Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone and Cramps: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Ano...
• September 9, 2019

For Birth Control "I just started this pill, and it is my first time starting birth control. I've just started my first pack and have had no negative experiences with it so far. My doctor told me it will take 3 months for my body to get used to the medication, and taking the pill at the same time every day has been slightly challenging for me, but I've shifted my time to be a little later and it seems to be working better for me. During my first month, I was spotting for the first week, had bright red, more period-like bleeding the next few days, but then I stopped spotting completely by week 3. After this, when I started taking the placebos, I started to spot again, although very little. I have been used to having very heavy periods with intense cramps for the first day, but those have seemed to subside after taking this pill. My skin is clearer, with no darkening spots, and my mood during my time of the month seems to be much more pleasant."

• Aud...
• May 6, 2018

For Birth Control "First and foremost, most of the reviews that are negative are due to the fact that women aren’t patient enough to bear the immediate side effects. You need to wait 3 months before you decide to switch or stay on the birth control. I’ve tried several different birth controls and this one has worked the BEST! However, the first month you’ll be hungry, constantly. Try to drink tea or have smaller meals throughout the day to avoid weight gain. I really, really love this medication. I feel back to myself, I gained probably 2-3 pounds the first few weeks, actually, but it’s been 2 months and now I can control my appetite. I recently got my period and didn’t experience ANY PMS. Just the first day I got my period, I was moody. Little to no bleeding, still got minor cramps, but not bad enough to take Midol. Overall, try this medication. But stay on it. If you really don’t like it after 3 months, then you can switch."

• amb...
• May 22, 2021

For Birth Control "HORRIBLE. I have been taking birth control for 7 years and have tried multiple brands. This is by far the worst one I have ever tried. I started this pill after my pharmacy changed my prescription from Bisolvi without my consent! I have been on this pill for only two weeks. I have been bleeding the entire time. I’m having awful cramping and acne. I have back pain and I am nauseous. I am diagnosed with depression and anxiety, so it is normal for me to feel low on a daily basis. But oh my goodness, I have been crying 2-5 times a day every single day. I am completely emotionally unstable. I am crying over everything and very jumpy/scared. If you are having problems with this pill, get off of it ASAP! I am miserable and exhausted."

• Mer...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 8, 2020

For Birth Control "Don’t let reviews scare you off. I know that they are different for everyone, but when I read these before I started taking it, I was terrified. I love Taytulla! I went from horrible cramps and horrible heavy 10-day periods to basically 1-3 days with no cramps at all. At the beginning, I did have my period twice a month, but once my body adjusted, it was great. I had 0 weight gain, just occasionally a little bloated. Periods so much better, and I was very scared of the hormones making me crazy, but they did not at all. This birth control is great."

• jdo...
• December 29, 2020

For Birth Control "This is hands down the worst birth control I have ever used. My mood swings are so awful, and I feel like I’m PMSing 24/7. I am horribly bloated and cramping all the time. I can’t stop eating either, and when I finally do stop, I am nauseous as anything. I never used to be moody, and ever since I started taking this pill, I am so irritable and always feel like crying. I want my Junel back!!"

• BLR...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 25, 2020

For Birth Control "I started Larin FE back in Nov 2019. First time being on BC. Struggled with hormonal acne and just wanted better protection with my sex life. When starting, had breast tenderness and cramping for a bit (prob lasted a month or two), and my boobs def grew as a result. My face, however, cleared up TREMENDOUSLY. I love this birth control, and I’m happy I didn’t have to try multiple ones or experience severe side effects like the other individuals who posted a review had stated. One thing I noticed, however, is I bruise far more easily... first three months I was bruising so bad I’d wake up every morning with random bruises and have no recollection of bumping into anything at all. Brought this up to my doctor, and she said it’s not common for bruising to be a side effect on BC... but other than that I’ve been 10/10."

• Tan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 13, 2021

For Birth Control "Started this birth control to help with cramps, bad lower back pain, and to regulate my period. First 3 months I had bad anxiety, mood swings, and my periods would start the week before the brown pills and then zero period during the brown pills. I was just about to switch pills and figured I'd give it 1 more month. Then, it all changed overnight. I no longer have any mood swings, and I think it actually has helped with any anxiety. I have no abdominal cramping, no lower back pain. I will still get hot flashes and night sweats right before my period starts though. This is the first pill that has lessened my period. Now if I wanted to, I would probably only have 1 full tampon day and then spot for 3 days. At this point, I am very happy that I stuck with it and hoping each month will continue to get better. I have now taken for 5 months."

• Tay...
• July 20, 2014

For Birth Control "I started taking Minastrin in November after Loestrin was discontinued. I was told it was the same pill, just a different name (I disagree). Like Loestrin, I take Minastrin every morning at 8 a.m. I have been taking Minastrin now for almost a year. I find I have cramps all the time, I get mad very easily, no sex drive whatsoever. I'm not sure if this is related, but I get hot and sweat very easily now. I have gained a good bit of weight in my thighs and lower stomach, again, not sure if that is related to Minastrin. When I go for my yearly exam, I will be looking at switching."

