Ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Mis...
• July 14, 2017

For Birth Control "I have suffered from incredibly awful menstrual migraines while on the 'inactive' break pills with every brand of birth control for years. The low-dose estrogen break pills with Seasonique have saved my life! Zero headaches and lighter periods. I can't believe I suffered all these years. 10/10 recommend!"

• Sof...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 29, 2018

For Birth Control "I switched from Levora to Portia about two months ago because Levora was discontinued. It is by far the worst two months. I have had a dramatic increase in acne. Levora really helped my acne, but with Portia, I am having constant breakouts everywhere. I have chronic headaches and feel very nauseous in the mornings. I feel an increase in my appetite. I tend to feel very down most of the time-sad for no reason. I am very unhappy being on this birth control."

• Kan...
• October 14, 2014

For Birth Control "This is the only birth control that has ever gotten my cycle regulated for a long period of time. Usually, I will switch medicines only to have it regulated for 3-4 months, then everything goes haywire again. With Lutera, I have no breakthrough bleeding or spotting, no headaches or body aches, and no weight gain. I love this birth control. Before I was on this, I was very anemic from an abnormal period (bleeding 2-3 weeks out of the month), but now I don't even have to take my iron supplement. Also, I am not pregnant, so it works there, too, which is good."

• 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!"

• car...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 11, 2018

For Birth Control "This medication is awful. I immediately started with breast tenderness/soreness, then came joint pains and massive headaches. Then there were sharp pains in my lower abdomen that would last about ten seconds, and I would have them throughout the day. I’m barely 19, healthy, and have had regular periods for the past two years. I just wanted something to help cramps, and it sounded like a dream when my gynecologist told me I’d only bleed 4 times a year! I just finished my second month, and I’ve been bleeding for 6 days now! I’m not even supposed to be bleeding! I’m not even talking about spotting, I’m talking about HEAVY bleeding. Before I started this medication, my periods were light/regular and only lasted 5 days MAX. This is one of the worst decisions I’ve ever made, the side effects are not worth it. I’d rather get my period every month than deal with this. Don’t get on this medication."

• jas...
• March 21, 2014

For Birth Control "This is the first type of birth control that I have been on, and it has worked out great. I have been on Lutera for 9 months now and will be going back to have my doctor refill the prescription. The first month I experienced some mild headaches and irregular bleeding, nothing serious. My breasts have gotten a little larger, my period shorter and lighter. All is good so far!"

• 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)."

• Ban...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 4, 2020

For Birth Control "Balcoltra is the first birth control that I’ve ever been on. The first 2-3 months, I had really bad headaches and bad mood swings that would come after taking the pill at night, and I was about to call my doctor to switch off of it. The only other side effect symptoms that I’ve noticed are my breasts becoming tender, headaches every now and then, mood swings, and abdominal cramping. Over the months, it’s gotten a lot better, and I really can’t complain about Balcoltra. It’s helped my acne, and I still sometimes get those other symptoms, but it’s not often, so it’s bearable. It’s a lot better than I expected it to be."

• 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!"

• Mel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 10, 2019

For Birth Control "Avoid this birth control if you can. This was my first time going on birth control, and my doctor prescribed it because it apparently was a good 'starter birth control.' But the side effects were terrible. I had the common ones, headaches, nausea, etc. But the worst of all was that it gave me TERRIBLE anxiety, on top of depression. I got into a really dark place and was getting around 1-3 anxiety attacks per week. I also experienced terrible leg cramping, to the extent that I paid the hospital a visit because it was so bad, and there was the fear that it may be a blood clot. There are so many better birth control options out there."

• Lul...
• May 12, 2013

For Birth Control "I've only been taking Lutera for a week or so now, but I'm pretty happy with it. I researched a lot about it, and I was super scared to take it. People were saying they were having severe headaches, hair loss, decreased sex drive, etc. The first day I started taking it, my vision was a little bit off, things looked a tad blurry. I was a little more emotional than usual, but nothing too bad. By the 3rd day, my vision was back to normal. I've barely experienced any side effects. From the reviews, I thought everything was going to go wrong. I have noticed my hair grows faster, like I will shave my legs, and then by the afternoon they will be prickly. The best part was that it's free. I got it from my local Planned Parenthood."

• Ang...
• May 30, 2019

For Birth Control "I've been on Levora for birth control for about 5 years. The past few years, I've been having a lot of gastrointestinal problems, bloating, belching, feeling full after small meals, feeling like food sits in my stomach and takes forever to digest. I have been to the GI doctor so many times to no avail. I stopped taking this pill, and all of these symptoms disappeared. When I restarted this pill, the symptoms returned with a vengeance after 4 days. I'm getting off it ASAP. But now, I'm terrified of trying another pill because these symptoms have made me miserable. After reading these reviews, I'm also wondering if my frequent headaches/occasional migraines will go away as well. Fingers crossed!"

• 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."

