Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo and Nausea: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• February 27, 2008

For Birth Control "I took Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo for a year, during which I was having intercourse very regularly. It was the only form of birth control I used, and although I did miss a few pills, my menstrual cycle was always on time, although I often lightly bled during the third week as well. It had the added benefit of clearing up all of my acne, when previously I would get zits on my chin, forehead, and back. The side effects were mild: a nauseous feeling when I first woke up, and constant vaginal dryness."

• Sie...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 29, 2013

For Birth Control "I'm 5'6" and 114 lbs. Very good pill to take if you're tiny and new to hormones. I recommend starting it the night of your new cycle to help your body get used to the hormones. Take it at night with a snack to fend off the nausea. STAY HYDRATED. You're going to confuse thirst with hunger on this pill. Drinking more water will combat bloating, weight gain, and fatigue. It takes longer to recover after workouts. My mood has improved drastically, as well as sex drive and wetness. My acne got worse, but I'll give it a few more months to straighten out. Love it so far."

• add...
• July 17, 2014

For Birth Control "I have not had really any problems. Except I feel nauseous all the dang time. It's terrible. Besides that, I have had clear skin, and I used to have a 7-day period. And it slimmed down to 5, which is no problem. But being nauseous all the time is terrible."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 2, 2012

For Birth Control "After reading horror stories about birth control online, I was very nervous to start taking the pill. I decided to try Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo, and it was the best decision I could have made. I never gained a single pound, my mild acne disappeared and my periods became regular, light, and short. I should also add that I have unprotected sex regularly and have never had a pregnancy scare. This pill worked wonderfully for me, and I honestly believe that it's the best birth control out there. CON: I only experienced one side effect from this birth control pill: every month, after taking the first pill of the pack, I experience intense nausea. THIS SIDE EFFECT DOES GO AWAY after time."

• Anonymous
• May 9, 2009

For Birth Control "I have been taking birth control pills for many years, and Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo has been very tolerable, with no side effects besides one: PREGNANCY. I thought it was better than all the others I've tried since it didn't give me headaches or nausea, but I'd take headaches and nausea any day over this. I took this pill exactly as directed, at the same time every morning, never missing a single pill. I avoided foods and medication that could possibly interfere with the pill's effectiveness. After a year of being on Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo and having periods you could set your watch to, I noticed I was a day late. Unfortunately, I have become part of that very small percentage of women that becomes pregnant while taking hormonal contraception."

• Anonymous
• August 19, 2010

For Ovarian Cysts "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."

• Eva...
• May 25, 2016

For Birth Control "I loved this pill, and it worked wonderfully for me. As long as I ate with the pill during the first week, I never felt nauseous. The only reason I'm having to switch now is that my insurance no longer covers enough of it, and I can't afford $150 a month. Very nervous to leave a pill that worked so well for me."

• Pre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 23, 2015

For Birth Control "I've tried Ortho-Cyclen and Microgestin 1/20 and Diane 35 before. OC made me gain weight like crazy, and I couldn't deal with the bloating; I also lost a ton of muscle mass. I've been on OTC-Lo for about a week, but I feel such a big difference in the degree of my side effects. I'm Asian, 5'2" and 118 lbs for reference. I don't feel nauseous at all, very minimal bloating, my skin's a bit clearer, and my sex drive's the same! I'm nervous about the tri-phasic style of the pill as I'm very sensitive to hormone shifts, so I may update my review after a month. I think people just really need to find a pill that most closely mimics their natural hormone levels and go up or down in estrogen and progestin as they observe the changes in their body."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 3, 2012

For Birth Control "After my BC pill that I had been taking for about 18 years was discontinued, I have been searching for one that I like. My doctor suggested Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo. It's been almost 1 year, and I want to change pills. Every month I experience a migraine along with my period that lasts 2-3 days. I have also had nausea, mood swings, bloating, and trouble losing weight. Recently, I have had breakthrough bleeding lasting several days. All of these symptoms are a first for me."

