Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin and Bleeding: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Kay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 29, 2019

For Birth Control "The first 3 months were horrible! Heavy bleeding, headaches, cramps. After the rough 3 months, the symptoms went away, and my periods are much lighter. It does cause mild irritation to the skin but clears up within 24 hours after the patch is removed. No serious issues."

• Fre...
• July 23, 2015

For Birth Control "After I ceased breastfeeding my daughter, I needed a more practical birth control. I have always suffered anxiety about remembering to take a pill, especially when breastfeeding and using the mini pill, which needed to be taken at exactly the same time daily. The patch ticks all the boxes. Easy to use. I have had one fall off during a high-intensity swim, so I recommend getting spares just in case. AS A WARNING - When I first started the patch, I bled heavily for about 30 days non-stop. I was even prescribed medication to help with this. Since it stopped, the heavy continuous bleeding hasn't returned, and my periods are only 4-5 days long on my patch-free week. Also, I get strong food cravings around my patch change days, perhaps a coincidence."

• yia...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 8, 2017

For Birth Control "This is my second week using Evra. Boobs got bigger, which is good, but very tender. I never stopped bleeding since my period (spotting), and I hope it stops because I cannot have sex if I'm bleeding, it makes me very uncomfortable. Hopefully, it will stop once my period comes again. I still haven't used it without condoms, so who knows, but I really hope it works. The patch stops being sticky around the edges, but it stays on. Had a few pimples, which happens almost never to me. Nausea lasts for like 10 seconds, but hey, if it works, it's nice."

• Ria...
• April 14, 2013

For Birth Control "I switched to the patch a little over a year ago after being on the pill 'Microgynon' for almost two years. I was getting really bad breakthrough bleeding with the pill, so I wanted to try something different. The patch has been great for me this past year, though I generally found the easiest place to put it was on my stomach, as arms and back just itched too much! My biggest problem is how unsightly it is - I wear black leggings for work 5 days a week, and the edges of the patch collect a horrible black lint from them all week. Additionally, if I have a long bath or go swimming, the edges start lifting, and sometimes I have to change it midweek as it's started to peel off. Overall, it does what it should and hasn't caused any problems."

• Mar...
• September 30, 2018

For Birth Control "I have mixed feelings about Xulane. It did wonders for me regarding my functionality while being on my period. I used to bleed very heavily, feel very dizzy and lightheaded, like I was going to pass out, vomit, and have awful cramps. That all went away when I started taking this. I also like how convenient it is. The patch stays on pretty well. But that is all I have to say that's good. It took about three months for my body to adjust, but I had excruciating headaches and spotting for two weeks straight at a time. The worst part of this is the awful mood swings I get. I don't feel like myself sometimes. I'll just be irrationally angry over the smallest things or have minor anxiety attacks. It killed my sex drive, which is the complete opposite of how I used to be, and it's starting to take a toll on my marriage. It all makes sense considering that the information packet that my pharmacy gave said that it contains more estrogen than certain pills."

• Kir...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 10, 2018

For Birth Control "Ortho Evra was so much better. I can tell Xulane isn’t as effective, and I still bleed, though even though I am using Xulane the proper way. Also, the adhesive on the patch is not sensitive skin-friendly. I have welts on my skin where I put the patch; Ortho Evra never did that to me. Also, the adhesive isn’t as strong, and the corners peel in the shower."

• Lan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 23, 2016

For Birth Control "I switched from NuvaRing, which made my vaginal area very dry, irritated, and caused non-stop light bleeding. I also developed gross acne. Two hours after I put this patch on, I stopped bleeding. My acne is clearing up, and my vaginal area stays very, very wet. I am noticing it's easier for me to cry, and I'm sleepy most days, but my sexual arousal has been spiked and hasn't dulled my ability to orgasm like my previous birth controls did. Overall, I'm happy. I'm hoping the sky-high estrogen content doesn't cause harm. I need the estrogen, though."

• Bri...
• March 26, 2015

For Birth Control "I have just started the patch birth control, and I love it. I cannot swallow pills to the best of my abilities, unfortunately, so that would never work for me. I was on Depo for a year and experienced heavy cramping and bleeding the entire time. The patch seems to be working okay so far, I am experiencing nausea and migraines, but I just hope it passes soon as this is my first week on the patch itself. I really hope this birth control works because I do not like any of the other birth control options out there, and I am hoping that the side effects go away soon."

