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Microgestin Fe 1/20 User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)

Microgestin Fe 1/20 has an average rating of 5.7 out of 10 from a total of 654 reviews on Drugs.com. 39% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 35% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Microgestin Fe 1/20

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Anonymous
  • July 16, 2010

For Birth Control "I am 5 months postpartum and started taking this pill a couple of months ago. I had lost 15 lbs of my baby weight before starting this pill. After taking Microgestin Fe 1/20, I gained back 10 lbs in the first month. I eat right and exercise 3 times a week and also take my son on walks every day. I should be losing weight, and so far, after gaining back the 10 lbs, the scale will not budge. It made my breasts larger and actually gave me pregnancy symptoms, which I was not a fan of. I have completely lost my sex drive and motivation for anything. My husband has noticed a change in my moods and asked if I'd consider changing birth control because he wants the old me back. I'm completely frustrated with the weight gain."

1 / 10
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  • Jul...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • February 17, 2020

For Birth Control "I started Microgestin 1/20 FE last year. I got a year's supply, so I didn't have to worry about switching, and it was one of the most depressing years I have experienced. I didn't blame the pill for my daily super dark thoughts until I switched pills 2 weeks ago, and since then I have had zero suicidal thoughts or impulses. In my experience, Microgestin increases depression and dark thoughts exponentially. One plus is that I did not get pregnant while on it."

2 / 10
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  • Sap...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • November 21, 2013

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I have been on Microgestin Fe 1.5/30 for 15 months. My doctor prescribed it when I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. My cycle would not stop for more than two days, then it would start again. As soon as I started the Microgestin, my cycle regulated the first week. After taking it for about a year, my periods are extremely light and very short. The side effects I have experienced are acne, oily skin, and terrible mood swings the week before my period begins. I get very angry and irritable for about two days the week prior to my period. In spite of these side effects, this pill has been great for me. I have lost 40 lbs with diet and exercise that I was unable to lose before taking this pill. I highly recommend giving it a try."

9 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • Dil...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 8, 2014

For Endometriosis "I was experiencing long and heavy periods to a point of becoming anemic with a hemoglobin of 6.1. This pill was recommended by my nurse practitioner. It stopped my period on my first dose. So far, the only side effects I have experienced are mild nausea for about an hour after I take it (so I take it at night), constipation (I incorporated intake of 5 prunes to my daily diet), and sweet cravings (instead, I drink black unsweetened coffee or tea, and it makes my sweet cravings go away). My mood is positive!"

10 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • January 10, 2013

For Birth Control "I recommend this birth control to everyone. I have been taking it for almost two years. My periods are light and only last for a few days. My cramps are very tolerable. I don't feel unusually moody or irritable. My breasts may have gotten a little bigger, although not noticeably. My skin is pretty clear, and I did not gain any weight. I would never switch to another birth control!"

10 / 10
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28 Report

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  • mis...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 30, 2014

For Menstrual Disorders "I have been on Microgestin 1/20 for about three weeks now, and the side effects were not shy. The first two days, I had bad migraines, the third and fourth, I had cramps, and the fifth to seventh day, I was extremely depressed. I cried over almost everything and anything. Starting the second week, it seemed like things were going okay until I started bleeding, and it hasn't stopped. Isn't that the whole purpose? I got over my period two and a half weeks ago, and now I'm getting it again, and there are no signs of it stopping anytime soon. The good thing is I don't have mood swings or anything anymore, but this excessive bleeding is now the problem."

3 / 10
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  • Som...
  • November 24, 2013

For Birth Control "I've been on Microgestin for 2 months now, and I'm loving it. It took me 2.5 years to find a hormonal birth control method that worked for me. While on a different pill, I was having problems with suicidal thoughts and depression, along with massive mood swings and breast tenderness. I was ready to quit hormonal birth control altogether, but decided to give this one a try first. I haven't been having any negative symptoms, I'm very, very happy to have found this. I only wish I could have found Microgestin sooner."

