Ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel and Acne: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Mad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 29, 2013

For Birth Control "I used to take Diane 35 from age 20-25, and my new doctor in a new city convinced me to start taking Alesse recently. I've been taking it for two months now, and I have experienced spotting basically every single day since I started, sometimes light spotting, sometimes heavy, and it only stopped for one or two days. I can't find anyone else who has had this same experience so far - might have to change to a different pill. I'm hesitant to do that though because one very good side effect from Alesse has been a reduction in appetite for me! I haven't had aching breasts or acne yet. My moods also have seemed pretty fine. I just want to stop spotting every day."

• Lov...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 2, 2020

For Birth Control "I read reviews on this birth control, Vienva, after it was prescribed to me, and I was concerned already. I went through The Pill Club, and they encouraged me to take it for a short time anyway because everyone has different experiences. Many reviews said that Vienva caused them acne, and this is what I was concerned about. For about the first week of taking the pill, I got bad headaches soon after taking them, but those soon stopped. However, I took them for the recommended 3 months and began to have large, horrible acne. I am used to hormonal acne around my period, but with this birth control, my skin was getting worse and worse. I decided to stop use altogether."

• Hol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 7, 2012

For Birth Control "I like this medication! I was scared to try it because I read all of the bad reviews. I had been on Ortho Tri-Cyclen-Lo for about 4-5 years prior to trying Orsythia and had no problems, but wanted to switch because of the cost. No acne, no mood swings, no period changes. Well, I thought I'd do people who are considering switching pills a favor and give you hope - you'll probably be fine."

• Mic...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 11, 2019

For Birth Control "I am so happy with this pill. I have been on it for around 2 years now, and it has made a huge difference for me. I have probably tried around 5 different types before this, and all came with side effects (acne, mood swings, depression, etc.). The last pill I was on (Microgestin) literally made me insane, I was depressed and crying every day for months. I thought it was just me until someone mentioned it could be my bc. Immediately when I switched, I felt my depression lift and have had no mood swings or depression! My sex drive is even back (it was very dead before). I picked this one specifically and asked for it because it has one of the lowest amounts of estrogen compared to almost any other pill (thus fewer side effects). If anyone is having insurance problems, ask for Amethyst (it is the brand name for Lybrel) because some companies will only pay for brand name or vice versa. So if it’s not free, try switching to generic or brand name! Hope this helped!"

• jrh...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 4, 2014

For Birth Control "I have been taking Orsythia for about a year and a half, and I have no complaints about it. After reading a lot of the comments, I noticed people were only unsatisfied with it because of pimples and weight gain. Sure, I get an occasional pimple or cramp, but can we look at the bigger picture? It does its job in protecting us from getting pregnant. That's all I have to say."

• Sma...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 7, 2020

For Birth Control "I tried taking this for birth control for about a month and had light brown discharge/bleeding. I got discouraged and stopped taking it. I restarted taking it and am on my third pack now, I have a little acne and bleeding that's about every other week, really lightly mostly. I feel good, no mood swings, and not bloated or gassy. I am super optimistic and think it's starting to adjust now. My breasts did hurt for the first two packs pretty bad, but now they're very minimally sore and about 2 sizes bigger, lol! I suggest sticking to it, give it a shot! It takes up to 6 months to adjust to these pills, girls, we know that. Don't be discouraged!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 12, 2013

For Birth Control "I'm 18 years old. I started taking the pill about a month ago. At first, due to the sudden change of hormones, I had a horrible breakout of acne on my face, and I was very emotional and bitter at first. But my first period since being on it was much shorter than my usual periods. Normally, my periods last a full week, but this one only lasted about 3-4 days or so. So right away, my period got lighter with tolerable and few cramps, as opposed to my normal constant excruciatingly painful cramps that would sentence me to a day or two on the couch with a hot water bottle and some Aleve. My face has cleared since, and my emotions are back to normal. I definitely recommend this pill!"

• Cic...
• February 1, 2014

For Birth Control "I've been taking Alesse for 6 years. It's the only birth control I have ever used, and I love it. I've never had problems with it before. My periods are predictable, very light and regular. I don't experience mood swings or any major cramping on the pill either. It controlled my acne as well. I would suggest Alesse to every girl."

