Alesse User Reviews & Ratings (Page 3)

• Jes...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 23, 2015

For Birth Control "This has worked amazingly for my hormonal acne (cystic acne on the sides of my chin). I've been taking it for about a year now, and I get the odd zit here and again, but for the most part, it's cleared up. Most effective treatment I have ever used for acne. I don't bother taking the sugar pills or skip a week, I just go right to the next pack as recommended by my doctor."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 18, 2014

For Birth Control "Up until this past fall, I hadn't experienced any negative side effects while taking the pill. Then I started having anxiety attacks, feeling depressed about everything, rapid weight gain (25 lbs in 2 months despite living at the gym), extreme irritability, heavy bleeding (3-4 super tampons every 2 hours) halfway through a pack, intense cramping, new and powerful migraines, and horrible skin. I've been off of it for 2 months now, and I feel worlds better. I still have bad skin, and although my anxiety is manageable, it's still there, but at least I can get out of bed, and the headaches have slackened. I'm looking at other options now because abstinence is difficult."

• Bea...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• November 8, 2019

For Birth Control "After trying a few types of birth control pills in high school, I settled on Alesse and have been using it most of my life. I liked that it was low estrogen, which for me meant less mood swings than other pills. I also eventually started only getting periods once every 3 months, and short when I had them, which was nice. The downside was that I realized now after quitting Alesse that the levonorgestrel was causing me increased facial hair growth. If it's happened to you as well, now you know why!"

• Sha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 27, 2013

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "My wife was always getting abnormal, heavy periods with pain, went to many doctors, everyone had their own views, been through many types of ultrasounds, physical exams, blood tests, but no use, and no one was able to diagnose the problem until she was prescribed to take the birth control pill 'Alesse'. Had a few problems with the side effects in the beginning, and after the first cycle, but it's getting a lot better now, except for a little mood swings. She is not bleeding anymore, and all those unknown cramps and whatnot are gone. I guess every contraceptive pill is not for everyone, if one does not suit you, then try some other type. These reviews help a lot, please keep sharing."

• Ban...
• February 13, 2021

For Birth Control "To be honest, I really liked taking this pill. Only stopping because I get aura migraines and can't take estrogen because of the stroke risk. I was only on the pill for 2 months, so take what I say with a grain of salt, but here's my experience: I was a little emotional for the first 2 weeks, acne around my jaw for the first month, and I feel like my bowels were off a little at first too. Just a bit constipated and bloated, but that also adjusted over time. Acid reflux flared up a bit easier too. My boobs looked GREAT, which I loved, and I was super relieved that it didn't make me super emotional like other ones I have tried. My periods were lighter and less cramps. And I actually got my period on time, and I have always been irregular. Weight stayed the same, sex drive stayed the same (if anything, I think that my bigger boobs put me in the mood more lol). Overall, I had a good time taking this and wish I could stay on it!!"

• Snj...
• May 8, 2017

For Birth Control "Alesse was the first type of birth control I've ever taken, and I experienced many negative side effects. When I first started it, I had severe back pain, headaches, and mood swings. After a week or two, these symptoms subsided, but I began to feel depressed-this feeling went on for about a month and worsened whenever I drank alcohol. In total, I was on this pill for two cycles before I decided to switch. That being said, everyone is different! If Alesse doesn't work for you, there are probably others that will."

• Gin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 15, 2015

For Birth Control "So, recently I got switched off from Aviane, which was the best birth control ever! Because I moved out of province, they didn't carry Aviane, so they put me on Alesse. I'm going on 21 years old, I'm 5'3, and I've never passed 115 pounds using Aviane. Using Alesse, I have gained almost 10 pounds in the last few months of use! This birth control has worsened my acne, caused me severe headaches, worsened my abdominal pain throughout and off my period, heavy bloating, worsened my constipation, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and rather than 5 days, my periods are 7-9. I'm glad this birth control suits most of you ladies on here, for myself, it has been the worst! Obviously not for every woman, definitely not for me! Looking to switch ASAP!"

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 16, 2020

For Birth Control "At the beginning on Alesse, I had no side effects! My acne was clearing, and my periods were light and short. After being on this for 2 years, I have noticed my anxiety and stress get really bad. I never really stressed about anything that bad or cried that much, but I feel like the slightest thing will cause me to cry. I also started to experience a lot of bloating and stomach aches."

