Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 4)

• 16a...
• January 27, 2014

For Birth Control "I am 16, and this was my first method of birth control. I wasn't good at taking pills, so I chose this. In the first couple of weeks, my breasts felt tender. I only felt nauseous one time. I've had some headaches, but nothing too bad. I also got more acne, but now that I'm at the end of 3 months, it seems like it's gone away. I also fear that it will make me gain weight because I have gained 2-4 pounds since then. But I think my breasts got bigger."

• 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."

• Smi...
• June 13, 2018

For Birth Control "I have been on the patch a little over 2 yrs. I loved it. But as more time kept on passing by, I notice that every time before my period, I would get extreme headaches. I thought it was just due to my hormones. But then, on one check-up, the doctor said my blood pressure was high. She didn't do anything. She just said that if I didn't feel good, to go to the ER."

• 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
• December 16, 2012

For Birth Control "I've been on and off the patch for the last 4 years. I've tried what seems like every birth control pill under the sun with no good results. I could easily remember to take the patch, but it always seemed to have some type of side effect. At first, I had bad headaches, or the first day I started the patch, I was so sick to my stomach. I was not on any type of birth control for a couple of months and developed an ovarian cyst. So I got back on the patch, and now it seems like I get a yeast infection each month."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 8, 2017

For Birth Control "I’ve just started using the patch, and other than getting some very minor headaches, it’s been great!! I can have unprotected sex, though we still use condoms to be safe, and not worry about getting pregnant again!! Everyone’s body is different!! The only other thing that I’ve experienced with the patch is an increase in my sex drive. But to any girl or woman looking to use a method of BC, I recommend the Xulane patch!"

• Man...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 2, 2022

For Birth Control "I just tried the Xulane patch for the first time, and I couldn't even make it through the first week, my symptoms were so bad. I felt overwhelming nausea, headaches, hot flashes, and gained 10 lbs in a week despite eating normally. I respect people who do fine with the patch, but it was not for me! I'd been on the pill and had Nexplanon before that, and while they both made me a bit moodier and full of acne, they were nothing like the patch. Next step for me will be trying the copper IUD, since hormonal birth control does not seem to be working well for me."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 24, 2015

For Birth Control "I am having a great time with the patch. I was on the ring for around 6 months (at age 15) and had continuous breakthrough bleeding. Since my switch to the patch, that's cleared up. I've been on it for almost a year, and I haven't experienced any nausea or headaches. I have gained around 10 pounds, and I cry and get emotional more now. The patch can look a little nasty, but that's fine. And SUPER SHORT PERIODS!! One 3-4 days now!!"

• awa...
• March 18, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve used this method of birth control for about 6 months now. I’ve had the worst nausea and headaches, plus the week when I’m not using the patch, I’m constantly sick. I do not recommend this for anyone!"

• One...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 20, 2013

For Birth Control "I tried the Ortho Evra patch for one day, and instantly the patch was extremely itchy. I had a continuous headache within hours of the medication. I felt nauseous and a little achy. Honestly, it's probably not for everyone. I'm only 145 lbs, and I've never been on birth control before, so hopefully the hormones wear off and have no long-term side effects."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 23, 2021

For Birth Control "I had the patch on for two days and just could not do it, have just ripped it off. Got nauseous for anything and everything, for example, smells or ideas of eating, absolutely no appetite, and headaches. Worst experience I have ever had."

• Mad...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 9, 2019

For Birth Control "So I started this birth control, and at first, it wasn’t too bad. Read some bad reviews and didn’t get any side effects except a headache, but wasn’t sure if it was from the patch. Then, after a couple of days, I started feeling so sad and depressed, was crying over nothing, and just not myself at all. I wouldn’t recommend this birth control, especially since it has so much more estrogen, no wonder it had me so crazy. Also, got a headache for two days every time I changed it."

• Kok...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 16, 2019

For Birth Control "After trying every pill imaginable, my doctor finally allowed me to try the patch. 1. As far as emotional side effects: very little. I have anxiety and depression as is, and Xulane doesn't seem to exaggerate my usual symptoms. The only noticeable change is the first day that I take the patch off for my 'off week,' but my emotions seem to even back out once I become well-rested and relaxed. 2. Physical side effects: minor, temporary headaches. Didn't gain weight, but that's because I have been nauseous for the whole year that I've been on it. I can go all day, do whatever and eat whatever I want, but the second I lay down to go to sleep I break out in sweat and dry heave 2-3 times a week. BUT, on the bright side, I'm not pregnant and my periods are practically nonexistent. So I guess it's better than morning sickness and a baby that I'm not ready for yet!"

• Bri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 4, 2019

For Birth Control "This birth control has been great for me. I have been using it for about 3 months now. The only thing I've noticed is that sometimes I get mood swings. I haven't gotten nausea or thrown up due to the patch, but I have gotten normal period-like cramps when I first put it on or change it out. I also noticed the first month I seemed to get headaches frequently, but they weren't severe, and I could deal with them easily."

• Ech...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 28, 2019

For Birth Control "I put the patch on my upper arms and switch arms each time. I’ve noticed that the skin where the patch was is now lighter, and neither spot is exposed to the sun, so I know it’s not due to that. On top of my skin having light square spots on my arm, the skin is really dry no matter what I do. I do have some headaches, but I’m not sure if it’s related or not. Periods are normal though, and I don’t deal with cramps. I’ve done pills which never worked and Depo, which was perfect for me, but the major side effects were not. I settled for the patch, and while yes it gets the job done, this is not some normal skin irritation. The thought of a foreign object inside my vagina or under my skin doesn’t sound too pleasing, as I know my body’s habit of rejecting objects. Where are all the hundreds of birth control options we apparently have? I’m running out of options."

