Ortho Evra and Weight Gain: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• December 3, 2009

For Birth Control "I was on Ortho Evra for almost 6 years (since my early 20s). I've had very few issues with it... no weight gain, no moodiness, no stale sex drive. All I've experienced were slight skin irritation (where the patch was placed) and spotting. I switched to NuvaRing under the guidance of my physician (because of my concerns over the FDA warnings). It was as easy as the patch, but I quickly gained 5-7 pounds over 2 months of usage. Then my doctor put me on Microgestin 1/20 FE. It was the first and will be the last birth control pill I ever take! I have gained 15 pounds over 6 months, experienced excessive night sweats, and lost all interest in sex altogether. Now, I might return to the patch."

• liv...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 30, 2013

For Birth Control "No mood swings, no acne, no weight gain, controlled period, protects me from being pregnant, only changed once a week, same sex drive, and increased a cup size! I love it. The sticky part washes away and I rotate between shoulder blades, it doesn't fall off me, works great for me, and I recommend it to anyone who has had other forms of birth control issues, this just might work for you."

• hap...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 11, 2014

For Birth Control "I gained weight from the Depo shot. I was extremely sick on the pills. The Ortho Evra patch was a gateway to happiness. I had multicystic ovaries that made life uncomfortable for me, from random pains and swelling to uncomfortable sex. I tried many different contraceptives, and the patch is the only one that helped. My only complaints are the residue from the patch, breast tenderness (although I did go up a size and my sex drive went way up). My husband hides from me now, haha. Make sure you use as directed. Skipping a few days on the switcharoo will throw your period off."

• Dij...
• January 5, 2016

For Birth Control "Absolutely swear by and love the patch. I place mine on my lower left-hand side of my stomach and rotate between two spots to give my skin a week's breathing afterwards. Yes, it collects dust around the outside, but it's really not a big deal, and if it is, use talc, it stops this. I've been on it for nearly two years and only ever had three fall off. I have such a high sex drive, it doesn't give me mood swings or make me gain weight. I become slightly emotional on my last day of my gap week, but nothing over the top or noticeable! Would 100% recommend it. I've tried various pills, and they weren't for me. But hey, everyone's different."

• tra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 20, 2012

For Birth Control "I started Ortho Evra about 3 months ago. Let me just say, it has changed my life for the better. One, my period is more light and short. My sex drive has gone up. I have put on a little weight. But, to me, it's good weight. My breasts have increased from a C cup to a DD! I'm not complaining there! The only complaint that I have had is one patch did come off. I noticed right away and put on a new patch. Nothing to worry about. This was my first birth control method, so I can't compare it to other forms, but I honestly love it and will continue to use it."

• Pia...
• January 22, 2017

For Birth Control "I have been on the patch for 4 years. This is the best birth control method. Of course, like anything, your body has to get used to a foreign object that's attached to your body and lets estrogen through your skin. Your body will go through changes (nausea, sweats, headaches), but good luck finding a method that will leave you symptom-free. Once you get through that yucky part, you'll notice weight gain and also your breasts will get larger and tender. For most, I don't think this goes away. For myself, I do have a little bit of a tummy (I'm 105 lbs), and my boobs have gone up a whole cup size. I find the patch to be insanely convenient. After years of using it, I have zero problems with it. I can only say great things about this BC method!"

• Len...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 25, 2013

For Birth Control "First form of birth control was Zovia. Didn't like it because it made me nauseous all the time. So after a year of being off birth control, I decided to try the patch. I like it a lot. No major side effects at all. The only thing is that I did lose my sex drive, which made me pretty sad, but I'd rather deal with that than the side effects of other birth controls. I've only been on it for about three months, so maybe I still need to wait to adjust. I do feel like I'm gaining weight, though. Although I would not completely blame it on the patch because birth control gives you cravings that you can choose to act upon or not. Birth control doesn't make you gain weight. It's what you decide to put in your mouth that does."

• his...
• March 2, 2013

For Birth Control "I was on Ortho Cyclen 28-day cycle for almost two years. I lost my sex drive, I gained almost thirty pounds in five months, my moods were horrid, and constant migraines. I switched to the patch, which I had been on previously. I'm on my second patch, and already my sex drive is returning, I'm dropping some of that weight I gained, and my breasts are growing (they aren't even tender). My only serious complaint is the itching. My skin itches where I place it and leaves a few little bumps that itch and burn. I'll take that and deal with it. Also, placement took a while to figure out, but the best area to put it on is your shoulder blades. They don't wrinkle and scrunch up, or collect the linty stuff there."

• Cry...
• November 7, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been using the patch for over two years because I have no other choice. Only upside is I've never gotten pregnant on it. Right away, I noticed side effects of gaining weight and nausea. Over time, the symptoms became worse. Every day, Monday after changing the patch, I become very ill. I wake up hot and disoriented. Then my body forces me to violently vomit for 4-5 hours. While this happens, I experience chest pain, difficulty breathing, extreme exhaustion, so dizzy I can't walk. My heart feels like it almost skips beats, then tries to catch up to itself. It's like having food poisoning."