• nik...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 7, 2019

For Birth Control "Larissia is the best experience ever with this birth control. Ever since I started taking it, I felt happier, less anxious, and depressed, except for when I’m on the non-hormone pills. My face has cleared up a lot and I get only 2 or 3 pimples right before my period. I have no cramps during my periods or feel nauseous any time while on the pill. I was most scared of gaining weight while on the pill, but so far have not gained any, which is the best part!"

• Cc1...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 5, 2018

For Birth Control "Last week I finished my first pack of Ashlyna and am now on my second. Don’t let these reviews scare you, I let them get to me and it made me so nervous to start this pill three months ago. Keep in mind most people write reviews when they have a bad experience. Yes, there were side effects at first. I had bad mood swings, nausea, dizziness, light spotting, and breakouts during the first couple of weeks, but that’s just the body adjusting to the new medication. I talked to my doctor and she said to try to finish out the pack. I’m so glad I did because when I started the second month, all those side effects pretty much disappeared and I didn’t see a period until I got to the sugar pills. If you just started this pill or are about to start, try giving it a few weeks for your body to adjust, don’t give up on it right away!"

• da9...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 1, 2012

For Birth Control "I am 20, have been using Alesse for about 2 years now. Good: no pregnancies, lighter, predictable periods with no cramping whatsoever (HUGE plus), no weight gain. Bad: I am completely insane on this pill, extreme mood swings, never happy, always in a lulled state of lazy depression, brought to tears by every and anything, constantly tired, no motivation, really low sex drive. Horrible: my skin is at a point where I don't even want to step outdoors and be seen by people! Worst breakouts I have ever had, and perpetual yeast infections. The yeast infections, laziness, and diminished sex drive basically erase the need for a birth control pill anyway. Very unhappy."

• Anonymous
• February 6, 2020

For Birth Control "I don’t remember when Kaiser changed from Levora brand of birth control pills to Portia. But I know that since I started these pills, my life has sucked. Awful weight gain, I don’t eat bad at all and exercise 3-4 times a week. I have never had bad acne, now I get it on my forehead and chin all the time?? I feel depressed, not motivated to do anything, just want to sleep. I have really bad headaches, which is another thing I never really had prior to these pills. I am changing ASAP, and please, girl, for your sake, you should too!"

• Win...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 17, 2018

For Birth Control "I started Vienva birth control about 6 months ago due to a job change causing my insurance to switch me from Lessina to Vienva. I always look through this website for birth control reviews, and I have to say I was absolutely terrified that I had switched to Vienva. I completely understand that we all have different experiences, but I would like to share that I had absolutely no side effects with this medication. No acne, no weight gain - in fact, I’ve lost 10 pounds from exercise and eating better and do not feel this birth control has interfered with my weight loss, no mood swings, no change in sex drive, and most of all, not pregnant. My periods average 4-5 days, but I usually skip the placebo pills, starting the new pack right away. Give it a try and keep in mind everyone reacts differently."

• 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!"

• lal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 24, 2014

For Birth Control "This pill has been pretty close to perfect. No weight gain, no depression, and my periods are much lighter and shorter. During the first few months, my acne got really bad, and I almost got off the pill, but then it went away around month 3, and my skin is pretty clear. I think this was just a bodily reaction to the change in hormones. The only negative is that this pill does make me drowsier than I used to be, but I can manage. And plus, I'm not pregnant, so I guess it's doing its job pretty well."

• Anonymous
• September 29, 2020

For Birth Control "I came to the web to see if anyone else was experiencing what I was after taking this pill, and wow!! Ok, I'm not going crazy. Firstly, I've only been taking the pill for two weeks, and I've noticed constant bleeding, but after research, I have found that that is quite normal. So I'm OK with that. But I'm sitting here, 26 years old, with cystic acne, mood swings of a 13-year-old, constant drowsiness, weight gain, and headaches. This pill, according to my GP, was supposed to minimize pimples and stabilize my cycle. I won't be putting another pill into my body. The worst ever!"

• exc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 6, 2019

For Birth Control "I started Levlen as a form of birth control, and I hate it. Never in my life have I ever had really bad acne, only a few occasional pimples, but Levlen caused me to have cystic acne, specifically around my mouth area but also on my forehead. This was notable after finishing the second packet, how much worse my skin was getting. I can also note how I gained visible weight after taking this. I would not recommend."

