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

• You...
• August 19, 2013

For Birth Control "I started this pill on the first day of my period. My period lasted for a week like it normally does. I had sex 2 weeks into taking the pill. Then the next day, I started spotting. Then it turned into a full-blown period. So basically, in the 3 weeks I've been on the pill, I've been on my period twice. This period is really irritating. Or maybe because this is period #2 in 3 weeks. My breasts seem bigger. My weight is stable, but I am craving chocolate. No acne yet. Overall, I'm pissed. I started the pill for ovarian cysts and pain. But I'm still in pain and cramping, and most of all, I'm still bleeding."

• Bet...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 29, 2020

For Birth Control "I started taking this to control my periods and hopefully get some relief. I had taken this years ago, for a few months, and I didn’t have any issues... this time, however, was the opposite. I had so much breakthrough bleeding, legit getting my periods every 2 weeks type of thing. I pushed through taking it 3 months, on my fourth pack now, and I had my period on Jan 10 for 5 days. I got it again this past Friday, Jan 24. I had enough, it obviously isn’t working for me. My breasts got so tender and swollen, cramps didn’t get any relief, I’m super sensitive, I’m moody, and the bleeding alone was so uncomfortable. It wasn’t worth taking it. I’m trying a new birth control now, I had to call my doctor and ask for a change. I really don’t recommend. If it helps, I’m 25 and 170 lbs, no major health issues other than seasonal allergies."

• 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!"

• 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."

• Car...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 13, 2017

For Birth Control "After reading a couple of reviews, let me first start off that everybody responds to medicine differently. Not everyone has the same response to the same medicine. This is my first BC that I've taken, and so far I like it. Before, I would always have light periods that were either lengthy or off and on, so I wanted BC to keep it consistent. Now I have extremely light periods that last barely a day or two. My skin is fairly clear, and I've gained about 5 lbs, which is a struggle for me to keep on weight (5 ft, 106 lbs). I noticed that I am a whole lot less moody, but the cramps prior to my period are more severe."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 12, 2016

For Birth Control "I have been taking Glidess for a few years to control heavy periods and have been very happy with it. No more periods, no headaches or cramping. My pharmacy switched to Blisovi when Glidess was recalled. I am seeing terrible reviews/side effects that people are having. I used another generic in place of Glidess in the past when my pharmacy ran out of it, and I had terrible acne and felt sick while taking it, so I'm afraid to take another generic version. I hope the issues with Glidess are resolved and it comes back on the market. Not sure what is the closest match to it, as it seems Blisovi is not it."

• eee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 18, 2017

For Birth Control "This is my first time on BC, and before this pill, I had intolerable cramping at all times of the month, in addition to very heavy bleeding when I was on my period. My periods controlled my life and made it so I couldn't function half the time due to cramps, nausea, and fatigue. Now, on this pill, my periods are so much lighter and less painful. Even on my worst days, I can still function, as opposed to being bedridden 5-8 days a month like I was before. Don't let the bad reviews intimidate you, birth control has a different effect on everybody! Blisovi worked very well for me!"

• Ash...
• October 14, 2013

For Birth Control "Loestrin Fe did a lot better than the 'Lo Loestrin Fe.' I only got this prescription because my insurance covers it, and it's similar to what I was taking before-just less hormones. (They apparently discontinued the birth control I used to take.) Since I've been on this one, I've been a little moodier, more acne, breast tenderness, and cramping without periods. I've lost weight and my cup/bra size actually got smaller. Honestly, it's starting to freak me out a bit because I haven't been this tender with a birth control, only while pregnant with my two children. I take it as it's prescribed-same time, every day, never skipping a dose. Hitting my 3rd month on it, no periods or spotting at all."

• Jac...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 18, 2019

For Birth Control "Within days, I felt my entire mood begin to switch. I have never had dark thoughts like I began to have when taking Junel Fe. Extreme anger isn’t even the best to describe it, you can tie your own shoes the wrong way and it would make me mad. Anxiety at an all-time high where my mind would run wild or I would even be sometimes too anxious to get out of bed or out of my car to go into work. I didn’t gain any actual weight (sometimes water weight), but I always felt heavy, bloated, and downright disgusting. The mood changes and water weight aren’t even the worst. I would experience a lot of “breakthrough” bleeding, but it wasn’t spotting, it was a full-on period, and HEAVY!! It was like a monster period, super heavy and would last for days!! I also experienced cramping randomly throughout the month and not just close to/during my period. I do not recommend this birth control unless you want to start turning green and become the Hulk."

