Microgestin 1/20 for Birth Control User Reviews

• Nic...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 28, 2014

"I was on this birth control for almost 10 years. It was very effective at preventing pregnancy, even though I missed it a few times and there weren't any crazy noticeable side effects like weight gain, nausea, headaches, etc. I think because I was on it for so long, I didn't realize the side effects until I went off of it. Once I stopped, I felt like a completely different and better person. My sex drive went through the roof, and I realized how much it had suppressed my sex drive this whole time. I also found a huge sense of peace and was able to let go of things much easier. I felt like a cloud of depression was lifted. When I tried to go back on it, it made me really irritable, and I had to stop."

• Jac...
• January 10, 2016

"I wanted to write something as I'm in the process of researching new birth control (I have underlying high blood pressure and smoke, so the pill may not be the best long-term birth control option for me), and I found that there's not a lot of good info out there comparing methods. Most reviews seem to be people complaining, because who's going to take the time to write something when they're happy? Well, I want to. I've been on Microgestin for over a year, and it's been great. My acne is much improved on it, I've actually lost weight in this time, I haven't had any spotting. My libido is still high, and I haven't had issues with arousal. I miss my period sometimes, but I think that's from using this continuously so often to skip it. No pregnancy!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 25, 2012

"I've been on this pill for 4 months now. It was my first ever, so I was really nervous! While taking it, everything was normal, no side effects, which was a plus! Before the pill, my period was for 5-6 days, and on the pill, it was only 2-3 days, which was great! In my 3rd and 4th months, I was spotting a lot! On top of that, I was getting my period, which was a pain! No weight gain and acne, my sex drive increased."

• Mae...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 2, 2017

"Severe acne, low sex drive, vaginal dryness, extreme nausea and vomiting at the start of each pack, turned me into a raging psycho most of the time (literally felt like a different person on this pill, it was amazing getting off this and feeling like a cloud of anger and anxiety had been lifted off my shoulders). But the real kicker was when I started experiencing random shooting pain in my right front thigh, followed by right leg numbness. Fast forward a few more weeks and both legs started going numb, and I got shooting pain that would travel up to my chest and arms. Doctors couldn't determine what was going on exactly (my BP was normal) but advised me to get off the pill, which I gladly did. Craziest BC experience of my life by far."

• Per...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 24, 2019

"This pill has been great for my forever long, heavy, peri-menopausal periods. I’ve been taking them for over a year (started them at age 46), and other than making my breasts tender, I have no complaints. My very light period shows up every couple of months and lasts about three days. Doctor said this was normal for low-dose pills. I’m hoping to be able to take these until I hit menopause. I sleep better and am much more pleasant to be around."

• Jaz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 10, 2019

"This is my first birth control experience, and I would have to say that this medication makes me want to never try birth control ever again. I have endometriosis, and I was put on this pill just to alleviate that pain and improve my cycle. The day I began taking it, I fell into a deep depression where I just could only feel numb. (I am always a happy person with no history of depression.) I was crying all day or just feeling like there was nothing to live for. This also made me go into fits of rage, where I would lash out on people for no reason. My anxiety peaked, and I could only be anxious at night, so I wasn't sleeping either. This continued for about a week, and I couldn't take it anymore, so I just stopped taking it as a whole. Overall, a horrible experience, and I would not recommend this to first-time users."

• SMa...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 17, 2015

"My biggest fear with BC pills was the weight gain - I can assure you now that this does not happen and is somewhat of a myth. I'm married, been on this pill for about two plus years and haven't had any scares or issues. I get a little nausea when starting a new pack, so I always take it at night (my only real hang-up). Never emotional, super light and predictable periods. Very happy."

• Lil...
• May 6, 2015

"First month went particularly well, I didn't recognize any symptoms. I felt 100% myself. I was so afraid it was going to trigger my anxiety (I have GAD), but it hasn't! I love Microgestin so far. My first 'off week,' when I got my period, was very different. I usually have a heavy to normal flow that lasts 5 days, but I had a very light flow that lasted the whole week. It stopped once I started the pill on Sunday. I am now three days into my second month, and I haven't noticed anything new. I feel great!"

