Ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel for Endometriosis User Reviews (Page 3)

• Anonymous
• November 15, 2009

Ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel "Before being diagnosed with endometriosis, my doctor put me on Alesse to help with menstrual irregularity and intense pelvic pain. After two weeks on Alesse, I had to be put on iron and progesterone because I bled until I was anemic. Be careful about taking hormones that contain estrogen if you have endometriosis."

• PME...
• December 19, 2016

Ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel "I started Seasonique due to my endometriosis, and my Dr. wanted to stop my periods. I started the pill on 10/15, didn't bleed from then to 11/26. Then I started spotting at first, then this turned into red heavy bleeding from then on. After failed attempts of trying to call and get in to see my Dr., after 18 days of bleeding, I went to the ER, where they did nothing but a pregnancy test and some regular blood work, that came back normal, and told me I had dysfunctional uterine bleeding due to endometriosis! I then called my Dr. again after telling them I went to the ER, they then were able to get me in 5 days later. At this time, I've been 23 days, after an examination, the Dr. wants me to stay on Seasonique for 7 more days, taking it not once, but three times a day!"

• Dex...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 26, 2019

Ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel "Changed to the lower dose form of Levlen after experiencing anxiety attacks from Yasmin. Just 2 months into the pill, anxiety has gone out of control, blood pressure was raised tremendously and had to be put on antidepressant to counteract the effects. Think twice before starting a pill."

• loo...
• February 7, 2011

Ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel "I have been taking Seasonique for about 2 months now. When I first took it, I noticed some dizziness and headaches. I was going to get off of it as I didn't want to deal with that but decided to wait it out. Before the end of the first month, that all stopped. I haven't had any breakthrough bleeding, but I do get a little crampy when I get close to the end of the month, which I'm guessing will go away with time. I'm now in my last week of my second month, and I have extreme breast tenderness. Not sure what that is all about, but I am also going to hold it out and only hope it gets better. I have had endometriosis for 12 years now, and they got rid of the birth control I was using before I had my kids. So I needed to try something new."

• Anonymous
• January 2, 2021

Ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel "My GP prescribed Levlen to control my abdominal pain. I have nearly finished the first month, and rather than stopping my period, it seems to have had the opposite effect - never-ending period. I had some nausea initially, but this has substantially reduced. In addition to my normal period pain, I have experienced unusual mood changes (anger, anxiety, flat affect). Further, it seems to have caused a flare in my lupus symptoms (joint and muscle pain). Overall, it feels like my batteries have been drained. I know this works for some people, but I personally regret taking it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 25, 2023

Ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel "I have tried every type of birth control, along with four different types of pills, and I can say that this is easily the worst one I’ve ever been on. My side effects were incredibly clear after only six to eight weeks. This included headaches, high blood pressure, feeling faint and nauseous, constant sweating (which makes me stink and have to shower at least twice a day), bloating, increased IBS symptoms, and inability to climax/delayed arousal. It gets increasingly worse as time goes on, and I’ve also noticed that the pain I experience each time I get my period is always different. One month it’ll be light with no pain; the next it’ll be extremely heavy and cramping all week."

• pbo...
• June 16, 2010

Ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel "I have been taking this pill since April. I have two weeks to go before I should start my cycle. However, I have been bleeding every day since my second week of taking this pill. I plan to stop after this Saturday; I am tired of bleeding for 3 months. I will try another method for my endometriosis."

• Anonymous
• March 11, 2009

Ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel "This drug did not work for me as I am unable to take any hormones. I managed to take it for 8 weeks before stopping. I started getting a period after about week 6, and it continued on and off right up until I stopped taking the drug. When I started getting my period, I still had the same symptoms (severe cramping, back pain, exhaustion, etc.) that I started taking the drug for to begin with."

• Ang...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 25, 2017

Ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel "I have been on Seasonique for a month and a week, and I am having the worst time of my life! I am on BC due to an endometriosis flare-up, soreness during sex, and hormonal changes in my system. I have never taken this particular pill before; I was prescribed Lo-Seasonique in the past, which was perfect! Seasonique is damaging! My body is aching; my breasts feel 20 lbs heavier in that area alone; the cramping, OMG, is on another level! I’m so frustrated right now because now I’m not sure if I should stop cold turkey or not; bleeding is now out of control! Every review I have read, I can relate to, and it’s unfortunate because normally I would stand by Lo-Seasonique, but this dosage is the worst. READ THE REVIEWS— THEY HAVE BEEN SPOT ON!"

