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Ashlyna and Bleeding: What Users Say

Bleeding: mentioned by 43 users (29.3%)

Based on user experiences from 147 Ashlyna reviews, the following table shows the most commonly mentioned side effects.

All user comments are moderated by Drugs.com. Each review is verified for relevance and screened for inappropriate content. Side effects are user-reported and not clinically verified.

bleeding 29.3%
cramps 21.1%
spotting 19.7%
mood swings 15.6%
weight gain 15.0%
acne 12.2%
depression 11.6%
nausea 10.9%
sexual dysfunction 10.2%
anxiety 8.2%

Reviews for Ashlyna

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Nik...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • January 18, 2020

For Birth Control "I've been on Ashlyna for 2 years. You have to give it 6 months for the breakthrough bleeding to stop and for your hormones to level out, that's with any birth control. I still am currently on it and enjoy it very much. I skip the placebo pills, so I don't have a period."

10 / 10
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  • bir...
  • February 15, 2020

For Birth Control "Ashlyna was my first experience with birth control, and I was looking forward to having my period every 3 months. The first 2 months on the pill, everything was great! Some mood swings, but no spotting, maintained my weight, and no change in skin quality. But about 2/3 into the pack, I started spotting daily. Along with the several weeks of spotting, my sex drive decreased drastically. During the placebo week, my period was relatively normal and lasted 3-4 days. When I started my second pack, it was similar to the first, where I was completely fine for about 1.5 months, then the spotting started again. However, after 2 weeks of spotting, I began to bleed heavily to the point where I would fill pads/tampons within a few hours. I also passed blood clots every day. Obviously, this was concerning, and I made an appointment to see my doctor ASAP! That will be in the next week or two. I have never stopped taking the pill and have been on schedule every day for the past 6 months."

4 / 10
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12 Report
  • Gia...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 2, 2019

For Birth Control "I tried Ashlyna as my first-ever birth control to stop my oh-so-frequent and annoying periods and to just have more control over my body. The first 6 weeks on this pill went pretty well besides some nausea. However, once I hit around the end of the 6th week, the breakthrough bleeding began and hasn’t stopped since (I’m now almost three weeks away from finishing the pack). It really sucks because I feel more out of control of my body than ever before. A lot of women in the reviews talk about a lack of sex drive, but for me, mine never went away, which I wish it did because the breakthrough bleeding makes it virtually impossible for me to have sex. All in all, this birth control has really put a downer on my overall life and I’ve never been more exhausted and annoyed. I’ve been bleeding every day for almost 5 weeks, and I can’t wait to get off this pill."

4 / 10
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9 Report
  • Gia...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 2, 2019

For Birth Control "I tried Ashlyna as my first-ever birth control to stop my oh-so-frequent and annoying periods and to just have more control over my body. The first 6 weeks on this pill went pretty well besides some nausea. However, once I hit around the end of the 6th week, the breakthrough bleeding began and hasn’t stopped since (I’m now almost three weeks away from finishing the pack). It really sucks because I feel more out of control of my body than ever before. A lot of women in the reviews talk about a lack of sex drive, but for me, mine never went away, which I wish it did because the breakthrough bleeding makes it virtually impossible for me to have sex. All in all, this birth control has really put a downer on my overall life and I’ve never been more exhausted and annoyed. I’ve been bleeding every day for almost 5 weeks, and I can’t wait to get off this pill."

4 / 10
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9 Report
  • Ab2...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 2, 2017

For Birth Control "I currently have Nexplanon implanted, and when I got it in, I had light periods for 4 months straight. Since I only went on birth control to stop my hellish periods, this wasn't ideal. My doctor put me on a normal pill birth control (3 weeks of the pill, 1 week placebo). During the placebo week, my horrid periods were back, so I told my doctor and that's when she prescribed me Ashlyna. I've been taking it for a month so far and everything has gone great. I've actually somehow managed to lose weight, there hasn't been any bleeding at all, and my mood seems to have improved (I used to get depressed during my period). Everyone responds differently to medications, but I would recommend Ashlyna."

