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Generess Fe and Spotting: What Users Say

Spotting: mentioned by 24 users (17.4%)

Based on user experiences from 138 Generess Fe reviews, the following table shows the most commonly mentioned side effects.

All user comments are moderated by Drugs.com. Each review is verified for relevance and screened for inappropriate content. Side effects are user-reported and not clinically verified.

weight gain 30.4%
nausea 25.4%
mood swings 18.8%
acne 17.4%
spotting 17.4%
depression 15.9%
cramps 10.9%
increased appetite 10.1%
sore breasts 10.1%
moody 9.4%

Reviews for Generess Fe

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Hap...
  • September 4, 2014

For Birth Control "After being on four different types of birth control pills in 3 1/2 years and having HORRIBLE side effects ranging from acne, hair falling out, spotting for months, to anxiety, to stroke-like symptoms and going to the ER, my OBGYN suggested Generess Fe. I LOVE this pill! No side effects at all, other than my breasts have gone from a 34C to a very full 34D! No weight gain (other than in my chest), nausea, headaches, no 'foggy' feeling at all. These pills are easy to take, pleasant tasting, and the light, 2-3 day periods are an awesome bonus! I am so happy to have found a birth control pill that works for me and doesn't have nasty side effects. I highly recommend this form of birth control!"

10 / 10
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24 Report
  • The...
  • March 28, 2014

For Birth Control "This pill is great! Easy to take and has a nice minty flavor. The only side effect I've had is light spotting here and there, but it's a very, very minor inconvenience compared to all the positive things. I've experienced no weight gain or acne, or anything like that. My periods are light, which is great. Still have cramps sometimes, but they're not as bad as they used to be. Sometimes I miss my period, but it's completely normal while on this pill. Had a chat with my doctor about it. And best of all, I'm not pregnant! I would recommend this to anyone, whether you are using it as birth control or to help improve your periods. Details about me: 20 years old, no children, non-smoker. I also have PCOS, and it's definitely helped my symptoms."

10 / 10
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18 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 7, 2013

For Birth Control "I finished up my first pack of Generess a week ago, and it's my first birth control pill. I know you're supposed to take it for three months before the side effects go away, but I couldn't resist reviewing. It's effective-I'm not pregnant and have regular sex. However, the side effects aren't great. The first week was okay, just some loose stool after Day 1. By the time I got halfway through the second week, I had (sometimes heavy) spotting that went on for 1.5 weeks straight. I'm not a fan of having sex while bleeding, so it was frustrating. Also, my moods swing like a pendulum. I'll go from happy to raging in ten seconds. My face breaks out more now, and I also find I'm eating a lot more than usual. The side effects are dwindling, though, so I'm happy!"

7 / 10
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15 Report
  • Gen...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • April 12, 2014

For Birth Control "All of these women who said they tried it for a couple of months and hated it, so they stopped, need to be educated. When you start taking hormones (birth control pill) or you switch pills, it takes a few months for your body to adjust. You could see spotting and side effects for a couple of months. However, if you take the pill properly at the exact same time every day, then these symptoms, such as spotting, will go away. I love this birth control because it has a constant hormone dose, so I never spot anymore. Periods are short and much lighter. Fantastic birth control!"

10 / 10
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11 Report
  • Cry...
  • October 27, 2013

For Birth Control "Was put on Generess Fe to regulate spotting I have had for 3 months (PCOS). Have been on it a month, and it has been a horrible experience. I was surprised to see all the great reviews since I am having such trouble. I am usually a very happy person and have been extremely depressed, emotional (crying outbursts at ridiculous things), and irritable. I've had headaches daily since Day 1. Spotting has gotten worse. Breasts are so tender and painful, and I have horrible low back cramps during the 3rd week. Praying this is just because I've been so long without a cycle (8 years and 1 month), and it's just shocking my body. Doctor says it could take 3-4 months to regulate. Not sure I can handle that but willing to try."

4 / 10
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  • Mee...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • December 31, 2012

For Birth Control "I've taken this for well over a year now, and I haven't experienced any problems at all! Light spotting in the first 3 months, which is a side effect, but then never again after that. My period is very regular and has begun to lighten up drastically from what it used to be. No weight, skin, or mood changes. To those for whom it doesn't work, everyone reacts differently. For me, it's been awesome, and I plan on staying with it!"

10 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • November 13, 2012

For Birth Control "I have been on it for only two months now, and I absolutely LOVE it. I have been through complete hell with my periods. I get severe cramping and bloating for up to two weeks and have tried many different pills with NO luck. This is the first birth control that has reduced any cramping at all, and now I barely get cramps. Other pills made me extremely moody, but this one hasn't given me mood swings at all. I also had problems with spotting on other birth control pills, but not on this one. My periods are much lighter than before."

