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Levora and Bleeding: What Users Say

Bleeding: mentioned by 18 users (7.8%)

Based on user experiences from 231 Levora reviews, the following table shows the most commonly mentioned side effects.

All user comments are moderated by Drugs.com. Each review is verified for relevance and screened for inappropriate content. Side effects are user-reported and not clinically verified.

weight gain 29.4%
acne 27.7%
mood swings 24.7%
sexual dysfunction 22.1%
depression 17.3%
cramps 16.9%
nausea 15.6%
anxiety 10.0%
headaches 8.7%
bleeding 7.8%

Reviews for Levora

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Mol...
  • July 14, 2014

For Birth Control "I was VERY wary about being switched to this birth control. I had been on Ortho Tri-Cyclen for 3 years without any problems, but then I started having breakthrough bleeding and increased skin breakouts, including lots of cystic acne. Doctor put me on Levora, and after reading a lot of reviews of side effects, I was super worried I'd end up with worse acne. It's been 4 months and I LOVE THIS PILL. My skin has never looked better. I didn't experience any emotional issues with the switch. My period is regular again and lighter than it even was on the other pill. I barely get any cramps. I love it. If you're reading all these negative reviews, remember people are more likely to post negative experiences than positive ones."

9 / 10
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  • Ms ...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 3, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I started taking Levora 3 months ago with the initial goal to correct my anemia and reduce bleeding. My Dr. prescribed it for a short period of time, 6 months max. I must say, I started bleeding heavily before the first 'scheduled' period on the pack. I bled for nearly 2 weeks, which never happened before. The Dr. office nurse said it was normal to get used to the medication. Fine. Now, I'm on the 4th month of taking Levora and I'm quitting it because I'm outraged that, again, I have heavy bleeding for nearly two weeks, and it's not even close to the 'period' mark on the blister. Again, that's very concerning and causing my anxiety to spike. I haven't noticed any weight gain, however, acne appeared on my face and chest, which hasn't happened since my teenage years. Also, I noticed worsening symptoms of gas, bloating, cramping, and pain in my ovaries."

1 / 10
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10 Report
  • Jen...
  • April 11, 2011

For Birth Control "Great hormone balance. I've had issues before with other pills (Microgestin, Aviane, Kariva)...you name it...breakthrough bleeding, depression, headaches, low drive, etc. I thought I was just not someone who the pill worked for without major side effects...but Levora is great. No issues whatsoever, higher drive, absolutely no weight/depression/spotting/tenderness issues. Amazing pill - highly recommend it if you've had problems with other pills before."

9 / 10
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13 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • July 20, 2018

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Honestly, I have been on Levora birth control for roughly a year. At first, it was fine, although I did gain a significant amount of weight no matter what I did. However, now I can’t stop bleeding between my period, and I have horrible pain in my ovaries and back. I have been to the ER three times in two weeks because of these symptoms, and they keep telling me that all tests are normal. I’m telling you, I know it’s my birth control. I used it to skip my period, and now I am regretting that decision immensely. Tomorrow is my last day before placebo week, and it will be my LAST day of taking Levora because I am over this depression and anxiety, which are awful, and this pill has increased it tenfold! The bleeding, cramps, depression, weight gain, gas, bloating, mood swings, and migraines are not worth this pill. TBH, at this point, I’m young, but I’d rather have a baby than go through this for any longer. I feel like rubbish almost 24/7."

1 / 10
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7 Report
  • TJa...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 29, 2018

For Birth Control "I have been taking this birth control for over 2 months now, and I have experienced spotting/bleeding for 2 months straight. I got back on the pill because my husband and I decided kids aren’t the right choice for us at this time. It has been extremely frustrating that I have not had 1 day in the last 2 months where I didn’t experience bleeding. I understand spotting is to be expected, but not full-on for 2 months straight. I haven’t noticed any differences in acne or weight gain/loss, but my breast size has increased by a full cup size. I’ve taken Ortho Cyclen in the past and didn’t experience any symptoms with that, but this birth control has been affecting my physical relationship with my husband, as well as my functions of everyday life. I have my wedding in a month, and I want to be able to enjoy it without having to worry about this bleeding. Will update in a few months."

3 / 10
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6 Report

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  • Sch...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • March 28, 2017

For Birth Control "I started taking this BC to help with my cramps and heavy period. Very bad choice because I have literally been bleeding for 6 months! Most of the time it was spotting, some days it was so heavy, and the cramps... they are the worst. I've become extremely depressed, I cry like crazy, I can never sleep past 3 a.m., and I have become so mean to people. I wouldn't recommend this BC to my worst enemy, it's terrible."

1 / 10
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  • Sch...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • March 28, 2017

For Birth Control "I started taking this BC to help with my cramps and heavy period. Very bad choice because I have literally been bleeding for 6 months! Most of the time it was spotting, some days it was so heavy, and the cramps... they are the worst. I've become extremely depressed, I cry like crazy, I can never sleep past 3 a.m., and I have become so mean to people. I wouldn't recommend this BC to my worst enemy, it's terrible."

1 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 1, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I didn't even make 6 days into the pack before I had to quit from the worst bleeding I've ever had and severe depression and anxiety. I have 2 LOs 22 months apart, and I'd rather do that all over again than take this birth control."

