Ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 4)

• 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."

• Amy...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 28, 2017

For Birth Control "I had my IUD removed and was put on this immediately after. It has been 3 months. I have gained 15 lb, have acne on my face and chest, and horrible mood swings, as well as periods of sadness. I do not recommend this at all. My doctor said it was a great pill for women in their 40s...men should take these things first!"

• Sam...
• December 9, 2019

For Birth Control "I haven’t seen many recent reviews on this and wanted to share my thoughts. I’ve been on this pill to prevent pregnancy for 3 years now. After reading reviews, I’m very interested as some of my bad symptoms line up with others. So positives first, I did not get pregnant - unprotected (other than the pill) for 3 years. I also had MUCH lighter periods. 3 days total of bleeding, very light bleeding, and only cramps on one day. I was very regular and on time with these meds. In the last few years, I’ve been getting really bad headaches as well as acne (which I never ever had). I never linked the two things together for some reason, but realized it’s a strong possibility those things could be from the meds. I also gained probably 10 pounds on this medicine; I hold water like CRAZY. Overall, as long as you don’t mind the side effects, this one really did the job for me when it comes to staying un-pregnant. Hope this helps!!!"

• Ran...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 9, 2020

For Birth Control "I’ve been on this Aviane birth control for 8 months now, and it’s made my PMS symptoms and depression so bad. Like a week before my period, I feel like I’m going insane. I feel like every month it makes it worse and worse. Honestly, I don’t think I can take this pill anymore, it’s wrecking my mind. It always made me gain weight, and my boobs are sore 24/7."

• jul...
• August 9, 2013

For Birth Control "I'm 20 years old and have been taking Alesse for 2 years now. It has done wonders for my period, no cramps or bloating, the period is so much lighter and manageable. I haven't had any acne problems or weight gain. My moods have been affected, but I believe it's only around the time I get my period. As for the tenderness of my breasts, I only feel it if something accidentally hits them, other than that, the pain isn't noticeable or disturbing. Another plus is the pill is extremely small and easy to swallow, I hate taking pills. I definitely recommend this pill."

• Jac...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 26, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been taking Aubra for about 2 years now. I got prescribed this birth control in Planned Parenthood. The nurse never told me the side effects about this pill, and let me tell you, it gave me really bad side effects. I have anxiety, gained weight, really bad mood swings, I feel nauseous. Most of the time, I am crying. I never thought this pill would make me lose myself. I have really bad depression where it has gotten to the point where I don't want to get out of bed and not even go out. I haven't gotten my period for the past 2 months. I don't recommend using Aubra."

• Bex...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 31, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been on Seasonale for two years. It's the first birth control I've ever taken, and I love the results! My periods are shorter and less crampy. I'm also no longer a hag during PMS because PMS doesn't exist for me anymore. :) I do occasionally get breakthrough bleeding, but that's definitely my own fault for taking a pill a few hours late. My main complaint is that I cry way more now-watching cheesy commercials and when I'm mad-and that I've gained weight. Every time I restart my new pack, I'm starving all week and want to eat everything in sight. My boobs obviously got bigger too, but I'm not complaining there. Still a thumbs up from me!"

• kay...
• December 6, 2019

For Birth Control "I was originally prescribed Orsythia, on it for maybe 5 years, until it was recently switched to Larissia, another generic (pharmacy change). I have always been an emotional person, and I feel as if my hormones have always been somewhat of a problem, but it would typically be around the time of the month. Once the pharmacy switched the pills, I feel as if my mood swings increased. I am filled with anger. The things that once made me happy no longer feel happy to me. I also gained weight. I’ve always been self-conscious, and when I gained weight, it made me not feel myself. I’d rather lay in bed alone and sleep than do things I love to do because I don’t feel good or look good. I went to my doctor a few months ago asking for something for my moods. I told her how I feel, and I’m currently on an antidepressant and a mood stabilizer. I don’t recommend."

