Jolessa User Reviews & Ratings

• Hap...
• August 27, 2020

For Birth Control "39 YO with two kids 6 and under. Not planning to have any more kids. Heavy periods with clotting and anemia. Doctor recommended birth control to lighten periods. I also wanted to stop having monthly periods. First week on Jolessa, I had headaches. Three weeks in, headaches stopped. My skin is clearer. No mood swings. I feel happy but was not prone to depression before. I did feel bloated the first two weeks, but that has gotten better by week three, drinking lots of water, exercising, and watching calories. No spotting at all. Not having a period for three months is improving my quality of life! I had lost nearly 20 lbs before the birth control. I’m not gaining-working out vigorously and counting calories, BUT I do feel like I’m hungrier, craving sweets when I normally don’t, and weight loss is slower than before. Overall, I’m loving this birth control, Jolessa. As far as fitness, it will just motivate me to work harder at working out and monitoring what I eat. I recommend giving it a try. Don’t let negative reviews deter you. I let that stop me for years and suffered."

• bnc...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 3, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I am shocked at how many bad reviews this BC has! I was on this pill for around 5 years and recently got off due to getting migraines with aura, and now am switching to an IUD because it has no estrogen. However, my time on this pill was great. Everyone’s body is different, but when I got put on this, I had little to no spotting-it was so nice only getting a period 4 times a year as someone who suffers from heavy bleeding and cramps. For people who are worried or experiencing spotting, give your body a chance to get used to it! You aren't bleeding for 3 months straight, so it’s normal to get a little bit of spotting as you are approaching the placebo week. The only cons I would give this BC are the fact that I did get migraines on it, it definitely made me a little more emotional (but any BC will), and I did notice a little thinning of my hair. However, I never got pregnant, my boobs grew a size, I didn’t gain any weight, and it improved my period significantly. Don’t believe the hype on this site!"

• Gin...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 20, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I always had heavy, unpredictable periods and hated it. After spending two months straight bleeding an extremely heavy, clotting flow, I asked my doctor about alternatives, and she recommended taking birth control pills without the weekly break. I started on a different medication but switched to this one because insurance covers it at no cost to me. I haven't had a period in over 10 years, and I've never been happier."

• Jol...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 25, 2014

For Birth Control "I have been on Jolessa for 9 years. I have my period 2 days after starting the sugar pill, and it's always been the same and right on time. I don't have acne except an occasional zit or two, my weight for the nine years has been the same besides small weight gain. I started Jolessa when I was 15-16, and I'm 24 now. I've never had a problem, and I haven't gotten pregnant. I don't take it at the exact same time, I just take it when I wake up or remember. Thus far, I love it! I'm also very active in sports, so it's nice only having a period every 3 months. I will say that after a year or so of taking Jolessa, I did lose the sex drive. That lasted about 1-2 years, but it came back twofold."

• Anonymous
• July 9, 2012

For Endometriosis "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."

• Abs...
• November 5, 2013

For Birth Control "I am on my first pack, one and a half weeks before my placebo week. I had dark brown spotting for three weeks, starting the second month. It has progressed into a period. I'm going to do one more pack to see if anything changes, but this is a horrible side effect. I chose Jolessa because I'm a newlywed, and I didn't want as many periods. In addition to the spotting, my sex drive doesn't exist. This is very challenging, as my breasts have grown significantly, and my husband likes breasts. On a positive note, I didn't get pregnant while I was able to have sex. That's wonderful. Now, I can't get pregnant because I'm not having sex. Thanks, Jolessa."

• Dra...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 24, 2012

For Birth Control "I have been on Jolessa for 7 years. I don't take the placebo pills and have not had a period in the 7 years except for once when the doctor's office and mail-order pharmacy my former insurance made me use got their wires crossed. If I don't take the pill at exactly the same time every day, my body lets me know that it needs its dose! No acne, and I have not had any weight gain. Slight spotting here and there, maybe once or twice a year. I don't plan on having any more children (I have a 10 1/2-year-old), but am only 28, so the doctors won't let me get a tubal ligation. I thought of the IUD, but quite frankly, I like never having a period. No ill effects after 7 years without it. Healthy as ever."

• Anonymous
• April 7, 2020

For Birth Control "I started Jolessa in April 2019, and I’ve had an overall good experience with it. The last 3 weeks, I had to wear a liner (most times no spotting would actually make it on there. The first 2 weeks, I would notice the spotting when wiping while using the bathroom). When my cycle would actually come, it wasn’t super heavy; only needing to change my pad maybe twice a day (if that). Cramps during my cycle were very manageable with ibuprofen, and I had a lot of bloating during the second month. The only thing I didn’t like about Jolessa is I think it contributed to my weight gain, about 15 lbs, during this year. I’m considering stopping the pill to try to get my weight back under control, though. Other than that, I haven’t had any bad side effects, and my experience has been good with it!"

