Microgestin Fe 1/20 and Cramps: What Users Say (Page 2)

• tas...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 2, 2013

For Birth Control "I've been using Microgestin 1/20 now for 2 weeks, I'm going into my 3rd. At first, I noticed that my breasts were very sore, but within the past couple of days, I haven't noticed it as much. I also know that I have one week left of this pack, and I've already started my period, as well as the cramping. And I haven't been as hungry as usual. I can live with all of these 'side effects,' as I guess you would call it. But the one that I haven't gotten used to, which happens to be the worst one for me, is dizziness. It's not an everyday thing, but it's happened twice now in 2 weeks, twice in a week. The first time, it lasted for most of the day, the second time, it was just in the morning. I have a doctor's appointment at the end of this week, so we'll see."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 2, 2016

For Birth Control "I switched from Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo because I was constantly spotting/bleeding in between my periods. I am also mildly anemic, so my doctor said this would be a good option since it has a bit of iron, but also to take iron pills. My period would last 5-7 days. Now that I am on Microgestin, my periods became only 3-4 days. I still have terrible cramps, I'm still spotty if I'm not consistent with taking my pills on time, but my skin has been clear even transitioning between the two. Even though my family tends to have terrible acne, I somehow got blessed along the way. Everyone's experience is different, I suppose."

• Mac...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 13, 2019

For Birth Control "I switched from Aviane to Microgestin after the former caused awful side effects like constant bleeding, irritability, cramping, and breast swelling. Unfortunately, Microgestin didn't work out for me, seeing as I've had the exact same issues with Aviane, except a little worse on this pill. The weight gain was worse, my skin looked good, but I wasn't prone to breakouts anyway. It's an effective birth control, but I can't handle the side effects. It also completely zapped my energy."

• BB1...
• April 23, 2017

For Birth Control "I really like this birth control because it's a very low dosage. For everyone who says it makes them feel sick, take it at night! I had the same problem and take it at night, typically between 8:30-11 pm, and I don't feel sick. My skin has fewer breakouts. I still get the occasional pimple or two. I haven't had any mood swings, no problems with libido, my emotions feel more balanced, and I don't have PMS. I do get bloated for a few days in the middle of the cycle. It's my 5th month on them. And when I do get my period, my cramps are nonexistent. I used to have the curl-up-in-a-ball-and-cry cramps, but they've been nonexistent with these pills. There's also a lot less blood loss. I'm also a regular exerciser and have no issues there either."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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!"

• 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!"

• Lya...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 12, 2015

For Birth Control "Pros: Lighter periods, some cramping but much less, no pregnancy scares. Little to no nausea after the first week. No migraines. Cons: Horrible moodiness, depression, anxiety, feeling insecure. Weight gain (though less than other users). Painful intercourse. After a year of being on this pill, I went off for 3 months due to insurance coverage issues. While I was off, I noticed an immediate improvement in mood and energy. After going back on, the depression/mood swings started back up again, and I noticed an extreme drop in libido. Though my experience was not as horribly negative as some others, I will be looking for another birth control."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 11, 2015

For Birth Control "Went on for awful cramps and have completely stopped them! Breasts grew a full cup size, not complaining. Hungry all the time, which makes me feel like I'm going to gain weight, but I exercise a lot, so hopefully that side effect doesn't arise (yet). Breasts are tender occasionally. Light spotting on and off, but my periods/cramps have stopped altogether. High sex drive, all the time."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 18, 2013

For Birth Control "First few days, some nausea. Lighter period, and cramps were not as bad, and I was not as moody the days before my period. I have now been on it a month and a half and have been having spotting and cramps for the past three days."

• 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."

• mom...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 3, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been on this pill for over 8 years and loved it up until now! Now that Actavis has taken over manufacturing, I am disgusted. I gained weight with no change in eating/workouts and am back to having the extreme cramping and regular periods I had prior to being on the pill. I have even started cramping and bleeding midway through with no missed pills. With Watson, I had mild cramps and hardly ever bled. This is my 3rd cycle on this pill. I will stick it out until my next gyn appointment in September. If things have not improved by then, I will be shopping for a new pill. So disappointed. (And yes, my chest has gotten much bigger, but it is not worth it.)"

