Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone User Reviews & Ratings

• Liv...
• January 13, 2021

For Birth Control "I’ve been on Lo Lo for about 7 months. Initially, I was put off by all the bad reviews, but because of my failed experience with the higher dosed birth control pills, I still gave it a go. Yes, I did break out a lot in the first month. Yes, my mood swings were out of control. No, I did not gain any weight, if anything, I'm finding that this medicine is helping me keep my weight more stable. After 7 months passed, I still have no weight gain, my skin cleared up so much after the first 2 months (other than the occasional pimple when my EXTREMELY light period comes), my overall mood has been elevated. Before Lo Lo, I had terrible mood swings and bouts of depression and sadness. Lo Lo has helped me regulate my hormones altogether. Ladies remember, people will often times leave a bad review over a good one. I wanted to give up on my birth control because of how bad it made me feel at first, but I’m so happy I stuck it through and found a pill I absolutely LOVE."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 2, 2021

For Birth Control "I’ve noticed a lot of comments, saying not to take it, but I feel that a lot of people don’t understand that birth control affects each person differently, no matter which birth control you take. So, if you are new to any birth control, do not let these comments discourage you. Listen to your body and your doctor. Personally, I love this birth control and it has made my skin clear, periods lighter, no weight gain, and no noticeable mental changes. But, it could always be different for the next person. If your doctor is prescribing you Junel Fe, take it and try it out. If it's not good for you, then there are other options."

• Lau...
• July 3, 2020

For Birth Control "PLEASE READ IF YOU STRUGGLE WITH MENTAL HEALTH!! I was on Lo Lo for a little over a year and a half. Overall I didn’t have bloating or acne or irritability, which was great, however, I wouldn’t get my period for months at a time (wasn’t pregnant but definitely had a few scares when it wouldn’t come). It helped my cramping and PMS symptoms when I did get my period though, which was great. BUT DO NOT BE FOOLED! I struggle with depression, anxiety, and panic attacks, so I never connected the dots that this birth control made it worse. I didn’t realize Lo Lo was making me critically depressed up until the last month, I had MAJOR suicidal thoughts and immediately stopped taking it and within a couple of days, I didn’t have those thoughts or crippling depression. I would not recommend it in the slightest if you struggle with mental health to begin with, as I do. I am currently taking a different birth control pill, and I feel back to my normal self."

• Emm...
• June 6, 2020

For Birth Control "READ IF YOU'RE A YOUNG WOMAN LOOKING FOR BIRTH CONTROL!! I’ve been on Lo Loestrin Fe for a year now, and I really like it. I had no acne breakouts, weight gain, and no serious depression or anything. The only thing is that sometimes I will cry a lot and become a bit sensitive. I started Lo Loestrin Fe to prevent pregnancy, and everything has been good so far. I have not gotten my period, or spotted once since being on this pill, which is a bit strange, but the doctor said it was normal. I would definitely recommend this to anyone young (I am 18) if you are looking for a pill. I know reviews can be really intimidating, but you really have to try the pills for yourself and see what is best for your body!"

• Lai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 22, 2021

For Birth Control "Only been taking Blisovi Fe 1/20 for a week now, but I was really skeptical after reading all the negative reviews. It seems to have improved my mood and my sex drive, and I know that is the opposite of what a lot of other people experienced so I thought I should share. The only negative so far is that I was a little nauseous the first few days of starting the pills. So far so good! Will update if I do have any negative effects down the line..."

• MTa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 23, 2021

For Birth Control "I actually LOVE this birth control. This is my first time taking a pill for birth control, and I requested the lowest hormone dosage they could possibly give me. I feel 0% physical side effects. As for hormones and emotions, I actually feel more balanced (less depressed when my period comes around). I read all these reviews and others on different websites and got terrified that this would be absolutely horrible for me (I have PMDD, and birth control is a scary guessing game a lot of the time, my body usually doesn't like it and rejects it), but weirdly, this one that everyone seems to not like, my body is liking. If you're starting to take Aurovela and coming from a higher hormone dosage, I could see why your body freaked out, it's not Aurovela, it's the gap of hormones that it was used to. Also, most people spend time writing bad reviews, but people with good experiences don't usually take the time to write good reviews - keep that in mind if you're reading these."