1 / 10
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  • Tex...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 9, 2016

For Birth Control "On this pill for a couple of months. I had heavy bleeding for the first solid month. I started having anxiety and bouts of depression. I have never felt that way on a BC pill before. I would have stomach problems to where I would vomit or have diarrhea. I chalked up everything to just having a baby at first, but soon realized it was the pills. I immediately quit taking them and had my old prescription filled. The pills just did not mix well for me. I was on Sprintec for 4.5 years and never had a problem!"

1 / 10
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  • Lev...
  • April 9, 2017

For Birth Control "This is the worst ever. I'm crazy - I cry all the time and I've only been on it for 3 weeks and have had a 3-week bleeding cycle. I have little clots coming at least once a day. My partner thinks it's better to be off of it and just use condoms!!! Terrible pill, DON'T TAKE IT..."

1 / 10
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4 Report
  • Bit...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • December 25, 2016

For Birth Control "I have been using birth control for going on 4 years, 16-20. I got on them for the purpose of having extremely heavy periods with horrible cramps and acne. I took Levora for about 2 years (no sexual activity), and I took it nonstop to completely stop my period. Bad idea. I had breakthrough bleeding and severe cramps for over 3 months of heavy bleeding. They put me on the strongest pill possible after that to try to stop my period from the continuous bleeding, didn't work, although I did lose a lot of weight. For the last year and a half, I've been sexually active, and the strongest pill didn't work, so they put me back on Levora with a seasonal period, and I haven't gotten pregnant and my acne is good and my period is gone! Other than every season."

7 / 10
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3 Report
  • Kaw...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • July 20, 2013

For Birth Control "To those of you experiencing side effects within the first 3 months-I would advise you to stay on it and see if the side effects subside. For the first 2 months or so, I had persistent crying for no reason at all (my boyfriend was unbelievably confused), but that went away after 2 months. Also, I had terrible, painful, oozing acne all over my face ever since about 4th grade, but after a few months of Levora, my skin is perfect. I have people constantly asking me what my secret is! My sex drive has stayed the same. I gained 20 lbs almost right away, but my pants still fit, so it's not a major problem for me. My only issue is with spotting and breakthrough bleeding. Going to the doc tomorrow to talk about that."

10 / 10
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9 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • August 8, 2016

For Birth Control "I started taking this about 8 months ago, and up until 4 months ago, I was fine with it. I have been suffering major depression, suicidal thoughts, anger issues (I never had anger issues before this pill), and I'm always bleeding. I get spotting at least every week for three days. My sex drive has decreased. I am constantly having yeast infections, and when I get turned on, I can barely get wet like I used to normally before I took this pill, no matter how horny I am. Even though high blood pressure runs in my family, as an 18-year-old, my blood pressure is way too high, especially for taking birth control and my blood pressure meds. Whatever you do, DON'T TAKE THIS BIRTH CONTROL. Calling my doctor tomorrow to get off this drug after reading into it."

1 / 10
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  • lev...
  • May 10, 2016

For Ovarian Cysts "This pill was great for the first 2 to 4 months. OK side effects included: weight loss, slight mood swings, cystic acne flare-ups, normal sex drive. BAD side effects: breakthrough bleeding that was brown, then red, then brown again for 2 months. Vag was very dry, would burn and itch, so uncomfortable, I had yeast infections for no reason too! The reason my GYN put me on this was that I had an ovarian cyst found in Oct '15, and each month after that when I'd get my period (which always lasted 3 days), I was in severe pain that required Vicodin or Percocet or Oxy to treat. I was off BC for 2 years prior to taking Levora. I can't take the breakthrough bleeding anymore, which is why I'm switching to Minastrin. Hopefully, that works better for me too..."

8 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • July 7, 2012

For Birth Control "I was on Levora for 2 months, and when I started taking it, my period was a month late, but I had some breakthrough bleeding. I would also get nauseous late at night. I did break out just a bit, and my sex drive increased. I stopped for a while and started again, and have been on it for a month now. This time my sex drive is lower, and I tend to get dry during sex more often. I'm an emotional wreck. I'm depressed and have lots of anxiety. And I'm always angry or crying. And I'm always hungry and craving things. And my breasts are slightly sore. In the first couple of weeks, I gained weight, then in the last two, I lost weight. But both experiences were different. It does its job of preventing pregnancy, though."

4 / 10
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  • gnc...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • March 27, 2018

For Birth Control "This birth control is great. No side effects at all. My mood is actually better when on it. I switched from Lutera (which was a lower dosage BC) because of bleeding between periods - if I did not take Lutera at the exact same time every day, I would break through bleed. It was terrible. Happy my doctor recommended this BC to me."

10 / 10
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  • Avo...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 7, 2016

For Endometriosis "For endometriosis, I was initially prescribed Lybrel. They stopped manufacturing, so I took Amethyst - the only listed Lybrel generic - for 3 years with side effects of breakthrough bleeding and weight gain. Three weeks ago, the pharmacy gave me this indicating Amethyst is no longer available, which isn't true. This med is horrible. I have been bleeding low flow for two weeks (no period in 5 years), cramps, abdominal bloat, and increased a cup for bra size. Quick changes! The intense mood swings - particularly into rage and depression - have been scary. By indicating Amethyst 'ONLY,' CVS will order and my Dr. called in today. Can't get off this quickly enough. Avoid if you can."

2 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • August 2, 2009

For Birth Control "With this pill, I don't have issues of breakthrough bleeding or nausea as I had with others. This pill does decrease my sex drive, however."

9 / 10
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5 Report

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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.