Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin and Sore Breasts: What Users Say

• Dra...
• June 9, 2020

For Birth Control "I was on the patch for 3 weeks, and every day I was EXTREMELY nauseous. My breasts were extremely tender and swollen. I already struggle with migraines, and I had a consistent migraine while on this patch. I also was extremely tired and fatigued daily and also had mood swings terribly. Depression and anxiety were also at an all-time high while on this medication. I had no sex drive, and sex was no longer pleasurable. I usually don't write reviews, but honestly, reviews have been helping me navigate the best birth control method. I have literally been off the patch for less than 48 hours and already am feeling better from the side effects. Some might say it was all in my head, but whenever I applied the patch, that area of my body would tingle and itch, so I know the effects can quickly change. Would definitely say it helps with not getting pregnant, but if you are at all sensitive to headaches or medication, I recommend a close watch."

• 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."

• 123...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 3, 2019

For Birth Control "I started the patch about a month ago. I have a little uncomfortableness and major mood swings for the first day, but that was about it. When I moved the patch to my back, I noticed that my breast started to become more tender, but again nothing severe. I was liking the patch until about 2 days ago. I had to check myself into the ER and found out I have a blood clot in each of my lungs caused by the Ortho Evra. I'm only 22. So I am officially off it, but I wanted to share this because I have no family or personal history with blood clots, so anyone can form blood clots. I'm not saying everybody, because it was working fine until about a week ago. But I feel the need to bring awareness to this."

• Kai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 10, 2015

For Birth Control "I'm on my third patch, and so far, so good! I love that I only have to remember to change it once a week. The first week, I had a few battles with nausea; every little smell made me want to throw up! Even woke up in the middle of the night thinking I was going to. But never actually puked, so that's good, I guess. The other main side effect I've experienced is very tender breasts. I'm curious to see how my period is next week... But overall, it's been very bearable. My one piece of advice-don't let one really bad review sway you! Everyone's body is different. You never know what will work for you until you try!"

• hap...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 11, 2014

For Birth Control "I gained weight from the Depo shot. I was extremely sick on the pills. The Ortho Evra patch was a gateway to happiness. I had multicystic ovaries that made life uncomfortable for me, from random pains and swelling to uncomfortable sex. I tried many different contraceptives, and the patch is the only one that helped. My only complaints are the residue from the patch, breast tenderness (although I did go up a size and my sex drive went way up). My husband hides from me now, haha. Make sure you use as directed. Skipping a few days on the switcharoo will throw your period off."

• Shy...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 2, 2014

For Birth Control "I'm 19, I've been on the patch for almost a year and a half, I've recommended it to quite a few of my friends. It's the best. The first three months are a bit crazy. Constant nausea, tender breasts, emotional, but all these things are bearable and seem to fade away after your body gets used to the patch. Easier to remember to change it. It's so convenient."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 10, 2013

For Birth Control "I've had the patch for 3 months after having the Mirena removed. The patch is amazing despite constant breast tenderness. I'm happier and more chilled out, my partner has noticed too. Best contraception I've ever tried! Highly recommend."

• Ant...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 10, 2015

For Birth Control "I was on the pill for about 6 months before I tried the patch, and to be honest, I wish I had gone with the patch earlier. There's no hassle with remembering every day like you do with pills, and so far it's really effective! (Been on it for 3 months.) My only side effects are tender breasts and feeling hot often. Also, with the patch, my sex drive increased. :) I would definitely recommend it."

• Aja...
• November 14, 2014

For Birth Control "The only side effects I have experienced are bloating and tender breasts. I think my breasts are growing, and I think it is a downside because I don't want them to. I didn't notice any weight loss or gain. I had spotting, which is normal, but it is annoying. I just suggest using pantyliners."

• mca...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 26, 2012

For Birth Control "I was on the Depo shot for 2 years, at first, it was fine, but in the last 6 months, I became very depressed, my anxiety levels were through the roof. I gained a few extra pounds, and I had mood swings like crazy! I decided to try the patch since it has different hormones, and even though I just finished my first week, I can already see a difference. I'm not moody at all, I'm a lot happier and more myself. And I've even lost a few pounds. Other than the breast tenderness, everything else is completely fine. I'll still have hormones from the shot in me for a while longer, and I never had my period with the shot. I'll just have to wait and see!"

• 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."

• Sha...
• October 18, 2013

For Birth Control "Loved the patch! Been using it for about 5 months. The first 2 months my breasts were super sore, but I went up 2 cup sizes! Soreness started to taper off after 2 months. Weight, acne, and sex drive did not seem to be impacted. If anything, they got better. Only complaint is that the patch would sometimes cause my skin to itch a lot."