• Ano...
• January 26, 2014

"I was on a different birth control beforehand, and I had every side effect possible, so my doctor switched me to Microgestin, and I'm so glad she did! I haven't had a single side effect since being on the pill! I used to get terrible cramps, and even after taking the pill for a month, the cramps were completely gone. The only thing that happened was that my breasts got bigger, which I'm not complaining about!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 24, 2014

"I switched to Microgestin after I could no longer afford Lo Loestrin Fe. I didn't get my period or have any bad side effects while on Lo Loestrin Fe, so I was worried that I would when I switched. Thankfully, no side effects or period."

• Ten...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 13, 2019

"I would not recommend Microgestin 1/20. I was prescribed this because I have very heavy periods and am very anemic. I have been bleeding for 13 days. I feel like having my uterus removed! Once I am done with this pack, I am never taking it again!"

• kim...
• November 28, 2014

"I was 23 when I started this birth control. It was my first time using it, and I was terribly afraid of getting pregnant while on this. Surprisingly, after almost a year of using it and turning 24, I haven't gotten pregnant, my skin looks the best it's ever looked, and my periods are finally regular. There is some heavy spotting that comes unpredictably and heavy cramping at times, but it works, and if you have insurance, it should be free. I take it at the same time every day. I used a condom the first month so my body could get used to it."

• ano...
• May 6, 2013

"I've been on Microgestin for about a year now. My OBGYN said it would be best if I took it continuously, so that's exactly how I've been taking it. I take it consecutively for 3 months and then I take a break for a week. Ladies, I haven't had a period in over a year, and although it sounds scary, believe me, it is totally fine. Zero nasty side effects like headaches, cramping, long periods, moodiness, etc. The only thing is lowered libido, but hey, after all, there is no perfect pill that won't have any side effects! Good luck with this medication."

• Nor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 15, 2015

"I have had a very positive experience with Microgestin. I started using it about 6 months ago, and it was my first time on birth control. It helped to clear up my acne and made my periods much lighter and shorter (from 7 days to only 2 or 3). I did not experience any weight gain or nausea. The only negative side effects I had were that I was a bit more emotional than usual in the first two weeks of use, and that for a few months, I would have a bit of light spotting leading up to my period. Overall, it has been a really great birth control and had very few side effects."

• can...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 10, 2019

"I don't like this Microgestin 1/20 birth control at all. Since taking this med, my acne has gotten so bad. It doesn't make my face oily, but I am getting so much acne around my jawline and down my neck, which is new for me. My skin just feels so gross! My boobs are also constantly swollen. I lack energy. I've been depressed. I haven't been myself! So happy that I finally realized it was this birth control because I will never take this stuff again! Awful!!!"

• Ash...
• June 1, 2017

"This birth control is awful. I've been on Microgestin for almost two months now and I have nothing good to say about it. My anxiety is through the roof (I'm not generally an anxious person), I'm super moody (I'm normally a happy person), I'm extremely bloated 24/7 (I look 6 months pregnant), my hair keeps falling out, I'm nauseous, I just got over my period a week ago and now I have breakthrough bleeding (heavy bleeding). I already have horrid period cramps from PCOS, but these Microgestin cramps are almost unbearable. Seriously, just don't try this BC..."

• Sai...
• January 18, 2016

"I wanted to write this review because I read many negative reviews and do not want people to think birth control is a horrible thing. Everyone's body is different, so the reactions to the pill will be different, it is not a one-size-fits-all type of deal. Additionally, it is best to stay on birth control for at least 3 months before switching over. Some people only stay on it for a month or two before switching because they are not happy with the side effects but do not realize they disappear over time. I've only been on the pill for over a month, but overall I am very satisfied with the results. I did experience back pain, breakouts, breast tenderness, and headaches, but it went away. My period is shorter and cramps are way less painful."

