Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 3)

• 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."

• Ran...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 15, 2021

For Birth Control "This is the worst birth control I’ve ever taken. How could this be sold to women as a form of contraceptive? I was on it for 3 months and experienced terrible nausea, headaches, back pain, cramping. You name it. I was originally taking Junel and had no issues. I am now done taking birth control as my body cannot take this anymore."

• Anonymous
• December 22, 2020

For Birth Control "I was on this for a month and a half. First month I was so nauseous and had horrible headaches. Also had been super anxious and emotional. Start of my second pill pack I got borderline cystic acne out of nowhere. I just switched back to my old birth control. I googled the reviews tonight and saw that 80% had negative effects, no wonder I feel and look like this. I can’t believe anyone thought to prescribe this to me, I’m actually livid. Four days before Christmas and I have over 25 pimples on my face. When I say last Friday my skin was clean, I’m not kidding. Livid."

• Jen...
• August 21, 2019

For Birth Control "I had been taking Microgestin for 2 years, lost my insurance, and had to take a break from my birth control. Finally got my insurance after about a 6-month break. I went to see my doctor, and she gave me Lo Loestrin. I took that for 3 months, but got no periods and no side effects. I wanted at least a light period to know I’m not pregnant. I was then given this Blisovi. The first week was bad with nausea and headaches. It was horrible, but the third week it got extremely bad. I started to get vertigo, and it absolutely wrecked my month. I went to a concert, had one drink, and almost fainted. I’ve taken 1/20 before, but something about this BC is not working. Good luck, ladies, hope this helps."

• tan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 13, 2019

For Birth Control "I thought I was the only one experiencing such negative side effects on this birth control, but after reading all the reviews, it makes sense to me. I was only on Microgestin Fe 1.5/30 for about three months, but I was the most miserable I have ever been. I had constant mood swings and was always crying. I had low energy, no excitement for anything, and angry for no reason! I would have headaches almost every week. Everyone could tell something was wrong with me, and I thought I was going insane, but really it was the pill. It made my periods more painful, and my cramps were worse. I would stay away from this pill."

• ABa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 17, 2018

For Birth Control "Before I started this medication, I had read reviews of it, and I was horrified. It's now been a year and four months that I've been on Junel Fe, and I honestly haven't encountered any issues. Before I was on birth control, I was depressed, had anxiety attacks very often, always tired, had my period for at least six days, and had a lot of cramping. I never had any issues with having acne. Ever since I started, I feel like a whole new person. Zero anxiety attacks, no longer depressed, very light periods that last three days (at most), no cramping at all, and still no issues with acne. I constantly see reviews that other people leave saying that they're constantly nauseous or having headaches or gaining weight, but I personally haven't had any of these issues. Although this medication doesn't work well for some people, it works perfectly for me! Don't let other reviews discourage you. I almost didn't start using this medication due to the bad reviews I had read. I'm also glad I'm not pregnant."

• Ali...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 5, 2020

For Birth Control "Wishing I would have read reviews on Junel Fe 1.5/30 before taking this pill. I've been taking it for about 1 year, and I didn't really notice it until my boyfriend pointed out that I've become more angry, upset, I cry more often, constant headaches. I'm just super moody, and I've gained some weight. The ONLY thing I like about it is that I don't have any periods, which is lovely, but not with all the side effects. I'm definitely switching to another birth control or just getting off it completely."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 21, 2013

For Birth Control "I'm 26, first birth control pills I've ever used. I'm on my fourth month, getting close to starting the fifth pack. Pros thus far: no breast tenderness (they did increase in size), no acne (skin actually cleared up), no weight gain (I'm very active to begin with), no nausea or headaches, much lighter periods (prior to the pill, my periods were heavy enough where both a pad and a tampon were needed... Now a tampon alone is good enough!) Cons: ever since starting it, I've been having two periods a month... 15-day cycle and it's about two days longer than the period prior to taking this pill. The pros definitely outweigh the con, but I can't stand having two periods a month!"

• Jan...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 9, 2020

For Birth Control "I’ve been on Junel Fe 1/20 for 10 months, and it has sucked! When I first started taking the pill, I had a period for like 10 days, and it was super heavy. My gynecologist put me on this for my PCOS, and it’s my first time ever taking birth control. This pill has made me over-emotional, angry, and I cry like a lot. It has worsened my depression, and it also has made my hair grow back faster, like underneath my chin. I’ve even noticed hair growing in places that it shouldn’t be. I get severe headaches, and my heart races a lot on this medication. I am quitting this birth control, and I will not try any new ones. I do not recommend this birth control at all."

