Skip to main content

Microgestin Fe 1/20 for Birth Control User Reviews (Page 2)

Reviews for Microgestin Fe 1/20

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Fem...
  • March 24, 2017

"Don't waste your time reading these reviews. Everyone's experience is highly personal, and none of the side effects mentioned have to pertain to you. Relax, don't stress, give your body time to adjust, and you'll be fine. When I first started this pill, I felt foggy and tired for a few weeks until my body adjusted. Now I feel normal again, no weight gain, no sexual problems, and practically no period."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
20 Report
  • mik...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 12, 2020

"This birth control destroyed my mental state. After being on it for a month, I started to spiral into depression and suicidal thoughts, no interest in the activities I used to love, like doing art or going on adventures. I would go into a rage or break down sobbing over the smallest things. Hot flashes all the time, breaking out on my chin and nose. I hate this birth control so much. I'm now off it, and I'm never taking the pill again because of this experience. I'll be finding an alternative BC."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
15 Report
  • flo...
  • August 3, 2015

"I've been on this pill for 3 months now, and I just stopped it two days ago. I had a pregnancy scare because of the side effects that this pill will give you. It will literally make you feel like you're 1 or 2 months pregnant without actually having a human inside of you. It made me nauseous for the 3 months total, moody (like incredibly), bloated, veiny around the nipples, tender breasts, really sensitive nipples (if I was wearing a bra and a shirt and I slightly rubbed something against them, it would hurt), felt depressed, fatigue, and it even looked like I was 3 months pregnant! I'm not going to say that I don't recommend this pill because everyone reacts differently, but this one obviously did not work out for me."

4 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
20 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Anonymous
  • December 1, 2011

"I have been on Microgestin for a few years. For the most part, my experience has been very positive: I have not experienced unusual mood swings, weight gain, or changes in sex drive. The pill also regulated my period, which had been very irregular before, and my cramps became much less painful. After long-term use, my period became lighter and finally disappeared, which makes me paranoid about pregnancy, so I use an over-the-counter test every couple of months. At the same time, I also became drier and drier until sex became very difficult. However, I have been able to combat the vaginal dryness pretty effectively by making sure to stay very hydrated all day long and especially where exercise or alcohol are concerned."

7 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
24 Report
  • Sam...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • January 18, 2019

"I have been on Microgestin for 6 years. I don’t have any side effects, no weight gain, acne, mood swings, or anything like that. My only problem is a yeast infection every month before I finish my 3rd week of taking a pill. I get a yeast infection, and it drives me crazy. My doctors did all kinds of testing, everything out, but nothing. The only thing is my birth control pills that I take. Does anyone else have issues like this with Microgestin?"

7 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
13 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

Your review helps others make informed decisions.
Write a review
  • mom...
  • July 1, 2021

"I'm starting my 2nd pack of this birth control. I was almost 4 months postpartum and was going through it. Depression and anxiety were at an all-time high. My periods were extremely painful and long. My antidepressants just weren't helping, so the doctor suggested this. I noticed a huge difference in just one week. I'm feeling back to normal again, and my period this time has been SO pleasant. My acne has cleared up, and I have actually lost weight. I believe this birth control has saved my life. I did experience 10 days of breakthrough bleeding, but would gladly take that over the mental and physical torture I was going through. Don't let the few bad reviews scare you into not trying this birth control, like they almost did me."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
9 Report
  • Moo...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • February 7, 2015

"This medicine is effective and does the job of 'birth control.' However, I still have cramps, and I have emotional breakdowns the few days before my period comes. I turn into either a sad or extremely angry person, and I cannot take no for an answer. I am considering switching medications if this does not change. It is beginning to ruin relationships."

