Portia User Reviews & Ratings (Page 5)

• Lov...
• June 1, 2019

For Birth Control "I would never knowingly recommend Portia to anyone I know to take it. Other than putting on a little bit of weight in the first 2 1/2 months, seemed like everything was going fine. Then that third month was about to hit, and I was nauseous, I had breast tenderness, and was sleeping for 15 hours a day. I figure I must have been pregnant. The fatigue was so horrible, but then I lost my eyesight twice within a week and had migraines so bad that I couldn’t function as a person. Not symptoms of being pregnant, that’s when I finally went to the hospital to get an MRI done. I wasn’t on another medication. I had my blood work checked, everything came back normal. I have now been off Portia for 3 weeks now and still having headaches and migraines from time to time. Sure, I didn’t get pregnant, but I also didn’t have sex because I never saw my other half due to me sleeping so much and the severe migraines that I’d wake up with and go to bed with."

• Nic...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 14, 2019

For Birth Control "I started this pill maybe 3 years ago, but I was on and off due to lack of sexual intercourse and the side effects of the pill. Side effects included severe lower back pain, blurry vision, depression, and extreme tiredness. This is the only birth control I've been on, and I seriously would like to try different options. Not to mention, I've picked up weight using it, smh."

• Rha...
• July 26, 2015

For Birth Control "I switched to Portia after being on Levora (I had no side effects with it) for three years. My first period was extremely heavy, but no cramps. I'm on my second period, and I feel like I've gained 10 pounds from bloating. I look like I'm 3 months pregnant. I've been very irritable and had cramps and headaches during these few days. I hate this birth control. It's effective, but it's not worth severe, uncomfortable bloating and weight gain."

• Gan...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 19, 2019

For Birth Control "This is the worst birth control. I was taking Levora before this, and they switched me to Portia. Since taking this pill, I have noticed a change in my moods, making me extra irritable. The major concern was the yeast infections. Before taking Portia, I never had a yeast infection. Since taking Portia, I get one at least every two months. This has been the worst experience ever. I never had problems feeling nauseous in the morning or throughout the day, and with this one, I do. Thankfully, I just switched."

• hb8...
• June 23, 2011

For Birth Control "I have been on Portia for two years. I would say overall, not a bad birth control. When I originally switched to Portia, it was much better than the pills I took before. I no longer got nausea after taking it, like with my old pills, and it cut down my period. Right now, I can say a bad period is three days long, which isn't bad at all, or it just doesn't show up, which is nice. I have gained no weight from it. My only complaint is, since I started it, I've noticed I've gone from wanting sex to having almost no interest in it, and I have become dry. My mood has been getting worse each month, so I think it's time to switch to a different method."

• xoh...
• April 6, 2015

For Birth Control "I just finished a month of this pill, and so far it has worked really great. At first, I was very unsure and skeptical since it was my first time on birth control. I mainly took this due to my bad cramps and heavy period. The first week was a little tough for me since I had minor feelings of nausea in the morning and threw up three times that same week. But after that, everything was great, my skin cleared up, my PMS got so much better (my boyfriend and I used to fight a lot due to my PMS). We didn't even fight this month at all. And my period lasted only four days, cramp-free, along with slight bloating, which is great compared to lasting seven days."

• Thu...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 20, 2018

For Birth Control "I was on Junel Fe for almost a year before I started taking Portia. Junel Fe made my acne clear up, but my period was very irregular. So my doctor prescribed me Portia. My acne has gotten so bad all along my jawline and chin. It’s cystic and painful. It’s nowhere else on my face, but it is so embarrassing, I don’t want to leave the house because I feel like people look at me and think it’s an STD. Not only that, but it has caused severe mood swings and depression. I got into a huge fight last week with my boyfriend for no reason at all and canceled plans with my mother the day of just because I had no motivation to get up and go do anything or see anyone. So now the question is, do I keep taking it for a few more months to see if things get better or change to something else?"

• Whi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 24, 2018

For Birth Control "I tried Portia for 3 months, switched to Levora, I think for 3, then back to Portia. I have absolutely no sex drive. In the past 7 months, I may have been interested in sex twice, which is severely under what it used to be. I would not recommend Portia, although I do realize everyone responds differently to medications."

