Lessina and Weight Gain: What Users Say

• sic...
• August 31, 2019

For Birth Control "I've been taking Lessina for like 3 or 4 months now, and it's been totally great, and I have had no problems really. The only negative I could think of is the slightest weight gain, but I don't mind it at all because it's literally so minor. Other than that, nothing has changed, and I haven't had any side effects. It didn't make my period any lighter. Best of luck to you!"

• Ria...
• August 1, 2019

For Birth Control "I've been on this birth control for about a year now, and I really do like it. I was very scared at first because I saw so many bad reviews and got very anxious when I first started taking it. The truth is I never felt any horrible side effects, but I did gain a bit of weight since I did notice I was starting to eat more and more. I know everybody is different, and I guess I was very fortunate to not have any of the intense side effects many on this post were saying about."

• Eri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 4, 2022

For Birth Control "I was super nervous about getting on birth control because of the horror stories and my previous experience from other pills. I spent a few months researching pills and asking friends what pill worked for them because I was going to start nursing school and did not want a surprise during that time. After nine years of not being on the pill and a lot of research, I took a chance with Lessina. I’ve been on it for five months, and I love it! The first two months, I was very emotional, but I’m sure it was from the pill trying to regulate. Month 3 period was the heaviest, but once again, I think it was from the pill regulating. I have gained weight, but since I’ve started nursing school, I haven’t been active and I eat crap every day, so I can’t blame the pill. I’m emotional at random times throughout the month, but that’s it. I don’t have severe mood swings, I’m not angry, I don’t get headaches, I’m not depressed…. I really think this pill is a great option."

• Mya...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 14, 2022

For Birth Control "I have been on the Lessina pill for 3 years. 100% effective, let me tell you. Also gained like 10 pounds immediately after starting it. It leveled out a few months later, but I do not recommend. Today I make the decision to get off of it because the side effects are not worth it. I’m always hungry and bloated."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 26, 2020

For Birth Control "Horrible. I have been spotting nonstop for 2 weeks now. Mood swings, crying spells, increased depression, sweating, weight gain, and bloating. I tried to stick it out for 2 months, but I am stopping this OCP ASAP."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 20, 2021

For Birth Control "I have been on Lessina for about 5 months now, and I have definitely noticed a difference. My periods are shorter and lighter (a huge reason why I went on birth control in the first place is because I'm anemic, and my periods were horrible). As many others have said, the migraines do happen often, but all my life, I have been getting headaches regularly, so it's nothing different. My skin has cleared up, and I only have minor breakouts due to wearing a mask (for COVID) and not the birth control. I experienced slight weight gain, and my boobs grew, which I was kinda happy about, lol. Recently, I missed a pill and spotted until my period started, but it wasn't too bad. I definitely experience moody episodes before my period, which I never experienced before, but I will not be switching brands anytime soon because I'm happy with how it has been treating my periods."

• Niy...
• December 29, 2018

For Birth Control "At first (first month) taking this pill, it was not amazing. I had terrible mood swings and would have stress breaks in the classrooms of my school, then got kicked out. I’ve gained about 10 pounds on this pill, but it has gone to my hips and butt, so I’m loving it. In the first month getting wet was difficult, but I’m on my third month and it’s back to normal. Overall, even though the first two months on this birth control were an emotional roller coaster, I would recommend taking it. Remember, birth controls react differently to everyone’s body. Also, it is very effective in protecting you from pregnancy."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 3, 2017

For Birth Control "Literally the worst birth control ever. I was on Orsythia, and my pharmacy said this was the 'generic' version. My period was always regular, and my period came two weeks earlier this month. It also makes me break out and gained about five pounds. I have become very emotional and depressed, I was never like that. Now, I cry for everything. Do not recommend."

• Can...
• June 11, 2019

For Birth Control "Wish I could rate a zero. I used to be on Aviane and loved it. But my pharmacy randomly gave me Lessina and told me it would be the same, it’s just the generic brand. I totally thought that made sense, so I did not think anything about the change. I’ve been on this dosage for 4 years and never had issues. On the Lessina brand, I gained about 15 pounds and I spot for a month about every 4 months. Not worth it. I'll be taking my 3rd trip to the gyno this Friday for spotting and will be getting off of Lessina."

• Jun...
• February 23, 2021

For Birth Control "I have been on Lessina for about 3 months now. Before this, I was on Depo. This far, I have had a few side effects such as gaining weight, mood swings, and my first month I had the heaviest period I have ever experienced, which lasted almost 10 days. On a positive note, my acne has cleared a lot. And I have been able to successfully skip my periods like I’ve wanted, as well as having no babies! Everyone’s body is different."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 10, 2012

For Birth Control "I've had problems with birth control since I have started taking them. I was started on Ortho Tri-Cyclen and was extremely moody and had issues with tearing of the vaginal walls during intercourse, so I was switched to Ortho-Cyclen, and the problem persisted. Finally, I was switched to Sronyx, which solved the problem and the moodiness. I was on it for three years until I was switched to Lessina because my pharmacy didn't carry it. Within the two and a half months I've been on it, I have gained about 5 pounds, have the worst acne I've ever experienced, and cry over nothing. Desperately trying to find a pharmacy that carries Sronyx."

• luc...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 5, 2021

For Ovarian Cysts "I have been on Lessina for about two years (I'm 18 years old) for ovarian cysts. I've noticed my periods are much lighter and more regular, which is awesome, and haven't had a cyst rupture while on it yet. Though it does regulate everything, I've found that it makes me depressed and makes me gain weight. It works for cysts, but wrecks my body and mind more than I thought it would."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 12, 2018

For Birth Control "I was only on this pill for two weeks and immediately discontinued use due to massive weight gain (10 lbs to be exact), mild nausea daily that was similar to morning sickness, that lasted all day, headaches all day, every day, and the kicker, immense chest pain. My friend passed away from a PE directly related to this pill last month (per the coroner). She was 32. Do not take this."

