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

• 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."

• KOM...
• June 9, 2015

For Birth Control "I first was using the pill, and that made me have my period for 2-3 weeks straight. I don't know why I didn't just get the patch in the first place! I love the patch. It's one less responsibility I have to deal with. I've been using it for 3 months now, and so far, I never had a pregnancy scare. The downfall of this (because of the type of person) I get every symptom. I got rashes, I threw up before, my boobs get so tender when my period comes (but that always happened even before taking the patch), and my mood swings are crazy! But this only happens when I put the patch on after taking the week-long break. After a couple of days, I'm perfectly fine. I do recommend the patch, though. Just because I get all the symptoms doesn't mean you will :)"

• 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."

• Fay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 14, 2018

For Birth Control "I've been on the patch for 3 weeks now, as soon as I started using it, I felt a difference. I researched the patch before I went to get on it, but I didn't know I'd have so many side effects and for so long. For 3 weeks straight, I've been feeling like I'm on my period, sort of horrible constant body cramping, very irritable. Nausea and dizziness, also very sore breasts. I've been sleeping so much after taking this and still feel tired, I've been sleeping about 12 hours almost every day. I've also noticed a bit of weight gain too. And I've been having mood swings, feeling depressed and unmotivated, I've been staying in bed mostly. I've only tried the pill and the patch. I'm forgetful about taking a pill every day, that's why I changed to the patch. I don't want to try anything else, but I've been thinking about the depo shot. Maybe I should just wait and see if all the side effects will go away, it doesn't really seem worth it to me."

• Lia...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 12, 2022

For Birth Control "It was the most miserable experience I've ever had on birth control. I tried 6 different types of pills before switching to Xulane's patch. Almost immediately, I experienced many things I never had before: severe breast pain, anxiety, depression, constant daily nausea, not being able to eat or sleep."

• jda...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 27, 2022

For Birth Control "I have given this 3 weeks and can't do anymore. I just took it off 1 day early because of the nausea. I had other side effects (sore breasts, tired, mild headache), but I could deal with those and push through. I planned on giving it 3 months and had my doc call in anti-nausea meds, but this is miserable. Every time I eat, I get nauseated. Which is weird because I have also been hungrier than ever! I had weight loss surgery, and I am finally at my goal weight, so I'm not gonna mess that up for sure. My weight went up 5 lbs, but it was bloating, and I knew that, so I was okay. I'm 44, so I was taking it for perimenopause symptoms, but I am miserable."

• Yas...
• August 11, 2016

For Birth Control "I switched from the Nexplanon implant simply because I heard of a recall on it, and I couldn't take the constant dizziness and headaches. I used Ortho Evra before, and it was lovely, but this isn't at all. The first night, I felt like I couldn't sleep. With that being said, I was up for 3 days with absolutely no sleep, walking around like an insane person. Severe pain (hunger pangs) that I think contribute to the weight gain, nausea, and breast pain. I took it off. I tried it again, and the physical side effects have faded somewhat, but depression, anxiety, and mood swings are back in my life 10 times worse..."

• 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."

• Bou...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 27, 2016

For Birth Control "My first time taking birth control, and I chose the patch. I was prescribed Xulane. I hate it. I already had a slight acne problem, it didn't improve it. It made my breasts tender all the time. I was spotting for a whole week, which was expected. The main issue from being on this patch was my mood swings. I felt depressed, sad, I was crying for no reason, and then I would be happy again. My boyfriend hates it because of my mood swings. I've been on it for 3 months, but not anymore."

• 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."

• Kok...
• September 5, 2017

For Birth Control "The symptoms made me feel pregnant, constantly vomiting, always wanting to eat, always nauseous. Couldn't really do much for a week and a few days. My breasts became tender, didn't want to be touched, it made me feel horrible. After a week and 2 days, I took it off, couldn't bear with it anymore."

• Car...
• March 3, 2010

For Birth Control "I've used it off and on for the past few years or more (depending on if I was single or not). Indeed, it is simple to remember to use and quite effective. My only complaint is skin irritation from time to time and tender breasts. Those are the only reasons why I didn't rate this product a 10, but other than that, I'd suggest it to anyone who is in the recommended age/health group."

• D17...
• April 16, 2013

For Birth Control "I used the patch a couple of years ago and do not remember the side effects I am having now. I am nauseous, my breasts are swollen and sore, and I am retaining water. My moods are through the roof, and I hope this levels out soon."

• Fro...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 30, 2016

For Birth Control "I was on the Ortho Evra patch from age 16-26. They did discontinue it, so I switched to Xulane. Prior to Xulane, I had stopped taking birth control for 1 month. My face broke out completely. Only my cheeks. As soon as I got on Xulane, the acne stopped within 3 weeks. The only side effect I have had is tender boobs at random times. Not sure if they are growing. Haven't gained any weight, but I have been small my whole life. I'll review in about 3 months, as it's only been my second month on Xulane. My insurance covers Xulane, so no out-of-pocket cost."

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

For Birth Control "I've been on the patch for 2 months now, and I love it. The only downside to the pill is my periods have become heavier, and I have spotting in between my periods! On the upside, my breasts are growing, but they tend to be sore a week before I get my period. So far, it's kept me protected, and I love it."