• kiw...
• June 23, 2021

For Birth Control "This was my first time on any birth control, so I was prepared for the worst, but honestly I had a good experience. First day I experienced some nausea. I have had on and off GERD, and in the first two weeks, I noticed I was feeling symptoms similar to when it flares up (bloated, burping a little stomach acid up, mild nausea). Nothing some Alka-Seltzer Gold couldn't fix :). It subsided after the first two weeks. The week before my period, I tend to have mood swings, increased anxiety, and be very sensitive, but I was doing better than usual on Junel Fe. I also feel like it reduced a bit of my anxiety. I chose not to skip my period, and I usually get debilitating period cramps, but Junel Fe pretty much erased them. I did not experience any changes to my skin, weight, or appearance. I think the reason why this site has overwhelmingly bad reviews is that those who had a bad experience feel more inclined to share it than those who had a good. Talk to your doctor for what is best for you. :)"

• Can...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 3, 2020

For Birth Control "I started this pill to stop ovulation and hopefully regulate my PMDD. I was really hesitant because I've had terrible experiences with birth control in the past. Yaz, specifically, put me in a flat-out depression for 3 months. I've been on this BC for the last 3 months consistently, minus a week when breakthrough bleeding and cramping were causing issues that I stopped for 4 days to relieve. My moods are amazing. I haven't had a single outburst in the last 3 months. My sex drive is incredibly high, and my boyfriend is grateful. I feel like I have myself back and suggest it for anyone who's had problems with other birth controls."

• Anonymous
• May 9, 2021

For Birth Control "If you’re taking this and feel like you’ve lost your mind, it’s not you, it’s this god-awful pill, I promise. Never in my life have I had any sort of anxiety/depression until I started this pill. Every month, I noticed my anxiety increasing, which eventually led to several panic attacks with disassociation that lasted for weeks. I came on here and realized it was these pills. I stopped a month and a half ago and finally have started to feel like myself again. I realize everyone’s body reacts differently to the pill, but please discontinue this at the first sign of any mental side effect, and do not keep going like I did. It got to the point where I felt suicidal just to escape how miserable I was feeling. Never in my life have I felt like this. I am hoping to save someone’s life by this review. If you’re feeling like I did, please stop this pill and know it WILL get better. Give your body time to rebound from these toxic hormones. This pill needs to be pulled off the market NOW."

• doe...
• June 3, 2021

For Birth Control "I got on this BC in March 2021 after my Nexplanon expired. I am a newlywed and even though my husband and I want to have children, I want to wait at least a year to have a baby. My PCP decided to put me on Junel so I can stop at any time. Symptoms the first couple of weeks were cramps, sore breasts, headaches, and fatigue. Today marks 3 months on this BC, and I will not continue taking them. The non-stop crying, panic attacks, anxiety, arguments with my spouse, sadness, and depression are out of hand. I lay in bed last night and wished I was dead. I have so many suicidal thoughts and felt like I was going through some tough times in my marriage, but after reading all these reviews and being able to relate to these other women, I realize I'm not crazy. I've been feeling so alone in my dark thoughts. I was scared I would end up in the hospital sooner than later. Listen to your body, please, and if any of this relates to you, please consult your doctor. YOU ARE NOT ALONE!"

• Mic...
• January 13, 2020

For Birth Control "Reading all of these 'DO NOT TAKE THIS BIRTH CONTROL' comments is so frustrating. Everyone has a different experience on birth control because hormones affect everyone's body differently. What works for you might not work for someone else, considering we all metabolize drugs differently, which can be attributed to genetics. I was first on Junel Fe and switched to Nexplanon because I didn't want to remember to take a pill, and Nexplanon was awful. Now I'm back on Junel Fe as of a week ago, and when I was on it before I was on Nexplanon, it was amazing. No pregnancy, regular periods, no side effects. But that's because I reacted well to Junel Fe and not Nexplanon. But I'm not going to tell people not to go on Nexplanon ever because, as I said, EVERYONE'S BODY REACTS DIFFERENTLY. So all I'm saying is I loved this BC, and some others don't, but you won't know how your body reacts without trying it."

• TGi...
• April 5, 2021

For Birth Control "Just want to share my positive experience using Lo Loestrin Fe. I was initially afraid to take Lo Lo, as I thought it would have the same negative effect/outcome as with other pills, however, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to be on LoLo. My mood was fantastic (important to me as other pills had always triggered my anxiety and depression), my acne completely cleared up, and my period was much lighter/less crampy (a huge deal as I have historically had very heavy and super painful periods). If I had the option to stay on this pill, I would, however, due to personal history of high blood pressure and because I am now turning 35, my gynecologist recommended that I switch to a BC w/out estrogen. I just want to share my positive experience with taking Lo Lo for anyone out there that is exploring this option for the first time. I was on LoLo for just about 5 years."

