Alyacen 1/35 and Weight Gain: What Users Say

• kan...
• February 4, 2019

For Birth Control "So I had to switch to Alyacen (ethinylestradiol 0.035 mg and Norethindrone 1.0 mg) because of an insurance change, and I was originally on Minastrin (ethinylestradiol 0.02 mg and Norethindrone 1 mg). I started that at 17 and noticed a 15 lb weight gain. I was an athlete in high school, so I can't exclusively state that it was birth control. In October 2016, I switched to Junel. I had no period on either pill. I have had a 35 lb+ weight gain. I am currently on a 1300 calorie diet and work out 3 days a week with an active job with hardly any weight loss. I have also noticed I am an emotional train wreck. I can't handle confrontation/constructive criticism. I turn into a defensive ball of anger and tears, even over very minimal things. I have no sex drive. I have had migraines and palpitations. I have felt completely out of it at times, wanting to sit and be alone, and I used to be a huge outgoing person. I even got engaged, and my fiancé has noticed a change in my sensitivity to things and, of course, my sex drive. It didn't get bad until almost 2 years on this."

• PCO...
• November 27, 2018

For Birth Control "Everybody’s body is different, so what might be my side effects might not be yours. I started this pill 08/2018, by 10/2018, I gained 20 lbs. The depression and lack of motivation the pill caused helped the weight gain. I stopped going to the gym and eating right. Because of my PCOS, I have to be on birth control EVERY DAY. My out-of-balance hormones with these extra hormones really threw me out of whack. I scored high on the depression screen during my physical, met with a nutritionist, and started therapy, nothing changed. I switched to Ortho Tri-Cyclen, I KID YOU NOT, 3 days after, I was feeling my normal self. I got my motivation back, depression has lessened, back at the gym, and working on my eating. Please don’t take this med if you are experiencing any negative symptoms. It is YOUR BODY! Only YOU know when something isn’t right. You have every right as a woman to request a new med. Be sure to ask your Dr. to write on your script, 'no substitute.'"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 18, 2021

For Birth Control "I've been on this birth control for over a year in total but stopped taking it for a while. When I first got on Alyacen, I gained 15+ pounds. I just recently started taking the pill again, and the change I feel is drastic, and it's only been a week back on it. I noticed undeniable tiredness that wasn't there before, I'm way more irritable with others, and my sex drive has plummeted. I think birth control affects everyone differently, this is just my experience."

• NAD...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 23, 2020

For Birth Control "My pharmacy suggested I try Alyacen because it was much cheaper than my former BC and was supposed to be the equivalent. I have only been on this BC for 8 days and already gained 6 lbs. I’ve been bleeding and cramping every day, and my moodiness is through the roof!"

• Ann...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 20, 2022

For Birth Control "I’ve been taking this Alyacen 1/35 pill for close to two years now, and within the second year, I’ve gained 30 pounds! I recently got off of it three weeks ago and since getting off of it, my sex drive has increased so much! I’ve also noticed that my acne has gone away almost completely, but with getting off of the birth control, I’ve noticed some hair loss from my scalp, minor, but it’s just something I noticed. The only thing I could say good about this pill really is that I didn’t get pregnant, and when it was the sugar pill week at the end of the packet, I barely had blood and had minimal cramping."

• Can...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 10, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve been on this birth control, Alyacen, for months now and, like many commenters, have had issues with weight gain and mood. I already suffer from depression/anxiety, but my depression has been so severe after starting this birth control that I hardly move most days. Also, it did not occur to me until reading through these comments that my sex drive is almost nonexistent lately."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 16, 2017

For Birth Control "The first couple weeks were a struggle for me. I was very nauseous and gained a couple pounds, but after a couple weeks, it started to regulate and went back to normal. It made my periods super light and short, which was great considering I had very heavy and painful periods before. It also cleared my acne and I never had any pregnancy scares. I had to switch because it decreased my libido a significant amount and caused a lot of issues with sex. I would say it's a decent birth control."

• mm1...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 22, 2019

For Birth Control "I was on Alyacen for 4 years to control heavy bleeding after pregnancies, my doc said it was the best BC at treating this. It worked well for the bleeding, and I had no nausea. I'm only 30, with no medical issues, but I noticed BC tends to raise my BP. My doc wanted me to try Kariva to see if my BP went back to normal. Since being on Kariva and having headaches, nausea, weight gain, acne, I really appreciate Alyacen! In terms of weight, I actually lost 15 lbs the first year I was on it. At that time, I was really active with working out and weight lifting. My menstrual migraines and acne went away. My moods and sex drive didn't change, and it did help hair growth on my face. Hereditary - random chin hairs, boo. I do recommend it, it worked great for me personally. On Kariva for a few months, I have gained weight, but not sure it's due to lifestyle or the pill. I do know that on Alyacen I had no problems losing weight. I'd love to switch back, but my new GYN wanted me to try Kariva first."

• Mac...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• June 13, 2022

For Birth Control "I've been on continuous Alyacen or the generic equivalent for 15 years for PCOS, endometriosis, and fibroid growth. It's helped with pain, stopped bleeding almost completely except when I have what seems to be an occasional cyst rupture or something. Weight gain has been considerable. I think I'm definitely more irritable, but it certainly does what it's supposed to. I'm looking forward to stopping now that I'm approaching menopause."