Microgestin Fe 1/20 and Acne: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Cam...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 22, 2017

For Acne "So I was on Ginanvi for about 3 months before I switched over to this pill due to the high cost of Ginanvi (I don't have insurance). Ginanvi had cleared up my acne in the short time I used it, and I was hoping this birth control would not mess that up. I was wrong. After 2-3 months of using this pill, my skin went crazy with horrible breakouts. Now, 9 months later, I still have horrible acne. If you want a pill that helps with acne, this is NOT it. It also made my period 'weird.' I would have little to no period one month and a heavy one the next. The month that I had a heavier flow, my boobs would hurt a lot. I also noticed that at the beginning of taking it, I would be moody and extremely irritable all the time. It's time for me to switch."

• 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
• 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."

• Mrs...
• October 16, 2010

For Birth Control "I have been on Microgestin for about six months now. At first, I thought it was great. However, at this point, I have gained 15 pounds since I started it. It definitely does its job, though... I NEVER WANT SEX! I am shocked by how unappealing sex has become since starting Microgestin. I literally have lost all signs of a sex drive. Also, my acne started out great but has gotten worse in the last few months. I am probably going to switch soon. This is miserable."

• AP1...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 1, 2016

For Endometriosis "My doctor started me on Microgestin over a year ago to control my endometriosis symptoms. So far, it has helped completely with the irregular bleeding I was experiencing. I still have pain, so it hasn't 100% helped with that aspect. One side effect that almost made me stop altogether was the breast tenderness. I do notice that I get a small amount of acne at times. I have suffered with migraines for 17 years, and I honestly feel that this medicine brings them on or makes them worse. I have recorded 21 migraines in less than a year, so I am currently considering switching to another method of birth control."

• Anonymous
• April 28, 2016

For Birth Control "I have been on this birth control for 4 months. I noticed severe side effects almost instantly, but decided to give it some time to work through my body. I have experienced extreme mood issues, panic attacks, cramping, fatigue, restlessness, no sex drive, and also terrible acne mostly along my jawline and my shoulders. It's embarrassing. I am discontinuing the use of this birth control. I cannot continue to be an emotional mess. I want my happy self back again. I am sick of being overly paranoid, depressed, and angry. My boyfriend doesn't understand what this drug is doing to me and just thinks I'm 'crazy,' but I'm not. :( This drug is awful."

• Sam...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 1, 2012

For Birth Control "I've been on this particular birth control for a little over a year now. I've been on Loestrin 24 Fe and Lo Loestrin 24 Fe. It's helped more than Loestrin itself did. I haven't had bad acne, no weight gain whatsoever (it's extremely hard for me, so weight gain is welcomed for me), no crazy mood swings, no nausea. Cramps haven't been the greatest, but they are better than they used to be on the other birth controls!"

• Bra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 9, 2015

For Birth Control "Well, I recently started my second pack, and the least I can say is I've grown a cup size bigger (boob-wise), and I'm maintaining my average weight. I have slight acne, I never get bad pimples, but now my T-zone is bad! No nausea, no headaches. My first pack I had bad, even suicidal depression, but I've noticed all of it is toning down. I have a little acne between my breasts (which NEVER happens). My periods are light and stay for 4 days at the most, no cramps. Everything is great except for the acne...."

• jus...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 26, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been on LoEstrin Fe 24 for quite some time, and then I guess my insurance didn't pay for it, and I ended up switching to Microgestin Fe 1/20. I've been on this birth control for nearly 2 years, and it's done the job with minimal side effects. I've been taking Microgestin consistently with Neurontin and Adderall while also taking it with various other medications. I mainly switched because Lutera was giving me horrible acne and spotting. With Microgestin, my acne has been relatively normal except for the last couple of months, which could have been induced by stress. Periods on Microgestin are shorter and sometimes nonexistent. However, my libido hasn't been the same in years since I've been on birth control, so I'm considering the IUD."

