Seasonique and Cramps: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Cry...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 5, 2017

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "My GP recommended Seasonique because I was anemic and experiencing very heavy blood flow each month. In the year that I took this medication, I felt depressed and even suicidal at the beginning; gained weight as expected and had a hard time losing weight while on it. At the end of the first 3 months, the flow was heavy for 8 days! I kept with it in spite of menstrual cramps, higher appetite, heavy bleeding when I had my period, and really annoying mood swings. After one year, I decided to stop because it's easier to take iron supplements than take this pill. With 2 children and at peri-menopause age, I wouldn't recommend this product to any woman at any stage of life. Too unpredictable and not worth the unseen side effects."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 21, 2017

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Love this! I have been on this pill for years now, and it is amazing. I used to have heavy bleeding and horrible cramps, and this pill has stopped it for me. Due to being anemic and having endometriosis, I am set to have my period every 6 months, and I never spot in between. This pill is definitely for people whose body can handle going long-term without a menstrual period. And you have to follow directions, taking the pill at the same exact time every day and never missing a pill. It's the only way it will work properly."

• unb...
• September 13, 2009

For Birth Control "I was on Seasonique for 2 years. Seasonique started out as an okay form of birth control. It took my body a while to get used to it (probably about 2 packs, so 6 months). When I did get used to it, it was great. But then the problems started. I've never had acne or even bad pimples, and my face started to really break out. Also, I don't know if my body got immune to the birth control, but after a while, my heavy periods came back as well as the cramps. Also, if I ever forgot to take my pill and had to double up, I would get really sick. Overall, it started out great, but the effects were not long-term. I've gained 15 pounds, and my libido is very low, and I'm very dry when having intercourse. Also, as mentioned earlier, it gave me very bad acne."

• 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."

• Not...
• June 5, 2017

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I'm 38 years old and perimenopausal. I started this pill to regulate my horrific bleeding and cramping. The first two months were awesome, but since that time I have been bleeding for six weeks straight. My doctor advised that I skip the sugar pills and try a couple more weeks of the second pack and see if my cycle regulates. Into the second week of the second pack and I'm still currently bleeding and cramping and am stopping this medication today. Also, I gained 10 pounds, feel 'blue,' randomly cry for no reason, and have had extreme mood swings. I would not recommend Seasonique or any generic equivalent of this drug. My next step is an ablation procedure. : ("

• Zed...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 29, 2018

For Birth Control "I took this pill because I wanted fewer and lighter periods. I have had no side effects when I take it properly. I did not experience any weight gain, and my sexual drive was not affected. However, like with any pill, misusing it has consequences. There have been times where I have forgotten to take it with me on trips, and the cramping was unpleasant and usually resulted in light spotting. That’s pretty much par for the course, though. Wish it was cheaper."

• Anonymous
• January 1, 2011

For Endometriosis "I have been taking Seasonique for 2 months to stop the continual cramping from endometriosis and the heavy period. The first month and a half, I didn't have a period, but I have been bleeding for 2 weeks straight, this is my 15th day of bleeding and horrible cramping. I did have energy at first, and that was nice, along with the almost non-existent cramping until I started bleeding. I had sex last night, and it hurt. I have also experienced hot flashes (the doctor said that this isn't because of this birth control), and I am 36. I have had heart palpitations, weight gain, anxiety, and major mood swings at times."

• CDW...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 8, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I am on my 3rd month of this birth control, and at first glance, I thought this would be wonderful. I recently switched from Nexplanon to Seasonique, and I'm starting to regret that change. I have been bleeding for 17 days, and it does not seem to let up. I am still experiencing menstrual cramps on top of the bleeding, and I am not seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. Although I want to continue the pack, I am having second thoughts. Nexplanon isn't great, but this isn't a holy grail to your period answers either. Pick your poison, ladies."

