Levora and Weight Gain: What Users Say

• Nor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 24, 2013

For Birth Control "I never write reviews, but I decided to share my experience with everyone on this birth control. I was so freaked out when I got this birth control because I saw all of these horrible reviews: depression, weight gain, etc. I have had nothing but an amazing experience on this. I have been happier, my weight is finally staying in one range and not fluctuating, I even lost a few pounds (nothing serious, but it did not make me gain). It has really been amazing, and I think that if the reviews scare you, just try it. You can always switch. I was terrified, but everyone has a different body and reacts differently. You never know, this might be the best thing for you."

• mel...
• February 3, 2014

For Birth Control "Very good birth control. I've been with 4 different birth control brands before this one, different progesterone and levels of it as well. I did my research, and this is the birth control I picked, and it's been wonderful. I've been on this birth control for 9 months. No mood swings, hardly nauseous, light period, no weight gain or loss, it's been perfect."

• boo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 5, 2013

For Birth Control "I waited 1 month to write this review. Hopefully, things will stay the same. First of all, I read quite a few reviews before I took this pill. Let me tell you, I was terrified. I paid more attention to the bad reviews because with my luck I would suffer from every bad side effect of this pill. My main concern was weight gain and mood swings. I broke out but took control of it by going on Proactiv. It's working, but I have to make sure to wash morning and night. No falling asleep will make up. My breasts were tender for the first couple of weeks, actually, it was quite painful. No weight gain. My appetite has actually decreased. I had bad PMS episodes, and that's when I gained weight. This pill seems to help with that. Overall, I am happy."

• Anonymous
• July 31, 2011

For Birth Control "This is my first experience with birth control, and so far it has been a very positive one. I have been on it for about 2 months. Before, I had breakouts all of the time, and only a few days after starting this, I noticed that my acne had almost disappeared. Also, I used to have some problems with facial hair. That also has disappeared. I have had no mood swings, weight gain, or decrease in sexual drive or wetness. My weight has actually been easier to maintain, and I have lost about 10 pounds. All in all, this has been a great pill for me."

• 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."

• Per...
• February 9, 2016

For Birth Control "This was the first pill prescribed to me in my teen years (I'm 32 now). I took them for about 3 years before I got off the pill altogether for about 10 years. When I got back on the pill, I was prescribed a different brand and went with it thinking how bad can it be...biggest mistake ever!!! After 8 months of suffering on the other pill, I switched back to my old, trusty Levora. What a relief!!! I experience very little, if any, side effects on this pill, and it immediately started to reverse the chaos the other pill had caused my body (weight gain, bloating, and severe mood swings). Thank you, Levora!!"

• 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."

• Mim...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• November 21, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been on Levora since 2009, so just over ten years. I initially gained weight, but lost it as soon as I started working out. I switched around a little bit but always came back to Levora. I got off for a year in 2017 and had the worst acne I’d ever experienced, so I went back on. I’ve never gotten pregnant, so it’s a good birth control. However, I am unable to tell if it’s affecting my moods, blood sugars (I’m a T1D). Thinking about getting off so I can clear up my body to prepare for pregnancy eventually. I’m just afraid of the terrible acne more than anything."

• RN8...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 30, 2016

For Birth Control "I developed extreme depression, anxiety, and mood swings, and gained 15 lbs. I eventually became suicidal. I switched to another type of BC, and within 2 months, my suicidal thoughts were completely gone, and within 4 months, my depression and anxiety were gone too. My life was the same, but I felt sane and in control of my emotions again. I also was finally able to lose weight. And my previously clear skin, which Levora ruined with cystic acne, went back to normal. This is a nasty, horrible pill. It should be taken off the market."

• 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."

• Jen...
• January 3, 2012

For Birth Control "I started using Levora after stopping Yasmin. I'm starting my third Levora pack next week, and so far my experience with Levora has been great! No headaches, no nausea, no feeling physically weak or overly emotional. My libido is really high, and my breasts have gotten a little bigger. I did, however, have the food cravings as mentioned in other comments, and it did make me gain a little weight, but I notice that when I'm taking the reminder pills, I'm a lot slimmer than when I'm taking the active pills. I also have increased acne by very, very little, nothing that makes me complain or feel annoyed. I recommend Levora for anyone debating on it. It worked well for me!"

• Wal...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 16, 2015

For Birth Control "I'm 5'5" and started at 125 pounds. I've been taking this birth control for 6 months and have gained almost 20 pounds (I'm at 143). Weight is impossible to lose. I eat well and exercise every day. Wouldn't recommend this at all."

• 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."

• Mia...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 10, 2012

For Birth Control "This is definitely the pill for me. I suffer from pretty severe PMDD as a result of low estrogen. I used to spend two weeks out of the month with bad cramps and other PMS symptoms. During my actual period, I was rarely able to get myself out of bed in the morning. Now, I barely notice cramps at all during my period. I don't have any of my other twenty-something symptoms. My sex drive has increased (I actually have one now!), and my family has commented on the fact that I've been less moody. As far as complaints: I have gained a few pounds as a result of food cravings. I'm definitely hungrier more frequently than I used to be. My stomach will growl just two hours after a large meal. I've definitely responded well to Levora."

• 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."