• Jes...
• February 22, 2017

For Birth Control "I've been on this pill for almost 4 years. I absolutely love it. I've had no problems nor side effects. I started taking this BC because I had severe, painful acne all over my face, and my doc decided since I wasn't on any BC, this should help clear up my acne and be protected at the same time. Although I didn't want to take it because my husband and I wanted to try for another baby right after I had my son that was 4 years ago. So in December of 2016, I stopped taking it because now my son is 4, and we want to try for another baby, and it sucks. As much as I want a baby, I wish I could still take it. I'm gaining weight. I'm getting acne all over again. And well, I have not gotten pregnant yet. If I don't get pregnant by July, I'll be back."

• CCe...
• October 15, 2016

For Acne "I was on Microgestin Fe 1/20 for 4 years. In the beginning, everything was fine. My acne from high school went away, I didn't have any more cramps, and very light periods. Now that I'm in my 4th year, I noticed that all of a sudden, I started getting cystic acne all over my chin area! I knew that chin acne is a result of hormonal imbalance, which confused me since I was on this birth control for years! My dermatologist recommended that I switch to Ocella since it's better for acne."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 25, 2016

For Birth Control "Horrible! I got my Implanon taken out and decided to switch to the pill. Biggest mistake ever! I feel extremely tired all the time. I haven't had a problem with acne in years, and now all of a sudden my face has been breaking out! I'm extremely moody. I don't like the way it makes me feel at all. I've only been on it for about 2 weeks and will be stopping it ASAP!"

• Emm...
• August 19, 2016

For Menstrual Disorders "This has done absolutely nothing. I was put on Junel Fe, and that did wonders for me: clearing up acne, helping with weakness and cramps. However, my local pharmacy switched me to this. I never ever write bad reviews, but I feel so strongly about this I have to. My cramps are equally as painful as before going on the pill, my acne has flared, my mood has worsened, and I've had horrific headaches. Totally the worst thing in the world. Now I'm sitting in an 18-hour long car ride with some of the worst cramps I've ever had. No point in taking the medicine for period symptoms if it does absolutely nothing."

• ske...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 9, 2016

For Menstrual Disorders "Stopped periods completely by the 3rd month; has side effects of tender breasts, making me sleepier after taking it (take it before bed, no problem). Caused the worst acne I've ever had in my life. Used it to skip periods since mine are very heavy/bad; did that just great. No side effects I couldn't deal with/live with, other than the acne. Deep cystic types, whiteheads, oily skin - switching since I'm not looking to prevent pregnancy, just to manage periods & I can try a different hormone composition. Missing a pill in the first 2 months caused spotting; after that, missing one here or there didn't do much."

• ske...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 9, 2016

For Menstrual Disorders "Stopped periods completely by the 3rd month; has side effects of tender breasts, making me sleepier after taking it (take it before bed, no problem). Caused the worst acne I've ever had in my life. Used it to skip periods since mine are very heavy/bad; did that just great. No side effects I couldn't deal with/live with, other than the acne. Deep cystic types, whiteheads, oily skin - switching since I'm not looking to prevent pregnancy, just to manage periods & I can try a different hormone composition. Missing a pill in the first 2 months caused spotting; after that, missing one here or there didn't do much."

• ano...
• July 28, 2017

For Birth Control "I have been taking Microgestin for 10 years and have experienced minimal side effects. The positives: My periods are much lighter, shorter, and I have less cramping. My skin cleared up dramatically; I would get cystic acne, and this pill in combination with tretinoin from my dermatologist has drastically improved my skin. I have experienced no weight gain. The downside is my libido has decreased recently (only after being on the pill for many years); I'll be switching pills temporarily to see if there is a difference. I did stop taking this pill for about 6 months, and I immediately gained weight and my acne returned. If it works for you, it's a great low-dose option!"

• Liz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 20, 2015

For Birth Control "I had previously been on Orthotricyclen Lo for over a decade before trying something new. I loved Ortho Lo, but my insurance didn't cover it anymore. I've been on Microgestin Fe 1/20 for 3 packs now, and I can't say I love it. With my previous pill, I had no breast tenderness, acne problems, and always got my period like clockwork. Now on Microgestin, my boobs hurt constantly. So painful I can't even wear a bra, but they're not getting bigger. Acne flares up around week 2. My biggest complaint is that I have not gotten a period on this pill. Some people might think the opposite of me, but I want a period. Anyway, my Dr. said wait it out to the end of the pack, and if my symptoms don't subside, that she'll switch me to Aleese."