• Phi...
• June 10, 2016

For Birth Control "Last update... I gave these pills six months and that's all I could take. The last straw was when I started my period randomly while in Key West on vacation. I switched back to my Ortho Lo, but not before I went from 132 to now 153 in a matter of months. I'm frustrated, bloated, and desperate. I hired a personal trainer, have been running, drinking a ton of water, eating only around 1200-1400 calories a day, and I'm not even exaggerating, I GAIN a pound and a half a week. Stay away. Remember when Caty gave Regina the Swedish weight gain bars and said they were for losing weight, and then Regina ended up wearing sweatsuits every day, but Caty said to 'give them a chance?' IT'S THE SAME THING. These are mean pills."

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

For Endometriosis "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!"

• Unh...
• March 19, 2021

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Pluses: clear skin, no mood swings or headaches. BUT, at first, I spotted every day for months. Light enough for a pantyliner. My period stopped for a while, went fine. Then, with no warning, I would have gigantic clots and blood gushing when I stood up. Then later on in the day and the next day... nothing. Happened a few times. Last straw: family goes to Disney World for the first time. Second day I’m walking around the park then stand up, start gushing blood. I spend the whole time afraid to stand because I’m going through a tampon and pad every hour. Next day nothing. Fourth day at Disney, same heavy gushing and clotting. Airport gushing. Arrive home, bleeding lightens. Then I stand up, heaviest bleeding ever! Soaked through a super tampon, pad, my underwear, pants were soaked with blood and it stained my bed. I am 39 years old and this didn’t happen before Jolessa. I had heavy periods but not random hemorrhaging in between cycles. I have stopped this birth control and my provider is trying me on something different!"

• Anonymous
• December 13, 2009

For Birth Control "I've been on Jolessa for 6 months. I decided to try this because I get bad headaches during my period (even though they'd only last 3 days, 4 days at most), and I wanted to avoid it altogether. The first two months, it was great. Then my period arrived a month early, and the bleeding lasted for 25 days, mostly light. I had already picked up my next 90-day pack, so I figured I'd try to get through that, and if I still had the bleeding, I'd talk to my doctor about another birth control. No need to do that because Jolessa is now working perfectly for me. It's been wonderful not having a period for a few months. I'd recommend this birth control to anyone."

• Anonymous
• September 15, 2011

For Birth Control "This pill didn't work for me. I was on it for 3 months. I spotted for several weeks (probably 6 weeks), gained weight (went from size 0 to a 4-6), and felt depressed and suicidal. I switched back to a pill I had been on several years ago (Levora/Portia). It's been 2.5 weeks since I switched pills, and I already feel back to normal. I'm back to size 0, mental health is normal, and no more spotting. Jolessa didn't work with my body's chemistry, but that doesn't mean it doesn't work. The birth control pill is trial and error, in my opinion. Find what works for you."

• car...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 11, 2018

For Birth Control "This medication is awful. I immediately started with breast tenderness/soreness, then came joint pains and massive headaches. Then there were sharp pains in my lower abdomen that would last about ten seconds, and I would have them throughout the day. I’m barely 19, healthy, and have had regular periods for the past two years. I just wanted something to help cramps, and it sounded like a dream when my gynecologist told me I’d only bleed 4 times a year! I just finished my second month, and I’ve been bleeding for 6 days now! I’m not even supposed to be bleeding! I’m not even talking about spotting, I’m talking about HEAVY bleeding. Before I started this medication, my periods were light/regular and only lasted 5 days MAX. This is one of the worst decisions I’ve ever made, the side effects are not worth it. I’d rather get my period every month than deal with this. Don’t get on this medication."

• Blo...
• November 9, 2016

For Birth Control "When I started Jolessa, I had been on the Depo Provera shot for almost two years. While on Depo, I gained 30 lbs, and I experienced every side effect. When I switched to Jolessa, I didn't experience spotting, and my weight plateaued. I am very pleased with Jolessa, and I love that my periods are only every three months, also that they are only heavy for three days. I know I keep water weight given that I am on birth control, but that's the only negative thing I have to say about Jolessa!"

• Anonymous
• June 14, 2010

For Birth Control "I have used Jolessa for several years, and I love it. I used Seasonique for about two years before that and did not notice a big difference (except reduced co-pay) when I changed. I have never had spotting. I LOVE not having a monthly visit, and it is very light when I do have it. The downside would be reduced libido. I have just learned to live with it. I also think this causes me to have some acne that seems to have started about the time I began taking it. However, I would rather buy pimple cream than tampons. Weight has not really been an issue. I wish it would make my boobs grow! No such luck. I would recommend it to anyone."

