2012

For Birth Control "I just finished my first month on Alesse, and I am SO pleased! I used to avoid hormonal birth control because of recurrent yeast infections and weight gain, but with Alesse, I have no problems! I feel like myself again! It's hard for me to review the contraceptive effect on me since I was told to wait a whole month before having 'unprotected' sex. But so far, so good. No weight gain, no infections, no nausea, but sometimes my breasts hurt a little. They didn't get any bigger though. I sometimes feel crampy in the last few days of the month, but nothing severe. I take it with no stop in between because my PMS and period were too intense. I'm in love with Alesse!"

• 7...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 7, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Alesse was the first birth control I ever took. I was 18 and had been having horrible periods. Constant, painful cramps and heavy flow. My gynecologist suggested Alesse to make my period lighter. I bled for over a month! Not spotting. Full-on heavy bleeding with horrible cramps. I eventually stopped and decided to deal with my period. At least I knew when it would end."

• HTa...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 16, 2020

For Birth Control "This pill was the worst. I broke out in acne all over my body. My breasts were so swollen and tender, and the bloat never, ever, ever went away. Ever; don’t even ask about the weight gain. The only thing it did was avoid pregnancy. DO NOT TAKE THIS. Find another pill."

• Sun...
• October 25, 2018

For Birth Control "I took this pill for 2 months and a half, never have been so sad and depressed, always nauseous after taking the pill, never had so many fights with my boyfriend because of the crazy mood swings. I don't recommend it at all. Also, had awful sleep patterns, slept awfully for all those months."

• Mel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 10, 2019

For Birth Control "Avoid this birth control if you can. This was my first time going on birth control, and my doctor prescribed it because it apparently was a good 'starter birth control.' But the side effects were terrible. I had the common ones, headaches, nausea, etc. But the worst of all was that it gave me TERRIBLE anxiety, on top of depression. I got into a really dark place and was getting around 1-3 anxiety attacks per week. I also experienced terrible leg cramping, to the extent that I paid the hospital a visit because it was so bad, and there was the fear that it may be a blood clot. There are so many better birth control options out there."

• Con...
• July 25, 2018

For Birth Control "I'm very concerned about this pill. My daughter has been experiencing severe leg cramps. Actually, she has a hard time walking, and it lasts for two days. Her hands swell, and her legs swell, becoming very, very heavy. She is in tears. Actually, she had blood work, and her inflammatory markers were elevated. Anyone taking this pill, BE CAREFUL. Listen to your body and seek medical attention when needed. Don't wait. Reviewing reports about this medication, I realize that all medications have side effects, but this one is SCARY. Ladies, do your research and let a friend know."

• Mis...
• August 8, 2014

For Birth Control "First time, first month on Alesse 28! This first month on Alesse has been really something. I have had really no side effects except the odd feeling weird until about 4 days ago. I started bleeding with 5 days left on the pill and feeling nauseous with a headache here and there, fatigued, and achy everywhere! While I'm still able to eat, I have no energy and feel like crap all the time... Will this get better going into the second month? The cramps start off heavy then get lighter, it's really off and on, but for my period right now, it's a bit lighter than before, but I haven't seen a big difference yet? Is this because it's only the first month? Just wanted to share my experience because it's really been something!"

• Fre...
• October 10, 2013

For Birth Control "Alesse 21 is the first birth control pill I've ever tried, so this might make the review a little biased, but I'm still going to share my experience and hope it helps other women out there. So during the first month, it was kind of tough, especially since it was the first kind of birth control pill I've ever taken. I did not feel good emotionally. I had a quick-snap temper, and it was taking a toll on my daily interactions (this was about two weeks into first taking it), but now, it honestly doesn't affect me as much anymore. I never experienced any bad breakouts of acne, though I still have my occasional mood swing. In terms of periods, taking the pill definitely regulated my period and made it so much lighter than before."

