Lutera and Weight Gain: What Users Say

• Sam...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 5, 2014

For Birth Control "I've been on Lutera for about 4 years now, and it's been pretty good! No huge complaints at all here! My breasts definitely got bigger, but besides that, not much weight gain as others have mentioned. I do have mood swings ever since I started Lutera, but I mostly just cry easier when I'm PMSing, and that's it. As for effectiveness, it works great, and I pretty much have my period down to the hour at which I know it will start. If you take the pill as instructed, it works great!"

• Sni...
• May 20, 2014

For Birth Control "I've been on this pill for about 3 months. In this time, I've gained some weight. I go to the gym 5-6 times a week and am a pretty health-conscious person, so there is no reason for this to happen. I've never had a problem with my skin, but over the last 3 months, I haven't gone a day without a pimple on my face, and my back and chest are not okay. I feel so gross. I do so much to take care of myself, and after looking at my daily life, the only thing I can attribute these things to is my pill. It is also the only medication I take."

• Geh...
• May 11, 2014

For Birth Control "I've been taking Lutera for about five months now. I've noticed that my mood swings have gotten terrible. I am prone to headaches, and I've gained quite a bit of weight that is nearly impossible to lose."

• Nik...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 14, 2019

For Birth Control "Lutera is the first birth control I ever tried, and I love it. Honestly, the reason I never went on BC before was because I was so afraid of weight gain. I’ve even had friends who’ve suffered from weight gain (I’m talking 10+ lbs) from birth control, as well as friends who aren’t able to lose weight from birth control even with diet and exercise. So, even after picking up the Lutera, I was reluctant to take it. But I figured that I’d try it, and if I hated it, I’d just finish out the month and stop it. All I can say is this has been the best thing ever! I broke out the first few days and noticed bloating for about a month, but my body adjusted, and I feel great. I was also a little more emotional the first week or so, but I have no weight gain, no mood swings, and no acne, on top of taking a lot of wording off my shoulders. I know that everyone’s body is different, so this might not be the one for everyone, but I would definitely recommend it!"

• Aly...
• May 9, 2014

For Birth Control "I have only been on it for a little over a month. It's the first birth control I've been on, so I was new to side effects. I finally realized my mood swings are huge. I find myself very emotional and depressed, and minutes later I'm beyond happy. I do get headaches quite a bit, but it can be from something totally different. I feel like I've gained a little bit of weight, but I can't blame anything but myself. I don't think it's a horrible pill, it just affects me badly."

• Car...
• September 21, 2015

For Birth Control "After being off BC for 8 years, I finally had to get back on. I've been on this BC for 2 months, no problems so far. I used to get severe cramps, but since taking Lutera, it's been all better. No weight gain, no mood swings, or no loss of sleep either. My skin has cleared up a bit as well. I used to break out before my time off the month, and now I don't. So far, so good, everybody is different. What might not work for me won't work for others."

• klh...
• July 16, 2014

For Birth Control "This is the first birth control pill I've been on, and I started taking it the same time as Lexapro (anti-anxiety). I conquered all of my anxiety problems and stopped taking it, however, I have gained 10 lbs since April, and my acne has been horrible. I've read a lot of reviews about Lutera and have noticed the same things. I don't have cramps or bleed near as bad, however, the day before I start my period and the day after the last sugar pill, I'm an absolute nightmare. Has anyone else had this problem? I'm looking for a different pill. I'm asking my doctor about it as soon as I get home."

• Gir...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 6, 2015

For Birth Control "I am 27, small-frame body constitution: 5 ft 4'' tall, normal weight 113, married. Previously, I have been taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo for about 2.5 years, and I have gained 12 extra pounds to my normal weight. As I said, with OTC Lo, I have experienced all kinds of side effects from weight gain and face swelling (fluid retention) to hair loss, 9-day periods, and mood swings. I didn't feel/behave feminine at all. Having switched to Lutera, I noticed the difference - it took about 4 days for these extras around my waist area to disappear. I gained half a cup size, I feel very lady-like compared to the OTC Lo (don't laugh, but this is how the previous pill affected me). My periods are down to 5 days and are relatively painless. It agrees with my body."

• nan...
• January 9, 2014

For Birth Control "I've been on Lutera about a year and 3 months, and I love it. Clear skin, no weight gain, but I lost some, no mood swings, no cramps, no tender breasts, no pregnancies. I had heavy 7-day periods, now I have light 5-day periods, which is awesome."

