Skip to main content

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Acne User Reviews (Page 5)

Brand names: Lo Loestrin Fe, Junel Fe 1/20, Loestrin 21 1/20, Blisovi Fe 1/20, Larin Fe 1/20, Hailey 24 Fe, Aurovela Fe 1/20, Microgestin Fe 1/20, Hailey Fe 1/20, Nortrel 1/35, Junel 1/20, femhrt, Junel Fe 24, Alyacen 1/35, Ortho-Novum 7/7/7, Mibelas 24 Fe, Microgestin 1/20, Melodetta 24 Fe, Jinteli, Aurovela 1/20, Dasetta 1/35, Aranelle, Aurovela 24 Fe, Kaitlib Fe, Blisovi 24 Fe, Minastrin 24 Fe, Nylia 1/35, Larin 1/20, Tarina 24 Fe, Gemmily, Vyfemla, Layolis Fe, Generess Fe, Gildess 24 Fe, Larin 24 Fe, Nortrel 7/7/7, Balziva, Tilia Fe, Briellyn, Dasetta 7/7/7, Finzala, Tarina Fe 1/20 EQ, Wera, Wymzya Fe, Pirmella 7/7/7, Taytulla, Pirmella 1/35, Gildess Fe 1.5/30, Norinyl 1+35, Gildess Fe 1/20, Femlyv, Necon 0.5/35, Estrostep Fe, Microgestin Fe 1.5/30, Necon 7/7/7, Microgestin 1.5/30, Leena, Junel 1.5/30, Zenchent Fe, Nortrel 0.5/35, Junel Fe 1.5/30, Femcon Fe, Nylia 7/7/7, Zenchent, Cyonanz, Aurovela Fe 1.5/30, Taysofy, Leribane, Aurovela 1.5/30 Fyavolv Gildagia Tri-Legest Fe Lomedia 24 Fe Philith Hailey 1.5/30 Hailey Fe 1.5/30 Nexesta Fe Oshih Alyacen 7/7/7 Larin Fe 1.5/30 Rhuzdah Gildess 1.5/30 Gildess 1/20 Merzee Charlotte 24 Fe Larin 1.5/30 Chabelina Fe Blisovi Fe 1.5/30 Xarah Fe Feirza 1/20 Feirza 1.5/30 Xelria Fe Galbriela …show all brand names

Reviews for Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • And...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • July 29, 2018

"I have been on this pill for a little over a year now. I didn’t make the connection until I looked it up today, but my acne got so much worse right around the time I started it. My skin was never perfect, but I would only really have small pimples on my forehead. The last year, I have had huge cystic pimples covering my jawline and cheeks that are constant. It has made me so depressed and self-conscious. Not to mention, this pill has made my periods super irregular and even more painful than they already were before. I am getting an IUD soon and cannot wait to stop taking this pill for good! I would never recommend this pill to anyone, especially if you’re hoping to improve your acne!!"

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
3 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • August 25, 2012

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone "This pill is probably good for a lot of people, but it is not good for acne-prone people. I was constantly breaking out on this pill with horrible, painful cysts. The lower amount of estrogen in this pill is better for a lot of women, but it severely aggravated my acne. Right after I switched to a higher estrogen dose pill, my acne cleared up. The only thing I liked about this pill was it gave me very short and light periods."

2 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
3 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 5, 2018

"I started taking norethindrone about 6 months ago, and it has been absolutely miserable. I hadn’t made the connection between my serious acne (and other issues) until my mom suggested I Google 'norethindrone and acne' and found this. While taking this pill, my face has transformed from smooth and minimal pores to dozens of cystic, throbbing, and painful pimples. I also have had similar mood swings, depression, weight gain, and a constant feeling of bloating and puffiness in my face. Basically, the worst period of the year amplified every day. I tried so many creams, gels, face washes, and masks, not to mention went gluten-free, dairy-free, and even vegetarian for multiple weeks and increased my water intake substantially to see if that was the problem, but nothing changed and only got worse."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
3 Report
  • Ano...
  • December 28, 2013

"I was on this pill for almost 3 months. It gave me horrible, painful cystic acne. I broke out a little bit before taking this pill, but it was constant with this pill. Also, my skin was really itchy. Only after using constant topical steroids did I begin to wonder what was causing the itching and did some research. Made anxiety much worse and crying all the time. The side effects were too much. Had to stop right before the 3-month mark."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
4 Report
  • M_h...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 28, 2016

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone "I had very bad hormonal acne after a week of taking these pills. After 2 months, I can say that my skin has never looked so bad in my entire life! I had to go to a dermatologist and switch back to my previous birth control pills (which I thought were not so good... but now I realized that they were wonderful compared to Lo Loestrin Fe!...)"

