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

• Anonymous
• May 4, 2011

For Birth Control "I have been on this pill for 2 months now. I was getting the Depo shot before and was on that for 9 months, I had gained 40 pounds from it and wanted to switch fast! My doctor said I was sensitive to the hormones and recommended this for me. I haven't gained any weight with this, which is great, but on the other hand, my breasts, especially my nipples, are super tender most of the time, and they are also getting bigger, which isn't that great since I'm a D cup already. I am a little more emotional than usual, but it's not a big difference. No acne improvement or anything like that. In the first month, I had my period for one day, woke up the next morning, and it was gone! That was pretty weird. Overall, this pill is pretty good."

• 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."

• Kar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 9, 2017

For Birth Control "I have been taking Microgestin for three months now. It's birth control. Sure, everyone needs to find the right one for them, but it really isn't as horrid as everyone is making it. Side effects happen, you're pumping your body full of hormones. For the first month, I didn't break out a tad bit more than usual, my boobs were extremely tender, and I was feeling lethargic. But around the end of month 2, my face became extra clear, my breast tenderness had subsided, and I have my energy back! GIVE YOUR BODY TIME TO BECOME ADJUSTED. That's it. Do that, and you will be A-OKAY side effect AND baby-free."

• Anonymous
• September 26, 2011

For Birth Control "Pros: very light to practically no bleeding, period only lasts 1 or 2 days, not pregnant (the main goal), clear skin (at first), breasts grow. Cons: decrease in sex drive, tender breasts, lack of energy, blurred vision (like how your eyes are first thing when you wake up in the morning), weight gain, hot flashes at night, breasts growing (I am already a big girl with DD breasts)...less is more, the clear skin I had in the beginning is now not so clear. I started on the pill for 2 reasons. 1.) because I wanted to prevent pregnancy and 2.) because I had constant heavy bleeding. It would go on for months without a break and this pill has made it so that I barely bleed at all."

• Anonymous
• November 21, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been taking the pills for 4 months now. I was using the Mirena for 7 years prior. Pros: no pregnancy, very light menstrual cycle, and no spotting. Cons: 1st month pregnancy symptoms, ongoing: increased appetite, bigger breasts that are sore to the touch, and headaches from time to time. If you can control your diet and exercise, the weight gain won't occur or would be more manageable."

• Anonymous
• November 21, 2011

For Birth Control "I've read a lot of reviews on this pill, and I agree with the reviews that reflect negative side effects. I believe every woman is different, and my chemistry doesn't work well with this pill. I've been on it for five months, and I can't wait to switch. I've noted breast tenderness, weird cramping, severe mood swings (laughing and crying at the same time while watching commercials; that was odd), my period doesn't occur in the normal cycle time, and I've gained a significant amount of weight. It probably works well with some women, but not for me."

• May...
• September 18, 2018

For Birth Control "I have had extremely painful, heavy periods since the start of my 20s. This pill has gotten rid of my cramps and made my period lighter. It has also cleared up the hormonal acne on my chin, and I actually feel less bloated on this pill. The negative side effects I have experienced are spotting, horrible headaches the first few months, and breast tenderness. The jury is still out on mood swings and possible hair loss because I struggle with depression/anxiety and have low iron, so it's hard to tell how much - if any - of that is coming from the birth control. Birth control is a minefield for us women, and what works for one could be horrible for another. I haven't tried any other scripts in fear of trading off for worse side effects. Most of the bad side effects came at times when I was not consistent with taking the pill, and I don't want to get an IUD. I would recommend giving it a good three months of accurate consecutive dosage before giving the next one a go."

• mel...
• October 22, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have been on Microgestin for almost two weeks now. I am a pretty active individual almost every day, so the weight gain hasn't been too much of an issue for me. It has increased my appetite a little and has made my breasts pretty tender. Other than that, I have no complaints about this pill. I have been on other birth controls before, but this one isn't as bad as everyone says it is. If you have preexisting conditions of diabetes, heart problems, high BP, of course, those symptoms might increase on a birth control medication, but as long as you are staying active, maintaining a fairly balanced diet, and drinking plenty of water, please don't fear this birth control."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 13, 2012

For Birth Control "I just started this birth control about 2 weeks ago. It's the first one I have ever been on. After researching other feedback from Microgestin users, it kind of sounds scary, but the only symptoms I have had since starting are a change of emotion and super tender boobs. I don't believe they have grown much yet, but they definitely hurt all the time. And I have cried about every day for the past week. However, I haven't noticed myself gaining weight or anything (knock on wood), but other than my radical emotions and sore boobs, I am pleased with this BC so far."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 13, 2012

For Birth Control "I just started this birth control about 2 weeks ago. It's the first one I have ever been on. After researching other feedback from Microgestin users, it kind of sounds scary, but the only symptoms I have had since starting are a change of emotion and super tender boobs. I don't believe they have grown much yet, but they definitely hurt all the time. And I have cried about every day for the past week. However, I haven't noticed myself gaining weight or anything (knock on wood), but other than my radical emotions and sore boobs, I am pleased with this BC so far."

