Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin and Acne: What Users Say

• Aon...
• April 19, 2011

For Birth Control "I absolutely adore Ortho Evra. Less pimples. I practically glow! My breasts got bigger by a full cup. I'm always happy my sex drive went up. This is the second time I've been on it, and I'm never going back! I used NuvaRing and Yaz and a couple of others that gave me yeast infections, acne, low sex drive, and angry mood swings. This is perfect for a forgetful artist like me. Once a week and it works well with my body chemically. I don't know why I stopped it the first time."

• 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."

• Kka...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 17, 2020

For Birth Control "I’ve been on many different forms of birth control (6) for the past seven years, and I have to say the patch is my favorite. It has cleared up my skin tremendously, and it has made my boobs more full. I read other reviews about it falling off, but that's never really happened to me unless I’m in the river with a current. I think it depends on where you put the patch. I put mine on my lower back, closer to my butt. The only issue I’ve had with the patch is TERRIBLE hot flashes. I get them really bad, and I start sweating. This got so bad that I quit the patch and didn’t take birth control again for 8 months. Quitting birth control made my skin super bad with hormonal acne. I recently just got back on it, and the hot flashes are back. I love this birth control so much, it has done wonders for me. But the hot flashes are so bad I’m not sure how much longer I’ll be able to deal with it."

• Elb...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 12, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been on the patch for about 5 years now and love it. I never had many problems with it. I didn't gain weight, but I typically will get a pimple or two the week before my period is supposed to start. I do get a slight skin irritation where I put it on. Only a little itchy and no big deal. I wear mine on my stomach and switch sides to help irritation. I don't think it hurts that bad to take off, it's like pulling off a bandaid. I have only had one fall off, and I was swimming every day for a week when it happened. I do notice I am more emotional (and slightly bitchy) while I'm on my period, but I put the new one on and I'm fine. Definitely would recommend!"

• dee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 30, 2012

For Birth Control "I've never used any contraceptive before, but when my doctor told me I just needed to change the patch once a week, I knew it was the patch for me. I LOVE the side effects! My breasts increased in size, my butt did too, my weight is stable, and my sex drive is amazing! Some breakouts here and there, but not that bad."

• Jaz...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 12, 2014

For Birth Control "I loved this birth control. I suffer from polycystic ovarian syndrome. On this birth control, I lost 60 pounds, and I probably would have continued losing the weight I gained from the syndrome if I didn't stop. Unfortunately, insurances don't like covering this, which is why I had to stop taking it, as I couldn't afford it. I hate the new pill I'm on and might switch up again. This patch didn't make me depressed (like the pill does), I lost acne quickly, and my hair lessened in growth. The only thing I hated is after you take off the patch, you have the square mark from it on you for a couple of weeks. I recommend 100%!"

• Anonymous
• April 24, 2014

For Birth Control "Best birth control I have ever been on. I was on Seasonique before the patch, and I had my period for a month straight. I have been on almost every birth control. This is by far the best birth control I have ever been on. It also helped with my acne. I only break out maybe two pimples before my period now. It also cleared up my acne I had before going on this birth control."

• Gre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 2, 2021

For Birth Control "So I've always sucked at taking the pill, I would always forget. I had Mirena and really didn't like it, had NuvaRing and same thing. And Nexplanon was the worst of them all. I won't go into details, but they all failed me in one way or another. Xulane has been the only birth control where I really have zero complaints. It is very easy to manage. When I was taking the pill, I ended up pregnant at 18 because I wasn't diligent about taking it at the same time or forgetting to take it. Xulane has made my cystic acne clear up almost completely. I've been on it for almost 6 months now, and I won't be changing it. I recommend this to anyone that's struggled with other forms of birth control. I wish I would have tried this sooner."

• oli...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 26, 2013

For Birth Control "My boyfriend and I were getting pretty serious, so I thought to ask my OB about birth control. I had read about the patch and thought, why not, so she prescribed it to me and I didn't even need to have an exam. This is my first time using birth control (I'm 16). So far, the patch is awesome. My acne cleared up, and my breasts have grown a bit. When I first started using it, I had some cramps, but that may just have been because of my period, although the cramps were worse where I had placed the patch. I felt nauseous for about a week, but it was intermittent and went away. After that, I felt completely fine. And I have discovered that the best place to put the patch is on your hip near your butt, that way, it doesn't wrinkle."

