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Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 4)

Brand names: Xulane, Zafemy, Onsura

Reviews for Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Mag...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • August 1, 2018

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control "I was on the patch for two and a half years, and I gained at least 20 lbs... and my weight just keeps increasing. I’ve had really bad headaches before and after my period when I’m on the patch. The only good thing is that my acne is gone and I don’t have any cramps. But still, I’d rather have those things than to gain that much weight. I’m now switching back to the pill. I think it really depends on your body. Everyone is different when it comes to side effects for birth control."

5 / 10
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  • Kay...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • October 21, 2018

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control "Worked well at preventing pregnancy, but horrible side effects. I have been experiencing crippling depression, mood swings, and anxiety, as well as slight weight gain. Up until being on this birth control, I was the happiest and most positive person, I was motivated and loved life... I recently got off and quit using it because I am realizing what it is doing to my body. The good does not outweigh the bad, and I will be quitting birth control for good."

4 / 10
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  • Sun...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 30, 2017

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control "I've been on the patch for months now. At first, there was stomach pain and nausea, which I still have sometimes, but now there's weight gain. I'm fatigued 24/7, and my menstrual cramps are 10,000 times worse than they were before."

5 / 10
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  • Din...
  • February 19, 2018

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control "I have been on the Xulane patch for three months now, and I haven't had any major problems. I had nausea on the first day I used it, but it settled quickly. The only thing I will say is that it does get a bit itchy, and it peels a bit around the edges all the time, which gives me a bit of anxiety, but I haven't had any scares. My periods have gotten lighter, and the duration of it is less too. No weight gain, less acne, no mood swings - it's great so far! I'd recommend it if you're not prone to getting headaches or nausea."

8 / 10
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  • Coo...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • February 24, 2022

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control "I've always been sensitive to any hormonal birth control. I tried pills and the ring, both no good with horrible side effects like weight gain or mood changes. I was afraid of going on Xulane, but I had no other choice being this non-invasive, so I gave it a shot. I've now been on it for 2 years, no side effects except for dry skin on patch areas. The first month I had some sleepiness and a lot of hunger, but it went away shortly. Love this! Don't knock it till you try it. It's just a sticker. I recommend doing it on your lower abdomen and switching sides every week."

9 / 10
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  • Ang...
  • June 2, 2016

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control "I've been on Xulane on and off as my postpartum method of birth control. I don't experience bloating, weight gain, rashes, or nausea, which is good. However, I noticed that after wearing a patch for 3 days to a week, I start to get yeast infection symptoms. I've gotten about three yeast infections while using Xulane. It works, I just wish it wouldn't give me an uncomfortable infection. I used to use the Ortho Evra patch, which is 20 times better and by far the best patch in my opinion."

5 / 10
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  • Dom...
  • April 16, 2015

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control "Very easy to use, doesn't give me morning sickness like the pill did. I don't even notice it's on. Only downfall is that it falls off in the shower or pool, and I think it's causing me to gain weight. It also made me very moody for the first 3 months."

7 / 10
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  • dot...
  • March 31, 2016

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control "Before the patch, I was on the shot for two years. I decided to take it off after gaining weight (from 130 to 160), and I was experiencing really bad pain in my lower abs and back at random times. I went to the hospital, and they said everything looked fine, so I suspected it was the birth control, so I switched. So far, this is my 2nd month on this patch. Got my period when I was supposed to, and it is so light and exact timing! The only bad side effect is I get nauseous at random times, but once I eat, I'm fine. No more weight gain yet, my appetite seems to be normal, if not less eating than before. My boobs are always hurting, and it's annoying. Take my bra off right when I get home 'cause I can't take it!! Hopefully, that will end soon!"

8 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • April 14, 2021

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control "I was on the pill about 4 months before I started the patch. I didn't like the pill at all, as I had awful side effects, gained weight, constantly tired, emotions all over the place. I just didn’t feel like myself at all. I started the patch about 2 months ago, and I love it. Couldn’t recommend it more. The first week I felt a bit nauseous, but that wore off. I experience slight excess hunger, but it’s not a huge issue. Other than that, I’ve experienced no side effects."

8 / 10
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  • ano...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 17, 2021

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control "I recommend this birth control. I went through 5 different birth controls in 2020, and I finally found one that didn’t make me feel preggo! The only downside is that it makes you gain weight. I've gained 35 pounds in like 5-6 months! I'm switching because of that and also because of summer coming up."

7 / 10
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  • 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!"

6 / 10
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  • 22F...
  • February 7, 2017

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control "I could even last two days with the Xulane. I had the Evra patch years ago and liked it, so I thought I'd give this patch a try. Literally, after having it on for a couple of hours, I got a migraine and then woke up to medium-severe cramps that lasted all day along with the headaches and then nausea. I literally felt sick to my stomach. After taking it off, I was able to feel a little better, no more major cramps but still feel sick. Hoping this goes away soon. I'm absolutely done with BC. Rather be celibate. Oh, and I forgot to mention I literally gained 3/4 lbs within 2 damn days."

1 / 10
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  • ang...
  • June 8, 2016

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control "When I first started using Xulane, I would get really bad nausea for 2 months. Now I am on my 5th month using and still have spotting in between my period. Also gained 5-6 pounds so far. I hate this patch. Thinking of switching to something else soon. Only reason I chose this is because it's the easiest, I only have to change it once a week."