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
2 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

Your review helps others make informed decisions.
Write a review
  • MRY...
  • September 27, 2016

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone "I was on this medication for about 3 months and was curious where my fits of rage / severe depression came from. Finally, my doctor switched me to a new medicine, and later switched me back when they stopped carrying the second medicine. I have now been giving it a second shot for about 6 months but plan to switch to something new today. I've been battling cystic acne all over my jawline for about 3 months now, and in this time, I've gained nearly 30 pounds. I've remained a certain weight most of my adulthood - for nearly 10 years. Suddenly, after quitting soda, sugars, changing my diet, working out more - still no losses in weight. Do NOT listen to your doctor and do NOT go on this medicine. I would rather risk no birth control over taking it."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
2 Report
  • Bau...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • February 25, 2017

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone "I've never had to fight with acne in my life, because, fortunately, I was blessed with good skin. I started getting large amounts of deep-set acne all over my chin and neck once I started this birth control. Also had about two weeks of breakthrough bleeding each cycle, as well as severe mood swings. Would not recommend to anyone."

3 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
2 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 15, 2016

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone "I have been on this for a month and a half. I know it's kind of early, but DO NOT take this pill. My anxiety is through the roof. I don't even want to get out of bed anymore and start my days. I feel like a crazy person. I am not myself, very anxious, dizzy. Can't wait to be done."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
3 Report
  • Kay...
  • January 10, 2017

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone "I would not recommend this birth control to anyone. I have NEVER had acne or oily skin in my life (I'm 25 years old now). Actually, I've always had pretty clear skin and very dry skin, and now it's filled with cystic acne, and it's constantly oily ever since I switched to this. I have given it 4 months because that's what my OBGYN suggested, and it just seems to keep getting worse and worse. And not to mention, I've gained 15 pounds, and I'm pretty sure it's made my depression and anxiety worse. I go on the 25th of this month to get switched back, and I wish I could just throw this crap in the trash, but I'm afraid it'll throw my periods out of whack if I suddenly stop taking it. Ugh! It's awful."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
3 Report
  • Ang...
  • April 13, 2016

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone "I initially got put on this birth control because of having hormonal acne around my chin and jawline. I was told it could take around 3 months to start seeing any positive changes, I really haven't noticed any change in my acne at all. I'm still getting pimples on my chin, maybe not as many cystic ones for sure, they're more superficial. However, I must say I haven't experienced any bad side effects at all. I was thinking it was going to make me moody and stuff. I got switched to Tri-Lo Sprintec because I was told it could help more with acne, we will see how that goes."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
2 Report
  • Sav...
  • August 16, 2015

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone "I gave it a 4/10 because obviously it works for birth control if that's your main purpose for using this pill. In my case, I was using this pill as an aid for acne, I had been on Accutane twice and countless types of medications and topical creams, so my dermatologist suggested trying birth control. I will NEVER recommend this for someone trying to help their acne. My skin is worse than it has ever been, and I have never been more self-conscious in my entire life. I start my senior year of high school in less than a month. I regret my decision to go on this pill. It has come to the point where I literally do not even want to go out in public, and I do not wear makeup, nor do I like makeup, and I do not want to have to start wearing it."

4 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
3 Report
  • Ca1...
  • December 8, 2016

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone "If I could rate this a zero, I would. I have suffered with painful periods since seventh grade and finally went on the pill two months ago. I have had near-perfect skin my entire life, and my skin is so terrible now that even my mother, who is the type to say it's not that bad, is extremely concerned. My breasts are also extremely sore, and I have been spotting so badly that I have to wear a pad, not even a panty liner. My doctor is not even telling me to stick it out for the next month, I'm switching pills next week at the start of my next period. Do not do this to yourself, especially if you have clear skin to start with."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
2 Report
  • Jes...
  • September 8, 2015

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone "This was my first birth control experience. I am a 22-year-old female with no previous history of bad acne problems. The first few months, I had breakthrough bleeding and cramps during ovulation time. My periods were shorter and less painful, but the mild cramps continued through the full week, which they had never done before. My main complaint is that during the first month of using this birth control, I broke out in cystic acne all over my chin! My forehead, where I used to get the occasional random pimple, has completely cleared, but I cannot get rid of the hormonal cystic acne on my chin. My chin is red and bumpy constantly. I would not recommend this birth control."

3 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
2 Report
  • Man...
  • March 3, 2016

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone "Absolutely terrible. I got cystic acne, and I now have scars. I was never prone to acne before, just the occasional pimple. My breakouts now cover a part of my cheek that contains about 10 pimples at once. Terrible."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
4 Report
  • tfc...
  • January 20, 2017

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone "I have been on this medication for almost a year. Before I was on Lo Loestrin, I had very painful cramps that kept me in bed for at least 2 days every month. This medication has helped to stop those cramps completely. I never have a period, and it is the best thing ever. For some women, I think that they would be freaked out by not cycling, feeling as though the blood is 'trapped' inside them for some reason, but this medicine works by not releasing any eggs, which means the uterus does not need to shed. If I had to complain about anything, it would be acne. I have never had acne, especially on my forehead and chest, and it seems like ever since I started taking this medication, I constantly have tiny pimples on my chest and forehead."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
2 Report
  • Hat...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 5, 2015

