Ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel and Spotting: What Users Say (Page 2)

• pel...
• September 2, 2014

For Birth Control "I have been on this birth control for 5 months now, and I love it. However, for the first two months, I had irregular spotting and cramping. This eventually went away, I'm assuming it was just my body adjusting to the change. I would recommend this birth control to anyone."

• Anonymous
• September 20, 2009

For Birth Control "I have been on Lybrel since it came out in 2007. I LOVE this pill! I used to get horrible cramps that got worse as I aged. My cramps were so bad that I would have to miss work. Since I've been on Lybrel, I've had very little spotting and no monthly cramps, except for the 1 month I'm off the pills every year. I don't know what I would do without it!"

• Ste...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 12, 2020

For Endometriosis "Started taking this pill, Levlen, continuously (no sugar pills) 3 months ago. I gained 15 pounds, I have no sex drive, leg cramping, higher blood pressure, anxiety, cramps, back pain, and spotting. This pill sucks! Just stopped taking it and hope to feel like myself again soon."

• Jun...
• February 2, 2018

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "The worst decision of my life was to start this birth control. After just five weeks of being on it, I started spotting, then it moved into a full-blown heavy period. With the worst cramps I’ve ever experienced in my life! I would be changing my pad every hour along with taking pain medicine to try and help with cramping, but even that didn’t help. I was in so much pain I was calling in to not go to work, which I have worked for over 35 years and never call in sick. Starting this birth control has messed with my life physically and emotionally the past month and a half that I’ve been on this, so I stopped taking the pill and my symptoms have been getting worse. I talked to my doctor and she said to just stay on the pill. I refuse to continue to take it. I’m just praying that the symptoms will go away as soon as the hormones withdraw from my body. I took this birth control to help not get my period, and it’s only been the opposite and a nightmare of symptoms since taking it."

• Amy...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 29, 2020

For Birth Control "Worst pill I have ever taken. Nonstop spotting and then very heavy periods with clots and cramps. Now I am anemic and will never take again. I liked Lo Loestrin Fe, but my insurance won't cover it. I know breakthrough bleeding can be normal the first few months, but this is like Niagara Falls. Please be careful if you start this pill."

• San...
• July 11, 2019

For Birth Control "On Amethyst birth control, I spotted kinda a lot for the first 3 months. I have been on it for about 6 months now. I still have some spotting, but very minimal, hardly noticeable and only for a few days. Sometimes before, it would be over a week, but not more than 2. I haven't had any other physical symptoms, though, and no noticeable mental health changes (wasn't perfect before, but if anything has slightly improved because previously my periods caused bad mood swings and self-loathing). Honestly, I've had some positive physical changes - my butt and boobs have gotten bigger, but I haven't really gained any weight in my stomach or elsewhere, and my metabolism seems about the same so far."

• jas...
• August 29, 2018

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Been on Seasonique for just over 2 years. While getting periods only four times a year is great, it's never been a true reality for me. Out of the three months that are within a pack, the first two are great, but every time I hit the third month, I start spotting. But not even just a regular little bit of brown discharge. It starts like that for a few days, and about a week or so into that 3rd month, I begin getting very large clots. It resembles a light period almost, as if my entire uterine lining comes out in these clots. This lasts for a few weeks, all the way up until my last week of pills... which is when I'm supposed to get my period, which I don’t because I lost all the blood in the 2-3 weeks prior to that. This medication has also made me gradually gain 20 pounds since I first began it. I cannot wait until I get off this pill. 2 more weeks and then I will not be getting a refill. I have had enough. Do not recommend this medication."

• azn...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 15, 2014

For Birth Control "I've been on Alesse for 6 months without problems. I gained a cup size and maintained my weight. No mood swings. No spotting. Take note of the brand at your pharmacy, though! Oftentimes they prescribe you a generic brand even if your doctor wrote Alesse. I had noticed this and spoke to my pharmacist, and got the name brand."

• Sar...
• April 27, 2014

For Birth Control "I've been on Lutera for close to two years. I have a very active sex life and it's always done its job and worked. But the last few months, I've been spotting the week before my period. Also, I've been having insane mood swings. I get upset over everything. I went to my doctor and switched birth controls."

• Daw...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 22, 2019

For Birth Control "I looked for some positive reviews before starting this birth control a doctor recommended and didn’t see many but still gave it a try. I suffer from endometriosis (have had laparoscopy, one successful, last one unsuccessful) and have tried MANY birth controls that did not help my symptoms. (Pills, Nexplanon, Depo) I spotted on Daysee from day 1 until I finished week 12, which made it hard to continue, but I’m glad I stuck with it, now only having a period every three months has helped me so much. I still have symptoms of endo: pain, nausea, bloating randomly even not on my cycle (normal with endo). But overall, I feel a lot better on this pill than not. Not many side effects I’ve noticed. It has completely cleared up my hormonal adult acne, which is a major plus. I feel normal again compared to how bad a condition I was in before with my endometriosis pain. If that is your reason for looking into trying this, I recommend it."

