Ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate for Ovarian Cysts User Reviews

• Jan...
• February 26, 2020

Sprintec (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "I am finding through more and more reading of reviews is that a lot of these higher estrogen, progestogen pills ruin lives. This pill absolutely destroyed my mental health. I had dark thoughts, I was aggressive and severely depressed. I gained back 10 pounds that I spent the last few months losing within the first month of this pill. I bled for three weeks straight and had super dry, itchy skin. Plus, it made sex unbearably painful, which I have never experienced before. I was practically manic depressive and extremely anxious with migraines and didn't have the energy. I do not recommend this at all, and I am really considering stopping birth control altogether as I am about to start Apri, and they say the same side effects happen. If you are trying this and have any symptoms, especially emotional and the weight, and pain down there from dryness and sex being unbearable, STOP ASAP and try something new. Please take care and don't ignore side effects."

• Emi...
• December 5, 2010

Sprintec (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "So I've been reading other reviews for this, and I really think that people should wait until after the first month to decide if this is a horrible birth control because OF COURSE we're going to have the bad side effects the first few weeks! Our bodies are adapting to a new drug so just be patient! The first three weeks I had nausea, mild mood swings, loss of appetite, and EXTREMELY sore and swollen breasts. Since then I've been side effect-free. I've been on it for three months now, and I have to say it's amazing! I take it for PCOS, and because of my PCOS, I would be having periods every 6 months, and they would be KILLER! I would literally be in bed for days, but with this birth control, I have mild, short periods. It's fantastic. I definitely recommend it."

• Cay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 10, 2015

Sprintec (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "The reason why I'm taking birth control is because of my ovarian cysts. I would have the worst period in the world, I felt like I was dying because of all the pain I was in. I started taking Sprintec around March, and my period has been so amazing. I sometimes forget I'm even on my period. Not only has it made my period a breeze, but my metabolism was boosted. I've lost 17 pounds so far, and it feels amazing."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 1, 2020

Tri-Sprintec (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "I just started this pill, Tri-Sprintec, 2 days ago for ovarian cysts, and I have high hopes for it. I went through so many doctors who told me everything was fine with me, but I knew something was wrong. Finally, I found a doctor that actually ran the blood tests for me and diagnosed me with PCOS. I’m 27, I can’t believe it took this long for someone to listen! Anyways! I was dealing with extreme anxiety and constant agitation for years, and starting this pill, I finally feel normal. Thank God! No mood swings and mini rages. I’m excited to finally have something that works for me!"

• Til...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 16, 2018

Sprintec (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "I started taking Sprintec about 2 months ago. I suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). At first, I refused any form of birth control, but after not having a period for 3 months and feeling entirely overwhelmed by all the symptoms from PCOS, I gave in, and boy, am I happy I made this decision. Since taking Sprintec, I have slightly to no symptoms from PCOS, I feel back to myself, and my periods are on track again."

• Lau...
• June 8, 2013

Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "I was diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome in 2011, and my doctor put me on Ocella. After about two years on it, I became so irritated and unhappy with everything I switched (Ocella is horrible). I called my doctor and explained that Ocella was making my hormones go crazy, so she switched me to Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo. I've been taking it for probably 6 months now, and everything is great! My periods are really light, they've gone from three days to two days, which worries me a little bit, but my doctor said this can happen after being on the pill for so long. I haven't gained any weight, my slight acne has cleared, and my breasts have jumped about one cup size! I also barely notice myself getting irritated anymore. So far, so good! This pill has been great for me."

• lcg...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 13, 2019

Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo has been the best and only birth control that has never interacted with any of my other medications. It's also the only birth control my body was able to tolerate without negative side effects. I was on the medication for 10+ years, and now they discontinued it. I am beyond devastated that I have to switch since I am extremely sensitive to medications and dosage changes. So far, I have tried another generic (Tri-Lo-Marzia) and had a terrible experience. I switched to something else but am still trying to adjust to the new one. I wish they would bring this medication back!!! Please!!!!! Call Janssen (1-800-JANSSEN, M-F, 9 AM-8 PM) and file a complaint regarding the discontinuation of this product. The more people contact them, the higher the likelihood they might bring it back."

• Hak...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 11, 2014

Sprintec (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "Took this pill at first just because I had cysts that I had to remove surgically. I'm talking like 12 cm cysts. This pill not only helps with my cysts, but I have no mood swings, my periods are controlled, my skin has never been better, and my sex life is great. No cramping anymore at all! Perfect for me!"