• Han...
• February 15, 2019

For Birth Control "I was switched from Microgestin due to insurance (I was on that brand for a year and NEVER had any side effects). The second I started Junel, I turned into a different person. I'm just going to break down my symptoms by month: Month 1: nausea, two weeks of breakthrough bleeding, migraines, sore and swollen breasts. Month 2: bloating, spotting, headaches, bowel problems, increased appetite. Month 3: EXTREME anxiety and paranoia, worse bloating, mood swings, leg cramps, abdominal cramping. Month 4: lower back pain, uterine and stomach cramps, intense bloating, mood swings, even worse anxiety. Literally thought I was pregnant this month because I didn't have any bleeding whatsoever and because my stomach hurt constantly. Do not take this pill if you have anxiety or depression. It has made me stress about pregnancy more than when I was relying on the pullout method. The ONLY plus side is that my withdrawal bleeds are super light and my acne (sorta) cleared up. I hate this medication."

• Han...
• February 15, 2019

For Birth Control "I was switched from Microgestin due to insurance (I was on that brand for a year and NEVER had any side effects). The second I started Junel, I turned into a different person. I'm just going to break down my symptoms by month: Month 1: nausea, two weeks of breakthrough bleeding, migraines, sore and swollen breasts. Month 2: bloating, spotting, headaches, bowel problems, increased appetite. Month 3: EXTREME anxiety and paranoia, worse bloating, mood swings, leg cramps, abdominal cramping. Month 4: lower back pain, uterine and stomach cramps, intense bloating, mood swings, even worse anxiety. Literally thought I was pregnant this month because I didn't have any bleeding whatsoever and because my stomach hurt constantly. Do not take this pill if you have anxiety or depression. It has made me stress about pregnancy more than when I was relying on the pullout method. The ONLY plus side is that my withdrawal bleeds are super light and my acne (sorta) cleared up. I hate this medication."

• Han...
• February 15, 2019

For Birth Control "I was switched from Microgestin due to insurance (I was on that brand for a year and NEVER had any side effects). The second I started Junel, I turned into a different person. I'm just going to break down my symptoms by month: Month 1: nausea, two weeks of breakthrough bleeding, migraines, sore and swollen breasts. Month 2: bloating, spotting, headaches, bowel problems, increased appetite. Month 3: EXTREME anxiety and paranoia, worse bloating, mood swings, leg cramps, abdominal cramping. Month 4: lower back pain, uterine and stomach cramps, intense bloating, mood swings, even worse anxiety. Literally thought I was pregnant this month because I didn't have any bleeding whatsoever and because my stomach hurt constantly. Do not take this pill if you have anxiety or depression. It has made me stress about pregnancy more than when I was relying on the pullout method. The ONLY plus side is that my withdrawal bleeds are super light and my acne (sorta) cleared up. I hate this medication."

• Anonymous
• July 13, 2009

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I started the pill after being diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome when I was 18. My doctor put me on Yasmin. I gained a lot of weight, and my cup size went from barely C to D/almost DD. I switched to Loestrin 24 FE to make my breast 'normal' size again. It worked, and I went back to my normal weight, too. The first month, I was spotty and moody; the pill timing is sensitive. But since then, everything has been smooth. I have a light period (only about 3 days) with minor cramps every month, which sure beats the inconsistent, week-long ones with heavy bleeding and paralyzing cramps that resulted from PCOS. Overall, after almost 3 years, Loestrin has worked great for me and made my menstrual cycle a breeze. As long as you are consistent, it should work fine."

• MJ2...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 15, 2017

For Birth Control "So happy I read these reviews! I was switched onto Blisovi after my beloved Gildess went out of production. Within the first few months, I noticed a massive weight gain (15-20 pounds) that has been impossible to get off with diet and exercise. My anxiety has been through the roof, I bloat the second I so much as look at salt, sleep is on and off, my breasts can get extremely tender, and I no longer get my period at all but experience god-awful cramping and random spotting. I also have a thyroid condition (borderline Hashimoto's), and this has mucked up my head and my mood/depression like crazy. Some days, it's impossible to get out of bed, and my energy is gone by 2 pm. I'm in my first year of marriage, and I've been a miserable fat wench thanks to Blisovi."

• Sli...
• January 15, 2013

For Menstrual Disorders "Loestrin is VERY effective as a contraceptive. However, I am on the pill because of irregular and painful periods. The pill is good, but what bothers me is that my monthly cycle, though tolerable, is COMPLETELY UNPREDICTABLE. The first few months I had a period, short and light. Then my period disappeared, and I thought I was pregnant. My doctor told me this is normal with this pill. After two or three months of no period, it came back preceded by cramping and severe nausea -- I thought I was pregnant AGAIN! The number of days between periods is not consistent. This cycle, I was exhausted, nauseous, and moody a week and a half before the bleeding began. Now I am having nausea, though physical symptoms usually disappear a day or two after bleeding."

• Car...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 30, 2020

For Birth Control "I’ve taken this birth control for 2.5 years and have had a great experience with it. It has prevented pregnancy and completely cleared my hormonal acne within the first year of using it. The only downside has been that my period cramps and symptoms are much worse than they were off birth control. However, I now only lightly bleed 2-3 days instead of heavily bleeding for 5-7 days."

