Seasonique and Bloating: What Users Say

• Kaa...
• April 19, 2018

For Birth Control "Keep the faith! My first 6 weeks was pure misery. Constantly bloated, crying, never-ending period. Had it for the whole first 6 weeks. I called my doctor after the first month, begging her to change my BC, but she asked for me to finish out the 3 months. I'm so happy I did, as soon as the 6th week, all side effects faded away. I am no longer emotionally all over the place, sex drive has returned. No bleeding or even spotting. Yay!!! I was scared reading the reviews, so I wanted to post that it did change for me. Hope this helps!"

• Anonymous
• April 21, 2010

For Birth Control "I have been on Seasonique for almost a year now and have had no problems until just recently. The past couple of months, I have been extremely bloated (to the point where I thought I was pregnant and took a pregnancy test) and have been very exhausted. I stay tired all day, and no matter how much sleep I get, I just want to lay in bed. I have also been bleeding very heavily for over 5 weeks now, and I am nowhere close to the time I'm supposed to bleed. The cramps and bleeding have been heavier/worse than I've ever had."

• bry...
• November 14, 2011

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have been on this pill for about a month, and on my second week, I am bloated, never hungry, have mood swings, and don't want to get out of bed in the mornings. Also, I started light bleeding, like when you are coming off your period."

• Lad...
• January 28, 2011

For Endometriosis "I took Seasonique for only two weeks, but I quit because of the severe and immediate mood changes I experienced while on it. I have an anxiety disorder, and when I started taking Seasonique, I started feeling more irritated/anxious. After that, my mood plummeted into a depression. I felt like crying or screaming all the time. I also developed acne, breast tenderness, and extreme bloating. When I stopped the pill, I started a period even though I had a period two weeks prior. When I stopped taking Seasonique, my mood improved. I have taken the pill before and never had this reaction. I am now going to get the Mirena IUD to treat my endometriosis/adenomyosis."

• Har...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 25, 2017

For Endometriosis "For the first 2 months of taking it, I didn't stop bleeding, gained 10 lb (I've been 125 lbs for the past 10 years), got zits! (Maybe had 5 zits in my whole life), then started this pill and I'm a bloated, bloody, zitty beast! I threw the pills in the trash today. Enough is enough! Horrible medication."

• Anonymous
• June 20, 2011

For Endometriosis "My doctor prescribed this birth control to help ease the side effects of endometriosis. She leaned towards this one because Seasonique should mean fewer periods and fewer periods should mean less endometriosis pain. This medication was a total failure for me. I know different people have different reactions to medications, but my experience was not a positive one. I bled off and on very frequently and cramped. I had very bad headaches at times (unusual for me). I was extremely emotional and moody (also unusual for me) and stayed bloated a good majority of the time. I was on it for four and a half months and could not take it anymore. Also, very pricey."

• Bir...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 13, 2015

For Birth Control "I'm about to start on the placebo pills, and I'm intensely considering not starting the new pack. When I first started this birth control, I had mild nausea and light cramping. Since then, I've gained 10 pounds, I'm tired, nauseous, and bloated all the time. For me, it's been all the fun pregnancy symptoms without actually conceiving (Doctor confirms my ego is not preggo), so I'm seriously debating stopping it. My lifestyle three months ago is no different than my lifestyle now, with the exception of this stinky little pill, and I can say that I am definitely unhappier now."

• Anonymous
• May 13, 2010

For Endometriosis "I have experienced daily pain of endometriosis for a number of years now. This medication has allowed me to have more energy, as my energy is no longer taken by managing my pain. I do experience bloating in the third month, but that's a minor side effect I can live with."

• Who...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 17, 2022

For Birth Control "Seasonique was prescribed to me by my doctor because, after years on Alesse, I started experiencing light spotting about a week before my scheduled period. I also had low iron, so my doctor prescribed Seasonique to defer my periods. As soon as I started taking this medication, my waist appeared not as lean. I didn’t put on weight, but I’m experiencing water retention and bloat. My boobs are very sore; while they’ve gotten bigger, they’re not totally even, and the largeness sort of makes it a bit more obvious. My right boob needs to catch up, whomp whomp. With not having a period, I always think I’m pregnant. Six weeks in, and the hunger starts. I’m so hungry that I feel faint. I can pound back food without issue, and normal portions don’t fill me up. Also, I’m starting to feel nauseous despite taking it at bedtime."