• Cat...
• June 29, 2013

For Birth Control "I have been on Lo Loestrin for about 2 years. When I first started, I had pregnancy symptoms for about the first week: sore breasts, nausea, etc., however, that subsided. I no longer have my period, which my gynecologist informed me is very common. Every now and then, I'll have a month where I get cramps during the 'reminder pill' portion of the pack, but it's not common. I take my pill every day at the same time (before bed - set an alarm!) and always keep an extra pack in my purse in case. No weight gain, no acne. I'm very happy."

• Rae...
• April 14, 2019

For Birth Control "Six months ago, I was switched from Glidess to this. After switching, I had absolutely no sex drive and was moody. Three months after I started this medication, I had gained 10 lbs (I work with a trainer and eat healthy) and started to become sick. I had horrible cramps, with constipation or diarrhea and nausea every day. I went to see a specialist and was advised to take tests to see what was wrong (really expensive)! I finally made the connection that it could possibly be my birth control, even though my pharmacist and doctor said there was 0 chance that was it. I stopped taking this pill, and days later, I was fine. No more cramping, diarrhea or constipation, nausea, and bloating. (I’m losing weight back to my “normal self.”) My sex drive is back to normal too. I wrote this so others who have the same issue can be warned. I thought I had celiac, a food allergy, or an intestinal issue, that’s how sick I was. This pill ruined my life for six months."

• Kit...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 1, 2017

For Birth Control "Life-changing in a good way. I'm sorry to all of you who had terrible side effects. This is the third pill brand I've been on and by far the best. I'm not taking it to prevent pregnancy, though. I suffer from terrible PCOS that left me sick for over a year. We are talking extreme anemia, constant nonstop heavy bleeding for months on end, fatigue, crippling cramps, weight gain, and no sex drive. Taking it 4 months now (note I take nothing but continuous active pills to level out my hormone imbalance) and I have experienced zero bad side effects. I'm healthier than I've been in years, weight loss, glowing skin, thriving sex drive, no cramps or endless painful periods. It's been a real lifesaver."

• Kit...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 1, 2017

For Birth Control "Life-changing in a good way. I'm sorry to all of you who had terrible side effects. This is the third pill brand I've been on and by far the best. I'm not taking it to prevent pregnancy, though. I suffer from terrible PCOS that left me sick for over a year. We are talking extreme anemia, constant nonstop heavy bleeding for months on end, fatigue, crippling cramps, weight gain, and no sex drive. Taking it 4 months now (note I take nothing but continuous active pills to level out my hormone imbalance) and I have experienced zero bad side effects. I'm healthier than I've been in years, weight loss, glowing skin, thriving sex drive, no cramps or endless painful periods. It's been a real lifesaver."

• Ani...
• May 25, 2014

For Birth Control "Honestly, I LOVE this birth control! I am very sensitive to birth control, and this is the first one that has helped me. First off, for anyone who doesn't have insurance, GO TO THE WEBSITE! There is a discount card there that you can sign up for that works for 12 scripts. My monthly script is $30 now. First off, my periods were AWFUL. I had cramps so bad. This has increased my breast size by a cup, cleared up my acne, haven't gained any weight (I am a very healthy eater, although) my periods are light, maybe lasting 3 days, my cramps are very mild, if any (Aleve liquid gels are the best). Be sure you take this at the SAME TIME every day! Stay safe and healthy!"

• Rac...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 17, 2014

For Birth Control "I've been taking Lo Loestrin Fe for about 2.5 years now. The first few months were pretty rough, i.e., mood swings, weight gain, low sex drive. I was even nauseous and sometimes had two periods in one month. YES, I agree it can be tough to give this one a chance, but I'm glad I did. At this point, I have not had a period in months, and all side effects have mellowed. I do get normal PMS symptoms, light cramping, and body aches, just no bleeding. No more weight gain or mood swings. I'm glad I stuck it out because it has been the best birth control I've used."

• Syd...
• July 27, 2015

For Menstrual Disorders "Ladies, please realize you are putting synthetic chemicals into your body. It is completely normal to have side effects, your body won't regulate the pill until after about 3-4 months of consistent pill taking. I have been on Microgestin for about 2-3 years, and it lightened my period, helped my cramps, and helped my mood swings. However, the success of the pill depends on how it reacts with your body. Give these pills a chance (3-4 months), otherwise you won't find one that works. You can't expect it to work within a month."

• Shl...
• July 3, 2013

For Birth Control "I started this pill 8 months ago. I got my period horribly the first month, maybe even the worst I've ever had it. It was heavy, painful, and I gained 6 pounds in water weight. Since then, I have not gotten my period once. I will get some period symptoms around the time I would get my period and some discharge, but no period, which is great for me. I have been on probably more than 5 birth control pills before this, and this by far is the best. I've lost 10 pounds, no acne, and no depression, which is the main reason I switched. The only negative about this pill is the crazy high price. Great pill!"

