Ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate and Acne: What Users Say

• Ste...
• February 14, 2021

For Birth Control "First, I would like to say that this is the first time I've ever been on BC. I'm 25 years old and I'm in a serious, committed relationship. I've been looking at these reviews on the BC pill Mili, a pill that I was prescribed. I'm taking it for my irregular period, cramps, and heavy periods. I do not struggle with acne, never did. While reading the comments, it appears to me that a majority have previously taken another form, or at least a type of BC pill before starting Mili. More often than not, your body will go whack because of the new hormones you are introducing, not to mention some other forms of BC may not mix well after your body has been regulated on a different pill for a while. So, keep that in mind. I just started taking Mili. Overall, I'm not experiencing anything major like headaches, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, breakouts, etc. Do not let others' reviews scare you. No one said that taking BC was going to ever be a 5 star experience."

• Aan...
• December 14, 2020

For Birth Control "I've been taking Sprintec for 3 months now and I have had no issues with it, besides very mild breakouts on my chin. I did notice more clotting during my period and occasionally watery discharge, but nothing problematic, these are just some slight changes I have noticed. I had never been on birth control before, and after reading these reviews, I was so nervous. I recommend trying it, keep in mind everyone reacts differently, and people are more likely to write reviews about bad experiences, not good, especially with something like this! Hope it works for you too!"

• 14a...
• April 21, 2021

For Birth Control "It seems like most of the negative reviews are from people that switched to Mili from Sprintec. This is the first form of birth control I’ve ever been on, and I have no side effects. I’ve been taking Mili for almost 4 months, and my periods are regular, no acne, no weight gain, etc. I recommend Mili for people that are taking birth control for the first time or that haven’t been on birth control for a while. I’ve heard coming off birth control is a process (even if switching to another form), and it seems like Mili is being prescribed in an emergency situation since there is a shortage of Sprintec, which could be causing people’s hormones to go out of whack. The only negative thing I have to say is that the pills are very small, and it is easy to drop them when taking them out of the pack. That’s the only thing holding me back from giving a 10/10."

• Vit...
• March 10, 2020

For Birth Control "I was on Ortho-Tri-Cyclen previously without issue, but it's been discontinued. Tri-Sprintec is the closest equivalent generic. Let me tell you... it's positively changed my life. I no longer deal with monthly hormonal imbalance/fluctuations (i.e. mood swings), extremely painful periods, or reoccurring ovarian cysts. I didn't break out in acne; my skin has been super clear throughout -- not even a transition period where I broke out. My hair has gotten thicker, my boobs have grown at least a cup size, and I've got a nice curvy booty again (all of these changes are very welcomed). I've loved the additional 5 lb weight gain. It's also decreased chronic joint pain I had/have due to other health conditions. Additionally, Tri-Sprintec has improved my mood and sense of well-being, while lowering anxiety. I feel like myself again for the first time in years -- no antidepressant or anxiety med has done what this birth control has for me. Best. birth. control. ever."

• Jan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 14, 2021

For Birth Control "I was switched to Mili by my doctor who assured me it was the same as my Sprintec I was on for years. It is not the same at all. Horrible cystic acne emerged, which I haven't had in 20 years, with terrible stomach cramping and upset with bloating. Miserable. Luckily, I had an old pack of Sprintec left and took that instead. Within 2 days, I am feeling like my old self. Hopefully, I can get more. Mili is NOT the same as Sprintec. Something is off. I don't care what the pharmacy or doctor says, it is different."

• Anonymous
• April 18, 2010

For Birth Control "I have been taking Sprintec for 3 years now. It has worked really well for me. Before this, I would get very moody, get menstrual migraines, have really bad cramps, and when I was 18, I started getting nauseous/sick every other month within the first couple of days of my period. Since taking Sprintec, I feel my mood has greatly improved. I no longer get sick/nauseous, my cramps have become more than tolerable, and I noticed no increased acne or weight gain. I haven't experienced any yeast infection/urinary tract problems with this. However, every girl will react differently to different birth controls. If it doesn't work for you, don't worry; just call your doctor and discuss some new options. Eventually, you will find something that works for you."