• Pea...
• April 4, 2014

For Birth Control "I'm about 3 pills away from finishing my first pack. My experience is okay so far. I say okay because I started the pack 3 days before my period. Worst mistake ever. My period was super heavy for 4 days and had really bad cramping. My advice for first timers is to wait until you end your period and start taking the pill right after. Because I didn't wait, now I have my period again (this time it's really light, still cramping). Hopefully, by this next pack, my period is on track. On a good note, my skin is clear from acne, and I went up a cup size. Breasts are still tender, but I'm hoping that goes away. I have gained some weight, but I'm working on losing it. Some PMS, nothing crazy. I can say I'm pleased with Lutera so far."

• Kan...
• October 14, 2014

For Birth Control "This is the only birth control that has ever gotten my cycle regulated for a long period of time. Usually, I will switch medicines only to have it regulated for 3-4 months, then everything goes haywire again. With Lutera, I have no breakthrough bleeding or spotting, no headaches or body aches, and no weight gain. I love this birth control. Before I was on this, I was very anemic from an abnormal period (bleeding 2-3 weeks out of the month), but now I don't even have to take my iron supplement. Also, I am not pregnant, so it works there, too, which is good."

• Sta...
• May 7, 2013

For Birth Control "I was on the Depo shot for 11 years. I never had a period the entire time. It made me moody, psycho, and out-of-control crazy. It made me gain weight (from 95 lbs when I started the shot to 133 lbs when I stopped it). I am 5 ft 3 with a very small frame, 133 lbs is too much for my body. Talked to my Dr. and got Lutera instead. It is very low hormones. I can honestly say that the Depo made me crazy. This pill has changed that. In the first month, I noticed the improvement in my moods. My breast size increased from B to C, although tenderness occurs occasionally. Has helped grow my hair and has regulated my periods."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 22, 2016

For Birth Control "Started taking 3 years ago. It is important to understand more people will review for negative experiences. When I realized all the negative reviews on this birth control, I thought it was time to hear from a Lutera 'expert' (of course everyone's body is different). PROS: LIGHTER periods (went from 5-7 days of super tampons to 2-3 days of regular/light tampons!), CONSISTENT periods, LESS cramps, BIGGER boobs (lol I went up from an A to a B so I personally like this), NO pregnancy! CONS: HEADACHES (before/during/after period), MOOD SWINGS/DEPRESSION (idk if I'm crazy but I cry a lot and cause fights), BROWN periods, ACNE (never broke out before), WEIGHT GAIN (20 lbs in 3 yrs)."

• Kyx...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 2, 2022

For Birth Control "I really liked Lutera, was on it for 6 months, but Nurx has decided to send me the generic Vienva for the next 6 months instead. Mood was great on it, didn't experience any weight gain. As someone who has had issues with depression and anxiety, I was worried going from Nuvaring to a pill, but I had no issues with mental health. In fact, I have felt better than ever. I have previously felt like I have a low sex drive, but this has actually had me feeling pretty good in that regard, and that may be related to how it didn't have effects on my mood. Everyone's body responds differently to birth control, but Lutera really worked for me. Hope Vienva is just as good!"

• Rio...
• March 3, 2013

For Birth Control "I have been taking Lutera for a year. It has protected against pregnancy very well. My periods are much lighter, and I almost never get cramps. I have missed 2 periods, which was a little scary. I have gained about 8 pounds, and I crave sweet foods even more than I used to. My breasts are slightly bigger. I feel tired if I don't get at least 10 hours of sleep. My sex drive is slightly lower. I do have a mood swing usually about once a month, where I cry about anything and everything for 2 days. I have always felt more emotional right before my periods, but I did not cry as much before. I think I am going to switch birth control because of the weight gain. Other than that, the side effects do not bother me."

• Anonymous
• February 5, 2012

For Birth Control "I have been on Lutera for almost a year, and that's the first and only birth control pill I've ever been on, so I can't compare it to others. However, I have found this pill pretty good. The lower dosage of hormone still works as well as any other pill as long as you wait about three months after starting it. My skin got so much softer, and my periods are now very predictable. My breasts got a lot fuller (B-D cup), and my hair grew longer and is now shinier. I have mild mood swings, but that's how I was before I started Lutera, so I doubt it's due to the pill. I did gain some weight, I get a few stomach cramps, and my breasts hurt a little from time to time. Everyone's different, and I recommend this pill to not only first-time users, but to everyone."