10 / 10
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10 Report

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  • Liz...
  • April 2, 2019

For Birth Control "Horrible, horrible birth control! I took this to reduce my periods. I spotted the entire second month and then had the worst period of my life that lasted, so it was weeks. I ended up in the ER with anemia from all the blood loss. I would not recommend this birth control."

1 / 10
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8 Report
  • Lol...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 19, 2019

For Birth Control "I was taking Lo Seasonique with no issues for 2-3 years until I was switched to Ashlyna for insurance and pharmacy reasons. It is the same hormones, but Ashlyna is stronger. The first 3-6 months were seemingly okay until I started bleeding/spotting randomly at any time in the pack (not on placebo pills), mood swings/depression became an everyday thing, and if I did not take the pill like clockwork and was off by even 4 hours, I would get breakthrough bleeding. Not to mention the weight gain, 20 lbs in 6 months. I would not recommend."

1 / 10
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7 Report
  • Lol...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 19, 2019

For Birth Control "I was taking Lo Seasonique with no issues for 2-3 years until I was switched to Ashlyna for insurance and pharmacy reasons. It is the same hormones, but Ashlyna is stronger. The first 3-6 months were seemingly okay until I started bleeding/spotting randomly at any time in the pack (not on placebo pills), mood swings/depression became an everyday thing, and if I did not take the pill like clockwork and was off by even 4 hours, I would get breakthrough bleeding. Not to mention the weight gain, 20 lbs in 6 months. I would not recommend."

1 / 10
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7 Report
  • CeC...
  • June 5, 2020

For Birth Control "I’m going on my fourth month taking this pill, and so far, I am not pleased. I was prescribed this pill to control my bleeding. When I started taking them, I had my normal cycle that lasted a little longer due to the breakthrough bleeding. Then, no period for nearly two months. I’ve taken consistently in the evening before bed. When I started the pill for the last week of month three (not even the placebo), I started bleeding again, and three weeks later, I’m still bleeding. It’s not heavy, but enough for me to know that this pill is not for me. I’m going to finish the pack, then I’m done."

3 / 10
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6 Report
  • put...
  • January 4, 2020

For Birth Control "My gyno put me on this because at 22, I have an on-the-go lifestyle, working for months at a time abroad. The first 2.5 months, this was incredible as I skipped two periods; however, at the 2.5-month marker, in the middle of my hormonal dosage, I accidentally skipped one day. Period came with a fury, even when continuing on schedule. At first, came minor bleeding that I thought was spotting and lasted about a week to 2 weeks. Then, in the middle of the second week, I thought honestly I might be hemorrhaging (turns out menorhagia) and had to wear both a pad and a tampon and change multiple times an hour. This, along with fatigue, existing anemia, and jetlag, pretty much took me out of myself for an entire month. Going on week 4 and I am still waiting for the flow to subside. I only lasted one packet, a 3-month cycle on this. I know everyone’s body is different, and some have had positive reactions, but I absolutely will not recommend any birth control that skips your period each month. Especially Ashlyna."

3 / 10
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  • put...
  • January 4, 2020

For Birth Control "My gyno put me on this because at 22, I have an on-the-go lifestyle, working for months at a time abroad. The first 2.5 months, this was incredible as I skipped two periods; however, at the 2.5-month marker, in the middle of my hormonal dosage, I accidentally skipped one day. Period came with a fury, even when continuing on schedule. At first, came minor bleeding that I thought was spotting and lasted about a week to 2 weeks. Then, in the middle of the second week, I thought honestly I might be hemorrhaging (turns out menorhagia) and had to wear both a pad and a tampon and change multiple times an hour. This, along with fatigue, existing anemia, and jetlag, pretty much took me out of myself for an entire month. Going on week 4 and I am still waiting for the flow to subside. I only lasted one packet, a 3-month cycle on this. I know everyone’s body is different, and some have had positive reactions, but I absolutely will not recommend any birth control that skips your period each month. Especially Ashlyna."

3 / 10
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6 Report
  • Nik...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 19, 2018

For Birth Control "I loved this birth control. I’ve been on it for four months with breakthrough bleeding the second month twice and haven’t bled since. I skipped the placebo pills also. The only problem I have is the packaging! It’s so hard to get them out, it’s ridiculous!"

