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

Brand names: Vienva, Aviane, Lutera, Seasonique, Lessina, Levora, Altavera, Sronyx, Simpesse, Daysee, Seasonale, Portia, Twirla, Trivora, Tyblume, Amethia, Kurvelo, Ashlyna, Falmina, Camrese, Jaimiess, Levlen, Jolessa, Marlissa, Balcoltra, Orsythia, Aubra, Setlakin, Amethyst, Levonest, LoSeasonique, Dolishale, CamreseLo, Ayuna, Joyeaux, Afirmelle, Delyla, Larissia, Iclevia, Aubra EQ, Rosyrah, Rivelsa, Introvale, Quartette, Lo Simpesse, Fayosim, LoJaimiess, Cerinta Elifemme Amethia Lo Enpresse Chateal Myzilra Minzoya Chateal EQ Lillow …show all brand names

Reviews for Ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Ab2...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 2, 2017

For Birth Control "I currently have Nexplanon implanted, and when I got it in, I had light periods for 4 months straight. Since I only went on birth control to stop my hellish periods, this wasn't ideal. My doctor put me on a normal pill birth control (3 weeks of the pill, 1 week placebo). During the placebo week, my horrid periods were back, so I told my doctor and that's when she prescribed me Ashlyna. I've been taking it for a month so far and everything has gone great. I've actually somehow managed to lose weight, there hasn't been any bleeding at all, and my mood seems to have improved (I used to get depressed during my period). Everyone responds differently to medications, but I would recommend Ashlyna."

10 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • November 17, 2009

For Birth Control "Have been on Lybrel for 1 year now and get periods, breakthrough bleeding, spotting, and cramps. I used to have a normal 28-day cycle, and my period was 5 days, it was very regimented. Now I have periods randomly that last 7 to 10 days. I was hoping to stop my periods, but this obviously does not work for me."

6 / 10
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  • JH3...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • February 3, 2014

For Birth Control "A couple of years ago, I took Lutera for a year and didn't have too many problems. I stopped taking it, then re-started 6 months ago. This time was bad. My mood was off - little things would make me super aggravated or want to cry, while 'better' days made me extremely happy and hyper. I also had on-and-off dryness down there - pretty uncomfortable, especially sex-wise. The worst part was the 2-week periods I got on this pill. For five months straight, I had my period for half the month, with cramps, lower back pain, irritability, and heavy bleeding. The gyno kept saying it was my body adjusting, but after the fifth month of this, I'm taking a break from birth control for a month and then switching to another pill."

5 / 10
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  • 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."

3 / 10
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  • mom...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 23, 2013

For Birth Control "I was nervous taking this med after reading negative reviews, but after a rough first week that included nausea (quelled by taking Dramamine), a nasty headache, having my face break out (I am 46 and do not get breakouts), and then breakthrough bleeding...everything calmed, and I've loved the medicine ever since. All the original side effects went right away, and my period was extremely light and short...love it. Glad my Dr. convinced me to stick with it because I almost quit taking it."

8 / 10
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  • Gyp...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 14, 2017

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I have been on birth control for 16 years now, Chateal for the past 6 months. This is the first pill that has actually lessened my bleeding and period pain. I have always had excessive bleeding and cramps (to the point I couldn't leave the house), this pill has changed all of that! I have PCOS and hypothyroidism. Since taking this pill, I have actually been able to lose 10 pounds. I would have given it 10/10, but I have been super emotional and cry a bit more than usual (commercials are the worst). No acne, no weight gain, no excessive bleeding, no cramps, no hair loss (as many reported), and the big one: I'm not pregnant!"

9 / 10
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  • jva...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 8, 2019

For Birth Control "I had the worst periods. Cramps, nausea, dizziness, heavy bleeding, long periods, all of it. I gave in at 25 years old and went to get birth control for the first time in my life. The doctor gave me Vienva, and I was scared reading reviews, but I had to try it myself. I took the pill at night two hours before bedtime just in case I did get side effects, and I did go #2 more times than usual in the mornings at the beginning, but that was it. I didn't gain weight, wasn't 'depressed,' none of it. I am finishing my first period on it, and it took two and a half days to start bleeding, and I had minimal cramps and consistent regular bleeding. I had a semi-heavy day on the third day but nothing excessive. I am going to start my new pack today, and I am still spotting, hopefully, it stops by tomorrow."

9 / 10
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  • Kim...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 3, 2015

For Birth Control "I just wish the bleeding would stop. It's light, but annoying. I took Seasonique before, and I loved the comfort of having only 4 periods a year. I just hope I can make it long enough for this discomfort to end. I'm on my third month, and the bleeding started 3 weeks ago."

