Junel Fe 1/20 and Cramps: What Users Say (Page 4)

• uns...
• June 28, 2014

For Birth Control "I was taking this birth control for a little less than three years. I started when I was 15 for polycystic ovarian syndrome. When I first started taking it, I was EXTREMELY moody, it was as if all hell broke loose. After a few months, my period became lighter and I had fewer cramps. This year was the worst: extreme depression, moodiness, severe cramps, long periods, etc. The biggest issue I had was EXTREME weight gain (not at all in the right places). I had to get off it. I went from being 118 pounds to 154. Terrible experience. The only pro was that it cleared my acne. Finally switched, so we will see how my new one works out."

• Sn5...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 23, 2016

For Menstrual Disorders "I have always struggled with severe cramps, lengthy periods, and heavy bleeding. The OB/GYN gave me a sample of Minastrin FE, and it worked wonders: no cramps, light and short periods. I went back to the OB/GYN because of an insurance change and was prescribed Junel Fe. It started out with extreme nausea every night to the point where I couldn't move or I'd gag. Then there was leg pain. My period started, and it was back to the bad cramping, long periods, and heavy bleeding. Very disappointing. Thankfully, I'm being put back on Minastrin. Just because it didn't work for me doesn't mean it won't work for you. I hope everyone has a much better experience."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 5, 2017

For Menstrual Disorders "I have been on Junel 1/20 for about 5 or 6 months now for ovarian cysts. I have dealt with severe cramping for years, and this has definitely decreased the pain. However, despite the pros, there are some cons. One being my breasts hurt all the time and have gotten bigger, and lots of fluid retention (especially in my lower abdomen and thighs). Don't like the feeling of being swollen everywhere, it makes me so I can't fit in my clothes some of the time. I just deal with it because it's better than the cramps I was having, lol."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 4, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been on Junel since 2014. I used to have really bad periods, heavy bleeding, and terrible cramps that made walking and completing tasks unbearable. Junel helped regulate my cycle by lightening the bleeding and cramps. The only downfall to this is the massive weight gain. I’ve gained over 50 lbs since starting this pill and my breasts will not stop growing. I went from a D cup to an H cup."

• Fru...
• June 20, 2019

For Birth Control "Junel Fe 1/20 is the first birth control I am trying ever. I started it in the beginning of March. I used to have cramps that would have me throwing up and all that jazz. This helped with it, I will still occasionally get cramps, though. The first menstrual period I got lasted about 15 days, with spotting in the last 5 days. My second menstrual period began, oh, about 30 days ago now. I am still spotting and have been for the past 15 days! Besides this awfulness, I have not gained any weight, I have no more acne than I did before. Occasionally, I will get angry or sad for no reason. Same goes for sex drive: some days I am really feeling it, while other days I want to do nothing."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 19, 2019

For Birth Control "I know I shouldn’t even be reviewing this medication (I’ve literally only taken it for 4 days) — I read the reviews and thought to myself, “Everyone reacts differently to meds” and “Most people who have a great experience are less likely to write a review than those who have a terrible one.” I’m on day 4, and I’m not sure I can even last another week, never mind 3 months. I’m almost 30 and have been on Loestrin and Sprintec in the past (with little to no issues). My first 2 days were fine, today I feel like I’m dying. I’m nauseous and cramping, can’t get out of bed, I’m already bleeding, I’m bloated and up 4.5 lbs of water weight, I’m crying at literally everything (unlike me), I’m exhausted. I must be having a bad reaction...holy heck, I am miserable. I know I should just wait it out, but I’m bedridden with two toddlers and can’t deal with this whatsoever. Will update if I decide to let my body level out and stick through the 3-month side effect phase."

• lex...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 29, 2021

For Birth Control "This is the 2nd birth control pill I’ve tried, and so far it’s been amazing. I’ve had little to no cramping, light to no periods, and no mood swings. I have noticed my breasts are slightly growing and tender (which isn’t a bad thing). I think it’s a really good pill to try out after discussing it with your health care provider!"

• Vic...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 30, 2018

For Birth Control "I’ve had Junel Fe 1/20 for about a year until my pharmacy at Walgreens switched me to Blisovi, and I felt like I was in absolute hell. Junel helped me with less cramping, shorter periods, my sex drive was through the roof. Now with Blisovi, I had no intentions for sex with my boyfriend whatsoever. Sure, sometimes I feel antsy with Junel compared to Blisovi, but I’ll take my chances. Never switching again, stay with Junel forever."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 16, 2018

For Birth Control "So I started taking Junel Fe after I gave birth. I was on Loestrin 24 for years, and apparently, it's discontinued. I have been having nonstop leg cramps, chest pains, and severe anxiety. My Drs. are basically telling me it's postpartum anxiety, but I don't feel that's it. I feel like this birth control is making me crazy. I'm going to stop it tonight in the hopes that that's what's causing all my problems. I'm so glad I read these reviews, now I know other women are going through the exact same symptoms. My Dr. even put me on anxiety meds, which I haven't taken yet. If it all has been caused by this birth control, I'm going to be extremely upset!"