9 / 10
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7 Report
  • Lea...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 15, 2021

For Birth Control "I had a horrible experience on this medication. I didn't last more than 10 days on it. I was originally on Junel Fe, but I didn't want to get a monthly cycle, so my OB-GYN recommended Seasonique (Ashlyna). This medication made me gush! Nonstop heavy clotting, terrible cramps, loss of appetite. I lost so much blood over the past 3 weeks, after standing for a certain amount of hours, I would become lightheaded and dizzy. I stopped taking it 7 days ago, and I'm still bleeding and having cramps. Also, I've been having mild chest pain. I will do an EKG and chest X-ray tomorrow. I feel like this birth control is ruining my life, and I pray that I stop bleeding soon. Mentally, I am not okay at all, I feel so depressed and desperate."

1 / 10
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3 Report
  • San...
  • February 11, 2018

For Birth Control "Since I started the second pack, I’ve been bleeding and have horrible cramps for 12 days now, and I’m bleeding really heavy, which I never did previously, before a few days of my period, and that was it. I’m still taking the pills, but so far I’m still bleeding. I’m not impressed with this pill so far. I’d rather go back to having a normal period every month than this!!!"

2 / 10
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5 Report
  • Ann...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • August 18, 2019

For Birth Control "I started the Ashlyna birth control pills about two years ago, and I had the pack where I’m supposed to get my period every three months. Two separate times, I had forgotten to take my pill one day, and I got a period for the rest of the thirteen-week package of pills. Now I had taken my birth control every night and keep getting breakthrough bleeding that I already know is going to last for the rest of the thirteen-week package as well. And not to mention I’m only on week eight, so I’ll end up bleeding for the next five weeks."

4 / 10
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4 Report
  • Win...
  • December 16, 2020

For Birth Control "Up until recently, I would have given Ashlyna a 10/10... that’s until I figured out the root of my issues. For the last 6 or 7 months, I have noticed a horrible change in my attitude. I have 3 children, and absolutely anything they would do, I would lose my mind. I got extremely mad over absolutely nothing. I couldn’t stand to be talked to, I couldn’t stand to have anything extra going on... especially noise or chaos, and that’s not me! I also noticed that my depression was at an all-time low. Like, I just couldn’t take life. Everything was too much, and I just mentally was NOT okay. BUT it wasn’t until I started bleeding randomly in my cycle that I realized I can’t do this birth control. I have been on it a year in January, and it was doing so good period-wise up until this month. I had absolutely no breakthrough bleeding, and my periods were exactly every 90 days. After reading the reviews, I’m starting to wonder, though, if the acne I’ve started to get isn't from Ashlyna..."

1 / 10
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3 Report
  • Cee...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 19, 2022

For Birth Control "I started Ashlyna to control my heavy periods. When my doctor told me about this birth control and that I would only have my period every 3 months, I jumped on it. Now everyone is different, so this is my experience. I was on another type of birth control, and it worked great for 3 years, light bleeding for 4 days, and I was very regular, like clockwork. Then I noticed my periods started becoming heavy again, large clots, and painful cramps. When my doctor told me about Ashlyna, I switched to it. The first 2 weeks went fine. Week 3 into the first pill back, I started bleeding, cramps, major mood swings, and bad hot flashes. I have now been bleeding for 3 weeks and still going, still have the mood swings, cramps, and hot flashes, and I just don't feel like myself. Needless to say, I called my doctor and told her I am not taking it anymore, and I want to switch back to my other pill. I will deal with 4 days of heavy bleeding and cramping. Ashlyna is not the birth control for me."

1 / 10
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  • Meg...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 25, 2019

For Birth Control "The birth controls I had tried were causing migraines during my placebo. So naturally, I asked for the knockoff of Seasonique, so if I were to have migraines, they would at least be every month instead of every 3 months. I experienced, for the entirety of my time on this contraceptive, “breakthrough bleeding” (according to the OBGYN nurse), but really I would describe it more as hemorrhaging chunks. It also caused a loss in sex drive, which I didn’t fully realize until I switched to something else. Absolutely do not recommend this contraceptive."

