Levora and Cramps: What Users Say

• 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."

• Liz...
• October 17, 2013

For Birth Control "I have been taking Levora for about a year and a half now. It was definitely a rough start. I felt moody, like crazy moody, every single day for about a month when I started it. After that first month, it was smooth sailing. I love that it regulates my period. It comes on the same day, at the same time, every month (not to mention it only lasts 2-3 days and is super light!). I have experienced no weight gain, and the only cramps I get are the day before my period, and the pain there is mild. It's a great option if you don't mind taking it every day. Oh, and did I mention it has done its job in preventing pregnancy."

• 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."

• Tor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 18, 2018

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I've been on this for a month, and I was in horrible shape. Spotting, mood swings, headaches, chest pain, shortness of breath, weight gain, major cramps, and tummy gurgling. I was in a bad mood every day, and I couldn't be nice to my children. I stopped taking them, and it's like magic, all my symptoms disappeared. I'm so upset. My new doctor recommended this since they do not carry Chateal. I loved Chateal. It worked great! I wish my insurance carried these. Never will I take nor recommend this because."

• Hap...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 23, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been on Levora for over 2 years now, and I really love it. I have not gained any weight due to being on the pill, I NEVER get acne, cravings and PMS symptoms are greatly reduced, and my periods are extremely light and short-almost like spotting. I still get cramps during the first day of my period, but they're so slight, and Advil takes care of it immediately. I usually start within the 3rd day of the inactive pills, and my period is over in 3 days, but lately I've been starting a day later, so my period lasts 2 days-not complaining though! I also suck at remembering to take the pill every day and still have not gotten pregnant."

• SDa...
• June 27, 2019

For Birth Control "I hate it. I hate it. This is the last straw for me. I am very sensitive to hormones, so take my review with a grain of salt. If it weren't for my sensitivity, I would stay on it. It's very effective if you take it at the same time every day. I have tried every form of birth control under the sun. All have either made me sick, or I've developed an allergy. I've been trying to avoid getting Paraguard due to a uterine fibroid and heavy periods. Honestly, I will take a week once a month of heavy, painful periods over continuing to be nauseous and constipated every single day with Levora. I've been on Levora for almost 4 months, and the side effects aren't any better. My advice, if you're sensitive to hormones, go get a Paraguard IUD, use condoms, or get sterilized."

• 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."

• Jes...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 26, 2014

For Birth Control "I'm 16 and have been on Levora for about 2 months. At first, I had a slight weight gain and extreme breast tenderness. But now, in my second month, my breasts have gone up a cup size, but tenderness is still there. The tenderness is bearable. My skin has improved greatly! My skin looks soft and clear. There's also been a decline in facial hair for me. I haven't had my period in almost 2 months, with no spotting. I do have slight cramps near the time of my period, but it only lasts for a second or two, then disappears. Overall, it works for me."

• sil...
• August 18, 2015

For Birth Control "I have taken this BC for close to 10 months. I have gained so much weight, and I have the worst moods. I already have issues with anxiety and depression, and this has made it worse. My acne still comes and goes. I am determined to stop this medication. On the other hand, my periods have been fabulous. Before, I would throw up and have horrible cramps."

• Mad...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 27, 2018

For Birth Control "I have been on this birth control for the past two years. At first, I loved it and didn’t experience any symptoms. Recently, in the past 6 months, I have had so many symptoms that I didn’t even realize were from the birth control when I looked it up (before I realized it, I thought my body was just weird and didn’t know what was going on). I’ve experienced severe bloating and cramping on a daily basis, headaches and nausea, especially in the mornings and at night, increased discharge, mood swings (I get upset and angry so easily, but it’s so hard to feel happy), and a really bad decreased sex drive to the point where my boyfriend of 3 years was wondering what was wrong. This has worked great as birth control prevention, but I will be going to the doctor in the morning and changing it because I am so over this medication and all the negative symptoms."

• Bec...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 10, 2020

For Birth Control "The mood swings I got from these Levora birth control pills have been absolutely unbearable, and I had to stop taking them. I do not even feel like myself anymore, and I am exhausted because of how much my mood shifts. My periods have also been more painful on Levora compared to other birth controls I have been on."

• Moo...
• January 23, 2012

For Birth Control "I have been miserable for the past few months while on Levora. At first, it just started with some moodiness, but it has escalated after about four months (I've been on it for about 6 months). My moodiness is just so unpredictable now, I feel physically depressed and anxious. Also, my decreased sex drive has become a huge problem. I have no interest whatsoever and have had increased vaginal dryness. Also, I have had increased food cravings, I feel like I am always hungry, and combined with feeling depressed, that is a dangerous combination. I've gained about 30 lbs in 6 months. I have had much lighter periods since I have been on Levora, no cramping and no acne, but the positives really don't outweigh the negatives."

• sex...
• November 13, 2019

For Birth Control "I was on Levora for approximately 5 months; it was great the first few months. My acne had lessened overall, and I had minimal bloating around my period. Cramping had subsided, and I had a lot of hair growth on my head. No weight gain, no bigger boobs. However, the negative side effects first started with breast tenderness (which was okay), but it became worse. I started out as emotional, then became extremely angry or easily aggravated all the time! My skin started becoming really oily, which then caused me to break out. Overall, I still believe this was a good birth control; it just didn't work out for me. I'd still recommend you'd give it a try if you can. (no pregnancy either!)"

• 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."

