Levlen and Bleeding: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• December 13, 2010

For Endometriosis "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
• September 29, 2020

For Birth Control "I came to the web to see if anyone else was experiencing what I was after taking this pill, and wow!! Ok, I'm not going crazy. Firstly, I've only been taking the pill for two weeks, and I've noticed constant bleeding, but after research, I have found that that is quite normal. So I'm OK with that. But I'm sitting here, 26 years old, with cystic acne, mood swings of a 13-year-old, constant drowsiness, weight gain, and headaches. This pill, according to my GP, was supposed to minimize pimples and stabilize my cycle. I won't be putting another pill into my body. The worst ever!"

• You...
• March 27, 2019

For Birth Control "I started this when I was 16. I was terrified hearing all the side effects. The doctor I had said I could skip my first period. (But after going to another doctor, it is highly not recommended to do that, apparently). The second month I had breakthrough bleeding that turned into a 21-day period. This time I was the angriest, nastiest person. I went to the doctors at 12 days and said to wait longer to see if it would stop. Then on the 20th day, I went back as it hadn't stopped, and he put me on 30 ED. This stopped my period almost immediately. Throughout this month that I stayed on Levlen 30, I had severe depression. It was very, very bad. I changed back to 20 ED. I haven’t skipped a period yet as I’m too scared to, but I would 100% recommend. I have been very sexually active in this time, and I have not had a pregnancy scare. I don’t use condoms as I trust my pill. I have had no side effects on this one other than slight mood swings and a little bit more emotional. No weight gain. This pill is very, very good towards me."

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

For Birth Control "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."

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

For Birth Control "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."

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

For Birth Control "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."

• Bri...
• September 10, 2021

For Birth Control "Mood swings, cyst-like acne, weight gain, and on top of this, I bled for 3 weeks straight while taking the active pills. My boobs have doubled in size and are so sore all the time. I would NOT recommend this pill, it has done nothing but make me an emotional mess. I have been off Levlen for 2 days now and hoping I start to feel like myself again soon."

• Ana...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 6, 2019

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I have been on this pill for a month. So far, I have experienced severe depression and some acne. However, I have not put on any weight while being on this pill. As I have read in the comments below, some girls have experienced profound weight gain. I would not recommend this pill. I will be going back on a pill called Femme Tab, which had controlled my hormones and stopped my acne. I had only gone on this particular pill because I started to have breakthrough bleeding. This pill is horrible and has been a complete disaster for not only myself but for other women too."

• Con...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 3, 2020

For Birth Control "Started this Levlen last August, and as of writing this review, I’ve been using it for about 7 months. It did take about 2 months for me to settle into it, which killed my libido, and my bleeding was abnormal (spotting, super long periods of 7+ days, unpredictable period starting days), but probably since November it’s been well. My periods come exactly when the pack says it should (though very heavy the first 2 days), and my libido is back to normal. I’ve had no issues with mood swings, though that might be attributed to my other meds. I also take Lovan (an SSRI), so my libido for the combination of these two is pretty good."

• Bir...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 8, 2021

For Birth Control "This pill caused me to have a decidual cast, which was the most painful thing I have ever felt in my life. The doctor said the pain was equivalent to early labor pains. I have continued taking it, as the doctor told me to, but I often experience breakthrough bleeding. No one told me decidual casts were a possible side effect of this pill, I guess that’s my fault for not reading? Idk, by the way, this happened when I was 17 and had only been on the pill for a few months."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 6, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Every time I was put back on this pill, I just bleed constantly with little to no breaks in between."

• Mum...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 30, 2019

For Birth Control "I could not tolerate Levlen at all. Breakthrough bleeding, as well as panic attacks and full-on anxiety. Was not a nice experience at all. Was fine when I changed to a different pill."