Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 3)

• xne...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 13, 2015

For Birth Control "This was the first method of birth control I ever used. It was the best choice I ever made. When I first started using it, I had my period for two weeks, but that was really the only downfall. My periods were on point, no cramps, no acne, no bloating, no lowered libido, no mood swings. Everything was perfect. I did gain weight, 8 lbs to be exact, but I do not think it was related. Anyways, this is the only birth control that has worked for me, and I plan to go back on it. (I had to go off it because of insurance issues)."

• HJa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 15, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve always been a super outgoing and happy person, but when I took the birth control pill, I became depressed. So I decided to try the patch. It was okay for the first few months, but I slowly started feeling less and less like myself. I became super depressed, and my sex drive basically went away, and I gained quite a bit of weight while I was on this as well, and so I decided the negatives outweighed the benefits. On the bright side, I didn’t get pregnant, and I’ve always struggled with acne (even when on the pill), but it went away when I was on the patch. I’m considering going on it again, I just don’t want to be depressed."

• Car...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 31, 2012

For Birth Control "I've been on the patch for 4 years. It was the first contraceptive I went on. I love it, my periods came almost the same time each month. I did not notice any changes, maybe just a pimple or two on my third patch. I'm very young, so I blame my 10 pounds of weight gain on my body changing over the years. I did have to switch birth controls because my parents did not approve. So I tried Depo-Provera so I could still be protected without my parents knowing. I rapidly gained almost 25 pounds and spotted the whole time! As soon as I could, I switched back to the patch, now I'm back to my normal weight and no more spotting. The patch never comes off, and it takes less than a minute to change. I highly recommend it."

• hap...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 26, 2015

For Birth Control "I LOVE the patch!! I was on the pill for a long time (about 3-4 years) and tried 4 different ones. They mainly made me sick to my stomach or have crazy mood swings/aggression. In college, I found it harder to take the pill on time and wanted to try different, more permanent birth controls. I tried NuvaRing with no success (unfortunately, it would move around too much and be quite uncomfortable), and the shot for 6 months (which made me horribly depressed and was the first birth control to cause weight gain for me). Then, I came across the patch!! It is amazing. I lost some weight, my breasts grew a bit (a side effect I didn't want), and no mood swings! No nausea and no appetite fluctuations. If anything, I'd say it curbed my appetite."

• I...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 26, 2015

For Birth Control "I love the patch. I was on the Depo, and it made me miserable. I was bleeding for 3 months straight till I switched to Xulane. This will be my third month using the patch, and the only con is the nausea, skin irritation around the area, and having to reapply it because of clothes or showering. I have gained weight, that I don't mind, but I can't stop eating! I plan on staying with the patch. Highly recommend."

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

For Birth Control "The first few weeks on the Xulane patch were horrible. I’ve had heavy periods, bloating, and headaches. Now, there are no side effects at all, maybe a little weight gain, but I’m fine with that. The patch sticks with no problem (I wear mine on my buttocks because my 9-month-old baby likes to play with it if it’s on my shoulder or back, and it’ll loosen up). So far, so good, no pregnancy or anything. It’s the best birth control that I’ve had. I would say the first few weeks or month may be horrible, but once your body gets used to it, it will get better."

• 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."

• 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."

• Che...
• March 28, 2018

For Birth Control "Before I explain my experience, let me first state that as long as you use this form of birth control correctly, it will work in preventing pregnancy. That being said, I did use this correctly for 4-5 months and did not fall pregnant once. I did, however, have some unanticipated side effects; after the first 2-4 weeks, I experienced extreme mood swings, more facial breakouts in between periods, an 8-10 pound weight gain/bloat (did not change my diet), my breasts were incredibly swollen, and as a result, I went up a full cup size, intermittent cramping, and the worst of all was the nausea-it was every morning and night. I felt like I was pregnant for the last 3-4 months while on this birth control. I understand that my reaction may differ from others' reactions, so don't let this one bad review keep you from trying it out. It works for many women, but I am not included in that group. I just took off the patch and anticipate going back to normal in the next 4-6 weeks. Good luck!"

