Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 2)

• 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."

• Dai...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 8, 2018

For Birth Control "I've been on the Evra patches for almost 15 years. The first few times I used them was a bit trial and error with regards to staying in place and sticking to my clothes. Never had any problems with weight gain. I love how I know exactly what day I will start my period, which is around 3 days after I've removed my patch and lasts for about 3 to 4 days, is a light period with no cramps or pains whatsoever. They are a natural part of life. Absolutely the best thing ever invented. Will be coming off them shortly due to getting sterilized. But they've honestly been a godsend!"

• Anonymous
• June 21, 2011

For Birth Control "I've had really bad experiences with birth control in the past - the pill made me throw up on a daily basis, and the shot was just a nightmare. After the crazy mood swings, lethargy, two-month period, social anxiety, and weight gain I experienced with the shot, I was nervous about trying birth control again. But so far, I've had a good experience with the patch. The first month, I didn't have much of an appetite and often felt nauseous, but now that my body has adjusted, I only have a few minimal side effects. I crave junk food more, but that's easily managed with a bit of willpower or chocolate. My breasts have grown a bit, but after the shot shrunk them, that's not a bad thing. Thank goodness I found something that works."

• 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."

• Ber...
• January 26, 2017

For Birth Control "I'm on week three of the patch, and I can't wait for it to be over. This is the second time this year I've used the patch, and I remember the same side effects as before: headache during most of the first week, coupled with constant nausea. The only thing that seems to make the nausea subside is eating! Needless to say, I've noticed some weight gain! I suppose you've got to try these things... In theory, it's a great idea, unfortunately, it doesn't work for me."

• Abc...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 11, 2016

For Birth Control "I went on the patch after my third child. Within a week after using it, I gained 10 pounds. I have been on it for 2 years now and have gained around 30 pounds. My libido is down to nothing. The only good thing I can say about the patch is it has regulated my periods, and they only last 3-4 days at a time."

• Bec...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 27, 2013

For Birth Control "I was on the Ortho Evra patch for about a year and a half and was very pleased. It only needs to be changed once a week, so it's much more convenient than daily pills. It also really helped clear up the mild to moderate acne that I had previously struggled with. I didn't notice any weight gain while I was on the patch, and my bust went up a cup size. The only possible downside is that when I stopped the patch, I dropped 5 lbs in a week, so I guess I had put that weight on slowly. Overall, I would say this is a great option for those who are looking for the convenience of a once-a-week change and are comfortable with side effects of maybe some slight weight gain and bigger breasts."

• Sna...
• August 1, 2013

For Birth Control "I have been on the patch for almost 2 months, and I'm loving it! First of all, no baby, which is great! The first month was horrible, I had the worst mood swings, and I cried so much. I was so mean and kept on snapping at everyone. However, I got over it. I prefer to place the patch on either cheek of my buttocks because it hides it and also doesn't wrinkle and peel. However, it does itch at the site and when I remove it. My breasts have grown an entire cup size, which is not so great because I was a 36DD before the patch. I have noticed a slight weight gain, but I think that is from me consuming too much food when I have cravings. The patch works wonders, and my sex drive is great! Always in the mood."

• 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!!"

• Gee...
• August 14, 2018

For Birth Control "I’ve been on it for 2 years. It doesn’t really bother me too much, but the patch does come off often. It helps make my period lighter and causes no weight gain. Thinking about switching due to it coming off too often."

• Ann...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 5, 2017

For Birth Control "...and I was thinking I'm imagining stuff. I just started my 7th month on the patch. The last 5 days, I worked myself sick thinking about whether I had a brain tumor and dying on my little girls, couldn't snap out of the mood. From the beginning of taking these, I had those headaches (progressively worsening...) and it worried me a lot. I was feeling sick but not being able to puke, horrible loss of balance and vertigo (full whack with eyeball movement), weight gain (but I blamed that on the fact that I stopped running due to muscle pain and balance problems). The patches left red marks and rash, itchy skin (all over), and a little cough with no reason... Lately, the anxiety problems are my biggest scare. I booked the GP. The EVRA is going bye-bye... One pro - no pregnancy."

• Bye...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 22, 2015

For Birth Control "I started taking the patch last year to regulate my periods and my hormones. Then I found out I was pregnant while I was taking it, so I stopped. I ended up having a miscarriage. After surgery and roughly 6 weeks later, I was back on the patch, which was in May. In the space of time, I gained a lot of weight - I eat a lot. I pretty much want to eat all day. I have extremely heavy periods and it's really long now, sometimes more than a week. I'm moody all the time. My back and stomach hurt, I get horrible cramps, and the list goes on. I've finally said goodbye to the patch this month, and I'm officially starting my diet because I can't fit in any of my cute clothes and the ones that I do fit in, I look fat. I won't be using Evra again."

• QUH...
• March 27, 2017

For Birth Control "Have been on the patch for over 16 years. First Ortho Evra; a few years back Zulane generic brand. I had zero side effects since the first use. I have tried the pill for a few months, not good since I forget. The ring made me gain weight in a matter of 2 months, so I immediately got off that. Tried the pill again to get lower estrogen, but again it is hard to remember to take it. So the patch it is for me. All bodies are unique; we all react differently. I am glad I was able to process this form of BC without any problems. I did try to get off BC for approximately 6 months, and my body didn't like it; I started to gain weight, get bloated, so I attribute my weight control/hormone control to the patch!!"