• FL2...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 4, 2014

For Birth Control "I started Lutera about a month ago. I was on the Nuvaring before that. I switched to Lutera because being as active as I am, the Nuvaring somehow found its way out. Lutera is the first birth control pill that I have taken, and my experience has been great so far. The pills are small and easy to swallow, which was a huge plus! I did not have breakthrough bleeding on the pill like I did with the Nuvaring {I skip my periods purposely by starting a new pack instead of the inactive week pill/Nuvaring}, so that was fantastic as well. No pregnancies here, so it's been very effective for that! I never had any nausea with the pill, but I did have some weight gain {about 6 pounds, which did not make me happy!}."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 14, 2014

For Birth Control "I have been taking Lutera since Aug 2012, and everything is good. I did gain a couple extra pounds (which I shed off pretty quickly due to having a fast metabolism), but that beats being pregnant when you are not ready. Also, my breasts are HUGE, and I am LOVING it! I have been taking this because of my irregular periods. I did have slight bleeding a few months ago for about 2-3 days, but after reading the pamphlet, that was listed as a side effect. I have noticed that I am a bit more moody, but all in all it works great for me. Everybody is different, so if it works for you, great. If not, there are dozens of other pills/methods."

• Aki...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 29, 2016

For Birth Control "I love Lutera. I am very sensitive to other forms of birth control. Lutera has been one of the only kinds I can take. Pros: light periods, no cramping, no intense side effects, bigger boobs. Cons: brown periods, slight weight gain. I also tend to get a bit emotional 1 or 2 days before my period, however, I am always an emotional person, so this could just be me. I have been on Lutera for 6 years."

• Jgi...
• November 9, 2019

For Birth Control "It's been over half a year since I've been on this birth control, Lutera, and I have nothing but great things to say. It's affordable through means such as the pill club (online) for people with no insurance, and I experienced little to no side effects. I used to have excruciating cramps that would immobilize me, and I would have to take prescription-strength 800 mg ibuprofen to manage the pain, and even then it wouldn't go away. I used to bleed a lot with a lot of clotting, but since I've gotten on this pill, I only bleed lightly for about 2-3 days, and my cramps aren't even noticeable anymore. No weight gain, no acne. I feel beautiful, and my sex drive is also the same. I absolutely love this birth control. Especially after switching from Seasonique, which was the worst experience of my life, I was a completely different person, always moody, had food cravings and aversions, and basically felt pregnant all the time. I love, love, love this BC, it's perfect for me!"

• kay...
• June 28, 2010

For Birth Control "I started Lutera about 2 weeks ago, and the only side effects I have noticed are slight tenderness and swelling of my breasts (not really a problem) and occasional mood swings (which are easy to control if you're aware you are having mood swings). At first, it was difficult remembering to take the pill, but I set an alarm on my cell to remind me. I set it for a time when I'm usually awake and not busy. The pill, however, like any other birth control, will cause slight weight gain, so it's wise to cut back on the amount of calories you consume while on this pill. It does not stop your period either, well at least not for me. My menstrual periods are much shorter and somewhat lighter, but still there. Also, I've noticed occasional, slight cramping."

• krr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 26, 2013

For Birth Control "I switched to Lutera from Tri-Sprintec on my doctor's recommendation. Everyone reacts differently to birth controls, and my body did not like Lutera. I've gained about 15 lbs in 2 months of being on it. I'm extremely moody and borderline depressed, always tired, feel spaced out a lot, and I don't have much of an appetite, ever. Which made it even more frustrating that I was gaining weight. Planning on switching back to Yaz, I've never had side effects with that one, it was just more pricey."

• Ryz...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 16, 2016

For Birth Control "I have taken Lutera for about two years. I used to have awful period cramps, since I started this pill, I haven't had any. I don't even remember what they feel like. Periods are super mild, I barely need anything. I never have acne. I have a breakout here and there, but that's life. My only complaint is that I gained weight. It makes me hungry constantly. I gained 10 lbs in two years. I could have kept off the weight if I watched what I ate and exercised more. Overall, great pill. It's also very effective."

• Eli...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 7, 2019

For Birth Control "I was on the Aviane equivalent for a year, and it was fine. My insurance switched me to this. Now, for the past four months, I’ve become depressed, angry, and irrational. My periods have become altogether 10x worse on all accounts, including migraines, weight gain, emotional breakdowns, horrible cramps and backaches, and heavy bleeding. Stopped taking it for two weeks and feel so much better already. Beware this pill! Made me crazy :("

• Sam...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 11, 2021

For Birth Control "I’ve been on Lutera for about 2 years and did not have issues with it. I noticed that my periods became lighter, shorter, and less painful. One thing that I realized was that a week before my period, I would get really sad and depressed, and my mood was just not it. I also noticed weight gain, but that might have been with the pandemic; not sure on that one yet. A major thing for me was that before I was on birth control, I was not the type to burp; after getting on it, I started burping a lot more. So, more gas. I am thinking of getting off of it because of the lack of good mood."