• 20...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 14, 2016

For Birth Control "Growing up, my periods were always irregular. First, they came randomly throughout the year and lasted about 7 days, with minimal cramps. I'd probably have 3 cycles a year. Then, I experienced the polar opposite. I would have a period for 3 months at a time, then stop the rest of the year. Things worsened, and 3 months became 6, so I reached out to a doctor, and they suggested this. Now, my periods are regular, light, and short (4-5 days), with no cramps, but I will still get this one bump under my chin (I've experienced this same bump before Microgestin). This isn't a problem. It typically goes away, and my skin is back to normal until next month. I've noticed that I get food cravings now. All in all, I've had a good experience. No nausea, pain, or bad acne."

• Pri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 16, 2016

For Endometriosis "Well, my experience so far has been really bad. I have had excessive weight gain, acne breakouts here and there, not too bad though. I've had no period for a long time, but now I'm somewhat bleeding, and it's not even heavy. The bad thing is I'm getting really bad ovary cramps. I feel very bad with mood swings, they're driving me crazy, and I'm eating like I'm pregnant. I have pregnancy symptoms without being pregnant. I don't know, I wouldn't recommend this for anyone, but I have to suffer on it for like 2-3 more months."

• Che...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 25, 2015

For Birth Control "I hate this birth control pill. It is the first birth control pill I have taken, and I have taken it for one and a half cycles. So far, I am not pleased at all! I take the pill at about 11:00 pm every night, and I haven't missed a day. About one week in, I got acne, which I haven't struggled with for several years (I am 23). I have gotten my period both cycles half a pack in, and I also got it on the scheduled time after finishing the first pack. Basically, I am getting a normal (heavy) period every two weeks. This pill has also made my breasts tender and larger (I have had to go up a size). I often don't feel well and have loss of appetite. Seriously, go a different route, this pill is terrible!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 10, 2012

For Birth Control "This pill is not the best for me. Before going on it about 5 months ago, I had worked very hard to lose 20 lbs, just to gain 15 of it back in about 2.5 to 3 months, with no real change in diet. I was even working out every day! The weight just will not go away. My mood has been unstable, not out of control, but very hit and miss. I have developed dark spots on my face, which are very embarrassing, as well as acne. My hair is brittle and breaks, and so do my nails. The only 'perk' is that my boobs have gotten bigger, but they were pretty large to begin with, so that is really only good for my boyfriend. I have an appointment to change my pill TODAY!"

• Jay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 22, 2023

For Birth Control "Horrible. I just switched to this birth control, and I’ve decided to stop birth control completely until I can go back to my original. I’ve been taking it for a month and have experienced the worst mood swings, weight gain, and constant acne outbreaks. I haven’t had acne since I was 15!"

• krc...
• March 2, 2012

"I've been on Microgestin for a couple of years. The pharmacy accidentally gave me Junel Fe, and I started breaking out, headaches, low libido, and fatigue. I am running back to Microgestin. I have no side effects and still have a libido. I like this one out of others I have tried."

• Cal...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 28, 2018

For Birth Control "I used this prescription for 6 months, and I'd say overall it was okay, but more negative than positive. During the first two months, I had very bad acne, which I don't usually have a problem with. I was able to control it by taking vitamin B supplements every day, but some days were worse than others. I do believe that this brand causes weight gain. I had extremely bad fluctuations with weight and gained 10 pounds despite not changing my diet. I was able to lose this 10 pounds in the last couple of months by eating less. I switched to a new brand last month, and I've noticed I'm actually losing weight being back on my normal diet before taking Microgestin. The only pro was its effectiveness at period cramping. It was practically non-existent, and the flow was very light. After 3 days of being on the sugar pills, my period usually stopped early."