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

• Hap...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 23, 2019

For Birth Control "Been on Seasonique for 8 years. Had tiny spotting only twice in these 8 years. Otherwise, my body has fully followed the pack as I think it's supposed to be. I still get migraines on my period, but 4 times a year is way less than 12 times a year. My period at first was a bit more normal, after all these years, I'm now a bit lighter than what I used to be."

• Lol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 19, 2019

For Birth Control "I was taking Lo Seasonique with no issues for 2-3 years until I was switched to Ashlyna for insurance and pharmacy reasons. It is the same hormones, but Ashlyna is stronger. The first 3-6 months were seemingly okay until I started bleeding/spotting randomly at any time in the pack (not on placebo pills), mood swings/depression became an everyday thing, and if I did not take the pill like clockwork and was off by even 4 hours, I would get breakthrough bleeding. Not to mention the weight gain, 20 lbs in 6 months. I would not recommend."

• 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."

• Efa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 14, 2019

For Birth Control "I've been on the Seasonique birth control for 2.5 months. It's been terrible. I started spotting within the first month, which wasn't a big deal. It went away. But then it became more frequent, and anytime I'd get stressed, I'd get a period for 5-6 days. If you miss a pill by an hour, you get your period. I have now been bleeding every day for the past 3 weeks. I had to buy reusable/washable panty liners because I've destroyed most of my underwear. This past week, I got super stressed, and I've been bleeding extremely heavily. Not just bleeding, but passing massive clots. I'm terrified. I just decided to stop taking this pill and stopped halfway through the 3rd pack. 4 periods a year? Misnomer. This is having your period every day."

• d59...
• August 20, 2011

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I went to pick up my Jolessa refill (I loved), and they gave me Quasense. Had spotting/bleeding all summer - 2 months, serious weight gain, terrible cramps, and no libido. With 30 days left in the pack - I could no longer bear the symptoms and stopped 3 days ago. It's nice to have my life back! Bleeding stopped, bloating diminished, and desired intimacy with my husband again. This was really a terrible experience. Lesson - stop sooner if not working, don't change your medicine."

• 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!"

• Sar...
• August 20, 2013

For Birth Control "I was so scared to go on birth control again after my horrendous experience with Loestrin Fe. I had mad rage, couldn't think clearly, an emotional mess, and worst of all, acne, something I never experienced before. I knew after a week I liked it. Mostly because my moods since I've been on it have been fabulous. My breasts got huge too! I did feel slight nausea and a loss of appetite, but I'm not complaining. Slight headache and light spotting. This doesn't bother me because I was mostly concerned with my moods shifting. I haven't noticed my skin look any better, but I've only been on it for 2 weeks."

• Anonymous
• October 24, 2010

For Endometriosis "I've been on LoSeasonique for 2 sets (6 months). I've seen no weight gain, no changes in my skin, and my hair is as thick as ever. I like it, I went off of LoEstrin because I had bad cramps that got worse when I went off it for a year and pelvic pain (caused by cysts). So, this birth control certainly assisted with alleviating these issues. It's helpful, though, to exercise regularly, I think. I've had spotting, but it's nothing compared to my normal heavy periods. I am questioning what other benefits this pill may hold over others."

• Mad...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 18, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve been on Alesse-28 for almost 3 years, and as far as using it as birth control, it has worked perfectly! I did gain some weight and become a little more emotional after starting this pill, which hasn’t been great, but I had no other significant side effects like nausea. I never really had acne, so my skin hasn’t changed much, maybe more pimples around the time of my period, but that’s about it. My periods used to be pretty heavy and last about 6 days long, now they last about 4-5 days, they’ve gotten pretty light, and I only cramp on the first day or so. I also use an app to track my period, and after being on the pill, my periods have been very regular! There have been a couple of times where I had out-of-the-ordinary spotting, which made me worry that perhaps I was pregnant, but my period had always come a few days afterwards. Overall, it works well for me!"

• CVa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 22, 2018

For Birth Control "So far, I have been feeling good on this pill. It’s the very first form of birth control I have ever taken. I haven’t had any spotting or bad side effects. The only thing that bothered me was that my breasts were really tender/sore for quite a few days, but that went away. I’ve only taken it for 3 months, and I’m about to start the yellow pills. I don’t know how my period will be, but if I can edit this review, I’ll keep y’all posted."

