Junel Fe 1/20 and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Mar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 20, 2019

For Birth Control "For what it's worth, I started this already having high anxiety and bipolar, compounded with an eating disorder - so the points about weight gain and mood swings were pretty freaky to me. I started taking it due to endometriosis-related period pain. Junel Fe 1/20 has worked perfectly for me; the only change I've noticed is that I don't spend a week in bed barfing from the pain. If you have bipolar II and are worried about the complaints of anxiety/depression worsening, give it a try. It worked just fine for me alongside Latuda."

• KCa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 25, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been on Junel Fe 1/20 for about a year. I haven't gotten a period in that entire time. Some spotting here and there but never a full-blown 'it's that time of the month' period. I started getting horrible headaches as soon as I started this pill. I recently stopped taking this pill in May (because I wanted to regulate my cycle again and get my period, also start trying to get pregnant) and yet to have my period come back, and it's almost July. I've read that sometimes it can take upwards of a year for your period to return. Junel Fe 1/20 worked in that I didn't get pregnant, it moderately controlled my acne, and I didn't have any weight gain with it. But now my period isn't coming back seemingly anytime soon now that I'm off the pill, and that concerns me. I will not return to using this even if I consider going back on the pill. Everyone's body is different and reacts differently to medications, but I suggest trying another brand of birth control before this one!"

• Tay...
• March 30, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been taking Junel for two years. I've never had acne and only gained a few pounds. My breasts got a size bigger as well. My period went from awful, heavy, and cramping for eight days at a time to light and easy cramps for four days. It has also prevented pregnancy like it is supposed to. My OB-GYN even said this is the first birth control she goes to when recommending a type to women. I love this birth control and would recommend it to anyone."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 5, 2016

For Birth Control "I loved this birth control when I was on it! I also started out on Microgestin, and when the pharmacies had stopped carrying it, I was switched to the Junel. I was lucky enough to have my period for about 2.5 days per month, like clockwork. It cleared up my acne, and I felt good. However, I came off of it in January of this year as my hubby and I are thinking about having children soon, and I feel like a 15-year-old again. My skin is insanely greasy, I'm breaking out like crazy, and to top it off, I've gained 15 lbs because my appetite has been out of control! I guess I didn't realize how much Junel had been suppressing my appetite and even my teenage acne... And no, I'm not pregnant, so the weight gain cannot be attributed to that."

• Anonymous
• March 15, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been taking this pill for 9 months. I don’t know how I made it through the first three months because I was constantly dizzy, nauseous, throwing up, I gained 10 pounds, and I started feeling sad and irritated all the time. Well, it’s 9 months now, and most of the symptoms have gone away, but I am still really depressed. My mood swings are off the charts, and I lack motivation for anything. It regulated my period, which is really great, but I don’t think it’s worth my mental health. I’m going off it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 14, 2019

For Birth Control "I was on Junel for 3 years. The first 2 months, I was VERY emotional, but after everything evened out, I saw some positive things. Gained a little weight (I was fine with it because it went directly to my boobs and butt), helped my acne (still broke out around my period), also COMPLETELY STOPPED BLEEDING. No cramping-nothing. Which is kinda weird, but my doc said it was fine. Imagine not having to buy tampons for 3 years. All in all, pretty neat. I moved to another country, so unfortunately, I have to switch to another BC..."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 18, 2021

For Birth Control "Junel Fe 1/20 was the worst experience ever! First, I became anxious and depressed and had no sex drive. My primary care physician put me on anxiety medication. Then I gained so much weight that was never like me, especially while dieting, then night sweats... The last straw was when I bled for a month straight... I wish I had looked up the reviews for this sooner because I would have stopped this way sooner."

• hel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 10, 2013

For Birth Control "I went on birth control for the first time in my life, I was experiencing bad acne and cramps almost 15 days before my period starts. My only fear was the weight gain, but I decided to give it a shot and try to control my PMS. I was on Junel Fe 1/20 for almost 5 months, did not get my period for the first three months, and I only had spotting for 2 weeks every month. My acne got to its worse level, and I experienced some huge acne on my back too. After being on Junel for 5 months, I noticed that I gained 10 lb, and it was a time when I decided to call my doctor to put me on something else. I am on Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo, and so far it has been a good pill, but with major headaches. I hate Junel Fe 1/20 since it gifted me 10 lb in 5 months."

• Mia...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 16, 2022

For Birth Control "Was on Loestrin Fe for over two years when I got switched to Junel Fe. I have never had mental health issues, but this pill made me feel like I was going insane. For the first two months, it was fine; I had a little anxiety, but thought nothing of it and brushed it off. Then around month 3, everything got worse by each month. Every month for two weeks, I’d have severe night anxiety; paranoia about family dying, home break-ins, general impending doom; night sweats leading to nightmares; and insomnia. All of which culminated in meltdowns at 3 a.m. Also experienced acne (which I’ve never had issues with), GERD, chest pains, heart palpitations, anger, and some weight gain. I was seriously considering therapy/anxiety meds until 10 months in, I clocked it. I promptly got off of it and felt like normal after 2 weeks. It might work for someone else, so it might not happen to you. If you are having these symptoms, it might be this pill; call your doctor. I wish I had sooner to save me from 10 months of hell."