• Mia...
• February 21, 2013

Sprintec (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "I have polycystic ovarian cysts. I used to be on Tri-Sprintec, the polyphasic version of this pill, and had the worst headaches from the hormone changes every week. Switching to Sprintec seems to have solved the issue. My acne and hair issues, courtesy of PCOS, have improved, and I feel better overall. I did gain about three pounds, but I started the medication shortly before the holiday season, so it could have been a product of too many parties. Definitely worth a try if you need a higher estrogen level pill. Plus, it's affordable even without insurance."

• Crc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 27, 2020

Estarylla (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "I hate to write a review this awful, but I have to. People should know how life-altering this pill is. I started taking Estarylla a week ago and had to throw them in the trash. If you have, or have ever had, any bouts with anxiety or depression, do not even look at this pill. I don’t remember a time I have felt so low and lethargic, and then let’s not forget the cystic acne that popped up on my jaw and chin. If it works for you, that’s great, but it has torn me up!"

• Anonymous
• August 19, 2010

Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "I got on this pill to stop from getting ovarian cysts; while I don't think it completely solved this problem, I found this pill very helpful overall. I had very few side effects: no spotting, no nausea, no loss of hair, but I do still get cramping before my period. It shortened my period to about 5 days, and it always comes when expected. I have tried two other types of pills, one being Yaz, and I came back to Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo because of the fewer side effects. It's a great pill, and I haven't had any problems with it. I've been on it for about 2 years."

• Anonymous
• March 13, 2012

Mononessa (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "I had been experiencing ovarian cysts for at least a year, but I didn't know that was the cause until about 5 months ago. I have been on Mononessa for three months now, and I haven't had any cyst symptoms. Also, I am instructed by my doctor to only take three of the reminder pills before I start a new pack instead of all seven. My periods tend to be lighter, and my face is clearer than it used to be. I have been on birth control for about seven years now, and so far, I am liking this one a lot. I haven't really had any of the side effects: no spotting, some breast tenderness, but I have always had that. My appetite does fluctuate, I'm not sure if that is due to the pills or not. I am a college student, so it tends to happen a lot."

• Spr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 9, 2016

Sprintec (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "I will start by saying this: the pill has done its job. It's regulated my period, cleared my acne, and prevented pregnancy. I haven't gained a whole lot of weight, I've actually lost weight, but I have gone up a cup size. Here's the problem: 1) I have little to no sex drive now. It takes me forever to lubricate now, and when I do, it's very little. 2) THE BIGGEST PROBLEM is that I have become very emotionally unstable. I cry a lot now. There are very few days that go by that I don't cry. I also have a bad temper. I believe this is due to the pill after reading other reviews. These emotional issues didn't come about until about 2 or 3 months of being on this pill. I've been on it for about 6 months now and can't say whether I love or hate it."

• PCO...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 20, 2019

Estarylla (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "I was prescribed this form of BC to help treat my PCOS and irregular periods. I've been taking Estarylla (previously Mononessa) for about 10 years now. To be honest, I think it works very well. My periods are light flow, light cramping, and always on time. My acne has always been mild and usually only on my face. I do experience some depression and anxiety, but I figure that's just me. It is important to take this at the same time every day for best results. I also recommend drinking plenty of water (because it's great for your body! :)"

• Mon...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 24, 2015

Ortho Cyclen (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "This medicine has worked pretty well for me. After having constant health problems such as weight gain, bad acne, and not having a period but once a year for 3 years and being told that it was 'okay', I finally went to the OB/GYN for another opinion. I found out that I had PCOS and was placed on Ortho Cyclen. This medicine started to clear my acne after 3 weeks of taking it, and I started losing weight while on it. I lost a total of 6 pounds the first month and 8 the second month. The only drawback was that my period lasted for an entire 31 days the first month but was told beforehand that it could last that long because of the time I went without a period."

• Kke...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 1, 2021

Sprintec (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "I started Sprintec in Dec 2020, and it is March 1st tomorrow, and all I can say is that my period went from being 2 weeks long and a mess to being only about 4 days long and light the past 2 months. My mood seems better. I was having horrible mood swings due to PCOS, and in the last 2 months, I've been calm and not stressed like before. I've maintained the same weight as when I started in Dec, which is approx. 185 lbs. (No weight gain). I don't suffer from sore boobs or bloating. My face cleared up a little bit. My appetite is fine. So I personally have no complaints, I guess."

• Nat...
• January 18, 2015

Sprintec (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "Before switching to Sprintec, I never had an ovarian cyst before. After starting Sprintec about 4 months ago, I wound up in the hospital 3 times for severe abdominal pain, which turned out to be ovarian cysts. For everything else, this birth control is great, and I have no complaints. But the cysts gotta go, so do these pills."

