Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin and Headaches: What Users Say

• Rin...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 10, 2020

For Birth Control "I've currently been on the patch for 1 year now, after switching from the Nexplanon implant, and I really like it. No spotting or bleeding in between periods, no weight gain, no mood swings, no problems with the patch falling off, no pregnancy scares, my periods are lighter & more predictable, etc. But I do notice I will get headaches & slight nausea when I change patches, but it is bearable. I definitely don't plan on changing birth control methods anytime soon, Xulane works pretty well for me."

• 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)."

• Dar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 4, 2021

For Birth Control "I had an awful experience with this patch. I started to use it last month. In 3 days, I felt something very wrong. At first, I thought it was a stomach virus. My head was spinning. Then I got really nauseated and puked for like 5 hours. Had to sleep it off. So I thought it was a stomach virus, but I took the patch off just in case. I decided to wait until yesterday when I started my period again to give it one more try. I was fine all day yesterday, then today I began to get a slight headache, then I got woozy again. Tried to just pull through the nausea. As soon as I got to work, I puked all over the parking lot when I got out of my car. I just can't do it. I took the patch off and threw it down because that will be the last time I give it a try. My body is just rejecting it for some reason. I was getting like a bile build-up. I have been burping all day both times I tried it. My head is still spinning. It is just not for me."

• Not...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 29, 2020

For Birth Control "I hated this thing. I had used different pills before I had my son, and after, I tried the shot. The shot made me start gaining weight, so I wanted to try something different. I wore the patch two weeks, and then I had to stop using it. The first few days were fine, and then I started getting nauseous. By the second week, I kept throwing up. I was very moody and cried for no reason. I legit thought I was pregnant between the mood swings and nausea. Two days after taking it off, I ended up in the ER because I started having blurry vision and my heart was racing. When I got to the ER, my heart rate was 148, but my vision started coming back. The only thing the doctors could figure was I had an ocular migraine caused by the hormones in the patch. The next day, I started my period, and I keep getting headaches. I’ve never had migraines or headaches before, so I’m hoping this will get out of my system fast and I’ll be back to normal."

• 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."

• Lal...
• October 21, 2016

For Birth Control "I have been on Xulane for about 7 months now, and I absolutely love it! At first, yes, it is horrible while the body is adjusting to it. There are constant headaches and what look like signs of early pregnancy, but after a while, it works perfectly! It's worth the beginning experience. I have noticed that my breasts grew rounder and fuller, no acne, no vaginal dryness, predictable periods, light periods, low cramping, and best of all, no unplanned children!"

• 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 6 months to 1 year
• July 25, 2020

For Birth Control "I've been on Xulane for almost a year now. When I first started it, I was scared of symptoms and weight gain because this is the first birth control I've ever tried, but I have had a pretty good experience. Pretty bad headaches the first few months, but I rarely get headaches now. It doesn't make my period shorter or anything, but it has helped a little bit with cramps. Before BC, I used to get so sick I would throw up, but I haven't had that issue since starting. I haven't had any bleeding or spotting in between. I was thinking about switching to Cryselle, which is a pill, but the reviews were so horrible, so I think I am gonna stay with the patch for a while. I have enjoyed being on this, and I haven't gained any weight. Also, have not gotten pregnant."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 28, 2021

For Birth Control "Used this for two days during the first day of my period, I had pulsing headaches, nausea, and throwing up for about two hours. I have to get off of the patch because my headaches became unbearable after the second day. All my symptoms have disappeared. Thank you to all the women who left reviews, this patch has really nasty side effects, wouldn't recommend."

• 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."

• 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."

• Lil...
• March 2, 2011

For Birth Control "It may be too early for me to review this since I've only been on it for a month, but I thought I'd share my beginning side effects for the people who are curious. So far, I haven't gained weight, or had hair loss, spotting, or any of that. I have had some headaches here and there, as well as nausea, which when I chew some gum, goes away in no time, and also some moodiness-not a big deal, though. By what I've gone through from the start of it, I would say I definitely love this medicine. Absolutely recommend it to others."

• 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."

