Junel 1/20 and Acne: What Users Say

• Kat...
• May 8, 2019

For Birth Control "I started taking Junel because I was on Lo LoEstrin and had horrible anxiety, mood swings, and was miserable. I took it for 5 years because it was the only birth control that didn’t make me super sick! I got on here to read the reviews and was horrified and almost didn’t take it. I'm SO GLAD I DECIDED TO TAKE IT ANYWAYS. I’m 22 years old, 5’5” tall, and about 110-115 pounds when I’m not on birth control. Now I’ve been on it for almost 2 months and have not gained any weight, my boobs may have gotten like half a size better. I’m 113lb in the morning and 115lb at night. On Lo Loestrin, I was a constant 120lb. My crazy moods are better. I don’t have acne like everyone says in their reviews (I take biotin every night and have been for months because my acne is pretty bad). I’m not a heavy bleeder, and this pill has worked great for me. I am literally the most sensitive person to anything hormonal, so if it can work for me, don’t be afraid to try it because of bad reviews!"

• Ran...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 20, 2021

For Birth Control "Reading the reviews on Junel 1/20 before I started did put some anxiety into me, but personally speaking, I’m having a pretty good experience with it. For the first 3 months, I did experience some breakthrough bleeding, but this was expected as my body was adjusting to the hormones, and after that, everything has been great. My periods are lighter and shorter, I didn’t go through mood swings, no weight gain, no vaginal dryness, no acne, and (I’m not as active anymore), but no pregnancy as well. So pretty much whatever negative side effects there could have been, I thankfully didn’t get any."

• Mel...
• May 14, 2020

For Birth Control "I just started my third month of Junel Fe 1/20. The first month, I was very nauseous, especially at night, even though my doctor told me to take it at night to avoid nausea. I still experience the nausea, but not as often as I did the first month, and I avoid eating gooey, creamy things in the evening around the time I take my pill, which I notice does help a lot. However, if it’s really bothering me, a dose of Pepto-Bismol usually does the trick. I feel that my skin is breaking out more often than normal, not badly, but I definitely notice it. Usually, I only get one or two small pimples around my period, but now I get four each month, especially around my chin. My periods are definitely lighter and only last about 4-5 days, but I’m still experiencing cramping. I didn’t notice any mood swings or weight gain. I actually feel sexier these past couple of weeks. Sex drive is the same, energy levels are the same."

• Col...
• September 19, 2018

For Birth Control "I’ve only been taking this pill for about a month, but so far I am very happy with the results. I was very nervous to start Junel based off the other reviews, but I’ve had a fairly positive experience. Before taking Junel, I would get terrible cramps (that would cause me to cancel plans/responsibilities) and extremely heavy periods. I now only have very minor, if any, cramping at all during my period and a significantly lighter flow. The only semi-problem I’ve experienced is a little acne, but I’m sure this is just because my body is normalizing to the hormones and hope this begins to go away. I hope this helps and reduces some of your nerves about this pill :)"

• Thi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 25, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been taking my Junel 1/20 for almost a month now. I just have my placebo pills left for next week. I haven’t noticed any bloating or weight gain. However, I have noticed a little more acne, my temper is a little worse, and it sometimes makes me nauseous. The biggest issue I am having is becoming very dizzy at times, mostly at night when I lay down for bed. I was wondering if anyone else is having the same issue or if I might be getting dizzy for other health reasons. Thanks!"

• noo...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 19, 2019

For Birth Control "I've been on this BC for 10 months now. It did take probably 5-6 months for my cycle to regulate, and if I miss a day where previous pills, I'd just double up the next day and be fine. But if I do this on Junel, I will start my period the next day, regardless of where I am on my pack. That's the only negative effect I've had. This is my 7th brand after struggling with dark thoughts, nausea, and REALLY bad adult acne on the others. All of those symptoms were a direct result of being on birth control. Junel has completely cleared my acne, and I haven't noticed any emotional changes. My cycle is also a lot lighter and shorter than naturally. Maybe something to try if you're struggling with multiple other brands."

• Ann...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 3, 2020

For Birth Control "It took about 3 months for my period to regulate while on Junel. Since then, I get my periods very regularly, and they only last 4-5 days. I have one heavy bleeding day, and the other days are pretty light. I would only get acne around the time of my period, but now my skin is completely clear, and I have not had any acne for the past 5 months. I had some initial weight gain when I started taking Junel, but it was minimal, and I was able to lose it a few months later. Other than the weight gain, I have not had any negative side effects."

• Jen...
• August 21, 2020

For Birth Control "I switched to Junel 1/20 after being on another pill for years. Everyone convinced me to switch, as I was tired and a bit moody on my other pill. However, switching to Junel has been a huge regret. I couldn’t last longer than 3 months on it. When I first started, I threw up several mornings and felt so sick. My skin (jaw/chin) broke out terribly, and I’ve NEVER broken out on my chin before. My periods were heavy, and cramps were unbelievably painful. I was constantly crying, and my rage was out of control. I have a short temper, but I have never seen myself turn into such a raging, angry person over the tiniest things than I did on this pill. My anxiety was awful, my nipples were in so much pain and super sensitive (this got better after the first month or so). Always groggy and tired. Hair loss. Can’t really think of one positive of this pill. Everyone’s different, and I’ve had several friends who love this pill. But I gave it 3 months and couldn’t handle any more of it."

