Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 5)

• 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."

• Cat...
• October 4, 2017

For Birth Control "Okay, I used to be on Lomedia, then I was put on Minestrin for some reason a few years ago, then for some UNKNOWN reason they stopped making that, so I was forced to accept Blisovi. Honestly, I think I hate this pill more than Trump. I was fine with it for the first few months (all you 'nice' reviewers need to wait a few months to really know what you're dealing with). I barely got my period at all and sometimes not at all, which was nice but also scary at first because that has never happened. I have been on birth control for over 10 years now, and this is the worst by far. I thought I was just getting older, but I have gained weight (10-15 lbs) way faster than I ever have in the past, and it's hard to get off. My moods are terrible, and I spot now."

• fai...
• March 29, 2012

"I love Junel. I was switched to Junel after my previous birth control had me bleeding for 3 weeks at a time every month, and I got really depressed and gained a bunch of weight. Now I am on Junel, and I LOVE IT. I have lost 10 pounds, my headaches and acne are gone, my depression has decreased, no more fatigue, and I have yet to have a heavy period. I only have 3 days of light spotting, and I must say my sex drive has finally come back since my last birth control completely diminished it."

• Ivo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 18, 2013

For Birth Control "I recently switched from Microgestin 1/20 to the 1.5/30 (gynecologist suggestion). I noticed even less cramping, a less heavy period, however, I did get a few cystic nodular pimples around my mouth. I am not sure if it's because of the increase in hormones or something else, however, I will wait for a few more months (I've been on this new birth control for about 2 months) to see if it goes away or gets better. I may switch back to the 1/20 if the acne doesn't get better. I also noticed a few pounds of weight gain."

• Ano...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 12, 2024

For Birth Control "I have read a lot of bad reviews on this birth control, however, I have taken this for about five years, and I love it!! Almost no side effects for me-no noticeable weight gain or feeling crazy emotions-and effective in preventing pregnancy. We are all different, so one that is perfect for me might be a nightmare to someone else. Only recently, I have had issues with my period coming early-the 3rd week of the pack-and I bleed for almost two weeks. So sad because now I have to try a new one. I take my BC religiously, so it's not due to inconsistency, nor am I pregnant. I just think my body is changing, and Junel Fe is not the one for me anymore. I am nervous to try a new one since this has been perfect for me! There are horror stories on every pill, but I definitely recommend this BC! Hope this helps those trying to find their pill!"

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

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."

• Sar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 27, 2021

For Birth Control "I was on Junel for two years before my pharmacy switched to Aurovela. Never in my life have I been so depressed for no reason whatsoever. I’ve been experiencing rage issues, which is very unlike me-overly emotional-and then to complete apathy at the flip of a switch. I’m always nauseated and gaining weight despite working out 6 days a week. I’ve never had issues about being down on myself, but here I am absolutely disgusted with every aspect of my body and mind. I feel like I am losing my sanity and will not be starting the new pack."

• Mfe...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 17, 2021

For Birth Control "Ok, so I’ve been on Blisovi Fe for about a year and some change now. Never experienced so much anxiety in my life. Every day I would wake up anxious, stomach issues, etc. I finally came to the realization I’m not the only one who has felt this. I stopped a few days ago, and I’m feeling mentally better. I didn’t experience any weight gain, nausea, acne, or anything other than anxiety. This BC may not be right for everyone. I would have stayed on if it wasn’t for the increased anxiety."

• Dar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 13, 2019

For Birth Control "So I had been taking Junel 24 Fe for a few years now, and at the beginning of the year, I was switched to Blisovi, for I was told Junel was no longer on the market. I loved Junel. I had no weight issues, the medicine worked as intended. Now that I'm on Blisovi, I have gained close to 30 pounds in a matter of 3 months. I was gaining roughly 2 pounds a week at the beginning and now gaining 4 or 5 pounds a week. I never had many issues with my weight: 115ish at 5'1. I'm now at 152 lb at my latest weigh-in. This is the most I have ever weighed in my life, and I'm considered obese. Besides that, my mood swings have been terrible. I used to never fight with my boyfriend, and now constantly do, and I hate it. We used to get along so well. I have also been extremely paranoid about so many things that it makes me physically sick. I would not recommend this medication to anyone unless it's your only option for BC."

