Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin and Cramps: What Users Say

• Pat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 5, 2014

For Birth Control "I was on the NuvaRing before the patch and it was working for me just fine, but my sex drive was non-existent. I switched to the patch because I wanted something easy, and let me tell you, it's amazing! The first two months, I did have random cramping and sore breasts, but it was manageable and did not really bother me. The patch is easy to remember because I change it on Sunday, and that is my 'me day': I do my nails, facial, change my patch, and plan the week ahead. The only problem I had was sometimes it did come off, but I easily fixed that by using rubbing alcohol on my bum before I applied the patch, now it never falls off. I would recommend the patch to those of us who are control freaks and love to plan everything, including your period."

• Car...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 22, 2014

For Birth Control "When I first went to the doctor, I was not interested in the patch. She talked me into it and said if I didn't like it after a few months, to come back and we would change it. With the birth control pills I used to take, I had to pay $50 a month. Although, with the patch, I am paying nothing. FREE! Now to the symptoms. The first 3 months sucked between headaches, nausea, being moody, and tired. The worst symptom was cramps when I was not on my period at random times. It hurt so bad and was very annoying. After 3 months of using the patch, the symptoms are gone and I absolutely LOVE THE PATCH. I have been on it for about 6 months and the only downfall is that clothes lint collects around it, but it's not a huge deal if you put it where no one can see."

• MS9...
• September 17, 2014

For Birth Control "I am rating this a 10 because I believe it's extremely effective. I have been on the patch for almost 4 years, and I never once had a pregnancy scare. For me, I get regular periods, but I also get most of the side effects. After the first few months, periods are regular, mine last between 3-5 days. I get more emotional, I get mood swings, cramps, headaches, I bloat, I basically get all the side effects, but they are not severe. Every once in a while, they are pretty bad, but that will only happen once every 6 months to a year. On the patch, I never gained weight from it. The only thing I truly dislike about it is I will get really nauseous and throw up if I don't eat anything the night before I put a new one on, and recently I'll have bloody discharge."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 18, 2023

For Birth Control "I have been taking Xulane for over 6 years and have had no problems with it. My medical cover thought it would be better to use a mail delivery service, which was fine until they switched my prescription to Zafemy. This patch is horrible, I started using it 6 weeks ago, and I started getting irregular spotting, horrible cramps, and bloating. I do not recommend this product. It does not stick and falls off randomly. I am in the process of going back to picking up my prescription at the pharmacy and using Xulane."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 28, 2022

For Birth Control "It is awful. I was on Xulane for over 4 years, and I loved it, no issues. 2 months ago, I got switched to Zafemy. It SUCKS. Patches fall off within a day, I get horrible cramps and headaches now. I got my period 2 weeks early because the patches don’t stick and keep falling off."

• ste...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 24, 2014

For Birth Control "I'm 17, and I've been on the patch for 4 months now. Before this, I had been on the pill for a few years, but it started to become inconvenient. The patch is VERY convenient for me. I've tried quite a few birth controls for my heavy and painful periods, but nothing has ever worked. The patch hasn't made too much of a difference in that area, but my skin is clear, and I'm definitely protected from pregnancy. The first two months, my period was really bad, but it got better. I'm happy with the patch, and I recommend it. One downside is the color of it, though. I'm African American, so my skin is brown, and the patch is kind of pink like a Band-Aid. No big deal, though."

• 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."

• Hon...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 14, 2016

For Birth Control "I started the Xulane patch two months ago. I have to say that it has been a great experience so far. I myself read through these reviews before starting the patch, and I was terrified of the experience I would have. I have not gained any weight. I have not had migraines or even mild headaches. The patch does not itch, nor does it leave a rash or any type of bump. It does leave a residue on the outer ring from where it catches your clothing and collects fuzz. I have not experienced any nausea. It has been smooth sailing. My period is drastically lighter, and I don't get ill or experience extreme cramps. I have to say I'm a huge fan of the patch. It has even increased my sex drive because I feel so comfortable now that I have it."

