Aviane and Cramps: What Users Say

• I...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 27, 2013

For Birth Control "When I first started taking birth control, I was started on Aviane, and I really loved it. I lost weight, and I went from an A cup bra to a C cup bra in just 2 months. After a year or 2, I got switched to Lessina, and I didn't like it! Got horrible headaches, gained weight, and cramps were horrible. After 2 years of Lessina, I begged to be switched back to Aviane, and now only after 2 months of taking it, I have lost 11 lbs, and the cramps and headaches are gone. I do get tender breasts while on my period, but I’d rather have tender breasts and moodiness and cramps! Oh, and my sex drive is through the roof!"

• Tin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 5, 2013

For Birth Control "I had taken Aviane for about 6 months straight, and I did not like it. My periods were a lot longer, my cramps were very bad, and I started breaking out on my face. I also had a loss of appetite and felt more tired every day. I do have to say it did help in preventing pregnancy, but I did not like the side effects. I am going to see if I can change birth control."

• Ray...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 15, 2020

For Birth Control "This was the worst birth control I have ever been on. I am honestly stopping birth control because this stuff gave me the worst mental breakdown of my life. I stopped taking it and immediately started bleeding after. I have gotten acne where I have never had it before, and I have had the worst flare-up of BV in my life... not even antibiotics helped. Now I suffer from severe cramps and stuff, and this made things worse... I have never been laid out in bed because of cramps before this medication... 100% do not recommend!!!!"

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

For Birth Control "I've been on Aviane for 13 years. I don't experience a single negative symptom, and the few times over the many years I've missed a month (due to vacationing and forgetting my birth control pack at home), my cramps are significant. On the pill, I don't experience cramps, weight gain, mood swings, or anything. Off the pill, I get cramps during my cycle. This BC works very well with my system."

• Lis...
• March 16, 2010

For Birth Control "My only complaint is that my period has not ended, and I'm on day 11. Who wants to bleed for 11 days and counting?! I'm going to my OB/GYN this week and will ask her to switch the pill. I haven't had any other side effects; no cramps, no weight gain, no acne, just abnormal lengthy bleeding."

• Aga...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 1, 2013

For Birth Control "Though I have only been on Aviane for a week, I just wanted to say that it's great! My breasts got bigger within a day or two of starting the pill. They're a bit sore, but it's nothing horrible. I have occasional cramps, but they are infrequent and only last a few seconds. I have noticed that I am hungry a lot more often, but the key to not gaining weight on birth control is to not give in to the increased tummy rumbles. I had a little bit of stomach bloating the first three or so days of starting the pill, but it's subsided now. One more huge benefit I've noticed is that within a day of taking the pill, my mood did a complete 180. I have noticed that, since starting Aviane, I am a lot happier and optimistic. It's great! I highly recommend this pill!"

• Anonymous
• August 4, 2010

For Birth Control "I am on my fourth week of taking Aviane, and the past 3 weeks have been miserable. The first week had little side effects, but my mood swings have been getting progressively worse throughout this month. In the past week, I have started noticing extreme anxiety and cramping (even though I'm not on my period). Now that I am PMSing as well, I cannot stop eating, and I feel extremely bloated all the time. Also, my breasts have enlarged, but they feel as if they are covered in bruises. I am going to give this pill one more trial month, but so far it has not been good."

• D_H...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 3, 2017

For Birth Control "Side effects I've had in exact order: - Dairy allergy (not sure if it's from the pill, occurred a few months after taking). - Constant right lower abdominal pain, with trapped gas pains, and bubbling after eating anything. - Extreme bloating after meals. Random changes: - Period was normal up until the past few months of being on it. (Been on it for over 3 years.) Super light and barely get a period. Also made me skip a month. - Cramps became more excruciating. (A week before and then during my period.) (Wasn't always like this.) After almost 4 years I dealt with all of the other side effects until I had - CHEST TIGHTNESS and HEART PALPITATIONS. Beware of your body and your symptoms. Always go with your gut. Every birth control has symptoms."

• Jft...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 11, 2017

For Birth Control "This is my second birth control pill. I have been taking Aviane for 1 year and 3.5 months now, and I love it! I used to have cramping so bad on the first day of my period that I would throw up, but since I started Aviane, my period symptoms are practically non-existent (except for minor breakouts on my face right before it starts, but this was a symptom prior to taking Aviane as well). I also used to get frequent yeast infections and BV, but since starting this BC, those breakouts have occurred way less often. I experience no negative side effects physically or mentally."

