Microgestin 1/20 and Weight Gain: What Users Say

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

For Birth Control "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."

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

For Birth Control "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."

• Anonymous
• January 2, 2016

For Endometriosis "The first 2 months I took this pill, I wanted OFF and a new OB. I had horrible side effects from nausea to paranoid anxiety. I've now been on it for 6 months and love it. I have no side effects, no periods (continuous use), and I have endometriosis and NO cramping! It's a literal miracle. I have had a 10 lb weight gain, but I have also recently been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and have stopped working out, whereas before I attended Zumba weekly to bi-weekly. I don't know what to attribute it to for sure, but I would say maintaining your weight would not be difficult even if it was the pill. If you're googling because you were just put on it and are freaking out, I suggest pushing through. This has worked miracles for me!"

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

For Birth Control "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."

• jen...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 31, 2017

For Birth Control "I've been taking Microgestin for about a year and a half now, and it just recently occurred to me that the pill is the reason for my mental decline. When I first started the pill, things were fine. I didn't have any abnormal side effects except for the slight, almost unnoticeable weight gain. Looking back, I've noticed a gradual yet severe change in my mood and happiness. It wasn't until a year and a half later that I realized the pill was the reason for this. I sobbed to my mom one night, and she explained that the pill did that to her too. After speaking with my gyno the next day, she assured me the progestin in Microgestin was the reason for my depression. I switched to Aviane and feel much, much better."

• the...
• September 28, 2013

For Endometriosis "I have been very happy on this birth control pill for about three years. I am only switching because I want fewer periods. Before I took this birth control, my periods were horrible. I had every symptom in the book. This birth control did cause slight weight gain, however, I also went on it when I turned 18, so it could have been metabolism slow down as well. My breasts also grew, no complaints here about that, though. I don't get cramps, moodiness, headaches, nausea, or severe stomach upsets with this birth control. Also, my period is like clockwork every month, until recently when I endured a lot of stress. I do still get slight stomach upset and bloating along with slight fatigue. All in all, it is an amazing birth control!"

• Meg...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 23, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been taking Microgestin FE for 3 months now. The first two, there were no really bad side effects except some acne and heavy flow with nasty cramps that I was assured would go away by month three...ABSOLUTELY NOT. Month three has been the worst...I break out all the time when I never used to get pimples, I feel nauseous and pukey all day, every day, no food sounds or tastes good, I have back pain and lower abdominal pain, I'm bloated and swollen, and I've gained almost 8 pounds! This is absolutely miserable."

• Anonymous
• October 17, 2011

For Birth Control "I started taking Microgestin 1/20 a year ago after my insurance quit covering Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo, which I had no issues with. I've tried other birth control pills in the past with side effects like acne or headaches and didn't want any of that, I told my ob/gyn just something comparable to Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo. I rapidly started gaining weight shortly after starting the pills - up five pants sizes since then with no other changes in lifestyle. I have tried exercising even more and ate relatively healthy before, but tried harder on that and portions also, but have not lost an ounce. My husband has exercised with me and eaten the same meals, larger portions, and has lost weight. So I am thinking it is the Microgestin."

• Mak...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 25, 2021

For Birth Control "I have tried so many different types of birth control, and I think I have found the ONE! I think this is it. I actually tried the Microgestin Fe 1.5/30, and it made me gain weight and made me super depressed. Been taking this one for about 2 months now. I've been spotting for a few weeks on and off, and haven't had an actual period, which is super nice. The only side effect I noticed is tender, sore breasts, and a bit more bloating. I'm actually able to keep my weight stable by doing calorie counting daily. Thank God it didn't affect my mood at all either. So happy with this birth control. Also, my bf and I have been having unprotected sex like every weekend, and I have no pregnancy scares! Hope this review helps ya!"

• Meh...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 14, 2016

For Birth Control "Awful birth control - If your doctor has prescribed this to you, please ask them to reconsider because it truly shouldn't even be on the market. Spotting, nausea, headaches, weight gain are all a few side effects."

• Fja...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 11, 2016

For Birth Control "I don't really know how to feel about this pill. My doctor switched me over from Tri-Previfem because I got very bad migraines. I still do suffer pretty bad headaches, but less severe and less often. I also had no issue with my period (lasts around 3 days and is fairly light), it's also helped a lot with cramps. I did break out a little, but I'm not sure if that was from the pill or stress from starting a new job. I also gained a little weight, but again, that may be my lifestyle (not always eating right and exercising). One thing this pill did do is prevent me from getting pregnant because my sex drive has been so low I haven't been able to have sex!"

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 8, 2021

For Birth Control "So this is my first time ever on birth control. It was prescribed to me in order to regulate my period because of my recent PCOS diagnosis. I was very skeptical about weight gain because I’ve heard so many stories about women blowing up while on it, but luckily for me, I think I’ve actually lost about 10 pounds. No crazy emotional side effects, sex drive is completely normal. I did break out a little, but it did clear right up. My periods have been regular since starting the pill 2 months ago (may even be a little lighter) and I’ve also noticed that it lasts 5-6 days. (They used to last 7-8.) Overall, very happy with this birth control."

• Mom...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 7, 2022

For Birth Control "I've been on and off this one, and one thing I noticed is the fog people talk about. I feel like it drags me down, and I have to really push myself some days to get out of it. I do notice a small weight gain, and I believe it's because hormones mess with your hunger levels just a bit, and it makes it a bit harder to maintain your weight and ignore them. I wouldn't say this one is terrible, as I've been on it over 2 years and have had worse, but it still isn't perfect. Luckily, my husband is getting a vasectomy next month, so I'll be rid of it soon!!!"