Junel 1/20 and Nausea: What Users Say

• Sha...
• February 16, 2021

For Birth Control "No negatives for me, light, controlled periods. I felt like myself, unlike other birth controls I’ve tried. In the beginning, I did feel nausea from taking them, but that went away after a few weeks. Other than that, it’s been great!"

• Mor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 24, 2020

For Birth Control "I started using this Junel 1/20 a couple of months after having my first baby. At first, it made me pretty nauseous the first couple of months. I’ve been on it about 5 months now, and my periods are regular and shorter and lighter. I rarely get cramps anymore either. For a while there, I would have some anxiousness randomly. Not sure if it was the pill or just from being a new mama. It seems to have calmed down now. My skin has also been very clear as well. Hoping this works out for me."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Hea...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 21, 2018

For Birth Control "This birth control is the best one I've had so far! I've been on multiple birth controls for over 10 years, but this has been good to me for a straight 3 years now. My hair grows beautifully, and I don't gain any weight. I actually lost 5 lb, but it does make you a little nauseous sometimes, which decreases my appetite. You don't even notice it after a while. Love it!"

• Hia...
• February 6, 2019

For Birth Control "First birth control I’ve taken. I took it for PCOS, to regulate my heavy/irregular periods, and because I became sexually active (didn’t get pregnant). I’ve taken it for 3 months and will be switching to a different one due to the pill not providing enough estrogen for me. I experienced every side effect, but it took away my breakouts, my PCOS pains, and my cramps. It made my breasts fuller/larger (not gonna complain!). The most side effects I had were headaches and nausea (eat before taking or with the pill). I did feel spacey, like I wasn’t 100% there. I didn’t feel suicidal/depressed, but my anxiety would spike randomly. My doctor is switching me off of Junel because it made my uterus too thin, causing me to spot through the active pills and no period through the placebos. My breasts also became too sensitive. The first 3 months will be hard due to adjustments your body needs to make, but it took away my PCOS pains. Even though it didn’t work out for me, I would recommend this to someone else."

• 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."

• 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."

• Lin...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 3, 2020

For Birth Control "I just started taking Junel Fe Loestrin last year, and around March this year, I’ve noticed a change while taking Metformin. Started taking to have regular periods, which I’ve never had in my life. Now that I take BC, my libido is gone, and I am experiencing symptoms like right before my cycle: get sick, body temperature increase, weight loss. Still have a little facial hair, but other than that, I get constipated before my cycle. I went to talk with the doctor, but he could only say that my hormones are affected. Having PCOS really sucks, and now this."

• Bos...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 12, 2021

For Birth Control "I tried this for two weeks and had to stop. I noticed the physical side effects, such as slight nausea and tender, swollen breasts. I was not imagining the mental ones would be this bad. Since taking this birth control, I literally felt like I was losing my mind. My anxiety went through the roof, and I also was thinking more irrationally. I just didn't feel right. Finally, I realized it was the birth control and decided to stop. Never again."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 15, 2023

For Birth Control "I am 35 years old and 113 pounds and decided to take this because it would lower hormones. I took the pill after I ate on Sunday around 5 pm and woke up at 2 am with nausea and migraine. When I’m not on birth control, I don’t even get migraines. I’m not going to be continuing this medication. At this point, I don’t think birth control is good for me and my body."

• So ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 1, 2023

For Birth Control "I was terrified about this birth control after reading all of these horrific reviews, but once I began taking the pill, the first two days I was a little bit nauseous. But after that, I have gone back to normal after my body has adjusted to this, and I’m so glad I started this because a lot of these reviews discouraged me. I was waiting for the most abnormal symptoms to begin, and thankfully, I have felt completely normal, just a little bit of bloating, but I’ll take that over all the other crazy symptoms. Other people are experiencing, everybody’s body is different. Don’t let the reviews scare you, please!"

• nli...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 25, 2022

For Birth Control "Been on Junel for almost three months. The first month had a period for about 2 weeks. The second month, I was nauseous and noticed watery discharge (a lot!), and itching and burning when I pee, and what seemed to be a yeast infection and little cuts and tears on my vag. Third month (now), I'm still nauseous, still have some infection that hasn't gone away with two doses of fluconazole. I can't stand it and am considering stopping until I can get an appointment with my doctor."