9 / 10
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  • Fem...
  • March 24, 2017

For Birth Control "Don't waste your time reading these reviews. Everyone's experience is highly personal, and none of the side effects mentioned have to pertain to you. Relax, don't stress, give your body time to adjust, and you'll be fine. When I first started this pill, I felt foggy and tired for a few weeks until my body adjusted. Now I feel normal again, no weight gain, no sexual problems, and practically no period."

8 / 10
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20 Report
  • mik...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 12, 2020

For Birth Control "This birth control destroyed my mental state. After being on it for a month, I started to spiral into depression and suicidal thoughts, no interest in the activities I used to love, like doing art or going on adventures. I would go into a rage or break down sobbing over the smallest things. Hot flashes all the time, breaking out on my chin and nose. I hate this birth control so much. I'm now off it, and I'm never taking the pill again because of this experience. I'll be finding an alternative BC."

1 / 10
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  • flo...
  • August 3, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been on this pill for 3 months now, and I just stopped it two days ago. I had a pregnancy scare because of the side effects that this pill will give you. It will literally make you feel like you're 1 or 2 months pregnant without actually having a human inside of you. It made me nauseous for the 3 months total, moody (like incredibly), bloated, veiny around the nipples, tender breasts, really sensitive nipples (if I was wearing a bra and a shirt and I slightly rubbed something against them, it would hurt), felt depressed, fatigue, and it even looked like I was 3 months pregnant! I'm not going to say that I don't recommend this pill because everyone reacts differently, but this one obviously did not work out for me."

4 / 10
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20 Report
  • mit...
  • July 14, 2014

For Menstrual Disorders "I love this pill. I have been on it for 3 years. It regulates my period, and the loss of appetite has helped with weight loss. In February 2013, I weighed 282, it is July 2014, and I weigh 236. I'm more emotional to movies and everything, but that's fine."

9 / 10
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  • 201...
  • April 19, 2014

For Endometriosis "As I aged, and after my son was born by C-section, my periods were getting more painful, where it was hard to function the day I got my period. I saw my doctor, who found endometriosis and recommended a hysterectomy or the pill. Microgestin Fe it is! It has been WONDERFUL. I am skipping the placebo week and taking a pill every day. I haven't had a period in a year, and I feel amazing. Acne has also cleared. Two not so great things: gas, all day, every day, and a sweet tooth that was never there before. I have not gained any weight in a year, but I work out pretty regularly. So happy with my pill regimen."

10 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • December 1, 2011

For Birth Control "I have been on Microgestin for a few years. For the most part, my experience has been very positive: I have not experienced unusual mood swings, weight gain, or changes in sex drive. The pill also regulated my period, which had been very irregular before, and my cramps became much less painful. After long-term use, my period became lighter and finally disappeared, which makes me paranoid about pregnancy, so I use an over-the-counter test every couple of months. At the same time, I also became drier and drier until sex became very difficult. However, I have been able to combat the vaginal dryness pretty effectively by making sure to stay very hydrated all day long and especially where exercise or alcohol are concerned."

7 / 10
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  • Sam...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • January 18, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been on Microgestin for 6 years. I don’t have any side effects, no weight gain, acne, mood swings, or anything like that. My only problem is a yeast infection every month before I finish my 3rd week of taking a pill. I get a yeast infection, and it drives me crazy. My doctors did all kinds of testing, everything out, but nothing. The only thing is my birth control pills that I take. Does anyone else have issues like this with Microgestin?"

7 / 10
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  • mom...
  • July 1, 2021

For Birth Control "I'm starting my 2nd pack of this birth control. I was almost 4 months postpartum and was going through it. Depression and anxiety were at an all-time high. My periods were extremely painful and long. My antidepressants just weren't helping, so the doctor suggested this. I noticed a huge difference in just one week. I'm feeling back to normal again, and my period this time has been SO pleasant. My acne has cleared up, and I have actually lost weight. I believe this birth control has saved my life. I did experience 10 days of breakthrough bleeding, but would gladly take that over the mental and physical torture I was going through. Don't let the few bad reviews scare you into not trying this birth control, like they almost did me."

10 / 10
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  • Moo...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • February 7, 2015

For Birth Control "This medicine is effective and does the job of 'birth control.' However, I still have cramps, and I have emotional breakdowns the few days before my period comes. I turn into either a sad or extremely angry person, and I cannot take no for an answer. I am considering switching medications if this does not change. It is beginning to ruin relationships."