• Anonymous
• December 1, 2011

For Birth Control "I have been on Microgestin for a few years. For the most part, my experience has been very positive: I have not experienced unusual mood swings, weight gain, or changes in sex drive. The pill also regulated my period, which had been very irregular before, and my cramps became much less painful. After long-term use, my period became lighter and finally disappeared, which makes me paranoid about pregnancy, so I use an over-the-counter test every couple of months. At the same time, I also became drier and drier until sex became very difficult. However, I have been able to combat the vaginal dryness pretty effectively by making sure to stay very hydrated all day long and especially where exercise or alcohol are concerned."

• Anonymous
• October 30, 2012

For Birth Control "I have been on the Lo Loestrin for 4 months now. My last period was extremely light and left me wondering if I had been pregnant. I take my pill regularly and have never missed, but the sudden light period frightened me. I took several tests, which came out negative. However, I have gained at least 10 pounds and have grown a cup size. My breasts are always tender and sore. I have noticed a significant level of depression in my attitude since I started the pill. It has helped with my acne and made my periods lighter with less cramping, but the bloating lasts for the majority of the month and food cravings come often. I am thinking of stopping the use of this pill."

• 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."

• bee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 23, 2014

For Birth Control "This is my second month of using the pill, and I'm in love with it. No headaches, no weight gain, periods are lighter, some emotional stuff, but I mean, I can fix that, and so can anyone else; but just like anything else, everyone's body will react differently to it."

• Kid...
• August 27, 2015

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I just switched to this pill from one that made me gain weight (all to boobs and butt, so I'm not reeeeeally complaining, but still). This is my first period with this pill, and I'm rejoicing. I've always had extra heavy periods, and they usually last 8-9 days, so it was basically hell. I had gotten used to sleeping on a towel, I always ended up leaking onto my sheets and ruining them, and I was resigned to a life of painfully large super tampons. But today - I wore a regular tampon and didn't leak? And I can wear a regular pad and sleep without a towel? This is amazing, and I love it."

• hey...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 9, 2020

For Birth Control "This pill is horrible! I had been on a birth control for about 2 years before it that eventually gave me hyperpigmentation, so I switched to a lighter hormone. I have been taking Lo Loestrin for 3 months (going on my 4th), and I have not gotten my period yet (I’m not pregnant). I still break out during the time I would get my period. This month I had breakthrough bleeding, but it lasted one day. I am now working on switching pills, this was not the one for me and only made me feel like I had gained weight and lowered my self-esteem immensely."

• Anonymous
• January 3, 2022

For Birth Control "I was scared to start this birth control from the reviews I have read, but I have had zero issues with it. I have been on Lo Loestrin Fe for 4 years and needed to switch because of insurance issues. I did not gain any weight, break out, or have any unwanted side effects. My boobs felt a little swollen for the first week or so, but that quickly faded. I got my period when expected, and it was so light for 3 days. I have had no issues, and I am pleasantly surprised with how easily I transitioned to this pill."

• Dan...
• October 10, 2013

For Birth Control "I had surgery a little over a year ago because I had a 6 cm cyst on my ovary. Two months later, more cysts started to develop, so I went on Lo Loestrin to stop the pain and help my periods. (They were extremely heavy with bad cramping, I had to change my super plus tampon every hour.) Now, after being on it for 6 months, I've only had spotting as my period. At first, no side effects, but now I'm noticing a little weight gain, nothing traumatic. I definitely love this pill and recommend it to everyone!"