• Sun...
• June 6, 2016

For Birth Control "I have been on the patch for a month now. I absolutely love it! I have tried the pill and was having the worst headaches of my life, and I was already on the lowest dosage. I gave up on the pill after 3 months. I have finished my first month and have experienced no weight gain, mood swings, depression, or headaches. The only side effects I have experienced are that my breasts have grown slightly and become slightly tender before I get my period, and I have a little bit more cramping when on my period. Besides these side effects, I honestly feel like I'm on no birth control. The only negative I would say is that the patch can begin to peel, which is easily fixable with cushion tape. I have PCOS and the patch has been the best option for me!"

• Ama...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 6, 2017

For Birth Control "Before I got on the patch, I was on the birth control shot. The shot was horrible, and it made me gain 20 lbs, and I had horrible mood swings that almost cost me my relationship with my boyfriend, as well as the extreme depression issues it gave me. Changing to the patch was the best decision I could have ever made. I'm much more calm and back to my normal self. This product is the real deal."

• car...
• June 22, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been using Evra patches for just over 6 months, and my periods are perfectly regular and much lighter than they are naturally. I haven't experienced cramps, nausea, or headaches and didn't before I used birth control. However, I've gained roughly 1.5 stone during use, but I'm not sure if it's a coincidence or caused by the patch. As a result, my breasts are also about a cup size larger. I always shave a square to help it adhere, I've never had one fall off, but they do tend to slide a little, and the glue left behind will collect fluff. This means it's not as discreet as it should be, but this doesn't bother myself or my partner, and I can easily hide it on my butt cheeks under a bikini. Worth mentioning, this is my first birth control."

• 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."

• Lis...
• July 31, 2015

For Birth Control "My insurance switched me over to Xulane from Ortho Evra, and at first, it was going really well. I am now 4 months in, and it's terrible. I have the worst mood swings, low libido, I've gained 10 pounds, and I get a rash around the application area. I have an outline of the patch on my hip that has been there for 3 months... I would not recommend this to anyone. While it does its job, keeping me not pregnant, the side effects aren't worth it. Back to the pill, I guess..."

• Sky...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 25, 2018

For Birth Control "Have been on since October 2016. Started off well. Had 4-day periods. Over time, I had weight gain of about 20-30 lbs. Hot flashes and vaginal dryness/infections started to happen. I haven't gotten pregnant on it, and it didn't affect my mood much, which is impressive since I already have clinical depression. 6/10."

• TCl...
• February 23, 2015

For Birth Control "I like the patch, it really does what it was supposed to. I've been using it for 5 months now. I noticed I gained 10 lbs, and I became very 'short-tempered,' for lack of a better word. I also have no sexual interest and decreased sexual arousal."

• 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."

• Ash...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 19, 2021

For Birth Control "This is the worst birth control ever! I never suffered from anxiety or depression until this birth control was prescribed to me. I would literally feel out of place and disconnected from the world around me. I would sit in bed and bawl my eyes out with my husband. It was affecting my sleep because it caused chills while having it on the 1st week. By the 2nd and 3rd week, I'm drenched in my sweat at night. I'm sick and tired of washing my bed sheets every day during the 2nd and 3rd week. I never suffered from acne but now I'm on long-term medications to treat severe acne. This pain caused extreme sweating that caused severe Hidradenitis Suppurativa flare-ups, which cost me so much money with a dermatologist. I have severe scarring thanks to this stuff. It should be illegal. So you think that's all it does to some people? Try chronic thyroid complications that leave you feeling like you can't breathe or swallow because the gland is severely swollen. Weight gain double time. AVOID!"

• Sir...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 14, 2016

For Birth Control "Switched to this after Ortho Evra was discontinued; had just about every bad side effect there is. LOVED my Ortho Evra patch, expected this to be the same, but this Xulane mess is awful. First off, it won't stay stuck. Tried shaving the skin, swabbed with alcohol, let it dry, stuck and held in place 10 sec, etc. It just never stayed more than 3 days at best. My pharmacist even had to give me some weird tape to try to keep it on longer. So of course, with the patch not consistently in contact, there's breakthrough bleeding, irregular LONG periods, terrible mood swings. I thought my body might just need a period of adjustment; I stuck with it 3 months. I gained 14 pounds and looked so bloated and puffy. At age 30, I started having cystic acne for the first time in my life. Oh yeah, and NO sex drive. Yeah, my husband just loves that. I will never recommend this to anyone. Ever. Finding something else has been an ongoing nightmare."

• Kfi...
• November 4, 2013

For Birth Control "Although I love that I only need to change my patch once a week instead of taking a pill every day, I HATE the patch. I've been on it for 3 months and took my last patch off for good today. I've gained more than 25 pounds! I'm constantly hungry no matter what or how often I eat (I normally have great self-control). Also, I have had ongoing cramping through my entire cycle. My periods are not any shorter, lighter, or less painful. My acne has gotten worse. I have sudden and fierce mood swings and am more emotional than I was when I was pregnant. The only good thing I can say about it is I haven't gotten pregnant, and even then, I haven't had sex since starting it, so that doesn't even count in my book. Hate it."

• Abb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 30, 2019

For Birth Control "By far the worst birth control I've ever been on. I switched from the pill to the patch due to excessive spotting. Not only did the Xulane patch make it worse, it gave me so many more side effects. My periods were the heaviest they've ever been (going through a large tampon every hour or two) and lasted like eight days, and I got the worst cramps, which I never used to get. I was constantly moody and crying and felt awful. I gained about ten pounds, and my skin from where the patch was got extremely red and irritated. It didn't get me pregnant, and it did clear up my acne, so I guess there's that. Once I went to my doctor back home to change my BC, she was like 'Wow, I'm shocked you got prescribed this. I don't give it to anyone because it sucks.'"