7 / 10
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  • Mid...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • September 15, 2019

For Birth Control "I'm almost a year on the birth control Microgestin Fe 1/20. It has helped my very heavy periods calm down and not be as long. I'm in my mid-40s and was tired of the CSI Miami crime scene that my monthly would bring. Also, this has helped my night sweats. I really have no complaints with this. Mind you, I'm a healthy non-smoker and exercise daily. If you smoke or are overweight, maybe take the mini pill. My sister is also taking this for the same reasons. It takes many months for full effect. I hope this review helps someone. Please talk to your doctor if you have heavy periods. I waited many years."

9 / 10
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  • Tak...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 16, 2017

For Acne "Most people that are complaining that they got acne using it are most likely in their first/second month of using it. I'm almost at my fifth month of taking Microgestin, and I rarely break out now. I've definitely been noticing that my skin looks better. Also, I have been weighing myself and have not gained weight from it. My advice is, just keep on taking it because most symptoms (mainly the acne part) get worse before it gets better."

10 / 10
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  • Lad...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • June 21, 2015

For Birth Control "It made my boobs bigger, ZERO negative side effects, and my period is practically non-existent. It's my favorite birth control I've ever been on. Most birth controls make me have crazy mood swings and gain weight. This one didn't. I will be using this for life."

10 / 10
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  • Che...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • February 5, 2014

For Birth Control "Good pill, does what it's supposed to-protects from pregnancy. Clears acne. Regulates periods. BUT mood swings were definitely noticed, and a small weight gain (10 lbs or less). I had always weighed around 130 and have been 140 with the pill, and extremely moody-extremely happy or extremely sad-no medium. Every person will have different reactions, obviously, just sharing my own experiences."

9 / 10
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  • Ida...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • July 30, 2018

For Birth Control "I'm 5'7" and 120 lbs, late 20s Latina, and I've been using this birth control for 7 years now and have never had a problem. Switched from NuvaRing to Microgestin 1/20 when I was 21. After about 3 months of use, I noticed my cystic acne started clearing up, periods got shorter, then lighter. Now, at 28, I get my period about 3-4 times a year, usually very light and lasting 2-3 days. Never had a pregnancy scare either. I used to have heavy 7-day periods, but this changed everything for me."

10 / 10
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  • cla...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 24, 2014

For Birth Control "I've been on Microgestin for almost three months now; I switched over from Previfem. During the first month or so, my sex drive decreased a bit, and I was nauseated in the morning sometimes. I did notice some mood swings, too. Since I've been on it for a while, though, the symptoms have let up. My withdrawal bleeds only last for about 3-5 days, and they're light. I do have backaches and cramps periodically throughout my cycle, but they're manageable with a little ibuprofen. My breasts swell a bit and get sore around my placebo week, but that's not really a big deal. Overall, I'm happy with Microgestin. I haven't gotten pregnant, so that's awesome, and the side effects are minimal. Also, my skin is looking good!"

9 / 10
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  • Pai...
  • July 6, 2014

For Menstrual Disorders "I've been on this for two cycles, and I hardly have any side effects! No weight gain or nausea like some others have experienced on it. I'm a little more sensitive and get more upset over things, but overall, it's been great. Just keep yourself in check and remember that you're on hormones when you start getting overly sensitive. I would recommend this."

8 / 10
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  • 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."

9 / 10
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  • wes...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 29, 2016

For Menstrual Disorders "I got my tubes tied about 8 months ago, and it ruined me. Extremely painful heavy periods. I mean to the point where I could not walk. Painful ovulation, and for the first time ever--- my skin broke out like a teenager. I have never, ever had skin issues. My doctor put me on hormone therapy. Started with Junel, but that did nothing. My insurance changed it to Microgestin, and I was a little apprehensive. I started taking it to try it out, and I love it! My skin cleared up in a matter of a week, no weight gain, no mood swings, and very light periods! It did make me nauseous at first, but that went away. It also increased my breast size a bit. I read the reviews and was nervous to try it, but I must say, I love it!"

9 / 10
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