9 / 10
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  • Fab...
  • December 22, 2013

For Birth Control "This is my 6th month on Generess Fe. I'm 22. It's the first time I started taking the pill. The first 4 months I had some spotting and headaches (only the first 2 months), periods were a bit painful. Since month 5 and now 6, I feel absolutely fine, no spotting at all, okay periods lasting about 3 days. And I definitely have NOT put on ANY weight. I even feel like I lost some since I started taking the pill!! I am regular weight and definitely somebody who does put on weight. So of course, I know it works differently for everybody, but don't be scared of the weight gain myth, I really didn't notice any problems with that. I don't have any long-term experience, but so far I am happy with Generess Fe."

8 / 10
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  • Nat...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 11, 2013

For Birth Control "I've been taking this for two months now, and I don't want to say it's not effective because so far it's doing its job to stop pregnancy. My only concern is the light spotting between periods, but my doctor warned me that this would happen. I thought maybe I was making it up in my mind that I was a little bummed and depressed, but now I'm thinking it might be this medication because I'm seeing similar reactions to this online. I hope this will pass, otherwise, I'll be looking for an alternative."

8 / 10
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  • mel...
  • April 12, 2014

For Birth Control "I have been taking Generess FE for a year and three months, and it works great! No weight gain, no acne, no episodes of mood swings except period PM symptoms, but those are normal. I still have a period, but it's shorter and lighter. I do have cramps a lot, only on period though. There's no spotting or discharge for me. I've had a great experience with this pill and totally recommend it for those who are anemic like me, especially!"

9 / 10
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9 Report
  • Cam...
  • December 28, 2013

For Birth Control "I have been on this pill for a while now, and I've had no terrible experiences. I was put on it to control my period, which was nonstop for three months, and now I'm barely having a period when I take the inactive pills. It's very effective and easy to take. On occasion, I've experienced spotting or irregular periods because I've forgotten to take it once or twice. I've had no nausea, and I had some mood issues, but that went away for me within the first three months. It took my body about three months to adapt to the pill completely, so it takes a while, but it works very well."

10 / 10
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11 Report
  • Tin...
  • June 6, 2013

For Birth Control "Generess Fe is my very first birth control, and I'm in the middle of my second pack. I can say it's a good medication, although the side effects are pretty noticeable. I get extremely sensitive, sad, a big crybaby for stupid reasons. Breast tenderness, a lot of spotting in the first month. I was feeling a little more thick lately, I asked my boyfriend, and he said I had gained a little bit of weight. And looking back, I have been eating a lot of junk, so it increases your appetite. Your period becomes light. My first period lasted three days. And before the birth control, I had a crazy heavy period. So it might feel scary if you're used to having a crazy period and suddenly it's really light, but you're fine. That's how it works. And I'm baby-free!"

7 / 10
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  • Emj...
  • August 25, 2016

For Birth Control "I love this BC. Not gonna lie, the first month to 3 months suck pretty bad. I was nauseous pretty much 24/7 and spotting for a while nonstop, but it's totally worth it. I naturally have chronic anxiety, but this pill never contributed to it. I actually feel like I've calmed down quite a bit since I've been on it. It definitely helps keep my moods in check and feel like a normal person. I only have a 4-5 day period at the end of each pack with one heavy day, usually. I got on this to regulate my periods, and I haven't gotten pregnant thus far. Never gained weight, never changed my appetite, nothing. I've never had a side effect other than the first couple of months. Only BC pill that didn't make me crazy!"

10 / 10
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6 Report
  • Its...
  • October 20, 2013

For Birth Control "I got a 3 months of a free sample. But, I only used 1 month. The first week was great. Then I started the second week and started spotting. I spotted every day till about the end of the pack. My moods were terrible. By the third week, I was arguing with my boyfriend, which felt like constantly. He told me it was like I was on my period mood-wise that whole month. I'm not taking it anymore."

4 / 10
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8 Report
  • Cha...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • November 30, 2013

For Birth Control "My doctor put me on Generess Fe after I had tried Loestrin 24 and Lo-Ovral. I was impressed that a lower dose pill worked for me. The first 5 or 6 months I experienced some spotting mid-month, but it wasn't unbearable and eventually subsided. My periods became very regular and light. They still last a full week, but are light enough that it doesn't hinder me. I experience very little cramping and mood change. I feel hungry a lot, and my libido could be better. However, after having a miserable experience with NuvaRing, I am calling my doctor and going back on Generess Fe. By far, this has been my favorite birth control pill."

