Microgestin Fe 1/20 and Headaches: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• December 30, 2009

For Birth Control "I am taking Microgestin FE 1/20 for a month now. I took the first pill and then decided to just read up on it. I was scared out of my mind after reading reviews. I tried to calm myself down by saying that people usually only give reviews with a bad experience. Rarely do people seek these sites out to give a positive one. Nevertheless, I was scared. I thought I was going to gain weight, be an emotional crazy person, suffer from bad eyesight, etc. I was especially scared because I would take the pill at noon and at 5 pm every day I would feel nauseous. I changed my time to 5 pm, and hey, problem solved. I am usually in bed by the time the nausea would start. Other than that, no weight gain, no headaches, no loss of sexual interest, and no breast tenderness. Everyone is different, and their bodies react differently. I would say I am very satisfied with this birth control."

• 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!"

• Ven...
• June 23, 2019

For Birth Control "I switched from Tarina Fe to Microgestin after starting to see a new doctor. This doctor told me the two brands were generics of each other, i.e., comparable. I had zero problem on Tarina for multiple years. This new pill gave me severe side effects. I was on it for 5 months and started having side effects immediately. I was always bloated, gained weight, broke out, had drastic mood changes, abdominal pain, no periods, and consistent yeast infections, which was new to me. Finally, I just couldn’t handle it anymore, I stopped taking it. I had stabbing pain in my uterus for about a week while detoxing from the pill. It’s been 5 months off, and my body has had a tough time readjusting. My periods are still inconsistent, and my hormones are trying to balance themselves out. My mom had issues on this pill too, severe headaches that were a sign of a near stroke. Thank goodness she went to the doctor just in time and got off the pill and is feeling better now. I do not recommend this pill to anyone."

• Jen...
• October 27, 2019

For Birth Control "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."

• did...
• August 30, 2009

For Birth Control "This is my first pack of Microgestin Fe 1/20. I asked two of my coworkers if they liked being on this pill, and they said it was okay. Unfortunately, I get headaches like crazy. I'm finding that for every pill I take, I also take an Advil! The only positive thing from this pill is that it's making my breasts grow (I'm on the smaller side). My breasts do hurt and are tender all the time. Not sure if I want to continue this pill because the headaches are really interrupting my lifestyle. Not to mention, I get super moody. I tell people not to take it personally, that it's my hormones. Definitely, more negative than positive."

• 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."

• Kel...
• August 1, 2014

For Birth Control "I was on Microgestin for about 3 years. Over the past year, I started to get extremely bad headaches during the sugar pill week. I took extra strength Tylenol the entire week, twice a day, and it still didn't make my headaches go away. I also would feel very lightheaded and nauseous. I had to leave work early, it was bad. The only good thing was I've had the same box of tampons for the entire year. I barely had a period. Oh yeah, I also got high pigmentation right above my lips. They call it a 'pregnancy mask,' but you can get it with certain birth control. It is very dark, and it is difficult to hide with makeup! I'm not a big fan of having a weird skin mustache, so I went off it."

• 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 6, 2015

For Birth Control "I am finishing up my 4th pack of this pill, and I am seriously considering switching pills. The first two months weren't too bad, I had mild side effects, but they were manageable. It wasn't until the third month that I started getting constant nausea like all day, every day, and even worse at night, headaches, sore boobs, frequent urination, and absolutely no sex drive. The only good thing is my period is like clockwork, and I'm for sure not pregnant, but the side effects make me feel like I am!!!"

• 9...
• July 20, 2010

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I have been on this pill for 9 months. I was put on it to stop the growth of ovarian cysts. I take no other medicines. I eat well and exercise regularly. Only in the past 3 months have I experienced headaches, a bit more moodiness, and super tender breasts, which have grown a cup size, so I don't really mind. I could do without the tenderness, though. As far as weight gain, I always am up and down 5 lbs a month. I was actually kind of hoping that this particular pill would keep me on the lower side, but I guess not. Also, after reading others' reviews, I am now thinking that perhaps I have more upset tummy issues due to the pill."

• dan...
• September 13, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been on this pill for 8 months. I've always been overweight, but I've significantly changed my lifestyle, going to the gym consistently for the first time ever, yet I'm gaining weight. Ugh. Other side effects: anxiety, panic attacks, mood swings, weird, vivid, and often sexual dreams. I sleep so much (10 hrs/night), loss of sex drive. Headaches and disturbed sleep, which were extremely rare for me before. Also, my blood pressure was 140/89 the other day, and I've never had high blood pressure! I was compelled to read reviews after that, and I see some people had the same issue. This is the first pill I've been on, so I thought 'maybe this isn't so bad,' but now, writing out all of my side effects, I'm seriously considering stopping this pill."

• SPT...
• December 27, 2013

For Birth Control "I started this pill, and all seemed fine. I had some symptoms while my body was 'adjusting' to the hormones: breakthrough bleeding, a little weight gain, feeling blue. But I guess my body never fully adjusted because 6 months later, this pill is giving me headaches. I have breakthrough bleeding in the middle of the month every month, I feel slightly nauseous all throughout the day, and I still cramp and get acne. I didn't get pregnant, though, and my periods were super light and short, but this pill just doesn't work with my body, I think."

