Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone and Acne: What Users Say (Page 4)

• wor...
• September 2, 2020

For Birth Control "Please stay away from this birth control. I literally have never written a review for anything in 19 years of my life, but I needed to warn everyone researching birth controls to steer clear of this medication, especially if you are acne-prone. I am on my second course of Accutane because of this awful drug. It absolutely ruined my skin and gave me the worst cystic, hormonal acne, which I have never had in my life. It also gave me the most irregular periods that would last for weeks on and off and made me so sad, tired, and unmotivated all the time. My cramps and mood were affected in the worst way possible, the only minor plus of this is that I didn't gain any weight. I wish I never gave this birth control a try, and I really tried to push through and see if my body would get used to it, but after 5 months, it wasn't really worth it. Please don't let this medication do its damage to your body like it did to mine and many others. It's the worst."

• wor...
• September 2, 2020

For Birth Control "Please stay away from this birth control. I literally have never written a review for anything in 19 years of my life, but I needed to warn everyone researching birth controls to steer clear of this medication, especially if you are acne-prone. I am on my second course of Accutane because of this awful drug. It absolutely ruined my skin and gave me the worst cystic, hormonal acne, which I have never had in my life. It also gave me the most irregular periods that would last for weeks on and off and made me so sad, tired, and unmotivated all the time. My cramps and mood were affected in the worst way possible, the only minor plus of this is that I didn't gain any weight. I wish I never gave this birth control a try, and I really tried to push through and see if my body would get used to it, but after 5 months, it wasn't really worth it. Please don't let this medication do its damage to your body like it did to mine and many others. It's the worst."

• lau...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 24, 2020

For Birth Control "I’ve been on this pill for about 1-2 years. During the first week, I was horribly nauseous, and I broke out all over my cheeks. HOWEVER, it got a lot better for me at least, and I rarely get acne (although I didn’t take it for that, and I didn’t have severe acne before starting it). I take anti-anxiety pills as well, so if I do get sad, I don’t assume it’s due to my pill. It regulates my period and has helped with my cramps. I hope my review helps :)"

• CG4...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 20, 2013

For Birth Control "I was on Loestrin 24 Fe for 3 years with no problems. I loved it. My periods lasted less than 2 days, cleared my skin, and I didn't gain weight. Then I was forced to switch to Minastrin, which is supposedly the same pill, but just chewable. It's been a terrible experience. I've had a chronic yeast infection straight through the 3 months I've been on it, and it won't respond to any prescription medication. I've also had severe cramps during my period and acne. There is no way this medication is the same, and I want Loestrin back."

• Lar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 15, 2014

For Birth Control "I'm moving through my second month of these pills after having tried Depo-Provera, which I hated, no sex drive, extremely mental... Seasonique, which caused teenage-like acne, wacky spotting... I like Junel Fe so far. I didn't know the brown pills are iron, thinking they were just sugar, I didn't take them and suffered low iron headaches. This month I'll take them. My period was quick and light, minimal cramping, not even bad enough to take painkillers. I do have a metallic taste in my mouth that started recently. I hope that goes away."

• Emi...
• August 6, 2014

For Birth Control "I started taking Junel Fe after taking Sprintec for three months, and at first, I liked it. It is effective for birth control, but I had the worst side effects. It made my face break out, I gained some weight, and it made me so moody and depressed. Going on month five, I spent a lot of time sleeping and spending time alone because of the pill."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 31, 2012

For Birth Control "In February, I started Junel. It's been very good with almost everything, but it hasn't helped with my cramping. I have regular periods that aren't heavy or light, they're just sort of painful. I haven't had any breakouts, major weight gain, or bad nausea. As for spotting, it only happened for a few weeks during my first month on Junel. My breasts also grew about a cup size."

• Kat...
• June 25, 2014

For Birth Control "I've been on this pill for over 2 years now, and I love it. This summer and last summer, I had some random cystic acne, though I am not sure it is related to the pill, because other times my skin is perfectly clear. No weight change. Only problem is I haven't had a period in the 2 years I've taken this, not even spotting. My doctor says not to worry about it, but I am considering switching because of it."

• 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."

