Ortho Cyclen and Sore Breasts: What Users Say

• Flo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 8, 2016

For Birth Control "I am 21 years old and was on Cyclen for 3 months when I was diagnosed with blood clots in my lungs (pulmonary embolism). I have since been informed that this birth control put me at a greater risk due to its higher levels of estrogen. Luckily, they were caught in time, and I am currently being treated for them. My symptoms started out as an aching/stabbing pain in my mid/upper back that was worse when I ate. Then, a few days later, my breathing started to feel rather heavy. I was also coughing and burping a bit. I also had a bunch of other side effects during the course of taking this pill, including breast pain, headaches, nausea, and major mood swings! I don't normally write reviews, but I would feel horrible if this happened to anyone else!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 4, 2012

For Birth Control "This is the first birth control pill I've ever been on, and I have no major complaints. I'm a healthy height/weight and exercise regularly. I just finished my third pack. During the first month, I had breakthrough bleeding (as expected with most pills) off and on, but that was it. My breasts are a little more tender, but it's nothing bothersome. The pill definitely hasn't bothered my sex drive either. I'm glad I stuck it out the first month because this pill has been great for me so far!"

• Mic...
• March 18, 2015

For Birth Control "When I first started taking this pill, I had severe nausea when I would start a pack. Now my nausea is gone, and I get occasional migraines. I've almost been on it for a year, and I do like it a lot. Great for preventing pregnancy, also causes breast tenderness towards the end of the pack."

• Blu...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 18, 2018

For Birth Control "I began taking generic Ortho Cyclen 5 months ago. The first month, I felt the same as before I took the medication. In months two and three, I had spotting, sore and swollen breasts, and I felt really bloated. I thought I should maybe switch to something else, but I was encouraged by my gynecologist to stick with it because those symptoms would most likely be temporary. She was right. I feel great now. Even better, I have suffered with hormonal cystic acne since I was a teen (I’m in my 30s), and my face is nearly flawless. For the first time in my entire life, I had someone stop and ask me my skin care routine because my skin looked “so good.” All in all, I am very pleased."

• Meg...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 14, 2016

For Birth Control "I told my physician that I had an issue with heavy bleeding and very long periods, and this is what she prescribed me. I haven't been having sex, so I honestly don't know if it prevents it, but I can say this is the first BC that hasn't given me super bad side effects. I get zero headaches and slight nausea, and when I say slight, it comes and goes on some days but never stays and nothing I can't deal with. I can say though I eat A LOT. I'm 124, and before I started this BC, I ate a lot anyway, because hey, I'm a woman that loves food! It just makes me crave foods more. I also have sore boobs, but it's soreness that isn't unbearable. Also, I'm very, VERY emotional. I cry over shows on TV."

• 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."

• LLU...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 18, 2017

For Birth Control "Prescribed after experiencing breakthrough bleeding on another oral contraceptive. I gave it a fair go - 4 or 5 months, and I can't seem to get adjusted. Mood swings are more severe, experienced a 10 lb weight gain, feeling considerably more anxious, extreme breast tenderness, among feeling nauseated a week prior to period start date. Of course, everyone experiences this differently, but that's my story. Will be discontinuing this on month end."

• Lan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 21, 2018

For Birth Control "The first day after taking my first pill, I was extremely ill, with severe nausea that interfered with my job and eventually led to vomiting. Every day after, I got slightly less nauseous, and eventually towards the end of the first pack, I didn’t feel sick anymore. I just ended my period and started my second pack. I take my pills at night to avoid feeling as sick. This morning, after taking my first pill from the second pack last night, I had the same reaction as the first pack-extreme nausea that actually woke me up and led to vomiting shortly after. I’ve also noticed I’ve been breaking out a lot in places I don’t usually break out, like my cheekbones, forehead, and cheeks. I also developed very sensitive breasts that ached throughout the whole first pack, I could barely touch them. My appetite has increased substantially, and I feel like I may be gaining weight already. I hope after the third pack I won’t feel sick anymore, and my breasts won’t hurt as much."