• bet...
• August 8, 2011

For Birth Control "I have been using Junel 1/20 for almost 3 years now. The only positives I have experienced are no cramping and stabilized moods. My period consists of 2 weeks of spotting, which I find incredibly annoying, I would rather have 1 week of a regular period. The worst side effect for me has been weight gain and the inability to lose weight. Over 3 years, I have gained 20-25 lbs. I am unable to lose it despite having consistently worked out for 4-5 days a week with a personal trainer. I have completely changed my eating habits (cut out pop, fast food, and cut back on sugar and alcohol). I kept thinking it was my fault, but after being committed to weight loss for 2 years and seeing no results, I blame this pill."

• bet...
• August 8, 2011

For Birth Control "I have been using Junel 1/20 for almost 3 years now. The only positives I have experienced are no cramping and stabilized moods. My period consists of 2 weeks of spotting, which I find incredibly annoying, I would rather have 1 week of a regular period. The worst side effect for me has been weight gain and the inability to lose weight. Over 3 years, I have gained 20-25 lbs. I am unable to lose it despite having consistently worked out for 4-5 days a week with a personal trainer. I have completely changed my eating habits (cut out pop, fast food, and cut back on sugar and alcohol). I kept thinking it was my fault, but after being committed to weight loss for 2 years and seeing no results, I blame this pill."

• Bes...
• October 21, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve been on Junel FE for about 8 months. The first 2-3 months was okay. But I did notice after that I started gaining weight, even after working out in the gym 3 times a week for 2-3 hours a day. Then I started getting anxiety, depression, fatigue, constipation, bloating, and breakouts."

• Gke...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 25, 2013

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had fibroids and ovarian cysts, and the doctor said the only way to prevent painful periods was to go on the pill. I was horrified. I had been on the pill for 10 years previously and 3 years clean. In those 3 years, I finally felt free. Junel seemed okay at first, no side effects. But now I am on my 10th month and slowly figuring out that maybe this has to do with my 10 lb weight gain since I started taking it. I cry easily and am way sensitive. Not sure if it's the pill or weight gain, but I have absolutely no sex drive."

• ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 21, 2019

For Birth Control "I don't have too many complaints about this birth control. I switched from Kariva to Junel Fe 1/20 because I was constantly breakthrough bleeding on Kariva, very moody. I'm now on my fourth cycle. Haven't had my period since I started, which I'm not really complaining about. Took a couple of pregnancy tests, all negative. It has improved my acne a lot. I have gained around 10 pounds and been struggling to keep it off. I've had little to no anxiety, been a lot more stable, no mood swings. However, on the period week, which is iron pills, my stomach gets really upset. I'm not sure why, however, it is manageable. Overall, I would say give it a try."

• lis...
• April 12, 2017

For Birth Control "I'm so glad I finally read reviews about this pill, and people are not lying when they say it's the worst. I recently found out that I have vertigo, but I was dealing with what I thought were vertigo symptoms for much longer than my doctor said they would last. The symptoms of this pill and vertigo are extremely similar. I am constantly lightheaded. Almost every day. Sometimes to the point where I can't even drive. It makes me nauseous. I can't focus at work. And if you think people who said it gives them mood swings were being dramatic, they're not. I have anxiety attacks on a regular basis. I've most definitely gained weight and have seen my acne get worse. DON'T TAKE THIS PILL!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 16, 2016

For Birth Control "Very surprised at the negative reviews - everyone is different! I've been on Junel for over a year and have loved it. No weight gain or mood swings. I used to have incredibly heavy periods with painful cramping, and all of that has completely disappeared! My periods are light and short, and I honestly get about one cramp a month."

• Ria...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 21, 2019

For Birth Control "On this Junel Fe 1/20 pill for 3 years. The first 3 months, I had spotting if I were late for a pill by a few hours. It would last until my next period. I also had bloating. My mood was improved after the first few months (I used to get major depression and was moody). My sex drive decreased, still is, but it’s not terrible. After year 1, everything was regular except occasional missed periods. Now I get it every month, varying lengths, but no heavy bleeding and hardly any cramps. I did gain weight, but I was underweight before and could manage my weight if I tried. I gained 25 lbs approx. Overall, this pill makes my life a lot easier with my period, my emotional state, and for me, weight gain and enlarged breasts were a positive. One time, I got terrible pain in my stomach randomly, I figured my body was adjusting to the pill, but it may not have been. In the first months, you might get weird or annoying symptoms or side effects, but they often dissipate. If you cannot function on it, though, by all means, discontinue."