• Jam...
• January 29, 2013

For Birth Control "My doctor put me on the patch because I have terrible cramps during my period and usually develop ovarian cysts that are very painful a few days before my period starts. I put this on at 7 pm, and by midnight, I had terrible headaches to the point I couldn't lift my neck or even talk because my teeth hurt. I felt immediate pain in my pelvic area where I placed it. I also had immediate muscle spasms in my legs and right arm (side where the patch was), and I don't want to keep up this terrible pain that I felt in just a few hours. It's probably just all the extra estrogen, and I probably should have waited it out, but I don't want to take any chances."

• Bel...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 16, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been on this patch for about 2 years now, and I really love it. When I first started BC, I was on pill form. I had pretty bad side effects from the pill: headaches, bad cramps on my period, my period was never consistent, and I was always spotting between periods. I was also horrible at remembering to take it. I switched to the patch after enduring about 5 months of the pill. The change for me was incredible. With the patch, I have had no side effects. My periods have been 100% consistent and I've never had spotting between. It's so easy to remember changing once a week. The only negative thing for me was the first 4-5 months of use; I had some irritated skin around the patch area. That has since resolved. I personally love this patch!"

• Tay...
• October 30, 2018

For Birth Control "I have been on Xulane for two months. The first month I had minimal side effects, mostly just small bumps at the site after I changed to a new patch site. Well, for the past week, I have been having severe headaches, nausea, and last night I was experiencing dizziness while lying in bed. And then when I stood up, I thought I was going to pass out. Of course, my brain went to maybe I have a brain tumor or something else because I hadn’t had problems the previous month. I saw others experienced dizziness, nausea, severe headaches that didn’t go away with Tylenol or Motrin, and also balance issues. So I took the patch off and went to sleep. I also experienced severe fatigue and would get extremely tired and was sleeping all the time. I also gained 10 pounds in two months. I woke up after not having the patch on for seven hours. I woke up, no more headaches, nausea, or dizziness. I liked the ease of just changing the patch once a week, but the side effects were too much for me."

• Rea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 1, 2015

For Birth Control "I've only been on it for less than a week, and it has been horrific! Like truly a nightmare. I'm nauseous all the time. I haven't really eaten anything since I started it. I've suffered random headaches, extreme depression, and anxiety. I want to rip it off, but my period was short and pleasant, and I've only had it on for four agonizing, horrible days. I wonder if it gets better?"

• Anonymous
• May 9, 2012

For Birth Control "I have been on the patch for about 6 months now, and I absolutely love it! It is much simpler than the pill because you don't have to worry about forgetting about it! I've found that since starting it, my skin has been better, I don't get headaches, my sex drive is normal, no weight gain, and not as moody! I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is annoyed with the dailiness of the pill."

• Anonymous
• October 15, 2012

For Birth Control "I went on this because my friend recommended it and because I like the convenience. While on it, however, I experienced horrible anxiety and depression. I also had a weird headache and taste in my mouth all month. My appetite varied wildly; I would be so hungry and then not at all. My period, which usually lasts three days and is very light, lasted eight days, and I had horrible cramps. During my period, I also felt light-headed and out of it."

• Dia...
• August 30, 2015

For Birth Control "This is my first birth control ever - after I had an abortion in July. Decided to take on the patch because it is easy and convenient, and you don't have to remember to take it every day, just once a week, and my change patch day is every Monday. On my patch-free week today, menses came. Tomorrow will be my second month wearing it, and so far, so good. Side effects are mainly headache and a big appetite, however, no weight gain, no breakouts, and some spotting in between. Cons: lint will adhere to the patch, and it could be itchy for me once in a while."

• Ang...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 31, 2018

For Birth Control "I do not recommend this patch to anyone with sensitive skin. I thought this may be the next thing I tried after giving birth and not wanting to take the pills every day. I placed this on my butt cheek, and after one day, I noticed itchiness. I did not think much of it until 5 days later when I felt the area throbbing in pain and swollen. My skin had a bad allergic reaction to the patch, and I took it off right away. Now I am still recovering from the area, so please be aware of serious skin allergic reactions if you have sensitive skin."

• Anonymous
• December 30, 2011

For Birth Control "I've been on this birth control for almost 2 years, and now it's really starting to affect me. The last few months, I've had appetite issues ranging from near-binge eating to complete loss of appetite. The last month, I've had extreme anxiety, chest pain, headaches, nervousness, shaking...the works. I've not experienced any vomiting, but nausea accompanies the loss of appetite. I have a doctor's appointment in a couple of days, and I'm definitely getting off of this. It was effective for a long time for treating ovarian cysts, but now it is really negatively affecting my day-to-day life."

• Anonymous
• April 5, 2012

For Birth Control "I think I had every possible side effect there was to have with this birth control. I gave this method several attempts and still fail. I had rashes wherever I put it, skin discoloration, constant yeast infections (no matter the placement), headaches, nausea, it kept coming off, bloating. The one good thing I can say about it is (no babies). Good luck, everyone is different."