Ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel and Acne: What Users Say

• Nan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 13, 2019

For Birth Control "This Lutera is the first birth control pill I've ever been on, so I can't compare my experience at all, but personally I love this pill. I gained no weight, maybe at the beginning I was a little bloated for a week or two, but it subsided naturally. The first month I had some very mild mood swings, such as getting overly upset about trivial things, however, I didn’t experience any serious depression or anxiety like how some others have expressed. I'm on my fourth pack now, and the spotting is finally going away gradually. At the beginning, it was really heavy, but now it's little to none. I experienced a little acne on my forehead and chin, but I started taking magnesium, and that went away almost entirely. This pill has not affected my sex drive at all either. (Also TMI possibly, but my partner and I have gotten a little reckless in the bedroom, and I can happily report my womb is still vacant, so it works very well in my opinion)"

• Kyk...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 5, 2021

For Birth Control "The Pill Club prescribed me Vienva, and I have been on it for a month now. When I read these reviews last month, I was honestly terrified and scared to try it because so many people had awful side effects. But let me tell you, you should give this a chance. You might react completely differently than other people on this. I have had minimal side effects, just a slight increase in acne, and I’ve gained maybe a couple of pounds. Other than that, I feel completely normal on this! Don’t be terrified by these reviews, you’ll be okay. I’ll come back and update in a few months if I’ve started experiencing any side effects."

• Mol...
• July 14, 2014

For Birth Control "I was VERY wary about being switched to this birth control. I had been on Ortho Tri-Cyclen for 3 years without any problems, but then I started having breakthrough bleeding and increased skin breakouts, including lots of cystic acne. Doctor put me on Levora, and after reading a lot of reviews of side effects, I was super worried I'd end up with worse acne. It's been 4 months and I LOVE THIS PILL. My skin has never looked better. I didn't experience any emotional issues with the switch. My period is regular again and lighter than it even was on the other pill. I barely get any cramps. I love it. If you're reading all these negative reviews, remember people are more likely to post negative experiences than positive ones."

• tan...
• July 11, 2019

For Birth Control "I realized after trying about three different birth control pills that I never really had side effects from any of them, except for my first one, which gave me acne. This pill cleared up all my acne, and I realized to not trust the reviews on birth control websites because, if you think about it, the only time people are going to write a review about their birth control is if it’s not working for them. People don’t get on these websites to talk about how great they are for them. I’m not having any issues with Lessina, as I’m sure most people are, this birth control is fine."

• Ann...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 15, 2020

For Birth Control "I've taken Aviane for the past 5 years (I recently switched to using Pill Club and they don't offer that brand), and Vienva is the equivalent, so I gave it a try. I love it. No side effects at all. No mood swings, weight gain, or breakouts. I 100% recommend it."

• Sha...
• April 22, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "My doctor recommended this birth control pill (Levlen) to me because of my heavy cramping and acne (46 years old). I am on my 5th pack of this pill. If I had read the reviews before I started, I probably never would’ve started. So my advice to people is every pill is going to work differently for each person, so try what your doctor recommends. This pill has changed my life, my periods were so heavy that it caused me to be dangerously anemic. I got anxious during my cycle because they were so heavy that I couldn’t go an hour without having to change my pad and tampon. Now my periods are super light and last only about two days, and I no longer have cramping. I’ve had acne my entire life up until 4 months ago, I hardly break out at all, my skin looks great, and I’m no longer getting the hormonal cystic acne on my chin that I would get monthly! I have gained about 6 pounds, but I can’t necessarily say it’s from the pill. I hope you all find what works for you! Good luck, ladies!"

• Anonymous
• June 10, 2010

For Birth Control "I have been on many different birth controls, Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Yaz, Yasmin, Mercette, and this is by far the best. Initially when you start it, the first few months you may experience breakthrough bleeding, but this stops by month three. I usually take it around the same time every day, which prevents spotting. It has cleared up my skin for the most part, besides that occasional pimple before my period. My mood swings are the best on this pill, and there is absolutely no weight gain or off-balance of hormones where you feel the side effects of taking hormones. I recommend this birth control to anyone, but just be patient with the adjustment it takes to get acclimated to your body."

