Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin and Bleeding: What Users Say

• Bre...
• September 13, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve been on Xulane specifically for over 6 years, and I must say, it’s the best birth control I’ve taken. I’ve taken many different types of birth control pills before - combination, progestin only, about 8-12 different brand names for the pill, as well as the Depo-Provera shots. I was bleeding the whole 3 months I was on the shot, and the pills were OK but I didn’t like having to take something daily, and I felt like they were taking away my sex drive. On Xulane I’ve had either an increase or no difference in libido, I remember in the beginning my sex drive spiked! Now it’s steady and feels like it’s unaffected by the patch, as well as my weight and anxiety. I’ve been reading horror stories of the patch and the implant for some time now; what affects me in a positive way could be your worst nightmare and vice versa. So keep that in mind while reading reviews - each woman’s experience can vary so much - don’t create a confirmation bias!"

• May...
• January 31, 2020

For Birth Control "I’m 5’2” and weigh 100 lbs. When I first got on the patch, I had all the starting symptoms: nausea, I was tired a lot, headaches - generally feeling like rubbish. However, these symptoms gradually went away in about two cycles. I haven’t really had problems using the patch. Yes, when you take the patch off and put it back on the following your patch-free week, you’re gonna feel a little off til the hormones regulate again. Similar instances can occur when you go straight to the next patch without a break up on the patch (which is totally safe, I used to do it all the time), but go away shortly after. I have only had ONE instance of breakthrough bleeding on this patch. Honestly, I feel it was due to a lot of stress in my personal life, as I have NEVER experienced it before in the whole year I’d been on it. The patch is great if you use it correctly. The side effects are generally short-term, and it’s very effective (my partner and I never use condoms, and I haven’t gotten pregnant on this BC)."

• Mil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 11, 2023

For Birth Control "When my pharmacy unexpectedly filled my 3-month Xulane prescriptions with Zafemy, I was concerned. I have been on Xulane patches for 6 years. I was told by the pharmacist that Zafemy was the same as Xulane, but it is not. The day after putting this patch on, I started bleeding and had period symptoms. Both medications deliver the same amount of medication daily (150/35 mcg). However, the Zafemy patch is smaller in size and contains significantly less of each active ingredient. Each 14 cm sq Xulane patch contains 4.86 mg norelgestromin, USP, and 0.53 mg ethinyl estradiol, USP. In contrast, each 12.5 cm sq Zafemy patch contains 3.15 mg norelgestromin, USP, and 0.289 mg ethinyl estradiol, USP. I also found the Zafemy patch to be flimsy and fall off. Please talk to your doctor before changing medications."

• Meg...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 14, 2020

For Birth Control "I have been on Xulane for almost 2 months. The first month was great, and I had no problems. As soon as I put my 4th patch on to skip my period, I started spotting. My Dr. said that is normal. But after putting on my 5th patch, it was almost like I had morning sickness. I had nausea, headache, feeling as if I was going to puke all the time, and certain smells would get me also. And during all of this, I was still bleeding, not super heavy but more than spotting. I also have had PMS since I've been bleeding. On my 7th patch, I started bleeding quite heavily and started having such bad cramps that I couldn’t move. I am still bleeding currently. I think this would be a great option for some people. I really wish it worked for me."

• hmh...
• October 26, 2009

For Birth Control "I was on Ortho Evra for 4 years and absolutely loved it! I had no problems with it up until the last year. I recommend this product 100%, if used like the package states. It's very easy to use and very convenient, I mean how easy is it to remember to switch it once a week? Very effective as well! I used it continuously (with no off week) because I had really bad headaches during my period week and loved it at first, until about 6 months later and I started having a lot of horrible cramping and breakthrough bleeding. The cramps were more frequent than the bleeding, but just as annoying. I talked with my doctor who told me I needed to force my body to have a period, so I tried that (took the patch off for a week) and that didn't help. My doctor said that with this medication used continuously there isn't enough estrogen and the body can't handle that sometimes. I am currently using Seasonique, which I haven't had any problems with yet. I wanted to let everyone know of my experience, but that I still recommend the product, just not for continuous use."

• Rav...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 28, 2020

For Birth Control "I've been on the patch for about 4 months. I haven't noticed any emotional changes, nor weight gain, but I've been spotting throughout using almost every patch. I am not supposed to have a period with the way my doctor set this up for me (taking patches back to back, indefinitely), but I still have them throughout using the patch. The first month I bled every single day, then it cleared up for a couple of months, now I’m back to bleeding every day. It’s like a mild period, but I’d say it’s more than just spotting. I’m trying to stick with it to see how it plays out, and hoping I will stop bleeding before the 6 month mark."

