Skip to main content

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

Brand names: Lo Loestrin Fe, Junel Fe 1/20, Blisovi Fe 1/20, Loestrin 21 1/20, Microgestin Fe 1/20, Larin Fe 1/20, Hailey Fe 1/20, Blisovi 24 Fe, Aurovela Fe 1/20, Junel Fe 24, Junel 1/20, Mibelas 24 Fe, Fyavolv, Alyacen 1/35, femhrt, Aranelle, Microgestin 1/20, Hailey 24 Fe, Aurovela 1/20, Nortrel 1/35, Jinteli, Estrostep Fe, Gemmily, Dasetta 1/35, Larin 24 Fe, Minastrin 24 Fe, Ortho-Novum 7/7/7, Kaitlib Fe, Melodetta 24 Fe, Taytulla, Nortrel 7/7/7, Balziva, Nylia 1/35, Tri-Legest Fe, Tilia Fe, Briellyn, Vyfemla, Charlotte 24 Fe, Finzala, Xarah Fe, Tarina Fe 1/20 EQ, Galbriela, Layolis Fe, Generess Fe, Gildess 24 Fe, Wera, Wymzya Fe, Pirmella 7/7/7, Pirmella 1/35, Gildess Fe 1.5/30, Norinyl 1+35, Gildess Fe 1/20, Femlyv, Luizza 1/20, Necon 0.5/35, Luizza 1.5/30, Microgestin Fe 1.5/30, Necon 7/7/7, Microgestin 1.5/30, Leena, Junel 1.5/30, Zenchent Fe, Nortrel 0.5/35, Junel Fe 1.5/30, Femcon Fe, Nylia 7/7/7, Zenchent, Cyonanz, Aurovela Fe 1.5/30, Aurovela 24 Fe, Tarina 24 Fe Taysofy Leribane Aurovela 1.5/30 Gildagia Lomedia 24 Fe Dasetta 7/7/7 Philith Hailey 1.5/30 Hailey Fe 1.5/30 Nexesta Fe Oshih Alyacen 7/7/7 Larin Fe 1.5/30 Rhuzdah Gildess 1.5/30 Gildess 1/20 Merzee Larin 1.5/30 Larin 1/20 Chabelina Fe Blisovi Fe 1.5/30 Feirza 1/20 Feirza 1.5/30 Xelria Fe …show all brand names

Reviews for Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Ren...
  • March 31, 2013

For Birth Control "I started this pill about 7 months ago. The first month, I was very moody. This went away by my second month. I've had mostly light periods that last 3-4 days, about two heavy periods, and these last two months, I've had hardly a period at all. I don't particularly like this because you can't tell if you're pregnant or not, but after reading all these reviews, it seems quite common. I am a perfect user, and when I'm not, breakthrough bleeding occurs. I would suggest taking this pill at night to combat nausea during the first month. Breast tenderness also occurred in the first month or so. No weight gain or appetite change. Cramps are lighter. My acne cleared up by month six. My sex drive and wetness are a bit lower, but nothing some lubricant can't fix."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
20 Report
  • Sar...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 14, 2020

For Birth Control "This is the 3rd generic I have been on. When my pharmacy switched me to Aurovela, I started bleeding through all of the active pills, and I don’t bleed on the last week of the pack. Worst pill I have ever been on. Bleeding for 3 weeks each month is horrible!"

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
11 Report
  • chu...
  • March 29, 2014

For Birth Control "I have been taking Lo Loestrin Fe for 3 months now. I started this pill after having the Mirena for 5 years and having little to no period a month. For the first month on this pill, I had a normal period, but the 2nd and 3rd month I have been having extremely heavy bleeding and blood clots. So far my periods are coming about every 5 days. On for 7 days, off for 5 days. I feel terrible. I feel tired, having diarrhea and headaches. My cramps are in my back and constant. And I am not sure if the pill is to blame, but I have been getting anxious and nervous a lot for no reason lately. I made up my mind to stop taking the pill and make a doctor's appointment. Hope this helps others."

