Aviane and Headaches: What Users Say

• KD2...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 17, 2022

For Birth Control "I have had a great experience with this medication so far. I started Aviane (Levonorgestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol 0.1mg/0.02mg) a little over a month ago. I was prescribed by a telehealth care provider and was initially very skeptical because of all of the negative reviews here, but so far so good! I did get bloated the first 2-3 weeks and gained like 4 lbs in water weight, but I drank lots of water and ate clean and exercised regularly; now I am at my normal weight again. The first week I started, I did get some headaches, but nothing too bad. During the placebo week, I decided to skip the placebo pills and move on to my next pack to skip my period, but I started bleeding anyway and bled for about 10 days. I know that breakthrough bleeding is one of the side effects, so I was not too alarmed. My sex drive has been way better and my mood swings have kind of settled down. Please do not let these reviews scare you; try it for yourself. Each body is unique and reacts differently."

• 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!"

• bro...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 8, 2020

For Birth Control "This pill, Aviane, works as a birth control, and it made my periods super short and super light, and cramps disappeared. That being said, there were a lot of cons associated with this: headaches, nausea, weight gain, acne, acne, acne (my skin was clear before this), and crazy anxiety, depression, and mood swings. I would not recommend. Going to switch back to Ortho Cyclen."

• ase...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 15, 2018

For Birth Control "This is the best birth control pill ever! I wanted to share my experience with everyone because after choosing the wrong pill before, I realized how important it is to search to find the right pill. I'm on my 3rd month so far, and I see no effect on myself. My weight is the same, my skin is the same, I don't have nausea or a headache (as I experienced on my previous pill called Esme). My mood is normal, as I am as usual. I loved this pill because I see no effect. So, I can move on with my life like I'm not on a pill. I started this pill after reading so many good comments about it, and I definitely recommend it!!!"

• Kan...
• October 23, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I am on my 2nd pack of Aviane and will be starting on the sugar pills tonight. I love this pill! I do not have as many side effects as I used to have with other pills. I had a few headaches and some nausea in my first month of using this, but those are gone now. No breast tenderness, no noticeable weight gain, although I have an increased appetite, but I try to balance it with a healthy diet and exercise at least 3 times a week. My previous one (Sprintec) caused me to spot, and I was having a period for 3 weeks straight. On Aviane, I have no spotting, and my periods last for only 7 days and are light. I used to have really heavy bleeding, which caused my iron levels to be depleted. I develop pimples here and there, but they are manageable. I do not have any mood swings on this pill, and that is just wonderful. I just feel happy every day! Aviane is a game changer for me, and I am so glad that I found it :)"

• 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."

• Jea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 21, 2020

For Endometriosis "My endometriosis was diagnosed 2 years ago. 1 year ago, I started experiencing pain during my ovulation too. My doctor recommended Aviane because it has few side effects. The first weeks, I experienced mild headaches and nausea, but the symptoms didn't bother me. I'm regular, but I didn't have my period during the 1st month of taking the pill. By my doctor's recommendation, I would only take hormones and not the placebo pills at all for 3 months. After a few weeks, my period came, more days than usual with a lot of pain. It wasn't abundant, but it wasn't spotting either. The pain during ovulation was not reduced, the headaches are the worst, and the breast pain is bad. I have mood swings, not depressing (anger episodes), and I had the worst vaginal infection ever, something very strange for me. With this coronavirus around, I was unable to see my doctor. I decided to stop taking the pills, in my case, the pain is worse than before. Maybe the pills need more time to adjust, but not thanks."

• sis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 27, 2019

For Birth Control "I was scared with the reviews at first, but I actually love Aviane birth control. I had some side effects when I first started like headache and some mild dizziness, but that went away within the first week. I had some very mild spotting after the headaches and dizziness went away, but that also went away quickly. The previous pill that I was on before this gave me weekly panic attacks that ruined my life. I thought I had panic disorder at some point due to how bad it was and could barely leave the house. After I switched a month ago, I had no panic attacks ever since. My agoraphobia from that also seemed to go away. Now I'm able to get out of the house a lot more often. My anxiety has greatly reduced, and my resting heart rate is back to normal because of it."