• caw...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 15, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I went on this pill to help control my insane periods and help with my acne. I'm quite young, and my periods would last from 7-10 days. My periods would be so bad that I would throw up, not be able to walk, and faint. So I decided to go on birth control to lighten my periods. My doctor told me to skip the placebo pills every month for 4 months. After the fourth month, I got my period, and it made the cramping and blood flow EVEN WORSE! I also went on it to help with acne, and I can say that it has possibly made my acne worse. Before going on the pill, I rarely got large, hard pimples on my cheeks, and now that's a regular occurrence. If you're like me, I wouldn't recommend this pill!!"

• Hon...
• July 19, 2018

For Birth Control "Seriously the worst birth control I've used! It's done its purpose of preventing pregnancy, but the side effects are horrible! Ever since being on Levora, it's been nothing but a negative experience. I get very fatigued, nauseous, and have severe migraines. I'm 20 years old and never had high blood pressure until I got on this pill. I have horrible mood swings and anxiety. My fiancé and I have noticed a big change in my emotions. I can be totally fine one moment, then be crying the next or be very hostile! I will get heart palpitations and shortness of breath out of nowhere. It didn't help with reducing cramping pain at all while being on my cycle, in fact, it felt so much worse than before. I experience severe vaginal dryness, which makes sex very painful during and after! Never had a problem with lubrication at all until this pill, and it's definitely not related to arousal. I do not recommend this pill at all! Getting off of it ASAP!!!"

• Anonymous
• June 9, 2012

"I had every side effect listed... gained weight, pimples, mood swings... EVERYTHING. My period was never-ending, cramps made me cry. I was in bed for a week, no joke. My breasts... a simple hug hurt so bad. I got depressed taking this pill."

• 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."

• miz...
• February 14, 2011

For Birth Control "I have been taking this medicine for almost 2 years now due to horrible cramping. No medicine worked for my cramping, and I was taking too much medicine. When I first began the pill, my body was way out of whack: pain, sleeping a lot, not too much eating, but after about 4 months, my body got used to it. So I think the pill does help to prevent pregnancy very well, and it does indeed help with my cramping, even though I may have to take a pain pill a few times. Levora is pretty good. You have to be careful about going for more than two days without taking it because you will bleed like a period, and it will last for 2 weeks. I am adjusted to it now."

• Anonymous
• December 8, 2011

For Birth Control "I got Levora at Planned Parenthood for free, and it's definitely the best thing I've ever gotten for free! I experience no significant side effects. Cramps are less intense than before, much more bearable and almost nonexistent, lasting only a few hours before the period-- and that's all. The first two months were a bit erratic with mood swings, but have since balanced significantly. Acne is unchanged and normal for me as a 17 y/o (which is why I also believe that this pill works tremendously better for me than other women); weight gain was minimal, only about 5 pounds, but my weight fluctuates usually between 120 and 130 now, whereas before the pill, fluctuation was between 116 and 120. I eat more than I used to, but this is intentional."

• Rac...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 22, 2019

For Endometriosis "I've been on Levora for over 4 years, let me tell you, it works as a great birth control, but the side effects are insane. I was 130 lbs when I started, I now weigh 180. Yes, some of it is due to being out of my teen years, however, 10 of those lbs hang off my chest. I've always been bustier (C/D cup), I'm now on my way to G cup. I'm only 5'4, so this is very uncomfortable. I look very heavy, my legs are big now, yet I am actually eating better than when I started taking it. My face and stomach are always puffy and bloated, the only time it's flat is right off of my period and not taking the pills for 7 days. I have had to get a script for Xanax because of my severe anxiety that has started. I didn't think a pill could cause all of this, but it's getting worse. I have no sex drive ever, and my cramps are still painful. I will be going off of it starting tomorrow, and I will be tracking how my body changes for the next 6 months."

• Che...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 9, 2017

For Birth Control "When I moved in March, the new pharmacy carries this birth control for my insurance. This month I was finally able to switch back to Marlissa. Even though it's the same dose of hormones, my body completely rejected the Levora. It made me so crampy, stopped getting periods at the end of the month, and got them at weird random times, nauseous, and severe headaches. This never happened on Marlissa. Luckily, my pharmacy was able to order Marlissa under my insurance because Levora is downright awful. There are tons of brands for a reason: every body responds to different kinds of medications and their brands! Inactive ingredients play a huge role people don't think about. Try out some and see what works for you - keeps you regular and keeps the cramps away."

• Anonymous
• December 13, 2009

For Birth Control "I have been taking Levora for about 6 months. I have realized lately that I am very unhappy with it. I have a very decreased sex drive. I never am interested in being intimate. I also have a lot of cramping on my period, which I thought birth control was supposed to decrease. I'm thinking about switching over to Ortho Tri-Cyclen. I was wondering what other people have experienced with that one? All the reviews seem very positive..."

• Anonymous
• December 21, 2011

For Birth Control "The only positive thing about this pill is I didn't get pregnant. For the 6 months I've been on it, I've had 2 periods a month and cramped horribly every time. I work out a minimum of 7 times a week, running miles, weight training, etc., and I gained weight on this pill quickly. I just stopped taking it, it's not worth all the negative side effects."

• Anonymous
• August 7, 2011

"Been on this pill for numerous years. Overall, have had no problems. Decreased the intensity and length of my periods, which is great. Sex drive could use some help. Never get cramps, headaches have subsided (maybe pill related or due to my age)."