• Cat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 3, 2020

For Birth Control "Started Balcoltra about 4 months ago. I was so scared with all the bad reviews, but my gyno put me on it, so I went with it. Other than a little breakthrough bleeding, I haven't had any major side effects. I noticed the cramps during my period lasted a little longer the first couple of months, but now on month 4, I can say that my period is shorter and lighter than what it used to be. No acne, no bloating or weight gain. I'm happy with it!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 30, 2020

For Birth Control "Like many others, I have been on Norimin for 11 years. Due to COVID, I had to switch to Levlen and had the worst experience. I’ve become super anxious, the worst acne outbreaks on my chest, back, and face. I rarely ever had any pimples, and now have extremely painful ones that don’t seem to heal. I’ve gained close to 4 kg and have started to get bad tummy pains and bloating."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 30, 2020

For Birth Control "Like many others, I have been on Norimin for 11 years. Due to COVID, I had to switch to Levlen and had the worst experience. I’ve become super anxious, the worst acne outbreaks on my chest, back, and face. I rarely ever had any pimples, and now have extremely painful ones that don’t seem to heal. I’ve gained close to 4 kg and have started to get bad tummy pains and bloating."

• Aud...
• April 22, 2013

For Birth Control "I've been on Orsythia for one year and it's been a breeze. Zero side effects - literally zero. You will find a plethora of horrible reviews for this pill, which is actually what spurred me to write this positive one. Remember that people that are content with their pill don't always think to write a review, I didn't! I've had no acne, no weight gain, no mood swings, no pain, short and light periods, no spotting, and NO PREGNANCIES. Give it a try, everyone's bodies are different. Just because other people have had a bad experience with a medication doesn't mean it will happen to you!"

• Emm...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 8, 2019

For Birth Control "Aviane is by far the best birth control I’ve tried! I was using Tri-Cyclen, and that was the worst time of my life. I was horribly depressed, moody, ovarian cysts would rupture and send me to the E.R., my acne was bad, gained 25 pounds, and my hair was falling out in giant clumps. It made me afraid to try birth control again. My doctor suggested Aviane because it’s very low dose and would better suit my body. Best decision ever. I have perfect skin, keep losing weight, NO MOOD SWINGS, plus I won’t get pregnant. It’s the best birth control out there."

• Nel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 12, 2019

For Birth Control "I read the reviews of Vienva prior to taking it and was very anxious. I take the pill to regulate my cycle. Negatives: I had random sharp cramps the 2nd and 3rd week of taking it, which continued while on it. The next was my fault, I read online if you skip the placebo week, you'll skip your period. I had a normal withdrawal bleed after the first pack. My next cycle was on my birthday, so I tried to skip. Every day after my birthday for 2 weeks I bled on active pills. I gave up and had a random placebo week, and it stopped in a few days. I started up the pill again after and had very light on and off spotting, then ran out of pills from the 3 packs. My body wasn't used to the pill, and it was too early to skip. Positives: nails grew really long, lost and kept off 5 lbs. My mood changed for the better - less anxiety, didn't get as frustrated. My acne went from nothing to deep, painful pimples here and there the first month, but afterwards it went away. Hopefully, this review helps."

• Mot...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 15, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been on several pill birth controls and recently after my third child, I had the IUD inserted. I hated it and got it removed and was switched to Vienva. I was horrified to see all the bad comments, but pleasantly surprised I am on my fourth week and feel better than ever! No more mood swings, cystic acne, painful sex, weight gain I had with the IUD. Sticking with Vienva."

• 21...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 7, 2021

For Birth Control "Going on month six of the Larissia birth control, and it is the best birth control I have taken. Before I started it, I came here to read reviews and got very nervous based on the negative effects people were experiencing. All I can say is you have to try it for yourself because everyone’s body is different. I have experienced no crazy mood swings, no depressing thoughts, and no high anxiety. Unlike the other birth controls I have tried in the past that make me lose my sex drive and become dry, this one increased it!!! It feels like I’m not even on birth control. I’ve had no pregnancy scares (I do take it daily and don’t miss a day) and have had no problems with it. The only negative I can give this pill is that it didn’t take away my acne but definitely didn’t make my acne worse. Don’t let reviews scare you away from trying a birth control because it could work the best for your body!"

• Cob...
• July 4, 2019

For Birth Control "Update from May review: I really love this Vienva pill. Out of all similar ones, this one is closest to Lutera. I did have some breakthrough spotting my 1st pack due to switching from a minipill. Once I had that 7-day withdrawal bleed, my body reset like the nurse said, and no more bleeding on active pills. I keep my pill pack in my wallet too, with this being a low dose. My periods start 2.5 days into the sugar pills and are 6 days total, with my 3rd day being semi-heavy to medium and the rest light flow. I do get overly tired and moody with headaches 3 days before I start my period. But no angry random mood swings all month like some pills. Skin stays mostly clear except for a couple of pimples before my period. Might have lost a few pounds too. My boyfriend and I both love that my sex drive is up and that this pill has given me pregnancy protection. This pill is worth a fair shot. If a pill doesn't agree with you after 2-3 months, call your ob and switch. I have been through this many times myself."