• Jul...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 15, 2014

For Birth Control "To help with a bad case of PMS (acne, depression, anxiety), decided to start something that will help regulate my periods and balance my hormones. Just started this, and now on day 5, and my only complaint is I feel like I have 'morning sickness.' I'm so sick to my stomach not long after taking it. And prescription nausea meds don't help. I'm not expecting the acne to clear up immediately, but on the plus side, no depression and anxiety, which is a huge win. So far, if the nausea leaves within the next couple months, I will continue this medication."

• Jul...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 15, 2014

For Birth Control "To help with a bad case of PMS (acne, depression, anxiety), decided to start something that will help regulate my periods and balance my hormones. Just started this, and now on day 5, and my only complaint is I feel like I have 'morning sickness.' I'm so sick to my stomach not long after taking it. And prescription nausea meds don't help. I'm not expecting the acne to clear up immediately, but on the plus side, no depression and anxiety, which is a huge win. So far, if the nausea leaves within the next couple months, I will continue this medication."

• Lau...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 11, 2012

For Birth Control "I have been on Tri-Cyclen Lo for nearly three months, and I am VERY pleased with it. This is the first time I have even taken a birth control pill, and I was very wary to begin the pill after reading many horror stories online. I am very glad that I did not let my fears prevent me from taking the pill. PROS: -No weight gain -No extreme mood swings -No decrease in sex drive -Easy to use -Effective -Less premenstrual cramps, shorter periods CONS: -For the first few days of the pill, I felt extremely nauseous. It was so bad that I considered giving it up, but I am glad I didn't, as the nausea went away after the first week. -I now experience headaches before my expected period."

• Pri...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 25, 2020

For Birth Control "I have been on birth control for two years. I started Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo before switching over to the generic brand. When I started taking the birth control, I was nauseous. I had loss of appetite and began to lose weight. I lost overall 40 lbs in two years. I still don’t have a big appetite. I do eat, but my portions are smaller. My periods are normal and light. I like this birth control. It works well for me."

• btl...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 5, 2015

For Birth Control "I am on my third month of this birth control, and I am satisfied with it. The first week I took it, I would take the pill at night and then wake up in the morning with vomiting or nausea. The morning after I took the very first pill was the worst. This occurred the first few white pills of the second pack as well, however, it subsided after a few days. I noticed I was moodier than usual the first few weeks, but that went away. I'm glad I didn't stop taking it because now I don't even notice anything negative. I haven't gained weight, it hasn't helped my acne, but it hasn't hurt it either, so that's fine with me. My periods became lighter for fewer days and MUCH less painful. My cramps are so much better now. Most importantly, I'm not pregnant."

• Lau...
• August 5, 2013

For Birth Control "This pill did not go well with me. I took it for a week and felt bloated, got acne, headaches every day, nausea! I would take the pill at 7 pm so my stomach wouldn't be empty, but I would wake up around 3 am wanting to vomit. I started it on a Day 1 start, and my period was so long and heavy, it didn't stop until I stopped taking the pill that week. But I tried taking it again since I've read that symptoms will usually go away after a few months. The second time around, I felt bloated and got a headache again the first day. The first night I woke up at 2 am to throw up with a cold sweat, I felt I would pass out. I'm going to look into something else. I can't function with this nausea and moodiness."

• jan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 18, 2013

For Birth Control "I've only been on this for two weeks, but I've got to say, I haven't been disappointed at all. My acne has gotten better, and my personality hasn't changed at all, thankfully, and my period was lighter and shorter. I did experience some nausea and headaches, but they went away after a few days. I can't comment on how well it prevents pregnancies yet, though! After reading horror stories about this pill, I'm glad that it works for me and my body. I'd recommend it to anyone."