• Gan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 10, 2020

For Birth Control "I have never been on birth control and was always kind of opposed to it, given the horror stories of side effects I had heard of. However, my gyno talked me into trying Taytulla. I was so nervous to try it, especially after reading some of these reviews, but honestly, I am so glad I did. I just finished the first month, and so far the only side effect I've noticed is an increase in appetite. That's it! No nausea, mood changes, headaches, or anything like that. There was one day with some random, very minimal spotting. Right now I'm on my first period since starting Taytulla, and it is drastically a lighter flow, which is really nice. Another perk I've noticed is clearer skin. It has only been one month, so I really hope things continue this way and no worse side effects present themselves. Based on my experience so far, I would definitely recommend it, but it seems it's different for everyone."

• 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!"

• MoM...
• July 2, 2021

For Birth Control "I took Loestrin Fe 1/20 for 4 days. Worst 4 days of my life. Immediately after taking the pill, I was extremely tired and felt like I had just taken NyQuil. I also experienced a massive loss of appetite and nausea. I had weird, sharp headaches and knee pain in a way I had never felt before. On my 4th and final day on this awful pill, I had a MASSIVE panic attack and horrible anxiety. I do not normally have panic attacks and rarely have anxiety. But I was on the couch curled up in a ball, so, so sad and angry about absolutely nothing. My poor boyfriend. Anyways, I immediately stopped taking it and am looking into an IUD right now. I had such a terrible experience with the hormones, I am looking to stay away from those. Everyone’s body is different, and I don’t mean to scare anyone. But do your research and listen to YOUR body."

• Ema...
• February 9, 2021

For Birth Control "My NP prescribed this to me after I came to her with complaints of severe PMS. However, this pill has done anything but prevent it. I’m currently in the middle of my second pack on the pill, and I’ve noticed severe changes. My depression before starting my period was bad prior to starting the pill, but the pill has heightened it. I feel so depressed now and also get much more emotional—both angry and sad (crying). The PMS feels like it lasts the entire month. My acne does not seem to be improving, either. My periods are somewhat shorter yet are irregular (it came unexpectedly 2 weeks earlier). Not to mention—I have bad physical PMS, such as headaches, nausea, and more, which I’ve never had before. In my personal opinion, this pill has done me no justice, and I will be switching as soon as I can. I want to feel like myself again."

• Hea...
• October 7, 2014

For Birth Control "I have been on Minastrin 24 Fe for 2 months now. I wasn't on any birth control previously. I have not noticed any weight gain...if anything, I've noticed a decrease in my appetite. I do have slight headaches daily, but not anything Tylenol can't fix, and they are slowly subsiding. They were pretty brutal in the first month. The biggest side effect I've noticed is how emotional I am! I used to NEVER cry, and now if my boyfriend even looks at me the wrong way, I start crying! It's ridiculous. Sometimes I feel like I'm about to cry, and I have absolutely no idea why! Also, my periods are lighter and shorter, but I still have a little spotting. The doctor told me this would happen. I'll keep taking it for now."

• mom...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 26, 2014

For Birth Control "Month 1 OK. Nothing that noticeable. Month 2 extremely tired all the time. No patience, overemotional, beyond ragey. Full period on the second week of the pack. Dry, flaky patch on my usually non-acne face. Headaches, some abdominal cramps. Want to give it a chance, but the tiredness I can't deal with... the side effects of feeling depressed."

• Loe...
• September 14, 2015

For Birth Control "After only taking this pill for 14 days, I made the decision to discontinue it. For me, this medication makes me miserable. The problems I experienced were: major anxiety, irritability and agitation; nausea; one episode of extreme dizziness and headache to the point I wondered if I was having a stroke; breast tenderness; fluid retention; fatigue; strange dryness around my gums; abdominal cramps; and a noticeable change in my bowel movements; an absolute loss of libido. It is hard to believe that a little BC pill can wreck your physical and emotional well-being in less than 14 days. I will never take this pill again!"

