Ortho Evra and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Kfi...
• November 4, 2013

For Birth Control "Although I love that I only need to change my patch once a week instead of taking a pill every day, I HATE the patch. I've been on it for 3 months and took my last patch off for good today. I've gained more than 25 pounds! I'm constantly hungry no matter what or how often I eat (I normally have great self-control). Also, I have had ongoing cramping through my entire cycle. My periods are not any shorter, lighter, or less painful. My acne has gotten worse. I have sudden and fierce mood swings and am more emotional than I was when I was pregnant. The only good thing I can say about it is I haven't gotten pregnant, and even then, I haven't had sex since starting it, so that doesn't even count in my book. Hate it."

• xne...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 13, 2015

For Birth Control "This was the first method of birth control I ever used. It was the best choice I ever made. When I first started using it, I had my period for two weeks, but that was really the only downfall. My periods were on point, no cramps, no acne, no bloating, no lowered libido, no mood swings. Everything was perfect. I did gain weight, 8 lbs to be exact, but I do not think it was related. Anyways, this is the only birth control that has worked for me, and I plan to go back on it. (I had to go off it because of insurance issues)."

• Car...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 31, 2012

For Birth Control "I've been on the patch for 4 years. It was the first contraceptive I went on. I love it, my periods came almost the same time each month. I did not notice any changes, maybe just a pimple or two on my third patch. I'm very young, so I blame my 10 pounds of weight gain on my body changing over the years. I did have to switch birth controls because my parents did not approve. So I tried Depo-Provera so I could still be protected without my parents knowing. I rapidly gained almost 25 pounds and spotted the whole time! As soon as I could, I switched back to the patch, now I'm back to my normal weight and no more spotting. The patch never comes off, and it takes less than a minute to change. I highly recommend it."

• hap...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 26, 2015

For Birth Control "I LOVE the patch!! I was on the pill for a long time (about 3-4 years) and tried 4 different ones. They mainly made me sick to my stomach or have crazy mood swings/aggression. In college, I found it harder to take the pill on time and wanted to try different, more permanent birth controls. I tried NuvaRing with no success (unfortunately, it would move around too much and be quite uncomfortable), and the shot for 6 months (which made me horribly depressed and was the first birth control to cause weight gain for me). Then, I came across the patch!! It is amazing. I lost some weight, my breasts grew a bit (a side effect I didn't want), and no mood swings! No nausea and no appetite fluctuations. If anything, I'd say it curbed my appetite."

• Fay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 14, 2018

For Birth Control "I've been on the patch for 3 weeks now, as soon as I started using it, I felt a difference. I researched the patch before I went to get on it, but I didn't know I'd have so many side effects and for so long. For 3 weeks straight, I've been feeling like I'm on my period, sort of horrible constant body cramping, very irritable. Nausea and dizziness, also very sore breasts. I've been sleeping so much after taking this and still feel tired, I've been sleeping about 12 hours almost every day. I've also noticed a bit of weight gain too. And I've been having mood swings, feeling depressed and unmotivated, I've been staying in bed mostly. I've only tried the pill and the patch. I'm forgetful about taking a pill every day, that's why I changed to the patch. I don't want to try anything else, but I've been thinking about the depo shot. Maybe I should just wait and see if all the side effects will go away, it doesn't really seem worth it to me."

• 16a...
• January 27, 2014

For Birth Control "I am 16, and this was my first method of birth control. I wasn't good at taking pills, so I chose this. In the first couple of weeks, my breasts felt tender. I only felt nauseous one time. I've had some headaches, but nothing too bad. I also got more acne, but now that I'm at the end of 3 months, it seems like it's gone away. I also fear that it will make me gain weight because I have gained 2-4 pounds since then. But I think my breasts got bigger."

• Anonymous
• November 21, 2009

For Birth Control "I have been using the Evra patch for a year and a half, and it's great. For the first 6 months or so, I would experience nausea on the first day of a new box of patches and gained about ten pounds, but those are my only complaints. It is easy to use and sticks really well. I did have a patch come off ONCE, but that was because my skin was not entirely dry when I applied the patch, and I also did not press on the patch as long as I probably should have. As a lot of other reviews mention, the patch does form a small dark layer of lint around the edges, which some people find disgusting, but it really isn't that big of a deal. I apply it on the sides of my hips, so it is concealed in a bikini or tank tops. It has never come off in this position."

• She...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 19, 2016

For Birth Control "I used this medication 12 years ago (I am 37 now, so I was 25). In 3 weeks, I gained 15 lbs. My calves became very swollen and crampy, and my memory began to go. I was a server at a popular restaurant. I had regular customers, and all of a sudden, I couldn't remember their orders (they ordered the same thing every week for a year). I'm certain it is from Ortho Evra. It took years to get those 15 lbs off. It completely messed up my metabolism, and my memory has never recovered. I have a 16-year-old daughter who will never use the patch because of my experience."

