Microgestin Fe 1/20 and Acne: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Mad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 25, 2016

For Birth Control "This drug worked at preventing pregnancy. So it does get some stars for that. It's my third month on it, and every single month I had breakthrough bleeding that began about the second week. I thought it was spotting at first, but then it was heavier and lasted until my actual period started with the sugar pills. I would also get bloated and have bad cramps beginning about the second week of the pill pack. No weight gain happened, and my sex drive stayed the same. But I was also very moody! Things that would normally make me just upset for a day would now bring me to tears and upset me for weeks. And my acne got worse, I would normally get pimples around the time of my period, but now I always have three or more pimples at a time that would scar."

• LRH...
• July 24, 2014

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "Not a fan of this pill. Throughout my teenage years and twenties, I took either Ortho Tri-Cyclen or Yasmin. After the birth of my second son, my doctor switched me to Microgestin as I was searching for a lower dose option. Over the past several months on this pill, I have begun to experience acne, breakthrough bleeding, mood swings, and, just recently, intense cramping and lower back pain. The pain was so out of place that I requested an ultrasound and was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. While I certainly don't believe that Microgestin caused me to develop PCOS, I do believe that it has done a very poor job in controlling the symptoms and has left me with multiple, undesirable side effects. I will be going back to Ortho Tri-Cyclen."

• Roy...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 10, 2018

For Birth Control "I went from Lo Loestrin to Microgestin to Blisovi. I was on Lo Loestrin when I was 20, and I'm 24 now. I barely remember anything except it making me nauseous the first day. I switched to Microgestin at 21 due to new insurance. There was a transition period, but I've been on it for 3 years, and it reduced my acne and stopped my menstrual migraines and mood swings. I switched insurance again, and now I'm on Blisovi. It's only been a week, but I've already experienced my first mood swing and got two whopper breakouts. Currently, trying to get back on Microgestin because it really worked for my body, and I don't want to transition into another BC again."

• Mig...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 4, 2016

For Menstrual Disorders "I went on this BC because my insurance stopped covering Loestrin. So far, I am on month 3, and I am trying to stick it out, but it has been terrible. I usually get breakouts right before my period, now I have them constantly. I am constantly depressed and fatigued beyond belief. I also have bloating, gained weight (though I admit there could be other causes as far as the weight is concerned), and I have constant cramping (though it is minor, it is daily and noticeable). I've also had severe migraines, and I only just now put it together that the migraines started when I started this pill. Also, I am 26, non-smoker, and take the pill continuously (no periods)."

• nev...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 31, 2016

For Menstrual Disorders "I have been on Microgestin Fe 1/20 for about 4 months now, and I could not be happier with this BC! This is my first time taking any type of BC pill, and I was honestly scared to start one due to many bad stories I've heard about 'the pill.' The first month, I had a very heavy period, along with terrible cramps, a breakout of acne, and no more sex drive. After that first month, my periods have been extremely light and short with no cramps, my skin is super clear, but my sex drive is still nowhere to be found. I do experience irritability, but no weight gain (or loss!). I am not sexually active, so I've had no scares, or any experience of how well this pill works with preventing pregnancy. Overall, I'm very happy with this pill!"

• Anonymous
• March 16, 2011

For Birth Control "I have been taking this birth control pill since November 2010. Best pill yet. I've taken a few others. I even tried the Depo shot, and that's what caused my irregular period. I guess you stop bleeding after the 3rd shot, and each shot lasted for 3 months. Now I rely on pills to keep my cycle regular. Anyways, so that's why I say this pill is the best for me, everyone is different. I don't have mood swings anymore, don't break out, my sex drive actually increased, my libido is sky high, my boyfriend can't even keep up. But no growth in the breasts. Sometimes they get a little tender, not too crazy."

• Ash...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 30, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been on Microgestin Fe 1/20 for 10 years now without stopping. I have had zero issues while being on it. Very short periods (last 3-4 days max). I do still have cramping while on my period, but nothing crazy, and no acne except for your random pimples once in a blue moon. I am about to go off of this BC, but it was great for me!"

• Ash...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 30, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been on Microgestin Fe 1/20 for 10 years now without stopping. I have had zero issues while being on it. Very short periods (last 3-4 days max). I do still have cramping while on my period, but nothing crazy, and no acne except for your random pimples once in a blue moon. I am about to go off of this BC, but it was great for me!"