• COG...
• March 8, 2016

For Birth Control "I was very hesitant to start birth control, but needed to as my relationship got more serious and I needed to be protected. The first 3 days of taking the 21-day pack Junel, I did experience some nausea (mild, but didn't have an appetite). It did subside, but now looking back, I have realized that slowly, but surely, I have become super emotionless/apathetic a bit more month by month. I hit my threshold of not 'feeling' this month and am most likely getting an IUD next month. I am a very emotional person, which I love about myself. On Junel, I am numb and just blah. It's different from depression. Other side effects were very minor, but included my breasts growing half a cup, probably 1-2 lbs weight gain in my midsection. Skin is good."

• 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."

• Mom...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 25, 2018

For Birth Control "It says don't take if you are a smoker and over 35. Well, I don't smoke, but I'm over 35 years old. I can say side effects are nothing major. I've had spotting, nausea, headaches, and no sex drive at all. My discharge has been greenish, but I heard birth control pills can cause it because I haven't got an infection. I forget to take it at the same time sometimes, but overall, so far, so good."

• Nic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 26, 2022

For Birth Control "Ok, so I'm 19 and wanted to start BC as I’m sexually active now, so I went to my gyno and she gave me this. Now, I was hesitant at first, but I’ve been taking it for a month and I have been feeling nauseous, I even felt so bad I had to force it out of my system. I’ve been having yeast infections as well. Also, HOO WEE, the weight gain. Now, I’m 5’6, and I have a fast metabolism, so I was always 120 and always had a good body, but after taking this, I have stomach fat and now weigh 135 lb. I could essentially work out, because I don’t, but it’s crazy that a birth control is messing with my hormones that much that I have to go to that length. I also have depression and anxiety sometimes, but I just feel more unmotivated than usual, which isn’t helping because I’m in school. Anyway, the only maybe good thing is that you may not get your period, but this ain’t worth it. I didn’t even read these reviews until now, because I was seriously getting concerned with my weight gain."

• Jan...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 1, 2021

For Birth Control "This pill is terrible. Do not use this pill. This was the second pill I was put on because my insurance company stopped covering the old one. I was on this pill for 15 months, during which time I had super heavy periods every other week, horrible mood swings, and ridiculously painful cramps. Furthermore, if I took the pill at night, I woke up nauseous in the morning. Save yourself the trouble. If I could rate it zero stars, I absolutely would."

• Lil...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 20, 2022

For Birth Control "This is my third year on Junel Fe. It is the best birth control I've had. Historically, my periods were painful. I missed work and could not function for the first day or two of getting my period. After having a daughter, my doctor prescribed this pill. I experienced intense nausea the first two weeks, comparable to morning sickness. This went away. I have lost weight on Junel Fe. My moods were noticeably regulated during the pre- and menstrual phase. My periods went from moderately heavy and passing clots to light periods to no periods after a year of use. I did find that if I missed 3 pills, I would experience breakthrough bleeding that lasted a few weeks, leading to the need for a reset. Every woman is unique. This has worked for me, and I ask for it specifically when some doctors attempt to give me a generic or different brand."

• Kum...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 31, 2019

For Birth Control "I got on it to reduce my heavy flow and painful cramps, which literally caused me to throw up basically every month. The first month was weird, with breakthrough bleeding and some nausea. But after the first month and for about a year, my cramps were nonexistent and my flow lasted 2 days max instead of 5 to 7. The absolute worst part was that I had clear skin before using Junel, and now I have acne all over my forehead, which is lessened noticeably during the week with no hormones. I thought this would go away, but it never did. About 1.5 years in, all the symptoms of cramps, heavy flow, and nausea came back. I initially thought I somehow got pregnant, but it turns out that my body just got used to the level of hormones, so I had to switch to a different pill with a different dosage, hoping it clears my acne."

• Jan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 22, 2019

For Birth Control "This pill, this pill. I switched from Microgestin to Junel about 4 months ago, and it was the WORST transition. I’m moody/depressed as anything, having terrible headaches, back is on fire constantly, didn’t have a period for three of the four months, nausea when taking it, and I gained weight. This is the worst pill I’ve taken, and I’ve been on BC for 6 years. It did improve my acne, which is its only pro. I would not recommend this medication."

• AMI...
• December 15, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been on Junel 1/20 for 2 months and just started my third pack. The first 2 months were fine. My periods are regular and actually shorter and lighter than they've ever been, which is a plus! But every night since I started this pack, I've woken up with nausea and vomiting! I've also had a terrible headache every day... One side effect I've had all along is lack of sex drive. Everyone responds differently to birth control, but unfortunately, I do not think this one is for me."