• bth...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 30, 2016

For Birth Control "So I've been taking this form of birth control for about 2 months, but I think I am going to quit after I finish this round of patches. The patch is so easy as I don't have to remember to take it every day, but it has a lot of downsides. They include the glue trapping fuzziness, the visibility of it, gaining weight (I gained 10 lbs), decreased sex drive, vaginal dryness, increased hunger, really sore and swollen breasts, increased acne and oily skin, and periods lasting longer. My insurance covered them, but I prefer to maintain a slim weight, so that is the main reason I am quitting."

• suz...
• October 13, 2016

For Birth Control "My first month using the patch, I experienced cramping and had my period for about 2 weeks straight. Now it has been 10 months, and all is normal, my periods are much lighter than they used to be. I still have cramps the first 2 days, but Advil helps that. I love that it is only once a week I have to remember to replace the patch. The two things that I don't like about the patch are that it does tend to slide around like a band-aid, which can be annoying, and secondly, I feel it has made me gain some weight (bloating). I have not tried any other birth controls. I am still on the patch mainly because it has helped so much with my periods."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 20, 2013

For Birth Control "I was exposed to carbon monoxide chronically, and it has affected my thyroid. I was having a period every other week when I went into my doctor to see what was going on, and my LH hormone was way too high. I did my own research into the patch and found out about the increased amount of estrogen and figured I'd give it a try. I had already been on Lo-Seasonique and Seasonique, both were great at first, then I'd have breakthrough bleeding. The patch has completely stopped my breakthrough bleeding. I have gained a small amount of weight, but my breasts have grown, so I don't notice it much. The patch does leave a red mark when I take it off, but it's gone within a few hours, and I don't experience the itching that others have mentioned!"

• VVA...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 21, 2021

For Birth Control "I didn’t like Ortho Evra at all. I gave it a go for 3 months, and the first batch of patches it was fine: some spotting, nothing serious, SUPER SENSITIVE boobs, and super nauseous but manageable. Then I noticed I started gaining weight, and the second batch of patches I had my period. One week after, I started with super heavy bleeding nonstop, huge blood clots for 2 weeks straight. Then it was just light spotting for one day, and then back again to extreme bleeding. That’s when I decided to stop it. I don’t think it’s the right birth control method for me."

• arg...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 26, 2017

For Birth Control "Started the patch this month, am on the 4th day of the patch-free week and spent the last few days terrified that I might be pregnant. Today I got my 'period,' aka BC withdrawal bleeding, but have been nauseous all night. So, still not sure where I stand on the pregnancy thing. Have also noticed: sore breasts, weight gain of around 5 kg despite no increase in appetite and sometimes even eating less than usual (not fun since I'm already overweight to start with), strange dry itchy rash on my lower inner thighs, some vaginal dryness. Overall, I don't have much confidence in this. Even if I'm not pregnant, it's scary to see the edges peeling off or a regular shower loosening the adhesive. Switching back to condoms and will save for an IUD."

• Mag...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 1, 2018

For Birth Control "I was on the patch for two and a half years, and I gained at least 20 lbs... and my weight just keeps increasing. I’ve had really bad headaches before and after my period when I’m on the patch. The only good thing is that my acne is gone and I don’t have any cramps. But still, I’d rather have those things than to gain that much weight. I’m now switching back to the pill. I think it really depends on your body. Everyone is different when it comes to side effects for birth control."

• Dom...
• April 16, 2015

For Birth Control "Very easy to use, doesn't give me morning sickness like the pill did. I don't even notice it's on. Only downfall is that it falls off in the shower or pool, and I think it's causing me to gain weight. It also made me very moody for the first 3 months."

• Anonymous
• April 14, 2021

For Birth Control "I was on the pill about 4 months before I started the patch. I didn't like the pill at all, as I had awful side effects, gained weight, constantly tired, emotions all over the place. I just didn’t feel like myself at all. I started the patch about 2 months ago, and I love it. Couldn’t recommend it more. The first week I felt a bit nauseous, but that wore off. I experience slight excess hunger, but it’s not a huge issue. Other than that, I’ve experienced no side effects."

• Kat...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 27, 2015

For Birth Control "This was the first BC I ever used. It was mostly fine, didn't help my acne any and didn't give me boobs (I was all hips in those days) but also didn't give me any nausea or weight gain. However, the patches never stayed on. They would get sticky and lint from my clothes would make the edges look really grungy. They fell off a lot. I also developed an allergy to the adhesive, leaving red squares on my skin for months after. Now I'm allergic to any adhesive (tape, Band-Aids, etc.). I switched to the NuvaRing and like it much better."

