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

• Phi...
• June 10, 2016

For Birth Control "Last update... I gave these pills six months and that's all I could take. The last straw was when I started my period randomly while in Key West on vacation. I switched back to my Ortho Lo, but not before I went from 132 to now 153 in a matter of months. I'm frustrated, bloated, and desperate. I hired a personal trainer, have been running, drinking a ton of water, eating only around 1200-1400 calories a day, and I'm not even exaggerating, I GAIN a pound and a half a week. Stay away. Remember when Caty gave Regina the Swedish weight gain bars and said they were for losing weight, and then Regina ended up wearing sweatsuits every day, but Caty said to 'give them a chance?' IT'S THE SAME THING. These are mean pills."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 18, 2022

For Birth Control "Honestly, I was in tears once I was prescribed this and then looked at the reviews. I haven’t had any weight gain, I have clearer skin, and I don’t have any issues with mood. Perhaps maybe in the first month I was a little moody and sensitive, but after having my first period, everything was fine. I honestly feel normal and am writing this for anyone who was like me and freaking out when reading these. You’ll never know until you try, but I was previously taking Lutera with Nurx and switched to this as it was cheaper with The Pill Club."

• nan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 28, 2021

For Birth Control "I was on Lutera for 6 months before being switched to Aviane due to insurance covering it. I was told that it is the same exact pill and not to worry. Let me tell you, it is NOT the same pill. I had a great experience on Lutera, of course, starting was a little hard, but I had light periods, high sex drive, etc. On Aviane, I was extremely depressed and had NO sexual drive at all, couldn’t finish, and felt foggy and gained like 10 pounds. I also had a pregnancy scare and missed a period cycle on it. It’s so bad. I switched back to Lutera and have been off Aviane for about 2 weeks. I already feel so much better and am so much happier. Sex drive is back to normal, etc. Please stay away from this. I also found out insurance covers Lutera, so I did all of that for nothing."

• Anonymous
• March 21, 2015

For Birth Control "I used to get extremely heavy periods and very severe cramps, and I was looking for a birth control pill that would help with it. My OB/GYN prescribed me Orsythia, and I was a little worried about side effects from what I've read online from others. But, I had none! No weight gain, mood swings, acne, or nausea! Nothing at all! My problems with cramps and heavy periods went away within three months, and there was a definite improvement right when I started taking it. No more cramps or acne, and my periods are now super light! I can't speak for everyone, since hormone pills will affect everyone differently, but this pill was a perfect match for me! I'd highly recommend it for birth control and managing difficult periods."

• Lan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 17, 2013

For Birth Control "First time ever starting birth control, and the reviews on here scared me! So glad I decided to tough it out! I've been taking it for 4 months, and the only symptoms I have had are a little more emotional outburst two days before my period (not that big of a deal, I was always prone to PMS emotional outbursts anyways) and breakthrough bleeding the first month. No weight gain, no acne (actually, less acne). I realize all women are different, but just thought I'd share my mostly pleasant experience with this pill! Oh, and of course...it works! Not pregnant!"

• Nic...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 16, 2019

For Birth Control "DO NOT USE! Not only does this birth control NOT WORK, it has horrible side effects, not just on me, but on my roommates who were also prescribed it. We went together and got prescribed Aviane for birth control. Since being prescribed Aviane, I've been extremely irritable, hormonal, angry, depressed, and I am easier to lash out at people for no reason. I've gained a lot of weight and worst of all, I'm covered in cystic acne all over my face, neck, back, and thighs - sometimes on my bum too - I've never gotten acne before taking Aviane!!! And on top of that, I'm 1 month pregnant, even though I took the pill every day, on time, exactly how I was supposed to. My roommates have experienced all the same things. One of them got pregnant 2 months after they started taking it, another gained almost 50 pounds in only a few months, and don't even get me going about all of our acne problems. Ladies: do not use. Aviane birth control doesn't work, you could end up pregnant!!!!"

• Ban...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 4, 2020

For Birth Control "I’ve been taking this birth control, Alesse-28, for about 4 years now. At first, it was great. I did notice weight gain, every three months, I found my period would go from heavy to light, and then my boobs would become extremely sore on the third month. Extreme mood swings, depressed. Since May of this year, my periods have been almost nonexistent, sometimes I’ll have some spotting. I’m not pregnant. My stress has increased. I am a university student, but I had major life changes, so I’m not sure if the increased stress is what is causing the missed periods. Last month, my period did last for about three days. I’ve had to go onto an antidepressant recently as well. I’m currently trying to switch pills, as I cannot stand the missed periods and worrying every single month if I’m pregnant. As much as I like light periods, I would like to have at least something so I don’t have a heart attack."