• Tay...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 18, 2014

For Birth Control "I absolutely love the patch. I could never go back to taking a pill. The patch is the simplest way to have birth control for me (it varies by person). If you are someone who goes to school, is forgetful, or just barely has time in the day to remember to eat, this helps you avoid the spotting, the cramps, the possible pregnancy of being on the pill and forgetting to take it. The one and only complaint I have is when playing sports, being in a sauna, or being in warm water for a while, the patch glue becomes weak and you have to be careful."

• Col...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 5, 2019

For Birth Control "Before I started the Xulane patch, I was on the pill (Tri-Sprintec Birth Control) was horrible! I kept having vaginal problems that became very uncomfortable. And also vaginal dryness as well before I got on the pill, I didn’t have those problems. I was always feeling depressed and sad and also feeling like I was going to lose my mind!!! I hated this birth control, so I switched to the patch. When I first started on the patch, I was very happy. I love that I can change the patch weekly and I also can skip periods! My periods don’t be as heavy as they used to be, though. But the cons are I do cramp at the bottom of my stomach from time to time. I also have bad headaches. My breasts just started becoming very sore, and I sometimes feel very tired. Sometimes I feel as though I’m pregnant when I’m not."

• Pat...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 1, 2021

For Birth Control "The issue with a lot of these reviews is they don't give the patch time to settle. You're giving your body hormones that it isn't used to having excess of, so it can take up to 6 months for it to fully settle. I've been on the patch for 8 years and love it. The first 3 months, I had headaches, cramps, and slight nausea, but after that, I have had 0 side effects. No other birth control works for me, and I would recommend the patch. Please just give it time, it won't be for everyone, but 3 weeks, like most of the reviewers have had it for, just isn't long enough."

• Ell...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 25, 2023

For Birth Control "I've been on BC for 8 years, been on the Xulane transdermal patch for 6 years. In July 2022, I went to pick up my BC and was given Zafemy. I asked why? Even though my script was for Xulane, I was told Xulane is on backorder. Three months later, in October, I asked my doctor to specify Xulane. She did. I went to pick up my BC and it was Zafemy again! Xulane is still on backorder per pharmacy. January rolls around and I go to pick up my 3-month script. Zafemy. Again. I have had a horrible experience with this patch, my menstrual cycle is different, I get horrible cramps, and the patches don't stick! I do not feel secure or safe using this patch! I'm in the process of finding a pharmacy that can get Xulane because that's what worked for the past 6 years."

• 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."

• hle...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 26, 2014

For Birth Control "I really, really enjoy using this. I'm 17, and I am now on my period from the 2nd cycle. The only downside is sometimes it would feel like it itches, but it turns out it's the area around it. Also, my cramps are horrid right now, but I think this is a very effective contraceptive."

• 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."

• 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."

• Hap...
• July 13, 2017

For Birth Control "I have been on Xulane for 3 months now, and I love it. Before I started, my periods were bad, with headaches, cramping, and heavy flow. After the first month, my periods dwindled, and now I only need light pads, I rarely cramp and have maybe one headache. However, I do get some redness and irritation on my skin, trouble with the patch adhering to my skin, and also my eating habits have changed dramatically. Sometimes I'll be starving, and when I see what I'm about to eat, I lose any urge to eat. I would recommend it, but be sure you remain aware of your body."

• Pat...
• November 19, 2011

For Birth Control "I've been on Ortho Evra since August of 2011, and so far, I really like it. I'm not using it just for birth control, but also for period control. Before going on the Patch, my periods would last 10 to 11 days (3 days of heavy to moderate bleeding, then spotting for 7 to 8 days). Thanks to Ortho Evra, my periods are now only 6 days (3 days of heavy to moderate bleeding, then 3 days of spotting). That is seriously a miracle for me! Also, I have less period cramps than before (although my pre-Patch period cramps were never really anything to complain about). Besides this, my breasts have also grown bigger (which my boyfriend loves). Although, I have experienced some negative side effects too. My breasts were REALLY tender for the first 2 months, but this has mostly gone away. Sometimes, on my Patch change days in September and October, I would feel a little bit nauseous or lightheaded, but I think this may have been partially or completely psychological. Also, sometimes, even when I'm not near my period, I will experience very mild cramping. But these are all side effects that I can live with. The only thing I really don't like about this medication is that it lowered my alcohol tolerance and made me more susceptible to hangovers. But in the end, I'd rather throw up from a hangover than from morning sickness. Overall, I'd recommend this medication."

