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

• Kay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 14, 2019

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Birth Control "Wow, this birth control made me have sexual dysfunction!!! I’m 22 and couldn’t have sex, it altered the way I felt about sex, not wanting to be touched, grossed out by the fact my boyfriend wanted to have sex. I had no sensitivity on my body. I thought I was losing my mind. Completely no libido."

• Kay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 14, 2019

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Birth Control "Wow, this birth control made me have sexual dysfunction!!! I’m 22 and couldn’t have sex, it altered the way I felt about sex, not wanting to be touched, grossed out by the fact my boyfriend wanted to have sex. I had no sensitivity on my body. I thought I was losing my mind. Completely no libido."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 26, 2025

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Birth Control "I have been on Nortrel for about 5 years. I am considering getting off the pill to let my body breathe and balance my hormones. Since starting the pill, I have noticed my hair has thinned a bit, mood swings/irritability, low libido, and I usually need a nap throughout the day (I know this is common with many BC pills). Also, over the past 5 years, my blood work has changed quite a bit negatively, and I can’t help but think the pill is contributing to it, as I eat a healthy diet and work out. This past year, I developed a benign tumor in my breast (a fibroadenoma), which my doctor said can be linked to hormonal birth control. I had to have surgery to get this removed and am using this as my sign to get off birth control in general. The pros of this pill are it cleared my acne, and I haven’t gotten pregnant. I am considering getting an Oura ring and seeing how it goes tracking ovulation naturally."

• McK...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 26, 2023

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Birth Control "I tried this medication for 2 years, and the negative effects didn't start until about 6 months into taking it. I experienced irregular periods, with only one occurring every 3-5 months. Additionally, I suffered from terrible anxiety, irrational fears, chest pains, mood swings, and prolonged periods of agitation for no apparent reason. I completely lost interest in sex, had night terrors, and felt paranoid, especially regarding personal safety. I ended up making several visits to the emergency room, believing I was having a heart attack, only to be told it was just anxiety. My stomach was upset every day for over a year, starting from the time I woke up (6 AM) until around 2 PM. (I took my pill at night before bed.) These side effects affected all my personal relationships because I constantly avoided being around people. After being off the pill for over 3 weeks, I have finally started to feel more like myself. Week by week, I noticed significant improvements. My sex drive has returned, my mind feels clear, and I am genuinely happy again. I am no longer overwhelmed, and I have regained my patience while losing the constant irritation I used to feel. It's important to share your story and experiences."

• Aca...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 2, 2019

For Acne "I am on the pill, first and foremost, for birth control. My skin was so bad, more than it ever had been, so I had my doctor put me on a pill that was better for acne than the one I was on. There are a few negatives. I have gained a little weight (this could be related to other stuff, though), and I have virtually no sex drive, but that’s on any pill for me. This pill FOR ACNE WORKS. This pill helped to completely change my skin like I never had been able to achieve before. My skin was so blotchy, uneven, and rough, and I still got whiteheads, and I had not left the house without foundation since I was 16. I’m 29 now, and the only time I wear foundation now is for special occasions. Very grateful for the clear skin I have now."

• Ali...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 18, 2022

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Birth Control "I was originally on Junel Fe until my insurance switched me to Amethia, which I had spotting on for over a year, until I was able to get switched to Hailey… unfortunately, this pill is the worst I’ve ever been on. I’ve bled constantly since I started it, almost to the point of it being a full period, which I use birth control to skip because I have endometriosis, so, not ideal. I already struggle with mental health, but I have never felt this bad on any other pill, the anxiety is constant, I have frequent stomachaches from my nerves, I don’t feel in control of myself, and I keep having random crying fits, but I’m completely numb. My sex drive is nonexistent, and that’s never been an issue before. Thankfully, I haven’t been breaking out, as I’ve seen others mention, but that’s about the only upside. Obviously, everyone will have a different reaction to medication, but I only have negative things to say about this one and can’t recommend it at all."

• And...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 20, 2020

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Birth Control "I was previously on Sprintec and didn't realize how depressed Sprintec made me feel until I switched to Lo Loestrin Fe. This one is so much better for me! I don't notice any side effects other than a slightly decreased sex drive. I no longer get a period, which is a plus. Not much to say other than it treats me well."

• Mae...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 2, 2017

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Birth Control "Severe acne, low sex drive, vaginal dryness, extreme nausea and vomiting at the start of each pack, turned me into a raging psycho most of the time (literally felt like a different person on this pill, it was amazing getting off this and feeling like a cloud of anger and anxiety had been lifted off my shoulders). But the real kicker was when I started experiencing random shooting pain in my right front thigh, followed by right leg numbness. Fast forward a few more weeks and both legs started going numb, and I got shooting pain that would travel up to my chest and arms. Doctors couldn't determine what was going on exactly (my BP was normal) but advised me to get off the pill, which I gladly did. Craziest BC experience of my life by far."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 30, 2014

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Birth Control "Was on for 4 months or so... It was okay. I didn't have any of the 'common' side effects, and my mood was good. My period was light with minimal cramps and PMS. But-- I lost my libido completely and felt that I gained more weight on my thighs (and cellulite) despite eating healthy and working out-- never had this problem previously. I am having the IUD Skyla put in tomorrow. My doctor said that this should be 'it'. Minastrin may work for other women, but the no sex drive and weight gain was enough for me to throw in the towel."