• Mou...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 24, 2017

For Birth Control "After switching birth control pills, I was really happy to find this one. I experienced no nausea, headaches, and zero mood swings. My last birth control contributed to horrible emotional ups and downs, but this one seems to not even affect my emotions. So thankful to have found a pill with no noticeable side effects for me! Everyone's body chemistry is different though, so find what's right for you."

• Anonymous
• May 11, 2019

For Birth Control "My doctor initially put me on Aviane after expressing I was experiencing unbearable ovulation pain. Growing up, I always experienced painful periods as well, so I was always curious about birth control. For the first 3 months, everything seemed fairly normal (with the exception of headaches and mild nausea). My skin cleared up immensely, and I didn't gain any noticeable weight. I noticed I got a little moody during my 2nd week on the pill, but nothing that wasn't manageable. I am now on my 4th month of Aviane and started experiencing extreme nausea 24/7. While finishing my 2nd week, I also started getting stomach cramps and spotting. For someone who is sexually active, getting symptoms like this is obviously worrisome, but after reading a few reviews, it seems like a good number of people have experienced a version of this! Hoping this will pass through because besides this, the birth control has been great."

• 246...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 7, 2017

For Birth Control "This is the second type of birth control pill that I've been testing out. The first one that I was on gave me severe headaches practically every day. Luckily, with Aviane, my headaches are gone. This is my 3rd month on Aviane, and it's been okay. I've been having breakthrough bleeding and a few pimples here and there whenever I am about to start my period. Also, whenever I am about to start my period, I get depressed, and I get really bad cramps. I am most likely going to switch to a different pill. Hopefully, I find one that's right for me."

• Cam...
• January 27, 2011

"I have been taking Aviane for the past 3 years, and I have no complaints whatsoever. You may have headaches, nausea, or spotting when you first begin taking it, but that's just your body getting used to it, don't be fooled by terrifying reviews if they've been taking it for less than three months. Before I started Aviane, my cycles were INSANE. I would be in terrible pain, and the changes in my hormone levels were so extreme that I would often have excruciating migraines and vomit for 8+ hours. Now my periods are very light, regular, and typically last for only 3 days. My skin is clearer, and while I did put on some weight at first, it was less than 10 pounds, and I've already worked it off. I would recommend this pill to women everywhere."

• Anonymous
• February 18, 2010

For Birth Control "I've been on Aviane for almost 3 months now. It's my first birth control attempt, and so far, I haven't noticed any weight gain. However, I have been very fatigued and headachey for a few weeks after attempting to skip a period for a month (which I thought had no effect on us). I've also had some irregular spotting, but I think this goes away after the first 1-3 months. So far, I haven't noticed any mood changes, but I do have larger breasts now :) (which is always nice for someone of my previous size). I would recommend this to anyone who can handle a few headaches and possible irregularity for the first few months."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 20, 2021

For Birth Control "I would not recommend this birth control. I’ve only been using it for 3 months and noticed that I’ve been feeling depressed, moody, and angry. I’ve also had headaches as well. DO NOT USE THIS PILL, IT SUCKS!"

• I...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 3, 2015

For Birth Control "This has been the worst experience of my life. I literally thought I was going crazy. The first month, I had no side effects and was so happy since I've had negative side effects on other oral contraceptives. Months 2 and 3 were a horror story. I developed extreme anxiety to the point of panic attacks. I took myself to the ER twice, thinking I was having a heart attack. I also suffered from at least 4 severe migraines while on this pill. So severe that I lost vision in my right eye before every migraine (aura). When I didn't have migraines, I had headaches and dizziness. Constant dizziness. I felt like I was always high. I stopped this drug, and after 5 days, I feel almost normal again."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 5, 2015

For Birth Control "I started taking Aviane when I was 16 1/2, and I've been on it ever since. I'm now 21 and about to discontinue my use of Aviane. It caused me to be emotional almost all the time. I have very little patience, mood swings, I gained weight, it's tough to lose weight, I have constant headaches, and my acne is horrible to the point of scarring. Since I was taking this birth control through the toughest of teenage years, I just thought this was who I became. But after doing research and finding this website, I now know I'm not the only one who has suffered through taking Aviane. It did its job with preventing pregnancy, but didn't help with my heavy period and painful cramps. I'm finishing my current pack, and it'll be my last."