• Wor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 5, 2015

For Birth Control "I was on Aviane for a month and a half, and I can honestly say it was one of the worst experiences of my life. I never had a problem with acne, I would get a pimple here or there occasionally, but Aviane made me break out horribly. I am left with scarring from it, and although it has gotten a lot better, I am still trying to get rid of some of the acne. I felt depressed and emotional while taking it and definitely had mood changes while on it. My period lasted 7 days on this, and it came with horrible cramping and blood clots. I began to feel better just days after stopping this pill. I would not recommend it to anyone. The worst mistake I have made was to go on this pill."

• Cyn...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 21, 2019

For Birth Control "I was nervous to take this birth control. I’ve taken 3 other types, all pill form. I had previously experienced side effects from those pills, such as increased hunger, paranoia, huge mood swings, irritability, quick weight gain, etc. With Aviane, I haven’t noticed any of that, my period is lighter and shorter, the pills don’t make me feel nauseous or weird, and my mood is 100% normal and me. However, it has been a lot harder and slower of a process for me to lose the weight I have gained from the other pills. Normally, I lose weight relatively easily, but not the case here. Other small negative is I do experience some cramping a few days before placebo week starts."

• Nel...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 2, 2021

For Birth Control "I was prescribed Aviane a year ago, and have since enjoyed my experience. My discharge is slightly thicker, but still has normal consistency from time to time. My period is very light, and my cramps are mild. Before, I used to have bad cramps. I will say that my libido seems to have slightly decreased, but I find I just need a little more time to warm up. Recently, I have been experiencing anxious and depressive symptoms, but that could be a result of the COVID-19 pandemic."

• Kat...
• May 13, 2011

For Ovarian Cysts "This is my first time on birth control, and I've heard so many stories about how Aviane gets you all irritated and nauseous, but so far, in the one week I've been using it, I feel perfectly normal. I'm not sure if that is because I just started, only time will tell. I'm not having any cramping in my ovaries because of my cysts so far. 10 out of 10 for me!"

• Sam...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 29, 2014

For Birth Control "I have been on this birth control regularly for almost a year now. I am very sensitive to the hormones and experienced extreme sickness, I mean to the point I was throwing up every morning and on the verge of passing out, no matter what I tried to prevent it. I learned that taking it in the morning solved this problem. Negative side effects are that I have a huge appetite (thankfully a high metabolism), constant headaches, worse PMS, no motivation, tiredness, irrational mood swings, and last week I noticed breakthrough bleeding and cramps halfway through the pack. But all in all, my periods are short and I'm not pregnant yet! Remember, every woman is different."

• Anonymous
• January 12, 2010

For Birth Control "This is the first birth control I've ever been on, and it works great. I've been on it for about 6 months. My period only lasts 5 days now, with no spotting whatsoever. I've had no abnormal bleeding; however, when I'm on my period the first day, my cramps hurt a little more than usual. My minimal acne is about the same, but during the first few months, I noticed that Aviane cleared my skin up quite well. During my periods when I stop taking Aviane, my acne might flare up a bit. Some days my mood swings get worse; I find myself angrier at small things or I get depressed for no reason. It's not a big deal to me. My weight also stayed about the same - I've lost almost 3 pounds, but during the first few weeks of taking Aviane, I was hungry a lot."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 7, 2013

For Birth Control "At first, this pill made me miserable. I had the worst mood swings and took it out on everyone around me. I stopped taking it after one month, but then I tried it again a few months later, and nothing bad happened. You just need to give your body enough time to get used to it. No weight gain, no mood swings (by the second month), no breast changes, etc. My face isn't totally clear of acne, and my period cramps/flow is only a little less, but this is a good pill if you just want the basics without altering your body."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 31, 2017

For Birth Control "My experience with Aviane has been really amazing. I lost a little weight when I was first put on it, but my appetite seemed relatively normal. I've not had any luck with it reducing acne, however, my period became completely regular. I can pinpoint its start within a 32-hour range, and it has reduced my flow and cramps significantly. I used to get nauseous and dizzy when my period would start, and now, other than the occasional light cramping, it is hardly noticeable."

