Ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate and Acne: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Sam...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 21, 2021

For Birth Control "Do not let these reviews scare you! Birth control is not a one-size-fits-all and literally just depends on your body. This is the first pill that hasn’t caused negative side effects like depression, mood swings, or any other mental health problems that I’ve experienced with other pills. The only side effect I experienced was acne for the first 3 months, but that could have been due to stress or other factors. My skin eventually cleared, and I have had no other problems with this pill!"

• 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."

• 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
• January 12, 2010

For Birth Control "I took this for 5 months and loved it. It actually cleared up the acne I had before I started it, and it kept me from getting pregnant. I started forgetting to take it, so I switched to the Depo Provera shot. It has made me depressed, crazy, gain weight, no period, lactate, acne breakouts, and no sex drive at all. Now my doctor even thinks I might have a tumor on my pituitary gland and will have to get an MRI to find out soon. So, I have definitely switched back to Sprintec, today actually, and I hope all these side effects from Depo Provera go away."

• Arm...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 9, 2013

For Birth Control "I began taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo when I was 13. I am now 22. I was not sexually active at the time, but my periods were extremely irregular. This specific oral contraceptive helped to regulate my period, and it has been perfect for the past 9 years. When reading these reviews, ladies must keep in mind that everyone is different. Genetics plays a huge role in whether you get/have bad acne, cramping, low sex drive, etc. It may not be because of the pill, necessarily. In my 9-year experience with this particular product, I have never had a scare when I took the pill as directed. You will have a few of those symptoms, it's just life."

• jls...
• December 22, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Sprintec sucks!!! The reason I got on the pill was so I could have sex and not get pregnant!! Well, it works because I can't have sex because I won't stop bleeding!!! I first started taking the pill in October, all was well. When I started taking the placebos, I started my period and it lasted for two weeks. It finally ended. I decided the next time to skip the placebos so I wouldn't bleed for two weeks. Well, I started to bleed anyway, and I've now been bleeding for probably close to a month now. It hasn't really helped with acne or anything either. IDK whether to continue to take the pill and hope for the best or stop taking it and maybe my bleeding will stop??? Ugh!!!"

• Kel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 24, 2018

For Acne "I started this pill barely a month ago (I get my period next week, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed), but I love it. I read so many terrible reviews before I started it, and I was super anxious, but now that I've been taking it, I actually like it more than the Mononessa that I had been on. I lost the weight that I gained from the Mononessa, my skin stopped breaking out aside from a few pimples here and there, and it doesn't make me nauseous like Mononessa did. I used to have cystic acne around my jawline and sometimes on my cheeks, and I've gotten 1-2 since starting, but they went away in literally a day's time. I was honestly amazed. I'm a pharmacy tech, so I knew it wouldn't be much of a change, but I didn't think it would be this much better! If you're unsure about it, give it a chance just because everyone's bodies are different. You could be one of the few like me that it works miracles on. :)"

• Kel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 24, 2018

For Acne "I started this pill barely a month ago (I get my period next week, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed), but I love it. I read so many terrible reviews before I started it, and I was super anxious, but now that I've been taking it, I actually like it more than the Mononessa that I had been on. I lost the weight that I gained from the Mononessa, my skin stopped breaking out aside from a few pimples here and there, and it doesn't make me nauseous like Mononessa did. I used to have cystic acne around my jawline and sometimes on my cheeks, and I've gotten 1-2 since starting, but they went away in literally a day's time. I was honestly amazed. I'm a pharmacy tech, so I knew it wouldn't be much of a change, but I didn't think it would be this much better! If you're unsure about it, give it a chance just because everyone's bodies are different. You could be one of the few like me that it works miracles on. :)"

• rin...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 20, 2021

For Birth Control "I made an account just to comment on how incredibly bad this birth control is. I was on Estarylla for a while, but then switched to Mili. Ever since taking it, I have had the absolute WORST depressive and anxiety attacks to the point where I think I’m going insane. It was never like this taking Estarylla, but my experience with that other brand was bad too. My periods have gotten heavier and more painful since taking this brand. My acne was cleared with Estarylla, but Mili has given me more acne. This birth control has pretty much made me miserable."

• Hip...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 31, 2014

For Birth Control "I've been on Sprintec for 2 years, and I love it. At first, I was on Beyaz, and that was awful, so my gyno switched me to this, and I'm glad she did. I have virtually no acne. Beyaz made me gain at least 15 pounds, and I've slimmed down since taking this, but not by much. My breasts only become sore around the time of my period. My period always comes the same day of the week, and I haven't had any pregnancy scares. One of the best things about it is that with my health insurance, there's no copay (Beyaz had a copay of $40). I used to have a lot of vaginal discharge, and Sprintec has substantially minimized it. My sex drive is through the roof, but my appetite hasn't been affected as far as I can tell. No complaints!"