• Anonymous
• April 24, 2015

For Birth Control "I used the pill for 1 month and 9 days. I did not get my period the first month, but had cramps for weeks, which was the reason for beginning this pill in the first place. I gained 10 pounds, then lost it the week I was off, then gained it back again after the first 7 days of the 2nd pack. I had no interest in doing anything. I would be angry, or I would cry. I cried every day for no reason. When I would cry hysterically for hours at a time is when I threw them in the garbage. I know they say it takes 3 months to get regulated, it is just not worth it. I would rather feel happy than hinder cramp pain, which only lasted a few days anyway."

• jfk...
• August 13, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I've been taking Junel for about 6 months now. I switched from Minastrin because I had regular breakthrough bleeding. After Minastrin, I tried Yasmin and Yaz, both of which made me very depressed and moody. Junel seems to not affect my mood as much, but I think it still does a little. I don't have any breakthrough bleeding with Junel. My one complaint is that, during my period, I get terrible migraines. I am like a zombie with nonstop migraines for 3-4 or even 5 days straight. No pain medicine helps. Junel also totally cleared up my acne and gives me light, cramp-free periods. When I'm not taking a hormone, my periods are much heavier and have painful cramping."

• sha...
• February 10, 2021

For Birth Control "Junel Fe was my very first birth control. I got it because I read it would help with irregular periods and severe cramps. In my first 3 months of using it, my periods were super light, and I could actually start working again. The cramps were almost nonexistent. However, that all changed in month four: October 2020. I experienced what I call a 'severe period.' I was throwing up, passing out, and had labor cramps. This was pretty much normal for me before starting birth control, but after October, I decided to start skipping my periods by only taking the active pills. It was fine until December when I started getting breakthrough bleeding. It started as just a couple of days, then another time would be a few days, then it just came every day, along with cramps, and although tolerable, they were still painful. It is currently February 9, 2021, and I'm switching to another pill. Although Junel Fe cleared my acne, it made me more moody, gained 20 lbs, and gave me abnormal breakthrough bleeding."

• ann...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 21, 2018

For Birth Control "I have been on this medication for nearly 2 months. In these 2 months, I have experienced extreme fatigue, anxiety, and depression. I also experienced some of the most painful cramps I have ever had during the first month. I struggled with anxiety and depression prior to going on Junel Fe 1/20, but not to this extreme. I'm going to continue with this pill for another month or two in hopes that I might finish adjusting to this pill and feel okay again. My hopes are not high, though. This pill is probably not the best choice for me and might not be the best choice for a lot of women......"

• Anonymous
• September 3, 2018

For Birth Control "The 1st week of being on this BC, I experienced nausea and anxiety. I started to experience some acne, which was normal to what I experience on my period. I also had no cramps during my 1st period, which was amazing compared to the very painful cramps I have had my whole life. During the 1st week of the 2nd month, I had extreme anxiety and depressive thoughts. I tried breaking up with my boyfriend (who is amazing) for very irrational reasons. I also was having some cystic acne. As the month went on, I started to feel better except for a few times I became extremely sad and depressed when I drank alcohol. Currently, I am halfway through my third month, and my acne has cleared up. I have not had much anxiety or any other issues. I am very active and have not gained any weight while taking this BC. Overall, I am happy with my life and my relationships. My advice is to not let all the negative reviews get to you, try it for yourself, and keep in mind the importance of a healthy lifestyle."

• Bad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 13, 2023

For Birth Control "16 yo old female between week 4-5 ended up in ER with severe cramping upon onset of breakthrough bleeding. Pain continued for 10 days along with spotting. Intense fatigue followed. Switched to Ortho Tri-Cyclen after day 13 due to continued intermittent lower abdominal pain, spotting, and intense fatigue."

• ck3...
• October 16, 2017

For Birth Control "This pill literally made me miserable. Obviously, everybody is different, but I felt absolutely awful the entire time I was taking it. Almost immediately after starting this pill, I began to have vicious headaches for days at a time. I also felt nauseous for a good portion of the day and had no appetite. Maybe because of this, my energy basically disappeared, and all I wanted to do was sleep. I also started retaining a ton of water, which made me feel even more lethargic. I continued to bleed and have cramps throughout the entire pack, and I would frequently feel dizzy. On top of all of this, my mood was all over the place, and I started having anxiety that manifested as tightness in my chest and difficulty breathing."

