Lutera and Cramps: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Ans...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 18, 2015

For Birth Control "I started this birth control because after taking my other for 2 years, it started making me nauseous during my period. Ever since I've started taking this medicine, I've had the worst mood swings. I'll go from laughing to pure anger, then crying. Not to mention it's made me incredibly depressed, and now I have cramps 24/7 and not just during my period. Also, my nausea has gotten way worse. And don't even think about having sex... I have no sex drive at all. Nada. And when I do have sex, it hurts and is not enjoyable in any way. I would not recommend this medicine to anyone. The effects it takes on your body are horrible."

• Mis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 8, 2017

For Birth Control "I've been on Lutera for 5 months now, and I absolutely love it! I was very hesitant to ever get on birth control because you never know how hormones will affect your body. Lucky for me, never any spotting or random bleeding. Took my PMS symptoms from severe to barely there... Cramps? I used to cry and puke for my first 2 days, and now that time of the month isn't affecting my job and life. Weight gain? I was a very unhealthy 77 lbs before I started this. My doctor explained the pill itself does not cause weight gain, but increases your appetite and helps slow metabolism. I am now 95 lbs. I also suffer from anxiety and mild bipolar disorder, so I was worried this pill would make my symptoms worse, but I'm happy and healthy as could be right now!"

• Den...
• May 3, 2019

For Birth Control "I switched to Lutera after my previous birth control got taken off the market. I was told that it had a lower level of estrogen, which may cause spotting. The first packet was wonderful - no issues. The second packet, before I completed the active pills, I started bleeding, and it is paired with horrible period cramps and nausea. I thought birth control pills would help with cramps. And according to my doctor, I will be having a period again when I get to the placebo week. Basically, I will have a two-week-long period. Not to mention, I did gain weight, got tender boobs, and have trouble sleeping. I did expect those side effects, but definitely did not expect a full-blown crampy period that lasts for two weeks. I’m giving it a shot for one more packet since it takes three months to settle in. Hopefully, I don’t go anemic before then from all this bleeding. If anyone has found the perfect birth control, please let me know because I’m still on the hunt for one."

• Rhe...
• November 30, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Lutera has been a nightmare for me. I started it because of heavy bleeding and bad cramps. I just finished my 2nd pack, not taking the placebo pills. I haven't stopped bleeding since the end of the 1st pack's 2nd week. Four weeks straight of bleeding. Not spotting either-I'm going through a box of super tampons each week and clotting just as bad as my period off the pill. Instead of awful cramps, I'm having mild cramps and occasional sharp pelvic pain. But... it's every day now, not just two days of my period. It also left me unmotivated for the first several weeks and worsened my depression during that time. Thankfully, the mental side effects seem to be subsiding. So, not only dangerous to my mental health, it's also doing the exact opposite of what I started it for. All the nurses will say is 'the spotting could continue for the first 3-6 months.' At the rate I am having periods, SIX MONTHS is 45 periods (almost 4 years' worth of bleeding for me). If it doesn't stop by the end of this pack, I'm beyond done."

• Anonymous
• March 14, 2022

For Birth Control "Everyone’s body is different, please keep that in mind. This is the second birth control I’ve tried. I took it Friday, the first day of my period, at 10 a.m., and later I had the worst nausea. I wasn’t able to eat, even though I was starving. It made my period cramps worse, but I didn’t think much considering it was my first day. TMI, but later during the day I had sharp pains while I was trying to poop. It was so bad I had to grab something, and my stomach was so upset. Then the next day I took it again on time, the whole day still nauseous, couldn’t even eat one slice of pizza. Then later I had terrible cramps and a horrible stomach ache. At the same time, I went to the bathroom. I was feeling dizzy, and I was hyperventilating, and I had diarrhea, and I threw up three times. I was on the bathroom floor shaking because the cramps were so bad, and my body was shocked. So basically two days, and that’s it for me... THE WORST PAIN I'VE EVER FELT. But I don’t think my body goes well with BC."

• pan...
• July 27, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been on these birth control pills for about a month now. My experience with it is not that bad, the only effects I've been having are spotting after my period, some changes in mood, more bleeding on my period, my breasts have been getting bigger (though I like this effect), and the cramps are a little stronger. No headaches, no depression, no weight gain (but if I gain some weight in the future, it will be fantastic), and it has been helping me with my yeast infection. And the most important, still not pregnant. I hope that my body will adjust to these hormones and some of these effects will reduce or disappear."