• My ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 7, 2014

Ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel "Currently almost the 3rd week in the first month, I noticed immediately the change. I started the pill the first Sunday after the first day of my period, it killed my period dead in its tracks, stopped all heavy bleeding. I don't feel any more cysts or deadly sharp pains. This product works as far as getting rid of the period, but the side effects are bad. I feel bipolar. I'll be so angry with life, then I'll get depressed, then I'll be lethargic for days. It's only been 3 weeks, and I KNOW I have to let my body get used to these new pills, but it's hard mentally. I'm rarely happy. No sex drive. No energy. I am starting to get some of the sharp pains back, as well as throwing up after every time I eat and constantly dizzy."

• jen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 5, 2016

Ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel "I was prescribed Quasense about 2 years ago for endometriosis and was very happy with it, but after changing medical insurance, it was no longer an option, so I switched to Levora about 3 months ago. My endometriosis symptoms are still at bay, but I have gained weight, and not pounds, but I've just gotten flabby with an increased appetite. I feel lethargic, and I'm not sure if it's the pill or the 'weight gain', but my sex drive is at an all-time low. So, I guess here I go again into the sea of birth control meds. I refuse to gain weight and feel bad about myself. Of course, all pills affect everyone differently, so you might as well try it. Just wanted to share my own personal experience with someone who may have had a good reaction to Quasense."

• RRe...
• July 25, 2015

Ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel "I have been using Quasense since 2011 due to heavy periods. My urogynecologist thought it would be a good idea to switch to this birth control. I have noticed that after a year, I stopped getting periods despite taking that week off each month, but I was told this is normal. I am happy not to have really painful periods and don't have any complaints."

• Anonymous
• November 3, 2010

Ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel "I am about 2 1/2 months into Seasonique and have had medium bleeding for the last 11 days. Also, my hands are swollen, and the joints in them hurt like crazy. The doctor said he is switching me as I shouldn't be bleeding this much/long, and it may not be strong enough for me. The 1st month went fine, though, and I only was late by 3 hours on ONE pill. If you are trying these out, make sure to take your pills ON TIME every night!"

• Kie...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 16, 2016

Ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel "I started Chateal four months ago to stop endometriosis pain. It does the job, all I have is minor bloating and cramping occasionally. However, it has worsened my depression and made me irritable and mean. I get panic attacks too now, which never happened before. It's changed my personality. It makes me incredibly nauseous, and my appetite has lessened as well. I also get acne on my chest and back, which is new as well. Other than the lack of period pain, this pill has been a horrible experience."

• Rac...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 22, 2019

Ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel "I've been on Levora for over 4 years, let me tell you, it works as a great birth control, but the side effects are insane. I was 130 lbs when I started, I now weigh 180. Yes, some of it is due to being out of my teen years, however, 10 of those lbs hang off my chest. I've always been bustier (C/D cup), I'm now on my way to G cup. I'm only 5'4, so this is very uncomfortable. I look very heavy, my legs are big now, yet I am actually eating better than when I started taking it. My face and stomach are always puffy and bloated, the only time it's flat is right off of my period and not taking the pills for 7 days. I have had to get a script for Xanax because of my severe anxiety that has started. I didn't think a pill could cause all of this, but it's getting worse. I have no sex drive ever, and my cramps are still painful. I will be going off of it starting tomorrow, and I will be tracking how my body changes for the next 6 months."

• TLC...
• January 20, 2012

Ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel "I have been on Levora for approximately 5 years. After I started having severe abdominal pains, I decided to stop taking birth control altogether. I thought that maybe my body was just upset that I had been pumping synthetic hormones into it, so I stopped taking it for 6-8 months... it didn't help. While I was on it for the 5 years, it was great. I didn't have any problems with it... my weight was fine, acne no worse or better, no mood swings, and no drop in libido. I ended up back on it due to endometriosis, only this time I had all the problems I didn't have initially. I had spotting that lasted at least 2 weeks, got severe headaches, gained 10 lbs, my breasts were very tender, and the WORST PART... NO SEX DRIVE AT ALL!"

• Jil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 3, 2018

Ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel "I have never felt worse in my life than the three weeks of my taking this pill. I was on Lutera for several years in college and was told after graduating that Orsythia was exactly the same. I can tell you it is not. I became nauseous to the point of being unable to eat, save for small bites of bland foods starting on day one after my first dose, lost 15 pounds (not great for someone with a history of ED), and became more anxious and depressed than ever. As someone with PTSD, GAD, and GDD, it was literally debilitating. I could not stop shaking and panicking until my placebo week, where my pain was minimal, and I felt fine after. Switched back to Lutera and have no problems. Do not take this med!"