• bro...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 8, 2020

For Birth Control "This pill, Aviane, works as a birth control, and it made my periods super short and super light, and cramps disappeared. That being said, there were a lot of cons associated with this: headaches, nausea, weight gain, acne, acne, acne (my skin was clear before this), and crazy anxiety, depression, and mood swings. I would not recommend. Going to switch back to Ortho Cyclen."

• Gra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 23, 2019

For Birth Control "I was switched to Portia after Levora was discontinued. TLDR: It was not a cute look. I experienced wild physical side effects that I had not experienced with Levora. 1) My skin broke out into more acne than it has in years, and my cheeks were constantly red. 2) I started Portia the same time I got back into my old cardio routine and clean diet that typically maintains my weight. THIS BIRTH CONTROL MADE ME GAIN 20 POUNDS in a month. And I'm 23, so it's not because my metabolism is slowing down. 3) I'm bloated ALL the time and hate how this medication gives me a perpetual food baby. 4) I'm constantly nauseous. 5) But I'm also constantly hungry. Now for the psychological symptoms: 6) I got depressed so easily and intensely, in a way that I had never been before and ended up being sent to the psychiatric ward for the first time."

• Ani...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 31, 2020

For Birth Control "I've been on Seasonale for almost a year. I didn't experience any negative side effects, such as weight gain, headaches, or decreased sex drive, however, I have had a fair amount of breakthrough bleeding. In one cycle, the breakthrough bleeding lasted for over two weeks until it was finally time to take the placebo pills. Every other 3-month cycle, I get breakthrough bleeding for about a week, and it's heavy enough to be a period. It's typically successful in preventing a period for a month and a half to two months, but at that point, it doesn't seem like it's strong enough to override my natural hormones."

• Pai...
• March 25, 2021

For Birth Control "Trigger warning: suicide ideation. I've had painful periods all my life and decided to go on the pill after meeting my partner for birth control reasons. The pain did reduce, but I gained a lot of weight, and it affected my mood and gave me depression. After experiencing ongoing suicide ideation, I quit my job at a pharmacy I worked at due to fear of stealing medication and overdosing on it. After stopping the pill, my mental health returned to better levels almost immediately (3 days)."

• Anonymous
• July 31, 2011

For Birth Control "This is my first experience with birth control, and so far it has been a very positive one. I have been on it for about 2 months. Before, I had breakouts all of the time, and only a few days after starting this, I noticed that my acne had almost disappeared. Also, I used to have some problems with facial hair. That also has disappeared. I have had no mood swings, weight gain, or decrease in sexual drive or wetness. My weight has actually been easier to maintain, and I have lost about 10 pounds. All in all, this has been a great pill for me."

• Jem...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 19, 2019

For Birth Control "I've been on Aviane for 13 years. I don't experience a single negative symptom, and the few times over the many years I've missed a month (due to vacationing and forgetting my birth control pack at home), my cramps are significant. On the pill, I don't experience cramps, weight gain, mood swings, or anything. Off the pill, I get cramps during my cycle. This BC works very well with my system."

• Aly...
• May 9, 2014

For Birth Control "I have only been on it for a little over a month. It's the first birth control I've been on, so I was new to side effects. I finally realized my mood swings are huge. I find myself very emotional and depressed, and minutes later I'm beyond happy. I do get headaches quite a bit, but it can be from something totally different. I feel like I've gained a little bit of weight, but I can't blame anything but myself. I don't think it's a horrible pill, it just affects me badly."

• Car...
• September 21, 2015

For Birth Control "After being off BC for 8 years, I finally had to get back on. I've been on this BC for 2 months, no problems so far. I used to get severe cramps, but since taking Lutera, it's been all better. No weight gain, no mood swings, or no loss of sleep either. My skin has cleared up a bit as well. I used to break out before my time off the month, and now I don't. So far, so good, everybody is different. What might not work for me won't work for others."

• Not...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 2, 2020

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I was really hesitant to take this birth control after reading the reviews on here. I have been on a variety of BC, including Aviane and a bunch of others, but none have stabilized my moods as much as Falmina. In the first month, I definitely had an increase in breast size and a little bit of weight gain. Acne hasn't been that extreme except for one zit on my chin (spironolactone helps with that), but that's minimal in comparison to PCOS symptoms in general. I've had a really good response to the medication, and I have had the most emotionally stable month I've had in a long time. Please try it for yourself before freaking out about the comments. I know how anxiety-provoking it can be to be switching hormones up."