3 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
21 Report
  • Rac...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 29, 2018

For Birth Control "This pill is the worst. I was switched from Vienva to Blisovi about two months ago. The first period I had on it lasted maybe 2 days and was very light. I didn’t even have another period this month, so I’ve been stressing that I’m pregnant, but I’ve taken many tests, and they’re all negative. Between last month and this month, I had mysterious bleeding for about a week. I feel nauseous most of the time, extremely fatigued, depressed, and I’ve noticed my anxiety has gotten worse. I had it before, but I felt like I was getting better, especially socially, but it’s just getting worse now. I’ve lost interest in a lot of things because I have no energy, no matter how much I sleep. My acne has gotten worse on the lower half of my face near my mouth and chin. I’m going to switch back to Vienva soon, so hopefully I will feel better. I’m not myself. I strongly think it is this pill."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
13 Report
  • I...
  • August 31, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "So I started this pill and was excited but had to stop right in the middle of the pack. I mean, out of nowhere, there is a burst of bleeding. I went to the bathroom and it's like my period snuck up on me and it was almost 2 weeks before my period is due. There were lots of clots and brown, yucky stuff. On top of all that, my moods were really crazy. I would be lying in my bed and would feel like crying and then be okay the next moment. I have only been off now for two days 'cause I just couldn't take the crazy mood swings and the bleeding anymore. I also noticed a great deal of fatigue, and even that has changed after just 2 days off of Loestrin. It's not worth it, and I cannot wait for it to be out of my system."

3 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
16 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

Your review helps others make informed decisions.
Write a review
  • Aly...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 17, 2014

For Birth Control "I've been taking this for 6 months. First, just let me say that ever since I started my VERY first pill, I have had unprotected sex with my boyfriend. Since the first pill until now, we have never worn a condom. I didn't even have my period until the 5th pack. My face cleared up, and I actually lost weight!! BUT I was always very tired and emotional. I've started having breakthrough bleeding and horrible acne. My insurance won't cover this, so I have to pay $60.00 a month. That's not bad, but I heard that you can get other ones for free. Because of the breakthrough bleeding, I am now switching to Sprintec 28. Everybody is different, give it a try!!"

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
23 Report
  • Jen...
  • February 22, 2012

For Birth Control "I have a history of anxiety and depression and have been actively working toward losing weight, so I was fairly nervous about starting Lo Loestrin Fe. I had read many reviews here and saw that others experienced many difficult side effects. My first night, I experienced a severe mood swing. As soon as I realized that I had no idea how I had gotten so upset, though, it became easier to shake off. I'm one month in and have experienced some light breakthrough bleeding and sometimes have a hard time shaking off sad thoughts. But overall, I've been very pleased. No daily side effects, and I've continued to lose weight."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
23 Report
  • Han...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • June 11, 2024

For Birth Control "This was my first BC. I was on it off and on for 5 years and loved it. Switched to a new brand after being off for a couple of years, and let me tell you, I miss Blisovi. Called my gyno and am switching back. Blisovi curbed my appetite and helped keep my moods stable. Never experienced breakthrough bleeding or any negative side effects."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
3 Report
  • Bun...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 16, 2013

For Birth Control "I love this birth control! For years I have suffered from horrible bleeding, menstrual cramps that kept me in bed for a day or two, and sometimes vomiting. I have been on Lo Loestrin for 4 months. I get no period and no cramps. I wish I would have tried it sooner. I did spot for two months, but just a tiny bit. The downfall is it's very expensive. Luckily, my doctor gave me a year of samples. I am over 40 and actually do nothing getting my period for the first time ever."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
20 Report
  • Kel...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 15, 2023

For Birth Control "Look, you're going to read all of these 'DON'T TAKE THIS PILL' reviews, and the truth of the matter is you don't know until you try it. Everyone's body is different and will react differently to medication. So, don't let these bad reviews scare you away. Try it, if you don't like it, you can change it. Now to my review. I got this pill as a trial to see if I liked it. I ended up loving it. I had very few side effects. I think the most I had was a headache and nausea. Oh, and about 2 weeks of breakthrough bleeding. But of course, my insurance doesn't cover it... If it did, I wouldn't be switching. The only crap thing about it is the price if it's not covered by insurance, which is $171."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
5 Report
  • Suz...
  • May 27, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "The first month was okay, but this is my second month of use, and I started bleeding (moderately) in the second week of the pill pack! No fair! I should be in the 'no bleeding zone' right now! I am less than thrilled. I feel gross, bloated, and have cramping and low back pain. I am only on the pill to keep regular, to avoid anemia, but this month it's doing just the opposite! I don't know if I should stay on it and give it more time, or go to something else. Ugh!"