• Anonymous
• April 18, 2012

For Birth Control "I have been so happy on this medication. I actually take the generic version and am on my 3rd month. I had been on Ortho Tri-Cyclen for years. I am 32. Just some occasional light spotting so far. I have suffered from migraines for a long time, especially around my period, and on these pills they have decreased. My breasts have increased at least a cup size and are super firm (boyfriend approved!). No loss of sex drive at all. I have gained about 10 pounds, but I don't really mind the weight gain with having no period, no migraines, and a free increase in breast size."

• eg1...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 20, 2020

For Birth Control "I was on Balcoltra for 9 months. I am only 18 years old and was 17 when I started on this medication in hopes it would help with my acne. I have always had a fast metabolism and never gained a significant amount of weight in my life and have always been able to drop off weight fast. However, after taking this, I gained about 20 pounds after a few months and tried everything I could to lose it, but never did until I switched to a different birth control. Balcoltra makes you feel bloated 24/7, even when you first wake up in the morning. I also did not notice any change in my acne. I would NOT recommend this to anyone, UNLESS you want to gain weight."

• Gir...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 6, 2015

For Birth Control "I am 27, small-frame body constitution: 5 ft 4'' tall, normal weight 113, married. Previously, I have been taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo for about 2.5 years, and I have gained 12 extra pounds to my normal weight. As I said, with OTC Lo, I have experienced all kinds of side effects from weight gain and face swelling (fluid retention) to hair loss, 9-day periods, and mood swings. I didn't feel/behave feminine at all. Having switched to Lutera, I noticed the difference - it took about 4 days for these extras around my waist area to disappear. I gained half a cup size, I feel very lady-like compared to the OTC Lo (don't laugh, but this is how the previous pill affected me). My periods are down to 5 days and are relatively painless. It agrees with my body."

• AY0...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 30, 2015

For Birth Control "#1 It gave me acne. #2 I gained so much weight in such a short period of time. #3 It made me beyond emotional, I hated everyone/everything. I wouldn't smile, and I was on the verge of thinking I am bipolar at times. If your doctor ever prescribes this to you... run! Long story short, I had a terrible experience."

• Anonymous
• September 15, 2011

For Birth Control "This pill didn't work for me. I was on it for 3 months. I spotted for several weeks (probably 6 weeks), gained weight (went from size 0 to a 4-6), and felt depressed and suicidal. I switched back to a pill I had been on several years ago (Levora/Portia). It's been 2.5 weeks since I switched pills, and I already feel back to normal. I'm back to size 0, mental health is normal, and no more spotting. Jolessa didn't work with my body's chemistry, but that doesn't mean it doesn't work. The birth control pill is trial and error, in my opinion. Find what works for you."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 17, 2013

For Birth Control "I've been on a couple of birth control pills since I was 17. I'm 24 now, and I just started Portia. I've noticed bad bloating and weight gain. I work out a lot, and I've felt HUGE for over a week now. I've also had mood swings and BAD acne."

• Jay...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 9, 2018

For Birth Control "This one is a 10 for me. It dramatically cleared up my skin, and I had no spotting when I started this medication. Occasionally, I will start spotting about a week before placebo week, which seems to be my body saying that it's ready for a period. But apart from that, there is no spotting. No weight gain or depression or other side effects for me."

• nan...
• January 9, 2014

For Birth Control "I've been on Lutera about a year and 3 months, and I love it. Clear skin, no weight gain, but I lost some, no mood swings, no cramps, no tender breasts, no pregnancies. I had heavy 7-day periods, now I have light 5-day periods, which is awesome."

• Pea...
• April 4, 2014

For Birth Control "I'm about 3 pills away from finishing my first pack. My experience is okay so far. I say okay because I started the pack 3 days before my period. Worst mistake ever. My period was super heavy for 4 days and had really bad cramping. My advice for first timers is to wait until you end your period and start taking the pill right after. Because I didn't wait, now I have my period again (this time it's really light, still cramping). Hopefully, by this next pack, my period is on track. On a good note, my skin is clear from acne, and I went up a cup size. Breasts are still tender, but I'm hoping that goes away. I have gained some weight, but I'm working on losing it. Some PMS, nothing crazy. I can say I'm pleased with Lutera so far."