3 / 10
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  • I...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 30, 2016

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control "I started using the patch around 2 months ago. I loved it at first. I needed the hormones because I have hypothyroidism, and I needed more estrogen. I mainly took it because my health condition caused me to have acne all the time, 2 periods a month, and I started growing facial hair rapidly. I tried this, and at first it was pretty cool, my hair stopped growing so fast, my periods were predictable, my acne was gone, and my small boobs grew. But all of a sudden, after 2 weeks, I started getting crazy mood swings and feeling sad. I was snappy and had so much attitude. Then I started noticing that sleep was getting difficult. And I ended up gaining weight like crazy the last 3 weeks on it. Itchy everywhere. Took it off today, and I feel very nauseous. Not worth it."

5 / 10
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  • AM1...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 2, 2015

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control "Been on it for about 6 months. Experiencing weight gain, low libido, still making me breakout often, chest pain since I've been on it, crazy hair loss. With Ortho Evra, never had any of these problems and was on it for about 3 years total. I am trying to find a different method, Xulane is not for me."

1 / 10
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  • Kat...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • July 27, 2015

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control "This was the first BC I ever used. It was mostly fine, didn't help my acne any and didn't give me boobs (I was all hips in those days) but also didn't give me any nausea or weight gain. However, the patches never stayed on. They would get sticky and lint from my clothes would make the edges look really grungy. They fell off a lot. I also developed an allergy to the adhesive, leaving red squares on my skin for months after. Now I'm allergic to any adhesive (tape, Band-Aids, etc.). I switched to the NuvaRing and like it much better."

4 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • November 16, 2010

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control "I was on the patch for almost 6 years and didn't experience any bad side effects. It was perfect for someone as forgetful as myself. The only cons were the patch may fall off and a rash may develop where the patch was applied. Two years ago, I switched to the NuvaRing upon my doctor's recommendation. It was the wrong move. I was on NuvaRing for 3-4 months and gained 10 lbs! From NuvaRing, I started taking a pill upon my doctor's recommendation (once again!). I took it for 10 months and experienced terrible side effects, including weight gain and night sweats. As soon as I stopped taking the pill altogether, the night sweats stopped. However, my skin started freaking out. I will be consulting with my doctor again about the patch."

8 / 10
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  • 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."

7 / 10
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  • Lov...
  • March 22, 2016

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control "I love it. This is my first time using birth control, and it does its job. My boyfriend and I had an unplanned pregnancy, after I lost it, I decided birth control was a good option. I'm 25, and I still get my cycle, and I gained a little weight, not too much."

9 / 10
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  • 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?"

4 / 10
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  • Cin...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 30, 2016

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control "I do not like the patch at all. I'd used the Ortho Evra version years ago in college, and the only downside was the constant tiredness and mood swings. This version of the patch has produced the worst body systems ever. The constant gas/bloating, heavy periods with cramps that last over a week, constant hunger/weight gain, and the mood swings. I've gained roughly 15 lbs, but the kicker is that I do not eat a lot. I don't even have dairy in my normal diet, and I do not eat fried food or junk food. It just seems like my body is packing on the weight still. The only reason why I even gave it a 3 is because of the ease of use and not having to worry about taking it. I am switching off of this soon."

3 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • March 18, 2012

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control "Before being on the patch, I took two different birth control pills and was on the NuvaRing. I had a lot of problems with those which I'm not facing with the patch (acne, extreme tiredness, moodiness, yeast infections, bacterial vaginitis, weight gain, etc.). I'll admit that I've had pretty bad cramps and extreme changes in my mood when my period comes. I feel a little out of whack, but it's worth it compared to the alternative side effects I've experienced! The first day of a new patch, I'm always extremely tired and a bit nauseous as well. It also does leave a sticky ring and cause irritation, but it doesn't bother me. You can see a few faded square marks on my back from previous weeks... a little weird. Overall, the best birth control I've experienced so far! Easy, reliable, etc."

8 / 10
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  • Liz...
  • February 12, 2013

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control "I have been on the patch for about four months now. My biggest complaint would be the weight gain and the acne. Previously, I was on the pill and have tried the NuvaRing. The pill made me too nauseous, and I forgot to take it all too often. The NuvaRing just didn't suit me. I love that I don't have to worry about this birth control but once a week. I will say that each time I change the patch, I do have a day of nausea. I also have minor irritation of the skin wherever I place the patch. I itch pretty badly some days more than others. I find that putting it near my shoulder blades avoids any tugging on the clothing and the lint issue."

6 / 10
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  • LIZ...
  • October 29, 2016

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control "So I have been on the patch for about a year now, I chose the patch over the pill due to convenience. Turns out it's kind of a pain. I had not had too many issues aside from weight gain and it coming off before my week was up due to excess water. Periods were normal for me, always generally heavy. Unfortunately, I had to stop for a month due to cost. (I know, dumb.) Now I am having an allergic reaction, before this occurred, I was wanting to switch anyways. I plan to switch to Paragard."

7 / 10
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  • Pat...
  • February 2, 2021

Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin for Birth Control "Good points: - Really easy to remember. Stick it on and change it once a week! - Sticks really well, does crease but it works well. - Periods were really regular and I was able to skip a period once too, was minimal period pain and no spotting. - Comes with cute stickers to put in the diary to remember to change. Bad points: - I gained about 5 lbs+ in the three months I've been taking it. All around my middle area. Big stomach, love handles, etc. - I'm SO hungry constantly. I can't stop eating (which would attribute to the weight gain). - I got dizzy spells when I stood up too fast. - Smelly discharge throughout the entire cycle. Very embarrassing during sex. - I didn't have suicidal thoughts like other contraceptives. But I did get really low about the way I look/my confidence dropped, which I have had using other contraceptives. - My skin cleared up but I'm on antibiotics too, so could have been that. Still get spots when due on period."

3 / 10
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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.