Microgestin Fe 1/20 and Acne: What Users Say

• kri...
• December 17, 2011

For Birth Control "I cannot believe the negative reviews on this. They did scare me, but I still gave it a shot, and have NEVER been happier with a birth control! My acne has cleared up, my sex drive is still incredible, I have LOST WEIGHT, and my periods are almost NON-EXISTENT! The only thing I wish is that I would have gotten on this sooner! I love this birth control, and I suggest trying it before buying into the negative reviews. Everyone is different."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 4, 2014

For Birth Control "I have been on Microgestin FE 1/20 for a couple of months now, and it's absolutely fantastic! I switched after 6 months of Lo Loestrin, which caused me to gain 10 pounds, constant spotting, and worse acne. With Microgestin, my periods are actually regular and even lighter. I had horrible cramps that I used to have to miss school and work because of, and now, they're almost nonexistent! Zero weight gain, I've actually lost 7 pounds, and my acne is gone! Love this pill!"

• Anonymous
• November 4, 2009

For Birth Control "I'm 21 years old and have been on this birth control for almost a year now, and I absolutely love it. No weight gain, no headaches, no acne, no side effects really, except I no longer have a period at all. Just to be cautious, I take a pregnancy test every month, but so far there hasn't been a need for it. My sex drive is the same and hasn't changed at all. The pills are easy to swallow. I would never switch birth controls!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 21, 2014

For Birth Control "I've been on Microgestin for 3 weeks. I started taking it on the 1st day of my period, and it made my (normally VERY regular period) last for 8 days (it usually lasts 4-5)! For the entire time, I have been very moody, bloated, retaining water, have had cramps, nausea, acne, breakthrough bleeding, EVERYTHING. THE WHOLE TIME. I literally feel like I have been on my period for 3 weeks. I keep hoping that eventually, my body will get used to these hormones. My doctor said it will take 1-3 months to regulate, but I don't know if I want to live like I'm on my period for 3 full months."

• ayy...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 30, 2016

For Birth Control "I wanted to write a review because I was researching this pill for my GWS class, and I noticed a lot of people new to the pill experiencing problems. I have been on this pill for 5 years, and while I didn't experience any terrible side effects in the beginning (that I recall), this pill has helped me a lot in 5 years. I originally took it to cure my severe acne, but it also helped with my severe cramps and heavy bleeding. Now, five years later, my skin is the clearest it has ever been, I haven't had a legit cramp in probably two years, and my periods only last about 4 days with minimal bleeding. All in all, I would highly recommend this pill."

• Sap...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 21, 2013

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I have been on Microgestin Fe 1.5/30 for 15 months. My doctor prescribed it when I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. My cycle would not stop for more than two days, then it would start again. As soon as I started the Microgestin, my cycle regulated the first week. After taking it for about a year, my periods are extremely light and very short. The side effects I have experienced are acne, oily skin, and terrible mood swings the week before my period begins. I get very angry and irritable for about two days the week prior to my period. In spite of these side effects, this pill has been great for me. I have lost 40 lbs with diet and exercise that I was unable to lose before taking this pill. I highly recommend giving it a try."

• mik...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 12, 2020

For Birth Control "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."

• Tak...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 16, 2017

For Acne "Most people that are complaining that they got acne using it are most likely in their first/second month of using it. I'm almost at my fifth month of taking Microgestin, and I rarely break out now. I've definitely been noticing that my skin looks better. Also, I have been weighing myself and have not gained weight from it. My advice is, just keep on taking it because most symptoms (mainly the acne part) get worse before it gets better."

• Ida...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 30, 2018

For Birth Control "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."

• hap...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 6, 2013

For Birth Control "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."

• Anonymous
• November 13, 2012

For Birth Control "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!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 22, 2013

For Menstrual Disorders "I have been on the pill for about 3 weeks now, everything has been going okay. I have less mood swings, I'm more calm, and my sex drive has improved, so that's a plus. There are a few side effects I've experienced, though: my acne is breaking out again, I've been having spotting and severe cramps, but I'm going to finish my 3 months and see how it goes... Hope this helps, good luck, ladies!"

• Han...
• July 26, 2015

For Birth Control "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."

• Iss...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 29, 2017

For Birth Control "I hate this pill. The first three months went by smoothly. Suddenly, my face began breaking out and leaving horrible dark marks. After that, my mood began to change. I'm now 5 months into these pills, and I feel like a completely different person. I can't sleep at night if I take these pills, but I sleep perfectly if I skip a dose. I cry or get upset over small things, which is very unlike me. I don't feel like doing anything anymore. It's a chore to get out of bed. I'm gaining weight like crazy, even though my appetite hasn't changed. I was a very happy and energetic person before taking these pills. I don't recognize myself. I plan to either switch brands or get off of birth control completely. I need to find my happiness/sanity again."

• Kel...
• May 15, 2017

For Birth Control "This is the only birth control that I have used, and it was recommended to me by a friend. I have been on it for over two years now and have had virtually no side effects at all. During my first month on it, I spotted almost every day, but after that, I did not have a single issue with this pill. My periods are extremely light to the point where I have not even needed a pad or tampon in two years. I have not experienced any acne, mood swings, weight gain, or libido changes whatsoever."

