Ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel and Cramps: What Users Say

• moc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 3, 2021

For Birth Control "Pt.1 I've been on Vienva for almost three weeks and I can say it's not as bad as I thought it'd be. I was skeptical about it because of all the bad reviews, and I was scared I was going to get acne because of it. But I would say it just gets my appetite going in the morning, which I love because I deal with a lot of anxiety and I lose my appetite so much. My boobs are fuller, which I'm not complaining about, and they're a little sore here and there. I do experience a little cramping, but it lasts for like 10 minutes. Today I was super emotional, but I can never tell if it's the birth control or just the people in my household, LMAO. But before today, I was actually kinda happy, which makes me happier because I haven't really been happy in so long. For any ladies trying this, I would say not to be scared! But I will update you guys with Pt.2 once I finish the first 3 months!"

• 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."

• 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!"

• Too...
• November 9, 2013

For Birth Control "I started taking Seasonique about 6 months ago when my boyfriend recommended I switch birth controls. (I was previously on Apri 28 and it made me crazy) I love Seasonique! It's amazing to only have to worry about periods once every three months! One con I did notice is slight cramping around the times I used to get my period, other than this the birth control is amazing. I have clearer skin, lost weight, and have been feeling like myself again. Would recommend this to anyone!"

• Rac...
• January 25, 2021

For Birth Control "I’ve been taking Vienva for 3 weeks, almost 4, and it got to the point where I was supposed to start my period. They were already irregular, and I got prescribed this from the pill club because I was tired of having 2 periods a month, but this is not worth it. By the time I got to the peach pills, my emotions have been through the roof. I cry over the smallest things and have the worst mood swings on it. If you’re going through the pill club like I did, I recommend you go to a doctor that will prescribe you the right pill. It might be good for some people, but the emotional effect on this is not worth it. I would rather be pregnant at this point. It made my cramps so much worse, and they were already horrible to begin with. The pill club can eat my panini."

• 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!"

• Fre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 15, 2021

For Birth Control "I am going to leave an unbiased review that will be factual without any bias because it's unfair to base it off of only personal feelings, which will look very scary. I was on this for two months, this may or may not cause your feelings of negativity to skyrocket. It did escalate my depression. It did make me more cranky and moody. It will make you cramp a bit. A bit of spotting, which is normal. These are the side effects I have experienced. If it sounds scary, then try a different brand, but other than that, you can just try to make yourself stronger mentally. I personally don't think it's the end of the world taking it. As for the effectiveness, it has not gotten me pregnant. It is doing an amazing job at doing what you want it to do, which is protect you from pregnancy. A lot of people overlook and fail to acknowledge its effectiveness."

• KT1...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 10, 2017

For Birth Control "I just recently started this medication as my first ever use of birth control, and I've had no issues so far! No nausea, no cramping, no spotting yet. No mood swings or bloating either. I will update once I get further along, but so far I feel like I haven't even taken anything! Don't get too scared by the negative reviews because I think statistically speaking, more people are likely to share their experience if it's bad than people who are happy with it."

• 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."

• I...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 27, 2013

For Birth Control "When I first started taking birth control, I was started on Aviane, and I really loved it. I lost weight, and I went from an A cup bra to a C cup bra in just 2 months. After a year or 2, I got switched to Lessina, and I didn't like it! Got horrible headaches, gained weight, and cramps were horrible. After 2 years of Lessina, I begged to be switched back to Aviane, and now only after 2 months of taking it, I have lost 11 lbs, and the cramps and headaches are gone. I do get tender breasts while on my period, but I’d rather have tender breasts and moodiness and cramps! Oh, and my sex drive is through the roof!"

• Lal...
• January 6, 2021

For Birth Control "Let me remind you that everyone's body is different, and every time you begin a new birth control, it can take about 3 months before you fully adjust to it. So don't get anxious about the bad reviews. I began this pill because I would get hives a week before my period, insane acne breakouts on my back, and cramps all the time. I've been on this pill for a month, and I can feel the difference this pill has made already. I have experienced simple symptoms like nausea, but the nausea doesn't bother me. I noticed that it has reduced my appetite, but not dangerously. I just find myself snacking less! Also, my sex drive has not gone (which is a first with birth control). I have a history of anxiety (GAD and OCD with panic attacks), and this pill hasn't made me more anxious. If anything, I feel that it improved my mood and balances my hormones perfectly. I'm confident that the symptoms I have experienced will minimize within that 3 month period. So give your body and the pill some time!"

• Sad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 12, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I’ve been taking Seasonique for almost 2 months. I’d heard that it would allow me to skip periods, which I desperately needed because my periods were so severe. Completely unbearable cramps, nausea, fatigue, heavy flow, etc. About 3 weeks ago, I started having horrible cramps and bleeding, and it has not stopped for one day since. I have literally been on my period for 3 weeks! I would have been better off not taking it at all. At least this pain would only last a week or so. I’ve also had some weight gain without changing my diet, so I feel like it’s another side effect of this birth control. I had such high hopes for it, but sadly, it kind of sucks."

