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

• Anonymous
• December 3, 2009

For Birth Control "I had been taking Microgestin for over 6 months now (switched from the patch), and I will be switching to another form of birth control once again. I've gained 15 pounds (going up 3 dress sizes!), and I've had excessive night sweats. None of these side effects have occurred prior to taking this pill. I will be switching to another form of birth control."

• Anonymous
• September 22, 2015

For Birth Control "I am a 20-year-old, and I started taking Microgestin in August of this year. I started gaining weight, breasts getting bigger, retaining a lot of fluid, and mild hair loss. I didn't notice any of this until now, I'm in my second month, and my mom told me she can tell I have a lot of fluid in my body. My feet swelled up and all. My breasts are really tender most of the time, which I hate. My sex drive has increased, which is a plus, and my periods last about 4 days. As far as the acne, it is crazy. I went to the dermatologist, and she told me this birth control is prone to acne, but maybe it might go away after a few months. I will come back and update you guys! As everyone said, side effects are different for everyone."

• Kil...
• July 24, 2011

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I was terrified of taking this. I had been on Lo-ovral in the past and had a terrible experience with it (mood swings, lack of sex drive, constant hunger, weight gain, etc.). This was pretty much off the bat. Plus, I have seen some scary reviews about Microgestin. But after getting diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), I had to do something. I have had pretty much zero side effects after a month of use. Breasts grew a little bit and were tender at first, but other than that I feel fine. I am typically hypersensitive to medicines. It could be that I am used to high hormone levels due to the PCOS and this just balances it out. With birth control (and anti-depressants), it is important to really shop around until you find one that works with your body."

• Anonymous
• December 8, 2011

For Birth Control "This was the very first pill I was prescribed and stayed on it for 3 years. I decided to try something new and switched to a different pill. Needless to say, I'm switching back. When on Microgestin Fe 1/20, I experienced relatively no side effects besides a few pounds of weight gain, and my breasts grew about 2-3 cup sizes. My skin was perfect and no nausea, depression, or painful periods. The pill was very effective in preventing pregnancy, I didn't have one scare in the 3 years I was using it. When I first started the pill, probably around month 6, I did experience a decreased sex drive, but it returned within about a month or two. Overall, I would highly recommend this pill!"

• Hay...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 12, 2014

For Birth Control "Yes, it is effective as a birth control contraceptive. The side effects I have had are loss of sex drive, moodiness, weight gain, and an irregular menstrual cycle. I stopped taking that pack of pills at the end of January 2014, as of now, I have yet to have a menstrual cycle. Something is right."

• 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."

• Rac...
• April 23, 2010

For Birth Control "I started taking Microgestin Fe 1/20 because my doctor was no longer prescribing Yaz. I gained 15 lbs, started breaking out with acne like crazy, was weepy about nothing at all or very angry, did not have a period for 6 months and then became pregnant. I was taking the pill exactly as prescribed. I even set an alarm on my phone to take it at the same exact time every day."

• Lor...
• April 25, 2014

For Birth Control "I was on Microgestin Fe for about 2 years. Even in the beginning, I never had any bad or abnormal side effects. With it, I experienced a small amount of weight gain, tender breasts every month around my cycle, an increase in my breast size, and my monthly periods lasting 2-4 days with minimal cramping. The only reason I switched was because I wanted fewer periods. I switched to Amethia-Lo and I've been on it for about a week now. I'm hoping it works well with me, but if not, I'll definitely switch back to Microgestin Fe."

• 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."

• Jet...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 6, 2012

For Birth Control "So far I can say I've been pretty happy about this birth control. I had taken it 1 month, then I forgot to pick up my other pack, so I had to wait another month to get back on it. The first month, I was super hungry and just ate everything. Gained like 5 lbs. But this month, I don't feel any diet change, and I have lost those 5 lbs. My period was strange: 2 days of brown discharge. Can't really complain though. I get less of those really huge balls of acne (the ones where nothing will come out, but it's the size of 5 pimples). My breasts do feel bigger, and I think I'm more emotional, but it's hard to tell because I've been dealing with a lot lately. I'm fairly happy so far."

• Anonymous
• September 26, 2009

For Birth Control "I got switched to it because, with the birth control I was taking, my periods were irregular. Both of the months that I was on this, I had two full periods, one in week 3 and one in week 4. I had mood swings, and I was emotional the whole time I was on it. And the worst part is that I've weighed the same thing for the past 10 years, and after being on this for 2 months, I gained 10 pounds, and after 2 and a half months of not being on any birth control, I still have it. Two months was way too long for me."

• Jac...
• December 10, 2014

For Birth Control "I have been on this pill for 6 months and have had a very positive experience. I was scared to try this pill because of some of the bad reviews, but decided to anyway. I have not experienced any of the crazy side effects that some say they have. The only major side effect I have is my breasts have grown a size, which I am not mad about. In the first month or so, I noticed a couple pounds of weight gain (I am pretty petite, so I was a little worried), but I kept aware of my eating habits, and my weight went back to normal quickly. My skin has cleared up drastically, though I often get a pimple or two during the off week. This may not be for everyone, but it's been great for me. And it's free."

• Wor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 3, 2016

For Birth Control "This pill made me so crazy and bipolar I have never experienced in my life! I couldn't even take one month of it. I was constantly crying and depressed! I gained over 10 pounds within the last month. I will never ever again use this birth control."