• Lev...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 22, 2013

For Birth Control "I have taken Levora for the past 2 years. During this time, I have gained 30 lbs. Libido has decreased, and I get lightheaded after sex (not sure if this is typical!). No pregnancy while on this pill. No substantial acne issues. I do like that my periods now occur regularly every month for a shorter amount of time (2-3 days rather than 5-6 days every 30-70 days). Period cramping is not nearly as bad as before taking the pill. Still, I am very unhappy about the weight gain. It may be a combination of this medication and other lifestyle changes I've had during the past 2-3 years."

• Rhi...
• April 4, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been on this pill for about a year, and at first, I loved it. I was on Depo-Provera for a while, but my periods were all over the place, and my skin wasn't in very good shape. Once I started Levora, my breasts were very tender, but they also grew, so I wasn't complaining. About 6 months ago, I started packing on pounds. I'm 5'2" and have never gone above 110 lbs. I am now a solid 125 lbs, sometimes more. I have not changed my fairly healthy diet and do lightly exercise. My skin has not cleared up, and my sex drive is gone. I literally got nothing good out of this pill other than big boobs (again, not complaining). I am getting off of this pill ASAP."

• Bon...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 18, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been taking this pill for about 2 months and have been very pleased. I experienced some mild weight gain, but not so much that it really matters. I had previously been on two other birth controls within the last year (LoLoestrin Fe and Kelnor), and Levora is BY FAR better for me. I can take the pill a few hours late and it's totally fine (my previous pills would cause spotting if I took it even an hour late). I have skipped my periods thus far (so, twice) and have had no issues with spotting. Had one or two days in the last 60 where I was irrationally moody and bitchy, but for the most part, I am very happy with Levora."

• Lea...
• January 19, 2015

For Birth Control "I took this pill for 4 years and have really bad cystic acne. Then my doc prescribed me Ortho Levora to stop it. I was amazed that it cleared my face. However, when I stopped it, it comes back. Well, I had a pretty bad diet and did not exercise, so probably it contributes to the cystic acne lesions. Now, I exercise 5-6 times per week and my diet is straight (no fast food, any types of sweet beverages- even juice or Gatorade-, no fried stuff, salty food, etc.). Now, I can get off Levora without having any problems with cystic acne. Weight gain wise, I did pack a lot of pounds when I first started taking it. Well, I was eating unhealthy, so it must be the culprit, not the birth control itself. If anyone complains about gaining weight on this, you are eating too much."

• Anonymous
• January 6, 2012

For Birth Control "I've been on this pill for about 8 months now. I started when I met the most amazing man in the world. Unfortunately, we're in a long-distance relationship, so the small amount of time we get every 2 weeks, he, of course, wants to have sex. Before I started Levora, I would have sex with him 2-4 times a day, it was the most amazing sex of my life! Ever since I started the pill, I don't even want to kiss him. He thinks I'm not attracted to him anymore because I NEVER want to have sex! If he wasn't so in love and patient with me, I know that he would have been gone by now. I absolutely hate how much this has affected my sex drive, it's caused me to gain 10 lbs, and sometimes I get overly emotional/depressed."

• TC8...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 25, 2020

"I was on Levora for 3 months exactly, and the whole 3 months I had horrible mood swings and irritability. I also had weird pulling pains in my uterus between the 'period' time, and it was not pleasant at all. My 'periods' did get much lighter (before this, I had very heavy periods due to fibroids with lots of pain), but it just doesn't feel like my body is functioning properly. I am getting breakthroughs now at the end of month three, and I have gained weight, and it keeps creeping up and up despite me cutting back on calorie intake and working out. Also, sex drive pretty much disappeared, and I feel disgusted by myself because I've never been this heavy and bloated. I cannot wear most of my clothes that fit me 3 months ago. I'd rather be in pain for a week with heavy bleeding and return to my normal self than keep taking these pills. Getting off! I also want to add that no other BC ever gave me these many problems."

• Asl...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 5, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I’m currently on Levora and have been taking it since mid-July. I’ve had my period for 11 days now, which is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. It isn’t an unbearable period with bad cramps (although there are random rumbles here and there), but it IS a big nuisance! And so random! Thankfully, I’ve experienced some weight gain (I was quite slim and was pleasantly surprised to notice my breasts getting bigger. My bf is quite happy too :)). I hope this period ends soon, though, because it’s not exactly the easiest thing to have for this long, and I’d like to be able to enjoy the rest of the summer without a nagging period to ruin plans."

• Anonymous
• December 10, 2011

For Birth Control "I guess I can't complain. You get on birth control to not get pregnant. I've been on Levora for about 5 months now, and I have recently decided I am done. Since starting this pill, I have gained 12 pounds. For the past two years of my life, I have weighed between 108 and 110. Levora makes you crave food like crazy. I have turned into an emotional wreck. I cry all the time, I am easily annoyed and fly between depression and feeling fine within minutes. I have lost all sex drive. It's absolutely gone."

• Anonymous
• August 12, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been taking this pill for over a year, and I have literally had all the side effects that are listed. I've felt so depressed and moody ever since taking this pill, and I never used to be like that. I strongly recommend not taking this med if you typically feel nauseous a lot or if you have terrible periods like me. I have gained about 15 pounds from this med, and I always feel bloated. Switching to something different tomorrow."