• ric...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 14, 2015

For Birth Control "As you see, I gave the effectiveness a 10 (I didn't get pregnant anytime)! I had regular periods (4-5 days and no irregular bleeding) and no mood swings. However, I did always feel a lot hungrier, but I didn't gain any weight, and I would experience very frequent, terrible headaches. Other than that, I would recommend this pill, plus, everyone is different, so just because I had headaches, it doesn't mean you will."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 10, 2015

For Birth Control "If I could choose a number lower than 1, maybe I would be a bit less upset right now. I've been on the pill for one week and three days. Let's just say, in that short amount of time, I went through hell and back. I'm constantly nauseous with a pounding headache, I'm dizzy all the time, and always in pain because it feels like my stomach acid spread throughout my entire rib cage. I don't recommend this to anyone."

• Ale...
• August 1, 2012

For Birth Control "Aviane works very well in preventing unwanted pregnancies. I have shorter and lighter cycles. However, I've gained 15 lbs on Aviane, and my breasts have gone up a cup size, and I already had huge breasts. Also, I noticed myself being more moody and having side effects such as nausea and headaches. Overall, Aviane is okay."

• Tir...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 20, 2016

For Birth Control "So I have irregular periods and decided to get back on BC to regulate them. I'm on day 11 of Aviane, and it is the absolute WORST! I started spotting within a day of taking the pill. I figured since it had been a while that was normal. Ugh. Then I started a full-blown period the next day, and it hasn't gone away. I missed one dosage, and that lightened it up, but now that I'm taking it regularly again, it's a heavy cycle again. Also, I've vomited once and have been consistently nauseous and have headaches all day. I try to drink water and eat, but nothing is helping, except laying down, and I can't do that all day. My mood is ridiculous. I cry about everything now. I cried because the sun was out and it was beautiful. SMH. I would say stay away!"

• Mic...
• January 18, 2017

For Ovarian Cysts "I have been on Aviane for 2 months now going on three. Within the first month, I've experienced headaches, depression, mood swings, severe cramping, and bloating, as well as stomach gain (which went down). All of those symptoms went away by the second month of taking this pill, which I've experienced lighter periods. I still have mood swings and get depressed at times, but I have very bad breakouts all over my face, chin, and neck, as well as black marks on my forehead. I've always had acne, but I've never experienced it this badly. I will continue to take it for the 3rd and 4th month just to see if anything gets better, and I will keep you posted."

• Anonymous
• May 8, 2010

For Birth Control "I have been using Aviane for 4 months now. When I first started, I had my period twice that month. They said it was just breakthrough bleeding, but I am still having 2 periods a month. I have horrible headaches, and I get moody right around the time I start my period(s). I am not able to lose weight, and I've had a decrease in sex drive. However, my skin is great!"

• Sha...
• November 15, 2015

For Birth Control "I have taken this medication for exactly a whole year. It did its job by not allowing me to become pregnant, but the first month was horrible! I had really bad nausea and headaches. But overall, it's a great contraceptive."

• Ms ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 16, 2016

For Birth Control "This was the third birth control that I tried, and was pretty close to just not using birth control pills anymore since the last two I tried had such severe side effects. However, this pill has been going quite well for me. I have been taking it for the past 2 weeks, and the only side effects I've noticed are nausea, headaches, a little more tired than usual, slightly more acne. I am also getting this weird stomach pain after eating right after taking my pill, but that could be from something else. Sex drive is normal, and my mood is the exact same. All in all, I think it's a good pill."

• RiR...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 6, 2018

For Birth Control "I have been on Alesse for years, and my drug plan changed, and I was only allowed to get the generic Aviane 21. I’m on day 9, and I’ve gained 16 lbs and have bad headaches about 1 hour after I take it. I’m taking Advil ES every evening because of it. My weight has been the same for about 15 years, maybe a fluctuation of a pound once in a while, but 16 lbs in 9 days? My doctor I’ve seen for the entire time, and she always does a weight, and nothing has changed. This is a dangerous generic version, and I stopped taking it tonight. Imagine I kept taking it for the entire month? I would have gained so much weight and had such strain on my heart. Horrible, never take this. If I could have given it a zero, I would have. Now I have to be off birth control for a while, then go back on the Alesse."