• Lin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 22, 2019

For Birth Control "At 35, I have tried many BC pills out there. I post reviews, good or bad, to let people know of possible benefits or side effects. Low dose levonorgestrel has been the best pill for me. Always the least side effects. Inactive ingredients played a part in how each brand affected me as far as spotting or not. I was switched back to this type of pill after 3 weeks of straight bleeding on a minipill that only got heavier. This pill slowed a lot of the bleeding, but I still have some light spotting. The nurse said once I have that 7-day withdrawal bleed, I shouldn't spot any longer on active pills next month. She most likely is right because any pill I have ever used that has less than 7 placebos or is designed to eventually stop my period, my body retaliates and I get breakthrough bleeding until I switch over to a brand with 7 placebos. Hope this helps any of you ladies having BC pill issues."

• Ano...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 22, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been on Amethia for 2 years now (I am 24 years old). The first 3 months were tough, as your body gets used to it; you will have spotting for about half of that time. After that, it seemed to be working as expected. Do not ever forget a pill in the first 6 months, or you will have another period. Once I hit the 9-month mark, if I missed a day or two, then I would be fine to continue taking them without issue. It is worth the rough patch in the beginning. Going 3 months without a period is amazing; I get to enjoy my entire summer without dealing with one. I never had a problem with mood swings, acne (what I did have went away after taking this), or weight gain."

• Bri...
• September 22, 2009

For Birth Control "I have been using Seasonique for a little over a year now. The first month and a half on Seasonique is great, but then the spotting starts. For the past 2 1/2 weeks on the last pack, I have been bleeding. It has given me acne and very painful cramps. I am switching to another birth control."

• Alm...
• October 20, 2009

For Birth Control "I used Seasonale for about a year and a half. It worked very well. No spotting, and it was nice to not have a period for three months at a time. Unfortunately, it has to be taken at the same time every day, which is a pain for someone as absent-minded as me. I handled this by setting the alarm on my cellphone to go off at the same time every day. It was kind of bulky in my purse since it has three months' worth of pills. My periods were about the same as before."

• Gre...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 1, 2021

For Birth Control "I’ve been on this for about 3 years now. I had my tubes removed, so I no longer take it to prevent pregnancy. I’ve had HORRIBLE PMDD all my life. I was a mess the week before my period, a mess during my period, and it took me a week after my period to feel normal again. Which only gave me about a week of feeling normal and 3 being a moody emotional disaster. Ever since I started this pill, I have absolutely no PMDD symptoms. I do spot if I don’t take the pill at the same time every day, but I haven’t had an actual period since the second month of being on it."

• Rac...
• January 19, 2017

For Birth Control "I went back on the pill in the fall of 2016. I didn't experience any nausea like I did with previous pills, which was great. Then, 3 months later, my pill was switched to Lutera, and my pharmacist told me it was the same thing I was taking, just different packaging. I then started getting UTIs (which I never had before), severe anxiety, and hair loss (clumps were coming out in the shower!), and spotted a week before my period. I had no idea what was happening, and the doctors I went to were of no help. Finally, after a few months, I went off Lutera to see if it was the culprit. All those symptoms went away after a couple of weeks."

• Yvo...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 27, 2015

For Birth Control "I've used this for 2 years and have had no problems whatsoever. I previously had an arm implant and experienced spotting and weight gain that wouldn't stop. After taking Quasense, I've lost weight, no spotting, light and short periods. I use Retin-A for acne, so my skin has been unaffected. I'm not sure about water retention because I believe that has a lot to do with diet, and I'm athletic, so I stay hydrated on a daily basis. I experienced no nausea, headaches, or psychological side effects. And most importantly, no pregnancy."

• Anonymous
• April 22, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been on Falmina for about 4 months now, and at first, I was severely hormonal. I went through a little depression period while on it and had anger outbursts, but after the second pack, they subsided. My periods before I was on it were very painful because of severe cramps. But Falmina has stopped the cramping and has made my periods very short. The thing I don't necessarily like is I have spotting around the 3rd row of the pill almost a week before I am supposed to get my period, which is annoying. My appetite has increased a bunch, but a good diet and exercise are a part of my daily life, so I have actually lost weight on the pill. My boyfriend and I have been sexually active and don't use condoms or use the withdrawal method, and I haven't gotten prego!"