• Anonymous
• May 15, 2012

For Acne "28-year-old, healthy/active nurse. I have always had minor acne since college, but nothing like what I had a year ago last summer (2011). I blame it on YAZ for messing up my hormones. Painful cystic acne covered my jawline and forehead. I'm talking about 20 cysts at a time. I tried every OTC wash, organic products, and eliminated caffeine, sugar, and dairy, you name it. Nothing worked. Even though I did not want to go on the pill, I had to. I used ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN (not the generic) for almost 7 months, and finally, it's almost clear. It was bad the first few months, but I stuck with it. Give it time. PS: The generic is not the same as the real thing. Different fillers cause different reactions!"

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 19, 2020

For Birth Control "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."

• bee...
• February 24, 2014

For Acne "I would just like to say if you're looking for a solution for your acne, PLEASE try this. I have been struggling with acne for a few years, I have tried everything from over the counter to prescribed medicine, and NOTHING worked. Finally, I decided to get on the pill because I had very deep, painful cystic acne along my jawline and chin that wouldn't go away. I have been on Sprintec for 2 months now, and my skin is 100% clear. The only time I get a pimple is around my period, but it is so much more manageable. Trust me, this pill is my magic pill."

• Leo...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 9, 2020

For Birth Control "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!"

• AGB...
• June 5, 2014

For Birth Control "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."

• AGB...
• June 5, 2014

For Birth Control "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."

• ld8...
• October 15, 2018

For Acne "I broke out pretty bad about two months ago. I had a lot of tiny bumps on my forehead and cheeks, so I got on Estarylla, and the first week it was clearing up my face pretty well, but out of nowhere, it made me break out even worse. I woke up one day and had four huge cystic bumps on my forehead. I never wanted to leave my house, my face just looked so beat up. After that, it just kept getting worse, and it felt like it would never end. But I didn't want to just stop taking the birth control right away, I read online that it could be my body getting used to it. I am now on month two, and my skin has cleared up immensely. I think my body purged all of the things clogging my pores and pushing everything to the surface. I know everybody is different, but if you're only on the first month of taking this, I would stick with it for maybe a couple more months!"

• Aly...
• November 17, 2020

For Birth Control "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 effect 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 the time. I regret not realizing this medication was the reason for all of my symptoms earlier on."

• Kri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 10, 2014

For Acne "I have just completed one pack of the Tri-Sprintec. I was prescribed Ortho but was given Tri-Sprintec due to insurance. I am 30 years old and have not had any major acne in years. The last major outbreak I had was when I was 24. I would still get the occasional 1-2 acne spots, but it would only occur every several months. This month has been horrible on Tri-Sprintec. I've had at least 20+ acne spots on my face. I've tried to use multiple products to clear it up to no avail. It is all hormonal cystic acne that is mainly concentrated around my mouth area/chin, and they all leave scarring. I'm honestly not sure if I can last 3 months on it to see if it will get better for me. I do not normally break out, so this terrifies me!"

• Mim...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 16, 2018

For Birth Control "GOD, THIS BIRTH CONTROL IS AWESOME. As my first birth control pill ever, I can say this pill has been super good to me. Much lighter periods and no cramping. No pregnancy scares. No more acne except for the occasional pimple. My sex drive hasn’t changed. No nausea or headaches. I’ve been on it since the beginning of January, and I’m more than happy with my experience so far. :))) Don’t listen to all the bad reviews!! It may work phenomenally for you."

• Anonymous
• September 3, 2009

For Birth Control "I have been using Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo for 6 years now, and I have always absolutely loved it! I never experienced weight gain, acne, mood swings, and my period is every fourth Wednesday. I have no complaints. It is the perfect birth control for me."

• Sha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 21, 2020

For Birth Control "Do not take Sprintec. I've been on it for two weeks, and I'm quitting already. This medicine makes me extremely nauseous and gave me prolonged headaches. On top of that, it made my face break out horribly, and I've gained 7 pounds. No, just no. Take a hard pass on this one and try something else."

