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Levlen for Birth Control User Reviews (Page 2)

Reviews for Levlen

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Jan...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 15, 2019

"I’m about halfway through my first packet, and it honestly hasn’t done me any good so far. I’ve had an increase in appetite, and I’m just constantly hungry and wanting to eat, and I never used to eat as much, and it’s quite concerning because I don’t want to put on weight. I’ve also found that I’ve just been so moody. Like, usually I’m quite a happy person, and I’m patient and understanding, but recently I’ve just been so angry and just don’t want to deal with anyone and have zero patience. I’m going to try to just finish the pack, but if it still continues, I’m definitely switching to another pill."

2 / 10
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  • ell...
  • July 22, 2015

"I was on Levlen for around 8 months. I started it a month before my wedding day, and because I'm still quite young, I was really adamant about contraception. After researching about pills, I figured as long as I didn't get acne breakouts, gain weight, or get hairy, it was perfect. Boy, was I wrong! I was completely depressed, anxious, and stressed the entire time, my libido was almost non-existent, and I started to get cystic acne on my face... you can imagine how all of this would affect newlyweds!! It wasn't until I had a major breakdown a month ago that I knew I had to get off Levlen ASAP! I'm now on Femme Tab, and it's working fine, just waiting to see how my hormones will react!"

3 / 10
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  • Jay...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • August 19, 2020

"Fantastic for birth control and missing periods for a few months in my 20s. Had children and a 10-yr break... As I approached 40s, it doesn’t seem strong enough for my body now, and I get breakthrough bleeding after a few weeks. Can’t seem to miss a period now and don’t want to go on a higher hormone dose. Found out from a colposcopy it’s also causing tissues to grow outside of the cervix, which causes bleeding easily. More reason for me to stop taking the pill now."

8 / 10
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  • Ell...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 16, 2018

"I started the pill 4 and a half months ago as my first hormonal contraception, and I was prescribed Levlen. I was a little nervous, but I only ever experienced slight side effects, and by the end of that pill packet, my body had gotten used to it and I felt fine. However, when I went to get my repeats, they didn't have Levlen in stock, so I was given Lenest 30, a generic version, which I was assured would be no different. Since I started that one 2 weeks ago, I've been emotionally unstable and basically a mess. I can't wait to go back to Levlen when I'm done with these."

10 / 10
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  • San...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 17, 2020

"I'm onto my second month, and I'm experiencing constant sleep breaks, waking every few hours and nightmares, heavy head, and two migraines so far. I usually sleep with no issues at all. My mood is very short-tempered, and I seem to get anger snaps, which is so unlike me. Also, acne all around my chin area has worsened. I started this pill because of the lower dose, previously, I was taking Brenda ED to control acne, but that made me so depressed to a point where I was crying at the smallest things and thinking the worst. Was hoping Levlen would help because of the lower dose, but sadly not. So disappointed."

1 / 10
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  • Lul...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 20, 2019

"I took Levlen ED for 1 year and gained 5 kg, was very anxious and moody, but eventually it settled down. I then stopped the pill, and a few months later I am back on it... After 10 days on Levlen ED, my anxiety and moodiness have increased, and I have gotten TERRIBLE acne all over my face. As someone who barely ever gets pimples, I am mortified. I have also completely lost my appetite (although it might be because of stress?). Anyway, I will be stopping the pill tomorrow and asking my doctor for an alternative. Not worth it."

2 / 10
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  • Neu...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • June 30, 2022

"Five years ago, I took Levlen for 12 months, and it has given me mild neutropenia to the point I had to go see a blood doctor. After stopping with Levlen, immediately my white blood cells were going up again. Had serious health issues in the past (also gut polyps), bloating, and constipation, and would recommend staying far away from this product!!!"

2 / 10
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  • Ano...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • July 11, 2022

"I’m sharing as I have had a positive experience with Levlen ED. Remember when looking for reviews people with a bad experience are more likely to write a review. I have used Levlen for 10 years and was on Yasmin prior. I only changed as Levlen was a cheaper pill. I do fitness competitions and have had no trouble with weight gain or loss while on this pill, it doesn’t affect my moods or increase my anxiety. I’ve had a really positive experience, as with all birth control, the only way to know it works well with you is to try."

10 / 10
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  • Man...
  • February 22, 2021

"I was prescribed Levlen for PMDD. This changed my whole world - gone are the extended fits of crying and bouts of inexplicable rage. Within days of starting my first cycle, I felt the bloat come in instantly, really sore nipples, and I felt really tired. Essentially, I felt like I was pregnant (according to Google searches), but for me, it's a small price to pay for the benefits I get. I am in my second month, and the water weight seems to be going down, I have gotten back into my usual exercise routine, and my skin is markedly improved too. I allowed a withdrawal bleed and experienced PMS-like symptoms but not the terrifying rage and profound sadness that I usually do. I am over 35 and have cardiac issues, so I will have to be monitored closely and will be bummed if my specialists decide that this medication isn't for me. It's restored my sanity!"

