Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin and Sore Breasts: What Users Say (Page 2)

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 28, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been on the patch for about 4 months now, and I can honestly say that I love it. This is my first time being on BC, and I did a lot of research before picking one out. The first 3 months, I experienced some of the side effects: headaches, nausea, sore breasts, emotional as hell. But all that stopped in the 3rd month. I still get a little emotional, but that's just regular PMSing. Do not buy the generic brand, it sucks ass. It doesn't stick as well as the name brand, so I spend the $5 to get it. My skin gets a little irritated around the patch, but I have seriously dry skin, so that can play a factor. Overall, I'm loving it! My BF can relax a little because he doesn't have to worry about condoms anymore because this is more cost-efficient."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 28, 2017

For Birth Control "I have to say, I was terrified of starting the patch after reading so many awful reviews. Over the past 8 years, I've been on 4 different combined pills, all of which eventually made me nauseous and caused me to vomit soon after taking them. So I was really worried the patch would have similar side effects. I'm now 6 weeks in (so I've had my first break) and have to say it's great. I haven't had any problems with it coming off or peeling, and I barely notice it! Obvious negatives are how noticeable it is and the yucky stickiness you get around the edge, but these are bearable. The only side effect that's bothered me is how sore my boobs are all the time - I can barely put my bra on! Upside though... they've grown! Overall, good, easy method."

• Sar...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 5, 2021

For Birth Control "I’ve been on Xulane for about two years. During that time, I’ve had almost constant nausea, extreme fatigue, weight gain, and strange chest and abdominal pain. I actually went to the doctor thinking there was something wrong with my heart, as it runs in my family. Though I am only 23. My sex drive disappeared completely, and I found my anxiety to be worse than normal. I spent every ‘new patch’ day vomiting and would sleep by the toilet. This is even AFTER two years. The symptoms have never gone away. My breasts are always swollen and tender. I’ve gone up to an uncomfortable 32G from a 32DD. I would definitely not recommend this to anyone. My body is very sensitive to medicine, but this was just too much. I’m finally saying enough and trying something new."

• Ell...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 7, 2020

For Birth Control "The Ortho Evra patch has served its purpose for me for over a year now, but I'm having to stop due to unmanageable weight gain. My appetite has increased hugely, I'm more prone to emotional eating, and I can't lose it as easily as I used to. I keep active every day, so I was expecting to be losing weight, but my doctor told me I've put on 10 kg in the last 5 months. I've never piled it on like this, so unfortunately, this might be the last straw now. Before this, I had breast tenderness and nausea for the first two days of wearing the patch, but nothing unmanageable. I had one incident where I bled continuously for over a month, only stopping when I came off it entirely for a couple of weeks. I think this was due to me not breaking from it frequently enough."

• kja...
• June 30, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been on Ortho Evra for 3 years now, previously, I was on the pill. I gained an additional 5 or so lbs when I switched over, but I think it's way worth it. My period is now regular, and my usual heavy flow significantly decreased. Recently, my pharmacy has started giving me the generic, don't do it. I have spotting all the time, pretty heavy. It's like having a regular period in between periods. For the first time last week, the spotting was really heavy, I'm switching back to the brand name. Other than that, no mood swings, no decrease in sex drive, no nausea/headaches/breast pain/etc. Great birth control!"

• mam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 9, 2019

For Birth Control "I started Xulane a couple of months ago. I immediately started to get the worst headaches, nausea, gained lots of weight, and my boobs grew significantly in size and are sore constantly. I’ve been on my period for 40 days with heavy flow and unbearable back pain and cramps. Some days I can’t even get out of bed without taking large amounts of pain medication."

• hap...
• June 9, 2011

For Birth Control "I've been on Ortho Evra for 2 months now. I love it. The first night I wore it, I had a panic attack. I ripped it off during the night, then started wearing a new patch the next day. Since then, no panic attacks, so I'm guessing it wasn't caused by the patch. My breasts were tender, but I got used to it, and I love how light my cramping and periods are. I get a pimple or two during the third week, and I am a lot more emotional, but that does not interfere with my personal life. It took some time getting used to wearing the patch, it fell off like three times. Overall, it's amazing."