• str...
• March 18, 2016

For Birth Control "On week 3 of taking this pill. I don't know how I will tolerate it for 2 more months. We'll see if I can stick it out. Am taking this as part of addressing anemia resulting from several fibroids. I will give it 2 more weeks, but have severe cramps, so bad that I have left work early, which is why I am on this to begin with... for heavy bleeding and pain."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 9, 2012

For Birth Control "I have been taking Seasonique pretty much since it first came out about 7 years ago, and I've never had any spotting or negative side effects at all. My period usually starts the Friday after I start the inactive pills and is completely over within 3 days. I have always had awful cramps and mood swings, and the Seasonique doesn't help much with those, but it's not so bad when it's only 4 times a year. Overall, this pill is amazing. It used to be pretty expensive, but now it's only $20 with my insurance. Split over 3 months, that is really cheap!"

• Mot...
• September 16, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "So after having my second child and finishing nursing, I was having major cramping the week of my period. Not debilitating, but extremely uncomfortable. My OBGYN recommended Seasonique more for hormone control than for birth control. I tried it and absolutely loved it for the 65 days. Then my period started earlier than I'd anticipated, but no big deal, right? I'm currently on day 18 of my period. Aside from the cramps and some general moodiness, my periods before lasted 4 days and weren't a big deal. I've now bought stock in Tampax and Kotex. It'll lighten up and then wham! Called my doctor and she's switching me back to Loestrin, which previously did nothing to help with the cramps and moodiness, but at this point, I'll take it!"

• 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!"

• Anonymous
• March 2, 2011

For Endometriosis "I started Seasonique in September of last year. The first 3-month pack worked awesome for me, my acne cleared up, my cramps from endometriosis diminished, and I only had 1 period in 3 months with no breakthrough bleeding or spotting. However, in week 5 of my second pack, I started spotting, and a week after that, I was bleeding like a regular menstrual cycle. Also, my cramps became more severe, and I developed tremendous pain in my lower back. I have been bleeding for the past 6 weeks since I first noticed the spotting, and my cramps have come back in full force. After reading some of the reviews on this website, I feel a little better, but I suppose my case is a rare and extreme reaction because I haven't seen anything too close in comparison."

• Anonymous
• May 23, 2011

For Birth Control "I've been using this product for four years. Anyone who is concerned about spotting and immediately switches is just being impatient. It's not easy for your body to be programmed to have a period monthly and then switch in an instant to every three months. You will have spotting for the first two to three cycles, but it will go away! You must be patient and give your body time to adjust. There are so many versions of this available now: Seasonique, Seasonale. If one isn't working for you because you feel as though it's giving you worse cramps, acne, etc., try another brand. I have not experienced worse acne, and my periods are shorter and less painful. Remember, your life changes-just because your acne got worse doesn't mean it was automatically your birth control."

• Cry...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 10, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve been on Seasonique for about nine months. I just started my 4th pack. I was originally on the shot, but it made me extremely depressed after getting it once, so I took a 5-month break and started Seasonique. I rarely have mood swings, I don’t get acne or headaches, and haven’t gained any weight. This birth control was perfect for me until I started bleeding for 3 months straight. I don’t bleed a lot, I could pass by just wearing liners all day, but it stops for maybe a week when I start a new pack, and I start it again out of nowhere. If I didn’t bleed so constantly, this would be the perfect birth control for me. When I am on my “period pills,” I only bleed for about 4 days and get a little cramp here and there, but it’s nothing compared to how they used to be. Debating if I should wait to finish my last pack or just try to get a new one."

• 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' :/"

• Mom...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 7, 2015

For Birth Control "This is the worst birth control pill I have ever used. I have taken it regularly daily and have bled for nearly three weeks with awful cramping. Plus, the nausea was so overwhelming. My appetite has been nonexistent. My period came very regularly before going on Seasonique, every 28 days. But to bleed before the yellow pills and for nearly a month? I was checked out by my ob-gyn and there is no cause for this, but this pill is not a good fit for me."