• BMN...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 16, 2016

Tri-Sprintec (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "I was diagnosed with PCOS at the age of 14, and I'm now 23. I've been on and off different forms of BC. Tri-Sprintec is the ONLY form of BC that has helped me. My periods are regulated, I have no acne, no unwanted facial hair, and it hasn't made me gain any kind of weight. The only negative effect I've experienced with Tri-Sprintec is an occasional headache. Other than that, it works great!"

• Gan...
• September 19, 2020

Estarylla (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "I was on Mononessa originally for about 2 years because I have ovarian cysts and endo. I was switched to Estarylla in January, and I've been taking it every day, as directed, since. I've had some really odd side effects that I had no idea were side effects until I read some of these reviews. My boobs are constantly tender and achy, I've been losing hair like you couldn't imagine, and recently I've been having some other (worse) issues that I haven't seen a lot of women talk about, so maybe it isn't the BC, but I've never had these issues before. My vagina is CONSTANTLY itchy and dry, and there is always a crazy amount of thick white discharge. Originally I thought it could've been a yeast infection or even PID, but literally, nothing has worked, and it's been about two months. Also, sex is extremely painful. Let me add that my skin is the best it's ever been since starting this brand. Nice skin does not make up for all of the other bad things that are happening because of this pill though."

• PCO...
• August 18, 2015

Tri-Sprintec (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "My senior year in high school, I gained a lot of weight. We figured out it was all PCOS related. (60 pounds, and I was a varsity athlete, now a high school graduate). I was an emotional wreck from the mood swings I had due to hormone imbalances. Tri-Sprintec was perfect for me. It brought me back to normal, and after only 4 months on the pill, I lost 20 pounds. I became happy me again. My periods returned, skin cleared up, and mood swings ended. Tri-Sprintec, however, significantly increased my sex drive. It was there a little before the PCOS symptoms became noticeable. Then I had no sex drive from PCOS, but since I started it, my sex drive has been pretty high for an 18-year-old. Anyway, I would say if you have PCOS, this pill rocks."

• Tis...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 15, 2018

Estarylla (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "I was diagnosed with PCOS and was told that my uterine wall was thickening. My periods became abnormal, so my uterus was not shedding its wall the way it's supposed to every month. My doctor put me on Estarylla to clear the cysts. Six months later, my follow-up showed no more cysts and the uterine wall was normal. She suggested staying on the pill for three more months, but I decided to stay on it longer for the birth control effect. This pill worked effectively in ridding my cysts. The side effects weren't too bad: loss of weight, but I always lose weight with birth control pills, little to no sex drive, maybe a little moody, but I can't really say because, at the time, my family was going through changes-everyone was stressed and moody, even my five-year-old. Overall, it did its job, which was to reduce or clear my cysts and thin out my uterine wall. Side effects? Not too bad. I've had worse with other BC pills. This is only my personal experience. Everyone's body reacts differently."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 19, 2013

Sprintec (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "My first pack, it's been fine for me. I usually experience a bit of nausea with birth control pills, and this one wasn't too bad at all! Breasts are pretty tender and seem to have grown a bit. I love that it's so cheap and does what it's intended to do. Before this, my insurance wouldn't cover birth control, so to me, this is a godsend."

• Thi...
• May 31, 2016

Sprintec (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "So I've been taking Sprintec for a month now due to different insurance. And I've had two periods within one month, I am very emotionally unstable. My ankles are swelling, I have headaches, and my sex drive is decreasing. I'm always sleepy, I never want to get up for work. My cervix was really hard and low on my period. And this has never happened before, this pill is horrible for me! I can't speak for everyone."

• Hso...
• January 17, 2013

Sprintec (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "The only reason I gave this birth control a 2 was because it made my periods last two days, and my acne wasn't as bad. That's the only good thing I have to say about it. It has my anxiety come back, severe nausea, bad acid reflux, migraines, mood swings, insomnia, depression at times, and extremely tender breasts. It's hard to go off someone else's experiences because everyone is different."

• bad...
• January 9, 2020

Mono-Linyah (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "This stuff Mono-Linyah messed me up. I've been taking it for at least 5 months. I have PCOS. My periods were fine; light, regular, no cramping. It seemed to be helping my mood; then, out of nowhere, I started having panic attacks. I have been diagnosed with generalized anxiety in the past and have had anxiety attacks, but never pure panic that lasted an entire day, much less an entire month. I also have had some personal things that could warrant anxiety, but not to this extreme. The entire month of December was a nightmare. I couldn't take deep breaths, I couldn't eat, I was nauseated all the time, and felt like I was on a constant roller coaster. I thought it was just the holidays, and once they were over, I'd feel better, and I did start feeling better, but then one night, I had a huge panic attack again. What changed? I thought I was getting better. Then it hit me; I had just started the new month over. I quit the next day. It's taken 6 days to feel even sort of better."