Ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel and Acne: What Users Say (Page 5)

• jn2...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 22, 2018

For Birth Control "I was forced to switch to this brand after CVS gave me this instead of my normal prescription. I took this for two months and refuse to ever use this birth control again. I’m not new to birth control, as I’ve been on it for four years due to extreme periods. My first month on this pill was fine. The second month I missed one pill, which has happened numerous times throughout my years on the pill. I did what the normal process is and took two in one day. The very next day I was cramping extremely, all the way to my placebo week (2 weeks). I was extremely tired and almost seemed like I was bleeding through. Not to mention, my acne on this pill was insane. I know every woman is different, but this dosage seems to be off compared to the name-brand version."

• Sea...
• April 23, 2012

For Birth Control "I experience mood swings, breakouts, and cramps during the first two weeks. After that, I have not had any issues. I did not spot for the first two months. On the third month, I took the pill 4 hours late and I spotted lightly for two days. My skin is flawless. I had no weight gain. I have no crazy mood swings. It's the perfect pill. Oh, and my breasts increased about a cup size. The breast tenderness I experienced was a minimum soreness for a month. I recommend Seasonale!"

• Eri...
• August 10, 2013

For Birth Control "My doctor prescribed Alesse for me after convincing me to get off of Diane 35, as it had a much lower hormone dose. Almost immediately, I began suffering from abdominal cramps, spotting unpredictably, and increased acne on my back, shoulders, and jawline. I expected much of this from reading about coming off of Diane, and my doctor assured me it would only last a few months. It's been nearly a year later, and although the spotting and cramping have subsided, the acne is still there (I can't even wear a top without a hood, let alone a tank top or bathing suit!), and I'm displaying a huge lack of interest in life. I have some good days, but spend a lot of time feeling unmotivated, tired, uninterested, etc. I want my life back."

• Anonymous
• September 20, 2009

For Birth Control "I was put on this pill to help out with my crazy emotions that I get about a week before my period. I am almost done with my first 3-month dose, and I have found that I have a big increase in my appetite. I have been experiencing more severe migraines, and I get dizzy/lightheaded for a couple of minutes quite often. My skin has been breaking out with little pimples that are coverable, but I can feel them and have never been there before. I have been on a variety of pills, and this one has seemed to give me the most side effects. Since I have been on this pill, I find myself getting extremely emotional about little things."

• Anonymous
• November 2, 2009

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I am on my second, three-month pack of LoSeasonique, and I am seriously contemplating stopping the birth control. My first three-month pack, around week six, I started bleeding. This lasted about a week, and I thought my body was adjusting. Since then, my face has broken out - I have never had acne problems. I am now on week four of my second cycle of pills, and I am now bleeding lightly again. I am experiencing the worst cramps I have ever had in my life. All I do is sleep, and I am still exhausted all the time. I can't even get myself to do normal activities like grocery shopping."

• Kan...
• January 14, 2021

"Literally the worst birth control on the market. I’ve been off birth control for three years and got back on due to irregular menstrual cycles. Back in 2017, I was on Ortho Tri-Cyclen and only experienced minor bloating as a symptom. My gyno gave me this script because of the low hormones, but I highly regret it. When I started the first pack, I started breaking out like CRAZY! I kept going because I figured my body just might be getting used to the pack. Come week three, I have a full-blown period before I even reached the blue pills. Two weeks after that, I have developed insomnia, chronic fatigue to a point where I can hardly stay awake during the day, accompanied by nausea and extreme hunger both at the same time. To top it off, I’m moody as anything and have been super irritable. Let's not forget the huge mountains forming on my chin and cheeks still. Safe to say I’m switching back to Ortho Tri-Cyclen ASAP! Stay away, ladies."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 22, 2016

For Birth Control "Started taking 3 years ago. It is important to understand more people will review for negative experiences. When I realized all the negative reviews on this birth control, I thought it was time to hear from a Lutera 'expert' (of course everyone's body is different). PROS: LIGHTER periods (went from 5-7 days of super tampons to 2-3 days of regular/light tampons!), CONSISTENT periods, LESS cramps, BIGGER boobs (lol I went up from an A to a B so I personally like this), NO pregnancy! CONS: HEADACHES (before/during/after period), MOOD SWINGS/DEPRESSION (idk if I'm crazy but I cry a lot and cause fights), BROWN periods, ACNE (never broke out before), WEIGHT GAIN (20 lbs in 3 yrs)."

