Ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate for Birth Control User Reviews (Page 4)

• Jennyx
• January 2, 2015

Sprintec (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "I've been on the pill for about a year now since I switched from the Depo shot. At first, it was giving me headaches, so I started to take it right before bed. My face has cleared up a lot with the occasional zit around my period. Periods have become lighter with less cramps, and my breasts have gotten fuller. The only thing that I have noticed is my sex drive isn't what it used to be, but it could just be me."

• Kyrst...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 7, 2014

Tri-Sprintec (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "As of today, I have just started my first placebo pill in my first month of Tri-Sprintec. For the first week or two, I noticed increased nausea and breast tenderness, the nausea subsided, but the breast tenderness still lingers (just not as bad). I got on this birth control in June to prevent pregnancy, so far, for the whole preventing pregnancy, it's wonderful. Periods come right on time, and I had no clue of her arrival (no cramps, moodiness, etc.), which I love! Since I've been on it, the past month I have actually lost 16 pounds, and I am quite alright with that. I have decreased appetite, which is also a good thing because before I started birth control, I would eat every chance I got. Overall, this pill is great! You just have to try it out for you!"

• Crissy
• March 27, 2019

Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "I used Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo, the brand, for 2 years. It’s all I’ve ever used. I am 29 years old now, and I am so devastated that Jansen has discontinued this because it was too expensive to manufacture, which means they weren’t making as much money as they wanted. But for me, it is the best birth control pill out there! No weight gain, no breakthrough bleeding or mood swings, no pregnancy, and I’ve never used any backup birth control or condoms - just the pill. I don’t even know where to go now or what to use instead. Please bring back this birth control pill!! It’s been so amazing. I was even willing to pay the $150 per month to get it out of pocket because I don’t want to risk crazy side effects of any other birth controls."

• mam
• November 23, 2023

Tri-Lo-Mili (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "So far I've had it for 3 1/2 months. I truthfully have found it very nice. I haven't gained any weight, have a normal appetite, and my acne has slowly but healthily improved. I do keep a good diet and consistently exercise. I am highly sexually active and don't use condoms. My partner pulls out so I haven't had any problems. I'm still a little scared for them to finish while inside so I can't add my input on that. My mood hasn't drastically changed, however, my first period since starting it lasted 10 days, when normally it's only 6 days. At my 3-month mark, I've gone down to 8 days, but hopefully, it continues to go down each period until it returns to its normal length. My period is very heavy the first few days but overnight will switch to very light, which is kinda odd. Overall, I recommend it for people who are scared of weight gain and want it to get rid of cramps and acne!"

• Ashley
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 19, 2019

Tri-Estarylla (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "I've been on the Tri-Estarylla birth control for about 6 years now, and it has helped with my ovarian cysts, acne (paired with spironolactone), and the heaviness of my periods. The only downfall is that the level of hormones fluctuates week to week, so I do experience PMS, fatigue, period acne, and whatever else comes with a regular period. I’m so consistent taking it, I literally have always had unprotected sex, ejaculated in, and never been pregnant or had a scare. My body is so sensitive, and this works great! Also, I’m 21, so this has worked well for my teenage years."

• Anon
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 19, 2020

Femynor (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "When I first started taking this Femynor birth control pill, I was nauseous every night, I had the worst cystic acne on my cheeks and chin, and my periods were super heavy and long. I’m now on the five-month mark of taking this pill, and I’ve lost 15 pounds, my skin is clear, and I don’t feel nauseous anymore. My periods are heavy the first two days, and after that, they are super light and only last five days. I also never have spotting between periods. The key is to stay patient when taking this pill! The side effects were awful at first, and I wanted to stop taking it, but I’m glad I pushed through because out of the many birth control pills I’ve taken, this has to be the best one."