9 / 10
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  • Sam...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • February 25, 2022

"I started Levlen purely to prevent pregnancy, and in that regard, it has worked well. I never had acne before taking this pill, but I’ve been taking it for a year now, and my skin is the worst it has ever been. While adjusting to it, I experienced severe nausea and bloating, but after six months, these symptoms have disappeared. There was no effect on my libido as far as I’ve noticed, but I did notice that my mental health has taken a turn for the worse. Really bad anxiety for a while after taking the pill, and some symptoms such as hot flashes and hyperventilating, that I’ve never experienced before. Yes, in my experience, it works to prevent pregnancy, but it has had some considerable negative impacts on my life too."

4 / 10
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  • ano...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 22, 2020

"Like others, I was on Norimin for about 10 years, but unable to get it due to COVID or other supply reasons. I was prescribed Levlen. I persisted for 3 months. They were the most awful 3 months. My moods were out of control, I had massive pimple breakouts. After not even having my period on Norimin, I experienced heavy bleeding and cramping on Levlen. I have put on 5 kg, I had glands popping up everywhere. Worst pill ever! I am now on Valette. I hope it is a better experience. It is not subsidized, and I am paying about $85 for 3 months, but I was at a point where I didn't care, I just needed to change pills."

1 / 10
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  • MeM...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 30, 2019

"Levlen works as birth control. Was given it as a generic. Sadly, it completely disrupted my hormones. First month had breakthrough bleeding. After that, I lost my period. I stopped taking it after finishing the one box, and my period has never properly returned since, and it’s been over a year. Had ultrasound scans, and my uterine lining is close to non-existent. I would rather pay more money than receive this ever again."

3 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • August 12, 2015

"I was on Portia when I started birth control and was on it for years and never had any problems until I switched to Levlen due to insurance changes. Ever since I started this brand, I have gained 27 pounds, had drastic mood swings right before/while I am on my period, and night sweats. The periods are getting more painful as time goes by. I didn't realize all these things I've been experiencing could be related to the birth control until I looked up reviews and saw similar complaints. I made a doctor's appointment for later this week, and I really hope to switch off of Levlen. All the side effects are too unbearable to not notice after 6 months of putting up with them!"

2 / 10
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  • Ano...
  • February 14, 2020

"I'm a 29-year-old in New Zealand. Not been on any contraceptive before. I tried Levlen for 6 weeks before I quit. My period normally lasts for 10 days, so my Dr. and I were hoping that by taking the pill, I wouldn't get periods anymore, full stop. And that my mood would be more stable as my periods often made me sad. I took the pills correctly, skipped the sugar pills, and just kept taking a hormone pill every morning. BUT still got my period. The worst thing was that it lasted almost 30 days! And I was very anxious and felt like more of an angry and impatient person. I wasn't sure whether to keep taking it and see if it stabilized after 3-4 months. I had friends say good things about taking the pill, so was half hopeful, half scared/worried. But at this point, after a month of bleeding, I was over it. I went back to my Dr., and she said I had a very unusual response to it, and we decided to stop taking it. It literally did the opposite of what we were aiming for."

1 / 10
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  • 123...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • February 11, 2021

"I’ve been on Levlen ED for 3 years, the first pill my friend ever prescribed me. Ever since I started, my mood swings have been horrid, I gained weight and have not been able to get it off regardless of the calorie deficit or training I do. I was able to eat so much beforehand, and I’m consuming less now... I developed symptoms of anxiety and depression, and I recently went back to my doctor after multiple breakdowns in the past year and decided: no, it has to be the pill. I was told that Levlen ED is the worst for mood swings and negative mental health effects... glad I was informed now. Would not recommend, yes, it helped my skin, periods (used to get horrendous 10-day heavy bleeds with cramps that left me lifeless), contraceptive use, and that’s about it."

4 / 10
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  • Ano...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 8, 2022

"I would just like to say I am day 5 into taking this pill, and it sucks so far! I have been throwing up and feeling nauseous all day. This all started today (3 a.m.). The pills before were completely fine, but now I feel like crap. I'm laying in bed trying to figure out what is going on with me, and it turns out so far one other lady has had the same issue. When I showered and dried myself, I noticed a thick, white, clumpy, smelly discharge type. I have done research, and all is saying a yeast infection, as what another lady has said. So far, the experience is rubbish. I will be looking into getting an Implanon and see how I go there. I don't like the inconvenience of taking a pill every day. I will give this pill a go, but I won't be sticking around for feeling like rubbish every day... NO THANK YOU."

1 / 10
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  • Kat...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 16, 2015

"I jumped onto Levlen just under a week ago, and since then I have been constantly nauseous, to the point that I can't even concentrate at work. I have not actually vomited, but the nausea is debilitating! I thought maybe I should have a good meal before taking it, so I did so, but no success came of it. Calling my doctor today to switch meds!"