• Mon...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 29, 2012

For Birth Control "This pill has been magic for me. I've been on it for 6 years until last month when the pharmacy switched me to Levora. Levora was not good for me, so I am switching back to Portia and NEVER taking any other pill again. Portia took away my PMS (only side effect that remained was getting a little bit bloated before my period). The horrible cramps ended, and my 6-day period was reduced to 3 or 4 days. I have bipolar disorder, and it didn't affect my antidepressant. I'm also on Lamictal. If you take Lamictal, be aware that it might reduce the effectiveness of it, which means you may have to take a higher dose than if you weren't on birth control. I've had a great experience with Portia and can't wait to get back on it tomorrow!"

• Tir...
• October 16, 2017

For Birth Control "I started this birth control a little over a month ago, and it's my first time being on birth control. I'm pretty happy with it. The first week or so, my body was adjusting to the drug, so I was much more moody. However, my body has seemed to have adjusted, and I'm pretty happy with it. My only complaint is that my period has been almost nonstop. I bled for 2 1/2 weeks, stopped for a few days, and now I'm back to bleeding again. I feel like I'm possibly dying, but I read somewhere that this is normal, so I'm gonna give it time. All in all, I'm happy with it, and I'd recommend it."

• Lau...
• January 29, 2018

For Birth Control "I took Portia for about two weeks, and I already have bad breakouts. It is by far the worst birth control I have ever taken. I was taking Viorele, and it kept my skin super clear, nevertheless, it made my period all whack. I want to go back just for the clear skin. But now I am on Mylan. And I can’t find any reviews for it. So hopefully this will help my skin because Portia messed it up."

• Moo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 9, 2018

For Birth Control "This pill is a nightmare! This is my first time taking the pill, I only started taking it in the hopes of improving my very painful periods, and I regret even trying it. I’ve been on it for 3 weeks now, and my life has been totally ruined. I have crazy mood swings, major depression, and mad rage! My face started breaking out even though I’ve never had issues with acne before. I have gained weight even though I’ve been working out and resisted most of the insanely strong cravings I’ve been getting. My life has gone downhill, so I’m going to stop taking this pill immediately. The sad thing is I have now lost faith in the pill and will just deal with my horrible periods."

• Cas...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 14, 2018

For Birth Control "This has been the worst birth control I’ve ever been on. Great at controlling my period, so I don’t have two periods in a month anymore, but I’ve been so nauseous the past two months. I have to stop taking it. I’ve been throwing up and nauseous every single day. Can’t eat hardly anything without getting sick. My mood has been up and down. I feel like laying in bed every day. No motivation. It’s horrible. But the worst symptom by far is the nausea for me. I hate throwing up more than anything else on this planet, so feeling like I have to all the time is pretty much my worst nightmare. I highly suggest something else if you want to feel even the least bit normal. This is the first pill I’ve ever been on that makes me feel this bad."

• mae...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 3, 2022

For Birth Control "This birth control was very difficult for me. Made me extremely moody, sensitive, made my depression and anxiety worse. This medication caused suicidal ideation within the first week and a half. If you are trying this birth control, please monitor mood and symptoms closely."

• NCa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 8, 2018

For Birth Control "Was using Levora and Chateal before Portia. Portia has caused random weight gain, swelling in my arms and legs, abdomen area. I eat healthy and exercise regularly, so I know that this was my only change. It has given me so much acne that I have never had before, depression, excruciating headaches that are crippling. It’s terrible. I have used Allese, Chateal, Levora and haven’t had any issues until PORTIA! Portia is the worst. I stopped it after a month and a half because of the crazy side effects, and I am not willing to put myself through the worst I’ve ever felt again. Seek other birth control."

• Mar...
• December 26, 2017

For Birth Control "I've been taking Portia for 6 months. My period usually starts in the middle of the week before it should, and lasts for more than a week. But the flow is so much lighter than I'm used to. I haven't gained weight, and my body shape looks much more pear-like. It was easy for me to gain weight when off the pill, but I haven't run or gone to the gym in 5 months, and I actually lost three pounds. This could be attributed to having a better diet, but I think taking this pill has helped me at least maintain my weight. The biggest negative for me is my libido reduction. I had absolutely no sex drive the first 2 months of taking, but then it increased moderately. My drive is not nearly the same as it used to be. I've also never gotten pregnant."

