Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 5)

• Emm...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 28, 2016

For Birth Control "I had taken this medication before, so I thought I knew what to expect. I'm 24 and have tried various types of BC. Although the patch was less inconvenient than taking a pill daily, the side effects weren't worth it. I immediately gained 3 pounds (within the first week), I broke out all over my face. I've had three large cysts on my face, it made me irritable and caused severe insomnia. My dermatologist and I were both surprised with how much acne it gave me. Absolutely wouldn't recommend this product to anyone, ever!"

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

"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."

• Pss...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 17, 2017

For Birth Control "First birth control has been on, so I had high expectations, and they were completely crushed. I've never had headaches in my life but had constant terrible headaches on the patch and awful mood swings. Was constantly emotional and crying and just generally felt awful all around. Within the first 2 weeks, I had already started rapidly gaining weight, and it didn't slow down at all. Within the short span I had taken the patch (3 months?), I went from maintaining around 110-113 lbs to maintaining 123-125 lbs and not being able to lose weight AT ALL!!! I was worried about weight gain, stuck to my pre-BC regime, and still gained the weight. The worst part is that even 8 months after I got off the medication, I still haven't been able to lose the weight gained."

• Mir...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 27, 2023

For Birth Control "This has been the most terrible birth control I have ever used, and I advise caution when reading positive reviews. My doctor switched me to this patch without prior discussion, and I assumed that the manufacturer endorsed it. Unfortunately, Ortho is no longer available in the USA. I have experienced severe fatigue, sickness, weight gain, swelling, headaches, mood swings, vitamin deficiencies, and extremely irregular periods with unpleasant blood colors ranging from black-brownish red to light red, which never happened with Ortho. Although the patch made my skin smoother and regulated my period, the side effects were not worth it. Claims that these generics are the same as Ortho are false, and there must be something added that causes these side effects. Ladies, please do not use this patch as it is unsafe and ineffective. I am relieved that I stopped using it; otherwise, I would be in unbearable pain with additional health problems."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 7, 2021

For Birth Control "Was living in a constant state of severe PMS on the pill, and after 24 hours of starting the patch, those awful PMS symptoms had completely disappeared. I felt slightly nauseated when starting the first week, but really nothing like what PMS causes me! I feel so much more in control and relieved with these patches. Previous contraceptives always caused headaches, mood swings, and weight gain. Not this one."

• Sam...
• November 16, 2015

For Birth Control "Been on Evra Patch for about 8 months now, started with no periods at all the first 2 - 3 months. Now it seems to be getting heavier and lasting a lot longer. Also, I get freaky paranoid and bad anxiety just before my break and after. This doesn't help with my anxiety levels. Also, I've gained weight and can't seem to shift it, and I'm constantly obsessing over food. I want to eat all day!! Lol. Apart from those side effects, the patch works for me. I keep note in my diary on when to change the patch. It's really much easier than having to take a pill every day!"

• Tif...
• November 23, 2016

For Birth Control "So far, no bleeding. I don't think I've noticed any more discharge. No rash yet. I have it stuck on my butt. No weight gain so far. I will update later!"

• Pri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 24, 2019

For Birth Control "I just recently started taking Xulane, and it works 100%. The only side effect that I have had is weight gain."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 29, 2023

For Birth Control "Horrible. Patches are not sticky. I gained over 5 lb on this patch and on the Xulane patch only gained 2 lb. Highly do not recommend."

• Mic...
• May 16, 2016

For Birth Control "I had terrible skin irritation and rashes from the patch. I still have some scars. I think it also caused weight gain."