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

• Anonymous
• July 16, 2010

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Birth Control "I am 5 months postpartum and started taking this pill a couple of months ago. I had lost 15 lbs of my baby weight before starting this pill. After taking Microgestin Fe 1/20, I gained back 10 lbs in the first month. I eat right and exercise 3 times a week and also take my son on walks every day. I should be losing weight, and so far, after gaining back the 10 lbs, the scale will not budge. It made my breasts larger and actually gave me pregnancy symptoms, which I was not a fan of. I have completely lost my sex drive and motivation for anything. My husband has noticed a change in my moods and asked if I'd consider changing birth control because he wants the old me back. I'm completely frustrated with the weight gain."

• Emi...
• August 6, 2014

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Birth Control "I started taking Junel Fe after taking Sprintec for three months, and at first, I liked it. It is effective for birth control, but I had the worst side effects. It made my face break out, I gained some weight, and it made me so moody and depressed. Going on month five, I spent a lot of time sleeping and spending time alone because of the pill."

• Foo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 22, 2019

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Birth Control "At 40 years old, my period was heavy, and my iron was crashing. I had never taken birth control before because I already struggle with weight. After months of dealing with a heavy period, I decided it was time. I explained my weight gain and acne fears (yes, I break out easily) to her, and she told me that Lo Loestrin Fe would be the best for me. I’m on month four, and my skin is horrible. I’ve had to have laser treatments just to calm the inflammation down, and I started having debilitating anxiety. This stuff is poison. I am angry at the gynecologist for even prescribing it!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 31, 2012

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Birth Control "In February, I started Junel. It's been very good with almost everything, but it hasn't helped with my cramping. I have regular periods that aren't heavy or light, they're just sort of painful. I haven't had any breakouts, major weight gain, or bad nausea. As for spotting, it only happened for a few weeks during my first month on Junel. My breasts also grew about a cup size."

• YRa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 22, 2019

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone "My doctor recommended these Blisovi pills to regularize my period and stop menstrual pain. I must say that the experience has been terrible for me. First, I gained 30 pounds, I feel unhappy, I am in a bad mood all the time, my head hurts, I have no sexual desire, and the irregularity of my period continues. I asked my doctor to change this pill, but she insisted on continuing it for 3 months. Reviewed the comments of the other women, I wonder how it is possible that this pill is on the market. I wonder what agency protects patients from situations like these. How is it possible that no one is responsible in cases like this? Our bodies and mental health are at risk, and no one is responsible. I decided to stop the medication today. I would rather have irregular periods than put my body and mental health care on the line."

• Laa...
• December 7, 2020

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "I was very sick after I went through menopause. I became very sick for 3 years. I kept seeing all different doctors, but none of them could help me. I got tiredness, shortness of breath, anxiety, dizziness, fainting, vomiting. After I tried a smaller dose first, up to nearly 2 months, it worked. My driving became confident again, and I got my energy back too. My doctor increased the dose from 1 mg to 2 mg. He thought I should take this medicine rather than those anxiety medicines, as many specialists recommended, and should take it for at least 30 years so it can support my bones too. After 6 weeks in total, my confidence went up to 40%. Now I am still keeping taking it. I am very happy with it, even though my weight gain a bit, but at least my anxieties are lesser. My sleeping is getting better too. So I thought maybe I can help those people who went through menopause like me but never knew that this hormone replacement medicine can help menopause and premenopause and anxiety too. Give it a go."

• Odg...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 14, 2013

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Birth Control "I switched to this birth control from Yaz because my periods (although controlled) were still 7-8 days long and heavy. When I switched to this pill, I gained about 8 lbs, was intensely moody, and noticed my hair and skin became extremely oily. I was on it for 4 months, and it only got worse. I had breakthrough bleeding the entire time. The second month I was on it, I bled for 2 weeks straight. It was absolutely miserable. I know birth control affects every person differently, but this was AWFUL for me."

• Jes...
• July 26, 2010

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Birth Control "I started Loestrin 24 about 5 months ago, and I LOVE it! My boyfriend and I regularly have unprotected sex, and it has done its job so far. The first month of taking Loestrin, I admit, was hell. I was not myself at all. However, I haven't gained any weight, and my periods are super light and last only about 2-3 days. After the first month, I was right back to normal. If a birth control pill, patch, or whatever doesn't feel great the first month, my suggestion is to stick it out until at least the third month because your body will eventually adjust. Also, because Loestrin is such a low dose of hormones, you MUST take it around the same time every day. If not, you will bleed a bit within like 8 hours of a missed pill, and it's annoying."

• Esh...
• January 14, 2015

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Birth Control "This is the best birth control. I had no side effects. Only switching due to high out-of-pocket cost. Experienced no weight gain, acne, mood swings, etc. If you can afford the out-of-pocket cost for this TIER 3 medication, then I definitely recommend it."

• Jos...
• September 8, 2015

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Birth Control "Negative side effects: 1. Weight gain: I'm very petite, and I work out at least 4 times a week. I track my activity using a Fitbit, and while taking this BC, my activity was actually higher than the previous month. That being said, I still gained about 7 pounds. My appetite increased, but not enough to justify this weight gain. By my calculations, I should have been losing weight due to higher activity levels. Additionally, the weight gain only occurred around my midsection, and I felt bloated and uncomfortable. 2. Mood swings: I rarely cry, and when I do, it's for good reason. With this BC, I wanted to cry over everything. 3. Acne: My skin was clear before taking this, and now I have cystic acne all over my forehead and cheeks."