• Anonymous
• November 16, 2010

For Birth Control "I was on the patch for almost 6 years and didn't experience any bad side effects. It was perfect for someone as forgetful as myself. The only cons were the patch may fall off and a rash may develop where the patch was applied. Two years ago, I switched to the NuvaRing upon my doctor's recommendation. It was the wrong move. I was on NuvaRing for 3-4 months and gained 10 lbs! From NuvaRing, I started taking a pill upon my doctor's recommendation (once again!). I took it for 10 months and experienced terrible side effects, including weight gain and night sweats. As soon as I stopped taking the pill altogether, the night sweats stopped. However, my skin started freaking out. I will be consulting with my doctor again about the patch."

• Maa...
• September 29, 2017

For Birth Control "I've been on the Ortho Evra for 2 weeks. I've noticed that my boobs are getting very sore, and I get headaches every now and then. I've gained weight, but I haven't bled since I've had the patch on. I will update as I notice anything else. Question, if anyone can answer: for some reason, it may be how I sleep, but my patch gets a crease in it. Does that make it any less effective? As I put mine on my thigh?"

• Anonymous
• March 18, 2012

For Birth Control "Before being on the patch, I took two different birth control pills and was on the NuvaRing. I had a lot of problems with those which I'm not facing with the patch (acne, extreme tiredness, moodiness, yeast infections, bacterial vaginitis, weight gain, etc.). I'll admit that I've had pretty bad cramps and extreme changes in my mood when my period comes. I feel a little out of whack, but it's worth it compared to the alternative side effects I've experienced! The first day of a new patch, I'm always extremely tired and a bit nauseous as well. It also does leave a sticky ring and cause irritation, but it doesn't bother me. You can see a few faded square marks on my back from previous weeks... a little weird. Overall, the best birth control I've experienced so far! Easy, reliable, etc."

• Liz...
• February 12, 2013

For Birth Control "I have been on the patch for about four months now. My biggest complaint would be the weight gain and the acne. Previously, I was on the pill and have tried the NuvaRing. The pill made me too nauseous, and I forgot to take it all too often. The NuvaRing just didn't suit me. I love that I don't have to worry about this birth control but once a week. I will say that each time I change the patch, I do have a day of nausea. I also have minor irritation of the skin wherever I place the patch. I itch pretty badly some days more than others. I find that putting it near my shoulder blades avoids any tugging on the clothing and the lint issue."

• LIZ...
• October 29, 2016

For Birth Control "So I have been on the patch for about a year now, I chose the patch over the pill due to convenience. Turns out it's kind of a pain. I had not had too many issues aside from weight gain and it coming off before my week was up due to excess water. Periods were normal for me, always generally heavy. Unfortunately, I had to stop for a month due to cost. (I know, dumb.) Now I am having an allergic reaction, before this occurred, I was wanting to switch anyways. I plan to switch to Paragard."

• Pat...
• February 2, 2021

For Birth Control "Good points: - Really easy to remember. Stick it on and change it once a week! - Sticks really well, does crease but it works well. - Periods were really regular and I was able to skip a period once too, was minimal period pain and no spotting. - Comes with cute stickers to put in the diary to remember to change. Bad points: - I gained about 5 lbs+ in the three months I've been taking it. All around my middle area. Big stomach, love handles, etc. - I'm SO hungry constantly. I can't stop eating (which would attribute to the weight gain). - I got dizzy spells when I stood up too fast. - Smelly discharge throughout the entire cycle. Very embarrassing during sex. - I didn't have suicidal thoughts like other contraceptives. But I did get really low about the way I look/my confidence dropped, which I have had using other contraceptives. - My skin cleared up but I'm on antibiotics too, so could have been that. Still get spots when due on period."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 7, 2021

For Birth Control "Was living in a constant state of severe PMS on the pill, and after 24 hours of starting the patch, those awful PMS symptoms had completely disappeared. I felt slightly nauseated when starting the first week, but really nothing like what PMS causes me! I feel so much more in control and relieved with these patches. Previous contraceptives always caused headaches, mood swings, and weight gain. Not this one."

• Sam...
• November 16, 2015

For Birth Control "Been on Evra Patch for about 8 months now, started with no periods at all the first 2 - 3 months. Now it seems to be getting heavier and lasting a lot longer. Also, I get freaky paranoid and bad anxiety just before my break and after. This doesn't help with my anxiety levels. Also, I've gained weight and can't seem to shift it, and I'm constantly obsessing over food. I want to eat all day!! Lol. Apart from those side effects, the patch works for me. I keep note in my diary on when to change the patch. It's really much easier than having to take a pill every day!"