• Lok...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 17, 2019

For Birth Control "Been on the patch for a few weeks now, and as soon as I started it, I started spotting for 12 days straight. Now I have heavy bleeding (have to change tampon every hour, 2 hours max) for 8 days and counting."

• Fra...
• June 12, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been on birth control since I was 14 or 15 to control my period. I have been on the pill, the ring, and the shot. The shot was the devil, and while on the shot, I went to my gyn and told her I wouldn't stop bleeding, and I wanted to stop the shot, and I told her I wanted to try the patch. I was going to wait for the shot to wear off because I have 5 more weeks, but I couldn't take the bleeding, so I put on the patch on a Sunday. A couple of hours later, the bleeding stopped!! I love, love the patch, it is easy to remember. The only problem I have had the last 2 patches is it left my skin irritated, but it's my fault because I shaved the area before I put on the patch."

• ann...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 4, 2013

For Birth Control "I was completely new to birth control and did not want to be on a pill due to all the stories I've heard. The patch is amazing! Only have to worry about it once a week, haven't had any side effects, not even bleeding or spotting, get to have my regular period, and is basically so convenient. It is on the more expensive side, especially if insurance won't cover it, but for me, it was worth it. I don't have to wait for my period to start when I do plan on getting pregnant and is easy to wear. I prefer to wear mine on my shoulder blade because it doesn't rub against my clothes and people don't notice it, which is nice. This is a great birth control, and whoever invented it is a genius. Highly recommend, especially if you're new to birth control."

• 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!"

• 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."

• Zir...
• March 9, 2017

For Birth Control "I switched from the pill because I was having trouble taking it at the same time every day. I loved the patch and how convenient it was. I wore it for two years and I will admit my boobs grew a cup size and I gained about 10 lbs over time, but my bf likes a little chub, so it was fine, lol. I NEVER had nausea problems (kinda shocked by some reviews here). I'll admit I would have PMS-like mood swings each time I changed the patch, but I never had shakes or sweating. I actually really love this birth control and rarely notice side effects. My periods became lighter (I had heavy bleeding pain before the patch), it lasted 3 days and was on a regular schedule. I highly recommend."

• Kar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 19, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been using the Ortho Evra patch for 4 months. At the beginning, the side effects were not good, I had nausea, headaches, and sore breasts. In the first month, I had breakthrough bleeding for 7 days. But after those two months with side effects, everything was normalized, only the pain in the breasts remained, but only when the period is coming. I still consider it a very good method for me because I should not remember every day, as I am too forgetful to take pills. Llevo usando el Evra 4 meses. Y al principio, los efectos secundarios fueron rudos conmigo, tenía náuseas, dolores de cabeza, y dolor en los senos. Y el primer mes tuve un sangrado intermenstrual por 7 días. Pero luego de esos dos meses con efectos, todo se normalizó, solo quedaron los dolores en los senos cuando está por venirme el periodo. Pero aún así considero que es un muy buen método para mí debido a que no debo recordar cada día porque soy muy olvidadizo para tomar píldoras."

• 200...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 4, 2013

For Birth Control "I recently started using Ortho Evra and LOVE it. It's easy to use and convenient, especially since you only have to change it once every week. When I first began using the patch, I had an upset stomach for about 2 days, but after that, I had no more stomach aches. I have also noticed breast tenderness, but it's mild and goes away quickly. I have noticed occasional bleeding, but that also went away after the first few weeks. Overall, I would highly recommend the product."

• 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."

• bab...
• October 2, 2019

For Birth Control "I got the patch about 3 months ago, and I've been on it since then. I don't take the week off, so I do wear it for 4 weeks instead of 3. At first, I did get super nauseous, but it went away. Mood swings a little, but not crazy like how I was when I was on the pill. I've been spotting and bleeding on and off for the second month of using it. I do not know why, but I would like to know from any girl why I have been."

• 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."

• Hig...
• August 2, 2016

For Birth Control "I was on OrthoEvra birth control patch for eleven years before a generic was available. Now that Mylan Xulane is the only birth control patch available for the past two years, I have been forced to use this. I have never been so disappointed in my life. I never had any problems in eleven years with the OrthoEvra brand. The patch never itched, came off, or caused cramping. Absolutely no side effects. When I was forced to switch to Mylan Xulane birth control patch, I immediately started itching around the patch site (no matter where I put it), and it always resulted in a rash. A quick shower could make this patch fall off. It is absolutely devastating. I am now also bleeding between periods. I'm currently searching for alternative birth control."