• sup...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 1, 2016

For Birth Control "I was on Seasonique for a year or two, and then a generic was made available, and I switched to Camrese. I've been on Camrese for at least 5-6 years, and it is truly awesome for me. But here's my advice to everyone: Spotting. I spotted occasionally on Camrese/Seasonique, and yes, it's normal. But what my doctor told me and I have shared with friends experiencing the same is to stop your pill for 4 days. Allow the spotting to happen just as if it was a period, and then resume your pill. Be smart: use backup birth control those days. I found not always taking it at the same time, within 2 hours, to be the cause of the spotting. I've taken roughly 5 different pills over the past 10 years, and Camrese worked best for me. But everyone is different!!"

• Roy...
• October 31, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I've been on the pill for a little over a month, and I'm stopping. I'm extremely anemic, and I asked my doc for this to help with my periods. They were getting increasingly heavy and painful and making my anemia worse. I started taking the generic of this pill, and in 1 month, gained 10 pounds. Then I started spotting and got a full-blown period month 1. This period is heavier than normal and has zapped me of all my energy. It has lasted 7 days of constant normal to heavy bleeding that doesn't seem like it's going to stop. The blood is still fresh bright red, so it doesn't look like it's stopping soon. Also, this week of bleeding has made me extremely emotional. I almost quit my job! I feel very angry, irritated, annoyed, and depressed."

• cbe...
• April 27, 2010

For Ovarian Cysts "I really like this birth control pill. It has made a huge difference in my skin over the past few months. I have been on several different types of birth control pills in the past 11 years, and these are definitely the best I have taken. I did experience some spotting/breakthrough bleeding during the first pack, but the benefits overshadowed that by far. I have had shorter periods, less pain, great skin, good moods, and increased sex drive."

• Sus...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 28, 2021

For Birth Control "I’m on my 4th month of taking this pill, and honestly, it’s working better for me than any pill has yet! I know it’s still pretty early on to tell, but I am currently at a happy state with it. I was getting super freaked out about trying it after reading all the comments on here. For the first two weeks, I had light spotting, minimal cramping, and mentally felt super positive. Since then, I have experienced some light mood swings and nausea, but nothing compared to what I was dealing with before. My skin has cleared up a lot as well, which has really improved my day-to-day emotions. The worst and only downside is that my boobs are so tender and sore 50% of the time, but it’s worth the trade-off. I’m planning to write another review in a couple more months, though, so I’ll keep you all posted!"

• Jp3...
• May 23, 2021

For Birth Control "I’m 44 years old, very active, no health issues, was put on Vienva to regulate my periods. It’s about 3 a.m. Central Time, and this is the second consecutive day of my frightening side effects. I believe it’s anxiety, but I’m not sure. To best describe it, it is a very worrisome feeling which comes on out of nowhere and interferes with my sleep because every time I close my eyes, I feel like I can’t breathe, and I wake up with a dry cough and am afraid to go back to sleep. This first happened a few days ago, which caused me to go to the ER because I was afraid I was having a heart attack or had a blood clot in my lungs (all the results came back negative), but now, a few days later, I’m experiencing the same thing. I’m tired but can’t fall asleep, I feel like I’m going to stop breathing altogether. I also have constant spotting and no sex drive. This is my 3rd pack, and I quit as of yesterday because I just want my life back. Please don’t try it, please stay away from it, it’s not worth it."

• New...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 21, 2017

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "This birth control is the worst! If you were OK with having consistent bleeding for over a month, then this is for you. If not, try something else because this is not worth it. I am now on week eight and still bleeding/spotting. I wish I would’ve read the reviews before starting this prescription. I hate it. If I could rate it a zero, I would."

• Mol...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 21, 2021

For Birth Control "I have been on birth control for many years now, however, I switched to Amethyst about nine months ago. My periods were so heavy and painful I needed them to stop completely. The first six months on this pill were great, no symptoms, no periods, no bleeding. However, I then started to have spotting and bleeding, and I have been bleeding every day for about three months. This is super inconvenient because I have been going through hygiene products like crazy and no sex. The bleeding does not come with any pain, fortunately, but this is frustrating."

• hel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 13, 2020

For Birth Control "I’m on my second month of taking this BC. My gyno put me on it to help shrink an ovarian cyst I have that’s close to rupturing. So far, I have noticed somewhat of a decrease in cramps. Thank goodness because those cramps were the worst pains I’ve ever felt, and I would consider myself a person who has a very high pain tolerance :/ But on the other hand, I have been bleeding/spotting for about 3 1/2 weeks now after I had my full 6-day period. I’ve experienced abnormal mood swings, increased anxiety, worsened depression, and insane random crying sprees over the smallest things or just nothing really at all. At this point, I think the pain is a better option than how crazy this pill has made me feel."