• Caf...
• May 26, 2013

For Birth Control "I am 19 years old. I have been taking Lutera for about 3 years now. I am 4'11 and I weigh around 90 lbs. When I first got on the pill, it made me nauseous, had headaches, body aches, and cramps. But that only lasted the first 3 days. Before I started, I weighed around 98 lbs. So I believe the pill made me lose weight. But other than that, my periods, when I got on the pill, got regular. Before I got on the pill, I couldn't tell when I was going to have my period, and when my periods did come, they would make me so sick to where my mom had to take me to the ER since they were so bad. And my period would last 7 days. Now, my period only lasts 5 days and light flow and barely any cramps! I am so happy taking this pill!"

• xli...
• September 9, 2013

For Birth Control "Been on Lutera for about a month now, and so far, so good! I got my period the day I took the red pill, and so far, my period has been SO much lighter than before. I have little to no cramps, and before, I had horrible cramps and heavy, heavy flow. I haven't felt moody or depressed, and I've experienced no weight gain. Although I do get hungry come night, I just drink water, and it fills me up. But so far, so good with Lutera!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 23, 2017

For Birth Control "I've been taking Lutera for 6 years now. I really love these pills. I have never had any bad side effects while taking these. Before I started taking Lutera, my periods were horrible. I used to have debilitating cramps, heavy bleeding, nausea, and vomiting on the 1st day of every period. With Lutera, my periods last about 3-4 days with little to no cramping. Also, I've been having unprotected sex with my significant other for almost 5 years now, and I have never gotten pregnant. I'm extremely nervous though because I went to pick up my BC pills today and was told that they are no longer making Lutera. I was given some pills called Aviane. I'm just hoping that these pills will give me the same results as Lutera did."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 19, 2022

For Birth Control "I had a tough time with this birth control. When I started using it, the first three months I had bad PMS (cramping, emotional, really bloated, cravings), but it subsided after the three months and was more normal. I decided to try going on birth control for a little bit because I had this constant bloated feeling. After entering a committed relationship, I decided to go back on to avoid pregnancy. This is when I had some major issues. Within the first week, I had major bloating, nightmares, extreme sugar cravings, and bad cramps. On day 5, I woke up at 4 am with extreme cramping in my pelvic region. The pain was so substantial that I was doubled over and decided to head to the ER just to make sure I didn’t have a burst appendix or anything. The doctor there recommended I stop taking this medication and schedule a follow-up with my regular gynecologist. Symptoms started to clear up in 1-2 weeks, and now nearly a month after, I feel almost totally normal again."

• cas...
• April 24, 2013

For Birth Control "I have had the Implanon rod in my arm for two years. It made me have a period for 19 days and off for about 4 to 5. My hair was falling out, horrible cramps, and bad headaches. I have switched over to the Lutera pill, and instantly it has made a difference. I did have a little bit of tenderness in my breasts. Yes, I crave sweets. But who doesn't? My periods come the same day every month and are light and easy. I love this product. For the past six months, it has been good to me."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 17, 2020

For Birth Control "Month 4 on Lutera. The past two months I’ve had nausea, cramps in my abdomen, fatigue, and hair loss for the two weeks leading up to my period. This is highly upsetting as the drug does a good job of preventing pregnancy and reducing pain from cramps. I’ve had light period flows for the first time in my life while using this drug. It sucks that I somehow traded that comfort during my period for two weeks of discomfort. I’ve also developed a larger appetite and gained a few pounds, which is not a big deal to me personally. This definitely isn’t for me."

• Mam...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 13, 2017

For Birth Control "I was on Lutera for 3 years, and it was awesome! My cramps were mild, my periods were only a few days long and lighter. I wasn't emotional and out of control. I felt normal. I didn't gain weight. This is a great pill to try!"

• Cal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 2, 2019

For Birth Control "I had previously been on Orsythia until my pharmacy started to fill it with Larissia, which made my breasts severely sore and sensitive. From Larissia, I moved on to Lutera, which caused me to gain 7 lbs in 1.5 months. I did not notice an increase in appetite, just an increase in weight gain. My scalp turned extremely dry and flaky to the point that I purchased several medicated and moisturizing shampoos to try and correct the issue. I experienced extreme bloating almost daily. The first day of my period was extremely painful, it felt like terrible stomach inflammation."

• SCn...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 26, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm reasonably satisfied with Lutera. My chief concern with oral birth control has been emotional side effects (feeling so crazy), and I really cannot tell any difference at all in my mental health or emotional state when taking Lutera. It's not a perfect fit still, as I cramp way more on the last 2-3 days of 'white pills' than I ever have, though the cramps are mild. I've also noticed breast tenderness. But for me, the worst effect is that I have had about zero sex drive in the 4 months I've been taking Lutera. That's been a major drag."