• Kal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 21, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve been taking this for just over a month, and I actually like it. The first week, I had some nausea, and the second week some bleeding and light cramping that lasted around 8 days. But since then, no side effects. One thing I was worried about was weight gain, but since starting Blisovi 24 Fe, I’ve actually lost around 5 lbs. My period was lighter than it’s ever been, super light. I also had no PMS or period symptoms. Would recommend, but I feel like the experience is different for everyone."

• Nik...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 20, 2012

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I've read a lot of reviews on this birth control, and everyone writes negative reviews, so I'm going to give a positive one. I used to get very heavy 10-day periods before I went on this pill, and I am now down to light to moderate 4-day periods, and let me tell you, what a relief. I also used to get cramps so bad that sometimes I couldn't walk. Three months on this pill, and the cramps had gone. I was 23 with horrible acne. I had it everywhere: cheeks, forehead, but especially on my chin. Three months after starting the pill, and my skin cleared up tremendously. I hardly ever get a pimple, but when I do, it's usually a small one around the time of my period. I gained no weight, and my sex drive is as high as ever. I love this pill!"

• Ash...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 22, 2021

For Birth Control "I've been taking this birth control for a little over 3 months. They told me to give it 3 months and it'll level out everything. Wrong. I have literally been on my period every other week or every week. I take it at the same time every time I'm supposed to, and it just does not work for me. I just ended my period on Sunday, and I started spotting yesterday (Saturday), and today I woke up cramping and bleeding AGAIN. I'm so sick of being on my period. Waiting for a call to switch. Also, last week when I was on it, it literally was as if I didn't even take it. Clots, bad cramps, going 6-7 days. I feel like I've been patient enough. ALSO, I had a terrible migraine for about a month when I started it."

• Ash...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 22, 2021

For Birth Control "I've been taking this birth control for a little over 3 months. They told me to give it 3 months and it'll level out everything. Wrong. I have literally been on my period every other week or every week. I take it at the same time every time I'm supposed to, and it just does not work for me. I just ended my period on Sunday, and I started spotting yesterday (Saturday), and today I woke up cramping and bleeding AGAIN. I'm so sick of being on my period. Waiting for a call to switch. Also, last week when I was on it, it literally was as if I didn't even take it. Clots, bad cramps, going 6-7 days. I feel like I've been patient enough. ALSO, I had a terrible migraine for about a month when I started it."

• Ste...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 27, 2015

For Birth Control "Lo Loestrin Fe is by far the best birth control I have ever tried! I cannot tell you how many different contraceptives I have tried, and they have all made me miserable. I've had absolutely no side effects on Lo Loestrin Fe. My skin is clear, my periods last maybe a day, and it's super light. Absolutely no cramps or nausea. My weight fluctuates on its own, so I wouldn't blame the pill for that, lol."

• Meg...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 10, 2019

For Birth Control "Larin Fe has quite a few pros, but for me they do not outweigh the cons. I’ve been taking this for 4 months and this is my experience. Pros: - Protects well against pregnancy. - Acne has decreased. - I haven’t gained any weight so far. - My periods have become extremely light and short, only 3 days long. Cons: - Slight cramps throughout the whole month. - Pretty much every time I eat, and sometimes even if I don’t eat, I have terrible acid reflux. I have taken an acid reducer almost every day. I am assuming it’s from the pill because it never used to be this bad. - Depression. This is what’s making this pill not worth it to me. I have had anxiety in the past but I’ve never cried this much, not even while PMSing. My husband wants to know why I’m crying, but sometimes there’s nothing I can tell him because I have no idea why I’m crying. I will be in a great mood and be having a conversation, and suddenly my voice will start shaking and I’ll be in tears."

• Ker...
• December 29, 2014

For Birth Control "I recently switched to this birth control and have nothing bad to say about it. I used to have cramps, bad acne, mood swings, and back pain. My mood swings, cramps, and acne went away! My period used to be 7 days and very heavy. It's 5 days and light! I couldn't be happier!"

• Mis...
• July 15, 2013

For Birth Control "This is my first time taking birth control pills. I am on my second pack, and I have not had my period since I started. I have bad cramping and bloating to the point where it feels like my period wants to come on but won't. I have very bad mood swings, which is affecting my relationship, breast tenderness. I take a pregnancy test every month because I have pregnancy symptoms. My sex drive is really low, but the pill works very well preventing pregnancy. I never really had an acne problem until I started taking these pills. I have not gained any weight, but I have not lost any either, and I work out a lot. I will be going to my doctor to talk about changing to something else."

• ayy...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 30, 2016

For Birth Control "I wanted to write a review because I was researching this pill for my GWS class, and I noticed a lot of people new to the pill experiencing problems. I have been on this pill for 5 years, and while I didn't experience any terrible side effects in the beginning (that I recall), this pill has helped me a lot in 5 years. I originally took it to cure my severe acne, but it also helped with my severe cramps and heavy bleeding. Now, five years later, my skin is the clearest it has ever been, I haven't had a legit cramp in probably two years, and my periods only last about 4 days with minimal bleeding. All in all, I would highly recommend this pill."