Ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel and Spotting: What Users Say

• Nan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 13, 2019

For Birth Control "This Lutera is the first birth control pill I've ever been on, so I can't compare my experience at all, but personally I love this pill. I gained no weight, maybe at the beginning I was a little bloated for a week or two, but it subsided naturally. The first month I had some very mild mood swings, such as getting overly upset about trivial things, however, I didn’t experience any serious depression or anxiety like how some others have expressed. I'm on my fourth pack now, and the spotting is finally going away gradually. At the beginning, it was really heavy, but now it's little to none. I experienced a little acne on my forehead and chin, but I started taking magnesium, and that went away almost entirely. This pill has not affected my sex drive at all either. (Also TMI possibly, but my partner and I have gotten a little reckless in the bedroom, and I can happily report my womb is still vacant, so it works very well in my opinion)"

• Anonymous
• June 10, 2010

For Birth Control "I have been on many different birth controls, Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Yaz, Yasmin, Mercette, and this is by far the best. Initially when you start it, the first few months you may experience breakthrough bleeding, but this stops by month three. I usually take it around the same time every day, which prevents spotting. It has cleared up my skin for the most part, besides that occasional pimple before my period. My mood swings are the best on this pill, and there is absolutely no weight gain or off-balance of hormones where you feel the side effects of taking hormones. I recommend this birth control to anyone, but just be patient with the adjustment it takes to get acclimated to your body."

• JJa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 9, 2019

For Birth Control "I was terrified reading the reviews online of Alesse, but the experience wasn’t nearly as bad as I was expecting. I didn’t have any of the horrible side effects, and I never got pregnant. I did, however, have breakthrough spotting that didn’t go away after the first few months. I kept hoping it would go away, but it didn’t, so after 9 months on this birth control, I decided to switch. Other than that, everything was great. My boobs grew, but not much. Don’t let the online reviews scare you, everyone’s bodies are different! Most of my friends took this birth control and had no issues as well."

• Kaa...
• April 19, 2018

For Birth Control "Keep the faith! My first 6 weeks was pure misery. Constantly bloated, crying, never-ending period. Had it for the whole first 6 weeks. I called my doctor after the first month, begging her to change my BC, but she asked for me to finish out the 3 months. I'm so happy I did, as soon as the 6th week, all side effects faded away. I am no longer emotionally all over the place, sex drive has returned. No bleeding or even spotting. Yay!!! I was scared reading the reviews, so I wanted to post that it did change for me. Hope this helps!"

• Aud...
• April 22, 2013

For Birth Control "I've been on Orsythia for one year and it's been a breeze. Zero side effects - literally zero. You will find a plethora of horrible reviews for this pill, which is actually what spurred me to write this positive one. Remember that people that are content with their pill don't always think to write a review, I didn't! I've had no acne, no weight gain, no mood swings, no pain, short and light periods, no spotting, and NO PREGNANCIES. Give it a try, everyone's bodies are different. Just because other people have had a bad experience with a medication doesn't mean it will happen to you!"

• Anonymous
• June 11, 2010

For Birth Control "I was so scared to try this birth control but my doctor recommended it to me. I wanted to try Yaz, 'miracle pill,' because I suffer from PMDD and I thought that it would work out for me. However, she advised me to try Seasonique because you only get your period 3-4 times a year. So this is my second month, and it is working out great - no weight gain and no acne. A little spotting, but that's not a problem. I thought nothing would help me. This pill has saved my life and my marriage. I would get so crazy when it was time for my period. Love this. It worked out for me, but everybody is different. You just have to try to find the right one for you. I would read a lot of reviews and get scared, but just try a birth control for 3 months then you will know."

• 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."

• and...
• July 29, 2011

For Birth Control "This pill is amazing. It is what I always wanted. I have been on it for only about a month, and I have already noticed rapid weight loss. My breasts have gotten bigger (B cup to C cup), my acne cleared up, and I actually seem much happier. I haven't had any spotting, tenderness, or mood swings, but I hear some people get those. I will most definitely stick with this pill, and I recommend it to anyone. It's truly AMAZING."

• 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."

• Sha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 19, 2020

For Birth Control "I have been on two previously prescribed birth control pills, and it’s insane how terribly this Vienva birth control pill has treated me. I honestly began to think everything was my fault when, after actually researching the drug, I saw that other women were having my problem. I have been spotting for six months straight, and I am currently on a two-week period. I cannot describe the frustration and depression I am feeling right now. Intense migraines to the point where I can’t even open my eyes, depression, back pain, crazy emotions, insomnia. Oh yeah, and couldn’t even have a sex life due to the constant spotting. If by miracle I stopped for a week, I would get heavy spotting - light period for weeks after. This pill has taken away my happiness and confidence. I am in the process of being prescribed yet another, and I hope all goes well."