5 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
15 Report
  • Mel...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 28, 2012

For Birth Control "I only took this medication for two weeks and had to stop. Right away, I noticed moodiness and depression worse than anything I've ever taken. Had a very heavy and long period with cramps and nausea. After the period stopped, three days later, started bleeding heavily again."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
29 Report
  • Kat...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 30, 2020

For Birth Control "I was switched from Junel FE to Blisovi FE due to a change in my prescription drug coverage. (Both are generic drugs for Loestrin.) I've been taking Blisovi for three months and have not experienced any negative side effects. No breakthrough bleeding, headaches, acne, nausea, or weight changes. I'm not sure if this is because I switched from one generic equivalent to another, but my experience has been very positive. My periods seem to be even lighter than when I was on Junel and come like clockwork. I was nervous to try Blisovi after reading all of the negative reviews, but I feel people tend to share negative experiences more than the positive ones. This drug works and is affordable. Give it a try!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
12 Report
  • Mar...
  • June 13, 2015

For Birth Control "I would rate this a 10, but I am only 2 1/2 months into using it. The pills are FREE with my insurance. I am 41, and my periods had started getting really bad, and I had been feeling hormonal and was 10 pounds overweight. My doctor was going to prescribe me a mini pill that would cost $60 a month. I mentioned the cost was a burden, and she gave me Gildess. I feel great. I have lost weight, and my sex drive is high. My periods are very light. No more cramps, heavy bleeding, and bad dizzy hormone spells. No bad side effects yet."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
17 Report
  • Ter...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 30, 2023

For Birth Control "I’m truly surprised to see all of these negative reviews. I definitely gained 6 lbs in two months on it, and I track and weigh all my food, but it seems like it’s likely water retention. I guess I’ll see?! I actually feel amazing on this. My hormones were so low (I was lacking everything), and it was causing the worst bleeding and everything else. But since I’ve started this birth control, I’ve gotten stronger in the gym, and I just feel amazing. I was seriously messed up hormone-wise before, so I think adding any synthetic hormone helped me. Just take whatever works for you and your body, I just find Hailey 24 Fe to have a very good experience."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
5 Report
  • Ash...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 1, 2018

For Birth Control "I got pregnant!!! I took the pill every single day at 8 a.m. Five months in -- pregnant. Also -- I felt emotionally crazy and would randomly bleed the entire time I took the pill. Could not possibly be more disappointed. I feel less hormonal pregnant than I did on that 'birth control' pill."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
13 Report
  • adh...
  • May 13, 2010

For Birth Control "Well, this is the first month that I have been on Loestrin. I have not gotten any weight gain as with other methods of birth control. I also haven't had any bleeding or spotting between periods. The reason my doctor told me to start taking Loestrin was that I was on Yasmin, and that pill made me have more side effects than Loestrin. With Loestrin, my acne has not broken out, it actually helped me with that. This is my last week for my first pack, and I feel really good with it. Maybe the reason why everyone else is having problems with the pill is because they may take it during the day. My doctor recommended taking it during the night, that way, you won't experience that many side effects."

7 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
25 Report
  • tri...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • June 12, 2014

For Birth Control "I was switched to Minastrin from Loestrin, just like everyone else. But unlike most, I am doing great on it! I was taking Loestrin for over 2 years and loved it. Minastrin has been the same for me, no unusual side effects at all. No acne, which I had when I was a teenager and still use Proactiv for. No unusual headaches or bleeding, etc. I rated it an 8 only because I don't like chewing it, it's gross tasting, but works good for me, so I'm sticking with it."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
16 Report
  • Lol...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 8, 2019