• Izz...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 13, 2019

"I got on this pill, Microgestin 1/20, so I wouldn’t have periods, as I was basically bedridden during that time of the month. I missed one pill in June and took one pill 6 hours late a month later in July. It is mid-August, and I have been spotting with cramps for a little over two months. I have absolutely no sex drive. It’s completely disappeared, and that’s hard for me, as I am in a long-term relationship with my boyfriend. I love him so much and want to be intimate with him, but I just have zero libido for it. I also feel like I’m crazy. My emotions have been all out of whack. I’m either sad, angry, or numb. My last birth control lowered my sex drive and made my emotions funky sometimes, but it was NOTHING compared to this. Would not recommend to my worst enemy. I give it a 2 out of 10 because I’m not pregnant, which is the ONLY upside."

• Anonymous
• November 5, 2012

"I was given this instead of Loestrin, which I normally take. I've been on it 2 months, and it's like I have a non-stop period. They're also really heavy, which they have never been in my life, and my breasts get very enlarged and are so tender. I'm not happy with it at all and will be using something different beginning next month."

• Tif...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 1, 2017

"I've been taking this birth control since March of 2017, and it's worked great for me so far. No pregnancies, no side effects. I absolutely love it. I still get my period during the placebo week, but my cramps are way more manageable, and my period is super light and only lasts 2-3 days, when before it was 4-5 days and horrible, horrible cramps. I've always had clear skin, but I do notice that the first two weeks of a new pack, my skin is glowing! Towards the last week of the active pills, I get my regular period about to start pimples. Sometimes I notice a slight increased irritability, but I can't completely attribute that to just this birth control. I've had horrible mood swings on a past medication and haven't gotten even an ounce of that."

• CC ...
• December 9, 2016

"I have been on Microgestin for 4 months now, and I hate it. I have not found a birth control yet that doesn't screw up my period, which I used to be able to count on every 30th or so of the month. This is my 3rd birth control. Mood swings, depression, sadness, lower sex drive, increased appetite, and, oh yeah, a whole lot of bleeding. My period is completely out of whack. I tried to skip ONE period. Well, it worked. But then, out of nowhere, I bled for 19 days straight (not light bleeding either). I don't know what to do! My body hates birth control. My mom said that it was like that for her as well. Not sure what to try next."

• Gan...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 28, 2018

"I was on this for over a year. In that time, I gained weight, became so stiff in my legs and arms. I was sore all the time, had abdominal pain all the time. My doctor said it was due to a cyst or my pain was something else. I was having chest pains and left arm pain for weeks. I went to a new doctor. He stopped the meds immediately and sent me for an EKG. I don't drink, I don't smoke, and am 37 years old, and this medicine is poison. I have been off of it for two weeks. I feel great. I've lost 12 pounds in just water retention. I don't feel tight... no more arm pain or chest pain! I feel so good."

• Lin...
• November 3, 2013

"This pill was terrible. Had bad migraines the first 5-6 months of taking it. Plus, I would get angry over nothing and have crying spells. After about 8 months of being on this pill, my period would come a week early and last for 2 1/2 weeks. It was light bleeding, but still the point of my period going on that long was not normal. My period normally lasts 5-7 days. I stuck the pills out for another month, and when I got that 2 1/2 week period again, I called my ob-gyn. I explained to her what was going on, and she had a nurse pull my chart to change my bc. The only good thing about these pills was that I had no weight gain."

• hig...
• August 5, 2016

"I'm taking it for regular birth control, and I'm just fine. I haven't had any crazy mood swings, no weird cravings, and my acne is actually clearing up. It all depends on your body and how your body takes it. Like I said, I'm just fine!"

• Lit...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 7, 2017

"Been on the pill for about 9 months. Only the first month had side effects. Since then, my mental health has finally stabilized. I have had severely unstable moods since I was 9. I also had premenstrual dysphoric disorder and extreme cramping. Since taking the pill, my whole life has improved, and I'm able to accomplish things such as going to a regular school full time. Now my period only lasts 3 days, and my sex drive is still there."