• Cob...
• July 4, 2019

For Birth Control "Update from May review: I really love this Vienva pill. Out of all similar ones, this one is closest to Lutera. I did have some breakthrough spotting my 1st pack due to switching from a minipill. Once I had that 7-day withdrawal bleed, my body reset like the nurse said, and no more bleeding on active pills. I keep my pill pack in my wallet too, with this being a low dose. My periods start 2.5 days into the sugar pills and are 6 days total, with my 3rd day being semi-heavy to medium and the rest light flow. I do get overly tired and moody with headaches 3 days before I start my period. But no angry random mood swings all month like some pills. Skin stays mostly clear except for a couple of pimples before my period. Might have lost a few pounds too. My boyfriend and I both love that my sex drive is up and that this pill has given me pregnancy protection. This pill is worth a fair shot. If a pill doesn't agree with you after 2-3 months, call your ob and switch. I have been through this many times myself."

• NoP...
• August 2, 2019

For Birth Control "I was on Amethyst for 2 years, and I LOVED it. I spotted my first 2 months and then had no periods. My skin cleared up, and I LOST weight! My breasts grew two bra sizes, and I definitely did NOT lose my sex drive! I wish this worked for everyone as well as it worked for me!"

• Add...
• April 12, 2019

For Birth Control "Been on Levora contraceptive pill for 3 years! Beginning, it was rough—spotted for a while and was very emotional and a bit depressed. However, once that period passed and my body was used to the hormones, my skin cleared completely. I lost probably 10 lbs. Period went from 4 to 5 days long to 3 days exactly! Changed my life :)"

• She...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 22, 2019

For Birth Control "Just like every birth control (BC) pill, this one is not right for everyone. My experience has been mostly positive, and that's lucky for me. I have taken BC since I was 19 in various forms. I have not noticed changes in my physical shape over the years since it has been a part of my life for a long time. I switched from a monthly BC period to Amethyst because not having a period would fit my lifestyle. Oddly, I had no spotting until 5 months in. I have occasionally had almost a very light period at times the first year, mostly during times of high stress. Now in my second year, I very rarely have spotting. I'm very happy and will continue with Amethyst. The secret is to really stick to one time a day, especially with the lower hormone dose. Water is recommended, maybe even some food. The other secret is that this BC is just not right for every body, and finding the right fit takes trial and error. I am lucky that I found something good for me."

• Anonymous
• January 21, 2009

For Birth Control "I've been on this for a little over a year (it just came on the market in the summer of 2007), and I have had no problems with it whatsoever. No breakthrough bleeding, no spotting, no periods (unless I missed more than a pill, then I had some light spotting). I've had so many problems with other birth controls, ranging from Depo to the patch, to the ring, to 13 different types of pills, and I finally found one that worked for me!"

• Anonymous
• January 21, 2009

For Birth Control "I've been on this for a little over a year (it just came on the market in the summer of 2007), and I have had no problems with it whatsoever. No breakthrough bleeding, no spotting, no periods (unless I missed more than a pill, then I had some light spotting). I've had so many problems with other birth controls, ranging from Depo to the patch, to the ring, to 13 different types of pills, and I finally found one that worked for me!"

• 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."

• 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."

• Jes...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 10, 2021

For Birth Control "First time ever taking birth control, Vienva, 29-year-old. No breakouts, no weight gain, or mood swings. In the beginning, I did experience a minor headache, but as the months went on, no more headaches. No problems with nausea as well. The only thing I believe my body was still adjusting to the meds because of some brown spotting when skipping placebos, going straight to my next pack, which only happened twice in the first 2 months of using. Other than that, everything seems to be working well for me, yay. Ladies, listen to your body, otherwise, switch to other brands :)"

• 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."

• Anonymous
• August 20, 2011

For Birth Control "I just want to first say that to all those people who reviewed it and complained - I came to look at these reviews and freaked out for a month over nothing. I've never been on birth control. I'm on my second pack, and I've had great results. The first month I spotted after two weeks, but once I finished my period and started the second pack, I haven't had any spotting since. I haven't gained any weight, and my skin has been flawless. My mood swings may have increased slightly, but overall I've been very, very satisfied with this birth control, and I hope it continues."

• 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!"

• Anonymous
• August 27, 2009

For Birth Control "Amazing... I was on YAZ, and it caused spotting and weight gain. After a year, they switched me to Portia, and I lost all the weight and haven't spotted since; also, my PMS is completely nonexistent now, and the killer mood swings I experienced on YAZ are gone too. I can't stop raving about how great Portia is; it made me feel like myself again."

• bel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 23, 2020

For Birth Control "So I have really bad anxiety and depression, and I told my doctor this and told her I didn’t want a birth control that would make it worse, and she put me on this birth control. I looked up all the reviews, and everyone is saying it made them depressed, but I decided to try it anyway because I know medicine works differently on everyone. So I started the medicine, and it made my depression and anxiety so bad I started getting suicidal and self-harm thoughts, which I haven’t had in a while. I also have completely no sex drive, and when I orgasm, it was only small. I only took the medicine for 2 weeks, and then I stopped it. I’ve been bleeding and spotting, and I’m not on my period, and I’ve been off of it for over a week. I don’t recommend you take this if you have mental health problems."