• HWD...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 6, 2013

For Birth Control "This is the best birth control I've ever been on! I was put on the pill when I was 14 because I bled for around 15 days a month. Not fun. The pill didn't really help, I always had a lot of breakthrough bleeding, acne, and migraines. After 9 years of trying different 'types' of birth control pills (monophasic, biphasic, triphasic, high dose, low dose, Yaz, you name it, I was on it!), Implanon, and Paragard, and no success, my doctor said that I could try the patch, but otherwise, she didn't know what to tell me. It worked! I have normal periods, no acne or headaches, and I'm so happy! My only complaint is sometimes the patch is kind of itchy, but it depends on where you put it. A great bet for people who've had problems with other kinds of birth control!"

• Evr...
• August 4, 2019

For Birth Control "I was on the patch in my teen years for six years, went off for about five, and have just stopped it again after another two years of use. There are many upsides to Evra. During my first experience with Evra, I went off of it because I was trying to deal with fatigue and depression. I will admit that it helped a lot! A few years later, I developed cystic acne on my chin and could not fix it naturally. I gathered my hormones were imbalanced and decided to go back on the patch. The first year was great, no side effects, and periods were healthy and quick. This year, I seem to have a lot of severe mood swings and anxiety episodes-often heart palpitations with chest pressure and shortness of breath. As there is no actual trigger for this and I'm happy in my life, it's come down to me once again wondering if the hormones are just too much again. I decided yesterday to quit the patch again and have high hopes of returning to my usual self!"

• 007...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 26, 2017

For Birth Control "Xulane was my first experience with birth control. I had been on the patch for a little over 3 months. I experienced many common (and rare) side effects. However, they either dissipated within a couple of weeks or became manageable. This last month, though, I began to heavily battle depression to the point where I was very anxious and having suicidal thoughts. I also used to have flawless, clear skin. Pimples began to cover my face even with a super diligent skincare routine. My depression did not seem to subside either. As soon as I got the okay from my doctor to take the patch off, my skin began to rapidly bounce back, along with my mental health. It's been a week since being off Xulane, and it's such a relief to be rid of it!"

• Sun...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 15, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve been on the patch off and on for 5 years! I tried Mirena IUD, and this was 1000x better and easier on my body. Normally, without any birth control, I suffered from extreme hormonal acne, massive depressive mood (PPMD), along with all the typical side effects of the monthly cycle. I report on Ortho Evra everything got easier for me! The occasional headache or breakout, slight cramping from time to time. Overall, this patch saved my life. The only downfall is finding a spot that it stays for a week at a time, managing activities around patch placement, lol. One small note is I went off in hopes to conceive and ended up with an ectopic pregnancy, that I was very lucky to notice on day 5 before. So patch has slowed down my egg release for sure. I was 29 at the time, I am 31 now and continue to stay on the patch with no problems."

• Kay...
• February 17, 2016

For Birth Control "Since I've started the patch, I've had an increase in libido like all the time. I wasn't like that before... I'm not complaining. Lol. But downside, my skin broke out bad the first week of wearing the patch. And I gained a bad cough that won't stop. Other than that, I love the patch. Since I've worn it, I haven't had weight gain, but my boobs have gone up a whole cup size, so no more pretty bras. Lol."

• Sun...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 24, 2020

For Birth Control "I’ve been on Evra now for 4/5 years and originally started using it for terrible acne I had. I had been on two Oratane courses, and nothing worked, so I decided to go onto the Evra patch. The past 4/5 years have been really great! My skin cleared up, periods were very regulated, and period pains were kept to a minimum. I am now at a crossroad where I don’t know how my hormones work without birth control and have decided to stop using Evra and see how my skin reacts. Hopefully, my periods will be healthy, even though they might not be as regulated and pain-free anymore."

• Cat...
• January 4, 2020

For Birth Control "I started the patch about a year and a half ago, but have recently decided to come off it. I definitely experienced some positives; my periods were less painful and easy to predict, and occasionally I did put a 4th patch on to delay the patch-free week (not regularly recommended), which did work. I don’t think there’s been a significant difference in my skin; it tends to fluctuate, and I can often get hormonal acne, especially around week 3. I had started to find, though, that the longer I was on the patch, the more problems I was getting. My mood had just dropped; I felt drained, in an almost depressive way, and overly emotional, which I am not usually. I’d also started getting frequent migraines. I’m not sure 100% on the accuracy, but my friend was told that it’s the highest hormone concentration and that because she was short, her body couldn’t handle the hormones. I’m 5’10 and have started to experience the same negative side effects."

