Ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel for Endometriosis User Reviews

• cra...
• August 2, 2010

"I've now been using Seasonique for a year, and I've been completely happy and unbelievably satisfied with this product. I have endometriosis, so when my period came before I was on birth control, it was dreadfully painful for the three to five days while I was on my period. I tried Yaz, and it only made my periods regular, then I tried NuvaRing, and that actually made my cramps worse and lasted for an entire week. After that, I did tons of research and decided to try Seasonique. And for the past year, I have only had maybe 2 hours' worth of cramps the entire time. During the second refill, I only blotted a little, but overall, every symptom that follows endometriosis has disappeared! I highly recommend Seasonique. It's fantastic!"

• Ste...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 12, 2020

"Started taking this pill, Levlen, continuously (no sugar pills) 3 months ago. I gained 15 pounds, I have no sex drive, leg cramping, higher blood pressure, anxiety, cramps, back pain, and spotting. This pill sucks! Just stopped taking it and hope to feel like myself again soon."

• Anonymous
• December 13, 2010

"I was first given this birth control when I lived in the UK (under the name of Microgynon 30) for my severe endometriosis. I take a pill every night and do not take any inactive pills for the week you usually have your period. Since I take Levlen every night, I have stopped my period and no longer have one. Bliss! I have no more endo pain or any associated side effects. Even though I have been thrown into 'medically controlled menopause,' I have no menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and so on. For the first two months, I had breakthrough bleeding, but now going on 2 years, I have none. I have had a wonderful experience with this birth control, and it has completely made my endometriosis symptoms disappear."

• Anonymous
• July 9, 2012

"I started taking this medication for endometriosis as a last option before surgery. While I have only been on this medication for a little under three months, I must say I'm so impressed. After reading reviews, I was a little nervous. I have had very little pain, and my menstrual cramping is completely gone almost. I haven't had any spotting or hair loss! It does not make me sick and very little breast soreness. When compared to other medicines I have taken, this is like a Godsend. While I know this will not take care of my problems forever, it is working wonders right now! Everyone reacts to medicines differently, and I just had to share my experience to tell everyone how wonderful this one is if you are considering taking it."

• Cas...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 13, 2019

"Within 2 days of starting this, I started having really dark thoughts about life, not wanting to be here, everything was boring. I went on sugar pills, felt great, positive, happy, thought it might have been coming off the last pill, Chelsea 35, that was making my mood change. Then, on the 2nd day back on Levlen, same thing with the depression and really dark thoughts. I stopped after day 6 and have returned to my happy self again. Don't follow Dr.'s instructions if you know it's not good for you, then stop it - there is always another option."

• Bly...
• February 28, 2014

"I've been on this for almost 5 years, and I love it. In the last two years, I've actually lost weight, my skin, which used to be horrible with acne, is nice and clear. The first few months were kind of rough, as it is when starting any birth control. The only downfall would be how sensitive my breasts can get when it's cold. Almost painful at times, but it's definitely eased over the years."

• Kri...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 21, 2012

"I started on Jolessa after surgery for endometriosis and have absolutely no complaints. My doctor has me taking two packs continuously without taking the placebos, and it has done wonders in the area of pain. I've maintained the same weight, my breasts grew a cup size, and I've had no spotting. I completely recommend this to anyone!"

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 8, 2020

"Levlen is the worst thing that ever happened to me! I was on Norimin-1, but as a result of COVID, they were unable to import the ingredients for it. My doctor then switched me to Levlen... worst thing ever. After 3 weeks of use, I had severe hormonal acne all along my jawline. The pressure from the acne hurts my face (I’ve never ever had any issues with my skin). I thought this may be just because of a hormonal change from trying a new pill. After 3 months, it became worse and worse. Never have I had severe headaches, but daily I now have severe headaches that come out of nowhere. I have severe depression now from this pill, my mood swings are absolutely insane."

• Anonymous
• April 2, 2012

"I have a condition called endometrial hyperplasia. Basically, my uterus is thick, my uterine cells produce quickly and cause pain that feeds into my muscle cells during menstruation. I have had two children and constant pain during my cycles. My OB suggested Seasonique to get rid of my cycle and end my pain. After a while, my abdominal pain is totally gone. I also have a much more stable mood. Once you get through one full cycle, the spotting decreases and things level out. I suggest not stopping until you have tried it for at least 3-6 months."