• Cat...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 22, 2014

For Birth Control "My OBGYN switched me to this pill because she believed the Necon 0.5/35 I was previously on contained unnecessary amounts of hormone for me. About 3 months in, my libido decreased, but I wasn't having any other side effects, so I decided to wait it out and see if things got better. Around month six, I missed my period three months in a row, wasn't pregnant, thank God, and started breaking out like crazy. My periods have resumed, but I've got no sex drive, really bad skin, and have become emotionally unstable around my time of the month, which is very unusual for me. I am 24 years old, 125 lbs., and have a pretty active lifestyle if anyone wants those statistics for their reference. I'll be switching at the end of this month's pack."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 4, 2012

For Birth Control "I was very hesitant to try this birth control after reading so many negative reviews. I decided that I would go ahead and try it anyway, since everyone reacts differently. Personally, I absolutely love this birth control. I have been on it for approximately three months now and have not had any bad side effects whatsoever. I used to be on Yasmin for three years and would get headaches almost daily. Ever since I switched, I rarely get headaches. I have had no weight gain, no mood swings, no acne, and no change in breast size (unfortunately). I have noticed my periods are much lighter, and I have had no spotting. Overall, I give this birth control an A."

• cam...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 15, 2014

For Birth Control "This is effective in preventing pregnancies, but I've had some other unpleasant side effects. I've been on this for 9 months. During the first three, I would always break out real bad around the time of my period. Then for a couple of months, the acne stopped, but other symptoms began popping up: spotting, sometimes an early period, extreme mood swings, weight gain (20 lbs). The last two months, when my libido began to suffer, I decided to switch. No sex drive. None. It's killing me. Even if I want to have sex, which is rare anyway, my body says no. The end of this pack is it for me."

• JNV...
• September 1, 2014

For Acne "When I first started this medicine, I would get headaches and feel super sleepy within the first 5 minutes of taking it. But those side effects subsided as I got to my next pill pack. Probably the worst part of this medication is that it caused me to have more and consistent acne than before (which is one reason why I wanted birth control in the first place). Along with acne, Microgestin Fe 1/20 caused the skin above my upper lip to darken (known as melasma). It wasn't too noticeable at first, but as summer went on, and with more sun, it got worse. It was effective as a birth control and good with period regulation, but I wasn't pleased with the negative side effects at all, so I have recently switched over to Gianvi."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 16, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been on this birth control for a month now. I was never really the type of person to get a lot of acne, but ever since I started on this pill, I’ve got super bad acne and hate my skin. I was “light bleeding” for over 2 weeks. I have gained a little over 10 pounds since I started because I'm constantly wanting food. Before I started this birth control, I weighed 115, now I weigh 127 in one month. Another thing is I'm always tired, no matter how much I sleep. The only “plus” side is that my cramps aren't as bad anymore."

• Anonymous
• October 8, 2009

"I've been on this pill for 7 months. I'd been having hormonal issues, so I thought a pill with less estrogen in it would help. Perhaps I am allergic to this pill. It upsets my stomach. The last few months, it has been like I have diarrhea. After every meal, I have an urgent need to use the restroom. My period has been unpredictable, heavy at first, then it lightened. One month I didn't get one. Now it's average in length, but my back aches, and I feel tired. I break out twice a month with mild acne. I have a 3-4 day window where I feel like having sex, and my body will respond. Other times I want to have sex, but I am dry, and my body is slow to respond. I am moody, easy to cry, and anger. My boobs itch, I get bloated, and I'm losing hair like crazy!"

• Anonymous
• September 22, 2015

For Birth Control "I am a 20-year-old, and I started taking Microgestin in August of this year. I started gaining weight, breasts getting bigger, retaining a lot of fluid, and mild hair loss. I didn't notice any of this until now, I'm in my second month, and my mom told me she can tell I have a lot of fluid in my body. My feet swelled up and all. My breasts are really tender most of the time, which I hate. My sex drive has increased, which is a plus, and my periods last about 4 days. As far as the acne, it is crazy. I went to the dermatologist, and she told me this birth control is prone to acne, but maybe it might go away after a few months. I will come back and update you guys! As everyone said, side effects are different for everyone."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 29, 2012

For Menstrual Disorders "I've been taking this for a week and a half. So far, two different times I felt alarming numbness in one arm and dizziness - thought I was having a stroke. But it passed. Also, my breasts feel very tender, sore, and heavy. They have not grown, that I've noticed, though. I have also broken out (acne) more than usual. So I have experienced side effects. I'm going to try this pill out for a whole pack before I switch. I haven't experienced moodiness, which I was concerned about, because I am prone to melancholy. I would recommend that you try this pill and don't back out because of the negative reviews. Give it a chance. That's what I'm doing."

• Eri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 12, 2014

For Birth Control "I am 20 years old, and here's my experience with this birth control. Pros: didn't get pregnant. SLIGHTLY fuller breasts in the same cup size. Didn't gain weight. Cons: I lost ALL sex drive and became a moody, depressive, crying, tired, sad prude. Which is sad because my husband thought I wasn't attracted to him, and I am VERY attracted to his sexy, handsome self! My acne also got worse. After two months, I stopped the pills and switched to condoms. I am back to my sexual self and get along 100."

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

For Birth Control "On Microgestin Fe 1/20. Absolutely horrible! Mentally, I was a complete wreck and struggled to feel happy or excited about anything. I was depressed and upset 24/7 and would get angry for the dumbest reasons. I felt so hopeless, I lost interest in everyday tasks and activities. I broke out like crazy on my chin and have always had clear skin. I thankfully switched to Junel FE, which has been great."