• Aiw...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 22, 2018

For Birth Control "I was on this birth control for about 2 years, and I loved it. I had no side effects. The only problem was I still had bad period cramps, but it helped a little bit. I just switched to Taytulla and want to go back to Lutera since Taytulla is giving me awful side effects!"

• tro...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 22, 2018

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I’ve been taking them for two months now. They’ve caused pretty bad acne, breast soreness, cramps, depression, and anxiety. I feel sad all the time and really unmotivated. I’m taking them to regulate my period, and it does the job. I know I’m supposed to wait 3 months to get used to them, but I don’t know if it’s worth it, honestly."

• Lex...
• December 29, 2017

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I love this birth control!! I have been on it for almost 2 years, it is great for me! My periods are lighter, less cramps. In August, my pharmacy swapped me to Avaine, and I saw a terrible change. My bleeding became so irregular, I had brown mucus until I started the next pack. I would start super late in the inactives or early in the actives. I would cramp all month. I hated Avaine. I swapped pharmacies and am now back on Lutera, and I cannot wait for everything to go back to normal."

• Mrs...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 17, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been on Lutera for 2 months. The only bad side effect I'm having is horrible cramps during my period. I've had a baby before, and the cramps feel like early or Braxton Hicks contractions. The bleeding is light. No acne, breakthrough bleeding, or decreased sex drive. The other side effects, like dry eyes with contacts and nausea here and there, are bearable. I just wear my glasses sometimes. I haven't had any weight gain. I had a really bad headache before this period, and it lasted about a day or so. Other than that, I'm satisfied with the pill. It's doing the job of keeping me from getting pregnant."

• Tes...
• January 26, 2017

For Birth Control "I've literally been taking Lutera for three days now, and I hate it. My back hurts so unbelievably bad I can barely walk, I'm so nauseous, tired, terribly tired all the time, and I already have period cramps. I'm hesitant to stay on this for a few months because I know it hasn't fully adjusted to me yet, but at the same time, this back pain is not something I'm gonna be able to handle every day. My back never used to hurt, and now I finally get what people mean when they say, 'my back hurts so bad I can't breathe.'"

• The...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 2, 2017

For Birth Control "I've been on my fair share of generic prescriptions for birth control. And I also prefer to take the pill form ONLY. Lutera was the fourth one I have been on, but only the second generic brand. And I, for one, am NOT a fan. Had spotting for an entire month and a half when I first swapped to this pill, and I also didn't have a period after the first two packs (due to the spotting). I have gotten five migraines in the second month (migraines are rare for me), and every day I would have a mild headache, it was annoying. Also, I've felt dizzy right with my headache. It was hard to stay focused at work. On my third pack, I wasn't spotting at all, but that's also when I received my first period. The cramps were excruciatingly intense. I'm 29, so this says a lot."

• smn...
• April 24, 2016

For Birth Control "I do not recommend. I've tried plenty of other pills in the past (Lessina, Norinyl, Syeda to name a few), and this is my least favorite. I stopped taking birth control for a couple of years but recently decided to get back on, so my doctor prescribed me Lutera. Within weeks, it made me more irritable/sensitive (I would cry for no reason), and my sex drive became nonexistent. I had instances where I would be interested in having sex but couldn't enjoy it due to painful cramps. I also felt extremely nauseous, had horrible indigestion, my acne came back, and felt bloated the entire time I was on this pill. And, I had breakthrough bleeding for 3 weeks straight. Thankful I was able to switch back to a generic of Yaz, it's quite an improvement."

• Lov...
• April 20, 2017

For Birth Control "I started taking Lutera in late 2012, early 2013. As much as I can remember, the only side effect I had in the beginning was cramps. Horrible cramps. Only for two periods. The first one, I was hunched over crying. The second one was the same, but the cramps would come and go in waves. I left work early because I was in tears and hunched over again. I got home and felt the urge to push. So I went to the bathroom and pushed out this clot the size of my palm. Not even joking. Oh my God, I thought I was dying. After that second time, I never had cramps like that again. Over the years, my sex drive went down and I spotted between periods. So my doctor had me switch. Overall, I love Lutera and would definitely use it again if given the chance."

• aut...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 11, 2022

For Birth Control "My acne was terrible, weight gain of 10-15 lb (the other 10 lb I’ll take the blame for), and I had really bad cramping. Overall, a neutral experience and common side effects, especially considering this was my first bc pill. I took this for about two years and no baby!"

• myn...
• June 21, 2016

For Birth Control "I took the pill for about 6 months. The first 3 months were the worst for me. I was cranky, my sex drive went down the drain, I was dry down there, and I became depressed. After I started to feel better, just bad cramps. The pill is effective, just the side effects are the worst."