• mom...
• May 5, 2010

For Birth Control "I went on LoSeasonique hoping to stop my period, and in return, have had an endless one. The first week I started the pack, I started my regular period. Week 2 and 3 I had spotting that did not need a pantyliner, okay, I could handle 'spotting.' Weeks 4 and 5 I had to wear panty liners. Week 6 possibly my regular period, as I had to wear tampons, the flow was heavier. Week 7 still flowing pretty good and wearing tampons. Week 8 I am still very heavy. I have called Gyn, and I will be going to the doctor today. So much for my dreams of not having a period. Sex life has been totally on halt due to this as well."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 20, 2024

For Birth Control "I see a lot of not-so-great reviews, so I wanted to share my experience for anyone that is looking into this BC. Everyone’s experience is different, but I would definitely recommend this birth control. I was previously on the Xulane patch for almost 4 years. I was tired of the chemical burns it left on my skin, so I switched to the pill. Seasonal BC was recommended to me just based on how my periods were on the patch (consistency wouldn’t absorb into tampons — at all!). I will say, I switched from one birth control to another seamlessly, so I imagine that is why I didn’t have any of the issues some are talking about (spotting, cramping, etc.). On a Sunday, I took off the patch I had and immediately started the pill. I really do love it. I have been on it for about 7 months now. I love not getting my period, as it is safe to completely skip it (start new pack instead of the blue pill every three months — cleared by my OBGYN). Just give it a try!!"

• Abs...
• November 5, 2013

For Birth Control "I am on my first pack, one and a half weeks before my placebo week. I had dark brown spotting for three weeks, starting the second month. It has progressed into a period. I'm going to do one more pack to see if anything changes, but this is a horrible side effect. I chose Jolessa because I'm a newlywed, and I didn't want as many periods. In addition to the spotting, my sex drive doesn't exist. This is very challenging, as my breasts have grown significantly, and my husband likes breasts. On a positive note, I didn't get pregnant while I was able to have sex. That's wonderful. Now, I can't get pregnant because I'm not having sex. Thanks, Jolessa."

• Anonymous
• January 13, 2010

For Birth Control "I was on Lutera for 2 years until I switched 3 months ago to Aviane. I stopped taking Lutera because my pharmacy no longer carried it. I am going to find a pharmacy that does carry it. Every so often I would spot between periods on Lutera, but now that I've experienced the mood swings of Aviane, I don't mind a little spotting. I would recommend Lutera."

• Dra...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 24, 2012

For Birth Control "I have been on Jolessa for 7 years. I don't take the placebo pills and have not had a period in the 7 years except for once when the doctor's office and mail-order pharmacy my former insurance made me use got their wires crossed. If I don't take the pill at exactly the same time every day, my body lets me know that it needs its dose! No acne, and I have not had any weight gain. Slight spotting here and there, maybe once or twice a year. I don't plan on having any more children (I have a 10 1/2-year-old), but am only 28, so the doctors won't let me get a tubal ligation. I thought of the IUD, but quite frankly, I like never having a period. No ill effects after 7 years without it. Healthy as ever."

• bir...
• February 15, 2020

For Birth Control "Ashlyna was my first experience with birth control, and I was looking forward to having my period every 3 months. The first 2 months on the pill, everything was great! Some mood swings, but no spotting, maintained my weight, and no change in skin quality. But about 2/3 into the pack, I started spotting daily. Along with the several weeks of spotting, my sex drive decreased drastically. During the placebo week, my period was relatively normal and lasted 3-4 days. When I started my second pack, it was similar to the first, where I was completely fine for about 1.5 months, then the spotting started again. However, after 2 weeks of spotting, I began to bleed heavily to the point where I would fill pads/tampons within a few hours. I also passed blood clots every day. Obviously, this was concerning, and I made an appointment to see my doctor ASAP! That will be in the next week or two. I have never stopped taking the pill and have been on schedule every day for the past 6 months."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 4, 2013

For Birth Control "I am finishing my third pack of Sronyx, and I love it. I didn't really have any problems adjusting. The first month, I did experience breast pain, one week of irritability, and just a couple of days of spotting. I had a couple of zits pop up around my period when I was off of the active pills. By the end of the second month, my skin is fine! I can honestly say this is a really good starter birth control pill. The low dose of hormones makes the transition very easy. My advice: of course, you will most likely experience some sort of side effect because of the hormones. Don't let the fear of a couple of zits or a few hormonal days keep you from trying it. It's worth it."