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone "It was horrible. Hated my life while taking it. Never had bad acne before until this. During the second week of taking Loestrin, I got really bad and painful cystic acne. It wasn't just on my face, it was all over my body. It got to a point where I didn't feel like walking out of my house because of it. Mind you, this happened over the course of only 2 weeks. I also felt super depressed and moody, nauseous. I didn't feel like myself. It helped my cramps, but it was definitely not worth it. Switching to another BC. I was hopeful everything would be fine, but it turned out to be a hellish experience. Would not recommend to anyone, for sure."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
2 Report
  • xal...
  • November 28, 2016

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone "I have never in my life had acne, including during puberty. I've been on this pill for 3 months, and I have the most intense acne all over my chin. I have a very thorough skin care routine, but nothing works. Aside from the acne, every time I start a new pack, I get an intense headache and physically feel sick, like I'm coming down with the flu. This pill has been nothing but issues for me, and I just made an appointment to change pills entirely."

2 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
3 Report
  • Pre...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 2, 2016

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone "Like many other posts, I'm not one to write reviews. However, to add to the list of complaints, this birth control has made my face horrible. I've always had great skin; after being on it for a mere 5 weeks, I am shocked every time I look in the mirror. I am switching tomorrow. Not only acne, but I have gained 5 pounds in the 5 weeks and also have had a couple of anxiety attacks, which is very unlike me. Not only do I want to share my experience, but if I am in any place for advice, I advise not to get on this pill."

2 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
2 Report
  • Jaz...
  • March 21, 2016

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone "My doctor prescribed me this birth control pill, saying I will have fewer to almost no periods after being on this pill! And I didn't see anything wrong until about 7 days into taking the pill. My face broke out terribly!!!!! Like horrible, I hate going into work or outside because I have these huge bumps on my chin and cheeks. I usually have a few breakouts on my period but never like this. I don't like even living in my house unless necessary. I would not recommend this birth control unless you are willing to deal with having bad skin. I'll take a longer menstrual period or feel unconfident about my skin."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
3 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • December 7, 2016

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone "As we all know, birth control has different effects on everyone. As for myself and the 2 other people I know who have taken this pill in the past, it has been nothing short of miserable for all 3 of us. I've never related to others when they talk about mood swings during menstruation until I took this pill. Except now my mood swings can happen at any point, and I constantly have anxiety. On top of this, I am constantly nauseous, have random chest pain, and I've developed the worst acne I've had in my entire life. It's a good day if I have one or fewer breakouts appear on my chin area. As stated before, this pill has different effects on everyone, but as for me, I can honestly say it has impacted my life and not in a good way."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
2 Report
  • Anonymous
  • January 16, 2013

"I was on this birth control for 2 months. It made my face break out worse than anything I've ever experienced, caused a skin rash, worsened depression, random headaches, sinus problems, and fatigue. I also missed a period while on it."

2 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
2 Report
  • Anonymous
  • May 22, 2011

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone "I started using Loestrin as directed by my doctor. First Sunday after getting my period. 2 weeks later, I got my period that lasted about 21 days. I stopped taking the pills, and my period stopped 3 days after. I had terrible mood swings, and now I haven't taken any birth control pill for the last 3 weeks, but my breasts hurt so much that I don't let anyone hug me."

2 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
4 Report
  • I...
  • January 24, 2010

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone "Recently switched from birth control, which kept my skin in shape, to FemHRT for hormone replacement, and guess what?! Acne! I will be on the phone at the crack of dawn to my gynecologist to change me to something that will help my skin, as birth control always did. This is absolutely unacceptable to me."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
4 Report
  • Tra...
  • February 5, 2016

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone "I'm 34 years old. I've been on this pill for a little over 4 months. I've never had really bad acne my entire life, just the occasional zits here and there. I guess you could say I was lucky. When I started this pill, I completely broke out on my forehead and still have tiny little pimples that will not go away. I also didn't realize it until now, but I've also had mood swings. I literally cry at the drop of a dime. Lastly, I also never really gained weight while I was on birth control, again, I guess I was lucky, but I've definitely put on some pounds. The ONLY thing that I like is my breasts are big and perky."

2 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
1 Report
  • nic...
  • March 28, 2017

"I have only been on this med for a month. But I have not had the side effect of weight gain of 15 pounds in 2 weeks like I did with Seasonal, a combi-pill. I have not gained any weight yet, which is good, but I did get my period. The heavy bleeding I usually get and some cramping, but not as bad as they normally are. The only thing is my period ended, and 3 days later I'm bleeding again. I looked it up and saw spotting is normal, but I have been bleeding all day. Not my usual heavy bleeding, just blood every time I wipe and in my underwear. Also, I have broken out like crazy. The first 2 weeks on it, my skin was clear, but now I have little pimples everywhere. I have been trying benzoyl peroxide for the past 3 days now, and I have not seen any improvement, just more."

6 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
1 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

Your review helps others make informed decisions.
Write a review
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.

Learn more about Acne

Care guides

Symptoms and treatments

Medicine.com guides (external)