7 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
24 Report
  • Mid...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • September 15, 2019

"I'm almost a year on the birth control Microgestin Fe 1/20. It has helped my very heavy periods calm down and not be as long. I'm in my mid-40s and was tired of the CSI Miami crime scene that my monthly would bring. Also, this has helped my night sweats. I really have no complaints with this. Mind you, I'm a healthy non-smoker and exercise daily. If you smoke or are overweight, maybe take the mini pill. My sister is also taking this for the same reasons. It takes many months for full effect. I hope this review helps someone. Please talk to your doctor if you have heavy periods. I waited many years."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
12 Report
  • Lad...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • June 21, 2015

"It made my boobs bigger, ZERO negative side effects, and my period is practically non-existent. It's my favorite birth control I've ever been on. Most birth controls make me have crazy mood swings and gain weight. This one didn't. I will be using this for life."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
18 Report
  • Che...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • February 5, 2014

"Good pill, does what it's supposed to-protects from pregnancy. Clears acne. Regulates periods. BUT mood swings were definitely noticed, and a small weight gain (10 lbs or less). I had always weighed around 130 and have been 140 with the pill, and extremely moody-extremely happy or extremely sad-no medium. Every person will have different reactions, obviously, just sharing my own experiences."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
19 Report
  • Ida...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • July 30, 2018

"I'm 5'7" and 120 lbs, late 20s Latina, and I've been using this birth control for 7 years now and have never had a problem. Switched from NuvaRing to Microgestin 1/20 when I was 21. After about 3 months of use, I noticed my cystic acne started clearing up, periods got shorter, then lighter. Now, at 28, I get my period about 3-4 times a year, usually very light and lasting 2-3 days. Never had a pregnancy scare either. I used to have heavy 7-day periods, but this changed everything for me."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
13 Report
  • cla...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 24, 2014

"I've been on Microgestin for almost three months now; I switched over from Previfem. During the first month or so, my sex drive decreased a bit, and I was nauseated in the morning sometimes. I did notice some mood swings, too. Since I've been on it for a while, though, the symptoms have let up. My withdrawal bleeds only last for about 3-5 days, and they're light. I do have backaches and cramps periodically throughout my cycle, but they're manageable with a little ibuprofen. My breasts swell a bit and get sore around my placebo week, but that's not really a big deal. Overall, I'm happy with Microgestin. I haven't gotten pregnant, so that's awesome, and the side effects are minimal. Also, my skin is looking good!"

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
20 Report
  • Jen...
  • October 27, 2019

"As a 21-year-old woman, I’ve taken this pill for some four years now after becoming sexually active and truly have had little to no problems. I exercise about 4 times a week and don’t have the best diet given my age. But while on this pill, I have stayed the same weight, give or take 5 lbs depending on my diet and exercise. I never had acne-prone skin, even in my teens, but the pill didn’t make it worse. I never had headaches, nausea, or other common side effects. My period was always pretty light with minimal cramping, and after taking this pill for some years now, I haven’t gotten my period in maybe two years. IT IS AWESOME. My insurance even covers it so that it’s free for me. The only con with this pill is my lowered sex drive (though I was never really an animal anyway) and vaginal dryness. Definitely would recommend."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
12 Report
  • Anonymous
  • November 13, 2012

"I was on Loestrin 24 FE for years until they stopped making samples of it, and it was too expensive to buy. My doctor switched me to this pill. I lost 15-20 lbs, moods have been more stable, and my sex drive has increased dramatically! The only con was I did break out really bad when I first switched, but now I'm on my 3rd pack, and I'm getting my breakouts under control. I'm amazed at the weight I lost and didn't realize I gained it from my old birth control. This is my new favorite!"

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
22 Report
  • Dor...
  • July 5, 2014

"I have been on Microgestin Fe 1/20 for almost 9 months, and I have to say that I can't complain. This birth control has worked very well with my body, few days or no periods. I do actually notice I get really emotional. Haven't noticed any difference in sex drive. Overall, great pill."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
19 Report
  • Bro...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • March 31, 2014

"I have been taking this pill for about 6 months to prevent pregnancy. I've had regular light periods, and my appetite has drastically decreased, but I haven't been losing weight. It slowed my sex drive down in the first few months of use, but my drive is back to normal now. I am also very moody, lethargic, and constipated. However, I like it since it is preventing me from getting pregnant, and it's free."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
20 Report
  • hap...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 6, 2013