• Zam...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 7, 2013

For Birth Control "I began taking this after my Loestrin 24 Fe became too expensive. Loestrin always worked really well for me with very few side effects, but you can't beat free. Pros with Microgestin Fe: my skin is mostly clear (I rarely get pimples), and my period is usually light, and I sometimes barely get anything at all if I've consistently taken the pills and don't miss one/take one late. Cons: low libido, lots of breast tenderness, frequent headaches/migraines, spotting between periods, exhaustion, some weight gain (especially in my breasts, which is not a plus if you're already ~curvy~ to begin with). I just started using Reclipsen because I couldn't handle the low libido, breast tenderness, and headaches! Here's to hoping I do better on Reclipsen."

• 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."

• Sat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 12, 2016

For Birth Control "I just finished my first pack and haven't had many side effects. I was very worried about nausea, but if you take it with food, you won't have any problems. I have experienced breast tenderness, bloating, water retention (this is where the weight gain comes from), and a little bit of lack of sex drive. I do like it because it has cleared up some of my acne, and I believe that I just got my 'period' this week, which was very light spotting. My insurance covers it also, so it's free for me. I'm pretty happy with it so far, and I'm glad it's reacting fairly well with my body. Good luck!"

• des...
• February 18, 2017

For Birth Control "I was prescribed Microgestin FE 1/20 after finding out my insurance didn't cover Loloestrin FE 1/20. Thought I'd give it a try since my provider said it's similar to Loloestrin, however, it has a higher dose of estrogen, and she suggested that no other BC will have lower estrogen than Loloestrin. Paying for it out of pocket would be about $120 a month. I was on Microgestin for 2 weeks. I know that's not long enough, but it was long enough for me! My breasts were way sensitive and tender to the point that laying on my side felt uncomfortable. The reason why I decided to stop it altogether was because sex was painful! My vagina was so dry that although I wanted to have sex, my parts weren't working with me! LOL."

• des...
• February 18, 2017

For Birth Control "I was prescribed Microgestin FE 1/20 after finding out my insurance didn't cover Loloestrin FE 1/20. Thought I'd give it a try since my provider said it's similar to Loloestrin, however, it has a higher dose of estrogen, and she suggested that no other BC will have lower estrogen than Loloestrin. Paying for it out of pocket would be about $120 a month. I was on Microgestin for 2 weeks. I know that's not long enough, but it was long enough for me! My breasts were way sensitive and tender to the point that laying on my side felt uncomfortable. The reason why I decided to stop it altogether was because sex was painful! My vagina was so dry that although I wanted to have sex, my parts weren't working with me! LOL."

• Han...
• October 15, 2013

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I've gained about 20 lbs in the past 3 months, a cup size, and have tender breasts, but no other side effects. Was switched to this pill for my polycystic ovarian syndrome after using Lo Loestrin Fe for over a year and had a lot of breakthrough bleeding. I used the Lo Loestrin in combination with Premarin until my doctor decided to switch me over."

• Sky...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 28, 2020

For Birth Control "I originally went on Microgestin to help control acne, and it did the opposite for me. I’m in month 4, and my acne is worse than before I started. Overall, the first month contained a lot of mood swings, bleeding for a few weeks, and very tender breasts. All of the other side effects have lightened, but my hormonal acne is a lot worse. It might work for some people, just didn’t work for me!"

• Kay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 19, 2017

For Birth Control "I've been on this for a little over a month. The first pack was a little rough. Spotting, nighttime nausea, some bloating, breast tenderness, I felt tired, more anxiety than usual, and just blah. I never had a breakout, though, and my skin is prone to hormonal zits. However, as the month went by, I got better, and now starting my second pack, I have had zero side effects. Hopefully, it stays that way. I'm satisfied with it so far :)"

• pur...
• July 26, 2017

For Birth Control "I have been on Microgestin Fe for about 4 months. I got on it because I was getting the Depo every 3 months, and I stopped shedding my lining completely. So, my doctor put me on this. It has its pros and cons. My biggest problem is how sore and tender my breasts get. Lately, I've experienced nausea, normally at night. My periods come with very heavy cramping. Although it has protected me from pregnancy, which is an upside, this pill just is not for me."

• pur...
• July 26, 2017

For Birth Control "I have been on Microgestin Fe for about 4 months. I got on it because I was getting the Depo every 3 months, and I stopped shedding my lining completely. So, my doctor put me on this. It has its pros and cons. My biggest problem is how sore and tender my breasts get. Lately, I've experienced nausea, normally at night. My periods come with very heavy cramping. Although it has protected me from pregnancy, which is an upside, this pill just is not for me."

• 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."

• 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."

• Mrs...
• January 11, 2012

For Birth Control "My doctor switched me from Loestrin Fe to Microgestin Fe to help my endometriosis. I could not figure out why I have been so miserable (tender breasts, extreme cramping and bloating, weight gain, and depression), but after reading some of these reviews, I can relate. The best oral contraceptive that I have tried is Loestrin 24, but my insurance doesn't cover it! The only positive thing from this experience: I've given up on it, and my husband and I are trying for a baby!"

• 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!"

• cer...
• April 12, 2012

For Birth Control "I am in school, so I was limited to the birth control pills at the school's health center. I have been on this pill for about 7 months. Last month, I didn't get my period and had to take two pregnancy tests, which were negative. Most of the months, my periods are very, very light and only last one day. I really hate not knowing if it's the pill or if I am pregnant. Since starting this pill, I get horrible night sweats, bad enough where I have the fan in my window blowing cold air into my bedroom...in the dead of winter. I notice more hair falling out, horrible mood swings, sore boobs, increased appetite, water retention, ahhhh! I feel bad that my fiancé."