• JKR...
• June 16, 2015

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Birth Control "I have been on this birth control for 7 years and do not have complaints. I never experienced negative side effects and did not gain any weight. Before going on this birth control, my periods were irregular and had been for 6 years. I can pretty much predict the hour I will get my period each month. My periods only last 2-4 days now and are very light. The only 'problem' I have had is, over the past few years, I have skipped a few periods (about 3 or 4 a year). I talked to my OBGYN, and he said that is nothing to worry about. Overall, I think it's a great birth control."

• lu8...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 21, 2017

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Birth Control "I was extremely hesitant to start this pill based on the terrible reviews. I was prescribed this pill after a ruptured ovarian cyst and mildly elevated testosterone levels, so kind of had no choice but to try it. I am on day 5, and so far, so good! I have not experienced any side effects at all. I was really worried about acne and weight gain as side effects. No acne, and I actually seem to be losing weight, which is amazing. I will update again after 1 month of use, but so far, so good!"

• AJa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 31, 2020

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone 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!"

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

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone 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."

• Caz...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 26, 2019

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Birth Control "Obviously, with birth control pills, you need to find one that's right for you, so what's right for some might not work for everyone. That being said, don't be scared off by a lot of the negative reviews. I got on Blisovi Fe 1/20 to skip my period, and it does the job nicely. Aside from spotting in the first month, I've been period-free. I've been on another pill before, I don't remember what it was called, but I have never experienced any negative symptoms with that one or this pill either. No breakouts, no weight gain, no extra hair in odd places, and I haven't gotten pregnant either. Aside from not having a period, literally nothing has changed for me."

• NYC...
• February 24, 2014

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Birth Control "I've only been on Lo Loestrin for a couple of months, but I am very pleased so far. With other pills (and I've been on plenty), I break out, gain weight, am extremely moody, but this one has been a breeze. My skin looks great, I haven't gained weight (my breasts are slightly bigger), and my mood is great. I think I finally found a pill that works for me. I also love that they offer a coupon card, which makes my payment $35!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 25, 2012

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Birth Control "I've been on this pill for 4 months now. It was my first ever, so I was really nervous! While taking it, everything was normal, no side effects, which was a plus! Before the pill, my period was for 5-6 days, and on the pill, it was only 2-3 days, which was great! In my 3rd and 4th months, I was spotting a lot! On top of that, I was getting my period, which was a pain! No weight gain and acne, my sex drive increased."

• Jma...
• November 6, 2017

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Birth Control "I switched from a triphasic pill to Blisovi, and I have been very pleased. I have not experienced any negative side effects, such as spotting or weight gain. My period came on the third day of the placebo pill and lasted less than 3 days. My best advice is that everyone is different. I was very discouraged when I read some of these reviews, but it all turned out okay!"

• Pep...
• September 5, 2019

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Birth Control "My experience with this pill was horrible. The first month was fine besides some nausea and minor weight gain (mostly in breasts). By the second pack, I was an emotional wreck. All my underlying depression and PTSD came back tenfold. I cry all the time, and I never used to cry. My anxiety is horrible-and it had been under control before I started this pill. I started taking it because I have PCOS and hadn’t had a period in 10 months. I will say it did regulate my cycle, and I haven’t had any skin issues, cramps, or migraines... but wow, nothing would make this pill worth it."

• Anonymous
• July 28, 2016

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Birth Control "Excellent! Do not be afraid of the reviews. Everyone is different. I'm 47, tried others, but this is by far the best! No weight gain, less mood swings, overall fantastic. Biggest challenge is taking the pill at the same time every day."

• Anonymous
• July 13, 2009

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone 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."

• 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."

• Ohi...
• April 7, 2020

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Birth Control "I wanted to share my experience with this birth control because of the bad reviews. I’ve been on it for about two months now, and the only bad side effect I’ve had is sore breasts (they are REALLY sore before my period, to the point I need to put ice on them). Other than that, I’ve really liked this pill. I’m a 23 y/o with an average diet, and I work out 3-4 times a week. I haven’t had any weight gain or issues with cravings on it yet. My sex drive doesn't feel like it’s changed, but I also have a pretty high one, so maybe it’s just become more normal. I had some light spotting when I first started the pill, but it regulated quickly. I previously took Camilla and spotted ALL the time, even after using the pill religiously for a year. My gynecologist said it’s possible on June that I’ll get to the point where I have no periods at all. Overall, I’ve had a pretty good experience, so I would just recommend trying it if your doctor thinks it could work best with your body."

• Sal...
• September 9, 2014

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I was on Gianvi before, which gave me horrible mood swings, I put on weight, and I had my period every day. I was then switched to Gildess Fe, and I love it. My weight went down, and it's easy for me to lose weight. I don't really have junk cravings, and I don't get my period. The first month of taking this medicine, I spotted every day, but by the second pack, all my spotting was gone. Definitely would recommend this medicine."

• VAa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 10, 2019

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Birth Control "Was on this BC for 6 months, and it was the first pill I had taken for a long period of time. Cleared my acne miraculously, got a lot of comments about how clear my skin was! I did, however, gain a little weight (like 5 lbs) and was incredibly moody. I don’t typically cry very often, but this medication made me burst into tears at the slightest thing. My periods became incredibly light and would last for a day, if that. Never had any other issues."