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

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

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 28, 2018

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control "I was on the patch for about three months, taking it continuously. The first month, I had severe breast pain, some nausea, bloating, and over that time, I also gained about 17 lbs. In the second month, those side effects lessened, however, I started spotting, which slowly progressed to complete bleeding over the entire following month. I finally had to stop taking it after so much bleeding that kept getting progressively worse, and it took over a week to stop bleeding again after I stopped."

• Anonymous
• May 2, 2010

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control "I started Ortho Evra in Nov. 2005, and am still on it. I put it on my pelvis an inch away from my hip, and have had no trouble with it sticking there. It did not stay in place on my upper arm or butt - probably due to friction. I have side effects: reduced sex drive, breast tenderness in week 3 and patch off week, mood swings, and an increase in acne in week 3, and mild skin irritation at the application site. I have a history of migraines with aura. When I was on migraine medication that worked well, Ortho Evra did not cause a problem. Since my migraine medication has stopped working effectively, it seems that Ortho Evra increases my likelihood of a migraine during week 3. I will sadly be switching to a non-estrogen form of birth control."

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 6, 2016

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control "I'm on my third week and cannot wait to get my period and go back to pills. The first week I was nauseous, but that went away. For all weeks, I've been anxious, paranoid, emotional, unable to sleep through the night, and broken out. My breasts have increased a full size and were incredibly sore the first two weeks. The breakout started on my forehead but now, during week three, has taken over my arms! My chest and back are also broken out. So disappointed that the patch did not clear my skin like Loryna pills, it has only made my skin worse. The estrogen must be too high of a dosage for me."

• sup...
• May 12, 2010

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control "As with almost every form of birth control, there are side effects with the patch. However, in my case, I really feel that the side effects I've had are totally tolerable. I've been using Ortho Evra for about 3 years and have had some occasional breast tenderness and really occasional spotting. I do notice that I break out in week 3 and am pretty moody in week 4. It's really convenient for those of us who aren't 'religious' with pills. Thus far, I am a happy camper."

• Ali...
• January 28, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been on the patch for 3 weeks, and so far, my breasts have gotten much bigger. They are very tender, though, and I have also gained weight. I really thought I was pregnant because I can't stop eating and seem to have all the signs of pregnancy. But all my tests are negative. After reading reviews, I guess my side effects are common. I can't decide if I want to get off of it because of the weight I'm gaining, though. My boyfriend even said I looked pregnant!"

• BCR...
• August 19, 2015

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control "This is my first time using BC, and I knew the patch was the only thing for me (cannot remember to take pills).... This is my second month, and I've noticed my boobs are staying sore, I'm like crazy emotional, and I'm so sleepy.... But no weight gain, no acne breakouts, no red bumps, no nausea..... I was told it could take 3 months to get in your system, and I'm hoping that all this will go away next month.... The only thing that worries me is that I have no energy.... Is this a side effect????"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 7, 2021

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control "I love the patch. I wish I knew about it sooner! I've been on the pill since I was 14 due to horrendous pain from periods. I stayed on it until the birth of my second daughter, aged 27. It suited me fine, but I have a terrible memory, so I wanted something more reliable. The first few months I felt terrible (but better than the other alternative contraceptives!). I felt like I was in early pregnancy, and I took loads of pregnancy tests. Really sore boobs and nausea. That all settled down though, so I don't feel any different. My boobs have grown two cup sizes after about a year of being on it, which is just amazing! It doesn't happen for everyone though."

• Tas...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 27, 2019

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control "Week 1: nausea. At the end of week 1, there was a red papule/blister on the skin at the edge of the patch. Week 2: breast tenderness. At the end of week 2, there were multiple papules, erythema, and itchiness on the skin under the patch. Both weeks: bleeding. The edge of the patch picks up clothes fluff. I took a low dose of pyridoxine daily with Evra, and after skipping 3 days of pyridoxine, felt tearful, which resolved after taking the missed pyridoxine tablets."

