Microgestin Fe 1/20 and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Ano...
• January 25, 2013

For Birth Control "I have been on Microgestin Fe 1/20 for several years, and I loved it. I never had a period. I also never experienced any moodiness, bloating, fatigue, or weight gain while I was on the pill. It was wonderful. When my husband and I decided to start trying to conceive, I went off the pill and had very heavy bleeding for weeks at a time. It took about three months for my cycle to regulate and resume a somewhat normal cycle. At about this same time, we conceived. After having our son, I decided to go back on this pill. I have been on it for about 7 months now, and it has been a totally different experience. I have not had a normal period when I am scheduled to. It is never the same and is either light spotting or a random heavy gush."

• Anonymous
• July 18, 2013

For Birth Control "I haven't had big issues with this pill. I was on Junel Fe, but my pharmacy switched it back in early February or March of this year. I haven't really seen issues with this brand. I used to have really heavy periods, but now with Microgestin, they are really, really light. My last period was the lightest I had ever seen it, which makes me worry, but reading other comments I feel better. Everyone is different. I haven't had any weight gain or breast enlargements. I love the fact that I start my period every month on the same day, Tuesdays (or sometimes Mondays). It usually lasts 3-4 days. The only 'trouble' with this pill is the lightness of my period."

• unc...
• September 11, 2013

For Menstrual Disorders "After growing up with terrible periods, some that would last up to three weeks, and by that I don't just mean spotting, I finally chose to get on the pill. I really do not like the massive gain of weight in my breasts. I was a DD38 to begin with, and my breasts have only grown even more being on my second month. They are EXTREMELY sensitive, and I have put on 5-10 lbs, which is something my doctor told me wouldn't happen. It has controlled my terrible periods, but other than that, the negative side effects seem to outweigh the positive. The first month was full of spotting, and I constantly felt as if I were going to puke. Now, on the second month, my period is very under control, but the weight gain in my breasts and body are two things I hate."

• 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)."

• 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."

• Vmf...
• June 5, 2017

For Menstrual Disorders "I went on this pill to help with heavy periods. I have gained weight, I have blurred vision, and my body aches constantly. I took myself off this pill. This is my body and I know what works for me. I will have to figure out which is worse, heavy cycle or side effects."

• 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."

• sth...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 19, 2017

For Birth Control "I was on this pill for 2 1/2 weeks and quit. I felt normal the first 2 weeks, but once I started the third week, my mood completely changed. I argued with my boyfriend for 3 days in a row over little things, and I knew it was the pill. Also, I've been eating so much more the past two weeks, and I'm so scared to weigh myself because I know I've gained weight (also because of the pill). Lastly, I have very, very clear skin; I break out once a month, if that. However, my last week on the pill, I broke out terribly. I have a painful zit on the left side of my forehead, 2 small pimples on the right side, and 2 small pimples on my left cheek. I never get pimples on my cheeks!!! This pill is horrible!!!"

• Anonymous
• November 16, 2010

For Birth Control "Terrible! I was on Microgestin FE 1/20 for 10 months. I experienced weight gain and excessive night sweats. As soon as I stopped taking the pill, the night sweats stopped. The weight is slowly coming off with diet and exercise."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 23, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been taking BC pills for the past 12 months, and Microgestin is the 3rd type I've tried, and also the worst ever. First month ok, hardly any side effects. By the second month, I started having severe mood swings to the point my BF and I considered counseling. I cried for no reason, got irritated over every little thing. I also gained weight around my waistline, despite being a very, very active gal going to the gym 3-4x a week, plus a super healthy diet. Hair loss and low sex drive were also something I noticed. The worst thing I would say was the anxiety attack, it was getting really bad that I was literally gasping for air and having chest pain on a daily basis. I finally decided I had enough of all this. Definitely NOT recommended!!!!"

• 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."

• Anonymous
• May 11, 2016

For Birth Control "I am 19 years old and have been on Microgestin for 5 months. This has been the worst experience of my life. The worst side effect I have had is the weight gain. I have been the same weight and size for years. I've never had to buy new jeans or clothes because of them not fitting me. Over these 5 months, I have put on 15 or more pounds, going up about 3 pant sizes. I have also had muscle aches, low sex drive, hot flashes, major change of appetite, emotional breakdowns, minor anxiety attacks, and so on. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone. Steer far away from this birth control."

• mel...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 17, 2016

For Birth Control "I've taken this pill for five years, and I've never had any problems with it. My periods are super light and predictable. I was always skinny, so if this pill helped me gain weight, it was a good thing. Now that I'm older (26), I've got some stubborn belly fat, but I think that's just due to my metabolism slowing down and that I haven't always eaten the healthiest, especially not while in college. This pill did increase my bust size. I know so because when I was off this pill, they were less full. My emotional state never changed. I really never think about the fact that I'm on this pill, except when it's time to take it. Symptoms happen differently for everyone. Just gotta see what works!"

• 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."

• 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
• August 4, 2020

"I had intense weight gain, acne, and depression while on this Microgestin Fe 1/20 pill. I was 19 when I was on this pill, and I had a very healthy and active lifestyle while on this pill, but still gained 20+ pounds. I had never been very acne-prone in my life, but while on the Microgestin Fe 1/20 pill, I had severe breakouts weekly. I would not recommend this pill if you are worried about either of these things."

• sav...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 26, 2015

For Birth Control "Have been on this for 3 years now. Started when I was 16. First, my boobs grew rapidly, 2 cup sizes. It also gained a little weight, but not very much, and it went away after I was on it a few months, but my breasts have remained larger. Periods are very regular with very little bleeding. I have not always been one to practice safe sex... and have had no pregnancy scares."

• Anonymous
• January 29, 2012

For Birth Control "I was on Loestrin 24 Fe for 2 months, then due to the cost, switching to the nearly equivalent Microgestin 1/20 Fe for the past 7 months. So far, it's been pretty good, the main complaint is that I don't get any sort of period about half the months and need to keep taking pregnancy tests. Also, you have to take it at exactly the same time each day, even taking a pill a few hours late can make things weird, which I had trouble with when traveling to distant time zones. It's completely random, but some months it makes my breasts larger and I gain a little weight, other months, not. No bad psychological effects, and I get fewer headaches on this pill than when not on the pill or from Yasmin. No noticeable effect on sex drive, my boyfriend is happy."

• 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.)"

• LPa...
• October 9, 2017

For Birth Control "I have been on Microgestin Fe 1/20 for 6 years now, and I have no issues with this pill. My doctor originally prescribed this medication to me because I get headaches frequently. I do not experience headaches as much as I did before, and I have not had any weight gain, emotional distress, or acne of any sort. I get my period on the same day every month and with very minimal cramps and bleeding. I highly recommend this medication."

• Won...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 31, 2015

For Birth Control "The pill was great until I started having side effects. I'm 32 years old and took the pill for about two years. It regulated my periods like clockwork to the point I could plan vacations around it, no nausea, and my skin was clear. If you skip the placebo pills, you won't get a period at all. However, the weight gain, constant yeast infections every couple of months, and cravings like a crazy pregnant woman were insane. So I stopped skipping the placebo pills and taking the pack strictly as directed, purposely watching what I was eating, and stepping my time up in the gym and was still seeing the weight gain and cravings. Eating healthy only made me feel as if I wasn't eating enough, not to mention the gas and bloating was ridiculous. My sex drive was incredible!!"