• Ste...
• July 20, 2016

For Birth Control "I took this BC for about 5 years. It was absolutely amazing for the first four years, with the exception of having spotting here or there, but once we got through about 3-6 months, that ended, and only getting my period every three months was AMAZING! I had a very light period with little to no cramps while on this pill. About a year ago, I stopped taking it after having been on it for close to 5 years. I went on vacation and continued to take my pill at the same time every day, and I had my period for the ENTIRE three weeks I was gone. A very heavy and painful period, too, which was completely abnormal. I also completely lost my sex drive before stopping using this and have now stopped taking it, and I am honestly scared to experiment with new pills."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 4, 2014

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "A new doctor switched me to this one from Beyaz. I had gotten migraines once every six months or so before I started birth control, and on Yaz and Beyaz, I had never had any real issues, I was able to function with over-the-counter medicines for them. I just finished month number 3 today. During the first month, I had 2 migraines, with one that lasted two days, and I had to go to the health center because I couldn't stand it any longer and got a shot for it. After that, I went to my family doctor and was given migraine medication. I have had 8 migraines in the span of three months and have had to medicate with migraine medication instead of Motrin or Excedrin, add in extremely heavy period, cramps, and nausea, and you can see why I'm switching back."

• Anonymous
• April 10, 2012

For Birth Control "About a week after starting this pill, I started getting extreme cramps, the worst I've ever had. They would last 2-8 hours a day, and no medicine would relieve the pain. I also experienced weight gain and acne."

• Sub...
• May 8, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Seasonique was great for 2 months, and then on the 3rd month, I started to bleed heavily. Every time I stood up, I felt like I peed myself. Every minute, I had to change my pad/liner, and then blood clots. It was just bad. Very uncomfortable. My period was light for the first week, and then 2 more weeks, that’s when it got heavy, heavier than my regular period. So yes, maybe my body was transitioning, but I honestly couldn’t stand it. I hate that uncomfortable feeling, especially at night. I would leak all the way down to my bum crack (sorry). And I would get very hot at night. I am officially off birth control. I’d rather get my period every month for 2-3 days, work out, have a good diet, and drink water and know my body, rather than not knowing what is going to happen. Obviously, everyone’s body is different, but the heavy periods ain’t it. Ain’t about that life, like I said, I’d rather get a light period every month than deal with a heavy one for weeks. Also, I had bad cramps!"

• Anonymous
• December 8, 2009

For Endometriosis "It helped in the beginning. The first 6 months were great. I started cramping more after each period, though. And now I have pain every day, even when I take my pill. Still worth a try, plus it's nice not to have that many periods."

• JB1...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 19, 2022

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I was prescribed Seasonique after struggling with my periods for decades. My doctor tells me to try it for three months. Normally, I have a 5-7 day period that starts super heavy and ends light. My cramps are brutal, so I’m hoping this will work. I take it every single morning at 6:15 on the dot. I don’t skip or forget. I’m still bleeding now, but it’s daily. I’m having terrible cramps that wake me up in the middle of the night. Things aren’t getting better, they’re getting worse. I contacted my doctor, and she referred me to a specialist. I’m hopeful something will be done, but birth control did nothing except cause more pain. If it doesn’t feel right to you, stop taking it. I wish I’d listened to my gut about three months too."

• loo...
• February 7, 2011

For Endometriosis "I have been taking Seasonique for about 2 months now. When I first took it, I noticed some dizziness and headaches. I was going to get off of it as I didn't want to deal with that but decided to wait it out. Before the end of the first month, that all stopped. I haven't had any breakthrough bleeding, but I do get a little crampy when I get close to the end of the month, which I'm guessing will go away with time. I'm now in my last week of my second month, and I have extreme breast tenderness. Not sure what that is all about, but I am also going to hold it out and only hope it gets better. I have had endometriosis for 12 years now, and they got rid of the birth control I was using before I had my kids. So I needed to try something new."