• zes...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 3, 2015

For Birth Control "Background: 18-year-old, 5'4", 115 pounds, and works out regularly. Overall, I think it is good. I've always had clear skin, so acne wasn't a problem at all. PROS: super light periods that only last about 5 days (sometimes so light I can't even put a tampon in), no weight gain, no acne, no pregnancies, lol. CONS: discharge (fairly quite significant amount), backaches, and sometimes I get moderate to severe headaches. Overall, I would recommend this form of birth control. One thing I did notice: I don't get my period until 4 days after I finish the birth control packs. Is that normal? Considering some people get it at the same time every month and/or the day after they finish the pills."

• Sno...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 27, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "My periods have been getting very heavy as I've been getting older (just turned 40). I was told to start the pack on the Sunday I started my period, so I was on my 3rd day. Every day since then, I've been bleeding various amounts, and some days have had mild cramps. Hoping by the second trial pack this stops. One week of heavy periods is better than every day of the month bleeding. My libido is lower, but not sure if that's the medicine or the fact I'm bleeding daily :("

• Ala...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 21, 2019

For Birth Control "I was on it for three years. It’s hard making sure to take the pill every day at the same time. At first, the pill was great, and I had no problems with it. However, I started to feel down all the time, cried without reason in front of people, and had no drive. I realized it must be because of the pill, and as soon as I got off the pill, I felt amazing! Would never want to experience this pill again."

• kat...
• October 17, 2017

For Birth Control "Alesse was the first birth control that my doctor had put me on. I had no side effects and was confused due to all of the complaints I had heard about taking birth control in general from my peers. I began to wonder if there was anything better than Alesse, and that is my biggest regret. I took Lolo as well as Tricera Lo, and both of those helped me realize what side effects and tolls some birth control pills can have on women. I was breaking out in cystic acne, my breasts hurt, I had gained weight, my appetite was immense, etc. I went back on Alesse, and lo and behold, my skin is at its best, I have ZERO side effects, and most importantly, it prevents me from getting pregnant."

• Anonymous
• October 7, 2009

For Birth Control "I've been on this for a month, and after the first two days, I had spotting occur, and it hasn't stopped since. I never had this problem when I was off birth control and when I was on Seasonique, unfortunately, it's quite costly. I've also been extremely tired and experienced depression while on this pill. I'm switching as soon as this month ends."

• Anonymous
• August 1, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been on Alesse a month now, and it's been absolute hell. I'm not an emotional person by any means, and I eat like a full-grown man usually, but since starting this, I haven't been able to eat at all because of the nausea and have had random uncontrollable mood swings. I've lost 10 lbs, and every time I take one of these pills, I get an instant headache. My period was hell as well, I got bad cramps for a week before and all during. This is not normal for me. My period also went from 4 days to 7, which really ticked me off. It caused my acne to get far worse and scar like I've never had before. Not only this, but my anxiety levels went through the roof, and my depression did the same, causing me suicidal thoughts, and I had ABSOLUTELY no energy."

• Eri...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 26, 2020

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I was prescribed Alesse for PCOS and developed severe depression, crying almost every day for several months, to the point that I could hardly function. I also developed melasma (hyper-pigmentation/brown splotches) on my face. My doctor did not warn me about either of these possibilities, and I did not connect them to the pill at first. I was about to go on antidepressants and use bleaching cream on my face when a friend who had been through something similar suggested I try going off the pill first. I did, and the depression vanished within about a week and has not returned. The melasma took a few years to go away but eventually did. (I have also found much better ways to manage the PCOS through herbs, diet & exercise.)"

• kar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 13, 2018

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I started to take Alesse a little over 2 months ago, and my period has not stopped! The breakthrough bleeding is ruining my life. Every single day, I have what is like morning sickness, breast tenderness, and feel sick to my stomach. GET OFF THIS PILL. Oh, and it caused me to break out!"

• Aje...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 30, 2019

For Birth Control "Well, where to start. Thankfully, I have been off of this for almost two years now. But looking back at photos, I remember something very prominent: hair loss. My hair was receding like crazy on both sides of my head. Six months after I stopped taking it, the hair thankfully started to grow back. It's shorter and thin, but it's enough to cover my scalp. Be very careful... This is the first birth control I have ever been on that I experienced this kind of side effect."