• Ann...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 11, 2023

For Birth Control "This is the two months of me taking Zafemy (the patch is flimsy) after the pharmacy changed me from Xulane. I have been cramping off and on for the past month and consistently for the past 2 weeks now. I am now spotting, which makes me 2 weeks early. The whole reason to be on the patch is to reduce cramps and have a regular cycle, which my body is currently saying otherwise."

• Chl...
• July 18, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm a slim 25-year-old, and without hormonal birth control, I have an irregular cycle, sometimes going 4 months without a period, with very long buildups of bloating, hormonal moods, and pain on the weeks before it started. I have been using it for 7 months now, and I don't think I would use any other form of birth control over this. At first, I experienced some cramping into the third week of the cycle for the first 3 months. I noticed my mood is a lot more evened out over my cycle. I also experience little to none of that buildup with bloating before my period starts, with a now regulated period. Very convenient to use. Another point to note, which is a positive for me, is that I have managed to gain some healthy weight since using it."

• Ale...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 3, 2015

For Birth Control "This is my first time using any form of birth control. I'm glad I went with the patch, I have been on it for 8 months. At first, it decreased my libido, but that subsided. The only downside is that it made my periods longer (5-6 days to be exact). I used to only have periods for 3-4 days max, it also made my cramps intense for the first two days of my period. I never had cramps before using birth control. Other than that, I'm happy with the patch."

• sta...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 15, 2013

For Birth Control "I have been on the Ortho Evra patch for just over a month now. When I first applied the patch, I had a very small amount of nausea, nothing worth complaining about, though. When it came time for my off week, I have never had a better period. I had a very small amount of cramping for a few hours, and that was it. There are only 2 things I could complain about: 1) The hormones from the patch made my breasts extremely sore and sensitive, which made it hard to be active or even give hugs. 2) The patch would never stay in place. I'm a very active person, and the patch kept sliding around during exercise and regular day-to-day stuff. This was easily solved by figuring out which recommended area moves the least. Overall, great experience."

• Lex...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 2, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve been on it for 3 months now. I was hesitant to go on it, due to reviews. I have tried all kinds of birth control, from the implant to IUD. I am horrible at remembering to take a pill at the same time every day. With the patch, I find it easy to only have to change it once a week. I have been experiencing some side effects, nothing detrimental though. Since starting this medicine, my breasts have grown at least a cup size and are tender, my appetite has increased a lot, and there’s very minor irritation from the adhesive when I take it off, identical to what I get with Band-Aids-again, nothing too bad. Also, I have used it to skip periods, but I have found I experience very minor cramps when I normally would be having my period. All in all, I would highly recommend this to anybody as a method of BC that doesn’t require you to take it every day and isn’t so invasive like the IUD."

• Dam...
• February 11, 2016

For Birth Control "The pill gave me aura migraines and mood swings, and my period wasn't any better. In fact, my cramps got worse, bleeding was still the same. I wanted to try the IUD, but my doctor is an airhead and couldn't get it in, so I settled with the patch. I honestly couldn't tell if it was working the first couple of months because I had no side effects like nausea or headaches. I was a little leery about hormones coming from a sticker you put on your skin, but 7 months later, no baby, so it must be working. I went off it for a month because my prescription refill got messed up, and I went back on as soon as I got another box, and I seriously could not tell the difference between having these on and not using any birth control at all. Loving it!"