• Jul...
• August 5, 2014

For Birth Control "I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome 2 months ago by my OBGYN. Earlier this year, I began to experience a number of odd symptoms, such as: 1. Severe mood swings 2. Skipped periods 3. Extreme bloating 4. Mild acne 5. Diminished libido. I was put on Sprintec, and the first 2 weeks were HELL. I experienced nausea (lost 5 lbs). I couldn't keep anything down, it was out of control! Mood became worse. I was ready to call my doctor and ask her to put me on something else, but after the nausea subsided (around week 3), I decided to complete the 3-month trial period. Currently on Month 2, and after my first period, I felt better than ever! Mood, energy, and sex drive are at an all-time high. I will definitely stay on Sprintec."

• 041...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 6, 2018

For Acne "I started this pill that was recommended by my gyn as most effective for acne. The first 2 packs were a complete opposite for me. I broke out on parts of my face that I never really experienced acne on before. However, they weren’t cystic or big and red like I usually would get on the chin area. At the third pack, it got significantly better. I no longer had new breakouts. And now at my fourth pack, my scarring has faded for the most part, and around the placebo week, I get one small breakout but nothing crazy. If you’re just starting this pill and aren’t sure if you should stick it out, I’d say give it 3 months as recommended by the experts."

• Bro...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 8, 2021

For Birth Control "I was on Sprintec for five months, and it was awful. Experienced horrible acne and mood changes. I was a completely different person on this. I was constantly crying over everything and having mental breakdowns almost every day. It was so bad that nobody wanted to be around me. It really put me in a bad place, I had really bad depression while on it and constant dark and negative thoughts. Everyone’s body reacts differently, though, I just wanted to post this so if you are experiencing negative thoughts, please reach out to your doctor so they can help you."

• Ree...
• October 10, 2013

For Birth Control "First, let me preface this by saying that every woman's body is different. Don't let these comments highly influence if you decide to take or not to take Sprintec. You yourself have to try it and see if it works for you. With that being said, I have been on Sprintec for a little over 5 months. It works for me. I really haven't had any side effects... no weight gain, no acne, no crazy moods. I am a Sunday starter, and my period usually comes on late Tuesday or early Wednesday during the week of the placebo pill. The only thing I will say against it is that I haven't experienced the shorter periods. My period still stays on for about 5 days. Most importantly of all, I haven't gotten pregnant!"

• JCF...
• November 5, 2013

For Acne "I am almost through with my second month of pills, and I have to say that my acne has gotten worse. I normally have fairly clear skin with occasional small breakouts, but since the birth control, my acne has gotten much more common and more large and painful as well. I'm hoping that my body is still getting used to the hormones and will soon get back to normal. Also, my appetite has become a constant issue. My weight has stayed the same so far, but I am eating much more than I used to. Hoping that this is all just adjustments that will get better with time!"

• cmu...
• January 17, 2015

For Birth Control "Been taking since August of 2014. LOVE IT. Haven't gained any weight, but I also work out regularly and eat healthy. Went up one cup size so far, and they seem to be getting a little better, which I don't hate! My acne has gotten a lot better. But there was about a week when I took it late every day, and I started breaking out bad. Sex is great, body looks good. Just a little more emotional than before too. Great for everyone!"

• Bls...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 25, 2017

For Acne "The first two months of use, I broke out bad. I read reviews that said this might happen as it's balancing everything out. I stuck with it. 14 months in and I'm a happy girl. Little to no cramping (used to be quite severe), 3-4 days of light bleeding, and my skin is so happy! Occasionally get a pimple or two, but absolutely no more cystic acne! My moods are balanced and I haven't experienced weight gain. I didn't experience any nausea or abnormal pain. I'm 37 and this is the right pill for me."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 26, 2019

For Birth Control "I started Mili so I could just skip my periods. Everything was fine with the first pack, but once I started my second pack, it started spotting, heavier and heavier into a full-blown period that hadn't stopped, and it has been about to be 2 weeks. I have felt depressed and have gotten painful breakouts on my face, and I don't have acne. I also feel nauseous and bloated most of the time. I'm going to give it till the end of the month, and then I think I will stop because I'd rather have a period than go through this."