• Oll...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 12, 2015

For Birth Control "This is my first time taking any form of birth control, and I decided on the patch because it has the least invasive side effects out of all forms I've researched. So far, I'm enjoying it. I've had a few negative experiences. During my first three days, my appetite was demolished, mainly because any and everything I consumed made me nauseous, and I also had a pounding headache. Oh, and I bled for nearly a month. I might even be a bit bitchier. But now, everything is back on track. During my first cycle on this system, my flow was lighter and only lasted 5 days (typically it's 10 days). I also lost a bit of weight. My appetite for food reduced, and interestingly enough, my taste palette has been towards healthier options lately. I'm fine with this."

• 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."

• Goi...
• July 6, 2015

For Birth Control "I started Xulane after Implanon and the NuvaRing. I had severe weight gain and depression on Implanon and some moodiness and breakthrough bleeding on NuvaRing. I've been on Xulane for one month so far, and I absolutely love it! I alternate from my abdomen to my butt every month, and it doesn't even budge or begin to peel off - it sticks! The only bothersome thing about it is I began to break out a little more - I've always had acne problems, but these have been more cystic acne than usual. It seems to be calming down though. Also, I get a lot of fuzz stuck to the adhesive on the patch itself, so I just pick it off if it gets to be noticeable. Best of all - my period pain has been non-existent and my periods very light."

• HM3...
• February 23, 2018

For Birth Control "I started Xulane on a Sunday. Monday woke up super hyper and keyed up. Around supper time, I get so fatigued I can barely keep my eyes open. Started spotting Tuesday afternoon. Tuesday night, fatigued again. Started losing my appetite. Weds, full-blown bleeding, cramps, nausea...felt horrible! Ended up leaving work early because I felt so bad and my anxiety was high. Thursday, heavy bleeding and living like I'm pregnant on Saltines and Sprite. The nausea was constant. Felt so tired. Couldn't concentrate and felt dizzy every time I moved. Ended up leaving work early again because I had a sudden panic attack: couldn't breathe, my extremities and face went numb, crying hysterically, and felt like I was going to puke. Once it passed, I was so tired I slept for hours. Friday, I woke up with a headache and anxiety is already in full force. I ripped the thing off. I would rather see how I do without it than do this. DO NOT recommend at all!"

• ano...
• July 19, 2016

For Birth Control "I have been on the patch for 10 months and finally stopped. Every month my side effects would increase just a little to the point that they were unbearable. At the end, I had unexplained muscle and joint pain, chronic headaches, nonstop for 1 month straight at one point, and migraines 3-4 times a week. Also, I had bad cramps and breakthrough bleeding. Muscle and nerve spasms that required physio and nerve blocks and developed hypertension. I am a healthy weight and live a healthy lifestyle, 30 years old and have never had a regular BP over 100/60. When I stopped the patch, I had a regular running BP of approx 150/110 and was being put on beta blockers. I am still waiting for these side effects to fully correct, but within a week, I've improved."

• Cha...
• February 24, 2017

For Birth Control "I had been on the patch for about 4 months. When I started them, everything was really good, and then about 3 months into it, everything started going wrong. I'm 18. I constantly kept getting urinary infections or thrush, and I couldn't understand why I never had them before. Then the worst came: my legs went blue! There was a clear line around my waist, and from there down, my legs were blue and black, freezing cold. I couldn't feel them. I bled so heavily and was in agony. I got rushed to the hospital, and they told me that it was a side effect of my birth control. I spent 2 days in the hospital recovering. I don't recommend them at all."

• Ash...
• November 12, 2015

For Birth Control "Didn't want to be on any birth control. In the past, I've been on the shot, the pill, NuvaRing, hated it all. Gyno said I should be on BC, so now I'm on the patch. Been on it less than a month, and it's a terrible experience. I'm throwing up all the time, stomach hurts, boobs hurt so bad, so moody I don't want to be around myself (can go from crying because it's the most ridiculous thing to wanting to rip somebody's face off for breathing in seconds). When I think I'm done bleeding, it starts right back up. I eat everything because I'm always starving, and I'm breaking out. :("

• No ...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 23, 2023

For Birth Control "I have been using Xulane for at least 9 years, then was switched to Zafemy by the pharmacist. It never sticks well, I have had unexpected bleeding, and now my skin is so inflamed. I’ve never had skin-related issues until this product."