"Months 1-2 = no cramping, came right on time, incredibly light, period lasted 1-3 days, no weight gain, no acne. Month 3 = crazy mood swings, not myself, didn't feel motivated, hurt my family/boyfriend's feelings a lot. Months 4, 5 = felt normal again, happy in my relationships, acne normal, no weight gain still, period came a week early both months with lots of brown discharge and then bleeding the week of my period. Month 6 = period came right on time, mild cramping, no mood swings, acne normal, period not heavy but not as light as months 1-2. Overall, stick with this pill. It can be rocky, but I think I've gone through everything and am leveling out."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
21 Report
  • Anonymous
  • October 29, 2009

"Before getting on Microgestin Fe 1/20, I was on Yasmin. I never had any problems with Yasmin, although my period was slightly heavier than desirable. I have been on Microgestin now for four months and literally go through two full period cycles in a row each month. It is awful and inconvenient. My doctor actually put me on the pill because of the reports of shorter periods. I know that all bodies react differently, but be cautious of this problem if you do not want to chance it. I have also experienced severe mood swings, but I cannot discredit it regarding actual birth control. Just remember to take it at the same time, daily."

5 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
26 Report
  • Jen...
  • February 11, 2017

"I wanted to write a review because I see so many people saying it caused them side effects, so I wanted to share a positive review so potential users aren't afraid to try it. I had no side effects whatsoever from this drug. I've been on it for 8 years and haven't gotten pregnant, so it is definitely effective. And a bonus has been much lighter periods."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
14 Report
  • dev...
  • October 1, 2014

"I have been on this pill for 3 weeks and already can't wait to switch to something else. After the first week, I became severely depressed with heavy mood swings and no sex drive at all. I cried at everything. I felt nauseous almost every day."

4 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
21 Report
  • Rac...
  • January 7, 2015

"I'm 18 and don't like this pill. The first week of side effects was horrible, I couldn't even get up. I've been taking it for 3 months and only got my period 1 time. I don't like that because it scares me. I gained like 15 pounds and have been so depressed. I will be switching soon."

3 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
19 Report
  • Sar...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • February 20, 2015

"I have been on it for a little over a year now, starting it when I was 17. I was a bit moody at first, but no weight gain, acne did clear up decently. No pregnancy scares with my boyfriend. Definitely lessened cramps and flow once a month. However, after the one week on it each month, I have mild cramps and light flow. Happens for a few days, then back to nothing. Still have a period each month, but pain and flow greatly reduced."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
20 Report
  • Mic...
  • September 11, 2019

"Literally put me in such a dark place. I think I cried every day for months on this pill. I talked to my doctor, and she said I maybe needed therapy. I switched birth controls just in case because a friend suggested that might be the issue, and right when I switched, I felt like a weight was lifted, and I turned completely back to my happy self! Basically, I feel like doctors often don’t talk about the mental side effects of birth control pills a lot. So if you are ever depressed and think it’s that, don’t let anyone talk you out of switching! But everyone’s body is different, so it might work for you. My favorite is Amethyst/Lybrel since it has one of the lowest doses of estrogen you can get in a combination pill. For me, less estrogen = less side effects! I feel great now!"

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
10 Report
  • Han...
  • July 26, 2015

"I've been on Microgestin for almost 3 years, and the only side effect I ever had was that it cleared up my acne completely. My periods are very light now and extremely regular, as opposed to being heavy and sporadic before. Have had constant unprotected sex for 3 years and have never had a scare whatsoever. Oh, and it's free with my insurance. 100% win."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
15 Report
  • Not...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • December 13, 2014

"I gained about 10-12 lbs and couldn't lose it, which is weird since I eat very raw and work out hard 4-5 times a week. As soon as I switched, I lost it immediately. I also stopped getting huge cysts all over my body."

2 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
18 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

Your review helps others make informed decisions.
Write a review
Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.