• col...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 10, 2012

"I have struggled with endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome, so being put on the pill wasn't much of an option for me. I needed something to control the unbearable pain, for it was really limiting my life. Since I began Seasonique over a month ago, I have had painful stomach aches that seem to be worst for the first few hours after I wake up. My emotions have been off the wall, everything is making me cry. I am easily agitated and haven't felt like myself. I don't feel depressed, just irritated and emotional most days. I think the worst side effect has been the explosive diarrhea that sneaks up on me-embarrassing. This has never happened to me before, and now it's at least once a day that an urgent run to the bathroom is needed."

• Anonymous
• May 17, 2010

"I've been on Seasonique for a few years, and I love it. Only four periods a year, and they are much lighter. I do have some spotting in between periods, but only four periods a year outweighs the occasional spotting. It has really helped me with my endometriosis. I rarely experience symptoms from the endometriosis, and when I do, they are usually milder. I would recommend Seasonique to everyone!"

• rai...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 3, 2013

"I suffered from endometriosis for 5 years or more. I was in my early 20s when I began to be unable to so much as get up from the bed. I was sick to my stomach all the time and in constant pain. I was prescribed a great deal of pain medicines and shots. I went to a different hospital one night, and they got me into surgery a week later or so. I found out mine was stage 4 (my organs were attached to the left side of my body, squeezing my organs with the scar tissue). The surgery took hours. Then I got a Lupron shot for 7 months and then was put on Aviane. I had a little breakthrough bleeding at first, but the massive pain stopped after I was on the Aviane and Lupron treatment path. Aviane is great, but it must be taken at the same time every day. Thanks."

• Rev...
• November 24, 2009

"I have been taking this for almost 2 years, and I can tell you I feel like it has been a miracle drug with all the side effects of endometriosis. Although you have to take a pill each night, who cares when you have 1 period to get through over 3 months, and on top of that, it's short and usually pain-free. The excess bleeding, the long periods, unpredictable start and stop...that's all over with this birth control. I really feel like I gained at least 2 days out of every month that I had once lost to bed rest from the agony of endometriosis. I love it and wish I had heard of it sooner. I highly recommend it. Be sure to always ask how it will interact with any other drugs that may be in your system. Always consult a doctor on change in medication."

• mos...
• March 17, 2011

"I started this pill in September 2010 to help treat ovarian cysts and endometriosis. The first week I had nausea and tender breasts, but it went away after that. I had a lot of spotting and bleeding on and off for 2 or 3 weeks at a time for 4 months. It was annoying but better than the awful agony I used to go through every month, so I decided to keep taking it, as my doctor told me that spotting and bleeding is very common with this low of a dose of pill and that some people needed 3 months to a year for your body to adjust. Well, finally after 6 months it was worth the wait because no more spotting and bleeding, and best I have better energy, vitality, and quality of life having control over my horrible periods. It has changed my life!"

• Anonymous
• August 5, 2010

"I am in my third month of taking this, and absolutely love it. The first two weeks I had headaches and slight nausea, so I switched to taking it at night. So if you try this, don't give up, it went away for me. I don't have mood swings, which I did before taking it. I don't feel like I get bloated either. I've had some slight bleeding at the end of my second month, but the doctor said that was normal, that my body has to get used to the pill. Love the fact I don't have heavy periods anymore. I would recommend it. Looking forward to not having a period every month. My mood is stable, and I feel happy. As far as acne goes, I can say it's not giving me any problems."

• Anonymous
• October 30, 2008

"I used to have such severe cramps that I would occasionally vomit or be completely incapacitated for the first few days. I tried so many different things to help and was skeptical about Aviane, but not anymore. It worked. While I still experience a little pain on the first day of my period, it's nothing compared to before Aviane. I am continually impressed."

• 103...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 21, 2013

"It is the best medicine ever invented! No issues, no pain, spotting, bleeding, no period, nothing. Tried every birth control, including Lupron Depot for endometriosis, nothing worked but this. I would pay full price and would not care. I pay $150, insurance pays the rest, but I have been pain-free for over 3 years, and I was diagnosed in 2000, and it is now 2013, you do the math, it took 10 years to be ok."