• Try...
• May 8, 2018

For Birth Control "I've tried many forms of birth control, and this works the best for me. Pros: I can remember replacing it every week much better than taking a pill at the exact same time every day. My breasts have grown a full cup size, but they're incredibly sore and dense. I sleep on my side, so this isn't a huge problem. I don't have problems with skin irritation or the patch leaving sticky residue. I rub Bio-Oil on the area after removal. I stick them on my upper thigh and do not have problems with it peeling off, even after bathing, swimming, or going to an outdoor sauna/spa. I have never gotten pregnant! No nausea or weight gain (experienced both of these on oral contraceptives). Cons: It leaves a ridiculous (lack of) tan if left on somewhere visible during the summertime! My periods have become unmanageably painful. I keep my patch on for 9 weeks+ at a time, then take a 4-day break."

• Ant...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 5, 2018

For Birth Control "At first, I was skeptical about this, but it's actually been great. It's so easy, it sometimes feels too easy; you just put a sticker on and it stops you from getting pregnant. Before, my periods were so irregular, sometimes only having a week between them, sometimes having months. Now, they always come at exactly the same time, to the hour. You can also put on an extra patch to postpone it for a week (any longer than that, I tend to get spotting, but some don't). The only side effect I had was a bit of breast tenderness, but that went away after a few months. The only downside is that it does get fluff attached to it, and it does leave some glue after you take it off, but I also put it somewhere hidden, so it doesn't really matter. Would definitely recommend this contraception."

• Kov...
• September 2, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been on this birth control for almost months. The first month was terrible, I had my regular period, but I spotted all month long. But then I got my next period, and so far, I haven't spotted since my period. Other than that, the only side effects I've had are tender breasts and a red square rash where I put my patch, but it does fade to a light red. Overall, I love the convenience of only having to apply it once a week, and also it sticks well. The only thing is it gets dirty around the edge, kinda like a band-aid, but after you take it off, using a bit of baby oil on a cotton pad will get the dirt off."

• Nes...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 20, 2020

For Birth Control "This is my first time using the Ortho Evra patch! I’m now on my patch-free week, but since using it, I didn’t feel anything different or changes, which was great until I put the second patch on. I felt my boobs were always sore and my nipples very tender, but no other side effects at all. I’ve gone up a whole cup size in bra size. No weight gain, which is good. So far, so good. I’m happy. The one bad thing is fluff from clothing tends to stick to it, but I like it so far and will continue to use it :)"

• Nes...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 20, 2020

For Birth Control "This is my first time using the Ortho Evra patch! I’m now on my patch-free week, but since using it, I didn’t feel anything different or changes, which was great until I put the second patch on. I felt my boobs were always sore and my nipples very tender, but no other side effects at all. I’ve gone up a whole cup size in bra size. No weight gain, which is good. So far, so good. I’m happy. The one bad thing is fluff from clothing tends to stick to it, but I like it so far and will continue to use it :)"

• Joa...
• June 5, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been trying this patch for about 3 weeks now, and the cramps are unbearable. I feel like I need to take Midol every day, it's so bad. Feels like period cramps. I feel so nauseous that I want to throw up, and my boobs are terribly sore. Not to mention it has caused me to have a horrible yeast infection that I've treated twice in 2 weeks, and it just won't subside! I'm hoping after I get through this month of the patch that my body becomes immune to it, otherwise, this patch is the devil, and I hate it. I wouldn't recommend it."

• Kay...
• March 22, 2019

For Birth Control "5 years ago, I started on Ortho Tri-Cyclen, and it worked out well until I got to college. Went through all the stress, emotions, and long story short, it made me crazy. Then, I tried the birth control shot for 9 months. Went great the first round, then started losing a bunch of weight, having my periods for a full 2 months at a time, and it made me anemic, and you guessed it-CRAZY. So I quit birth control altogether about 7 months ago. In those 7 months, I’ve had my period every day, along with heavy bleeding. Talked to my gyno, and since I’m busy with school and 2 jobs, I needed something I wouldn’t forget to take. She recommended this, so I gave it a shot. Had this on for a week. PROS: - immediately stopped my period, - don’t have to worry about missing it. CONS: - emotional - mental breakdowns (at least 1 a day, for no reason), my boobs hurt SO BAD - my legs cramped up really bad almost immediately after I put the patch on - nauseous. & I'm not talking about normal nausea."

• gre...
• November 8, 2013

For Birth Control "I've been on the patch for almost 4 years. I never had a problem with it, other than the fact that I've gained about 30 lbs in the past 3 years. I was on the patch for a while and then went off of it. In the summer of 2010, I went back on, and since then I have not been able to lose any weight. I don't know if it is from the patch, but I have recently gone off (I can't afford it, and my prescription is done), and I want to see if it will help me lose weight. I am very moody and have breast tenderness during my period, but I knew exactly the day I would get my period and when I would be done. It was always light, and cramping was minimal. I think it's a great form of birth control (pretty pricey) but great. Just be aware of weight gain!!"

