Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin and Cramps: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Lov...
• March 9, 2017

For Birth Control "I've been on the patch for 4 months now. The first couple of days in week one, I have a low-grade headache, but nothing Tylenol can't fix. I found putting the patch on my shoulders or my back gets way too itchy! So I put mine under my underwear line on my outside thigh, and it doesn't itch near as bad. It sticks pretty well, and by the time it looks like it's about to fall off, it's time to put on the new patch anyway. I started my patch on Sunday, and when it's the week without it, I know exactly when I will get my period and when it will end. It lasts about 6 days (only major downside for me because without birth control, mine usually only lasts 3 days). Cramps are a little worse but bearable and only happen the day before my period and the day of. No weight gain."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 15, 2016

For Birth Control "Have been on the patch for 5 months now, and it's just awful. I feel nauseous all the time, get headaches, and the dizziness that comes along with it. My periods are heavy and have painful cramping, some in between bleeding."

• 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."

• Abb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 30, 2019

For Birth Control "By far the worst birth control I've ever been on. I switched from the pill to the patch due to excessive spotting. Not only did the Xulane patch make it worse, it gave me so many more side effects. My periods were the heaviest they've ever been (going through a large tampon every hour or two) and lasted like eight days, and I got the worst cramps, which I never used to get. I was constantly moody and crying and felt awful. I gained about ten pounds, and my skin from where the patch was got extremely red and irritated. It didn't get me pregnant, and it did clear up my acne, so I guess there's that. Once I went to my doctor back home to change my BC, she was like 'Wow, I'm shocked you got prescribed this. I don't give it to anyone because it sucks.'"

• ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 12, 2023

For Birth Control "I was on Xulane for a solid three months, and I loved it. Little nausea, and periods were regular and lighter with mild cramping. Small mood swings on new patch day, but as soon as my pharmacy switched my script, it's been horrible. I've been on Zafemy for three months and had to stop since my mood swings got really bad (anger almost constantly at the beginning of the week). My periods worsened and cramps got worse. I was consistently inconsistent, and what I mean is it would be horrible at the beginning of the week, and I would feel normal towards the end, and it would start all over again with the new patch. Also, this doesn't have as strong of adhesive as Xulane did."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 31, 2016

For Birth Control "I just started the patch 2 weeks ago, and about 4 days ago I started getting unbearable cramps that last about 5 minutes, every 20 minutes or so. I have never been in this much pain. I finally took it off, and the cramps stopped about an hour later. Not using this ever again."

• Fin...
• June 27, 2013

For Birth Control "I'm 19, and this is my first time using birth control. I chose the Ortho Evra patch. I started the patch just over a month ago on the first day of my period. My period was extended and lasted 2 weeks straight, then I had a lot of spotting. On the 4th week (off patch), I got my period, cramps and all, and by this point, I thought the bleeding would never end! I was extremely emotional and cried almost every day and would constantly ask myself, 'What is wrong with me?' Now that over a month has passed, everything seems back to normal. Larger breasts is a definite pro! I don't feel the need to cry now, and everything is good. Enjoying the patch now!"

• Anonymous
• August 9, 2015

For Birth Control "I started taking Xulane when my insurance stopped covering Ortho Evra. The first month was fine, no side effects, irritation, or pregnancy scares or anything, but then the second month I started experiencing nausea, cramps, my period was late, and then I had the absolute worst depression and even started losing touch with reality. I thought I was going crazy, but since I stopped it, I've felt completely fine. Did prevent me from getting pregnant, but the mood swings were not worth it anymore, will have to move on to the pill."

• Saa...
• November 10, 2015

For Birth Control "I'm 20, been on the patch for almost a year. I switched to the Xulane patch after taking birth control pills got annoying. This works great for me, periods are regular, light, little to no cramping, and no pregnancy. I am getting a little annoyed with switching it every week, but other than that, it works well. I have had no problems with it sticking and staying stuck all week. I have not been swimming with it on and only take baths when I am not wearing it."

• mis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 6, 2018

For Birth Control "Little to no side effects apart from sore boobs the first month, with very slight (more annoying than painful) cramping. After the first month, it has not been a problem at all! Have had it for 5 months now."

• ACY...
• January 24, 2011

For Birth Control "I've been on Ortho Evra for 10 years... that's right... 10 years! I started when I was 17, and I've never had a problem with it. Periods are normal. Sometimes really bad cramps the first couple of days and maybe a headache or two. But those are just normal PMS side effects as far as I'm concerned. I've heard people have gained weight using Ortho Evra, but I never had such issues. And most of all, I've never gotten pregnant. My only complaint is Ortho Evra is very expensive. I'm on an HSA now, and I pay $79 per month. I wear the patch on my buttocks, and I switch sides every week to avoid excess irritation. Sometimes it gets stuck to my underwear or jeans, and it's hard to find a replacement if it peels off."

• 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."