• hum...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 23, 2014

For Birth Control "I had to switch from Aviane to Sronyx about 2 weeks ago because my pharmacy ran out of my normal pill, and honestly, I cannot WAIT till this pack is done because I've gotten terrible side effects. I've gotten extreme nausea, crazy discharge, constipation, sore breasts, and daily headaches. I've also been really irritable. I'm scared to see what my period will be like!"

• Tor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 18, 2018

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I've been on this for a month, and I was in horrible shape. Spotting, mood swings, headaches, chest pain, shortness of breath, weight gain, major cramps, and tummy gurgling. I was in a bad mood every day, and I couldn't be nice to my children. I stopped taking them, and it's like magic, all my symptoms disappeared. I'm so upset. My new doctor recommended this since they do not carry Chateal. I loved Chateal. It worked great! I wish my insurance carried these. Never will I take nor recommend this because."

• Mis...
• August 8, 2014

For Birth Control "First time, first month on Alesse 28! This first month on Alesse has been really something. I have had really no side effects except the odd feeling weird until about 4 days ago. I started bleeding with 5 days left on the pill and feeling nauseous with a headache here and there, fatigued, and achy everywhere! While I'm still able to eat, I have no energy and feel like crap all the time... Will this get better going into the second month? The cramps start off heavy then get lighter, it's really off and on, but for my period right now, it's a bit lighter than before, but I haven't seen a big difference yet? Is this because it's only the first month? Just wanted to share my experience because it's really been something!"

• 76i...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 18, 2020

For Birth Control "This pill made my period pains much better, instead of getting them once a month, I only got them once every three months. The cramps were only bad the first two days of my period, but the bleeding wasn't as heavy, and my period didn't last as long as it did when I was off the pill. I only had a few headaches at the beginning of the pack and when I was on the yellow pills, but other than that, it was good."

• Meg...
• February 8, 2019

For Birth Control "I started getting migraines behind my right eye, almost every day. My anxiety was off the charts, which is something I haven't struggled with in years. Then I became really sluggish and tired, but still anxious all the time. I went to see my doctor because I thought something was seriously wrong with me. She reviewed my medications, and the first thing she said was get off the birth control. I called my gynecologist, and she said the same thing - go off it for a month and let me know if you feel differently. Two weeks off of it, and I feel great. I haven't had a headache in a week. I'm not exhausted, and I have zero anxiety. It was crazy. I thought I was losing my mind. If you start to have any of these symptoms, you are not crazy, consider taking a break from this birth control. It's marketed as low dose, so it will have fewer side effects, this means nothing. Listen to your body."

• Ris...
• February 19, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been taking this for a month. I have headaches every day for the past week. I got a little bit of acne, and I don't know if it's just me or not, but I don't ever want to get out of bed in the mornings. I called out of work even because I just couldn't and didn't feel like it. I've also had breast pain since week one."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 20, 2014

For Birth Control "I've been on the pills for 2 months, and I have been so emotional, as in depressed. I've had a little bit of acne, but it's not that bad. No weight gain, in fact, I've lost 5 pounds. Very, very nauseous but can't throw up. Headaches here and there. I'm not sure if I'll switch just yet... I'll probably try it out a little longer."

• 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."

• Dis...
• October 31, 2019

For Birth Control "I, like many others, was previously on Levora and was switched to Portia (without my consent) by Kaiser. Levora was my first experience with BC, and I took it for a little over a year. My only issue was prolonged spotting if I missed a dose. Once I was given Portia, I gained a little over 30 pounds in less than 4 months, I had frequent headaches, extreme fatigue (had to use my lunch break to nap daily), woke up nauseous every morning, and experienced the only 2 yeast infections I have ever had. Unfortunately, it took me about a year to realize Portia was the culprit. Since they told me it was the same when I switched, I never even suspected. I felt like a failure for gaining weight and not being able to get it off, I was frequently depressed, and my work suffered because I was often too tired to focus. Because of this thread, and my other research, I stopped taking Portia about a week ago and just opted to purchase Levora through an online BC provider NuRx."

• Avo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 25, 2019

For Birth Control "Planned Parenthood gave me 18 months' worth of this birth control. I used to take Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo for 3 years until they discontinued it, and I was so sad, for me, it was the best birth control and gave me no side effects. The Dr. at PP said Aubra EQ was similar to Ortho. WRONG! I've been on this birth control for 2 months, and it has been bad. The first day I took this pill, immediately I got a huge headache and was nauseous. I still took the pills every day, same time, for 1 month. Throughout the month, I had severe depression, headaches, tiredness, and regular spotting. And now, all of a sudden, I got my period again, which is horrible because I just got my period last week. This birth control is awful, do not take this. I'm getting off this and finding a different brand."

• 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 :)"

• Sea...
• April 5, 2015

For Birth Control "I got this birth control in February (now it's April), and I have noticed this pill has had a few side effects. One being I'm always tired and get tired out really easily, which is annoying because I'm always sleeping when I want to be with friends, another is nausea. I will feel sick occasionally and have headaches, and the last is being SUPER emotional. I will cry for no reason, and I believe it has made me a little depressed. I'm hoping this will all blow over, if not, I'm getting a new pill."