• Unh...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 26, 2019

For Birth Control "I originally started this pill in May of last year. I was on it for 2.5 months, and those first 2.5 months were awful. I’m normally a very confident and optimistic person, but those first two months I had terrible anxiety, panic attacks, horrible mood swings, which caused a breakup with my (then) boyfriend of a year, and irregular periods. I stopped and started taking them again around March or April of this year. Ever since then, my period is almost nonexistent as I rarely ever get one, forcing me to buy a lot of pregnancy tests out of fear (all came back negative). I have terrible acne and some sort of dermatitis around my nose that began appearing after a month or two of taking it, water weight (gain/lose 4 pounds) that fluctuates, and a decreased libido, which is a lot coming from a hormonal teen. I’m regular with taking my pill, occasionally being late by an hour, but usually am late (when it does happen) by 20 minutes or so. I’m switching."

• Kat...
• January 29, 2020

For Birth Control "The first month of Junel, I was bleeding for like 2 and a half weeks straight. It was super annoying, but after the first pack, it stopped. I did experience a little bit of weight gain, but it wasn’t noticeable at all. I saw a decrease in my sex drive, that’s a downside with this pill. I would be drier than usual, which was annoying at times. I also got on this pill because I had bad acne, and this pill cleared it up tremendously. It took about 3 packs of the pill for me to see a huge improvement. And once it did, it was just going up from there. I recently got off it because I messed up on it, and I started bleeding on my active pills, and I started breaking out again, so I had to switch. But it may be my fault or my body just rejected this BC... who knows. I wouldn’t give this BC a bad rating since it cleared most of my skin, and it’s nowhere near as bad compared to what my skin was before this birth control!!"

• Ano...
• October 6, 2018

For Birth Control "I recently switched from Taytulla to this horrible pill. Although it is cheaper, I have noticed extreme weight gain and acne, but worst of all, extreme anxiety and depression! Which I have never experienced before. Horrible symptoms in just one cycle of this pill. I wish there was something else to take for the light periods that doesn’t cost $175 per month with insurance. I feel like women are discriminated against with all of this hoopla. Unfair."

• TTT...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 7, 2019

For Birth Control "I started this birth control about 3 months ago after being on the patch for about 2 months. The first month was fine, but then I became extremely emotional, lots of acne, crazy anxiety, and depression. I started to notice my insane weight gain. I was 5'4, 136 lbs, and my bra size was a 34B. Now I weigh 148 lbs and am a 36D. I've always had clear skin and been pretty fit, and I eat healthy and exercise regularly. Can't wait to get off of this birth control Wednesday."

• Zee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 14, 2019

"Ladies, listen up! Today would mark the first month of me taking this birth control, Junel 1/20, and it has been a rollercoaster. It started off with me missing my period, but recently I’ve been getting these red-brownish clots (totally gross). As for my cramps, these pills helped somewhat, but I still have them. They aren’t as intense, but they’re still there. Moving on to acne, when I first started taking these pills, I got cystic pimples and kind of still am. But the worst part about taking this birth control is the hair loss. I take a lot of pride in having thick, luscious curly hair, but every time I take a shower, I notice that a lot of hair is falling out, and for that reason, I’m making the decision to stop taking birth control. I’d rather have terrible cramps than to be bald. Seriously. Last thing, ever since I’ve been taking it, I’ve been having nausea. So save yourself the headache and don’t take it."

• Yay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 27, 2019

For Birth Control "First month on this birth control, and I absolutely love it. I switched from Orsythia to Junel 1/20 FE, and it has been a godsend. I’ve had mild acne, nothing too crazy, as of yet, no breakthrough bleeding either. I don’t feel as bloated on this birth control, which was a big issue before. I did gain weight on Orsythia, I will have to wait and see how Junel works in that aspect. I am on Wellbutrin for mild depression, so I can’t quite say if this birth control has affected my mood, as I’m technically on an antidepressant. All in all, I’m happy to have found this bc, I plan to stay on it. Will update if anything changes."

• lrm...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 18, 2020

For Birth Control "I've been taking Junel 1/20 for 2 years now. Thought I loved it, but recently I ran out, so I haven't taken it for about a week, and I've noticed something I didn't even realize was missing... my sex drive! Since I stopped taking it, I want to jump my boyfriend like crazy, and I hadn't even noticed it's been months since we were last intimate. It didn't really clear up my acne like previous birth controls have. The weird thing is my chin got really dry? And I didn't think it was due to the birth control, but coincidentally it's not as dry since I haven't been taking Junel, and it's fall. My mood has been so stable and good! I'm so emotional and irrational not on birth control, and I have noticed I've been able to let things go! And it has been great. Such a great feeling! I'm so easygoing. For me, not having a period is a huge bonus! Idk if I want to go back on it or not."