• Kk9...
• February 2, 2015

For Birth Control "Been on this pill for three weeks. The first week, I had headaches and nausea and almost quit taking it due to the side effects, but my body adjusted. I have a lot of digestive tract issues, but this works for me. I have grown almost a cup size and, on certain days, have tenderness. My sex drive is a lot higher than normal. I had some spotting and a few minor breakouts during the second week. So far, so good. I'm 19, and this is my first birth control. No complaints so far, it's worth trying."

• Meg...
• October 3, 2016

For Birth Control "Awful, swore I was on this before and was miserable but gave it a chance because I switched doctors and we didn't have old records, but I had the horrible flashbacks instantly as soon as I switched to this birth control. I had the following symptoms: lowered sex drive; my boyfriend even noticed, it became embarrassing. Breaking out, weight gain, intense headaches, nausea all the time; felt like I was car sick 24/7. Severe cramping; never wanted to crawl in bed and cry so much as I had with this med. Heavy periods, interrupted sleep, tender boobs. Ugh, needless to say this has been a nightmare; do not do this to yourself."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 3, 2016

For Birth Control "I switched from Lo Loestrin Fe to Microgestin Fe 1/20 since my new insurance did not cover Lo Loestrin. After being on the med for only 2 months, I began to get unusual headaches, unusual cramping, and constant spotting. One day, I had blurry vision, and my mom suggested I check my blood pressure with her 'at-home blood pressure kit.' My blood pressure was 140/89!! I don't have a history of high blood pressure, and it does not run in my family. I eat fairly healthy, and I am 28 years old, 125 pounds, 5'2. I read my Microgestin packet, which said that it may raise your blood pressure. I immediately stopped the medication. After about 4 weeks, my blood pressure was back to normal. Keep an eye on your blood pressure when using this medication."

• Tar...
• April 24, 2015

For Birth Control "Been on this for a week now. So far, my acne has cleared up. Breasts have noticeably gotten larger. Sex drive is definitely higher (and more enjoyable). Some food cravings, but not a larger appetite. Just want certain things. Had slight tension headaches and mild nausea the first few days, however, increasing my water intake helped dissipate these symptoms. Slight moodiness the first few days, similar to PMS, but less intense. Some loose stools. On day 8 and feeling great. The body was just getting used to the new hormones. The boyfriend loves the noticeably larger breasts and increased sex drive."

• dkj...
• November 3, 2015

For Birth Control "I was on this pill for the past 5 years, and I really, really liked it up until recently. I barely ever get a period, which is awesome, but I've been noticing the past year or so that my headaches have become almost daily, and it's shooting pains above my right eye. My hair has started shedding so bad, it's really disgusting, and my boobs always feel so sore, even from just wearing a bra. I think my body has changed, and the pill does not work the same way anymore."

• hai...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 11, 2014

For Endometriosis "During the first 2-3 weeks of starting this, I had a slight headache, but that's a given when starting a new medication. I've been taking this for 8 months, and I've put on 15 pounds. (Diet and physical activity have not changed.) No more sex drive, I'm more moody about anything and everything, and I get acne really easily. I am only taking this to help my endometriosis, and it gets the job done, so dealing with these side effects really isn't bad at all compared to dealing with endometriosis without pain medications."

• 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."

• chl...
• April 9, 2017

For Birth Control "I've been on this birth control for a few months now, and I have absolutely no complaints. My insurance covers it 100%. I didn't (and still don't) have any side effects when starting the pill, and I'm not pregnant! No weight gain, no nausea, no headaches, nothing."

• lee...
• August 8, 2016

For Birth Control "This pill is awful. I've been on it for a year now, and my breasts have gone from a B to a D (not fun having to go buy all new bras), and they basically always have a tender feeling. I've gained about 15 to 20 pounds. I live a very active lifestyle and eat very well. I could literally starve myself and can't lose the weight I've gained from this pill. As well, the low sex drive is crazy. Don't miss your pill, whatever you do. You will start spitting ASAP. I thought I was crazy until I read these posts, and I'm so glad I'm not alone. Oh, and I get horrible headaches now due to this pill."

• Joy...
• November 18, 2013

For Birth Control "After being on this for 18 months, I am happy to try something new. Where to start? All seemed fine, then it started to snowball. Mood swings (crying over commercials!), no sex drive, breakthrough bleeding that lasted longer than actual periods (3 days period, and 2 weeks breakthrough) and increased headaches."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 25, 2013

For Birth Control "I have been taking this pill for almost a week now, and I am experiencing very bad headaches, stomach aches, drowsiness, moodiness, and depression. I have tried the BC shot and about four other different kinds of pills. Birth control pills make me ill, to say the least, but I will keep taking Microgestin for a month to see if it will magically not make me feel sick. So far, not so good. My family already thinks I should quit taking it because I'm feeling sick, and they don't want to see me go through that again. I'm 18, just graduated from high school in June, and for prom and grad night at Disneyland, I was completely sick from the pills, stomach hurt BAD. So I'm hoping my body adjusts well to these new pills, praying. Everyone has different side effects."

• SAH...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 8, 2016

For Birth Control "I only took it for a week, but it caused horrible headaches that were borderline migraines. They would start about 30-45 minutes after taking the pill and would not go away until I went to sleep. I was nauseous and dizzy constantly, and I would be very warm and hot. It was also causing heartburn, which is something that I've never had before taking this pill. I also had zero interest in sex."

• 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."