For Birth Control "Junel Fe 24 isn't my first birth control I've been on. I was on Lo Loestrin Fe for about 8 months and always had irregular bleeding due to an ovarian cyst. Not sure if the birth control irritated it, or if it was there all along. Anyways, I've now been on Junel Fe 24 for about 3 weeks, and I love it. My acne has cleared up, and my cyst is gone! Definitely don't think I'll be switching anytime soon. I haven't had anything but good symptoms from this birth control."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
10 Report
  • Kay...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 14, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been on this pill, Lo Loestrin Fe, for about a month. Before I started the pill, I didn’t get my period for 4 months. After being on the pill for 3 weeks, I got my period. I take the pill at the same time every day and I don’t have any crazy symptoms. I have been bleeding for 5 days, so I’m waiting to see how long it lasts. But I have not suffered any wild symptoms! I do recommend taking the pill, if you don’t like it, you could always stop whenever. Remember, not everyone will have the same symptoms, so don’t get discouraged by what you see on here because when I first saw these reviews, I was very scared to try the pill, but I decided to do it anyway."

7 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
10 Report
  • Anonymous
  • February 9, 2015

For Birth Control "This pill is great! I'm super sensitive to birth control pills, and this is the only one I've ever felt normal on. I would definitely recommend it to anyone! I did have breakthrough bleeding the first few months, but that seems to have cleared up. No actual periods, really, which is amazing. Also, it is indeed an experience, BUT the ACA under Obamacare has made it affordable. I was paying high out-of-pocket prices for it, but I called my insurance, and they told me I needed to have my doctor call and tell them it's the one I need to be on, and then they would cover it for $0/month! So, thank God for that. Definitely check with your insurance and pharmacist! They are full of helpful information!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
18 Report
  • PIL...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 31, 2017

For Birth Control "I have taken Lomedia for years and have absolutely loved it. When I went to my pharmacy a week ago to pick up my prescription, they told me that Lomedia had been suddenly discontinued, and so they had given me Blisovi. She explained that it's supposed to be made by the same company as Lomedia and is supposed to be the exact same ingredients. That cannot be true. I have had no issues with my periods for years, and now I am bleeding heavily, am very bloated, and my face is suddenly breaking out. I do not believe it's the same pill, something is different. I do not recommend this pill."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
13 Report
  • Bxg...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 17, 2023

For Birth Control "I've used Bislovi for years, all of a sudden, 3 months ago, I was given a 3-month supply of this instead. I’ve always been able to skip periods on any other birth control for 15 years. If I didn’t skip, they were light, mild, and short. Oh, but with Hailey, I have at least 1, sometimes 2 HORRIBLE periods per month. They last for 7 days. Terrible cramps the entire time and heavy bleeding. I’ve never had back pain, and I’ve since had awful lower back pain nonstop. Constantly hungry, but only chocolate sounds good."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
5 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • February 18, 2023

For Birth Control "I was put on the pill for heavy periods, which caused 5 iron infusions. First, I was on Lo Loestrin, which caused very clear skin and 2-day light periods and was great at first, however, after a few months, I had breakthrough bleeding and anger. The doctor had to make the dosage higher, so I switched to Blisovi, which is 100 times WORSE! The first week, I was crying every day, having panic attacks and at first had a 12-day period. The period eventually regulated and lightened, but I was told to push through another month to adjust with the emotions. I am still anxious, depressed, on edge, angry, mood swings, and no sex drive at all. I have no desire to look at a man. I am stopping this pill! The only pros to this pill were that I did not gain weight from it. I really hope I find a pill that works for me soon."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
5 Report
  • Liz...
  • January 5, 2020

For Birth Control "I am on my second pack and third row of medication. I have depression and anxiety and started the pill because my PMS was horrible, and it was really irregular. My doctor put me on this medication, and the non-physical aspects of my PMS were reduced greatly, and even the physical aspects were reduced. I was so happy. I had breakthrough bleeding and abnormal discharge but then started having some heavier breakthrough bleeding, which was a little strange. It cleared up my acne significantly as well. I started having nausea and stomach aches this past week, and I don’t know if that’s because of my eating habits/stress or because of the medication. I also had, just today, some breakthrough bleeding like a light period with dark, almost brown-colored blood and cramps. I assumed this was just because of the medicine, and it didn’t really affect me too bad today. I have been so incredibly happy on it, it pretty much changed my entire life. I feel like a whole new person."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
9 Report

See also:

Are you taking this medicine?

Your review helps others make informed decisions.
Write a review
Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.