Ortho Cyclen and Cramps: What Users Say

• Kyl...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 7, 2014

For Birth Control "Took this all throughout high school, and I never experienced acne because of it. This pill sure does a great job at keeping breakouts away. I'd get an occasional blemish or two, but that's better than what I have now. I got off Ortho Cyclen 6 months ago. Worst decision of my life, I'm cursed with acne that's covered my face, neck, shoulders, and back. This is because of a hormonal imbalance, which I think acne sufferers should look into. I think it's time to get back on this magnificent pill. Side note, it does a great job at preventing cramps, and my periods were so light and nonexistent, I would sometimes forget I'm even on it."

• Anonymous
• March 24, 2010

"I haven't been on the pill in a very long time. I recently went on Ortho Cyclen, and it has worked wonderfully. I'm not moody, I haven't had acne breakouts, it's regulating my period, which is always a plus. I used to have severe cramps during my period, and I haven't been experiencing that as well. I am very happy with it."

• HAL...
• October 28, 2014

For Endometriosis "I have only been on this for a few weeks after switching from Lo Loestrin. So far, no mood changes, which has been great because that was one of my biggest issues! No cramping or abnormal bleeding. So far, I am extremely pleased with Ortho Cyclen."

• Anonymous
• June 3, 2011

For Birth Control "Started my very first pack in February, had heavy periods every 3 weeks for the first 3 months. But now, month 4, it's normal and not heavy at all, no cramps, and it's regular, which is great now since I am age 40."

• a-p...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 19, 2015

For Birth Control "Middle of 3rd month and: It has killed my appetite, definitely keeps me from overeating, partly due to mild nausea when I start my pack after placebos, but even when I'm not nauseous, it's hard for me to feel hungry. Not making me crazy or anything. Doesn't break me out. [never had acne anyway] The cons include the fact my period doesn't come on the placebos, even though it could take longer to adjust, and when it does come, it's slightly before the placebos, when it would normally come, and instead of a 5-7 day period like I normally have, it's lasted 10-13 days... Plus worse cramps and no lighter periods at all. The long periods might make it a deal breaker if it continues, but I hate to part with it because it has been so good to me other than that!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 29, 2019

For Birth Control "I took Ortho Cyclen for about 6 months and had the worst experience. It was the first time I took a birth control pill for my heavy and painful periods. The pill made me gain so much weight, feel nauseous every time I took it, vomit, faint, severe bloating, have tingly sensations in my arms, and painful cramps. I had these symptoms before the BC, but I think it made it worse and I was experiencing pain when I didn’t have my period. My chest grew a lot bigger as I was taking the pill. After I stopped taking the pill, my body felt so much better and I lost all the weight within 2 weeks of taking it."

• Der...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 18, 2015

"Some pros: I grew two cup sizes, my flow is much lighter, but no change in how long my periods last. Regular bowel movements and no mood swings. Cons: during the first pack, I broke out like a preteen and now have to deal with (some) forehead and chin acne. Also experienced heavy, uncomfortable cramping, which eventually got better. Really sore breasts around the first week or two. I'm hungry all the time, so I'm eating a lot more, but no real change in weight."

• Ski...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 13, 2016

For Birth Control "I had switched to this pill after having adverse reactions to Paragard (bled EXTREMELY heavily for all but 5 days a month, anemia, nausea, horrible cramps, etc.) and Nuvaring (persistent yeast infections). I started on the Tri-Cyclen, then switched to just Cyclen in order to skip painful periods. I gained 50-60 lbs in the year and a half that I was on this medication, had trouble with my contacts, PMS-like mood swings, continued to have my periods, etc. Before I changed medication, I was feeling a sensation I could only describe as feeling like I had died and was still acting alive. I did not attribute any of these side effects until after I switched BC's and immediately saw improvement. This was the wrong pill for me, but not prego."

• Dee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 1, 2018

For Birth Control "First birth control I was on was the mini pill due to intense migraines. This pill was okay, gained a few pounds, and started having mood swings along with a somewhat irregular period, quit because of the low success rate of the pill. Was then put on Orsythia. That was hell on earth. Had a period every 7-10 days that lasted 7-10 days. Constantly cramped. When pretty much insane. Then was put on Ortho Cyclen. I’m very happy. No weight gain, skin looks amazing, regular period. My only issues with the pill are my cramps during my period seem to have intensified, and I fall into a depression during my period. Overall, best BC I’ve tried."