• Mel...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 6, 2019

For Birth Control "This is the first birth control pill I’ve ever been on, and I was a little scared when I read the reviews on Estarylla. Now I’m on month 6, and everything stayed normal or improved. My weight did not change at all that I am aware of, might be since I do workout 5x a week and/or have a “balanced” diet. At times, I notice that my boobs might be a little bigger than usual, but I believe it may be part of natural “pmsing.” My periods got so much lighter, usually, last 4-5 days at most, and only the first day is a heavier flow. No cramps like I used to experience and no mood swings either. I only get very small spots of acne a week before my period, but other than that, my skin is clear all month! Haven’t had pregnancy scares either."

• Ann...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 23, 2021

For Birth Control "Overall, I’m happy with this Mili birth control pill. I switched from Junel Fe after seeing my doctor for pelvic pain. My doctor put me on Mili continuously due to a suspected hormone imbalance. And she was right. The first three-week transition was rough; acne, tender breasts, anxiety, nausea, irritability, but it actually cleared up on my second pack. I feel great now and have little to no cramping. I only had breakthrough bleeding once during the switch (since I’m skipping placebos). I plan to keep using it as long as nothing crazy pops up. The only thing I can note is that I’m more emotional from time to time, but I think that’s the ebb and flow of the month anyway. I do have headaches a little more often, but nothing severe."

• kat...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 4, 2019

For Birth Control "I was hesitant to try Tri-Lo Sprintec after hearing its bad reviews. I had switched from pill to pill, trying to find the best one. I was using the pill to treat bad cramps and horrible acne. First, I was on Falmina (a generic of Aviane), which made me break out even more. Then I switched to Nikki, a generic of Yaz. It helped with skin but made me severely depressed, so I switched to Tri-Lo Sprintec... and never looked back. I’ve had fantastic skin ever since (even better than on Yaz!), haven’t gained any weight, and haven’t had any bad PMS or hormonal mood changes. I haven’t exhibited signs of depression as a result of the pill. I had minor headaches in the beginning, but they did not last long and don’t happen anymore. I absolutely love this pill. It’s improved my sex drive, mood, and skin substantially, and I am so thankful—I feel better on this pill than any other! LOVE THIS! Don’t listen to every single review—give it a try, it might be right for your body."

• kat...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 4, 2019

For Birth Control "I was hesitant to try Tri-Lo Sprintec after hearing its bad reviews. I had switched from pill to pill, trying to find the best one. I was using the pill to treat bad cramps and horrible acne. First, I was on Falmina (a generic of Aviane), which made me break out even more. Then I switched to Nikki, a generic of Yaz. It helped with skin but made me severely depressed, so I switched to Tri-Lo Sprintec... and never looked back. I’ve had fantastic skin ever since (even better than on Yaz!), haven’t gained any weight, and haven’t had any bad PMS or hormonal mood changes. I haven’t exhibited signs of depression as a result of the pill. I had minor headaches in the beginning, but they did not last long and don’t happen anymore. I absolutely love this pill. It’s improved my sex drive, mood, and skin substantially, and I am so thankful—I feel better on this pill than any other! LOVE THIS! Don’t listen to every single review—give it a try, it might be right for your body."

• BCh...
• March 16, 2019

For Birth Control "I originally started my birth control journey with Sprintec, then NuvaRing, then the IUD, then back to Sprintec. I started with pills then would forget, the ring made my cycles too long, the IUD made my skin have the worst breakouts...so my doc said how about Sprintec? I was prescribed this pill mainly for my concern over my skin and length of cycle. Currently, it has been four months on Sprintec, and it has made a HUGE (positive) impact on my skin (almost clear now) and length of cycle (went from 9-12 days to 4-6 days). My advice would be to give this pill time and be patient with it. It has changed my view on BC pills vs. other formats."

• Sha...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 30, 2014

For Birth Control "I've been using this pill for approximately 2.5 years. I have never had any trouble with it, never gotten pregnant. Disclaimer: I do take it every day, hardly ever skip, and when I do forget, I double up the next day, so I think I've got myself covered. I did not experience weight gain (but I'm pretty physically active, 5'3, 120 lbs). Cramps, well sometimes but not bad, no problems with acne, no mood swings (unless I'm on my period, but that's a given). If you're young and seriously unprepared for the risk of having a child, I would recommend making sure your partner still uses a condom even if you're on birth control, trust me (3 years and it's worked for me, knock on wood)."

• Gab...
• March 14, 2017

For Birth Control "I have nothing but good reviews for this birth control! I was terrified of taking it because of the horrible reviews that I read before, but I got on three weeks ago and haven't had any horrible side effects or any side effects at all, thank goodness. Only thing is my boobs feel bigger and fuller, which is a plus, and my acne is subsiding. Other than that, I love this birth control and will continue to take it!"