• Hap...
• June 25, 2020

For Birth Control "AMAZED. I cannot say enough great things about this birth control. Let me start off by saying, I used to be on tri-previfem for 3 years and it was a disaster!! I had MAJOR PMS symptoms, mood swings, crying, extreme anxiety and anger. I would lash out and get so upset for no real reason. I had the heaviest period ever!!! It lasted 7 days. I knew something was wayyyy wrong and decided to make an appointment at my OBGYN. She put me on Lo Loestrin Fe, and I was very HESITANT because switching birth controls can be a pain in the butt. I was so scared it would make me breakout or have even worse symptoms. WELL LET ME TELL YOU. I WAS DEAD WRONG. This stuff works wonders for me!!!! I have zero PMS, and a 1 day period, sometimes I don't have one at all. MY skin is so clear, I have an occasional very very small breakout but I've always had bad skin. I don't feel like I'm on birth control at all. This pill saved me!!!!"

• Ray...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 10, 2019

For Birth Control "I've been on this Lo Loestrin Fe pill for three months so far and honestly I am so relieved to not have any bad side effects. My mood hasn't really changed, and I didn't gain weight (two of my concerns). It has cleared up my acne a little bit, and I haven't had my period at all in the three months I've been on it (which is totally fine by me). I haven't even had any spotting. Honestly, this has been the best thing to happen to me! I was so nervous to go on birth control in case of negative side effects. This is my first form of birth control, and I'm 24 years old. I think my boobs got a tiny bit bigger, too. I would highly recommend this pill! For those reading all the negative reviews and being nervous, keep in mind, most people who have negative experiences are more likely to leave a review than those who have positive experiences. I remember reading them and being so nervous to start it, but I've had nothing but positive things :)"

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

For Birth Control "I have been on this birth control since November, and so far I have had a good experience. It doesn’t make me emotional at all, and I now have a super light period (but most of the time I don’t even get it). My problem is that I feel like it’s been really hard for me to lose weight since I’ve started on it. I don’t think the birth control has made me gain weight, but I am just a couple pounds heavier than when I started in November. Just wanted to know if anyone else has had this issue on this birth control :)"

• Lee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 6, 2021

For Birth Control "I switched from the Depo injection to birth control pills two months ago. I was on the Depo for 6 years and noticed gradual hair loss, so I decided to switch. I decided to look up reviews for this brand and saw awful reviews. I was so nervous and scared just from the reviews on this page, it was causing me so much stress. Anyway, I took it and I wanted to leave a good review just to say the bad things that unfortunately happened to others might not happen to you! Don't get overstressed about reading these reviews if you haven't given the pills at least a month. I have had a good experience over the last 2 months. The first week, my breasts were sore, but that's about it. I haven't gained weight, I haven't been anxious or depressed. Best of all, my sex drive increased significantly since being on Larin Fe 1/20. I surely hope my experience doesn't change, but so far it's been a really positive transition for me."

• Bee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 25, 2021

For Birth Control "Before I started on Hailey 24 Fe and I was reading the reviews on this site, I was really nervous for bad side effects. I am happy to say my fears weren't all justified. I just started my second month on Hailey 24 Fe. So far, my symptoms have been as follows: - Loss of appetite - more emotional but it has steadied out - Larger swollen breasts - Can't stand the smell of fish or cooked bacon - Super mild periods - Barely any cramping or bleeding - No weight gain - No acne. Overall, starting Hailey 24 Fe has been almost stress-free and everything is manageable."

• Mic...
• April 11, 2014

For Birth Control "First off, you're probably reading reviews because you're looking to go on this pill or you've just recently been prescribed this pill. I was just like you a few months ago and the paranoid person that I am didn't like the reviews I was seeing, but I decided to go ahead and try it. I love this pill. I have no side effects and if anything, it made my period better. It's shorter, comes right on time when the pill changes color, minor cramps, no mood swings. I have nothing negative to say about the pill at all, just take it every single day at the same time. I think it's really important to know that a lot of the people who write on here write because they have had a bad experience with a pill and wanted to warn others about it."

