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

• Anonymous
• February 6, 2020

For Birth Control "I don’t remember when Kaiser changed from Levora brand of birth control pills to Portia. But I know that since I started these pills, my life has sucked. Awful weight gain, I don’t eat bad at all and exercise 3-4 times a week. I have never had bad acne, now I get it on my forehead and chin all the time?? I feel depressed, not motivated to do anything, just want to sleep. I have really bad headaches, which is another thing I never really had prior to these pills. I am changing ASAP, and please, girl, for your sake, you should too!"

• 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."

• Sha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 13, 2014

For Birth Control "I've been on Alesse twice, this time for 2 months so far. I've had no problems at all. I have polycystic ovarian syndrome, and it's fixed my period so far. My complexion is getting better, I've had no unusual depression or anxiety, and I haven't gained additional weight."

• Mon...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 16, 2019

For Birth Control "I wish I would have read the reviews on this a lot sooner. I have been taking this contraceptive pill, Marlissa, for about a year now and am not happy with the side effects at all. Sure, the 3-day period and no pregnancies are great, but it’s not worth what it does to you physically and mentally. Everyone reacts differently to certain types of medication, but this was the absolute worst birth control I have ever been on. Throughout my entire time being on this drug, I have gained a tremendous amount of weight (30 lbs), have been severely depressed, very moody, anxious all the time, huge increase in appetite, fatigue and wanting to sleep all the time, and it feels like I am constantly bloated every single day. Please, stay away from this one."

• Ria...
• August 1, 2019

For Birth Control "I've been on this birth control for about a year now, and I really do like it. I was very scared at first because I saw so many bad reviews and got very anxious when I first started taking it. The truth is I never felt any horrible side effects, but I did gain a bit of weight since I did notice I was starting to eat more and more. I know everybody is different, and I guess I was very fortunate to not have any of the intense side effects many on this post were saying about."

• Win...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 17, 2018

For Birth Control "I started Vienva birth control about 6 months ago due to a job change causing my insurance to switch me from Lessina to Vienva. I always look through this website for birth control reviews, and I have to say I was absolutely terrified that I had switched to Vienva. I completely understand that we all have different experiences, but I would like to share that I had absolutely no side effects with this medication. No acne, no weight gain - in fact, I’ve lost 10 pounds from exercise and eating better and do not feel this birth control has interfered with my weight loss, no mood swings, no change in sex drive, and most of all, not pregnant. My periods average 4-5 days, but I usually skip the placebo pills, starting the new pack right away. Give it a try and keep in mind everyone reacts differently."

• 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."

• Nik...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 14, 2019

For Birth Control "Lutera is the first birth control I ever tried, and I love it. Honestly, the reason I never went on BC before was because I was so afraid of weight gain. I’ve even had friends who’ve suffered from weight gain (I’m talking 10+ lbs) from birth control, as well as friends who aren’t able to lose weight from birth control even with diet and exercise. So, even after picking up the Lutera, I was reluctant to take it. But I figured that I’d try it, and if I hated it, I’d just finish out the month and stop it. All I can say is this has been the best thing ever! I broke out the first few days and noticed bloating for about a month, but my body adjusted, and I feel great. I was also a little more emotional the first week or so, but I have no weight gain, no mood swings, and no acne, on top of taking a lot of wording off my shoulders. I know that everyone’s body is different, so this might not be the one for everyone, but I would definitely recommend it!"

• kan...
• May 22, 2020

For Birth Control "I was initially put on Chateal (which I loved), the next month, they gave me Levora. I went from 130 to 135 lbs on Levora in less than a week. It kept climbing despite me barely eating since I was working, going to school full-time, and taking care of my ill family member. Also, more depressed. The next month, it was Altavera, and everything got significantly worse than I could have imagined. I was explosively angry, depressed, having complete mental/emotional breakdowns, no sex drive at all, and in a constant state of existential crisis. By the end of it, I was 142 lbs despite my coffee and yogurt diet (not a diet of choice, but just convenience with limited time). By the time I was off the pill, I dropped to 125 lbs in less than a month with no change in my hectic lifestyle or diet. It was the worst month of my life. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who already suffers from depressive states and anxiety. I haven't been on BC since because I'm scared of going through that again."

• Anonymous
• September 29, 2020

For Birth Control "I came to the web to see if anyone else was experiencing what I was after taking this pill, and wow!! Ok, I'm not going crazy. Firstly, I've only been taking the pill for two weeks, and I've noticed constant bleeding, but after research, I have found that that is quite normal. So I'm OK with that. But I'm sitting here, 26 years old, with cystic acne, mood swings of a 13-year-old, constant drowsiness, weight gain, and headaches. This pill, according to my GP, was supposed to minimize pimples and stabilize my cycle. I won't be putting another pill into my body. The worst ever!"

• 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."

• exc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 6, 2019

For Birth Control "I started Levlen as a form of birth control, and I hate it. Never in my life have I ever had really bad acne, only a few occasional pimples, but Levlen caused me to have cystic acne, specifically around my mouth area but also on my forehead. This was notable after finishing the second packet, how much worse my skin was getting. I can also note how I gained visible weight after taking this. I would not recommend."

• Ric...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 31, 2019

For Birth Control "Do not take this birth control. A week into it, I got horrible anxiety and depression. I cried terribly for no reason, and I always felt like I was going to throw up when really it was a burp. I go to the gym almost every day and I eat super healthy, and I noticed weight gain. Nausea, headaches, sweating all the time. Do not, I repeat, do not take this birth control. It will ruin you. I’ve been the most social person my entire life, and this past week has been terrible, and all I want to do is sleep and ignore my friends. Sure, it helps with pregnancy, but it is 0% worth the intense side effects. Don’t even bother getting it, trust me."