• sth...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 19, 2017

For Birth Control "I was on this pill for 2 1/2 weeks and quit. I felt normal the first 2 weeks, but once I started the third week, my mood completely changed. I argued with my boyfriend for 3 days in a row over little things, and I knew it was the pill. Also, I've been eating so much more the past two weeks, and I'm so scared to weigh myself because I know I've gained weight (also because of the pill). Lastly, I have very, very clear skin; I break out once a month, if that. However, my last week on the pill, I broke out terribly. I have a painful zit on the left side of my forehead, 2 small pimples on the right side, and 2 small pimples on my left cheek. I never get pimples on my cheeks!!! This pill is horrible!!!"

• sth...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 19, 2017

For Birth Control "I was on this pill for 2 1/2 weeks and quit. I felt normal the first 2 weeks, but once I started the third week, my mood completely changed. I argued with my boyfriend for 3 days in a row over little things, and I knew it was the pill. Also, I've been eating so much more the past two weeks, and I'm so scared to weigh myself because I know I've gained weight (also because of the pill). Lastly, I have very, very clear skin; I break out once a month, if that. However, my last week on the pill, I broke out terribly. I have a painful zit on the left side of my forehead, 2 small pimples on the right side, and 2 small pimples on my left cheek. I never get pimples on my cheeks!!! This pill is horrible!!!"

• Oll...
• January 2, 2017

For Birth Control "I have been on this pill for about a month. Previous to taking this pill, I have not been on any form of birth control in 3 years. I always have had extremely accurate periods. Every month I'd get my period on the same exact date no matter what. I've always had really light acne and have never had anxiety. Being on this pill, I am not myself at all. I have extremely, extremely, extremely bad anxiety. Low self-esteem, I get new acne every day. I've had my period twice in one month. After I forgot to take my pill one day, I received my period about 5 hours later. So many headaches I cannot get rid of. I'm getting off of this pill ASAP."

• Eli...
• August 15, 2016

For Birth Control "Switched to this from Lo Loestrin FE due to insurance only covering generics. There's no generic form of Lo Loestrin FE, so I was given what I was told would be the most similar pill. Unfortunately, it didn't work out. I've gained weight, feel bloated often, started getting acne again at age 32, feel tired/moody/depressed with less interest in sex... but the worst is the headaches. They start at random times with no apparent trigger and can last as long as 48 hours. They do not respond to any over-the-counter medications. They can be very severe and often make it impossible to work, sleep, and enjoy life. I had no side effects with Lo Loestrin FE, except positive ones like lighter periods, so I think I'll be switching back despite the cost."

• Sha...
• October 21, 2013

For Birth Control "This birth control gave me cystic acne. I never have had acne-prone skin. I was on this for one year, and I started feeling depressed and always tired. Zero sex drive. No pregnancy scare and no weight gain, though! But I just switched to the ring, and I feel like I am my old self again. I don't think I would take this again."

• Sam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 4, 2016

For Birth Control "My first time taking birth control, my gyno put me on Lo Loestrin Fe 1/20, and my hormonal acne cleared up, my sex drive was fine, overall great pill. Then I had to switch to Microgestin Fe 1/20 because insurance didn't cover Lo Loestrin Fe 1/20. Ever since I started taking Microgestin, I have had horrible acne and started off with horrible mood swings, and I'm on month four right now and have recently been experiencing some anxiety and nausea, I think due to this pill. Going to my gyno tomorrow to switch back to Lo Loestrin Fe 1/20 even if it is more costly. Microgestin Fe is horrible, I do not recommend, especially if you are prone to having acne, which is one of the main reasons I started taking BC."

• hba...
• October 30, 2016

For Birth Control "I switched to this after Aviane because I went down from a very full C cup to barely fitting in a B. My doctor switched me to Microgestin Fe, saying that it's low hormone and I should have my body shape back. Cons: -My acne came back. Huge pimples on my forehead, and small little ones all along my cheeks with redness. -My nose is constantly swollen. -My face is no longer clear and glowing as it was on Aviane. -My hair is also drier and thinner. It is falling like crazy. -My periods were never severely heavy, but I would have to be careful sleeping in certain positions the first two days because they would be a bit excessive. Pros: -Not pregnant. -No mood swings after a while."

• Cam...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 6, 2016

For Birth Control "I am 20 and have taken this pill for a little over a year. I have yet to get pregnant, so it does its job as far as I am aware. I haven't personally had the side effects of low sex drive or acne; my skin actually has cleared up a lot since starting it. I did, however, gain about 10 lbs after starting Microgestin (thankfully losing 5 lbs since the initial gain). Additionally, I noticed dramatic mood swings and depression. I feel like I cry over minor details, and I never used to cry about practically anything. It's the only birth control method I have tried, and my insurance makes it free."