• 444...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 3, 2019

For Birth Control "Thought everything was going well on Ortho Evra until I found out that I most likely have gallbladder disease. All of these symptoms started shortly after taking the patch. Apparently, it's 'extremely rare' to get this. This also did nothing for my cramps. Please do extra research. Guess I'll be saying so long to this patch."

• Leg...
• June 5, 2017

For Birth Control "Put this on yesterday at 12:00 pm on the right side of my hips, and my right leg subsequently felt funny ever since - like it was heavy and cramping, but I had chalked it up to my anxiety disorder playing tricks on me. Then last night, while changing my clothes, I found a new bruise on that same leg that was giving me trouble. I called my prescriber and yanked the damn thing right off my skin. Leg still feels funny, but I have no other symptoms other than that since; but I was very tired, getting cramps, and would get hot flashes on and off. Needless to say, it's still a mystery with what's happening to me, but I've been scared off this BC for good."

• Bro...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 8, 2015

For Birth Control "I'm 17, been on the patch for over a year, and I recommend. If Ortho Evra patch is too expensive/big, try generic Xulane. Same method, no difference in effectiveness/side effects, just smaller and doesn't leave as much fabric around the glue lining as Ortho Evra. Experienced nausea, breast tenderness around the time of the period, and cramps that decreased greatly now that I'm used to it. No weight gain, doesn't fall off through shower/exercise, and if you forget to put a new patch on your patch change day, you are still protected for, I believe, 3 days. After that, use backup and start a new patch change day on the day you remembered to put it on. Been with partner over 1 year, 0 scares. Had slight temper before patch, so only mood change was more emotional/sensitive, lol."

• 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."

• Lei...
• June 11, 2016

For Birth Control "When I started Xulane, I had many reactions. I experienced severe mood swings, and Xulane increased my depression and anxiety. I also experienced redness and itching at the application site, which stopped happening about a month later. I experience nausea, headaches, and severe cramping during times of suspected ovulation. My breasts increased in size, and veins are more prominent. They are also more tender. Sex drive has also decreased. My period comes at the expected time and sometimes lasts 4 days to 6. All in all, I like the idea of not having to remember an oral contraceptive every day! I change it three times a month and the fourth week I leave it off. All forms of birth control have their weak points, but I think Xulane works for me."

• She...
• November 17, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been on and off the patch for 2 years now. The first time using the patch, I used it for 8-9 months and liked the fact that I had regular 3-day periods, no acne, and no weight gain. I did experience cramping and terrible moods. I was off for about 6-7 months due to being sexually inactive and then started up again 4 months ago. This time around, I experienced horrible breakouts that just started to subside, bad cramping, depressive moods (complete loss of control over my emotions), irritability, and heavy periods. The only plus side is that my breasts have grown a full cup size and no spotting during the month. Unfortunately, the cons outweigh the pros, and so I've decided to try pills again (Tri-Clyen), hoping to be myself again!"

• She...
• November 17, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been on and off the patch for 2 years now. The first time using the patch, I used it for 8-9 months and liked the fact that I had regular 3-day periods, no acne, and no weight gain. I did experience cramping and terrible moods. I was off for about 6-7 months due to being sexually inactive and then started up again 4 months ago. This time around, I experienced horrible breakouts that just started to subside, bad cramping, depressive moods (complete loss of control over my emotions), irritability, and heavy periods. The only plus side is that my breasts have grown a full cup size and no spotting during the month. Unfortunately, the cons outweigh the pros, and so I've decided to try pills again (Tri-Clyen), hoping to be myself again!"

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 25, 2017

For Birth Control "I had a really bad experience with Xulane and have since switched to the pill. For the first month or so, I didn’t have any dermal reactions to the patch that I noticed. I found them impossible to keep in one place on my body, however, they always slipped around or started coming away from the skin at the edges. I also noticed cramping and never felt secure that my birth control was effective. For some reason, the worst side effects started occurring after about a month of using it. As soon as I scratched anywhere the patch was located, the skin would become red, puff up, and secrete a clear fluid. It was gross and left dark marks on my body, which are still here a year after. The patches would then come off because of the reaction."

• Sai...
• October 3, 2017

For Birth Control "Currently on this patch. I'm on my 3rd patch. Patch placement was on the buttocks. The first week, got nausea and cramps. 2nd week, less nausea, more cramping. 3rd week (now), extreme bloating after eating. Was recently diagnosed with gastritis, so I don't know if that has something to do with it? Gonna give it one more month."

• Sai...
• October 3, 2017

For Birth Control "Currently on this patch. I'm on my 3rd patch. Patch placement was on the buttocks. The first week, got nausea and cramps. 2nd week, less nausea, more cramping. 3rd week (now), extreme bloating after eating. Was recently diagnosed with gastritis, so I don't know if that has something to do with it? Gonna give it one more month."

• 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."

• Ash...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 12, 2019

For Birth Control "I had very mild periods before starting Xulane. Now they are horrible. Severe cramps, 11-day period. Nausea, loss of appetite, hot flashes, and cramps for weeks on end now even after being off of it for a full cycle."