• Nic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 17, 2021

For Birth Control "I am 40 years old and was prescribed this medication by my OB. I was hesitant to take this medication after reading these reviews. However, I have not experienced ANY of the side effects listed in the reviews. My periods are no longer heavy, they last only a few days, my breasts are no longer tender or hurt during my cycle, and I no longer have painful periods. The first month I did experience nausea which almost stopped me from going further. I sipped a coca-cola to calm my stomach and that subsided the side effect. I just finished my third month and I feel great. No weight gain and I am no longer bloated. I hope everyone has the same experience."

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

For Birth Control "I am anemic and would pass out on my period from blood loss. I am quite small and am in shape, so it was insane to be losing that much blood every month. I have had no side effects from Lo Lo and I am on my seventh pack right now. My skin has actually improved, if anything. No appetite changes and sex drive is still good. Still get my PMS moodiness a day before my first placebo pill, but I barely have a period now. I understand that everyone is different, and there have been some poor experiences, but I would recommend this to anyone struggling with heavy periods and anemia."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 26, 2020

For Birth Control "Don’t let the reviews scare you too much! I read through these before starting Junel, and I was TERRIFIED. However, I’ve been taking it for a few months, and so far it’s been pretty good! I am a little bit more emotional, but other than that, everything is basically normal. I was also super nervous that my stomach would hurt all the time, and I’d gain weight, but I actually lost weight, and I feel fine!"

• Emi...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 2, 2023

For Birth Control "Obviously, some of these symptoms could be related to other issues… but I firmly believe this pill is ruining my life. I’ve been on it for over a year now, and I have never in my life been more depressed, anxious, irritated, or exhausted. My skin has been so dry (and breaking out). I’ve gained a TON of weight. I have zero sex drive. I won’t get my period for 4 months, and then randomly I’ll get the worst one of my life that lasts 10 days, and I’m practically bedridden, and I am tired ALL THE TIME. My boyfriend literally calls me “sleepy bish” because I’m always so tired and moody and mean for NO REASON. I know everyone is different, but I felt I had to share in hopes it saves other ladies out there from the same miserable experience I had :("

• Nel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 18, 2021

For Birth Control "I have recently started this birth control back in December of 2020. I had come on this website to read reviews on what I was getting myself into. From all these reviews, I was honestly expecting the worst. So far, I have felt little to no side effects. I have felt great this entire time with the exception of slight nausea that went away with rest. I have felt moody, but I am like that with or without medication. I started taking it to regulate my period and so far, it has helped me out greatly. I like knowing when I am going to start so I can be prepared, rather than it showing up by surprise. This pill has also caused me to lose weight, which I have been a fan of. I also have grown 2 bra sizes in the short months I have been taking this pill. Overall, my experience with Junel Fe has been a positive one, but who's to say it won't change as I continue on with it. I would like to remind you that everyone's body is different so what works for me may not work for you and vice versa."

• Mel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 29, 2021

For Birth Control "So I’ve been on it for about a month, and I’ve been feeling pretty much no different. I have anxiety and depression normally, and I didn’t notice the medication making it worse or anything. I actually feel a lot happier, which is weird and totally not what I expected. My skin is clearing up too, which is a major plus. I use it for really bad period cramps, and I have noticed some spotting before my period starts, but no excruciating pain like I had before. I would literally not be able to move or walk, and now I can actually walk to the kitchen and cook myself a meal. My only negative would be I noticed it made my breasts bigger, which I wasn’t really looking for. But if that’s what you want, go crazy, I guess, lol."

• Kat...
• May 8, 2019

For Birth Control "I started taking Junel because I was on Lo LoEstrin and had horrible anxiety, mood swings, and was miserable. I took it for 5 years because it was the only birth control that didn’t make me super sick! I got on here to read the reviews and was horrified and almost didn’t take it. I'm SO GLAD I DECIDED TO TAKE IT ANYWAYS. I’m 22 years old, 5’5” tall, and about 110-115 pounds when I’m not on birth control. Now I’ve been on it for almost 2 months and have not gained any weight, my boobs may have gotten like half a size better. I’m 113lb in the morning and 115lb at night. On Lo Loestrin, I was a constant 120lb. My crazy moods are better. I don’t have acne like everyone says in their reviews (I take biotin every night and have been for months because my acne is pretty bad). I’m not a heavy bleeder, and this pill has worked great for me. I am literally the most sensitive person to anything hormonal, so if it can work for me, don’t be afraid to try it because of bad reviews!"