• Fun...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 3, 2016

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control "I've recently started the patch due to health reasons - not contraception (although it is a win-win). I haven't been on BC in over 10 years, so I have nothing really to compare it to. However, I will say this: I've found that the Xulane patch makes me a bit nauseous at times, but those phases never last more than 10 minutes, although those 10 minutes can be very intense. It gets to the point where I'm salivating, extremely warm, and feel as if I am about to hurl (but I never do). That typically happens twice a day. I've also found that my usual problems with constipation have diminished since being on the patch (I no longer think that is coincidence). My breasts are also more full (plus for me, lol), but also more sensitive; minor weight gain as well."

• Bro...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 23, 2018

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control "I was on Ortho Evra for about a year, then on this for 3-4 years. In the beginning, it was fine, but slowly started losing hair, retaining water, experiencing chronic anxiety (could barely handle driving at times), chronic brain fog, and major depression with highs and lows. My general practitioner believes it's because of the excess hormones suppressing my liver production. I hate this patch so much for ruining my thick hair and decreasing my quality of life. Sex was disappointing, so I stopped having it and didn't even care. I will never use this again. My breasts swelled as if I was pregnant, and they always hurt. Remember, this is a high dose of synthetic hormones. In my opinion, use with extreme caution. I say run far away from this."

• Maa...
• September 29, 2017

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control "I've been on the Ortho Evra for 2 weeks. I've noticed that my boobs are getting very sore, and I get headaches every now and then. I've gained weight, but I haven't bled since I've had the patch on. I will update as I notice anything else. Question, if anyone can answer: for some reason, it may be how I sleep, but my patch gets a crease in it. Does that make it any less effective? As I put mine on my thigh?"

• coc...
• November 17, 2010

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control "I have been on the Evra patch for two months and am loving it. I have had breast tenderness and slight acne, no weight gain, and a light period with slight cramping, I usually have terrible cramping on my period. Hopefully, it will stay light and regular. I also hate the lint stuck around the edges, it's horrible, but a small price to pay. I suppose I too alternate the patch on my pelvis and have no problems with it falling off. I put the first one on my lower back, but my pants kept dragging at it, and it did fall off."

• Chr...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 18, 2021

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control "When I first began this birth control, I had symptoms for 3 months (which they say is normal): tender breasts, headaches, mood changes, moodiness, anxiety, tiredness, and really bad breakouts with cystic acne. But to be honest, I already was dealing with hormonal acne, so I can’t be sure it was my birth control that caused it or not, bloating. After the initial 3 months, though, most of those symptoms went away. I’m now a year and 8 months into it, and my boobs are still fuller than before and have gone up a cup size. My acne is almost nonexistent except for a pimple or two before my period. My anxiety, though, is crappy, but I had anxiety. I used to get a headache every time I changed my patch, but that went away, and now it’s nausea. When I change my patch, and when I take it off, I’m nauseous for the entire next day to two days, which really sucks. I usually take Dramamine to help combat it, but it’s been going on for 4-5 months now."

• DNI...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 4, 2018

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control "Been on the patch about 2 months, and so far, so good. I had my tubes tied 7 years ago, so I’m not really using it for the contraceptive. After getting my tubes tied, my periods were awful!! Like between 7/8 heavy days every month! With the patch, it’s slowed down to about 4 days, so no complaints on that side, but I’m always extremely tired after changing my patch! Like I literally sleep all day on my change day! My breasts have definitely increased, which isn’t a bad thing lol if they weren’t so sore all the time."

• Han...
• January 10, 2017

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control "I've been using the patch for about 6 months now because it's more convenient. My periods are regulated, which is good, but the bad part is I have terrible mood swings with the patch, especially the first couple of days of a new one. I took a month break from it just to see if it still happened, but I was fine, and as soon as I started using the patch again, back to my grumpy, moody self. I also experience swollen, tender breasts, which is absolutely not fun."

• She...
• April 16, 2018

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control "I’ve had a pretty good experience with Xulane. I’ve been using it for about two years. The big thing I would say is that this patch has more estrogen in it than oral contraception, which I believe is what causes the enhanced side effects. My patch day is Sunday, and I do notice that on Sunday and Monday, I tend to have headaches and nausea. My breasts hurt more all month, so that can be irritating, but I have not had any weight gain, and my moods are relatively even. It works as far as not getting pregnant, as long as you use it correctly every time. I’m very paranoid about birth control, so I change it at the same time every week and do a quick check throughout the day to make sure it is still there. If used correctly, it’s just as effective as the pill and more so for me because I was notorious for missing days while on the pill. My periods come on time every month. I would say if you’re someone who has a hard time taking a pill every day, it’s worth a shot!"