• Pnw...
• October 7, 2019

For Birth Control "I’m on my fourth patch. I’ve found the best place to put it is on your low abdomen, right above where your pubic hair grows. It doesn’t fall off here for me, I always put it on an hour or two after a shower and don’t shower for at least 24 hours after I put it on, and I try to avoid exercise in the first 24 hours after application. I tried putting it on my arm, and that did not work at all. I didn’t have any negative symptoms until my third patch, now I’ve been having really bad cramps and really intense breast pain and tenderness. My boobs are always really sore, and I’ve noticed as well that they’re really swollen, and I’ve gone up at least one cup size. I don’t mind the fact that my boobs are bigger, but man, they really hurt. I’m 22, and I’ve tried so many different birth controls since I was 14, but this is the first time I’ve ever had breast tenderness and had them get bigger. This is a really easy birth control method though, and I’m okay with the symptoms."

• aim...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 7, 2014

For Birth Control "Well, basically when I first used it, it was great, only had tender breasts, felt a little sick, but it went away. Then all of a sudden I had these terrible mood swings. Felt really emotional. And I've been that exhausted, I've had to take naps during the day. So yeah, not that good for me."

• pat...
• January 16, 2015

For Birth Control "Before the patch, I was on the pill. I don't know which, but it gave me severe nausea every morning, almost as if I were pregnant. I would have my dad pull the car off to the side of the road for me to vomit in the morning sometimes. When I went off to college, I immediately visited my gyno and said I wanted something different. She said the patch is good but very expensive, but I went for it. I have no side effects except for tender breasts. It is hassle-free, and it is very effective. I keep it on my butt cheek so no one sees, even if I go swimming! I do not think I will ever change from the patch."

• Jgr...
• July 17, 2017

For Birth Control "I was on the depo recently. Switched to the pill and after month 3, just wanted to throw up every morning. Remember having these side effects when younger. So, had a break and jumped to Evra! Can say this is the last and final switch! Three weeks in, so far so good. Just boobs have shot up a size. Nipples sensitive to touch. Hurts to lay on front. But can't complain, looks like I've had a boob job, and I know it's temporary. No morning sickness. Not hot flushes (the pill gave me). No anxiety of some kind that always managed to rear its head. More motivated. No spots. It's a slow release, so I believe as it's not going through the bloodstream, it is necessarily better for you. Definitely recommend if you're out of contraceptive ideas due to above side/e"

• 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!"

• So...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 23, 2021

For Birth Control "This terrible thing made me gain a ton of weight in a matter of weeks, a day in water pills, and I’m literally sizes down. It made me so irritable and moody, and my breasts hurt so bad. Passssss. The adhesive left a rash on my leg, and the patch attached to clothing and got messed up too."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 20, 2014

For Birth Control "I want to share my experience from being on Ortho Evra. I have only been on the patch for a month, and this is my week off of the patch. I got to say being on the patch has been the best experience I've had on birth control. Before this, I was on two different kinds of birth control pills. The first one I wasn't even on for a month, I was always sick. The second one was a little better, but after a year, it made me sick. So, I started Ortho Evra, and the only bad side effect has been that my breasts are a little sore. But they also seem fuller, which is great. I love knowing when I'm going to get my period since I was never regular before. I got it on time now, and that's great. I also love the fact that I only have to change it once a week."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 29, 2018

For Birth Control "Ok, so I have used the Xulane patch for 5 years. I have had some issues over the years, such as having the patch rolling up or getting stuck to my clothing. I usually fixed it or replaced it when this happens. I have also had a small rash from one batch that I believe was just a bad batch. I have had some acne, tender breasts, and mood swings. Overall, it worked great though, doing its job of keeping me from having more kids. That is until recently. I am so upset this month when I removed my patch and no period came. I waited, and nothing. It's come time to start the new patch, but before I refilled, I took a test. I am pregnant and used the damn thing exactly as recommended. I am so upset right now, I don't know what to do."

• 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."

• Kar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 19, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been using the Ortho Evra patch for 4 months. At the beginning, the side effects were not good, I had nausea, headaches, and sore breasts. In the first month, I had breakthrough bleeding for 7 days. But after those two months with side effects, everything was normalized, only the pain in the breasts remained, but only when the period is coming. I still consider it a very good method for me because I should not remember every day, as I am too forgetful to take pills. Llevo usando el Evra 4 meses. Y al principio, los efectos secundarios fueron rudos conmigo, tenía náuseas, dolores de cabeza, y dolor en los senos. Y el primer mes tuve un sangrado intermenstrual por 7 días. Pero luego de esos dos meses con efectos, todo se normalizó, solo quedaron los dolores en los senos cuando está por venirme el periodo. Pero aún así considero que es un muy buen método para mí debido a que no debo recordar cada día porque soy muy olvidadizo para tomar píldoras."

• the...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 26, 2016

For Birth Control "I loved the results! It is so easy to put on my butt cheek (alternating each week) and forget about for a week. I love how hassle-free it is, my insurance even covers it 100%, so I don't have a co-pay. I haven't had any issues with it coming loose, but that is one of my few complaints. When I pulled it off the first time, it felt like a waxing strip, but that's a price to pay for how convenient it is, now I use a little lotion to get it off. I am accustomed to having a few breakouts here and there, however, I've been getting huge cystic pimples. They have cleared up, and I haven't had any for the last week, though. My breasts have gone from D to pushing a DD and are extremely tender. I am somewhat moody as well."