3 / 10
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  • Hol...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 5, 2020

"Just started Levlen around 2 months ago. Now I know that there is no proof that the pill causes weight gain, however, as soon as I started on this pill, I noticed a huge difference in my hunger levels. I’m usually one to lose weight quite quickly and “shake it off,” but I just can’t seem to get rid of it. I also have started to get bad acne/pimples, mostly around the chin area. Libido has completely disappeared, and I just don’t feel like myself. Will give it another month, but keen to try another pill."

2 / 10
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  • Whi...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 13, 2016

"I have been prescribed this birth control after having several problems with the Implanon. I had side effects including breast tenderness and sweats for the first month of taking this pill. After a month on this pill, the side effects disappeared! It's the best thing I have taken as I have no outbreak of irregular periods and have more control of my cycle. I would recommend this product!"

9 / 10
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  • Ali...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • May 3, 2022

"I've had a wonderful experience on Levlen 20/100. I moved to this pill about 5 years ago from a higher dose because I didn't want to be taking more hormones than necessary. I will eventually want to wean off birth control. I originally went on a higher dose pill for acne as a teenager. My skin is perfect on Levlen during times when I'm also cutting back on sugar, drinking plenty of water, and getting enough sleep. I'll get a couple of pimples mainly on my chin if I'm not watching my diet/sleep/water intake. My period is maybe 2 days - I actually stopped using menstrual products because I found my period was so light it barely needed anything. I occasionally get slight cramps for a couple of hours on the day, but otherwise, I don't even think about my period. No mood swings as far as I can tell (although I've been on birth control for 10 years, so I don't know what it would be like without any BC). My experience is likely influenced by the fact that I am quite fit and do a lot of exercise."

9 / 10
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  • uhm...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • May 29, 2022

"The only thing good that came out of Levlen was not getting pregnant. Other than that, my anxiety and depression got worse (now I have to go on medication), my periods got heavier and more painful, and I continued to get acne, but also, I got severe chronic migraines after being on it. I also completely lost all sex drive, and this caused issues between me and my partner. Now I have a copper IUD and likely cannot ever have any other hormonal birth control when this wouldn't have been an issue before. It also increased issues with my other chronic illnesses, and I became more fatigued and struggled to do anything in the afternoon."

1 / 10
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  • Nor...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 10, 2020

"I am 23 years old. I was on Levlen for 4 months. I don't want to say anything bad about this pill, but I will share my experience. The first month was constant headaches, no breakthrough bleeding, and on-and-off heartburn. Second month, I began breaking out on my chin, as well as heartburn and headaches. Third month, the breakouts got really bad and extremely painful, and I began getting ‘dermatitis’ around both my eyes and lips. By my fourth month, I had constant headaches, heartburn every few days, and the dermatitis got worse, as well as the acne. Might I add, I never had acne prior to this. But I must say, birth control and period pain-wise, it was incredible. I did gain weight on this pill, but I didn't mind because period pain-wise, prior pill, was extreme."

5 / 10
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  • Hay...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • April 19, 2022

"I have been on Levlen for around 2 years, and this pill is NO GOOD!! It’s taken me till now to figure it out, but I had side effects from the start. - Weight gain and inability to lose any weight, even with diet and exercise. - Mood swings were relentless, I felt angry all the time. - Low sex drive - Anxiety - Fatigue - Brain fog - Headaches - Bloating"

1 / 10
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  • Mis...
  • January 11, 2020

"I was on Levlen for about 2 years. When I started Levlen, it took me roughly 3 months to 'settle' into. 3 months of spotting/bleeding through the active pill, moodiness, and eating anything and everything to do with food, as well as the odd food craving.... So you guessed it, weight gain. I'm a bit of a pushover, so this is why I stuck it out for so long. After the 3 months, I went back to normal, and me exercising got rid of the extra weight. My eating habits went back to normal, and I was back to my normal placid self. My partner and I are VERY sexually active, and no pregnancies and no scares. Long story short, besides 3 months of me being the worst kind of person with a passion for food, it did its job very well, and I was easily able to skip my period when I wanted, with no spotting/bleeding in between. P.S. If I skipped my period, I was bloated for almost a week."

9 / 10
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  • Ana...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 17, 2019

"I received a prescription for Levlen ED about two weeks ago. My doctor warned me that some brands of birth control can trigger people that suffer from migraines, which I used to suffer from but haven’t in a long time. I made the switch to the pill after a bad experience with the Implanon, but I’ve only been using Levlen for one week, and I’ve come to realize it’s worse than the Implanon. Every day I’ve experienced migraines and nausea, and have had an outbreak of cystic acne (I’m 19 and have never had acne in my life), as well as developing a yeast infection. Switching brands ASAP or going off birth control completely, this pill isn’t worth the money or side effects based on my personal experience."

1 / 10
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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.