6 / 10
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  • rai...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • June 3, 2013

For Endometriosis "I suffered from endometriosis for 5 years or more. I was in my early 20s when I began to be unable to so much as get up from the bed. I was sick to my stomach all the time and in constant pain. I was prescribed a great deal of pain medicines and shots. I went to a different hospital one night, and they got me into surgery a week later or so. I found out mine was stage 4 (my organs were attached to the left side of my body, squeezing my organs with the scar tissue). The surgery took hours. Then I got a Lupron shot for 7 months and then was put on Aviane. I had a little breakthrough bleeding at first, but the massive pain stopped after I was on the Aviane and Lupron treatment path. Aviane is great, but it must be taken at the same time every day. Thanks."

10 / 10
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  • mos...
  • March 17, 2011

For Endometriosis "I started this pill in September 2010 to help treat ovarian cysts and endometriosis. The first week I had nausea and tender breasts, but it went away after that. I had a lot of spotting and bleeding on and off for 2 or 3 weeks at a time for 4 months. It was annoying but better than the awful agony I used to go through every month, so I decided to keep taking it, as my doctor told me that spotting and bleeding is very common with this low of a dose of pill and that some people needed 3 months to a year for your body to adjust. Well, finally after 6 months it was worth the wait because no more spotting and bleeding, and best I have better energy, vitality, and quality of life having control over my horrible periods. It has changed my life!"

8 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • April 1, 2010

For Birth Control "After being on Ortho-Tri-Cyclen, which gave me every possible bad symptom in the world, I asked my Ob/Gyn to put me on Aviane after reading some good things about it. Aviane has been a godsend. I have been on it for about a month now. No/very little weight gain. Hardly any mood swings (nothing abnormal from when I have my period). No breakthrough bleeding and no acne. I am on day 2 of my period now, and it even seems a lot lighter than it normally was. Aviane is amazing!"

10 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • August 5, 2010

For Endometriosis "I am in my third month of taking this, and absolutely love it. The first two weeks I had headaches and slight nausea, so I switched to taking it at night. So if you try this, don't give up, it went away for me. I don't have mood swings, which I did before taking it. I don't feel like I get bloated either. I've had some slight bleeding at the end of my second month, but the doctor said that was normal, that my body has to get used to the pill. Love the fact I don't have heavy periods anymore. I would recommend it. Looking forward to not having a period every month. My mood is stable, and I feel happy. As far as acne goes, I can say it's not giving me any problems."

10 / 10
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  • 103...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • March 21, 2013

For Endometriosis "It is the best medicine ever invented! No issues, no pain, spotting, bleeding, no period, nothing. Tried every birth control, including Lupron Depot for endometriosis, nothing worked but this. I would pay full price and would not care. I pay $150, insurance pays the rest, but I have been pain-free for over 3 years, and I was diagnosed in 2000, and it is now 2013, you do the math, it took 10 years to be ok."

10 / 10
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  • jem...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 1, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Have had a period with cramps since Sept 2019. Started Seasonique to try to get rid of my abnormal bleeding. I had heavy periods, migraines, nausea, and cramps prior to starting, and weeks of spotting. Now I'm on my 46th pill of Seasonique and am STILL experiencing moderate bleeding, must wear tampons or pads daily since Sept, and I have nausea, upset bowels, and horrible cramps. Sometimes I can't even stand up. My doctor said to keep taking it and finish the pack and it will get better. WILL IT? I have not stopped bleeding for months, and it's so difficult to explain to a spouse why I feel sick and am STILL also bleeding."

1 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • July 14, 2014

For Birth Control "I have been taking Lutera since Aug 2012, and everything is good. I did gain a couple extra pounds (which I shed off pretty quickly due to having a fast metabolism), but that beats being pregnant when you are not ready. Also, my breasts are HUGE, and I am LOVING it! I have been taking this because of my irregular periods. I did have slight bleeding a few months ago for about 2-3 days, but after reading the pamphlet, that was listed as a side effect. I have noticed that I am a bit more moody, but all in all it works great for me. Everybody is different, so if it works for you, great. If not, there are dozens of other pills/methods."

8 / 10
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  • Kik...
  • December 6, 2018

For Birth Control "I have been using a combination of Camrese Lo/Lo Seasonique for 8 years now (used Lo Seasonique for about 2 years sometime in the middle. Purely just an insurance company issue). It took a good year to a year and a half for my body to fully adjust. I used to get horrible periods with heavy bleeding and cramps so bad that I would have to stay home because I would need a bathroom every hour. After starting this, my periods got lighter and way more manageable. During the first year, I couldn’t get through a whole pack without having some bleeding. Over time, my body got used to it, and now, all these years later, I rarely get a period at the end of the pack. If I do, it’s very light and doesn’t last more than a few days. No issues with weight gain or acne. I would certainly recommend this pill, but I would definitely say you have to give it some time for your body to adjust. Getting on a 3-month cycle won’t happen overnight, so be patient."

10 / 10
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  • Hea...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 11, 2016

For Birth Control "I have been taking Seasonale for two months now. I noticed I have been extremely tired and have a low sex drive. I gained weight while on it, which is not like me because I am very careful with my body. I feel very blah and low now that I am on it. I had breakthrough bleeding right away and have spotting every time I shower or go to the bathroom. I do not like how this pill has made me feel. I am going off of it today."