• Rea...
• November 17, 2020

For Birth Control "I started Junel Fe 1/20 after I realized I needed to regulate my hormones. I would get nausea and diarrhea every time I was anxious. My first month on this pill, I felt amazing. The stomach problems went away. I didn't bleed that month, just brown discharge. I also noticed I had acne again, which my face was spotless prior to the pill. The second month was the worst. I had bad nausea, had to pull over while driving to puke later at night (fixed by taking the pill at a later time). I was constantly miserable and sick every day. My sex drive was gone, and I got a yeast infection the week before sugar pills. I didn't get my period and got brown spotting. The third month wasn't bad, no nausea, but acne got worse. Over the three months, I gained 15 lbs. It seems to be going back to normal now with my weight slowly, but I still have no sex drive, I'm bloated, and feel like I'm getting another yeast infection (the week before the sugar pill). I'm hoping it will turn around, but I am not a fan."

• add...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 24, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve been put on birth control for ovarian cysts, and I am going crazy. I’m barely on my third week of the first pack, and I’m already getting hyperpigmentation spots on my body, a terrible rash on my hands, a huge ton of acne, painful pustule acne, lots of heart palpitations from anxiety, which is getting very severe, and my depression is getting worse. I can’t even look people in the eyes because I feel so ugly. My self-esteem is down the toilet. I hate this pill. Don’t take it."

• Ros...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 6, 2018

For Birth Control "I’ve been on this pill for about maybe 5 months. I used to take Microgestin, which made me extremely tired all the time. When I started Junel, I noticed an immediate appetite increase, and I’ve gained a lot of weight. Also, I almost never get acne, and this makes me break out constantly. I don’t feel depressed or tired like I used to, but I want to switch due to weight gain and acne. This pill does nothing for my cramps either, still the same pain as before. I don’t recommend this pill."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 15, 2019

"I was just recently diagnosed with PCOS and was prescribed Junel 1/20. I have only been taking it for four days and already have experienced side effects. I have been feeling extremely lightheaded, got acne, and I feel very bloated."

• Hia...
• February 27, 2018

For Birth Control "I always find myself coming back to this pill. I went off of it because I wanted to try the Kyleena IUD, and all my hair fell out. I got back on Junel 1/20, and my hair grew like weeds. Got off of it, hair shed. Got back on, hair grew like weeds. 8/10 because this pill does make me pretty emotional before my period, but it only lasts 2-3 days and is pretty light. Also noticed bleeding during intercourse after being on this pill (was checked by doctor, no STDs), probably from a thinning of the uterine wall. Cramps are mild, and acne flares up only during my period. I’ve only noticed a 5-pound fluctuation on the pill that I accredit to poor diet and exercise... overall, this has been my favorite birth control!"

• BLa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 10, 2020

For Birth Control "Currently on this birth control, Junel 1/20, for about 4 months now and realized this birth control made my acne horrible. My jaw, my chin, and even worse, my cheeks all had a massive breakout. It was so bad to the point I felt I couldn't go anywhere anymore. I also found that this birth control made my boobs bigger, which I didn't mind, but the acne made me super sad. I also had mood swings and would get irritated easily. If this birth control works for you, that's great, but really sad that this birth control didn't work for me."

• Dee...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 9, 2023

For Birth Control "Started Junel in January 2023, and after reading all the reviews, I was so scared to start. However, I am here to say don’t let the bad reviews fool you, besides my face breaking out a little, it works perfect for me."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 7, 2018

For Birth Control "Had to switch to this after being on Loestrin for years because it got too expensive. First month, no symptoms, second and third month, I got my period twice. Gained weight and broke out, which never happened before Loestrin or during. Would feel sick during my period. Emotions of depression and anxiety would kick in severely before and during my period. Since I would get it twice a month, I would only feel slightly normal a week out of the month. Cramps were insanely painful. Breasts became so painful by the third month, just wearing a shirt or bra hurt. I am so glad I found these reviews because I thought I was losing it. After much research, I stopped taking Junel the second I realized it was the cause."

• Nic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 30, 2018

For Birth Control "I was prescribed this medication to help with my PMDD and because I have very heavy periods. When I first started the medication, I was on the 1st day of my period. It was super light, and I was done in 5 days, which was a relief. However, I've had horrible side effects: a constant headache, nausea, constipation, and acne. I'm on Week 3 of the package, so my period's due next week, and I'm having horrible PMDD. Worse than before I started the medication. I'm finishing the pack, so I don't mess up my cycle, but then I'm done. This pill is awful and not worth it!"

• Mrl...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 26, 2018

For Birth Control "Second month on Junel FE. I'm 35 years old, never on birth control before, this is my first time ever. Cons: horrible acne (never had acne before), cramps, painful intercourse (never had before this). First month on it, I had nausea, as I'm finishing the second month, it has subsided. First period started really light and got heavier, which was a bit disappointing, I was under the impression that this would help lessen the heaviness. Pros: prevents pregnancy, loss of appetite. I will give this a total of 3 months but will probably switch if the acne persists and periods don't get lighter."