• ARW...
• November 1, 2016

For Birth Control "I haven't taken any other birth control pills prior to Lessina, but while on it, my extremely heavy, 6-day-long period has subdued to a light, non-painful, 2/3-day period, which to me in itself is amazing. I've been on Lessina for about 7 months, and the only side effects I can notice are that my breasts are always sensitive and about 5-10 pound weight gain. No moody-ness or random crying. I've always had headaches, so I don't think I could tie that in with the BC pills."

• Ken...
• September 26, 2019

For Birth Control "I was on Lessina for about 6 or 7 months. At first, I was pretty content with this birth control. I have tried other brands, but most had no effect on the heaviness of my period, which is why I was taking the pill to begin with. One of the definite pros of this pill is that I had absolutely no acne at all. I’m 18 years old, and before starting on this pill, I had some acne, I rarely got acne while on this pill. If you are taking it for acne-related reasons, then I would suggest this pill. The downside is that it caused me to gain about 12 pounds within around 7 months. It may not seem like that much, but it really adds up for a teenager. My mood swings weren’t easy either, everything would set me off, and I was constantly angry. I’m switching to Junel birth control now. Given the reviews from it, I am somewhat nervous. Overall, this birth control mostly helped with my period, making it shorter but still pretty heavy."

• Ng1...
• October 5, 2018

For Birth Control "Initially wanted to go back on the pill because I experience pretty severe PMS symptoms within the 10 days or so leading up to my period that really prevent me from my normal, everyday functions due to a hormonal imbalance. Tried to stick it out for a little over 2 weeks but then couldn’t take it anymore. Was constantly tired, depressed, and anxious within the first few days. Experienced severe mood swings at the start of week 2, crying for no reason and then suddenly would get angry and snap. Had insane acne and cravings from the start that I couldn’t resist, leading to a solid 10 lb weight gain and painful blemishes, which only made the depression worse. Felt so self-conscious and didn’t have the motivation to work out, which is something I love to do daily, during the entirety of my experience. Needless to say, probably some of the worst weeks I’ve experienced in a while. Started to return back to normal within a few days of stopping."

• Ste...
• October 21, 2016

For Birth Control "I was advised to take this because it is the least hormonal birth control that works. I was horribly emotional with all the prior birth control pills, this one had no bad side effects, and periods were much lighter. Of course, I did gain the normal 5-10 lbs. (But that's always the case with birth control pills since they make your body think that you're pregnant). I truly believe that the bad reviews are people that had chronic issues with emotions or sinuses, etc., and just kind of placed blame or really made themselves believe that symptoms got worse when taking a new medication. I stopped taking it in February as my spouse and I are wanting a child. It is now nearing November (9 months) and I have not had a single spot or period since I stopped taking birth control."

• Car...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 30, 2019

For Birth Control "I started taking this for about a year now, and it works great for me. Even if I forget to take it for a day or two, I never spot. I haven't had any crazy acne changes since starting. Literally, no problems besides a slight weight gain."

• 3Ma...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 9, 2018

For Birth Control "Switched ob/gyns this past fall, and she recommended Lessina since I’m now over 40 and didn’t need as many hormones (in the Dr’s opinion). I’ve always had an effective skin care regimen, so I was totally freaked out when I developed ridiculous acne within 1-2 months of switching. I’ve also gained at least 10 or more pounds since I began the pill. I also read how some users felt sadness/depression, and I’m wondering if a few blue episodes I’ve had may have been brought on by the pill. Hmm. On the upside, I did notice the increase in sex drive, and the periods seemed to be short and smooth (no PMS, no cramps). Finally, called the doc last week to complain, so I’ve swallowed my last one. Really wish I’d had the sense to Google this pill sooner. Never again. I’ll be researching my new script too as soon as I get it. I’ve been off and on the pill since my teens and never once had this many textbook side effects. Geez."

• Ell...
• June 30, 2018

For Birth Control "I've been taking Lessina for about 4 months now. I used to take Seasonique, for whatever reason, they prescribed me awful birth control instead. I'm so moody and literally hate the world and myself. I cry all the time, honestly, I have the worst mood swings I've ever experienced. I stay so depressed that all I do is want to lay in bed and cry or sleep. I've gained 20 lbs from this and got some acne. I constantly have the worst crushing migraines I've ever had in my life. Just all around the worst experience. It works for preventing pregnancy, but it's not worth the emotional state it leaves you in."

• Sma...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 4, 2018

For Birth Control "I started this birth control pill after removing the Mirena. I was given this pill as the generic to what my ob/gyn prescribed. I wish I would've left it at the pharmacy! This is the WORST PILL EVER!!!!! Let's start with mood swings, weight gain, tender breasts, depression, decreased sex drive, and edema. I would NEVER recommend. I discontinued after being on the pill for 1.5 months. I actually stopped taking birth control pills altogether to allow my body a chance to get back to normal. This by far was the WORST experience with birth control."

• Lov...
• April 19, 2020

For Birth Control "I have been on Lessina for six months. So far, the only side effects I’ve experienced are weight gain, clear skin, and sleeping a lot. I honestly like the pills."

• ros...
• September 8, 2011

For Birth Control "I have gained weight, and my depression has gotten worse. I had the Mirena before, so there is no comparison."

• 22a...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 26, 2018

For Birth Control "Pros: short periods, no mood swings, no acne, increased sex drive. Cons: ~10 lbs of weight gained over a couple of months."