• Ari...
• March 6, 2019

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone 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
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 12, 2018

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Birth Control "I was on Junel FE 1/20 for three years and didn't have a problem. My insurance company decided to switch my generic up and give me Blisovi FE 1/20. I didn't think anything of it because it's the same drug. I've been on the Blisovi for 1.5 years and have had a terrible time, but just now realizing it's this medication. It's made with talc and aluminum. I'm having neuromuscular aches and pains, a sign of aluminum toxicity, have had zero sex drive, and had more anxiety and mood swings. I finally got my insurance to put me back on Junel FE 1/20 three months ago, and all my problems went away within the first month. Don't waste your time on Blisovi. Tell your doctor and insurance company to get you on a different generic with no talc and aluminum."

• mar...
• July 9, 2019

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Birth Control "I started taking this when I was a senior in high school (17 1/2 years old). I had no problems until about a year later. I have been constantly tired, my muscles have been twitching, I cry over everything, and I have no sex drive. At 19 years old, I’m coming up with excuses to not have sex with my boyfriend. It’s horrible. I thought I was going crazy until I read these comments, and I’m glad to know it’s just this birth control. I’m definitely talking to my gyno about switching next month when I go."

• Pin...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 14, 2019

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Birth Control "Do not take this birth control! It is a nightmare! The first couple of months on Blisovi 24 Fe were fine, but starting around month 6, I was so depressed, wanted to sleep all day, not motivated. Horrible mood swings, no sex drive at all! The worst acne I have ever experienced! I have never had acne until I started this pill. I have been off this birth control for two days and already feel 100 times better! Find another pill to take because this is not worth it!"

• Meg...
• September 5, 2015

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Birth Control "After reading many of the reviews on the BC, I've concluded the three things common in most people are mood swings, depression, and loss of sex drive. I'm 29, I've been on this pill for four months, and all of these are true for me. No interest in sex at all, my boyfriend gets on my nerves all the time, and I cry pretty much every other day for no reason. What differs from me in most reviews, I have not had a period at all since I started taking it (DR says it's fine, but I'm not sure how I feel), I didn't get acne (didn't really have a problem to begin with), and I gained weight so my pants barely fit (mostly in the stomach area. May be bloating?). I feel my depression and moodiness are getting worse, so I think it's time for a change."

• cla...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 24, 2014

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Birth Control "I've been on Microgestin for almost three months now; I switched over from Previfem. During the first month or so, my sex drive decreased a bit, and I was nauseated in the morning sometimes. I did notice some mood swings, too. Since I've been on it for a while, though, the symptoms have let up. My withdrawal bleeds only last for about 3-5 days, and they're light. I do have backaches and cramps periodically throughout my cycle, but they're manageable with a little ibuprofen. My breasts swell a bit and get sore around my placebo week, but that's not really a big deal. Overall, I'm happy with Microgestin. I haven't gotten pregnant, so that's awesome, and the side effects are minimal. Also, my skin is looking good!"

• FBa...
• June 7, 2019

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Birth Control "I have been on several different forms of the pill for the last 5 years. I have been on this one for the past 6 months, and it is hands down the worst one to date. It gave me mood swings, no sex drive at all, horrible migraines, nausea, bloating, anxiety, and depression. I stopped taking it completely 2 weeks ago and have already noticed a huge difference. Yes, this pill is great at preventing pregnancy, but that's about it, and the side effects are not worth it. Please do not take this pill."

• Noe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 2, 2020

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Birth Control "I have been taking Larin Fe 1/20 for about 2 weeks now, and I’ve got to say that it is the worst I’ve ever felt on any birth control. Horrible nausea shortly after taking it, and increased anxiety and constant panicky, and on verge of tears feeling. I am a person that never dreams or remembers any dreams, at least, and ever since starting this pill, I have had nightmares almost every night and wake up in a panic in the middle of the night and resume nightmares when going back to sleep till morning. Insane mood swings and frequent hot flashes. Zero sex drive, so in that case, it is effective as birth control because it makes you not want to do anything at all. Not worth it. Only going to go to the end of this pack to not throw off my cycle completely, and I am never taking it again. Should be taken off the market after seeing all of the other negative reviews about it too. Scary stuff."