1 / 10
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3 Report
  • idk...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 22, 2019

For Birth Control "I started this pill just about three weeks ago. I switched from Estarylla in order to skip my periods. I had some breakthrough bleeding (more like spotting) for the first week, which was annoying, but after reading other reviews seems normal for being new to the pill. I have definitely noticed mood differences (sadness and overall moodiness), but nothing out of the ordinary for getting used to a new pill. Be wary of nausea the first few weeks, I was near vomiting almost every night the first week, but it has since gone away. Aside from these side effects, which honestly haven't impacted my life that much, this pill has been working great! Most of the side effects feel like they're starting to wear off as my body adapts to the new pill."

8 / 10
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3 Report
  • Chr...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • October 16, 2018

For Birth Control "I was looking forward to this birth control, only getting my period once a month sounded great. Yet I’m on my 6th month, and I’ve been bleeding so often. At times, I would spot for a month straight. Yes, it’s only spotting, but to be spotting for that long is so tiring. I would rather just get a consistent period once a month. At least I tried it. I’m going to switch off this pill and go back to getting my period once a month."

2 / 10
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3 Report
  • kc1...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 6, 2016

For Birth Control "I have been on this birth control for 5 and 1/2 months. The first pack was alright, I had a little breakthrough bleeding for about a week, but it stopped, and then I had a very nice and light period when it came to the end of the pack. However, since I have started my 2nd pack, I have been on my period nonstop since week 4... it is now week 11. Another fun side effect I found is that I have gained a ton of weight. Needless to say, I'm switching birth controls."

1 / 10
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4 Report
  • td5...
  • May 9, 2017

For Birth Control "First off, I'll start by saying that not everyone is the same, so this BC will obviously react differently to different people. Buying birth control is simply a game where you have to try them all to find one that truly works how you want. So I'm on my 2nd week of this, and so far, so good! I've had no bleeding, very mild cramps, nothing that I can't handle. My main reason for being on BC is obviously not to get pregnant, but I have ALWAYS had ridiculous periods. Most of the time, I pass out at least 1 time during my cycle due to cramps, so the cramps I've experienced while taking this haven't been nearly as bad as the ones I've experienced. So overall, super excited about that. Packaging is kinda bulky, but I have a big purse, so no worries!"

8 / 10
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5 Report
  • db8...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • February 2, 2023

For Birth Control "I would give Ashlyna 0 stars if I could - less even. I've been on Ashlyna for just over 2 years now, and it was fantastic in the beginning, however, right at the 2-year mark, during my placebo/period week, I had heavy bleeding, couldn't sleep, had no appetite, and felt dizzy. I have had blood work done, and there is no explanation for why this is happening. I am on day 4 of a new pill and hope this one works more efficiently."

1 / 10
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1 Report
  • iod...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 26, 2018

For Birth Control "This birth control started off fine, but after a month of being on it, I had awful dark brown discharge that eventually turned into bleeding. I bled for nearly two months and then started my period and had a much heavier flow and major cramps and bloating. I also became more prone to migraines and extreme headaches after drinking any amount of coffee. However, I didn’t gain weight on this pill, nor did I have any nausea problems. When I was on my period while on this pill, I did feel foggy and dizzy at times. My doctor took me off this pill after 3 months."

4 / 10
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2 Report
  • Lau...
  • April 30, 2018

For Birth Control "I am a dumb person and stopped taking birth control because I have PCOS and don’t have a period or anything unless I’m on birth control. I started dating this guy and wanted to get back on birth control, but didn’t want to bleed every month, so my doctor recommended Ashlyna. It was fine for the first month, and then around the middle of the second month, I started bleeding a little. I bled for over a month straight and had horrible cramps, even though I had never experienced cramps or any period symptoms before. I also went through like 10+ super plus tampons a day and had to wear pads at the same time. After I bled for so long, I was told to double up on the pill to stop the bleeding, but I ran out early and my insurance wouldn’t cover me to refill. In order to avoid that from happening again, my doctor suggested for me to stop taking anything for a week, and then start a generic pack. Now I bleed every month, but it’s better than the alternative."

1 / 10
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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.