• Amy...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 23, 2012

For Birth Control "I just finished my first month on Alesse, and I am SO pleased! I used to avoid hormonal birth control because of recurrent yeast infections and weight gain, but with Alesse, I have no problems! I feel like myself again! It's hard for me to review the contraceptive effect on me since I was told to wait a whole month before having 'unprotected' sex. But so far, so good. No weight gain, no infections, no nausea, but sometimes my breasts hurt a little. They didn't get any bigger though. I sometimes feel crampy in the last few days of the month, but nothing severe. I take it with no stop in between because my PMS and period were too intense. I'm in love with Alesse!"

• JLT...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 26, 2020

For Birth Control "I have gained an unwanted 20 pounds in 1 year after being on this pill and am struggling to lose the weight. I did not experience this kind of weight gain with other birth control pills. Breakthrough bleeding was more common with this birth control pill too. I will be stopping!"

• Sta...
• May 7, 2013

For Birth Control "I was on the Depo shot for 11 years. I never had a period the entire time. It made me moody, psycho, and out-of-control crazy. It made me gain weight (from 95 lbs when I started the shot to 133 lbs when I stopped it). I am 5 ft 3 with a very small frame, 133 lbs is too much for my body. Talked to my Dr. and got Lutera instead. It is very low hormones. I can honestly say that the Depo made me crazy. This pill has changed that. In the first month, I noticed the improvement in my moods. My breast size increased from B to C, although tenderness occurs occasionally. Has helped grow my hair and has regulated my periods."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 22, 2016

For Birth Control "Started taking 3 years ago. It is important to understand more people will review for negative experiences. When I realized all the negative reviews on this birth control, I thought it was time to hear from a Lutera 'expert' (of course everyone's body is different). PROS: LIGHTER periods (went from 5-7 days of super tampons to 2-3 days of regular/light tampons!), CONSISTENT periods, LESS cramps, BIGGER boobs (lol I went up from an A to a B so I personally like this), NO pregnancy! CONS: HEADACHES (before/during/after period), MOOD SWINGS/DEPRESSION (idk if I'm crazy but I cry a lot and cause fights), BROWN periods, ACNE (never broke out before), WEIGHT GAIN (20 lbs in 3 yrs)."

• Kan...
• October 14, 2014

For Birth Control "This is the only birth control that has ever gotten my cycle regulated for a long period of time. Usually, I will switch medicines only to have it regulated for 3-4 months, then everything goes haywire again. With Lutera, I have no breakthrough bleeding or spotting, no headaches or body aches, and no weight gain. I love this birth control. Before I was on this, I was very anemic from an abnormal period (bleeding 2-3 weeks out of the month), but now I don't even have to take my iron supplement. Also, I am not pregnant, so it works there, too, which is good."

• Jux...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 10, 2016

For Birth Control "I would advise taking caution when reading other people's comments. Like any doctor will mention to you, all medications affect others differently, and they will have side effects. To give my short story: it was my first birth control, and I have been taking it for 1.5 years. Pros: less to little acne, no headaches, less cramps, prevented pregnancy every time, lighter periods (this was a plus!) Cons: more emotional during period, 5 lb weight gain (I am also in college, so that could be an aiding major factor), sometimes less sex drive EXCEPT around my period. Again, just because some people had issues with it doesn't mean you'll have the same. Try it out for yourself if you're considering this BC brand and talk with your doctor!"

• HTa...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 16, 2020

For Birth Control "This pill was the worst. I broke out in acne all over my body. My breasts were so swollen and tender, and the bloat never, ever, ever went away. Ever; don’t even ask about the weight gain. The only thing it did was avoid pregnancy. DO NOT TAKE THIS. Find another pill."

• Jen...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 12, 2019

For Birth Control "My pharmacy switched me from Orsythia to Larissia. I was on Orsythia for 2 years with no side effects. After switching, I noticed I gained weight, had constant fatigue, and mood swings. I didn’t think to blame the pill at first, but it all makes sense now. These side effects only happened after I switched to Larissia. I’m hoping to switch to another brand."