• Kri...
• December 27, 2010

For Birth Control "I have been on Lybrel since it came out. It is an absolute miracle pill for me. I tell everyone about it. I have had no bleeding, no cramps since I have been on it. I used to have very heavy bleeding and terrible cramps. This pill has changed my life."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• January 15, 2010

For Birth Control "I have been on Alesse for 4 years and am very pleased. Before I was on Alesse, I was naturally very moody, and my periods were heavy, long, and painful. When I started this pill, my mood swings evened out, and my period not only got less painful but shortened to only 3 days. I was a little concerned about how quickly I would get pregnant when my husband and I decided it was time, but no worries there. I came off the pill New Year's 2009 and was pregnant by Valentine's. It is now January 2010, and I'm holding a beautiful baby girl. I plan on going back on Alesse as soon as possible."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 24, 2021

For Birth Control "I signed up for Pill Club and was prescribed Vienva. It is my first birth control, so I immediately went online to look up side effects and reviews. After reading, I was scared to death to get my prescription, knowing I can't change it for at least 2-3 months. Reluctantly, I did start taking it, as I did read some good reviews. I'm about to start my second month in about a week. I have yet to notice any major side effects. Maybe a tad bit more emotional and faint cramps here and there, but nothing too crazy. The only weight I gained was before I even started the pack and was my own doing. I know it's still early, but I think it's working well for me. Although I do understand everyone is different and will react differently."

• Lor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 7, 2020

For Birth Control "I am in love with this birth control Alesse! It is the first one I have ever taken, and I went on it because I would get such bad acne all over my cheeks, especially around my period. There was never a time when my skin was clear, and when it was better, it would still have a bunch of scars until it would get horrible again. In the first week, my skin got a little better, there was a little bit of cramping and mood swings, but not too bad. In the second week, it was breaking out (but not nearly as bad as the worst it's been), and then in the 3rd week, almost perfect, just scars to heal up. I'm on just over a month, and my skin is literally perfect, just a couple of scars left to heal, and now they can actually heal because my face isn't going to have another huge breakout the next day anymore!"

• ECl...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 26, 2013

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have been on Seasonique for over 6 months. I have had continuous spotting along with cramps for the last 16 days. My doctor informed me to skip the pills at the end of the pack so that I do not have any periods due to my periods being extremely painful. However, I hate the fact that I have been spotting for over 2 weeks. I started this birth control to treat endometriosis and to regulate my periods. Yet, spotting every day is not any better. I am looking into other options right now. I don't like bleeding all the time."

• Mel...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 29, 2019

For Birth Control "This was the first birth control I ever went on, and it worked great. No side effects! No child! After a year (March '19), Planned Parenthood gave me Aubra EQ. If this happened to anyone else, I would like to know. I was unaware it was different and took it. Immediately, I had symptoms such as mood swings, cramping, and nausea. I got the worst cramping I’ve ever had. At the end of the month, my period did not come. I have taken many tests, and they say I’m not pregnant, but yet I have not gotten my period. PP says they do not carry Aubra anymore, just Aubra EQ, and according to them, it’s the same. But obviously not."

• 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."

• hey...
• February 2, 2014

For Birth Control "Taking this pill was an awful experience. Everything was going fine until right around the time that I started the second month of it, and since then, I have had nasty breakthrough bleeding ever since then! (Not to mention the breast soreness, leg cramps, and depression.) I'm finishing the pill this week, and it hasn't gotten any better or worse. So basically, I've had my period for 8 weeks straight."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• February 26, 2013

For Birth Control "It's been 2 years. I spotted for almost six weeks straight on the first pack until I had the first period. I gained about 10 lbs, but most of it was in my chest. I'm just now getting back to my 'normal' weight, which also means my breasts are going back down. Periods are really light, the last two packs nonexistent. If I'm not careful to take them at around the same time, I will get cramping and sometimes spotting. If the spotting doesn't stop within a few days, I stop taking the pack for a week and have a period, and then start the pack again. Overall, I love it, though I have noticed increased night sweats but don't know for sure it's related."

• Ema...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 22, 2020

For Birth Control "I’ve been taking this birth control Alesse-28 for over 3 years now. I was fine for the first year, but then after that, I was so moody and irritable, always sad and depressed, and very emotional. I have no energy at all, and I’m always tired. Another thing is that for some reason I get really bad leg cramps and am always constipated. Something else that I have experienced is weight gain, ovaries always hurt, and painful intercourse. Another awful side effect is that I have ZERO sex drive and vaginal dryness! One good thing about this birth control is that it cleared up all my acne, but other than that, it’s definitely not worth the side effects."