• De2...
• July 29, 2015

For Birth Control "So I totally agree with some of the comments below. I've been on Seasonique since grade 9 (in my second year of college as of Sept 2015). I'm not gonna say why, but I will say that it was definitely great in the beginning. Periods became regular, I had my period for about 5 days, which I find healthy in my opinion since I don't get it for 3 months, and it has cleared up my face from acne and pimples. As of this year, I have noticed that the pill isn't working as it should. During the last week or 2 before the yellow pills or 'period pills,' I get constant on and off spotting. Then, during the week of my period pills, I don't get my period until the last few days. Usually Wed to Fri if following the actual week. Been taking it for 5 yrs now."

• De2...
• July 29, 2015

For Birth Control "So I totally agree with some of the comments below. I've been on Seasonique since grade 9 (in my second year of college as of Sept 2015). I'm not gonna say why, but I will say that it was definitely great in the beginning. Periods became regular, I had my period for about 5 days, which I find healthy in my opinion since I don't get it for 3 months, and it has cleared up my face from acne and pimples. As of this year, I have noticed that the pill isn't working as it should. During the last week or 2 before the yellow pills or 'period pills,' I get constant on and off spotting. Then, during the week of my period pills, I don't get my period until the last few days. Usually Wed to Fri if following the actual week. Been taking it for 5 yrs now."

• pai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 11, 2021

For Birth Control "This is the worst birth control. If you’re a girl that takes birth control, do not take Altavera. I switched birth controls about three, almost four months ago, and shortly after, got a really bad rash on my face, which ended up leading to breakouts. I’ve never gotten breakouts, only one every now and then, but ever since I started the new birth control, my skin had a really bad reaction to it. The dermatologist just put me on a new birth control that is used to control acne and gave me a cream to clear everything up, but I cannot stress this enough: do not take Altavera. Everyone’s different, and everyone’s body reacts differently, but just helping the ladies out with a terrible experience I’ve been going through taking this stuff. Hopefully, in about a month, my skin will be back to normal again."

• Jux...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 10, 2016

For Birth Control "I would advise taking caution when reading other people's comments. Like any doctor will mention to you, all medications affect others differently, and they will have side effects. To give my short story: it was my first birth control, and I have been taking it for 1.5 years. Pros: less to little acne, no headaches, less cramps, prevented pregnancy every time, lighter periods (this was a plus!) Cons: more emotional during period, 5 lb weight gain (I am also in college, so that could be an aiding major factor), sometimes less sex drive EXCEPT around my period. Again, just because some people had issues with it doesn't mean you'll have the same. Try it out for yourself if you're considering this BC brand and talk with your doctor!"

• Anonymous
• June 15, 2012

For Birth Control "The pill worked great at preventing babies, but it did make me extremely tired all the time. Plus, it made me super emotional, crying about the littlest of things to being angry about everything. It also made my skin break out really bad."

• HTa...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 16, 2020

For Birth Control "This pill was the worst. I broke out in acne all over my body. My breasts were so swollen and tender, and the bloat never, ever, ever went away. Ever; don’t even ask about the weight gain. The only thing it did was avoid pregnancy. DO NOT TAKE THIS. Find another pill."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 13, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve been using Levlan for the last 4 months. I don’t recommend this pill at all. Previously, I was on Estelle with no problems. Dr. changed me. I know everyone is different and their hormones and bodies act differently, but I’ve never had any problems with any medication before. I’ve always had relatively great skin, especially on my face! A few weeks after on Levlan, my cheeks, chin, and forehead have been covered in tiny lumps and almost cyst-like pimples since! I’m 24 years old and have never had acne. I’ve also been having crazy mood swings or been upset/depressed, and I don’t even know why. I’ve never been like this before, and I’ll never use Levlan again. I’ve been back on Estelle for 1 week, and my face is already 3x better. Hope this helps!!"

• Bri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 16, 2023

For Birth Control "I took Lutera for years without an issue, and when I wanted to restart it, I was told it’s now called Vienva. Within a month, I had a stubborn yeast infection, nausea, weight gain, constipation, acne, and generally felt crabby. Whatever is in this new formulation did not agree with my body. I will not continue this brand!"

• lad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 23, 2014

For Birth Control "I love this birth control so far! I've been on it for 2 months. I spotted on and off for the first 3 weeks. I just used a Poise pantyliner and was fine. I have had slight acne, but I wash and use Bentonite clay 3 times a week. I've heard of excessive spotting, you have to take it at the same time every day. I take it at 7 pm like clockwork, sometimes 6:30. Take it at night."