• Ada...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 7, 2018

For Birth Control "I've been on the Ortho Evra patch for 4 years now, and I've never had any problems. I was originally put on the patch to combat hormonal mood swings, severe cramps, and an irregular period. Since then, my period comes 3 days after I remove the patch and lasts till I put on my next (3-4 days). I've never had any spotting or bleeding throughout the month, and my weight has never been affected. My mood is also very stable, and I get virtually no cramps/aches on my period. I would highly recommend the patch to anyone."

• Bri...
• May 29, 2017

For Birth Control "I started using Depo-Provera as my birth control, and I was on it for 2 years plus. I had no side effects until I gained so much weight the last year, I was 120 lbs, and now I'm at 150 lbs. I will never go back to it. So I switched to the patch, and same, I have no bad side effects yet. I've been on it for over a year, my weight has gone down, I'm down to 140 lbs, which is hard to lose weight for us girls. My breast size increased, my thighs and butt increased, good plus :) I've never had a problem with acne with either birth control. My mood swings are bad here and there. I love how my period is regular now, and I know when it's coming."

• Ell...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 7, 2020

For Birth Control "The Ortho Evra patch has served its purpose for me for over a year now, but I'm having to stop due to unmanageable weight gain. My appetite has increased hugely, I'm more prone to emotional eating, and I can't lose it as easily as I used to. I keep active every day, so I was expecting to be losing weight, but my doctor told me I've put on 10 kg in the last 5 months. I've never piled it on like this, so unfortunately, this might be the last straw now. Before this, I had breast tenderness and nausea for the first two days of wearing the patch, but nothing unmanageable. I had one incident where I bled continuously for over a month, only stopping when I came off it entirely for a couple of weeks. I think this was due to me not breaking from it frequently enough."

• Pac...
• October 20, 2013

For Birth Control "Was 17 years old when switched from pill to patch. It gave me an amazing sex drive. I thought it was the love I have for my boyfriend that made it really amazing. Breast size slightly increased in as little as 2-3 months. Quickly gained 10 lbs in 3 months. The size of my butt became more plump with a little bit of glute workouts. The opposite of the reviews I read by others is I started breaking out and haven't experienced breaking out this badly. I'm trying to see how I am without the patch due to fatigue and mood swings. In as little as 4 days, my period became very heavy once I took it off. I had a bad migraine, which lasted for 3 days. And this is about my 2nd week off it, and my breast, hips, and butt shrunk."

• Dai...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 8, 2018

For Birth Control "I've been on the Evra patches for almost 15 years. The first few times I used them was a bit trial and error with regards to staying in place and sticking to my clothes. Never had any problems with weight gain. I love how I know exactly what day I will start my period, which is around 3 days after I've removed my patch and lasts for about 3 to 4 days, is a light period with no cramps or pains whatsoever. They are a natural part of life. Absolutely the best thing ever invented. Will be coming off them shortly due to getting sterilized. But they've honestly been a godsend!"

• Anonymous
• June 21, 2011

For Birth Control "I've had really bad experiences with birth control in the past - the pill made me throw up on a daily basis, and the shot was just a nightmare. After the crazy mood swings, lethargy, two-month period, social anxiety, and weight gain I experienced with the shot, I was nervous about trying birth control again. But so far, I've had a good experience with the patch. The first month, I didn't have much of an appetite and often felt nauseous, but now that my body has adjusted, I only have a few minimal side effects. I crave junk food more, but that's easily managed with a bit of willpower or chocolate. My breasts have grown a bit, but after the shot shrunk them, that's not a bad thing. Thank goodness I found something that works."

• Try...
• May 8, 2018

For Birth Control "I've tried many forms of birth control, and this works the best for me. Pros: I can remember replacing it every week much better than taking a pill at the exact same time every day. My breasts have grown a full cup size, but they're incredibly sore and dense. I sleep on my side, so this isn't a huge problem. I don't have problems with skin irritation or the patch leaving sticky residue. I rub Bio-Oil on the area after removal. I stick them on my upper thigh and do not have problems with it peeling off, even after bathing, swimming, or going to an outdoor sauna/spa. I have never gotten pregnant! No nausea or weight gain (experienced both of these on oral contraceptives). Cons: It leaves a ridiculous (lack of) tan if left on somewhere visible during the summertime! My periods have become unmanageably painful. I keep my patch on for 9 weeks+ at a time, then take a 4-day break."

• Ber...
• January 26, 2017

For Birth Control "I'm on week three of the patch, and I can't wait for it to be over. This is the second time this year I've used the patch, and I remember the same side effects as before: headache during most of the first week, coupled with constant nausea. The only thing that seems to make the nausea subside is eating! Needless to say, I've noticed some weight gain! I suppose you've got to try these things... In theory, it's a great idea, unfortunately, it doesn't work for me."