• cup...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 4, 2016

For Birth Control "I have been on the patch for over 4 years. No babies, so it has done its job on that matter. Never had any issues with skin irritation where the patch is applied. When I first started the patch, I had the worst acne of my life on my face for a couple of weeks. Boobs definitely got bigger and more sensitive. I have noticed (and those close to me have noticed) that I have been experiencing bad mood swings lately and have been super emotional for almost the last 6 months. The patch is the only thing I can narrow it down to. Has anyone else had reactions after being on it for so long?"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 29, 2018

For Birth Control "Ok, so I have used the Xulane patch for 5 years. I have had some issues over the years, such as having the patch rolling up or getting stuck to my clothing. I usually fixed it or replaced it when this happens. I have also had a small rash from one batch that I believe was just a bad batch. I have had some acne, tender breasts, and mood swings. Overall, it worked great though, doing its job of keeping me from having more kids. That is until recently. I am so upset this month when I removed my patch and no period came. I waited, and nothing. It's come time to start the new patch, but before I refilled, I took a test. I am pregnant and used the damn thing exactly as recommended. I am so upset right now, I don't know what to do."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 23, 2017

For Birth Control "I have been using Xulane for the past three years. Within the last 3 months, I have been itching under the patch like crazy. I get these painful bumps underneath them, and it keeps a fever while the patch is on it. I figured maybe it was a bad batch and would go away. Then the patches started falling off way too easily. I got a hold of my pharmacist, who treated me like I didn't know what I was doing, and said that only the manufacturer can help me. Xulane, I absolutely loved your patch until now. But I have to change to another product because whatever you did to the adhesive is tearing up my skin and is so itchy it makes me feel crazy."

• bri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 19, 2023

For Birth Control "I tried Zafemy for about 2 months, and during this time period, I was bleeding nonstop. I had headaches from whenever I woke up to whenever I went to sleep. Zafemy even made my chest break out, it was all red with a rash, and I had bad acne. The rash and acne went away eventually. I didn't relate the side effects to the birth control. Both the rashes and acne appeared again, so I went to the doctors to see what was going on, and they said it was the birth control that was causing it. I was put on Xulane, and I absolutely love it! I have no problems with it, no acne, no weight gain, no rashes, nothing! The only side effect is being a little nauseous. But other than that, I love this birth control."

• Nik...
• December 15, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve gone on the Xulane patch 2 separate times. I have horrible periods, and I’m also diagnosed with PMDD, so it is important that I stay on birth control. I’ve tried the Depo shot, I bled for 9 months straight and was constantly depressed. I tried a box or two of the patches and had no side effects or irregular bleeding. I was then on the extended-cycle pill, so I had no periods for 3 months at a time, and I loved it! Until one day, I started bleeding and didn’t stop for two months. So I got back on the patch, and I’ve been on it for about 2 months now. I’ve never had irregular bleeding or severe PMDD symptoms on the patch. The only con I’ve experienced is acne breakouts-under wherever the patch was placed, and also on my face and on my body. It isn’t bad, though. My periods are much easier, despite getting headaches. Overall, my favorite form of birth control. No birth control is fun, but the patch makes it easy."

• Cai...
• July 2, 2017

For Birth Control "I've been on the patch for about 2 years now. I honestly love it. The only issue I have been noticing lately is acne. I have never had acne issues up until now, and I'm 21. Have any of you ladies had acne issues while on this patch? If so, what did you do? Any tips would help because this makes me sad. :( But other than that, it's easy going."

• the...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 26, 2016

For Birth Control "I loved the results! It is so easy to put on my butt cheek (alternating each week) and forget about for a week. I love how hassle-free it is, my insurance even covers it 100%, so I don't have a co-pay. I haven't had any issues with it coming loose, but that is one of my few complaints. When I pulled it off the first time, it felt like a waxing strip, but that's a price to pay for how convenient it is, now I use a little lotion to get it off. I am accustomed to having a few breakouts here and there, however, I've been getting huge cystic pimples. They have cleared up, and I haven't had any for the last week, though. My breasts have gone from D to pushing a DD and are extremely tender. I am somewhat moody as well."

• Nbb...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 20, 2019

For Birth Control "Was put on Ortho Evra to treat my PCOS, just came off Diane. Wasn’t great at taking the pill, so I tried this patch, and OMG, only had it on a week, and I was absolutely crawling the walls. I did read all the side effects before using, but I have nausea, anxiety, depression, and I'm hungry all the time and no sleep. I also felt it was uncomfortable because my clothes kept catching on it. My acne is worse, and yes, all this in one week!!!! Never again."

• Sun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 10, 2019

For Birth Control "I really didn't pay too much attention to the side effect, so I don't know if my mood swings or acne are caused by the patch. I am 32, and I don't normally get acne, but I do notice the increase of acne on my face. Meanwhile, I don't get enough sleep too, so I wasn't sure if I should blame the patch. However, I am concerned about my period. My period is so light it looks like spotting. I have been using the patch for three months, and each month my period is lighter than the previous one. I want my normal period back. Anyone else has a light period? I really hate pills and want to keep the patch if I can get my period back to normal."