• Sam...
• June 25, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been on many different BC pills because I suffer from migraines, which worsen with estrogen. This one has been the absolute best for me. I took it for more than a year and had super predictable and light periods with almost no cramps, my acne was absolutely relinquished, no weight gain, no mood swings throughout my cycle, and no pregnancy (the most important). If you think you are having weird symptoms within the first two months or so of taking it, wait it out. This is a miracle pill. My doctor (without me wanting to) switched me to a complete non-estrogen pill because of my high risk for stroke and I hate it in comparison so much I stopped taking it. I should have never let my doc switch me because I miss taking this pill so much."

• Bee...
• January 19, 2018

For Birth Control "Never had acne, and after three months of taking this, I have deep and painful cystic acne. I feel terrible. I'm extremely upset and high-strung. Crying at anything and everything. And I'm so angry all the time for no reason. My fiancé has noticed a huge change and is very concerned. Pretty sure they only gave this to me because my insurance covers it. Do not take if you have a history of mental illness. Going to the gyno ASAP to get this cleared up."

• Amb...
• March 12, 2013

"I was on Junel FE 1/20 and randomly got switched to this without any notice. Since it was a bit cheaper, I decided to try it without complaints, but I have had a terrible time with this pill. I'm an emotional roller coaster and find myself mopey a lot of the time. I can't sleep, I have nighttime nausea, I'm on edge and get pissed very easily, and I can't stop eating junk food. My sex drive has dropped also, and my acne has flared up, and now I'm breaking out all over. I've also had headaches, which is unusual for me, I never get headaches unless I slept wrong or am very, very stressed. I'm going to get put back on Junel before it gets worse."

• LPa...
• October 9, 2017

For Birth Control "I have been on Microgestin Fe 1/20 for 6 years now, and I have no issues with this pill. My doctor originally prescribed this medication to me because I get headaches frequently. I do not experience headaches as much as I did before, and I have not had any weight gain, emotional distress, or acne of any sort. I get my period on the same day every month and with very minimal cramps and bleeding. I highly recommend this medication."

• sd5...
• August 14, 2017

For Birth Control "I had switched to Microgestin from Lutera for the menstrual suppression option (which I can't do on Lutera). Within the first week, my chin started breaking out, and after two months, it was left covered in pimples and scars. I switched back to Lutera a few weeks ago, and my skin has completely recovered. Really frustrating because I had no other side effects on Microgestin, but the breakouts were just awful. I should note that I have never had acne or suffered from prolonged breakouts."

• sd5...
• August 14, 2017

For Birth Control "I had switched to Microgestin from Lutera for the menstrual suppression option (which I can't do on Lutera). Within the first week, my chin started breaking out, and after two months, it was left covered in pimples and scars. I switched back to Lutera a few weeks ago, and my skin has completely recovered. Really frustrating because I had no other side effects on Microgestin, but the breakouts were just awful. I should note that I have never had acne or suffered from prolonged breakouts."

• Anonymous
• August 4, 2020

"I had intense weight gain, acne, and depression while on this Microgestin Fe 1/20 pill. I was 19 when I was on this pill, and I had a very healthy and active lifestyle while on this pill, but still gained 20+ pounds. I had never been very acne-prone in my life, but while on the Microgestin Fe 1/20 pill, I had severe breakouts weekly. I would not recommend this pill if you are worried about either of these things."

• Lea...
• December 10, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been taking Microgestin Fe going on 2 years now, and I think it is the best. At first, taking it, I noticed spotting in between my period for only 2 months, but after that, my period has gone away completely, which is common for anyone who had light periods prior to Microgestin. I haven't gained any weight except in my butt, and I went from a B to a C. I haven't had any emotional or sex drive changes, but there are two major downsides to the medication. 1. I have never had more than 5 pimples in my entire life, and now I get pimples readily. Also, since the estrogen levels are high, I have experienced more yeast infections. I am sexually active and have never missed a pill, and not one scare. So overall, very effective!!"

• Anonymous
• April 30, 2016

For Endometriosis "I was put on this medication because I suffer from endometriosis-related pain as well as extremely irregular periods (I had about 3-5 periods a year versus once a month). I can happily say that I no longer double over in pain, it's still uncomfortable but not unbearable. My periods are also much more consistent. However, I have noticed mood swings that I have never had a problem with before, as well as more than normal breakouts (mostly around my chin and cheeks). I also experienced a bit of nausea the first couple of months I was taking it, eating right before you take it helps a lot. Overall, it did what my doctor and I set out to initially do, but it does have some side effects I'm not thrilled about."