• Anonymous
• September 24, 2011

For Birth Control "I had been on Lutera for several years and never had trouble with it. My pharmacy switched my medication to Orsythia. I have only been on it for 2 weeks, and I am unbelievably bloated, my clothes hardly fit, I have gained weight (probably due to the bloating), and my skin has broken out. My husband thought I was going through puberty again! I hate to see what the third week is going to bring. I had an appointment with my doctor and told her about my symptoms and told her about the pharmacy switching my medicine. She wrote another prescription for Lutera and told them not to substitute. I want my Lutera back!"

• Eri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 4, 2022

For Birth Control "I was super nervous about getting on birth control because of the horror stories and my previous experience from other pills. I spent a few months researching pills and asking friends what pill worked for them because I was going to start nursing school and did not want a surprise during that time. After nine years of not being on the pill and a lot of research, I took a chance with Lessina. I’ve been on it for five months, and I love it! The first two months, I was very emotional, but I’m sure it was from the pill trying to regulate. Month 3 period was the heaviest, but once again, I think it was from the pill regulating. I have gained weight, but since I’ve started nursing school, I haven’t been active and I eat crap every day, so I can’t blame the pill. I’m emotional at random times throughout the month, but that’s it. I don’t have severe mood swings, I’m not angry, I don’t get headaches, I’m not depressed…. I really think this pill is a great option."

• 097...
• February 6, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm currently taking Camrese. I had no complaints. My periods are shorter and bearable, and my face is clear. I thought I was perfectly content until I realized a few things. I have night sweats, my boobs hurt, I've gained like 20 pounds, and I think I am depressed."

• klh...
• July 16, 2014

For Birth Control "This is the first birth control pill I've been on, and I started taking it the same time as Lexapro (anti-anxiety). I conquered all of my anxiety problems and stopped taking it, however, I have gained 10 lbs since April, and my acne has been horrible. I've read a lot of reviews about Lutera and have noticed the same things. I don't have cramps or bleed near as bad, however, the day before I start my period and the day after the last sugar pill, I'm an absolute nightmare. Has anyone else had this problem? I'm looking for a different pill. I'm asking my doctor about it as soon as I get home."

• Kat...
• February 24, 2017

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I started taking these pills January 12, 2017, because I didn't want to deal with having a period anymore... the worst mistake, do not take! My hormones are jacked up. I'm very moody, my appetite is crazy, I have gained 10 pounds, and also I have been bleeding for 3 weeks straight. My doctor told me to continue to take it, but I will not take this medication - he even tried to change the dosage and give me some menopause meds. I said I'm not taking any of those meds, it had me so messed up bad. I'm bleeding so much from my uterus. They are recommending that I have NovaSure surgery done. I will keep you posted, but beware, this birth control is not good at all, these reviews are the truth."

• Hea...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 28, 2012

For Birth Control "I have been on Aviane for about 4 years now. I was first put on it to regulate my period because I would go without having a period for as long as 3-5 months. I went to my doctor and was told it sounded like I had polycystic ovarian syndrome. Aviane made my periods regular but very light. They are only three days long. I don't know if that would be considered a side effect, but it is what I'm used to. I gained a little bit of weight after starting Aviane, but not very much. I get emotional the week of my period, but nothing too extreme. Overall, I am happy with it and don't see a reason to change brands."

• Blo...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 20, 2016

For Birth Control "I would absolutely recommend Seasonique! I have been on this pill for close to 5 years, if not longer, and I have had no bad experiences other than a little weight gain (about 10 lbs), but that is to be expected. I take my pill at the same time every day and have never had any spotting at all. My periods are less than 5 days and sometimes last only 2-3 days, and I have little to no cramps!"

• mik...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 25, 2019

"I started the Levlen pill as a last resort because I was fed up with my skin. I was really hopeful that my skin would get somewhat better, however, it kept getting worse and worse in places I never got pimples, like my jawline, my cheeks, eyebrows, my chest, and back. Along with this, I put on a lot of weight and went up two cup sizes. The pill impacted my appetite, so I was just constantly hungry all day, which I never was before. I was getting really dry lips, but no changes in my skin, only for the worse. I’ll be switching pills to hopefully something that can help my skin. I’m off the pill now."

• The...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 22, 2024

For Birth Control "This birth control requires incredible patience for your body to get used to it. In the first year of taking it, I was bleeding every day and gained 25 lbs. After the first year though, light spotting every now and then. Normal period bleeding (light bleeding) now occurs every 3-4 months, which I'm super thankful for. I’ve been taking Amethyst for almost 5 years now and have no regrets!"