• Lou...
• October 8, 2019

For Birth Control "I think I've been on Alesse now for 3 or 4 years... can't really remember now. Prior to that, I was on a couple of other higher dose hormone pills since I was 19; 31 years old now! I started this pill because of the lower dose of hormones. I was struggling with depression and anxiety at that point and thought the pill may be affecting that. I still have periods of depression and anxiety, but I can control it better. My skin has changed though... I have super sensitive skin with painful cystic acne. It's not a lot of spots, but they are painful and stay for a really long time. I've had weight gain, but I don't know if that's more me or the pill. I've decided to come off the pill, which I'm kind of nervous to do! It's more about the fact that I've been on it for almost 13 years and I want to see what I'm like off of it. Right now, I would say that I would go back on it, because I don't find the side effects that bad, but we'll see in the future after I've been off it for a while."

• San...
• January 22, 2014

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I've been using Alesse 28 for a little over a year now, and it's my first birth control pill! I use it mainly for period regulation since my period wouldn't come for 6 months at a time and for birth control (10/10 effective when used properly). When I first started taking Alesse, my abdominal region felt a bit uncomfortable, but within a matter of about 2 weeks, it went away. Some symptoms I've taken notice of were the mild mood swings I'd have once in a while and a little bit of dizziness. Now, the abdominal pain and dizziness I seemed to have experienced a year ago have subsided, but the mild mood swings are still apparent and prevalent. I have no consistent weight loss or weight gain, acne, hair loss or hair growth, or loss of sex drive."

• lis...
• January 31, 2016

For Birth Control "First time using Alesse. Been gaining weight like crazy, my mood swings are all over the place, my period has been starting a week early, so now my period lasts about 2 weeks. This pill is definitely not for me."

• Con...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 7, 2017

For Birth Control "I've started taking this type of birth control. It's my first birth control in general, and my first pack. I've been getting sharp cramps and am now bleeding (even after my period has stopped) and huge migraines on the right side only of my head (whether or not this is a side effect, I don't know, but it has occurred ever since I started taking Alesse). I don't know if I should be alarmed about the sharp cramps, as they are extremely painful, but do go away and come back within seconds. I want to play it safe, but I also want to make sure there is nothing wrong with myself down there. Anyone else having these issues?"

• Gab...
• May 3, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been on Alesse for 2 months now. I feel extremely tired all the time, even after drinking coffee, and usually coffee makes me wired. I constantly feel bloated even when I haven't eaten anything. Then when I do eat something, I feel like I'm about to throw up. I've noticed that I've gained a little bit of weight, especially around my tummy/hips. My mood swings are all over the place (I'll cry and get cranky over the dumbest things ALL THE TIME). Definitely would not recommend this birth control and plan to go off it ASAP."

• Jen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 8, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm on day 9 on Alesse so far, not very far into it yet, but so far I really like Alesse. I was so badly traumatized from my first birth control experience as a teen, it scared me to go on birth control again. Yasmin was really bad for depression and weight gain, I didn't like it. Now I am married with children and wanted to try something else again. Alesse is low dose, so I figured maybe it might be different this time, it's way better! My mental health is extremely important, I feel a little tired on this pill, but only minor. I will update again to see how it continues, so far, so great."

• Kat...
• April 10, 2017

For Birth Control "I've been on Alesse now for about 5 years, and I'm going to switch pills. It's never helped with my acne nor my period pain, and it's made me EXTREMELY irritable and very, very moody and depressed. I went off it for a year, and I was instantly happier, and my skin wasn't as bad, and I had regular period pain. As far as being a contraceptive, it's worked so far *knock* *knock*. I would not recommend this if you are sensitive to medication."

• Nic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 15, 2017

For Birth Control "I'm 24, and this is my first ever contraceptive pill. Taking it for a month now. I don't have a problem aside from gaining weight, and I'm emotional, but not this much since I started this pill. I'm happy that my acne is slowly fading, my cramps are not as severe as the last one I had, and I don't have a problem at all. I've noticed that my breasts are gaining some extra fat too. Lol."