• Joy...
• August 5, 2018

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control "I started on Xulane 2 weeks ago. I placed the initial patch on a Wednesday. The first thing I noticed was itchiness around the site of placement. Just a mild irritation that eventually went away. Also, the second thing I’ve noticed is breast tenderness and swelling. I am on my second week, and my breasts are VERY sore to touch. They feel heavy and swollen. I’ve also had some itching on or around my breasts. I’ve had some mild nausea as well. I like the convenience of only replacing it once a week. I went to the beach with mine on my lower abdomen. It stayed in place. I noticed it was coming up a bit when I got home, but it’s still on and flat as of right now. I was in the water a little over two hours. So, I think it held up pretty well. I have about 2 days until I change it again. I place it in a different spot every time, like the instructions say to do. We’ll see how I feel when it’s cycle time. I haven’t noticed any mood swings as of present."

• Luc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 13, 2018

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin "Been on birth control to reduce the cramping and heavy periods following the birth of my 3rd child and tubal ligation. I’m 43, 5’3” and 130 lbs. Started with NuvaRing, which worked great years ago for me, but now I bled all the time with it. Switched to pills but couldn’t remember to take them each month. Doc recommended the patch. Been on it for about 6 weeks. Goes on easy and is foolproof. No issues with it sliding/coming off. However, I notice my breasts ache nearly all month. I have headaches and a lot of neck tension/pain. I’ve gained about 7 lbs and am retaining a lot of water/am bloated. My anxiety is awful-like a motor running in my chest and then intermittent episodes of depression; crying, tearfulness, and lethargy. Also, agitation. It’s just awful for me. I’m going off it and back on the pill."

• Han...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 18, 2022

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control "I started the patch about 2 years ago. It was a good choice for me because I was forgetful with the pill. My period definitely got lighter, I still get pretty bad cramps. I do use the patch all the time, my gyno told me to take it off for a week every 3-4 months. I love not getting my period unless I decide to! Reading all these reviews made me realize that I think it did make my breasts bigger! They definitely get sore sometimes. The patches rarely fall off or start peeling. I recommend showering and cleaning the area with alcohol to remove all the oil and sweat. I put it on my upper back between my shoulders, I noticed if I put it anywhere the skin moves, it would come off. I am a little concerned that it is messing with my mental health. I am bipolar and my medication for that decreases the effectiveness of the birth control. I do recommend the patch, though, I do not notice any weight gain or rashes. I also do not notice any headaches when I change it."

• Pho...
• October 11, 2011

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control "I was on the shot for 5 years. Yes, I know too long. Now I am 40 lbs overweight because of it. It's driving me crazy because I've always been an athletic, fit person, but after I gave birth to a special needs son, I needed something that I didn't have to think about for a while. I exercised, I dieted, nothing worked. I got a new doctor. I am now in my second week of the patch. I have to say I have never been more emotional in my life, and the breast tenderness is crazy. Today is the day I was supposed to have returned to get another shot, so I'm hoping these side effects are due to doubling up on birth control for 2 weeks and things will even out."

• Ray...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 23, 2018

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control "I honestly love this patch. I’ve been on it for about 6 months. The first couple of months I had tender breasts, but I was told that was normal. Although I did go to MEPS (military entry processing station), and they noticed some lumps in my breast. They went away after a couple of weeks. My periods are way less, lighter, and shorter in length. Although my cramps are way worse. I believe that’s because I chose to do the 3 months without the period rather than having a period every month. 10/10 would recommend to anybody."

• Lov...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 8, 2019

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control "Xulane patch is amazing! My periods are lighter and no PMS. I love my patch on my butt. The only downfall is sore breasts and headaches."

• Bet...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 2, 2019

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control "Nausea, diarrhea, migraine, extreme breast tenderness, and fatigue. I feel lousy. I'm not pregnant, but I feel as bad as if I were."