• All...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 17, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been on this pill for a year and a half. It took my body over 6 months to finally adjust to this pill and stop spotting. Cramps are worsened when my period finally does come. The only benefits of this pill are its effectiveness in pregnancy prevention and fewer periods. The following are just a few of my negative side effects I’ve had since starting this pill: - dry eyes - anxiety - heart palpitations - extreme appetite increase - 20-pound weight gain and cannot lose it! - dry skin - cellulite - spider veins - random PMS - tired/low energy all the time - dry brittle hair/hair thinning - extreme bloating - headaches - yeast infections once a month (never had them before the pill) - more discharge - different body odor. Stopping this pill ASAP!"

• ran...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 10, 2019

For Birth Control "I've been on this BC for 1 month. I had no adverse symptoms or side effects for the full 4 weeks (no nausea, bloating, headaches, etc.) until my period started at its usual time... though it's much lighter. On day 4 of my period, so hopefully, it doesn't last much longer! Having some dull cramping on and off too, which is unusual for me. That said, this can happen with any pill when you start, so I will give it more time before a final review!"

• Par...
• May 1, 2017

For Birth Control "I've been taking this pill for two months, my first birth control I've ever been on. At first, it was okay, and it definitely cleared up my skin. Bloating was expected but not wanted. I also experienced a lot of vaginal discharge. Now that I'm in the second month, however, I have begun cramping on top of the discharging. Sort of scary when you look up 'cramping on the pill', and all the links have the title 'signs of early pregnancy' :/"

• Sol...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 20, 2016

For Birth Control "This pill was prescribed to me because I get menstrual migraines. While it has worked for that and kept my skin clear from the cystic pimples I would occasionally get, it has raised my blood pressure and made me gain at least 15 pounds now over 3 years. And still gaining. When will it stop? Obviously, not until I stop taking it. I don't eat any more than I ever have, appetite feels the same, yet this weight is somewhere on me. I am very unhappy with it. I feel bloated constantly, and no matter how much I work out or how much water I drink, I cannot lose any weight. Seriously considering ditching this medication and just dealing with the migraines another way. If you have started this med and are gaining weight, caution-if will not stop."

• Anonymous
• April 19, 2012

For Birth Control "I have really good insurance, so the cost was not a problem. I've been on this pill for 4 1/2 months, and for the first three months, everything was fine besides the bleeding and breast tenderness. I started month 4, and everything was perfect! Halfway through week 5, I experienced awful cramping, bloating, constipation, and headaches, hopefully, they will go away! As long as I can get rid of that, it would be a great pill due to the fact I'm anemic, and it helps to not have a period but 4 times a year!"

• Anonymous
• July 11, 2010

For Birth Control "I took Seasonique for one month, and the side effects have been so debilitating I had to stop. My side effects: weight gain of 6+ lbs in one month, breast tenderness, constipation accompanied by gas and bloating, lethargy spanning from feeling 'run-down' to complete exhaustion where I slept for 19 hours, extremely painful cramping with diarrhea. When I started bleeding, the cramps were worse than ever before (part of the reason I began taking Seasonique was to lessen the pain and cramping associated with my cycle). The cramping has been debilitating for 4 days now and is only mildly relieved with Pamprin. My intention was to ride out the adjustment period, but I couldn't and stopped taking the medication 2 days ago."

• Jen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 13, 2017

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "After years of trying BC pills to regulate my hormones and try to stop crippling daily migraines and vomiting, I tried Seasonique. For the first time, I've been migraine-free since I started. It also stopped the bleeding I'd had for weeks. I finally am able to do normal things like clean my home without feeling faint and puking. I am happy and pain-free. No migraines, no painful bloating. I was about ready to give up on life. I had zero hope. I finally feel what it's like to be normal and not constantly ill."

• Opt...
• December 28, 2010

For Birth Control "I am on my 5th week of Seasonique. I will repost as I am further along. The first 3 1/2 weeks, I had that normal 'somewhat odd' (bloating, irritability) that comes with starting any new birth control (my personal experience). At 3 1/2 weeks, I had to take painkillers every couple of days. Random cramping. However, the week that my period was expected, week 4, I had only light spotting. No blood, just a few smears of super light brown discharge. I often have PMS, so I think the irritability I had was just around PMS time. So the irritability/slight moodiness was okay with. Now I am on week 5. Irritability gone. Still light spotting, but I'm optimistic so far. Looks like this may work. Will repost to share."