• Gan...
• December 27, 2019

For Birth Control "I'm 19 and started using the Ortho Evra patch around 3 months ago. During the first cycle, all was good apart from a little abdominal pain (I put the patch on once I got my period). I put the patch on again after my second and third week, but during my fourth week, I thought that I would begin a brand new cycle since I didn't want to get my period. The major issue was that I didn't realize that during the first 3 months of starting the patch, you might experience breakthrough bleeding. I had started bleeding during my patch-free week and this continued for over one month. For the past 3 months I've been on the patch, I check daily if the patch is on my skin. Depending on the clothes you wear and where you place the patch, it tends to get lint on the edges and often affects how sticky it is. It's pretty annoying since I'm always worried that it's falling off, however, it's hard to avoid getting lint on the edges unless you're wearing a material that is polyester."

• Rhi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 15, 2019

For Birth Control "I have used this patch since February, so around 5 months. I consistently keep my patch on (no period). Pros: easy to use, don’t have to remember to take it every day like the pill, can be hidden, no pregnancy (hopefully). Cons: I randomly bled for 14 days straight whilst on my patch, so I took it off for a week and bled until I put my next patch on, so I bled for 21 days total. I never used to get cramps but now developed light cramps, nausea (especially in the morning), spotting, irritation on skin from the patch, and fatigue. Overall, within your first 3 months, the side effects are definitely more severe. I still get a tiny bit of spotting, my cramps are much lighter, and I don’t get consistent nausea every morning. I have PCOS and almost never used to have periods (hence I keep the patch on as periods now scare me), so my experience may differ from someone with regular periods, but overall I’ve found it to be fine apart from the odd side effect."

• imm...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 21, 2022

For Birth Control "I’ve been on Xulane for 3 years. Xulane has high estrogen levels, so when I first started, I lightly bled for about a month, and after that, my period has always been regular. It helped so much with my acne. I have realized one period will be a light flow with bad cramps, and the next will be heavy with no cramps. I am more emotional and moody. I get depressed once in a while, but I have good support people around me, so it’s nothing but a lay-in-bed day. Just recently, after a few days of wearing a new week's patch, where the patch is will get itchy and red randomly, like an allergic reaction, and I’m not sure why. I saw someone else saying the same thing. But other than that, 10/10 on preventing pregnancy."

• Jul...
• April 13, 2016

For Birth Control "I was using Ortho Evra for 11 years, and I absolutely loved it. I had no complications at all. When it was discontinued, my doctor prescribed Xulane. The first month was fine, then the following month I bled for 2 months straight with ache, pain, fatigue, and severe cramping. I never had cramping or any problem prior to taking this contraceptive. Every week when I apply the patch, I started spotting and became fatigued with cramping. After about 8 months, I applied it, and there was no spotting, so I thought finally it started working. Well, I couldn't be more wrong. I was pregnant, yes, pregnant. Still in disbelief. I absolutely hate Xulane."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 27, 2016

For Birth Control "After being on the depo shot for a year, I absolutely hated it! Gained 30 pounds in a year, bled for 6 months straight, mood swings, pain during sex, and no sex drive. So far I love the Xulane patch. I've only been on it for about 3 weeks, but the only side effect I've gotten was breast sensitivity. The only thing I dislike is sometimes I feel as if the patch will fall off."

• Sir...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 14, 2016

For Birth Control "Switched to this after Ortho Evra was discontinued; had just about every bad side effect there is. LOVED my Ortho Evra patch, expected this to be the same, but this Xulane mess is awful. First off, it won't stay stuck. Tried shaving the skin, swabbed with alcohol, let it dry, stuck and held in place 10 sec, etc. It just never stayed more than 3 days at best. My pharmacist even had to give me some weird tape to try to keep it on longer. So of course, with the patch not consistently in contact, there's breakthrough bleeding, irregular LONG periods, terrible mood swings. I thought my body might just need a period of adjustment; I stuck with it 3 months. I gained 14 pounds and looked so bloated and puffy. At age 30, I started having cystic acne for the first time in my life. Oh yeah, and NO sex drive. Yeah, my husband just loves that. I will never recommend this to anyone. Ever. Finding something else has been an ongoing nightmare."

• Kit...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 17, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been on two types of birth control pills, and I had breakthrough bleeding no matter what for months. So I tried the patch. This was nice because I didn't forget to take it, etc. It lasts a week, you can take it off a day later if needed. It for sure regulated my period, which was great. I've always had a crazy high sex drive, and that didn't change. BUT I hated the patch because it would collect fabric around the rim, the skin underneath would get super itchy. If you're sexually active, etc., it can shift or fall off. Once taking it off, it left terrible rashes and would leave a mark for about two weeks after. It was really bad, so I'm now going off it to try different pills instead of the patch. Not good for your skin at all."