9 / 10
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8 Report
  • Cai...
  • January 7, 2014

For Birth Control "I was on this pill for two months and was not impressed. I had random spotting a couple of times a week, so it was like I was constantly on my period. Also, during the second month, my hair started falling out. It was so scary because my hair never really fell out a lot when I would shower, but on this pill, I would be finding clumps of hair. Needless to say, I'm switching to a different pill."

3 / 10
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11 Report
  • Sve...
  • June 2, 2013

For Birth Control "I've previously used other pills, patch, and the ring. My periods usually lasted only 4 days, however, with this pill, I am bleeding a lot longer. I've started spotting and took my first pill, little did I know I would be spotting for 4 days! Today is my 4th day on my period, and it looks way too heavy. No mood swings, no weight gain, skin clear (no difference). I'm only taking this for contraceptive purposes. I am in a new relationship, and I'm very worried how long this blood flow might last."

5 / 10
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7 Report
  • Nat...
  • July 8, 2013

For Birth Control "This medication was a bit of a struggle for me... for one reason: spotting. Like, a lot. Within the first month, I spotted for two weeks, then it subsided for about a week. Then I spotted for another two weeks, and this just kept happening. Finally, into the fourth pack, I noticed I hadn't spotted in a while and was very happy. I decided to start running for about twenty minutes every day to get some exercise. Unfortunately, I began spotting heavily during my first run. From then on, I have been spotting every time I run. I am now going to switch birth control pills. Other than the issue I had with spotting, this pill is pretty good. I did not gain any weight on this pill, however, my breasts did go up a size."

7 / 10
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5 Report
  • AEW...
  • July 19, 2013

For Birth Control "I am 33 years old and have had two children. This is my seventh month taking this pill. I have had trouble finding a pill that would not give me heavy spotting for months. I have not gained a pound. I did have nausea and breast tenderness for the first few weeks and slight spotting. I missed my period last month but got it a week early this month. Periods are a lot lighter and last no more than 4 days. I am not a fan of chewing my pills, so I just swallow. Overall, I would recommend this pill."

8 / 10
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6 Report
  • Ano...
  • November 15, 2013

For Birth Control "Periods became lighter within the first month, which was great because mine were very painful before. The one problem was the first time I took it. I felt far more depressed than ever before. But this was only temporary; it took about one week to adjust psychologically. Be sure to take with a good-sized meal! Other than that, very slight weight gain and no spotting. Always take the brown pills too; they contain the mineral iron, which women need a lot of."

8 / 10
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4 Report
  • ZXF...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 17, 2013

For Birth Control "This is the first birth control I've tried, I have taken it for a month and a half. The first 2-3 days, I had terrible headaches, which went away but came back during the placebo pills. I have a history of migraines, but only with light/noise sensitivity, no aura. Took Maxalt for the headaches, it helped. Bust got slightly bigger, gained a little weight, but I was very stressed out and ate trash, so not necessarily the medication. My skin was about the same, broke out slightly, but I wasn't sleeping or eating vegetables. Extremely moody/meltdowns during the placebo days, but I think that is my personal reaction to the hormones. I had a similar experience before, where the body chemicals made my emotions crash. No nausea, no vomiting, etc. During the placebo days, I did not get my period/breakthrough bleeding, but now that I am stopping the medication [for unrelated reasons], I suddenly have a tiny bit of spotting."

8 / 10
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4 Report
  • Bro...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • June 22, 2014

For Birth Control "I've been taking Generess Fe for a little over six months now. I am very pleased with the pill and have not experienced any nausea, weight gain, or breakouts. I had acne before, but after I started taking the pill, it cleared up a lot. So far, I have had a shorter and lighter period with much less cramping. I did have spotting in between periods the first couple of months, but that has stopped now. I'm a little freaked out because my period is a lot lighter this month than it has been in the past, but from the reviews that I read, other people on this pill experience extremely light periods too, or no periods at all. I cannot say how well the pill works for preventing pregnancy, though, because I use other forms of protection too."

9 / 10
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4 Report
  • i3u...
  • October 1, 2013

For Birth Control "I started Generess Fe on October 30th, 2012. For the first 4-5 months, I had irregular spotting, sometimes that went on for 6-7 days! I gained 14 pounds in 5 months with no diet change. The good thing about it is that since April, I have not bled at all. Not one drop. I no longer experience PMS or periods, so that is really nice. I am thinking about coming off to see if I lose the weight I gained, and if I do, I want a different pill. I use this pill to prevent pregnancy, no other conditions."

7 / 10
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2 Report
  • Fir...
  • August 23, 2013

For Birth Control "Horrible experience. I've been spotting consistently since the end of June 2013. My doctor is putting me back on Tri-Sprintec."

5 / 10
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9 Report

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