• Anonymous
• February 3, 2011

For Birth Control "I really like this birth control. I first got on it when I was experiencing terribly painful cramps that made me throw up. Once I started taking the pill, everything was instantly better. No cramps at all, skin looked great, mood was fine. I was perfectly happy. However, when I was off the pill for a month, the painful cramps came back and I was vomiting. This is the best birth control I've had. I recommend it for everyone."

• Ell...
• March 19, 2013

For Birth Control "I have been on Aviane for 3 months. During the first month, things were okay. During the last two months, my breasts are constantly super sore, and I have (mild but annoying) cramping every day. My breasts have also definitely gotten bigger, which is okay, but I'm not sure the pain is worth it. Also, before my last period, I turned into an emotional monster, and I'm usually pretty even-keeled. I know it can take a few months to even out, but I'm not sure how much longer I'll be able to give it."

• Kim...
• August 16, 2011

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "My doctor put me on Aviane to suppress my periods for terrible PMS and mood swings. I have been taking them now for 4 weeks. I am supposed to be getting my period today and feel GREAT. I have not gained any weight, which I would gain 5 pounds just prior to my period. Besides the very mild cramps, nothing unusual. I do not feel any lack of sexual drive but do feel slightly drier than normal. Again, I can deal with all of these symptoms to skip the PMS rollercoaster. So far, so GREAT! I am 39, two kids, no more, with a history of depression-type symptoms."

• jen...
• November 5, 2013

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have been having a hell of a time finding the right b.c.! Major mood swings, cramps, nonstop bleeding, no sex drive, but so far I like Aviane. I'm on my second month. I am no longer bleeding (first pack I did for a while, but my body had to adjust). No mood swings, normal sex drive, breasts a bit tender and larger (not mad about that), appetite a bit bigger, but for me that's good. I need to gain weight."

• H32...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 11, 2015

For Birth Control "I have taken a few different birth controls and had a lot of problems with them (Apri - painful sharp pains during intercourse, cramps). I love Aviane. I do not have cramps ever, period lasts 3-4 days (not heavy), always comes the same day, pain has stopped, no weight gain, no cravings, no mood swings, nothing. I've taken it for over a year. My sex drive has decreased a little, but I don't know if it's because of this pill as I don't really recall when my sex drive lessened."

• you...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 17, 2016

For Birth Control "I personally was on Aviane for about 8 months. The first 3 months were pretty much flawless. I had a problem with my appetite to begin with, gained some weight, and dropped it shortly in the next coming months. Didn't experience any acne or stomach nausea. After three months, my period got progressively worse. I had intense cramps and felt downright miserable. My entire body ached. Aside from feeling awful, I was miserable to be around. I had mood swings I've never had before. Aviane was driving me crazy on my periods. I felt like a different person. My friends, family, and boyfriend could even tell I wasn't myself. Just wanted to put this out there, if someone was curious, there are other options."

• Gab...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 30, 2017

For Birth Control "This was my first time on a birth control pill, I am 22. The first month on it was fine, no bad side effects besides my skin got so, so, so, so dry. My forehead flakes, side of my nose flakes. My skin has always been combination but never had such flaky dry skin, same with my scalp, itchy and flaky. On the second month, started gaining weight, feeling bloated and so severely tired. I have a cleaning obsession, and taking this pill made me so lazy and tired. It is the third month now, and I've gained 10 pounds, skin is drier than a desert, horrible cramps, gassy, and my nipples are so sore. I have been panicking about being pregnant, but it is nearly impossible. My boyfriend and I take so many precautions. This pill is horrible."

• LL_...
• November 30, 2014

For Birth Control "This is the second type of birth control (both the pill) that I have been on. I was only on the other kind for a month because it made me crazy, and I had awful mood swings. I took a year off from any birth control pill, patch, etc. because I was scared to have a similar situation. This pill has been an overall good experience. I do not have any irregular mood swings on this pill. I have been on it for about 3 months now, and my acne is still worse than before I got on it, not that it's a big deal. Also, I have had a lot of abnormal spotting on this pill. It seems like, at first, every 2 weeks or so I started my period. It's pretty light, but I get bad cramps that last for 2-4 days."