• Hap...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 2, 2018

For Birth Control "I'll write another review on the Xulane patch, given I only put it on a few days ago. I'm 25, 120 lbs, a nonsmoker, healthy foodie. My doctor prescribed the Xulane patch due to my PMDD. So far, I've noticed that my skin has cleared up rapidly. My symptoms have massively lessened-usually I deal with bad migraines, heavy bleeding, chest tension, swollen breasts, and debilitating cramps before and during cycles. An hour prior to putting the patch on, I had a migraine. I noticed my new cycle was beginning, so I started it. The pain began fading off within an hour tops. Pain from cramps is barely there, haven't had swelling or aches so far, and the flow lightened up immediately. No itching, took a shower, and it didn't budge one bit. My doctor did talk to me about the risk of blood clots, which is also stated in the papers in the Xulane box. I'm not worried, though. 10/10, hope the next review I write will be a great one."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 17, 2018

For Birth Control "I started using Xulane patches because I have such heavy and long periods, and I never really liked the pill. The first two months were terrible, I was bleeding so heavily and was cramping so bad. Eventually, the bleeding stopped, and my period came, which was super light but still bad cramps. Now I’m back to spotting with stomach cramps, and I've been on Xulane since May, so I’m hoping my body adjusts soon. Haven’t gotten pregnant either, but I'm not having sex, so lol. Besides the side effects, I’ve never had problems with the application process, and it never falls off as long as I place it around my butt area. I would recommend giving it a try, though, despite all the negative reviews."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 28, 2018

For Birth Control "I was on the patch for about three months, taking it continuously. The first month, I had severe breast pain, some nausea, bloating, and over that time, I also gained about 17 lbs. In the second month, those side effects lessened, however, I started spotting, which slowly progressed to complete bleeding over the entire following month. I finally had to stop taking it after so much bleeding that kept getting progressively worse, and it took over a week to stop bleeding again after I stopped."

• don...
• September 22, 2015

For Birth Control "I'm on my 4th week of the patch, and I have the most intense bleeding I have EVER had in my life. We are talking super plus tampons AND jumbo pads every few hours. Other than that, I haven't had any negative effects. I just switched from the Nexplanon arm implant because I had horrible side effects (lost 20 lbs in 3 months, couldn't eat because of nausea, bled for 3 months straight, stopped for 2 weeks, then bled for 2 more months), but I've had a pretty good experience with the patch so far."

• Tas...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 27, 2019

For Birth Control "Week 1: nausea. At the end of week 1, there was a red papule/blister on the skin at the edge of the patch. Week 2: breast tenderness. At the end of week 2, there were multiple papules, erythema, and itchiness on the skin under the patch. Both weeks: bleeding. The edge of the patch picks up clothes fluff. I took a low dose of pyridoxine daily with Evra, and after skipping 3 days of pyridoxine, felt tearful, which resolved after taking the missed pyridoxine tablets."

• Anonymous
• January 18, 2010

For Birth Control "My wife was on continuous patches, and she has breakthrough bleeding 365 days a year, nausea, throwing up, headaches, lower sex drive, and extreme pain in her stomach, which had her wake up in her sleep and crying out in pain, especially during her period when not doing the 4th week. The doctors didn't know what it was, so they gave her an unconfirmed diagnosis because they couldn't confirm anything else, but she's decided to discontinue the patch, and so far, all of the above side effects have subsided almost completely."

• jon...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 2, 2016

For Birth Control "I started using this recently, and it's the worst. Bleeding does not stop even though I stopped using it after one week because I am anemic. I had Ortho before and had no problem at all, but this is just horrible. What is the point of it if I can't have intercourse because of the heavy bleeding? I hate it and will not use it again. I think I am going to have to go to the ring."

• Mel...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 30, 2018

For Birth Control "I’ve been on the patch for a year, and I love it. It is so easy to remember, but recently my patch fell off, and I couldn’t get it to stick back on. My normal patch changing days are Wednesday, but it fell off on a Friday, so I put a new one on Friday, and that was about a month ago. I’ve been bleeding ever since. I just took my 3rd patch off for my real period week, so hopefully after this, my body regulates again."