• lil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 10, 2013

"I was taking this for about a year. At first, it was really good, no side effects except headaches that went away after about a month. My periods were very light, only lasting about 3 days and hardly any cramping. Another plus was while I was on it, I had hardly any acne whatsoever. After a couple of months, I realized I was gaining weight. I used to be 112-114 lbs and now I was 124-126 lbs. I went to a size 9 when I was a size 5. I stopped taking them and now I'm back down to 110-112 lbs, and size 5 again. I would recommend it, worked good with me, but I'm not going back on them because I'm not going to gain that weight back!"

• Lil...
• November 29, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been on this pill for a year and didn't have issues till now. I didn't have a period for 4 months, and it just started out of nowhere the other day, but super light. I haven't had acne this bad since I was 14. I'm 19 now. I have horrible sugar cravings and mood swings like crazy, and I've gained 10 lbs within the past year."

• Aan...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 7, 2019

For Birth Control "I have an unlimited appetite and struggle to feel full. As long as I limit what’s on my plate (aka portion sizes) and exercise often, weight gain is not an issue. I’ve experienced minimal weight gain (less than 1 lb/month). Skin is clearer than it’s ever been. No mood swings. Overall, I’m impressed with Junel. Very effective contraceptive! Microgestin was a nightmare for me and did horrible things to my body. Happy to have switched!"

• Man...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 24, 2019

For Birth Control "I started taking Junel Fe almost 2 months ago now, and I would never recommend it to anyone. Ever since starting it, I feel so depressed. It’s become a daily thing for me to get overly irritated and lash out at everyone around me and cry about absolutely nothing. My mood swings are horrible, the times when I am in a good mood are short-lived and right back to feeling sad and unmotivated. I have never had any major acne problems my whole life, now I break out pretty often. Already in the short amount of time I’ve started this birth control, I’ve gained a lot of weight all in my stomach area and cannot lose it from working out either, not to mention that I’m 19 years old and have the sex drive of a 70-year-old. Everyone’s body reacts to things differently, but I really wish I would have come here and read most of the other reviews before starting this pill, would have really saved me from going through all this."

• Nic...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 3, 2019

For Birth Control "I was on Junel for about 6 months and did not have a good experience. I had been taking Microgestin, which I loved, and my insurance company switched me to Junel. Microgestin cleared my acne, no noticeable mood swings, and did its job at preventing pregnancy. With Junel, I noticed a huge increase in general irritation with everyone and everything. I also started to become angry much more easily than ever before. I started to gain quite a bit of weight in my stomach, and my acne started to come back. Junel is effective at preventing pregnancy, but the side effects are not worth it for me. I have already switched to a different form of birth control in the last few weeks, and I feel much better. I feel much more calm and more like myself emotionally. If you have the option, I'd go with Microgestin instead."

• Sar...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 22, 2019

For Birth Control "I’m 18, and I started taking this almost 2 years ago when I became sexually active. Since then, I’ve had at least 3 pregnancy scares due to the fact I went almost 3 months with no period, and honestly, as great as that sounds when you’re a sexually active 16-year-old, that stuff freaks you out. I’m pretty sure it also caused me to gain weight since I weighed around 130-140 and now I weigh around 160. Also, I barely ever get my period during the placebo/off week, which also drives me insane considering I have a tendency to freak out. Also, it has made me feel super nauseous the last couple of months, and my boobs are tender a lot, which again FREAKS ME OUT. So, in conclusion, I finally went to my gynecologist and told her I couldn’t handle feeling like that anymore, and I’m finally switching to another pill, which will hopefully make my periods more believable."

• Anonymous
• February 18, 2011

"I switched to Junel from LoEstrin 24 because of expenses. Junel being a generic of Loestrin. I had no side effects with Loestrin, and I have all the side effects on Junel. I have heavy periods, painful cramps, 10-15 pound weight gain, and I can't get rid of it, no matter how much I work out and exercise. I break out every day upon my chin. And if I sleep longer than 8 hours, like over the weekend, I get pain throughout my lower back. I'm definitely switching."

• Aly...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 21, 2020

For Birth Control "I just finished my 4th month on this Junel Fe 1/20 pill and have been so keen to start a new one. Since the beginning, I’ve had horrible cramps that keep me up all night. The weird thing is that they start about a week before my period. My breasts have been so sore constantly, and it scares me. Last night I couldn’t lean forward because it hurt so bad. I’ve been getting yeast infections, which I never got before this pill. Not to mention, I’ve been on different pills for over 10 years and have never had issues until this one. I’ve also gained 15 lbs. Not sure if that’s because of the birth control, but that’s when it started, no matter how hard I’d work to lose weight. I’ve never struggled with my weight before. I can’t wait to switch back to one that I trust."