• Cle...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 11, 2020

For Birth Control "When I started taking Alesse, the only side effects were feeling a bit nauseous for the first few days. I’ve now been on it for a month and a half, and I’ve noticed increased mood swings, sadness, and irritability that I never experienced before taking Alesse. I’m also starting to experience a bit of depression (not sure if it’s related to birth control). I’ve gained a bit of weight and feel bloated, appetite has increased majorly. At times, I also feel like my sex drive is lower. I’m going to continue until the 3rd pack, if I see no improvement, I consider switching to a non-hormonal birth control."

• Joy...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 12, 2013

For Birth Control "My doctor switched me from YAZ to Alesse to help with the weight gain that YAZ gave me (20 pounds in 1 year), and I hate this birth control. From the first month of using it, I was an angry beast, it was way too much. Second month, I noticed that I lost a little bit of the weight, but I noticed I would start crying for no reason often and become depressed. My doctor told me to stick it out for 3 months. Third month, I am still an angry beast, as well as extremely irritable for extended periods of time. Mind you that YAZ also caused some of these symptoms as well, but on Alesse it was tripled."

• 1Ow...
• November 2, 2016

For Birth Control "I have been using Alesse for a year now, and I have great skin, although I did have clear skin prior to Alesse. I have gained 10 lbs. I haven't been able to pinpoint what is wrong with me, so to speak, and after reading all of the reviews, I feel I have FINALLY targeted the issue. I have always been sensitive, but I have been EXTREMELY EMOTIONAL this past year, crying at the smallest things. I have been so emotional that I am currently suffering from depression. Yes, I did not get pregnant, but I don't believe this pill is worth the side effects!"

• Anonymous
• March 22, 2016

For Birth Control "I was skeptical after reading the many negative views, but now I'm on month three, and here's what I have to say (every body is different, ps): The first month was hard. I broke out and got back acne. I was exhausted to the point of fatigue (and a real weird eye twitch). I had a few moments of intense nauseousness and a couple headaches. My first period week was rough - my energy levels depleted immensely, and I was an emotional crybaby. My boobs grew a lot, which was fabulous. And I even noticed my nails and skin (I have really dry, dry skin) and hair all strengthen and become healthier. By month three, everything subsided, and I feel back to normal, with healthier nails even ;) Give it time - at least three months to see if it works!"

• bee...
• August 18, 2009

For Birth Control "I use Alesse, and it works in that I have not gotten pregnant and that it drastically lightens my periods. The bad thing is that ever since I started taking it 3 years ago, I've been tired all of the time. Morning, noon, and night! It's getting worse, so I'm going to stop taking this pill. I want my life back."

• Col...
• February 5, 2019

For Birth Control "I started this BC about a year ago. The start was okay. Soon after starting it, I experienced no sex drive. Now I experience in-between period bleeding that can last what seems like forever. Like I have been mildly bleeding for 12 days and counting... all because I took it two hours after the scheduled time. Mood swings. Mild depression. Getting off this ASAP!!!"

• Kay...
• April 13, 2014

For Birth Control "I've been on Alesse for about 3 years, including the time I decided to have Mirena put in (then promptly removed a month later) and tried the patch for about a month. Neither Mirena nor the Evra patch, despite how easy they are to use, compared to Alesse. I also tried Tricyclen Lo for about 6 months, but my doctor switched me to Alesse after I complained of stomach cramps and constant bloating, which Alesse seemed to fix. THE PROS: no weight gain, no facial acne, no weird side effects like unwanted hair growth, no pregnancies, and a period that is fairly short, light, and always on time. THE CONS: acne on my back, mood swings and depression, low sex drive, and quite painful menstrual cramps. Overall, I like it and would recommend."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 11, 2014

For Birth Control "Almost done with my first pack of Alesse. This is the first birth control that I've been on, and the experience hasn't been too great. I had extreme nausea the first three days, extreme anxiety for three days after that, and painful breasts that followed and have not stopped. My breasts have also grown a bit (but that's more of a good thing). I'm hoping that the side effects will eventually go away, but so far it has been a negative experience. I'm scared to switch to other pills in fear of the symptoms being worse."