• Leona
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 9, 2020

Sprintec (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "I have been on Sprintec for about 3-4 years. Overall, there's definitely pros and cons for me personally. I was young when I started taking it, and it helped so much with cystic acne. It's done what it's supposed to as far as preventing pregnancy. But as I've gotten older and the longer I've taken it, I feel like I'm dealing with PMS or even PMDD (a more severe form of PMS) for more than half the month. It's terrible... The mood swings are terrible, weight change, fluid retention, acne (not cystic, but acne and dryness of skin), prone to yeast infections after periods, terrible fatigue, and I feel depressed and angry. All this with caring well for my health and my skin. Keep in mind this is my personal experience up to date!"

• Kendra...
• March 6, 2021

Mili (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "My Pharmacy ran out of Sprintec so I tried Mili. The first two days I had cramps felt like some food poisoning. I felt weak & non motivated. couldn’t even wear my contacts & I kept drinking water. The worst was the migraines on day 5 &6.. I started breaking out (my skin never does). I started getting strange hot flashes and also chills. I even started sneezing and I’m someone who never sneezes. I started to wonder why I was so bloated. I knew it was the medication after 6 days. The sixth day was the worst : the headache wouldn’t subside. I cleared my throat over 40 times last few days. I felt like I couldn’t even speak bc the headache was so bad like pounding on the sides of my Head."

• Ashley...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 3, 2013

Sprintec (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "I love this birth control. I've been on it for almost five months. I've been on two other pills before. They made me have severe mood swings and horrible depression, so my doctor put me on this one. I love it. My breasts have gotten bigger as well, which is a HUGE plus for me. Also, the only thing I use is these pills, no condoms or anything else, and I have a very active sex life, and I haven't gotten pregnant, so it is doing a great job. It has given me a higher sex drive too. I have two problems with it, but the pros outweigh the negatives. Firstly, I get nausea when I start a new pack. It usually lasts 3-4 days. It also gives me heavy periods. Though, they only last 3-4 days."

• dream...
• March 10, 2013

Ortho Tri-Cyclen (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "I started taking birth control pills a few years ago, but after trying 5 or 6 different ones, I started taking OTC. This is the ONLY pill I have tried that does not make me bleed through half the pack, clears up my acne to an extent, does not affect my mood, and makes my cramps basically nonexistent. It is a miracle pill for me. I think because it has varying amounts of hormones each week that mimic your own cycle, it works better for many women. I have not experienced any difference in my weight, I've started working out since I began taking this pill and have lost a little weight. The thing I am happiest about, though, is that I do not have breakthrough bleeding."

• Vivia...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 13, 2021

Estarylla (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "I was scared to try this after reading the comments here but this is what my gyno prescribed me and I trusted her recommendation. I took this everyday as prescribed and I didn't have a problem. I haven't gotten pregnant so it works. I do feel like my sex drive is lower but its been on the decline since before I got on the pill so I’m not sure if I can blame it on that. I didn’t experience mood swings like others have shared. One thing to note is that I have gained a significant amount of weight- I tend to go up and down in weight (I've always struggled with this) so again not sure if I can blame that on the pill. Overall I would recommend it because I haven't gotten pregnant and i didn't experience negative side effects."

• Anony...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 16, 2019

Tri-Sprintec (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "Every birth control pill will react differently to each of our bodies! The best thing to do is to just try it out and stop taking them if we see changes we don’t like. I personally LOVE this brand. My experience is awesome! I was never regular, so it has helped me get my period every month. My mood swings are normal, but I feel more energetic, I lost weight, and I feel better than ever! Sex being involved, we all know that nothing is 100 percent accurate, but I had unprotected sex with my partner over a year, and I’ve had no surprises, thankfully. Continue the routine with a pill and see if you could either love it or hate it! Glad to give another opinion and make the best decision that suits your body(:"

• Alyssa
• November 17, 2020

Mono-Linyah (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "If I could give this medication a lower rating than 1/10 I would. I was told “Mono-Linyah” is a generic form of Sprintec. This can’t be any more different in the affect it is having on me. I have been on Mono-Linyah for approximately 9 months. I don’t know how I stayed on it for this long. I trusted my doctor when she told me it was a generic form of Sprintec. I gained about 15 pounds in the 9 months I’ve been on this pill. My acne has been awful while on this pill. The biggest and most drastic change in myself, other than the weight gain, was my mood changes. My anxiety was already pretty bad, but while on Mono-Linyah, it made me feel I couldn’t manage it. I started to have mood swings, dark thoughts, anxiety attacks, and would cry all of the time. I regret not realizing this medication was the reason for all of my symptoms earlier on."