• sam...
• January 29, 2017

For Birth Control "Do not take this stuff. I just started this a few weeks ago to treat my PCOS, and it made me extremely hungry. I also became very irritable throughout my time taking it. It got to the point where the entire day I was snapping at people, and it sucked. But the worst part is the cramps. Two weeks into taking the pill consistently, I got my period, and the cramps that have come along with it are a living hell. I've taken a heap of ibuprofen throughout today and have laid here with a heating pad for 3 hours. They will not go away. Please save yourself from freaking pain."

• Amy...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 16, 2019

For Birth Control "When starting Junel Fe, I was super bloated every morning and night (it was constant throughout the time I took it but not always extreme). I took this nightly before going to bed. My period had shortened, but it always started early and would last for maybe 4 days. However, I experienced more cramping. I soon noticed I would be completely apathetic or hard-headed for days until randomly I’d have bursts of anxiety attacks. These attacks lasted me quite a while, and it was nonstop crying for hours. I was also more easily angered/impatient with my boyfriend. I do not recommend it if you have mental health problems :( Also, this made my discharge thick and barely enough. I might’ve had bacterial problems, but I’m pretty new to it, so I was unsure. It made sex unpleasant due to my dryness. It was pretty uncomfortable, and I’ve been off of it for more than a month, planning to switch at my next doctor's visit."

• KEE...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 8, 2016

For Birth Control "I was switched from Microgestin to Junel due to the former being out of stock at the pharmacy that my health insurance mandates I use. Two and a half weeks of constant cramping will, I'm sure, make me less than pleasant when I demand my old birth control."

• Cou...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 14, 2019

For Birth Control "Doctor prescribed Junel Fe 1/20 for uterine fibroids to stop bleeding until I have my hysterectomy in Dec. He told me to start off with 2 pills a day and then go to 1 a day. As soon as I started taking it, it made me so sick I couldn't even function. The nausea was unbearable. Also, yesterday I began experiencing SEVERE cramping in my pelvic area, back, and down my left thigh to the point where I could barely walk. I have stopped taking this pill and will not return. I also have had EXTREME mood swings. Today I'm still having extreme pelvic cramping. The issue is I wasn't having any problems before this, just longer than normal periods due to the fibroid. No cramping or nothing."

• The...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 6, 2019

For Birth Control "This pill is absolutely awful. On Junel Fe 1/20 I am spotting non-stop, cramps, breaking out, horrendous migraines, bloated, and zero sex drive. Prior to starting this, I was off BC pills for about 6 months and felt great, Doc said I need to take BC because I take this other med that you cannot get pregnant on. Not worth all the horrible side effects, will use condoms."

• Anonymous
• January 6, 2020

For Birth Control "If I could give 0/10, I would! At first, I was on the Nexplanon, which caused non-stop bleeding! Doctors told me to wait it out because my body needed to get used to it, well, it never did. So, they prescribed me the Junel to 'regulate' the bleeding. Well, that didn’t work, so I started taking the pill by itself. I’ve never been so big or depressed in my life and definitely hated everything about the pill. Constant breakthrough bleeding and cramping. Definitely don’t recommend!"

• Kba...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 20, 2019

For Birth Control "I've been taking this pill for a year. My periods used to be regular and heavy. Now they are irregular (may have more than one in a month) but very light, still experiencing painful cramps. Lately, my breasts have been sore all the time. Before and after my period, they just hurt all the time. I hate having to be on birth control, but I don't want to get pregnant, so I take it. I go back to the doctor next month, hopefully, things can get better."

• Ash...
• April 2, 2015

For Birth Control "This has been my very first birth control pill. I have taken it for almost an entire month, and so far everything is good. What I've noticed so far is that I'm more moody/emotional, I feel hungrier than usual, my period is lighter, but my cramps are still there, and they've been there every day. They used to end around the 2nd day, but I'm on the 4th day, and I still have cramps. I can manage cramps and a little moodiness, tho, so no biggie. No weight gain so far, but I work out 3-5 times a week and drink lots of water. No acne, but I use Proactiv because I used to get bad breakouts. My doctor said I'd be protected after the first 7 days, so I have had sex with a condom, but it was after 2 weeks. I'm pretty satisfied so far. Plan to stick with it."

• chl...
• August 8, 2019

For Birth Control "I've been on Junel for around 9 months now, but I've been considering switching because I have trouble remembering to take the pill. The BC cleared up my acne for the most part, and I don't really get sick feeling. It was easy to settle into, but I also get crazy mood swings and have been seeing a therapist to counteract this. My depression/anxiety has worsened, but at times they level out or I reach extreme high. I have trouble taking it on time, as I said before, which might also have something to do with the imbalance of hormones/mood swings. My breasts stay tender and have been for pretty much the past 9 months, and my periods range from nonexistent to very heavy and painful. I do feel tired nearly constantly, but again, I have other factors that could be causing this. My teeth and gums have heightened sensitivity as well, not a fan of that, but I also have IBS, and it is seemingly unaffected or worsened by this BC. I trust this medication despite some of the side effects."