• Anonymous
• October 24, 2010

"I've been on LoSeasonique for 2 sets (6 months). I've seen no weight gain, no changes in my skin, and my hair is as thick as ever. I like it, I went off of LoEstrin because I had bad cramps that got worse when I went off it for a year and pelvic pain (caused by cysts). So, this birth control certainly assisted with alleviating these issues. It's helpful, though, to exercise regularly, I think. I've had spotting, but it's nothing compared to my normal heavy periods. I am questioning what other benefits this pill may hold over others."

• Lad...
• January 28, 2011

"I took Seasonique for only two weeks, but I quit because of the severe and immediate mood changes I experienced while on it. I have an anxiety disorder, and when I started taking Seasonique, I started feeling more irritated/anxious. After that, my mood plummeted into a depression. I felt like crying or screaming all the time. I also developed acne, breast tenderness, and extreme bloating. When I stopped the pill, I started a period even though I had a period two weeks prior. When I stopped taking Seasonique, my mood improved. I have taken the pill before and never had this reaction. I am now going to get the Mirena IUD to treat my endometriosis/adenomyosis."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 28, 2016

"When I was 22, I found out I had endometriosis, and my doctor recommended this to regulate my periods. I was giving samples since I didn't have any insurance. I took it for two years until they no longer had any more samples, and I still didn't have any insurance and was unable to pay for it. I absolutely loved being on this. It was so nice having a period that only lasted three days and only four periods a year. Yes, when you first start taking it, you do have some breakthrough bleeding, which is annoying, but stick with it because once you're over that, it is great. Now I'm back on it, and my periods last a max of two days. I love it and so much less pain from endometriosis."

• Anonymous
• October 14, 2011

"I've been on this pill for about 3 or 4 years. Up until about 6 months ago, this pill was a blessing. I have been on everything else (Depo, a laundry list of other pills), and nothing worked as well as Seasonique. A few months ago, I gained about 30 pounds out of nowhere, and I lost about 20 pounds with a lot of hard work, but no matter what I do, I can't get under 130. I have severe headaches, and recently I've been bleeding through and not just spotting, like full-on period. On top of that, I was cramping severely and having stomach problems. My husband and I just decided to quit the pill and see what happens, and let me tell you I feel much better. I would say yes to this pill except for the side effects I started having."

• Har...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 25, 2017

"For the first 2 months of taking it, I didn't stop bleeding, gained 10 lb (I've been 125 lbs for the past 10 years), got zits! (Maybe had 5 zits in my whole life), then started this pill and I'm a bloated, bloody, zitty beast! I threw the pills in the trash today. Enough is enough! Horrible medication."

• Lea...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 17, 2019

"I took Lutera for a year from sophomore year to junior year back in high school. It was prescribed to me because endometriosis runs in my family, and I was starting to show symptoms and missed school 2-3 days a month due to cramps. The first month was fine, but then I began to have 2 periods a cycle. I had no problems with acne besides when I was in 6th grade and had my first period, but I began to develop severely painful cystic acne all over my face. I began starting actual physical fights with people, something I had never done before, as I’m a very calm person. I came to realize all the drastic changes that had happened in that year of use, so I switched birth controls, and I’ve felt like my normal self ever since. Ladies, please take action if you don’t begin to feel like yourself! I know a lot of others that have experienced the same thing, and I advise extreme bodily awareness while taking this."

• Chi...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 3, 2020

"I've been taking Kurvelo for about three years now. Thankfully, I'm still team no babies. Has helped lighten my periods, reduce endometriosis symptoms, stop back pain, and lessen my anemia. Doesn't help me too much with mood swings and ovulation cramps close to my period, though. Doesn't cause me to gain weight, but everyone is different. You can skip the placebo if you want to skip your period too."

• Anonymous
• June 20, 2011

"My doctor prescribed this birth control to help ease the side effects of endometriosis. She leaned towards this one because Seasonique should mean fewer periods and fewer periods should mean less endometriosis pain. This medication was a total failure for me. I know different people have different reactions to medications, but my experience was not a positive one. I bled off and on very frequently and cramped. I had very bad headaches at times (unusual for me). I was extremely emotional and moody (also unusual for me) and stayed bloated a good majority of the time. I was on it for four and a half months and could not take it anymore. Also, very pricey."