• How...
• October 8, 2017

For Birth Control "Personally, I have had so far a great experience on Alesse. I've been on it for just over 6 months now, it has helped with acne and regulating periods. I haven't noticed any weight gain at all, and my periods are super light. I, however, just recently started having sex, and overall I am a nervous person about getting pregnant, but so far, all good! *fingers crossed*"

• kik...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 28, 2020

For Birth Control "I’ve been taking Alesse for about 4 months now and have been noticing major changes in my body. I didn’t think to associate it with my birth control until recently. After looking at the reviews, I know now that this has been the cause. I have experienced major weight gain recently – between bloat, water retention, and swelling of my ankles. Besides that, my mood has also changed when I just cry for no reason at all. I was taking the generic version of Tricyclene-lo prior to this and will be switching back next month. I did, however, notice that my periods were much lighter – only positive review that I could give."

• Sus...
• November 26, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm 19, and this is the first birth control I've ever tried. I started taking it 3 months ago for contraceptive purposes. The first week was a nightmare. I had the absolute worst stomach pain, cramping, bloating, and nausea I've ever had in my life. I was crying my eyes out because I felt so awful, and I couldn't sleep at night. I kept taking it, and that side effect went away after a week. I had a little bit of spotting over the first month, but that's long gone now. I've always had extremely horrible periods. They were so heavy, I was anemic. I had to use both pads and tampons at the same time, and I had to change them every 30 minutes. They're so much lighter now, and my formerly debilitating cramps are almost non-existent."

• wit...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 15, 2022

For Birth Control "I began taking this medication after being on Diane35 for about 9 years, originally being put on it for acne. Diane was a perfect birth control pill for me, however, due to the higher risk of blood clots, my doctor and I decided I should try a new pill. I didn't experience spotting, and my period was light on this medication, which was a plus. However, it wreaked absolute havoc on my body. I haven't had acne for about 2-3 years now, and going on Alesse caused me to break out horrifically all over my face, on my shoulders, and on my chest. The acne would start to go away only when I was on my week of sugar pills and then come back a few days after starting the next pack. It also caused the worst mental health and mood issues I have ever experienced. I have never struggled with depression and only have mild anxiety. After going on this pill, my anxiety has become unmanageable, and any inconvenience makes me want to cry and sink into a hole. I am almost in a state of being nonfunctional now."

• Ash...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 19, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been on Alesse for 12 years, and it has been great. No pregnancy scares, no spotting, very minimal cramps, my skin was not affected. My period would only last 2-3 days and was not very heavy. I would recommend Alesse for sure."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 31, 2014

For Birth Control "I started on Alesse when I was 15, and it was the first birth control pill I had ever used. The first night, I got awful headaches, and they carried on for the rest of the week. After that, I became very moody, and just about anything could make me cry. Honestly, that was the worst part, I've never been more moody and sad in my life. After about four months, I began getting two periods a month, and I finally got fed up and switched pills."

• Can...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 18, 2016

For Birth Control "Alesse 28 is the first birth control pill my doctor prescribed and the only pill I have ever taken and am still currently taking. I chose to go on the pill because I believe it is the best option and the most convenient for me to prevent pregnancy while regulating my period. My average period cycle is 36-39 days and tends to be more irregular than most. I have been on the pill for almost 2 weeks now, and so far, so good. My body seems to have adjusted well to Alesse 28. The only side effects I experienced were very mild headaches and nausea during the first 2 days of starting the pill. I also experienced a little breast tenderness during the first week. But no mood swings or weight gain/loss. Overall, a great birth control pill."

• vtt...
• January 6, 2017

For Birth Control "I've been using Alesse since April of 2016. It works as a contraceptive, and my skin is clear, my moods are in check, my periods are much lighter now, and it is also the first contraceptive that I have used. However, I have noticed lately that I'm hungry ALL the time. In fact, food is all that I think about some days, which has caused me to gain almost 20 lb in the past near year I've used it. I'm not sure yet if this is due to the pills or if it is due to stress or something else, but otherwise Alesse works."