• And...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 19, 2014

For Birth Control "Took Lutera for 5 months, probably my worst birth control experience. Pros: Not pregnant! So, at least that part worked. Cons: my face exploded in acne. Other kinds I've tried controlled the acne very well, but this seemed to make my skin turn into a minefield of sore, red, under-the-skin pimples. I've been off it for almost 2 months, and my face is much better. Also, had terrible mood swings. I even hit my boyfriend with a shoe. :( I've felt much better and much more like myself since then. It gave me this strange, clear discharge all the time too, that is all gone now."

• Can...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 23, 2021

For Birth Control "I have never been as miserable as I was on Vienva. I bled non-stop (which really defeated the purpose of being on it), I got acne, and my mental health took a beating. I could not stop crying, which not only made it impossible to get college work done, but was also an occupational hazard since I work with large unpredictable animals. I gave up on it after a month or so, but it’s messed up my hormones pretty good. My periods are less regular than they were before, and since I started it, I’ve gotten 2 yeast infections (which I had never gotten before). I strongly recommend against Vienva, especially if you have struggled with an eating disorder or depression. It caused a resurgence of body dysmorphia and made me so deeply depressed. I cannot stress how awful it was."

• NSa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 15, 2021

For Birth Control "I started Vienva about 2 months ago, and the side effects I’m experiencing come and go, but they are acne, nausea, and bloating. Does anyone know if they will go away eventually, or should I be concerned and switch to a different brand? Thanks."

• Daw...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 22, 2019

For Birth Control "I looked for some positive reviews before starting this birth control a doctor recommended and didn’t see many but still gave it a try. I suffer from endometriosis (have had laparoscopy, one successful, last one unsuccessful) and have tried MANY birth controls that did not help my symptoms. (Pills, Nexplanon, Depo) I spotted on Daysee from day 1 until I finished week 12, which made it hard to continue, but I’m glad I stuck with it, now only having a period every three months has helped me so much. I still have symptoms of endo: pain, nausea, bloating randomly even not on my cycle (normal with endo). But overall, I feel a lot better on this pill than not. Not many side effects I’ve noticed. It has completely cleared up my hormonal adult acne, which is a major plus. I feel normal again compared to how bad a condition I was in before with my endometriosis pain. If that is your reason for looking into trying this, I recommend it."

• Nat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 24, 2021

For Birth Control "Honestly, I don’t know where to start. This is month 2 of taking the Alesse pill, by the way, my first ever birth control. I have been so moody for the past month, and at this point, everyone irritates me, which has never happened. I had bad acne before this, but Lord help me, it’s gone from bad to worse. I sometimes get a sharp stab in my chest, which scares me so bad. I cry for no reason, and the smallest of things tick me off. Now I’m stopping this pill today because it’s not worth dying from it. It’s obviously not working for me, but it could work for someone else, but just a heads up, be careful."

• Swi...
• March 2, 2015

For Birth Control "This pill was the first kind of birth control my doctor recommended me. I was very nervous at first because she said it would help with my size and because I have had chronic episodes of anemia. I also had the fears of every girl: gaining weight, acne, mood swings, and the contraceptive failing. I've been on Chateal for a year now, and none of those things have occurred! I'm very happy with this pill and will renew my prescription."

• boo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 5, 2013

For Birth Control "I waited 1 month to write this review. Hopefully, things will stay the same. First of all, I read quite a few reviews before I took this pill. Let me tell you, I was terrified. I paid more attention to the bad reviews because with my luck I would suffer from every bad side effect of this pill. My main concern was weight gain and mood swings. I broke out but took control of it by going on Proactiv. It's working, but I have to make sure to wash morning and night. No falling asleep will make up. My breasts were tender for the first couple of weeks, actually, it was quite painful. No weight gain. My appetite has actually decreased. I had bad PMS episodes, and that's when I gained weight. This pill seems to help with that. Overall, I am happy."

• Ste...
• July 29, 2014

For Birth Control "When I first got on the pill, I saw no real side effects. In the second month, my period was all over the place but has regulated and become lighter and shorter since. I did see bad acne underneath my skin right after my first period, but that lasted a day, and since, my skin has been clearer. My breasts are increasing in size. And I have yet to get pregnant. I haven't had any mood swings or depression. I still have a great sex drive and have had a great experience with this pill. Weight-wise, I've lost a couple pounds in the 3 1/2 months I've been on it despite my poor eating habits. My friend didn't have a good experience after the first month and stopped. But birth control messes with hormones, so it'll get worse before it gets better while you adjust."