• Anonymous
• May 20, 2010

For Birth Control "I've only been on it for a month, but have tried other birth controls before (Loestrin 24, Microgestin Fe, and Fecom Fe). I was off for about a year since those made me get incredibly nauseous all the time. Over this month on the patch, though, I really haven't noticed any nausea or other negative side effects. Sex drive has decreased, and breast tenderness has occurred over weeks 2 and 3, but nothing too bad. It's completely different from other birth controls I have been on, and it's been great! I'm thrilled to see people have been on for 4-5 years and still been happy with it. I'm definitely continuing on it, and hopefully I've found one to keep forever!"

• Par...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 11, 2017

For Birth Control "I have been on the Xulane patch for 3 months now. During the first month, I did experience some pregnancy side effects (AM nausea, food/smell sensitivity, painful breasts), especially on my patch change day. I believe it is normal as your body is getting used to the amount of hormones you are receiving. When it came time for my 4th week (off week), I did have a severe migraine that lasted up until I began my period, 2-3 days after removing the patch. It was so debilitating that I did consider discontinuing the patch. However, things returned to normal with my period, and I did notice a lighter period that lasted only 3 days."

• Pat...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 8, 2017

For Birth Control "I have been using the patch for 6 years now. I have only been off once (I buy it when I'm in Mexico since it's $100 in the USA and I can get 1 month for $35-40). So one time I ran out and had to be off for 2 months. Overall, I love it, easy to remember, no side effects, haven't gotten pregnant in 6 years I have been married. My periods since I am on it are regular and I know exactly when it's coming. Before it, they used to be long and heavy, with a lot of cramps. Now they last 3-4 days max with only 1-2 days of regular bleeding and the rest is light. I only get 1 day of cramps (the heaviest day) and I get sensitive (not sore) and heavy boobs before my period comes. When I did come off, I was so sensitive, I had sore boobs and my body was crazy."

• skg...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 29, 2019

For Birth Control "I've used Xulane for the last 3 years, and it's been effective for me as birth control, but I get my normal period on my week off and also usually another week of the month I'm spotting, which is irritating. I've experienced breast tenderness, and I've had 3 patches fall off completely since I've had it and a few others that I got to re-stick, which was stressful! I'm getting the implant this week to see how it goes, especially since it's longer-lasting, but if it doesn't work out I plan to use Xulane again since I really hate pills!"

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

For Birth Control "I want this to work, but it's not. I feel emotionally messed up. Back pain, tender breasts, bloating! I'm also gaining weight and am very active. I've tried different diets and am doing even more exercise. But I know it's from the patch. I'm also constantly breaking out and feeling more stressed."

• Kay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 22, 2019

For Birth Control "I was on pills for years (I was terrible at remembering every day at the same time, I was busy). After about 3 years, my doctor randomly switched my pill and never told me, and the one they switched it to made me miserable, so I stopped taking it and found a new doctor. I love my new doctor, as she found the PCOS within 2 appointments and got me on the birth control I wanted ASAP. All my blood levels are doing so much better. My estrogen is where it should be, and my testosterone was lowered. I have had no issues on the Xulane patch whatsoever. It’s easy to remember just once a week. I will agree it does have some issues, the only thing that bothers me is the breast tenderness-it’s pretty rough. But from the positive comments, it will eventually go away. I’m thankful I talked to a family member about this patch. I would never switch to anything else."

• Jes...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 26, 2018

For Birth Control "I’ve been on Xulane for about 4-5 years, and it was good at first because I didn’t know any better. Helped combat my endometriosis and ovarian cysts, which were horrible. However, this BC is the pits. I literally have every side effect this BC offers minus the stroke and heart attack stuff. The mood swings and anxiety are the absolute worst. High blood pressure, hot flashes, migraines and headaches, breast tenderness and swelling, and major cramping in between and on my period are all bad too. I would advise against this form of BC. I’m in talks now with my doctor about changing this because the side effects are more harmful than helpful for me."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 27, 2016

For Birth Control "After being on the depo shot for a year, I absolutely hated it! Gained 30 pounds in a year, bled for 6 months straight, mood swings, pain during sex, and no sex drive. So far I love the Xulane patch. I've only been on it for about 3 weeks, but the only side effect I've gotten was breast sensitivity. The only thing I dislike is sometimes I feel as if the patch will fall off."

• 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."