• rub...
• May 18, 2015

For Endometriosis "I used this b.c. pill for a month and suffered from a lot of side effects. Being extremely emotional and crying for no reason. Heavy bloating and abdominal pain that I couldn't realize if that is a symptom of endo or what? Headaches, difficulty sleeping at night, shortness of breath. I stopped after a month and most of the symptoms are gone. Never going back on this pill again. Now I'm using Visanne just for 3 months as per my GP to see if endo is shrinking. Much better choice so far."

• Anonymous
• March 9, 2010

For Ovarian Cysts "It has been a month since I have been taking Seasonique. So far, the only thing I noticed is an increase in appetite, waking up earlier, not sleeping soundly enough, feeling bloated all the time, and the bleeding is just ridiculous. I have been spotting/bleeding since the first day. But, I am not going to give up, I want to see what happens and if it's good. I just can't quit smoking, and that worries me. Good luck!"

• Le ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 30, 2019

"I went on Seasonique for PMDD. The first month was hard, was vomiting, very nauseated among other things, but stuck it out. I eventually felt fine, and it took away all my PMS and periods. I had some zits along my jawline and cheeks, but to me, it was worth it. Fast forward to 5 months later. I missed ONE pill, and all hell broke loose. I started spotting, okay normal. Then a lot of blood. I’ve been bleeding for 18 days now. I stopped this birth control 3 days ago, and I am experiencing terrible bloating/gas/anxiety/stomach issues. Just want this drug out of my system."

• Sar...
• March 18, 2017

For Birth Control "If I could give this birth control a 0, I would because of the side effects. I have been on it for almost 3 months, and I have developed horrible acne all over my chin and side of my cheek. It is red, bumpy, and painful. Makeup won't even cover it effectively. It looks like I have some sort of skin disease. Nothing helps it to go away. I am intensely moody all the time and cry almost daily. I have constant bloating and seem to be gaining weight even though I have not changed my diet or exercise amount. Stopping this immediately and going back to Tri-Cyclen. I wish I had never taken this."

• cha...
• August 25, 2017

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I was having horrible peri-menopause symptoms. Basically PMS from hell. And it kept getting worse as I got older. I have never been on the pill before (I'm 47) and was hesitant to take it. But I did because I was suffering. I think the third day after I started Seasonique, I felt better. It was amazing. I suspect I have always had hormonal issues because I started to feel 'normal,' which I had never felt before. The only two things negative I can say are that I was always fatigued, and plus when I first started taking it, I became bloated. I stopped taking it due to another health issue I have, but would take it again if I could. Not having a period for 3 months at a time was wonderful."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 10, 2017

For Birth Control "I was on this birth control for about 8-10 years. At first, it was great only getting your period a few times a year. In the time I was on it, my face started to break out, and I gained about 40 lbs. I was depressed and had no energy or sex drive as well. I would spot for weeks until stopping so I would get my period. I finally got off of it because my health insurance ran out. Almost immediately, my skin cleared up, and I lost 20 lbs. Then I started dating someone, so I had to get back on. I started with Mono-Lynthia, which was fine for my skin but made my hair fall out. I then switched back to Seasonique, and I have been on it for a week and already have had 3 huge zits on my chin and feel extremely moody and bloated."

• Ang...
• February 7, 2011

For Birth Control "I just started Week 4 of Seasonique, and I have to say that I'm very pleased. I was supposed to start my period today, and (thank goodness) there's no sign of it. So far, I haven't experienced any breakthrough bleeding either. My skin is looking better too. I may have fallen victim to a couple of mood swings at the beginning, but I've always been a moody female, so I don't think anyone knew the difference. Plus, I think I might start gaining weight. The number on the scale hasn't changed, but I sort of feel bloated and flabby."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 28, 2021

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I tried Seasonique for a month and 3 weeks because it was recommended by a relative, not blood related. It worked for her but I do not think it worked for me. My experience was nausea in the first two weeks, but nothing too bad. Several weeks in, even though I was eating less, I actually gained a few lbs, I believe it is water. I also experienced throbbing in my legs, tightness in my back, headaches, lower abdominal cramping (way more than usual), and sometimes chest pain, and an overall feeling of heaviness. I stopped taking it due to worrisome side effects being the throbbing and bloating just in case. I have never had a problem with water retention before. I have PCOS, so I am used to feeling unwell with some of those things in particular, but I think Seasonique heightened them. The benefits were less hair loss, less cravings, but not worth the bloat. I hope this medication works for others, I am going to try YAZ next due to it having a different chemical compound."