• Mis...
• January 2, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been on this pill for 2 years. Prior to this pill, I had the Implanon in my arm that worked well, but I was unsatisfied with occasional irregular bleeding. Most doctors, like mine, will tell you that there is nothing 'unhealthy' about not having periods (Google it), and that's what I wanted without getting my tubes tied. I skipped the inactive pills and have been doing so since beginning to take it. Two years later, I couldn't be happier. I experienced no weight gain, no breakouts, no mood swings, no cramps, but I never had bad cramps anyway. The only way I can even tell I'm taking it is because I haven't had a period, which has been awesome. Don't let negative reviews scare you away. It depends on the person!!"

• Jen...
• January 27, 2013

For Birth Control "I actually really enjoy this birth control. It's been the first and only birth control that I've tried, and I can't complain. I didn't gain weight, my acne didn't get worse or better, my sex drive is fine, and really, I didn't have any of the awful symptoms that typically accompany birth controls. The only thing that did happen to me was when I first began using Lo Loestrin, I had a different mood each week for the first month. One week I'd be sad, the next mad, the next happy, so on and so forth until my body got accustomed to what was happening. Now it's like I'm not even on anything!"

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 24, 2019

For Birth Control "I am not happy with this medication, Loestrin 24 Fe. I switched birth control pills as my last pill made me gain 10 lbs in a short amount of time. I lost it all after I went off that pill within a few months. After about 3 weeks on this particular pill, I knew it would be normal for my chest to be tender, and my body felt a mess, but I wasn’t expecting to develop acne on my jawline and neck, especially since I have never had acne before. My skin is now really oily when I typically have dry skin. I thought it was because of the time of year and its warmth, but I’ve never had this issue throughout my life, and I’m in my 30s. Here come to find out after looking online, it seems like other people have the same problem, glad to see this thread and to know I’m not the only one. I’m on my last pill, and I will not be taking this anymore. Hopefully, my skin clears up fast."

• Ara...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 7, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been on Minastrin for over a year now. My very first form of birth control. The first 2 months were tough to get through, with spotting, bloating, mood swings, etc. But after my body got adjusted to the birth control, everything has been perfect. My periods are lighter and last 4 days. My cramps are still present, but they aren't as bad. I don't have severe acne or weight gain. Anyone who has a bad experience, I say just give it time before you write it off as terrible birth control."

• MDa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 26, 2020

For Birth Control "I took Taytulla for around 8 months and honestly have no idea how I did it for that long. I went from Minastrin to Taytulla due to insurance issues and had the worst transition. I had severe depression, my anxiety was worse than it already is to the point where I would cry all the time, I had insane mood swings, I was always angry, headaches, acne, which I have never had in my life, and I gained weight. The depression was so bad to the point where I was suicidal. After that, I switched back to Minastrin and my life was so much better. Do not take this!!"

• Eml...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 3, 2014

For Birth Control "I have been on six different birth controls, from the shot to different pills, and have always had bad side effects. I have been on Lo Loestrin Fe for a month now, and I love it! My hormones are balanced out, no mood swings, no depression, no weight gain, nothing. I think I'm actually losing weight, and I feel great. The only downfall is I have been spotting a little bit, and my breasts are tender, my mood is a little off the week before my period. Other than that, no complaints! If you have had trouble with birth control like me, I advise you to try this. I have gotten severe depression, weight gain, and everything else from other birth controls. If you get a green card from Planned Parenthood, this pill is free!"

• cra...
• August 6, 2009

For Endometriosis "My doctor had me continuously take Loestrin 24 to stop having my period altogether (I have endometriosis), which was great! I was doing well, but then I started to feel weird after a while and had gained weight, so as an experiment, I stopped. I went right back to intensely painful and heavy periods, so now I am going right back on it."

• Che...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 5, 2014

For Birth Control "Good pill, does what it's supposed to-protects from pregnancy. Clears acne. Regulates periods. BUT mood swings were definitely noticed, and a small weight gain (10 lbs or less). I had always weighed around 130 and have been 140 with the pill, and extremely moody-extremely happy or extremely sad-no medium. Every person will have different reactions, obviously, just sharing my own experiences."