• Anonymous
• November 21, 2009

For Birth Control "I have been using the Evra patch for a year and a half, and it's great. For the first 6 months or so, I would experience nausea on the first day of a new box of patches and gained about ten pounds, but those are my only complaints. It is easy to use and sticks really well. I did have a patch come off ONCE, but that was because my skin was not entirely dry when I applied the patch, and I also did not press on the patch as long as I probably should have. As a lot of other reviews mention, the patch does form a small dark layer of lint around the edges, which some people find disgusting, but it really isn't that big of a deal. I apply it on the sides of my hips, so it is concealed in a bikini or tank tops. It has never come off in this position."

• Anonymous
• July 12, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been on Xulane for six months now, and I'm sticking with the patch. Before Xulane, I was taking the Depo shot, and I had my period for 3 months, it was horrible. On Xulane, I do get mood swings, and since I seem to be tired a lot. I've also gained some noticeable weight. These would be the only cons, besides that, I love the fact I only have to change the patch once a week, and my period always comes the week when the patch is not required. I've always got my period for nine days, now my period is only 5 days. I love it!"

• Ape...
• February 18, 2020

For Birth Control "I was on Xulane for 3 1/2 years. I had tubal ligation, and my surgery was only supposed to be a half hour, but it ended up being an hour and a half. My body was full of adhesions, so my doctor could not find my ovaries! I have been dealing with intestinal spasms ever since. Going on 10 months and still on medication to treat them. Xulane caused me weight gain, mood swings, and pain where the patch was. NOT A GOOD CHOICE!"

• Man...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 2, 2022

For Birth Control "I just tried the Xulane patch for the first time, and I couldn't even make it through the first week, my symptoms were so bad. I felt overwhelming nausea, headaches, hot flashes, and gained 10 lbs in a week despite eating normally. I respect people who do fine with the patch, but it was not for me! I'd been on the pill and had Nexplanon before that, and while they both made me a bit moodier and full of acne, they were nothing like the patch. Next step for me will be trying the copper IUD, since hormonal birth control does not seem to be working well for me."

• She...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 19, 2016

For Birth Control "I used this medication 12 years ago (I am 37 now, so I was 25). In 3 weeks, I gained 15 lbs. My calves became very swollen and crampy, and my memory began to go. I was a server at a popular restaurant. I had regular customers, and all of a sudden, I couldn't remember their orders (they ordered the same thing every week for a year). I'm certain it is from Ortho Evra. It took years to get those 15 lbs off. It completely messed up my metabolism, and my memory has never recovered. I have a 16-year-old daughter who will never use the patch because of my experience."

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

For Birth Control "So I've been taking this form of birth control for about 2 months, but I think I am going to quit after I finish this round of patches. The patch is so easy as I don't have to remember to take it every day, but it has a lot of downsides. They include the glue trapping fuzziness, the visibility of it, gaining weight (I gained 10 lbs), decreased sex drive, vaginal dryness, increased hunger, really sore and swollen breasts, increased acne and oily skin, and periods lasting longer. My insurance covered them, but I prefer to maintain a slim weight, so that is the main reason I am quitting."

• suz...
• October 13, 2016

For Birth Control "My first month using the patch, I experienced cramping and had my period for about 2 weeks straight. Now it has been 10 months, and all is normal, my periods are much lighter than they used to be. I still have cramps the first 2 days, but Advil helps that. I love that it is only once a week I have to remember to replace the patch. The two things that I don't like about the patch are that it does tend to slide around like a band-aid, which can be annoying, and secondly, I feel it has made me gain some weight (bloating). I have not tried any other birth controls. I am still on the patch mainly because it has helped so much with my periods."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 20, 2013

For Birth Control "I was exposed to carbon monoxide chronically, and it has affected my thyroid. I was having a period every other week when I went into my doctor to see what was going on, and my LH hormone was way too high. I did my own research into the patch and found out about the increased amount of estrogen and figured I'd give it a try. I had already been on Lo-Seasonique and Seasonique, both were great at first, then I'd have breakthrough bleeding. The patch has completely stopped my breakthrough bleeding. I have gained a small amount of weight, but my breasts have grown, so I don't notice it much. The patch does leave a red mark when I take it off, but it's gone within a few hours, and I don't experience the itching that others have mentioned!"