• Kan...
• March 3, 2020

For Birth Control "I’ve been on Junel Fe for about 5 months and haven’t found the relief I was searching for. The first month went on without a breeze, but since then it’s been a disaster. My cramps have lessened but still are a nuisance and require medication to allow me to function properly. My cycle is completely irregular, I haven’t had a period while on my placebo pills the entire time I’ve been on Junel. I bleed on my active pills each month, and it’s still not regular or consistent, which terrifies me, thinking my birth control is not effective. My mood is ALL over the place, and my anxiety has been through the roof. My skin has sorta cleared up, but I contribute that to me not wearing makeup anymore. I contacted my doctor to change pills. This was my first time using birth control, and this experience was far from what I wanted. I kept giving it time so my body could adjust, however, I didn’t want to suffer anymore. Hopefully, I can find something that really fits my needs and doesn’t make things worse."

• Mjj...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 8, 2017

For Birth Control "I personally like this BC. I tried the regular Junel 1/20, but because I'm iron deficient, my dr recommended this one. The only downside I would say is that it gives me cramps, nothing crazy. But I don't usually get cramps, so this was a change for me, but they are mild, nothing I couldn't handle. My skin is clear, it's made me lose weight in general. My sex drive actually got better. My period is super light, lasts about 3 days (: I've been on this one for a month now. With the regular Junel 1/20, I was on it for 6 months, and it was basically the same. I'm happy."

• pos...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 7, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve been on this Larin Fe birth control for five months after being traumatized from Depo-Provera. I literally begged my doctor for the BC pill with the lowest complaints and dosage. It’s been a miracle. So the Larin did clear up my skin (maybe one to two zits a month), my periods are lighter but now consistent, no weight gain, no severe mood swings except right before my period... the only complaint is I cramp most of the month on it, light cramping but still kind of obnoxious. I still am very happy with this birth control thus far."

• Ell...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 6, 2018

For Birth Control "I’m on my third month of Loestrin, and so far I can’t complain much. It’s definitely improved my acne. I still get a few breakouts right before my period starts, but this is still a dramatic improvement from the pizza face I was dealing with before starting this pill. I’m also still spotting the week before my period, but it seems to be going away slowly. Other than that, no mood swings, my weight is still the same, and periods are lighter and shorter with minimal cramping. If things keep going the way they are, I’ll probably stick to this birth control."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 2, 2020

For Birth Control "I was very nervous to start this pill due to the large amount of negative comments about it. I was originally on Taytulla, but that pill caused me to spot each month, and I had terrible cramps almost constantly. I was prescribed Blisovi, but I put off taking it for three months because I was so nervous. However, I am now on my third month of the pill, and I have had no negative side effects, and I honestly really like it. This pill has made me feel normal again. I was emotional at the beginning of taking it, but my hormones have balanced out since. The only thing besides that that has happened is that I have lost 10 pounds, which is honestly very nice. For me, this pill has definitely decreased my appetite. Don't let the negative reviews scare you away, it reacts differently for everyone!"

• Lay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 14, 2019

For Birth Control "I got on these pills to help regulate my periods. Before I started, I used to bleed for a week straight, skip a day, and then bleed another week. It was really annoying, but there was no cramping, just light blood almost every day. About a week after taking Larin Fe, I started feeling extremely depressed, lower self-esteem, I would be crying for absolutely no reason. But along with that, it has made me bleed way more now, where I have to change my tampon nearly every hour and pads around 2 hours. I’ve gotten excruciating cramps and pains so unbearable I will be crying for an hour. I wake up to them in the morning and nights so strong I cannot go back to sleep. I’ve been told to take 2400 mg of ibuprofen daily to help with the bleeding and cramps, but it honestly isn’t enough. I hate feeling like this and I really don’t know what to do."

• Ari...
• March 6, 2019

For Birth Control "This is a HORRIBLE drug. I’ve been on it for three weeks, but today was my LAST time to take one of these pills. I will never take another one. I have experienced the following: — extreme tiredness, sluggishness, and loss of motivation — anxiety and twitchy muscles — cramps and spotting — increased hunger and weight gain despite exercising and mostly clean eating — increased time for eyes to focus — decreased libido — heart palpitations — general malaise/feelings of being unwell. Blisovi 24 FE is NOT good for your body or your mind. I am very regretful that I let myself ingest this stuff. Now I am quitting cold turkey at the end of the third week, hoping that my body will get back to normal soon. Taking this pill was a gigantic mistake."

• Anonymous
• November 17, 2011

For Birth Control "I have been very happy with Junel. This is the 1st pill I have taken without horrible side effects. I experienced slight nausea and cramping on day 2, but that's gone away. I have a slightly elevated hunger level, so I have needed to be conscious of food intake. No bloating, spotting, or weight gain. My libido has increased and my acne cleared up."

• 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."