• sat...
• May 26, 2010

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Jolessa is awesome! I've been on it before and had spotting during the first pack, but then it worked great! I began using it again, and this time my doctor suggested taking the first month and stopping for a week to get a period and then continuing with the second and third month. (So two periods on the first pack) to minimize, if not eliminate, breakthrough bleeding or spotting. Worked well, and I couldn't be happier. Regulated and way less painful!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 7, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been on Jolessa for 4 years and am quite pleased with it. I chose to go on birth control because I used to get really bad cramps and have heavy bleeding. The reason it doesn't get a 10-star review from me is because the first month of adjusting to it was awful for me. I had horrible cramps and pretty much nonstop bleeding. But 4 years removed from the situation, I would say it was worth it. I did not experience weight gain, and it's so nice to have control over my body. Now my periods are predictable, and the cramps aren't as bad."

• Pri...
• November 2, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I started taking Jolessa to alleviate perimenopausal symptoms, i.e., inability to sleep, weight gain, fatigue, unpredictable periods, thinning hair, and new facial hair. The first month on it, my facial hair lightened up and my face became smooth again. My mood lifted, and I felt great, but that was the only beneficial thing about it. I started bleeding for months-heavily. Using tampons and pads at the same time did not protect me from accidents. The minute I stood up in the morning, it would be flowing all over the place. I started getting bouts of sciatic nerve pain, and severe pain in my knees. I'd be unable to go from a sitting to standing position. I had headaches and more weight gain. I immediately stopped taking it and opted to try natural herbs and vitamins: hemp oil, kohosh, omegas, and magnesium/zinc. Plus, I just started taking the cherry juice concentrate. I wouldn't recommend it. Try to go natural, you'll see the benefits like I did."

• Anonymous
• June 14, 2010

For Birth Control "I absolutely love this birth control. I did experience some light spotting, nothing scary or really inconvenient, during some of the 1st months and definitely towards my period pills. My first period was really heavy (I think because I didn't take a break with the pills to allow a period), but after the first period, things have been great! I don't spot, and I don't think I have gained any weight at all. I love, love, love this birth control!"

• Bra...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 1, 2016

For Birth Control "I began taking this because I had very heavy periods, and I was tired of having a period every month. After the first pack, I was a little concerned because I had breakthrough bleeding the entire 3rd month. This happened every pack. I decided to stick with it. Nov. 30, 2015, I had a severe abdominal attack. I went to 2 ERs that did nothing for me. They told me I had gas and to go home and take Miralax. It did not work. I followed up with a gastroenterologist on Monday. He immediately admitted me to the hospital. Long story short... I had major liver surgery on Dec. 4, 2015, to remove a hepatic adenoma that had ruptured. These were completely hormonal, caused by the birth control. PLEASE STOP TAKING THIS. MY LIFE WAS BARELY SAVED."

• Tig...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 26, 2014

For Birth Control "I have been on Jolessa for about a month due to having excessive cramps and bleeding, so I was excited to try not having a period for three months. But so far, everything is fine, no bad side effects except a little acne. So far, a good birth control."

• Anonymous
• November 23, 2013

For Birth Control "This is my third month on this birth control, and so far my breasts have gotten bigger, they have been sore, I happen to be hungry all the time, and have gained a good 10 pounds. Other than the weight gain, being hungry all the time, and soreness in my breasts, this birth control is pretty good. Hey, only four periods every year! I think I'll stick to this for a while. I'll just have to exercise and have self-control on what I eat!"

• Bec...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 8, 2018

For Birth Control "My experience with Jolessa hasn’t been bad. I started the pill about a year ago. Just like with most birth control pills, they all come with a few side effects. I noticed while on this pill during the last month of taking it I would have a lot of spotting but not an actual full-blown period, I found it annoying because I’d constantly have to wear a pad/liner over the course of the month because of the spotting. Birth control pills definitely affect your mood change as well, especially for me. I tend to feel more grumpy and short-tempered. I also feel like you gain more weight while on birth control. My recommendation before starting this pill is to know that you’re basically shutting down hormones in your body, which causes these side effects, so don’t think the entire experience with birth control will be terrific. All the while, it does help prevent pregnancy and menstrual cramps, which are the reasons why I’m on Jolessa. But give it a try and see how your body adjusts to it."

• Anonymous
• December 25, 2011

For Birth Control "Jolessa is my favorite birth control so far. I have tried many, including Yasmin, Depo-Provera, the patch, NuvaRing, and Beyaz. None of these helped my acne, and a few had horrible breakthrough bleeding. However, since I've been on Jolessa, I haven't experienced any negative side effects, and surprisingly, my breakouts are few and far between. When I do breakout, it's usually one pimple at a time and heals much faster than before. No weight gain or increased appetite, and my sex drive is thriving. No breakthrough bleeding whatsoever. Love it."