• McD...
• December 10, 2010

For Birth Control "I have been on this pill for about 6 months now. The first 3 months, I was sick for the first week of every pack. The first month, I had my period 2 weeks early and skipped the second month completely. Since then, I've had my period regularly. It has become very light and only lasts about 3 days. I experience slight cramps the first day of my cycle. Sex drive decreased the first 2 months but is normal now. I had horrible mood swings, but they are settling down now. Overall, the medicine has not been too bad. A lighter period is great, plus I'm being protected. But I have heard of people having missed periods. I am currently having my 2nd missed period since starting. We use a condom too, but I'm still scared."

• kay...
• November 23, 2016

For Birth Control "Well, I'm going to start off by saying that every girl is different and has different side effects. My experience wasn't a great one. At first, it worked great, but my periods started to become very irregular the third month I was on it. Some months, I'd have my period for a straight 3 weeks, and sometimes it was only 4 days. I experienced excruciating cramps and severe headaches. I also just seemed very cloudy. Didn't really seem myself. Everything was so 'eh' to me. Although, it did seem to help with some acne. But you just need to figure out what birth control fits right for you! I hope this helps some of you get a little insight on this birth control."

• 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!"

• 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."

• hol...
• October 7, 2015

For Birth Control "Pros: I'm not pregnant, my periods are lighter, and the pills were free. Cons: I've been on it for 4 months. The first month, I had terrible cramping. I had to stay home from work to writhe on my bed. I also already struggle with depression, and it seemed to exacerbate my depressive feelings. I've also been abnormally angry and irritable. It finally got so bad last week that I went off of it. I've also had lower back/hip muscle/joint pain since a month after starting birth control. I believe it's related. I'm too afraid to get on another hormonal pill. They always say it takes a few months for your body to get used to the hormones! Meanwhile, you're a train wreck. I can't afford these emotional (or physical) side effects."

• che...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 14, 2021

For Birth Control "I've been on Microgestin for 4 weeks now. The first couple of weeks, I didn't have any bleeding, I did have digestive side effect symptoms (bloating, diarrhea, the works). I've felt a little more emotional than normal, but nothing crazy noticeable. Then, starting around 2 weeks into the pill, I started bleeding consistently and having random cramping. I feel like I've been on my period for 2 weeks. This hasn't gone away yet, but I'm hoping it will eventually. My doctor said to stick with it for 2-3 months before deciding anything, so that's the plan right now. I feel like my acne isn't any better, if not a little worse (I have combination skin type). My breasts do feel a little fuller though (which is always nice for a small-chested person like myself, lol). Will update in another month!!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 3, 2015

"I am 18 years old and have been on this birth control (the only birth control I've ever taken) since January of 2015. My first few months were pretty good. I had mood swings, of course, regular periods, very mild cramps, and headaches (which I usually get every now and then with a period). But in March of 2015, I had a very light period and haven't had one since. Yes, I'm regularly sexually active, I've had the same boyfriend for the past three years, and we've never used any protection until I got on the pill. I take my pill regularly every day around the same time, and yet, I've still had no period. I took a pregnancy test, and it came back negative. Any suggestions on what may be going on? Are other females having this same problem?"

• Fla...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 22, 2018

For Birth Control "I was put on this birth control after I had my son. All was good, and I didn't have a period for almost a year. After that year, I'd get my period every 2 months, which was okay with me because they were light and lasted 3 days. Now, almost 5 years later, I've noticed I have gained weight, my legs are swollen, I get very bad headaches that last for 2 days, and I'm not the same person as I was when I began taking it. And here lately, I've been getting my periods twice a month with bad cramps. The pharmacist had discontinued this birth control, and now they have me on Norethindrone. I was on this one for a month a few years ago, and my period was on the whole time. Guess I'll be trying it again next month."

• Arc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 31, 2016

For Birth Control "I started this pill due to heavy and painful periods, and I wish I could say it helped. Before the pill, my period only lasted 7 days, since starting, it has come every two weeks, sometimes not stopping for the entire month. I'm on my fourth pill pack now, and nothing is regular, and the longest I've gone without bleeding is two weeks. Definitely stopping. It did clear up my skin, though!"

• 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."

• Yam...
• June 17, 2013

For Birth Control "I did a lot of research before selecting a birth control. I have had so many bad side effects from previous birth control methods that I was skeptical, especially after reading the reviews of this one. I am considered a Sunday start, and the first month went smoothly. I didn't get my cycle at the usual scheduled time, instead, it came during the inactive pill time frame. I did get some slight cramping around the time my cycle would have normally come on, and during my actual cycle, I had some painful cramps, but they were tolerable. I think I might have had a few sad days, but I mean we are putting hormones into our bodies, so you kind of have to expect some temporary changes, at least until your body can normalize itself. Overall, I like!"