• 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."

• Swi...
• March 2, 2015

For Birth Control "This pill was the first kind of birth control my doctor recommended me. I was very nervous at first because she said it would help with my size and because I have had chronic episodes of anemia. I also had the fears of every girl: gaining weight, acne, mood swings, and the contraceptive failing. I've been on Chateal for a year now, and none of those things have occurred! I'm very happy with this pill and will renew my prescription."

• San...
• July 1, 2020

For Birth Control "I have been through the nightmare that is birth control for the last 2 years. I have tried 6 different BCs and had horrible side effects from all of them, including bipolar depression, mood swings, weight gain, hair loss, loss of sex drive, and horrible cramping. I was put on VIENVA 3 months ago and was nervous because of negative reviews. All was going well, my sex drive was back up (I’m 26 and in a happy, loving, long-term relationship!), but I ended my period a week ago, and 3 days ago, I started having some slight spotting. On the 2nd day, I started bleeding HEAVILY, and here we are on the 3rd, and I am still bleeding! I have never in my life had breakthrough bleeding, but this is like I’m having a 2nd period! Horrible cramps, full-on 2nd period of the month! I will be switching. Again, everything else was amazing about this pill. It made me feel normal again, high sex drive, no side effects, until this third month when I’ve been excessively bleeding even after my period."

• boo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 5, 2013

For Birth Control "I waited 1 month to write this review. Hopefully, things will stay the same. First of all, I read quite a few reviews before I took this pill. Let me tell you, I was terrified. I paid more attention to the bad reviews because with my luck I would suffer from every bad side effect of this pill. My main concern was weight gain and mood swings. I broke out but took control of it by going on Proactiv. It's working, but I have to make sure to wash morning and night. No falling asleep will make up. My breasts were tender for the first couple of weeks, actually, it was quite painful. No weight gain. My appetite has actually decreased. I had bad PMS episodes, and that's when I gained weight. This pill seems to help with that. Overall, I am happy."

• HTR...
• August 21, 2018

For Birth Control "In the last 10 years, I have literally tried almost every single method of BC. No matter what, I always end up coming back to Aubra. This was recommended to me by my Nurse Practitioner when I informed her I wanted a really low dosage of hormones so I wouldn't get high mood swings, weight gain, bad periods, etc. And she was right. Even on top of not getting any bad normal side effects with most BCs, this cleared my skin up AMAZING. My skin seriously glows when I'm on this, it's smooth and literally like baby skin. I hardly ever break out, and when I do, it's around my end of cycle, and it's very mild. It did, however, make my boobs grow a cup - two cups bigger, which can be a good and bad thing depending on you. :p Hope this helps! :)"

• Gyp...
• May 27, 2013

For Birth Control "I've been on Aviane for 3 months now, and I must say I have absolutely no complaints, no weight gain, no mood swings, no dryness, and on the positive side, my moderate acne flares have greatly reduced, my face is less oily, and I have just about 2 new breakouts when on the placebo pills, unlike having a full-blown breakout during my periods. I am very happy with this pill."

• Sue...
• December 1, 2013

For Birth Control "I have been on this birth control since June. I haven't had any problems. My period comes like clockwork, no scares, no hair loss, no weight gain, no mood swings. I was on a different birth control where I had my period every three months, and I prefer this one, just because I can keep track of everything! I recommend it."

• Ris...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 16, 2019

For Birth Control "I was on Levora. I struggled with weight gain, anxiety, and depression regularly, but I didn’t think to connect it to my birth control. Then I was switched to Portia due to Kaiser discontinuing Levora, and the first month seemed okay. I thought my body just needed time to adjust. Then at the second month, I started getting migraines, then it was the serious weight gain, and my anxiety and depression went through the roof. I was extremely suicidal and dangerous not only to myself but anyone close to me as well. I was unable to function as a person anymore, and I decided to stop taking it. Within the first week, I felt like a new person, and my weight dropped dramatically as every week passed. It honestly scared me, and I will never use hormonal birth control again. Never again."

• Mar...
• October 29, 2009

For Birth Control "By far the best birth control I've ever had. I tried two before, and they didn't work for me. They made me gain weight and didn't even help with my period, which is one of the major reasons why I got on birth control. When I first started this, it gave me major mood swings, but after about two weeks, it stopped. That was the only bad part. While on it for only two months, I lost about 15 pounds, and it helped so much with my periods. They are light, short, and I have barely any cramping. It's also cheap."

• 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."

• ale...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 17, 2023

For Birth Control "I have been taking Aviane for a little more than a year, and I’ve had no anxiety or depression that I keep hearing about. Honestly, it did make me a bit more emotional, but nothing too severe. Periods are very light and come on time. No mood swings, and I gained no weight. Pro: my boobs grew a lot. I do recommend this pill, but I think it’s different for everyone."

• Anonymous
• April 7, 2020

For Birth Control "I started Jolessa in April 2019, and I’ve had an overall good experience with it. The last 3 weeks, I had to wear a liner (most times no spotting would actually make it on there. The first 2 weeks, I would notice the spotting when wiping while using the bathroom). When my cycle would actually come, it wasn’t super heavy; only needing to change my pad maybe twice a day (if that). Cramps during my cycle were very manageable with ibuprofen, and I had a lot of bloating during the second month. The only thing I didn’t like about Jolessa is I think it contributed to my weight gain, about 15 lbs, during this year. I’m considering stopping the pill to try to get my weight back under control, though. Other than that, I haven’t had any bad side effects, and my experience has been good with it!"