• Ano...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 19, 2021

For Birth Control "I have been on Xulane since 2016. Works great to protect from pregnancy and didn’t fall off ever. I did not gain weight but had migraines every now and then. I have noticed my body odor changed, not that it was bad, but more strong. I never puked, and spotting wasn’t extreme. I did feel less fertile and more irritable, so I decided to take a break last year. Mentally, I felt more feminine and attractive when I was off. But then, the risk of pregnancy was a stronger disadvantage. So, I went back after a year break with no problem. It is definitely harder mentally, especially during ovulation on patch 2. Feeling like I’m going from zero to hero and back every 5 hours. Overall, I find it easier and better than pills and injection (gained weight on both)."

• VVA...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 21, 2021

For Birth Control "I didn’t like Ortho Evra at all. I gave it a go for 3 months, and the first batch of patches it was fine: some spotting, nothing serious, SUPER SENSITIVE boobs, and super nauseous but manageable. Then I noticed I started gaining weight, and the second batch of patches I had my period. One week after, I started with super heavy bleeding nonstop, huge blood clots for 2 weeks straight. Then it was just light spotting for one day, and then back again to extreme bleeding. That’s when I decided to stop it. I don’t think it’s the right birth control method for me."

• Goi...
• July 6, 2015

For Birth Control "I started Xulane after Implanon and the NuvaRing. I had severe weight gain and depression on Implanon and some moodiness and breakthrough bleeding on NuvaRing. I've been on Xulane for one month so far, and I absolutely love it! I alternate from my abdomen to my butt every month, and it doesn't even budge or begin to peel off - it sticks! The only bothersome thing about it is I began to break out a little more - I've always had acne problems, but these have been more cystic acne than usual. It seems to be calming down though. Also, I get a lot of fuzz stuck to the adhesive on the patch itself, so I just pick it off if it gets to be noticeable. Best of all - my period pain has been non-existent and my periods very light."

• bri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 6, 2015

For Birth Control "I have not experienced any major negative side effects except for weight gain, some skin irritation, and premature period symptoms. I recommend rotating the patch placement every few weeks. My period symptoms usually occur a couple of weeks before my actual period. On the third month of usage, I gained about 5-10 pounds. It's very effective for what it's supposed to do. My partner and I have not used any form of protection. I like the patch due to the ease of it and not having to take an oral contraceptive daily. The pros outweigh the cons."

• 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."

• Not...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 23, 2019

For Birth Control "In the past, I have tried contraceptive pills. The first one made me depressed, the second one made me really tired and nauseous. I went completely off birth control (BC) for several months after that, but after a pregnancy scare, my husband and I decided I should go back on BC. I wanted something that would be good for petite people and had heard the patch was great for small women. The first month was interesting, as I had nausea and I was extremely emotional. After a while, I wasn't bothered by the patch as much, and it helped my periods become lighter with less cramps, and I only have to change it once a week! The negatives would be that I feel fatigued most of the time and have had sudden weight gain. I still wish there were better birth control options out there, but this one has been the best for me so far."

• cas...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 25, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been on the patch now for about a month and a half, and was previously on NuvaRing for birth control. Since I'm not a huge fan of oral contraceptives (I forget to take pills regularly), this seemed like the perfect option. Unlike NuvaRing, my libido hasn't disappeared a month into my new regimen, I don't seem to be gaining weight, and I don't have headaches. In response to the people who say the patch doesn't stay on, try wiping the application site with some rubbing alcohol on a cotton round. I haven't had trouble with the patch staying on once, and I'm six patches in. The only problem is that sometimes the adhesive around the edges gets some lint stuck to it, or the patch will wrinkle a bit in the middle, but other than that, it's great."