• Abc...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 11, 2016

For Birth Control "I went on the patch after my third child. Within a week after using it, I gained 10 pounds. I have been on it for 2 years now and have gained around 30 pounds. My libido is down to nothing. The only good thing I can say about the patch is it has regulated my periods, and they only last 3-4 days at a time."

• Bec...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 27, 2013

For Birth Control "I was on the Ortho Evra patch for about a year and a half and was very pleased. It only needs to be changed once a week, so it's much more convenient than daily pills. It also really helped clear up the mild to moderate acne that I had previously struggled with. I didn't notice any weight gain while I was on the patch, and my bust went up a cup size. The only possible downside is that when I stopped the patch, I dropped 5 lbs in a week, so I guess I had put that weight on slowly. Overall, I would say this is a great option for those who are looking for the convenience of a once-a-week change and are comfortable with side effects of maybe some slight weight gain and bigger breasts."

• Sna...
• August 1, 2013

For Birth Control "I have been on the patch for almost 2 months, and I'm loving it! First of all, no baby, which is great! The first month was horrible, I had the worst mood swings, and I cried so much. I was so mean and kept on snapping at everyone. However, I got over it. I prefer to place the patch on either cheek of my buttocks because it hides it and also doesn't wrinkle and peel. However, it does itch at the site and when I remove it. My breasts have grown an entire cup size, which is not so great because I was a 36DD before the patch. I have noticed a slight weight gain, but I think that is from me consuming too much food when I have cravings. The patch works wonders, and my sex drive is great! Always in the mood."

• gre...
• November 8, 2013

For Birth Control "I've been on the patch for almost 4 years. I never had a problem with it, other than the fact that I've gained about 30 lbs in the past 3 years. I was on the patch for a while and then went off of it. In the summer of 2010, I went back on, and since then I have not been able to lose any weight. I don't know if it is from the patch, but I have recently gone off (I can't afford it, and my prescription is done), and I want to see if it will help me lose weight. I am very moody and have breast tenderness during my period, but I knew exactly the day I would get my period and when I would be done. It was always light, and cramping was minimal. I think it's a great form of birth control (pretty pricey) but great. Just be aware of weight gain!!"

• Ann...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 5, 2017

For Birth Control "...and I was thinking I'm imagining stuff. I just started my 7th month on the patch. The last 5 days, I worked myself sick thinking about whether I had a brain tumor and dying on my little girls, couldn't snap out of the mood. From the beginning of taking these, I had those headaches (progressively worsening...) and it worried me a lot. I was feeling sick but not being able to puke, horrible loss of balance and vertigo (full whack with eyeball movement), weight gain (but I blamed that on the fact that I stopped running due to muscle pain and balance problems). The patches left red marks and rash, itchy skin (all over), and a little cough with no reason... Lately, the anxiety problems are my biggest scare. I booked the GP. The EVRA is going bye-bye... One pro - no pregnancy."

• Bye...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 22, 2015

For Birth Control "I started taking the patch last year to regulate my periods and my hormones. Then I found out I was pregnant while I was taking it, so I stopped. I ended up having a miscarriage. After surgery and roughly 6 weeks later, I was back on the patch, which was in May. In the space of time, I gained a lot of weight - I eat a lot. I pretty much want to eat all day. I have extremely heavy periods and it's really long now, sometimes more than a week. I'm moody all the time. My back and stomach hurt, I get horrible cramps, and the list goes on. I've finally said goodbye to the patch this month, and I'm officially starting my diet because I can't fit in any of my cute clothes and the ones that I do fit in, I look fat. I won't be using Evra again."

• Sun...
• June 6, 2016

For Birth Control "I have been on the patch for a month now. I absolutely love it! I have tried the pill and was having the worst headaches of my life, and I was already on the lowest dosage. I gave up on the pill after 3 months. I have finished my first month and have experienced no weight gain, mood swings, depression, or headaches. The only side effects I have experienced are that my breasts have grown slightly and become slightly tender before I get my period, and I have a little bit more cramping when on my period. Besides these side effects, I honestly feel like I'm on no birth control. The only negative I would say is that the patch can begin to peel, which is easily fixable with cushion tape. I have PCOS and the patch has been the best option for me!"

• car...
• June 22, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been using Evra patches for just over 6 months, and my periods are perfectly regular and much lighter than they are naturally. I haven't experienced cramps, nausea, or headaches and didn't before I used birth control. However, I've gained roughly 1.5 stone during use, but I'm not sure if it's a coincidence or caused by the patch. As a result, my breasts are also about a cup size larger. I always shave a square to help it adhere, I've never had one fall off, but they do tend to slide a little, and the glue left behind will collect fluff. This means it's not as discreet as it should be, but this doesn't bother myself or my partner, and I can easily hide it on my butt cheeks under a bikini. Worth mentioning, this is my first birth control."