• Yup...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 4, 2019

For Birth Control "I’m on my third week of Ortho Evra at the moment. I've had a slight period-like experience throughout and also brown discharge. My breasts are tender and have mood changes (although that already happens). I’m not worried though because at the end of the day I know my body is getting used to it, so sure I may be a bit all over the place, but who isn’t? Personally, I think it has more advantages than disadvantages, and the only reason I have rated it lower is because I haven’t been on it long enough to give it a proper review. Hope this helps :)"

• Mam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 16, 2018

For Birth Control "I’ve been on Xulane for three months now, and there aren’t a lot of negative things I have to say about the patch. The only bad side effects I have had so far are that my boobs ache, badly. They are bigger (before the patch, I was a 34DD, who knows now), but they are so sore to the point where I have to hold them but still get no relief. Also, I have the CRAZIEST dreams on this birth control - even if I’ve only been sleeping a few minutes. They are so vivid it’s unreal. I also do get a little itchy when I put my patch on for the first day, but nothing crazy, and it usually subsides that day. My period has lightened up and shortened, which I don’t mind, but I’ve always had a lighter period to begin with, so no change there. I would recommend this birth control for other women to try. Each woman will react differently, but it’s worth it to try!"

• Ken...
• May 23, 2018

For Birth Control "I'm on month one of Xulane, my last patch of the month. I love this method 'cause it's so easy. BUT let me tell you, I get the craziest mood swings, and my emotions are all over the place. There are days when I'm randomly sad over the silliest things or just don't want to deal with people, PMS but times ten! I get nausea here and there too, not too often, but when I do, it really sucks. My breasts are extremely tender, sometimes I'll wake up in the morning to my boobs feeling so heavy and sensitive. Also, my appetite... I eat a lot! Now for my periods, I haven't gotten it, but most of the time I feel like I'm on it. I'll get minor cramps or get bloated and fatigued. I will probably get off the patch, which is unfortunate 'cause of how easy it is, but it's just not for me. I have every negative symptom."

• arg...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 26, 2017

For Birth Control "Started the patch this month, am on the 4th day of the patch-free week and spent the last few days terrified that I might be pregnant. Today I got my 'period,' aka BC withdrawal bleeding, but have been nauseous all night. So, still not sure where I stand on the pregnancy thing. Have also noticed: sore breasts, weight gain of around 5 kg despite no increase in appetite and sometimes even eating less than usual (not fun since I'm already overweight to start with), strange dry itchy rash on my lower inner thighs, some vaginal dryness. Overall, I don't have much confidence in this. Even if I'm not pregnant, it's scary to see the edges peeling off or a regular shower loosening the adhesive. Switching back to condoms and will save for an IUD."

• Ash...
• November 12, 2015

For Birth Control "Didn't want to be on any birth control. In the past, I've been on the shot, the pill, NuvaRing, hated it all. Gyno said I should be on BC, so now I'm on the patch. Been on it less than a month, and it's a terrible experience. I'm throwing up all the time, stomach hurts, boobs hurt so bad, so moody I don't want to be around myself (can go from crying because it's the most ridiculous thing to wanting to rip somebody's face off for breathing in seconds). When I think I'm done bleeding, it starts right back up. I eat everything because I'm always starving, and I'm breaking out. :("

• Mom...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 19, 2019

For Birth Control "I have 3 months on the Xulane patch. The first week on the patch was horrible, with heart racing, nausea, headaches, itching on the patch site, and painful breasts. I didn't want to give up on it that fast, so I decided to suck it up and give it a chance."

• EZB...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 6, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been using this patch for 2 weeks, and I feel exhausted. I keep sleeping, and I still feel sleepy. I do not have drive for doing regular activities, and all started since I used this product. My breasts are tender but look bigger, which I don't mind at all. I feel very moody as well for no reason. I was hesitant about this patch brand because I did not have the knowledge. I used another brand before and loved the patches as birth control methods. My insurance covered all the cost. The pharmacy told me the out-of-pocket cost is $106, which is not bad for me. I think it's worth it."

• Smi...
• April 30, 2015

For Birth Control "Works great, but I'm coming off this as they do not stick well enough, so I'm having to change it every few days. I gym and swim a lot, so this probably doesn't help! They also leave a black sticky mark, like a plaster, but it's there even when the patch is on, so it doesn't look great. Has made my breasts go and become so tender :(-"

• Pai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 23, 2015

For Birth Control "I was so upset to hear that my insurance no longer covered Ortho Era. I absolutely loved that patch! I never had any side effects, and it even decreased my appetite to where I lost a decent amount of weight over the year I was on it. Unfortunately, I'm about to start my third patch of this one and have had a terrible experience with it so far. I love the ease of only having to change it once a week, but the symptoms so far aren't worth it. I have bloating, constipation, headaches, tiredness, tender breasts, terrible mood swings/depression, acne, and I'm constantly craving sweets! I've been eating like a total hog. I plan on sticking with it, hoping that the symptoms will subside. I will update after a few months of taking it if my symptoms get any better."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 24, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been on the patch for about four months now after getting my Mirena IUD removed. My husband and I are not ready for children, so I figured this was the next best option. I am 27 and have been on multiple forms of birth control before the IUD and have a history of anxiety and IBS. The first 2 months, I experienced breast tenderness and basically 2 periods/month while my body was adjusting. Slight stomachache and fatigue, nothing I couldn’t handle. But in the last 2 months, I have felt major mood swings and lethargy, and my anxiety has been a lot worse. I started tracking my symptoms and found that I actually felt better on my period in terms of anxiety and nausea than when I had the patch on. I am going to go off of it next week because I think the hormones are making me crazy. I’ve never experienced anything like this before. Effective for stopping pregnancy, but not the birth control for me."