• Aca...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 6, 2014

For Birth Control "This is the first birth control I have been on, and after hearing all the birth control horror stories that friends/family had, I'm happy to say that my experience with this pill so far has been a good one! The first month or two I did experience some acne and occasional nausea, as well as going from a B to C cup (a welcome change). However, none of the symptoms have been any worse than symptoms of a period. My period lightened soon after beginning the pill packs, and I stopped getting my period altogether about 6 months after starting the pills, which (my Obgyn told me early on) was to be expected. My insurance also completely covers this pill, so that's definitely a plus!"

• syd...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 19, 2020

For Birth Control "Larin Fe 1.5/30 has been my second experience on birth control, after I had a terrible 9-month long experience with the depo shot. I have been on this pill for about 3 years now, and I haven't had a single problem with it. I usually skip my period if I can, so I love that the pill gives you the option. It cleared up my acne for the most part; I still get a few spots here and there, but I'm not blaming the pill. I don't see any negative effects on my weight or appetite. I love this pill; I've never had a problem with it, and even when I have been inconsistent and possibly a little irresponsible, I still haven't gotten pregnant, so that's why I love this pill. However, since I am really bad at remembering to take it on time, I'm considering switching to an IUD."

• Jac...
• January 10, 2016

For Birth Control "I wanted to write something as I'm in the process of researching new birth control (I have underlying high blood pressure and smoke, so the pill may not be the best long-term birth control option for me), and I found that there's not a lot of good info out there comparing methods. Most reviews seem to be people complaining, because who's going to take the time to write something when they're happy? Well, I want to. I've been on Microgestin for over a year, and it's been great. My acne is much improved on it, I've actually lost weight in this time, I haven't had any spotting. My libido is still high, and I haven't had issues with arousal. I miss my period sometimes, but I think that's from using this continuously so often to skip it. No pregnancy!"

• Foo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 22, 2019

For Birth Control "At 40 years old, my period was heavy, and my iron was crashing. I had never taken birth control before because I already struggle with weight. After months of dealing with a heavy period, I decided it was time. I explained my weight gain and acne fears (yes, I break out easily) to her, and she told me that Lo Loestrin Fe would be the best for me. I’m on month four, and my skin is horrible. I’ve had to have laser treatments just to calm the inflammation down, and I started having debilitating anxiety. This stuff is poison. I am angry at the gynecologist for even prescribing it!"

• Mel...
• May 14, 2020

For Birth Control "I just started my third month of Junel Fe 1/20. The first month, I was very nauseous, especially at night, even though my doctor told me to take it at night to avoid nausea. I still experience the nausea, but not as often as I did the first month, and I avoid eating gooey, creamy things in the evening around the time I take my pill, which I notice does help a lot. However, if it’s really bothering me, a dose of Pepto-Bismol usually does the trick. I feel that my skin is breaking out more often than normal, not badly, but I definitely notice it. Usually, I only get one or two small pimples around my period, but now I get four each month, especially around my chin. My periods are definitely lighter and only last about 4-5 days, but I’m still experiencing cramping. I didn’t notice any mood swings or weight gain. I actually feel sexier these past couple of weeks. Sex drive is the same, energy levels are the same."

• Bru...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 11, 2020

For Birth Control "I started Lo Lo a month after a partial hysterectomy and cystectomy only to prevent more tumors. The first three months I had several side effects such as loss of appetite, acne, mood swings, and irregular bleeding. By my sixth month, my body adjusted well except I would get my period around the time I should be ovulating or the 2nd week of the pack for around 5 days. I stopped taking Lo Lo because of the irregular bleeding and because it did not help me prevent tumors. I have an 8 cm mass in my ovary. So, I will give Taytulla a chance. Praying all goes well. As with any medication, you have to allow time for your body to adjust. Be strong!"

• Jos...
• September 8, 2015

For Birth Control "Negative side effects: 1. Weight gain: I'm very petite, and I work out at least 4 times a week. I track my activity using a Fitbit, and while taking this BC, my activity was actually higher than the previous month. That being said, I still gained about 7 pounds. My appetite increased, but not enough to justify this weight gain. By my calculations, I should have been losing weight due to higher activity levels. Additionally, the weight gain only occurred around my midsection, and I felt bloated and uncomfortable. 2. Mood swings: I rarely cry, and when I do, it's for good reason. With this BC, I wanted to cry over everything. 3. Acne: My skin was clear before taking this, and now I have cystic acne all over my forehead and cheeks."