• Me2...
• February 1, 2018

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I started taking this pill 8 years ago. It was awesome. Light periods that lasted only a few days! Recently, on the third month, spotting started. I figured the period was coming early because of stress. About 3 weeks later, I’m having the heaviest period I’ve had in YEARS! Painful cramps, clots, and just so much bleeding! I am miserable!"

• Anonymous
• January 19, 2011

For Birth Control "My doctor prescribed me Lutera since I am new to birth control. One major thing is that you really need to set a reminder (on phone, alarm clock, anything) because it is pretty easy to forget about it. I've been on the pill for about 9 months, and it's pretty good. Small things include: weight change (decreased - also my change in diet, I think), more acne than before I was on this pill, slim to no mood swings, slight spotting between periods, and definitely lighter periods. I wouldn't say shorter but definitely lighter. Overall, pretty good product for a first-time user. Just make sure you set an alarm, it also comes in a green sturdy pack, so I guess you can find it if you put clothes or books over it, and it's peeking out."

• Con...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 17, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have been on Seasonique since grade 10 of high school because my periods were very irregular. For the first year and a half, it worked perfectly with no side effects whatsoever. But now, every third month of the pack, I spot heavily the whole time. I have brought more liners and pads than I ever would have had to. I absolutely love having my period only 4 times a year, but now it's like I'm having a month-long period every 3 months. I am considering switching to something else because I don't know if I can keep living with it. If anyone has an explanation for why this is happening, please share it with me."

• L00...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 2, 2017

For Birth Control "I've been on the Camrese three-month birth control for a total of six months now. The first three-month pack did not go too well, which is why I gave it an eight for a rating. After the first month, I spotted heavily enough to ruin underwear, but not enough to use a pad/tampon, up until month three when it was time for my actual period. I would have specific periods of sadness as well, but no weight gain. But I decided to see if it got any better. It did! My second three-month pack, I did not have any spotting, and there is no weight gain with me or mood swings that I have noticed. I have fallen in love with this birth control."

• put...
• January 4, 2020

For Birth Control "My gyno put me on this because at 22, I have an on-the-go lifestyle, working for months at a time abroad. The first 2.5 months, this was incredible as I skipped two periods; however, at the 2.5-month marker, in the middle of my hormonal dosage, I accidentally skipped one day. Period came with a fury, even when continuing on schedule. At first, came minor bleeding that I thought was spotting and lasted about a week to 2 weeks. Then, in the middle of the second week, I thought honestly I might be hemorrhaging (turns out menorhagia) and had to wear both a pad and a tampon and change multiple times an hour. This, along with fatigue, existing anemia, and jetlag, pretty much took me out of myself for an entire month. Going on week 4 and I am still waiting for the flow to subside. I only lasted one packet, a 3-month cycle on this. I know everyone’s body is different, and some have had positive reactions, but I absolutely will not recommend any birth control that skips your period each month. Especially Ashlyna."

• Nin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 1, 2022

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I started this drug because I have painful cramps and pretty heavy periods, and also I have symptoms of PMDD. On the first month, my boobs got a bit swollen and tender, and I had less depression, which was cool. The 2nd month was cool, other than occasional spotting. Then on the 3rd month, I made the mistake of forgetting my daily pill, and my period started, and it’s been happening for about 7 days so far, and there’s no sign of it stopping. The cramps are bearable, though, my flow isn’t as heavy either, but I still have some depressive symptoms and mood swings, but it’s not as bad as before I took this drug. I don’t think it’s terrible, though, and I would take it again since it did reduce my cramps."

• Jay...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 9, 2018

For Birth Control "My insurance switched me from Amethia to this. It's been a nightmare. Ever since I started Ashlyna eight months ago, I have spotted EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. It's been like an endless period, cramps included. I'm switching back to Amethia, with which I never had much spotting. This birth control is AWFUL. Do not use it. You might as well use a regular monthly birth control and suffer a period once a month, because with this you'll have an endless period."