• Sam...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 14, 2019

For Birth Control "I am 33 years old and have been using the Ortho Evra transdermal patch for approximately 16 months. I ran out of the patches, so I had a gap and started the cycle again. Everything seemed okay, my periods were normal and all well for the first year. The last 4 months of using the patches, I started with medical problems. I had fatigue, dizziness, irregular periods, very heavy headaches, and tiredness. I fainted, and then after that, it went downhill. I knew something was wrong but never linked it to the patches. It progressed, and I ended up with the most severe headache, sickness, etc. I was sent to the hospital via ambulance, and it turns out they think the patches caused a TIA (mini-stroke). I stayed in overnight and am waiting for my MRI appointment to come through to see if any long-term damage, blood clots, etc. The hospital's recommendation was to remove the patch immediately and never use it again. So I definitely don't recommend it. It is too risky."

• ml1...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 28, 2017

For Birth Control "I started the patch on Friday. I felt fine Friday night. I woke up Saturday morning and felt okay. As the day progressed, my nausea got worse. Woke up Sunday feeling okay, but around 11 pm, the nausea came back. I had a headache and my saliva was really thick. I went to bed that night feeling horrible, not getting much sleep. Monday, I woke up feeling extremely lethargic. I ended up having to leave work early because I thought I was going to pass out. I went home and slept most of the day. Tuesday morning, I spent by the toilet and called my doctor, who told me to take it off if it continued. I just took it off 30 minutes ago and I already feel better."

• 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."

• Sic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 22, 2017

For Birth Control "I would not recommend this birth control to my worst enemy. I have had terrible headaches, arm and stomach pain, and nausea. I stopped the patch as soon as I started throwing up while driving in my car. I am thinking about going to the ER, it has been almost 2 hours, and I still cannot stop vomiting. This is the worst pain ever. I regret ever using this patch. It is worse than the pills."

• 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."

• Mar...
• May 3, 2016

For Birth Control "So, I've had the patch for six and a half years now... I remember my first month with it... it was crazy! I had some mood swings and terrible headaches, but I decided to be brave and just give it a try since it was my very first birth control, and after four weeks, all the symptoms went away.... Ever since, I've been super happy with it, and I just love it. I never gained a pound with it, never had mood swings with it, never had a baby, hahahar... I wear it on my back, switching from side to side every week, and never had irritation of the skin. It has never fallen off in six years either... The only issue is now, after six years of it, I'm starting to get some spotting. So... Don't give up so easily on the patch!! Haha, it's not for everyone, but it might be for you."

• Sha...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 23, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been on Xulane for almost 3 years now. I tried the pill and would forget to take it. So, my doctor prescribed the patch! It has worked perfectly! Every once in a while, I’ll get a minor headache, but nothing other than that. I wear it on my lower abdomen and switch sides every week. I would recommend it to any woman that doesn’t want to get pregnant right now."

• Nel...
• December 22, 2014

For Birth Control "I first decided to try the patch after trying the pills for several months. I liked the idea of only having to worry about changing it once a week, as opposed to having to worry about the pill every day. At first, everything was perfect, I had some spotting here and there, but nothing major. My mood was normal, and I had no weight gain. The downside of it for me was the headaches. I got terrible headaches from it."

• Rac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 15, 2020

For Birth Control "I took the Xulane patch because I wanted another option for birth control. This was the worst. I put the patch on a Sunday, and by Sunday night, I was having an extreme headache, and on Monday morning, I was violently vomiting uncontrollably. I took the patch off and felt fine for the rest of the day despite a horrible headache for the rest of the day and the next day. I switched back to a new pill (Lo Loestrin), and I love it. No side effects so far, and very happy with it."

• Pia...
• January 22, 2017

For Birth Control "I have been on the patch for 4 years. This is the best birth control method. Of course, like anything, your body has to get used to a foreign object that's attached to your body and lets estrogen through your skin. Your body will go through changes (nausea, sweats, headaches), but good luck finding a method that will leave you symptom-free. Once you get through that yucky part, you'll notice weight gain and also your breasts will get larger and tender. For most, I don't think this goes away. For myself, I do have a little bit of a tummy (I'm 105 lbs), and my boobs have gone up a whole cup size. I find the patch to be insanely convenient. After years of using it, I have zero problems with it. I can only say great things about this BC method!"

• 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."