• 20Y...
• April 24, 2014

For Birth Control "I have been on Portia for over 2 years. It is effective in reducing cramps and lightening my period, but I am overly emotional all of the time. The slightest thing will set me off into a crying frenzy. I have also experienced heartburn/acid reflux problems. Getting off of this pill after reading all of these reviews. I guess I'm not alone in this."

• Mom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 26, 2018

For Birth Control "Ordered a refill on my b.c. pills. When I arrived at the pharmacy, I was surprised to see Portia and not my usual Levora. I was told that Portia has replaced Levora. Took it for 2 nights and broke out in hives. Also experienced severe stomach pain, like sharp pains. After the 4th night, called the advice nurse. Saw a doc, and thank goodness I am switching back to Levora - worst experience."

• Mim...
• November 23, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been on this birth control for years, with no side effects. No cramps. No weight gain. No sore breasts. No bleeding through. I haven't gotten pregnant and my acne has gone away. I highly recommend."

• No ...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 29, 2021

For Birth Control "I’m a bit stunned by all the negative reviews! I recently went out of the country but forgot my birth control (Portia). I was given Yasmin and not a fan (sore breasts, headaches, trouble focusing, fatigue, not as excitable). I can say I honestly don’t have any of these issues at all with Portia. Maybe I’m not the best person for an accurate before and after experience since I’ve been on Portia for years, and before that on different birth controls since I was 16 (32 now). I have clear skin, happy, focused, and don’t really have mood swings. Also, my periods are lighter on this pill compared to others I have taken. Hope this helps!"

• Isa...
• March 17, 2021

For Birth Control "This brand of birth control is the first I’ve ever tried when I was about 16 years old. I’ve been on it for about 2 years now. It seems as if every month has its own side effects. Some months, I feel so sleepy, depressed, no motivation to do anything (keep in mind I was a super organized and productive person before going on this pill)."

• EMB...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 26, 2021

For Birth Control "Like many others, I was originally on Levora and was switched to Portia by Kaiser sometime in 2018. I began taking BC to help with acne and to stop my heavier periods—this worked great for stopping periods but caused other issues that I didn't even connect to the BC until years later. For the last three years, I struggled with moderate acne, oily skin, increased facial and body hair, some weight gain (or water retention), and extreme bouts of anxiety and stress. I was much grumpier, had feelings of hopelessness, and my mind would often think of the worst-case scenario. I never connected these symptoms to the pill until I needed a pap to get a refill on my pills, and I was curious about switching (and began researching current vs. new). I've since stopped all BC and have been off of them for 10 days now, and I'm feeling 100% better. My skin is slowly healing, less facial hair, and my stress levels have significantly decreased. Check your symptoms and be sure to read reviews."

• Jul...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 1, 2021

For Birth Control "Awful experience with Portia. I’ve been in a horrible mood lately. I have never felt so anxious and stressed in my life. I cry for absolutely no reason, and I have constant headaches. This is the worst birth control pill experience that I have ever had. It’s been only two weeks, and I already have to switch it because this is unbearable. I feel so bad for my boyfriend because he had to be with me all this time, seeing how crazy this pill made me become. I have become a crazy monster."

• Lis...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 15, 2021

For Birth Control "STAY FAR FAR AWAY FROM PORTIA!!! I was like many other ladies on here taking Levora and had no side effects and no weight gain. Kaiser switched me to Portia and told me it was the exact same thing. So I trusted them. I have menorrhagia and was given birth control to stop my periods completely. It did its job for a while, that is keeping my periods away. But as months went by, weight came on so fast. No matter how much I did and how healthy I ate. I was a fitness instructor and had never had weight issues. From the start till now of taking Portia, I have gained 60 pounds that are stubborn and will only budge a pound or two. As the years went by, I became different. I wasn't me. I became severely anxious and was diagnosed with anxiety disorder, then the depression set in. I became foggy-minded, and often dizzy. I am constantly bloated, have severe mood swings, feel drained, have acne, and experience chest pains. After 5 years, I'm getting off it with a hysterectomy."

• Tay...
• February 26, 2015

For Birth Control "Just switched from the NuvaRing because it was giving me horrible hormone headaches. Been slightly nauseous switching back to an oral pill. Only thing to note is super intense nipple sensitivity. Ow! Hope it subsides soon."