• 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."

• Nai...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 16, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had painful periods my whole life, and for about 11 years, I went from doctor to doctor, trying different pain medications, herbal medicines, and undertaking multiple ultrasounds in the hopes of detecting endometriosis. Finally, one good doctor suggested going on birth control before doing my endo surgery. I was extremely hesitant at first and scared, but I gave it a go and do not regret it since. With LEVLEN ED, I have had no acne, no weight gain, no painful periods, no problems whatsoever. It felt almost like a magical potion I had taken. I was hesitant to initially take it as I read some bad reviews online, but this was my wonder drug, and I had to review it."

• mpa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 9, 2021

For Birth Control "Started this pill at the end of 2020, so it’s been about 4 months. I don’t really notice any side effects of it. Before I started it, I used to have bad depressive episodes, and I still do, but somehow I think it lessens once I took it. Period cramps used to be really painful for me before, but now it’s pretty much nonexistent. The first month or so was me adjusting, so I still felt some cramps, not anymore. My flow is also much lighter and lasts for a less amount of days. It used to last 7 days, now it’s about 3-4 days. I also don’t notice weight gain or more acne breakouts that are abnormal. I’m glad it works out for me. Remember it’s different for everyone."

• Kom...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 24, 2022

For Birth Control "Was really scared of weight gain and acne from reading the reviews, but did not experience any of that. My breasts were super sore, but they also did go from B to DD in a span of a few months. Only a bit of bloat, but nothing that some herbal teas and working out didn't fix. Also, sex drive was CRAZY high on this! Ladies, whatever BC you might be taking, remember to take your supplements (B2, B6, B12, folic acid, vitamin A, zinc, iron), etc., since BC lowers all that and it might explain symptoms. As always, you never know how your body will react unless you try it! Stay vigilant for symptoms, but try not to be too paranoid or stressed. It is your own body!"

• ano...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 16, 2021

For Birth Control "So I’ve been on this drug, Vienva, for a couple of years. My pharmacy automatically switched me to this from Lutera. Pros: no weight gain, periods are regular, and I’m not pregnant. Cons: cystic acne, depression, horrible anxiety, and constipation. I’m going on a new birth control soon and crossing my fingers it won’t be worse than this one. I feel like this birth control will benefit you physically but definitely not mentally. I find it very sad how doctors do not discuss the mental impact these medications could have before prescribing them :("

• In ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 3, 2021

For Birth Control "First and last time using this drug. I just started my 3rd pack and have been bleeding nonstop since week 2. It has made me emotional, sluggish, bloated, abdominal cramps, acne, and bad gas with multiple poops a day. I’ve never felt this bad before, ever. Stopping the pill today and hoping to get my life back. DO NOT take unless you like to be miserable and in constant pain."

• Bre...
• May 19, 2014

For Birth Control "Aviane is the second birth control I have taken, but the first that I have actually stuck to for a somewhat long period of time. I first started out with progestin-only Nora-Be, and I did not like it at all. Upon receiving Aviane, I was fairly excited to start. I heard mixed reviews but decided to start it anyway, and let me tell you, I'm glad I did. Aviane has cleared up my acne almost completely. I used to suffer from mild acne, and my skin is almost flawless. Also, my breasts seem to have enlarged. I feel like I may have gained weight due to an increased appetite, but probably no more than 4-5 pounds, which is worth not getting pregnant and having clear skin, plus I'm fairly petite. I definitely plan to stay on Aviane for a long time! Love it!"

• Jad...
• September 14, 2010

For Birth Control "I usually don't write in these forums, but after reading a few posts, I realized that I needed to share my experiences to help someone else. I'm on my 8th week of Seasonique. Of course, I started taking it because I was attracted to the 4 periods a year. The first side effect I started experiencing was headaches, backaches, and stomach cramps. It either went away, or I just got used to it. Secondly, I noticed my face breaking out along the jawline. This has been a problematic area for me before but never quite this severe. I get once-a-week facials, and there was absolutely no explanation for this. Lastly, I've had these non-stop hysterical crying episodes."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 7, 2012

For Birth Control "I received Sronyx from a free clinic, and I have been on it for over 3 years! I have literally tried every single birth control option they had available. Nothing has ever given me such perfect experiences as Sronyx has. While I'm on Sronyx, my periods are very light without cramps or pain. All my acne is gone, and my skin glows! And if I miss a pill, like clockwork, I would break out. Sronyx even regulates my weight and curbs my appetite, no lie. I notice other birth controls make you extremely hungry and gain weight, but Sronyx does not at all. I will never stray away from this pill. I absolutely love it!"