• Ive...
• December 5, 2011

For Birth Control "I really like this pill. I'm 21 and been on it since I was 19. I haven't experienced any weight gain, nausea, discomfort, mood swings, or acne. And periods are a breeze! Mine lasts for 2 days and is so light! My skin actually cleared up since I've been on it, and I have even lost weight. (This was due to a change in diet, not the actual pill. I just wanted to show that it's possible to still lose weight on this pill.) I also have not lost my sex drive AT ALL. When I'm with the right person, I'm always in the mood. And yeah, obviously, each pill will affect everyone differently, so choose one that is right for you!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 15, 2017

For Birth Control "I have been taking Microgestin for almost 4 years, and I have an appointment at my OB tomorrow to get it switched. My menstrual cycle has always been off. Therefore, I was put on Microgestin in hopes for proper regulation with a lower dose. In the beginning, I didn't notice many side effects. Now, four years later, I can't get off this fast enough. I gained a lot of weight, I'm constantly negative, moody, and my emotions are all over the place. I've never had problems with vision before, now I'm wearing glasses, and my vision is slowly getting worse. My anxiety levels are through the roof, and I have such a loss in sex drive. It has been terrible, and I'm really hoping that I find a new birth control that works for me."

• nut...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 4, 2017

For Birth Control "No. No, no, no. I was on birth control for 6 years with no problem until my gynecologist switched it on me, and the new one gave me cystic acne. I then decided to try the IUD and hated it. Then I decided to give this a go because I wasn't getting my period. I gained 12 lbs, at least 5 from bloating, 5 from feeling hungry all the time. I'm so tired, can't get out of bed, feel sad all the time, no motivation, can barely shower without wanting to sit down, can't bear to look in the mirror or do my makeup. I'm 20 years old and was completely happy 2 months ago. If you are sensitive to weight gain or pills, don't take this pill. I stopped it 2 days ago and hope I can lose the weight quickly."

• nur...
• November 9, 2018

For Birth Control "I took this for 4 months. At first great, boobs grew 2 cup sizes, no acne, and when it came time for my period, I only had some spotting. However, 3 weeks into taking it, I had to go to the ER because I thought I had a blood clot. My left arm was numb and swelling, went to the ER, and luckily everything was fine. 2 months later, I developed severe anxiety and blood pressure was scary high. My heart rate was 142 at the doctor's, and they were so concerned that they made me stay until it lowered and told me that if it goes back up, to go to the ER. Gained 10 pounds and had severe bloating and water retention in my calves. I started dating my current boyfriend while on this, and he says that the person I was on this pill is not someone who he would date. I had NO emotions, I literally felt nothing, and he tells me that I acted like a zombie. Now I'm off it, my boyfriend tells me that I’m a totally different person. This pill will probably work for someone who is very healthy and has no history of mental health issues."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 3, 2012

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I have been on this for a month now. This pill has been my savior, and it's only been a month. Within days, my ovarian pain was gone. And my PMS symptoms were near to none! I had gained weight, say 5/9 lbs, but it beats pain and living in fear. I'm happier than I've been in a long time, and I would really recommend this pill, especially if you're sensitive to medicines. I know I am. I'm 22 and normally extremely healthy. I have an ovarian cyst, and this pill works."

• Kas...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 9, 2015

For Birth Control "I am 21 years old. I was first put on Microgestin at the age of 15, my freshman year of high school, because my anxiety was so bad. When I graduated high school 4 years later, I tried another pill-made me gain weight. NuvaRing made me nauseous every single day for 3 months, then another pill. Then I figured I'd just go for the IUD. Worst decision I ever made. Getting it inserted was the most painful thing I've ever experienced, and for 3 days after, I literally had 'labor pains.' I stayed with it for 6 months and completely lost my sex drive, and when I got it removed, I had my period for 3 weeks. I went back to Microgestin last week, and it's the best decision for me, and I've never had a single problem or scare. I love it!"

• sun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 20, 2016

For Birth Control "By far, the worst birth control that I have ever taken. I made the mistake of switching from the ring to this pill, and it was practically ruining my life. My sex drive was gone, I had major stomach cramps along with constipation, my mood was terrible, and I was always angry or sad. I gained a lot of weight due to the fact that my appetite increased majorly, my periods were abnormal, and my skin was the worst it has ever been. Overall, not the right birth control for my body, and I stopped in the middle of my pack, and I feel 100% better than I was. The only thing it did do good, for me, is I didn't get pregnant. Going back to the ring after this nightmare."

• 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."

• Man...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 2, 2013

For Birth Control "I gained 25 lbs in the 2 months I was on this pill. I also had no sex drive at all. My hubby is not liking that at all. My breasts did go up and for me already being a full D was not good. I will be switching back to the ring! I hope the weight comes off fast!"

• 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."

• hea...
• January 13, 2016

For Birth Control "I switched to this pill about five months ago because my insurance no longer covered Minastrin. Although my periods are very light with no cramps, I don't recommend this pill at all. I am very active and work out almost every day. I have gained a solid 8 pounds from this pill (I believe it is mostly water retention and maybe some fat). I am extremely emotional on it and even have chest cramps. Not to mention my acne has gotten worse. This pill is awful! So many other brands out there that will do much better without these side effects."

• MWZ...
• May 17, 2017

For Birth Control "Was on Lo Loestrin FE before, which was great, but this has been horrible! Insurance was not covering Lo anymore, so the doctor suggested this. Three months, and I've had 12 lbs of weight gain and feel bloated ALL the time. Acne for the first month and then it cleared after that, but weight gain continued. Shortness of breath, indigestion late at night (even not having anything to eat within the last four hours). Did not notice a decrease in PMS symptoms either, like I did on Lo Loestrin. Getting off this pill for a while to regulate and going to bite the bullet and pay for Lo Loestrin $$$."