• dev...
• October 1, 2014

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Birth Control "I have been on this pill for 3 weeks and already can't wait to switch to something else. After the first week, I became severely depressed with heavy mood swings and no sex drive at all. I cried at everything. I felt nauseous almost every day."

• Clo...
• February 15, 2015

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Birth Control "I have been on a low hormone pill for almost 10 years, this one has been the worst. I've been taking Gildess for about 4 months now and have noticed the worst of the side effects within the last two months. I'm incredibly moody, kind of depressed (weird highs and lows), almost no sex drive whatsoever, and have gained about 10 pounds. I really don't feel like myself anymore, and unfortunately, it took me a while to figure out that it was the birth control that has been causing this. I will be switching ASAP."

• Sam...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 23, 2018

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Birth Control "DO NOT TAKE BLISOVI!!! My pharmacy switched me over from Microgestin Fe to Blisovi Fe due to insurance reasons. I had no bad symptoms on Microgestin besides gaining a few pounds, which is fine because I am very thin. But anyway, since taking Blisovi, I have had horrible anxiety, am exhausted all the time even though I sleep enough, NO libido, blurry vision, always feel like I am in a fog, and horrible migraines. It did work effectively as a birth control, but that is mainly due to the fact that it caused me to have ZERO desire for sex. It was horrible. On top of the anxiety and constant state of EXHAUSTION. I’m telling you I felt like I never got any sleep when I was sleeping 8-10 hours a night. But luckily, my new insurance covers Microgestin, so I am switching back ASAP!!"

• sta...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 19, 2019

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Birth Control "I've been taking Junel for 4 years and have always thought the pill worked great. No pregnancy, no weight gain, lighter periods, etc. But now I am starting to wonder if my more frequent hair loss is because of it. My hair was very thick before starting the pill, and now I have average to thin hair. It has really thinned my hair out by my part line, to the point where I don't feel comfortable putting my hair in a high bun without a headband. I never put two and two together, but I also have no sex drive since starting the pill. After reading these reviews, I'm starting to wonder if it's all because of the pill."

• Bel...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 1, 2021

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Birth Control "My ob-gyn prescribed this to me to treat menopause symptoms. Well, peri-menopause. I was still ovulating and having some periods sporadically. She also prescribed a low-dose testosterone gel to go along with it. The combination was life-changing! I felt like my old self again! My symptoms were major fatigue, anxiety, joint pain, loss of sex drive, loss of all motivation, and weight gain. After taking the combo of Larin Fe and testosterone, I felt so much better. I’m like a different person now. This review is supposed to be about Larin Fe, and I can say it is responsible for helping me feel myself again. I was on it for several weeks before the testosterone and no longer had hot flashes or mood swings. The testosterone gel added to it was a perfect combo. Finally, an ob-gyn who knew what they were doing! All the others kept giving me estrogen and progestin pills, but my hormones were still fluctuating. The Larin Fe took over and kept my levels at a steady rate."

• Fab...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 1, 2016

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Birth Control "Worst birth control ever! I was taking this pill for a little over a year, and yeah, I gained about 10 lbs and had breakouts, but the real issues were that it made me extremely irritable, emotional, as well as depressed. My sex drive became nonexistent, and I was having severe dryness, plus yeast infections. So I guess, yes, it completely worked as an effective birth control because I just didn't want to have sex, plus what boyfriend would want to have sex with their emotionally crazy girlfriend who is dry or having a yeast infection? Honestly, I've been off of it for 6 months, but I remember even after the first week off, my body was normalizing, and I felt radiant! Stay away from this pill! You've been warned."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 24, 2014

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Birth Control "I've been taking this medication for about a year and a half now. I began taking it because other birth controls made me moody and the obvious fact that I'm not ready to be pregnant yet. This medication definitely makes you nauseous. I feel nauseous nearly every day. I haven't had a period since the first two months that I started the pill. Normally, I wouldn't complain about a lack of periods, but other side effects I've had include frequent (I'm talking back to back to back) yeast infections and (TMI) vaginal dryness. Intercourse can be very painful. I'm switching off of this medication as I have tried everything to no avail. Being on birth control seems pointless if I can't even have sex."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 3, 2020

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Birth Control "I have been on this birth control for a year now. My skin is clear, and I haven’t had a pregnancy. Because of this, I have been pretty happy with it until I realized I gained 25 lbs. For perspective, I started at 115, so 25 lbs is a huge gain for me. I started researching side effects of this birth control, and I realized that this is likely the cause of other issues in my life. My sex drive has been at an all-time low. I don’t want to give or receive oral, sex feels like a chore, and I’m not even turned on by the thought of it anymore. Additionally, my breasts are constantly sore. Lastly, I had to get prescribed an anxiety medication a few months ago. I have always had anxiety, but I have been able to keep it under control until recently. If I was cognizant of these symptoms a while back, I would’ve stopped. I’m so discouraged that this birth control could’ve disrupted my relationship and my self-esteem."