3 / 10
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  • sat...
  • May 26, 2010

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Jolessa is awesome! I've been on it before and had spotting during the first pack, but then it worked great! I began using it again, and this time my doctor suggested taking the first month and stopping for a week to get a period and then continuing with the second and third month. (So two periods on the first pack) to minimize, if not eliminate, breakthrough bleeding or spotting. Worked well, and I couldn't be happier. Regulated and way less painful!"

9 / 10
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  • Noc...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 9, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I started the Seasonale pill because the heavy bleeding caused me to become very anemic to the point I had to get iron infusions. It does make me crave everything, my sex drive is going down a little, and I have been bleeding for a while. It went from using a panty liner to using pads, and I'm not even through my third pack of pills. Not sure if I can handle the bleeding like this. And let's not mention the cramps. I have never in my life had cramps like this, like someone is on the inside of me scraping out my insides. I don't think I can hang."

4 / 10
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  • ABa...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • November 4, 2019

For Birth Control "Horrible. I've been on Amethyst for nearly a year and have been bleeding unpredictably and frequently. Essentially, I've had to wear pads for the past 365 days because I don't know when I'll start bleeding, and I don't know if it will be a little or a lot. For the first two or three months, I only bled for a few days, but it gradually increased to five or six, then eight, ten, and so on. I have to switch to something else because this is affecting me so much."

1 / 10
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  • ter...
  • October 3, 2022

For Birth Control "If I could give this a zero, I would. When I started it, it extended my period by over a week. I went about a week and a half without bleeding, and when I was under the assumption I wouldn’t bleed for two months, I have now been bleeding for two weeks again. It made me very tired and extremely depressed. I find myself crying almost every day over things I typically wouldn’t cry over. I became very bloated quickly, and my breasts have continued to get bigger every day since beginning this medication. I understand medication affects everyone differently, but if you have a choice, I suggest finding a different birth control."

1 / 10
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  • Kan...
  • October 23, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I am on my 2nd pack of Aviane and will be starting on the sugar pills tonight. I love this pill! I do not have as many side effects as I used to have with other pills. I had a few headaches and some nausea in my first month of using this, but those are gone now. No breast tenderness, no noticeable weight gain, although I have an increased appetite, but I try to balance it with a healthy diet and exercise at least 3 times a week. My previous one (Sprintec) caused me to spot, and I was having a period for 3 weeks straight. On Aviane, I have no spotting, and my periods last for only 7 days and are light. I used to have really heavy bleeding, which caused my iron levels to be depleted. I develop pimples here and there, but they are manageable. I do not have any mood swings on this pill, and that is just wonderful. I just feel happy every day! Aviane is a game changer for me, and I am so glad that I found it :)"

10 / 10
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  • Jgi...
  • November 9, 2019

For Birth Control "It's been over half a year since I've been on this birth control, Lutera, and I have nothing but great things to say. It's affordable through means such as the pill club (online) for people with no insurance, and I experienced little to no side effects. I used to have excruciating cramps that would immobilize me, and I would have to take prescription-strength 800 mg ibuprofen to manage the pain, and even then it wouldn't go away. I used to bleed a lot with a lot of clotting, but since I've gotten on this pill, I only bleed lightly for about 2-3 days, and my cramps aren't even noticeable anymore. No weight gain, no acne. I feel beautiful, and my sex drive is also the same. I absolutely love this birth control. Especially after switching from Seasonique, which was the worst experience of my life, I was a completely different person, always moody, had food cravings and aversions, and basically felt pregnant all the time. I love, love, love this BC, it's perfect for me!"

10 / 10
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  • Jod...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 28, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been taking Amethyst birth control since August, and I have been bleeding since the 3rd week of taking it. It started off the first two days as just a little spotting, but on the 3rd day, I felt like I was having my regular period-heavy and lots of large clots. I have been bleeding ever since, and it has ranged from light bleeding to heavy and painful. But I have not stopped. I will not be continuing after this pack is finished. I will say that if you have PCOS, this might be a good pill for you. I had minor problems with hirsutism, and there has been a very noticeable reduction in the appearance/growth of the hair on my chin. It has improved a lot. That's literally the only positive thing about this pill. I don't recommend it for any other condition."

4 / 10
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  • Jod...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 28, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been taking Amethyst birth control since August, and I have been bleeding since the 3rd week of taking it. It started off the first two days as just a little spotting, but on the 3rd day, I felt like I was having my regular period-heavy and lots of large clots. I have been bleeding ever since, and it has ranged from light bleeding to heavy and painful. But I have not stopped. I will not be continuing after this pack is finished. I will say that if you have PCOS, this might be a good pill for you. I had minor problems with hirsutism, and there has been a very noticeable reduction in the appearance/growth of the hair on my chin. It has improved a lot. That's literally the only positive thing about this pill. I don't recommend it for any other condition."

4 / 10
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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.