• Catlo...
• June 8, 2020

Sprintec (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "I've taken Sprintec for about 4 years now. I studied abroad in France and the pharmacy didn't carry Sprintec so I was switched to a variation of a French brand Tri-Sprintec, which I enjoyed. So, when I came back to the U.S I tried Tri-Sprintec and did not like it. I gained weight, lost hair, and switched to Tri-lo-Sprintec. This one made my periods heavier and made me cramp a lot and also I gained even more weight. After about 6 months I decided to just go back to Sprintec which I had taken for 3 years already with no issues... (I'm not sure why I didn't just do this immediately instead of trying other pills). I've never had any issue with Sprintec. I did notice bloating but I've been taking some supplements that help me with this. I've had no issue with losing weight and have successfully lost the weight I had gained on the other pills by just eating healthier and exercising. Sprintec also helped my hair grow back and cleared my skin. I think Sprintec is a fail-proof bc pill."

• Charl...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 13, 2019

Estarylla (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "I’ve never left a review for anything before. Not a movie, nor a restaurant, nothing. This birth control is THE WORST. After being on Mononessa for a couple of years and having no issues, Walgreens changed the prescription to Sprintec (also no problems) and then to this Estarylla poison. I’m 18, almost 19, an extremely happy, healthy, active, hardworking person. Estarylla has completely demolished my self-esteem, leaving me in a weird, depressed, anxiety-ridden state for the one and a half months I’ve been taking it. I’ve been feeling like I’m in this weird, dreamlike state for the past few weeks and was so relieved to hear that other people on this medication have felt the same way. I’ve not had the motivation to get work done or socialize due to the extreme mood swings, depression, and fatigue that Estarylla causes. Please, please don’t take Estarylla. For the sake of your mental and physical health."

• zzlacey
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 15, 2014

Mononessa (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "This pill truly gets 10 stars! I am just about to finish up my first month, and I am so happy I started taking these pills. I was prescribed Sprintec but was given the equivalent Mononessa. Mononessa has cleared up my moderate to severe acne in just one month! It is truly a miracle as I have tried literally EVERYTHING to get rid of acne. It is so amazing to wake up with clear skin... also, my pubic hair has stopped growing in many places and does not grow very fast... also, no razor burn! uhhh... YAY! I also feel like I am not retaining as much water weight. I have not gotten sick on this pill. The only side effects I have had are being extremely tired, high sex drive, vaginal dryness, and a slight decrease in appetite. You should certainly try this pill."

• jen
• July 27, 2013

Ortho Tri-Cyclen (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "I've been taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo, but I was told that Ortho Tri-Cyclen would be free through my insurance if I switched. So I did. I never had a problem on OTCL, and my doctor said that OTC would be pretty much the same and I wouldn't even be able to tell the difference. WRONG!!! This pill is absolutely awful. I'm always pissed at everyone. I lose my cool over the smallest things. I'm crying about everything, and I'm never happy. My boobs feel like they've gained 20 pounds and are always hurting. My sleep patterns are so crazy, and I'm always tired. My boyfriend thinks this pill has made me into bridezilla. I only have 3 days left. Thank goodness. Not pregnant, but not worth all this grief. I'd much rather pay $30 a month to be happy."