• dea...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 1, 2019

For Birth Control "This was the best birth control option! I had debilitating periods before I started. On this pill, my cramps were a piece of cake; some cycles I didn't even get cramps! My breasts grew, skin looked great, no depression, anxiety, or mental health side effects. This is the only birth control that worked for me! Currently on Tri-Vylibra, and I hate it. I think I should be on the Tri-Vylibra Lo, but I'm on the bigger dose one (has 0.035 of ethinyl estradiol instead of the Lo that has 0.025 mg ethinyl estradiol), and I'm breaking out, TERRIBLE mood swings/depression, boobs didn't grow, and AWFUL nausea my first week or so. I want to go back to Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo!!!! I have no idea what I can use instead ;("

• Mel...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 23, 2018

For Birth Control "I can’t rave about Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo enough. I’ve been on it for 14 years, never once a scare. I’ve got my hormone changes down, so I know what to expect at every point in my pill pack (minimal things, like some nausea in the morning on the first 7 days, easily countered with some crackers before getting up if it gets really bad, which it doesn’t really anymore). I occasionally notice bloating, but this could be due to many other things. No weight gain, no decreased metabolism. I get my period at the same time every time (Tuesday night/Wednesday morning). Clear skin and no cramping. I’m 26 now and am sad that I can no longer afford to be on this medication due to the price increase and change of insurance. Hopefully, generic is the same... I would love if this name brand medication would come down in price."

• Con...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 18, 2013

For Birth Control "I started Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo on May 19th, but I got my period on May 3, and since I started the pill, I missed my June period. I've been experiencing heartburn, nausea, weakness/fatigue, sometimes bloating. Makes me feel pregnant, my breasts didn't change much. The fact that it throws your hormones off, my sex drive is finally low."

• epp...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 13, 2015

For Birth Control "I started on this birth control when I was 18, and 9 years later, I sadly need to switch due to a change in my insurance. It is SO expensive on a high deductible plan. But when I was on it, it really helped keep my cycle super regular, skin clear, and no weight gain. But with most pills, you can't miss a day or more, otherwise, the nausea/cramps are out of control!"

• Meg...
• May 7, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I’ve only been on this birth control for 3 months. I’m constantly nauseated, my boobs are so sore, my mood swings are crazy, acne is awful (I’ve always had super clear skin). My period stopped April 26th, I had been bleeding for 10 days straight. Today is May 7th, and it’s back again... something is just not right with this pill! I do not recommend it to anyone."

• Anonymous
• August 5, 2010

For Birth Control "I have been on the pill for two years. I must admit that things did start off a little rocky with the nausea, but it did begin to get better because I started taking the pill before bed. It has prevented pregnancy, helped me keep clear skin, and lightened my periods and lessened my cramps. Besides the nausea, the pill is very effective and a good choice."

• Lib...
• December 2, 2013

For Birth Control "I am 17, and I've been on this pill for about 10 days now and LOVE IT. Weighing on the smaller side, with very minuscule breasts, this pill has helped me gain extra weight and has already helped my breasts grow. I was only a tad nauseous on the first day, but I found my mood was overall happier, and I have a great amount of energy. I am very happy with the results of this pill and how well it has worked for me. I was worried at first, but once I had some food and got through the night, I realized that oral birth control is really a gift. If you were like me and worried sick over this pill, then just look at all of the benefits that tiny pill can offer you and the security you gain. Thumbs up all the way."

• Mel...
• July 28, 2014

For Birth Control "I went on this pill a while back to help regulate my period and help with severe cramps. I had an extremely heavy flow, and my cramps were so unbearable. Also, I would get my period for 12 days, sometimes twice a month. Since being on the pill, I usually don’t get any cramps, which is amazing. I also noticed that my skin is always 100% clear. However, I would say that I gained a solid 20 pounds since being on the pill and am currently trying to work it off with healthy eating and regular exercise. Side note, the first week I took this, I was throwing up every night and feeling nauseated, but if you stick with it, those side effects eventually subside. Overall, besides the weight gain, I would say that this pill has done wonders."

• CP1...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 29, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been on birth control for 6 years. I went on it because my periods were painful and made me very sick two days out of the month. I was on a generic brand of Ortho Tri-Cyclen, and when insurance started to cover the name brand completely, I switched to Ortho Tri-Cyclen. During the first couple of years on birth control, my periods were much better and predictable, but I would feel nauseous when I started taking my pill again after my period. Once my body got used to being on the pill, the nausea stopped. In spring 2015, after being on Ortho Tri-Cyclen, my insurance out of the blue stopped covering it, and that is when I switched to Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo. This is the best BC I have been on. I haven't gained weight, and the only side effect is headaches."