• Nfa...
• February 8, 2020

For Birth Control "I've been on Tri-Lo Marzia for a bit over 3 months. I read these reviews before starting, and the bad ones really outnumbered the good ones — they scared me. The side effects turned out to be better than I expected. I had cramps on my first week of starting the pill that were otherworldly. I spent the week doubled over in pain. Periods since then have been lighter but last longer. My boobs grew immediately - like a second puberty or a natural boob job. Sounds silly, but they've made me feel more womanly/powerful. My acne got a bit worse, covering my chin and cheeks faintly. Not much effect on weight/sex drive. The worst thing is mental health; I'm extremely sensitive, my weeks are emotional rollercoasters. I have depressive episodes similar to when I was in my darkest place. It's hard to point fingers straight at the pill, but I know myself, and I know that I'm not currently myself. Probably going to stay on, though. The pros kinda outweigh the cons :/"

• Ken...
• March 6, 2021

For Birth Control "My pharmacy ran out of Sprintec, so I tried Mili. The first two days I had cramps that felt like some food poisoning. I felt weak and non-motivated. I couldn’t even wear my contacts, and I kept drinking water. The worst was the migraines on days 5 and 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 in the last few days. I felt like I couldn’t even speak because the headache was so bad, like pounding on the sides of my head."

• Ayl...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 4, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm 19, and after a very poor experience with the birth control Beyaz, I was switched to Tri-Sprintec. After several months, my cramps have decreased in pain and my acne that I have struggled with for over 5 years is almost completely gone! I am amazed! Haha. PLEASE, don't read reviews on the internet for a specific birth control and assume that will be your experience. Your hormones and needs are very unique, and it may take a few switches to fully figure out which brand is meant for you. I spent countless hours stressing over reviews/etc when I really just needed to try and see what happened. Birth control is complicated and will not affect any two women the same way. Listen to your doctor and trust what they say!"

• Lov...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 2, 2013

For Birth Control "I must admit that some of the things that people experience from this pill are scary. One thing to know is just because they have this experience doesn't mean you will. Always try it yourself. Different bodies have different reactions. I have been on this birth control for about 4 months now, and I love it. I don't have mood swings at all, I am very calm at all times. I did not used to be. I don't have vaginal dryness, yeast infections, UTIs, or anything else that people are saying besides breast tenderness. It only seems to be tender at night. I have not gained any weight. I think my breasts are getting bigger, which is a plus to me. I don't have acne like I used to. My periods are very light now."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 16, 2020

For Birth Control "I really didn't like this Estarylla birth control. I was initially on Femynor (LOVE), but one day I picked up my prescription and I was given Estarylla. I called my gynecologist, and the nurse said it was a generic brand and shouldn’t affect me much, but it was AWFUL. I was on it for two months. I probably didn’t give it time to settle in, but Femynor never gave me this many issues so early on. I was very depressed, unmotivated, broke out, tired, experienced a lot of anxiety attacks, and super nauseated. I know everyone is different, but for me, it was the worst. My period went rather smoothly, I will say, but other than that, AWFUL! I recommend Femynor 10/10."

• Anonymous
• March 18, 2013

For Birth Control "I've seen a lot of negative reviews, so I felt I'd share a good one. Ortho Novum 777 made my hair fall out, mood swings, and weight gain. Switched to Trinessa. Hair stopped falling out, lost 4 pounds in 3 weeks, no mood swings, super happy all the time, flawless skin even though Necon gave me acne, but I don't have it naturally. Sex drive is through the roof, which my boyfriend loves! No nausea, headaches, or any other crazy things. GREAT PILL. You don't know until you try! Also, I'm 20 years old, almost 21. Ortho Novum 777 and Lo Loestrin Fe had terrible side effects. Also took Reclipsen (Ortho-cept) for about 3 years, no problems."

• Lau...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 17, 2022

For Birth Control "I loved Milli, but my body got used to it, so my doc changed me to Hailey-Fe, and I’m gonna deal with the breakthrough periods and come back to this BC because I lost weight on this pill, as well as never broke out, never had bad mental health problems. I loved this pill so much, and I highly recommend this."