• Hannah
• July 25, 2014

Tri-Sprintec (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "This pill has been great. It keeps my period very regulated, and I went up a cup size within the first couple of months. I have suffered from moderate acne since I was a teenager, and since taking the pill, my face is completely clear! I will occasionally get a pimple around the time of my period, but NOTHING like I had before. It is magic! The nausea was mild-moderate during the first few months, and I still occasionally feel mildly nauseous (nothing unmanageable, though). My appetite has changed as well (I don't crave sugar as often as I used to). I feel like it helps stabilize my mood in general as well, but I do cry more often than I used to (during period time). All in all, great method!"

• vmarieb
• August 4, 2014

Sprintec (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "Sprintec is great for me. I have taken it for a year and a half (19 years old). Never had any problems, but I guess that shows it works different for everyone. My breasts got bigger. I didn't gain any weight, periods became shorter, lighter periods, and I rarely have cramps, and if I do, they aren't bad. Before I got on Sprintec, I had really heavy periods, all 7 days long, and horrible cramps to the point where I would miss school and work. It's affordable, and I would recommend Sprintec to anyone."

• kygirl
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 1, 2019

Tri-Sprintec (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "My experience with Tri-Sprintec has been wonderful! I've been on it for over a year now and have never had any major complications. I switched to Tri-Sprintec from Trinessa due to my insurance, but needless to say, they both worked well for me. I lost nearly 30 pounds, and it decreased my appetite, my skin is finally clear, with occasional breakouts when my period is about to start. As far as sex goes, with me being on the pill, my boyfriend and I don't use protection, and it's kept me baby-free! The only thing negative I have to say is when my body was adjusting to it after I just got it, I was so moody and depressed, and my libido (sex drive) was low for the first month or so. Overall rating for me is 10/10! But keep in mind, everyone's body is different, so your experience may be different!"

• Happy...
• April 11, 2014

Mono-Linyah (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "I'm on Mono-Linyah, and I have a love-hate relationship. I've been on it for a month, and my 32A breasts are now 32B breasts. I'm underweight and struggle with weight gain, but this pill has helped me put on pounds. I'm hungry a lot, lol. My skin is totally clear, not even any blackheads, which is great. But my mood swings are extreme. On the active pill, it's bad, but I can handle it, but on the last week (period week), it's awful. I cry several times a day and can't get a hold of myself no matter what I do. My period was heavier than ever, and I cramped horribly. But it was short. I find it hard to concentrate due to mood swings, but I just drink some herbal tea and am usually fine afterward. Love/hate relationship."

• Mae
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 10, 2021

Mili (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "I started Mili 2 weeks ago after my previous pill was discontinued and my emotions have been all over the place. Anxious, depressed, just super emotional. It just clicked today to do my research after crying again for something minor! Needless to say today will be the last day I take this medication."

• AGB
• June 5, 2014

Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "Long story short, I had been on Necon for 8 years with no problems (clear skin, regular period, no mood swings). Recently, there was some big shortage on Necon, so my pharmacy replaced it with Nortrel, which gave me really bad chin acne. I went to my Dr., and she recommended Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo and said it was good for clearing skin. The first 2 pill packs, my face went NUTS. I had acne all over the place. I was so upset and wanted to go off it immediately. But I read reviews online, and people said to give it a chance. I'm glad I did. My skin is now better than it's ever been after 4 months. I rarely ever get cramps and do not have PMS at all. All I can say is give your body time to get adjusted if you are starting off on this pill and not liking it."

• Anonymous
• February 2, 2010

Sprintec (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "There are so many mixed reviews for this product, and honestly, you can't just go by what some of them say. Everyone's body is different and will react differently to medications. I've never had a problem with Sprintec, but others may. It's completely up to your body as to how it will react with the medication. It's fine to start out with it first since it is the cheapest birth control, and if it doesn't work for you... switch."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 21, 2013

Ortho Cyclen (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "I have been on Ortho Cyclen for a few months, and my periods have finally regulated. The only difference in my body image is that I have gained a cup size, and my butt has gotten bigger, but my weight is the same, so I have no problem with that!"