• kek...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 28, 2020

For Birth Control "I switched from Microgestin FE to Larissia. Microgestin FE gave me terrible anxiety and depression and made me feel like I was an alien in my own body. Switching to Larissia, I definitely had some cramping, breakthrough bleeding, mood swings, and acne during my first 2-3 packs of this pill, but after a couple months, all of those symptoms went away. My first pack, I could tell that my boobs were bigger, but that went away as well over time. I haven’t gained any weight on this pill (I was actually hoping that I would) and have less acne than I did while on other pills. I would recommend this to a friend."

• UT1...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 28, 2016

For Birth Control "I have been taking Seasonale for almost 3 years now. I'm 21 and pretty healthy. When I started, I had breakthrough bleeding for about 3 weeks and a little nausea. Before Seasonale, I had 8-day heavy periods and would get pretty bad cramping. With this pill, I have a very light period once every 3 months, no cramping at all and no other symptoms. I have had no weight gain, rarely any breast tenderness, and it prevents pregnancy, so I can't complain too much. My ONLY problem with this pill is that it gives me acne in waves. I'll go a month with very little acne, then for a few months have lots of breakouts, some of them painful. I never had any acne prior to taking the pill, but now I do. Otherwise, I highly recommend this pill."

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 6, 2018

For Birth Control "This garbage has completely destroyed my system. PLEASE seek a replacement if you start feeling off! This garbage has changed who I am mentally and physically. I was “giving it a chance” for my body to adjust, but it has put me into insane bouts of depression and uncontrollable mood swings (as in bawling my eyes out and then rage screaming the next). I’ve gained weight, have acne, a yeast infection, spotting, etc. This “birth control” pill is DANGEROUS."

• La ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 13, 2020

For Birth Control "This is the first type of birth control I’ve ever been on and NOT a good experience! I am currently on the placebo pills, so the last week of the first pack. (1 month total of medication) I already struggle with acne, so when I first started taking this pill, it got worse! I have acne all over my chin, lower cheeks, and forehead! My acne is the worst it’s ever been. On top of that, I started my period today, it’s already heavier than normal, and I had to call off work today because as soon as I got up, I immediately felt nauseous and faint. I started seeing black and yellow spots and heard ringing in my ears. I have a piercing headache. Again, do NOT recommend! I am calling my doctor this week and getting off of this pill!"

• Anonymous
• January 25, 2010

For Birth Control "I have been on Aviane for a month now. I switched from Yaz because I felt like Yaz was making me very emotional. I was off the pill for a month and then started taking Aviane. The first two weeks I was super emotional and I broke out pretty bad, and I hardly ever break out. However, my skin is clearing up, and my emotional state is much better than before. I think it just takes a body a little while to get used to this pill. I did not gain any weight, which is nice."

• Meg...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 25, 2019

For Birth Control "I have never struggled with acne in my life, and I have been on three different birth controls that have never caused breakouts. Lessina, however, had me with a face covered in small pimples (with a couple massive cystic ones as well) after the first 3 days of using it. The acne only got worse as I kept taking more pills in the pill pack. I’m stopping this immediately. Seriously, I had clear skin before, not a single pimple, and now I have pimples all over my face, chest, back, and arms. I didn’t even know that was possible over the course of three days!!! Oh man, I wish I could insert pictures. Stay away if you are looking for a birth control to help clear your skin!!"

• Meg...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 25, 2019

For Birth Control "I have never struggled with acne in my life, and I have been on three different birth controls that have never caused breakouts. Lessina, however, had me with a face covered in small pimples (with a couple massive cystic ones as well) after the first 3 days of using it. The acne only got worse as I kept taking more pills in the pill pack. I’m stopping this immediately. Seriously, I had clear skin before, not a single pimple, and now I have pimples all over my face, chest, back, and arms. I didn’t even know that was possible over the course of three days!!! Oh man, I wish I could insert pictures. Stay away if you are looking for a birth control to help clear your skin!!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 10, 2014

For Birth Control "I've been on it for almost 2 years, and it does great. I have no cramps, the period starts normally on my third day of my blue pill. When I remember to take them, it lasts about three days, it's super light. I'm not throwing up. My face recently started breaking out, but maybe I need more water."

• Lor...
• July 2, 2017

For Birth Control "I've been on this for about three months now. The first month and a half were great. No mood swings, no spotting or headaches, or depression, but then I got into my third month and was experiencing breakthrough bleeding a lot and then had several blood clots. And I am still having spotting. I've been depressed, acne is horrible, I have horrible food cravings, not to mention awful cramps to where I can't even move. I want to continue and try to see if it gets better, but I am just having the worst time with this and am miserable that I am over taking this. I know for some it has worked and maybe if I stick it out it will get better, but I have no interest in continuing with this bc."