• Em ...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 3, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been on this same pill for about 5 years now, and I would recommend it to every girl I knew if I could. At first, I thought it was a little strange that I didn't get my period, but I talked to my doctor, and she assured me that not getting a period was normal as long as I took my pills correctly. Not having a period is fantastic and one less thing to worry about every month, in my opinion. Every once in a while, I'll experience some light cramps right before I finish a pack (around the time I should have my period), but other than that, I love this pill! I also have not experienced any weight gain or headaches! :-)"

• did...
• August 30, 2009

For Birth Control "This is my first pack of Microgestin Fe 1/20. I asked two of my coworkers if they liked being on this pill, and they said it was okay. Unfortunately, I get headaches like crazy. I'm finding that for every pill I take, I also take an Advil! The only positive thing from this pill is that it's making my breasts grow (I'm on the smaller side). My breasts do hurt and are tender all the time. Not sure if I want to continue this pill because the headaches are really interrupting my lifestyle. Not to mention, I get super moody. I tell people not to take it personally, that it's my hormones. Definitely, more negative than positive."

• 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."

• jiq...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 5, 2018

For Birth Control "I switched to Junel 1/20 recently from taking Tri Sprintec. And personally, I enjoy Junel 1/20 so much more. The only side effects I get are having a headache, feeling drowsy after 1 hour of taking it, loss of appetite, and a little mood swings. Yeah, these are side effects that many may be frightened of, but honestly, it's so much better than my side effects from taking Tri Sprintec. When I took Tri Sprintec, my side effects were depression, weight gain, breast growth, cramps, and constantly being in a bad mood."

• Ash...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 12, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been on this birth control for about 4 months now. It is the worst pill I have ever taken. The only positive thing about it is my periods last maybe 4 days and are very light. The negatives... I can't control my acne breakouts. I have NO sex drive. I have constant mood swings. I feel like I'm a teenager again. I also have headaches, and I have trouble staying asleep at night. It just makes me feel NOT MYSELF. I made an appointment with my gyno for a visit. I am never using this birth control again. I thought I was crazy, but I read other reviews, and I guess I have a lot in common with many others that have taken this pill before. It's horrible! I am grateful for those people that it helps, but this is definitely not the pill for me."

• DWa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 18, 2020

For Birth Control "Horrible. Absolutely horrible. My pharmacy switched me from Junel to Aurovela. Here’s what I have experienced: headaches, nausea, dizziness, acne, crying, yeast infection, and probably worst of all, anger. Like, someone is going to get hurt, anger. In my 22 years on BC pills, this is the worst one. I’m going to stop these and wait till my next refill and insist I get Junel again."

• sam...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 11, 2015

For Birth Control "I was never able to take 'the pill' due to side effects of nausea, headaches, and other issues. I am 41 years old, and my gynecologist said to try this one and see, and I knew right when I started it that I was not having any issues at all. I do not feel sick or have any headaches. I do not have a problem with my sex drive, and my weight is the same. I have been on it for about 2 years now. I am very happy that this one came out, and for me it has been great. I know everyone reacts differently."

• Anonymous
• November 15, 2012

For Birth Control "I was on Loestrin 24 Fe for about 2 months. I'm active and have a very busy lifestyle, but this pill just made me feel like a lunatic. I felt like I was on the verge of crying all the time, really depressed, really anxious, and really tired. Serious mood swings, headaches, breast tenderness, acne - it also made me starving - like permanent PMS. I didn't want to work out and I didn't want to socialize. I gained maybe 5 lbs, but that's probably from not working out and eating way more. It did make my heavy, crampy periods light and short, and my breasts noticeably bigger. Birth control is different for everyone, I'm very in tune with my cycle, when I'm ovulating, and very sensitive to a shift in my hormones. This one was just not right for me."

• Hey...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 4, 2019

For Birth Control "I will give this Junel Fe 1/20 pill a 5/10. So, I have taken this pill for 3 months, this is my first time using a BC. It didn't give me such horrible side effects like going crazy (even though my bf stated that I was meaner during that time). My sex drive was the same, no change, no weight gain, only got the headaches the first month, after that it almost felt like nothing. BUT the biggest thing about this pill was I've had back-to-back yeast infections, especially on the week before my period. IT WAS THE MOST HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE to go through. I did not want to believe that it was the BC, but I was desperate to get rid of the yeast infection after all the meds that I had that didn't work. It has been 3 weeks since I got off this pill, and I finally feel like me again, with no mild or severe symptoms of yeast infection."