• ASC...
• May 27, 2017

Ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel "I've been on this pill for a few months. It's been great. Regulated my period, made it lighter and shorter, reduced cramping and PMS symptoms. Occasionally during month one, I had some headaches. Otherwise, no side effects."

• Ami...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 30, 2013

Ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel "Much lighter periods. Hardly any cramps. Effective as birth control. Fast hair growth everywhere. I wore a size 12 dress comfortably when I started Lutera three months ago. I'm now struggling to fit into a size 14, and I've been more active than usual. I guess it's pushing me to exercise regularly, so that's kind of a plus."

• lit...
• November 25, 2016

"This is the fourth birth control I've been on, and it's currently my third month on it. This pill is ruining me, and I'll be switching off of it soon. I had seen negative reviews, and I decided I didn't care if I gained weight or got a little acne, so I tried it anyway. I've been getting horrible panic attacks, insane mood swings, and tons of periods of depressive episodes. My boyfriend even agrees that I've been acting way differently. I've even felt more antisocial and have been spending much more time alone and upset as compared to normal. I've gained probably 15-20 pounds, and I've gotten way more acne than I usually do. I also have been spotting and cramping, and I've been having crazy back pain."

• rub...
• May 18, 2015

Ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel "I used this b.c. pill for a month and suffered from a lot of side effects. Being extremely emotional and crying for no reason. Heavy bloating and abdominal pain that I couldn't realize if that is a symptom of endo or what? Headaches, difficulty sleeping at night, shortness of breath. I stopped after a month and most of the symptoms are gone. Never going back on this pill again. Now I'm using Visanne just for 3 months as per my GP to see if endo is shrinking. Much better choice so far."

• End...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 1, 2016

"Love this birth control. I have been on it for a few years now and take the pill consecutively, so I don't get my period (doctor's orders) because my endo pain is so bad. I do have cramps once in a while and some breakthrough bleeding still. I have gained weight, but not sure if it's from the pill or just a different lifestyle (in college now / eating on campus). Overall, it has improved my quality of life because it has helped with my endometriosis about 95%. I don't mind gaining some weight if I don't ever have to experience my endo pain again. Very pleased!!"

• Pus...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 8, 2020

Ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel "I was prescribed this as a budget-friendly (no insurance, with a coupon you can get it for $14) birth control. I've been on it for around 7 months now, and so far I've had more good than bad. It's helped regulate and shorten my period, while also almost eliminating my cramps. Before I was on it, I used to be bedbound for the first and last day of my period. I've lost a ton of weight on this pill, but mostly because it almost eliminated my appetite. The worst thing is the god-awful hot flashes. Constantly through the day I have them and terrible night sweats that wake me up in the middle of the night. I'm in my early 20s and have never had this issue before. I deal with BPD and depression but haven't noticed a change in my stability like others have. Altogether, I wouldn't recommend it, but it's also not the worst I've taken."

• Ani...
• August 18, 2019

Ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel "I would never recommend Portia. I was switched from Levora to Portia after Kaiser said they didn’t have Levora anymore. The first week I started taking Portia, I started to notice I was very depressed and anxious. As week two came around, it only got worse. To the point where I wasn’t able to eat because of my anxiety and ended up in the hospital. I have since stopped Portia and have felt a little more normal. I would not recommend Portia to anyone because it seems like a lot of people have the same side effect: depression and anxiety."

• Tur...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 27, 2019

Ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel "My doctor prescribed Lessina for potential endometriosis. I requested a low dose, older generation birth control, since I've never taken any before. This worked okay, I suppose. I only was able to take a little over two weeks' worth before finally having to call it quits. I was about halfway through my last active row when I stopped. The pros: It seemed to help my moods level out, and I was generally in a better mood than usual. I did not get headaches, nausea, or acne from this pill. The cons: Oh, the anxiety was awful and one of the main reasons why I gave up. It made me so jittery every day to the point where I felt like always panicking. I also had unusual aches in my arms and legs while taking this. It felt like I had been working out more. Lastly, I had pretty bad joint pain and general stiffness while on this pill. I know everyone is different, so I'm glad that this pill works for a lot of people. I just wish it would have worked better for me."