• Col...
• September 19, 2018

For Birth Control "I’ve only been taking this pill for about a month, but so far I am very happy with the results. I was very nervous to start Junel based off the other reviews, but I’ve had a fairly positive experience. Before taking Junel, I would get terrible cramps (that would cause me to cancel plans/responsibilities) and extremely heavy periods. I now only have very minor, if any, cramping at all during my period and a significantly lighter flow. The only semi-problem I’ve experienced is a little acne, but I’m sure this is just because my body is normalizing to the hormones and hope this begins to go away. I hope this helps and reduces some of your nerves about this pill :)"

• Esh...
• January 14, 2015

For Birth Control "This is the best birth control. I had no side effects. Only switching due to high out-of-pocket cost. Experienced no weight gain, acne, mood swings, etc. If you can afford the out-of-pocket cost for this TIER 3 medication, then I definitely recommend it."

• Anonymous
• October 11, 2012

For Acne "I started taking Lo Loestrin Fe about 2 months ago, and I am breaking out horribly around my mouth and chin. I have always had acne but not that severe, and it actually cleared up in the past year with the occasional pimple here and there. Now I have cysts and whiteheads all over my chin that are not going away. I am finishing this pack and then calling my doctor to switch."

• Anonymous
• October 11, 2012

For Acne "I started taking Lo Loestrin Fe about 2 months ago, and I am breaking out horribly around my mouth and chin. I have always had acne but not that severe, and it actually cleared up in the past year with the occasional pimple here and there. Now I have cysts and whiteheads all over my chin that are not going away. I am finishing this pack and then calling my doctor to switch."

• blu...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 22, 2019

For Birth Control "I'm on my 7th month of this pill, and it has been great. The first month was a little rocky, I broke out a lot and had really bad anxiety and depression, but it went away after the first month! Everything has been good from there. My periods are SUPER light and last 3-4 days. They used to be heavy and last up to 7 days. I also rarely get cramps anymore, and when I do, they are bearable. It hasn’t affected my sex life, and I’ve always been anxious/depressed, but this pill hasn’t made it worse. Also, not pregnant! So it works."

• Kay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 15, 2020

For Birth Control "This birth control is absolutely lovely. I take the 1/20 dose because I know higher doses can make people feel off. Anyway, the first month I took it, I broke out in pimples, my breasts got tender, but it all cleared within 2 weeks. My periods started becoming irregular due to a hormonal imbalance. (No, I do not have PCOS). But it regulated my period for the first month of use. Now I am on month 2 and I am still fine. Also, this pill has not made me gain weight, coming from a woman taking this who currently has extra weight on her. I take control in what I am eating so that I don't gain weight. I haven't gained any weight, I've actually lost a few pounds. But that's because I am fairly active and I have a healthy diet. I do treat myself."

• lu8...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 21, 2017

For Birth Control "I was extremely hesitant to start this pill based on the terrible reviews. I was prescribed this pill after a ruptured ovarian cyst and mildly elevated testosterone levels, so kind of had no choice but to try it. I am on day 5, and so far, so good! I have not experienced any side effects at all. I was really worried about acne and weight gain as side effects. No acne, and I actually seem to be losing weight, which is amazing. I will update again after 1 month of use, but so far, so good!"

• Hap...
• September 4, 2014

For Birth Control "After being on four different types of birth control pills in 3 1/2 years and having HORRIBLE side effects ranging from acne, hair falling out, spotting for months, to anxiety, to stroke-like symptoms and going to the ER, my OBGYN suggested Generess Fe. I LOVE this pill! No side effects at all, other than my breasts have gone from a 34C to a very full 34D! No weight gain (other than in my chest), nausea, headaches, no 'foggy' feeling at all. These pills are easy to take, pleasant tasting, and the light, 2-3 day periods are an awesome bonus! I am so happy to have found a birth control pill that works for me and doesn't have nasty side effects. I highly recommend this form of birth control!"

• AJa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 31, 2020

For Birth Control "I got on this pill to regulate my periods because I had mild PCOS. However, I will be switching pill brands since on this medication I have had cramps but no period, despite taking the pill regularly and at the same time. Apparently, this is common for this pill, but I prefer having a period. I also realized I gained around 10-15 pounds after getting on this pill, and getting the weight off is difficult. I grew fatter facially and in my stomach. I also noticed an increase of acne, not only on my face but also on my back, which has never been a problem before. I look forward to switching my pill in the next few days and hope for better results!"