Ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate and Cramps: What Users Say

• 024...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 29, 2024

For Birth Control "I’ve been using Mili for 2.5 years now, and I’ve personally never had a bad reaction. This was the first BC pill I was prescribed, so I didn’t make a switch from a different pill. I had pretty consistent and mild periods before birth control, but with Mili I don’t experience painful cramping at all. I “cramp” slightly right when my period starts, but it’s not a painful cramp, it’s more just a feeling that I can tell my period started. I started using Curology for my acne 6 months before starting Mili, so I can’t fully speak on the benefit for acne. While I don’t know if it’s one of them or both contributing to my skin, I can say my skin has been significantly better the past 2.5 years than it was before Curology/Mili. I looked up reviews before starting Mili and was scared from the negative feedback. I randomly thought about that tonight and came back to share my positive experience in case it helps anyone currently reading reviews!"

• 024...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 29, 2024

For Birth Control "I’ve been using Mili for 2.5 years now, and I’ve personally never had a bad reaction. This was the first BC pill I was prescribed, so I didn’t make a switch from a different pill. I had pretty consistent and mild periods before birth control, but with Mili I don’t experience painful cramping at all. I “cramp” slightly right when my period starts, but it’s not a painful cramp, it’s more just a feeling that I can tell my period started. I started using Curology for my acne 6 months before starting Mili, so I can’t fully speak on the benefit for acne. While I don’t know if it’s one of them or both contributing to my skin, I can say my skin has been significantly better the past 2.5 years than it was before Curology/Mili. I looked up reviews before starting Mili and was scared from the negative feedback. I randomly thought about that tonight and came back to share my positive experience in case it helps anyone currently reading reviews!"

• Izz...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 25, 2021

For Birth Control "Tri-Lo-Marzia was the first birth control I had ever been on. I took it pretty irresponsibly the first few months I was on it, but the last three months of taking it, I was very serious about it. I did notice some changes with my mood, nothing too serious, but definitely random fits of crying. The pill had no effect on my weight or skin, but my period was definitely regulated, cramps were still very bad, but my period ended within 5 days. I was forced to change to Tri-Lo Sprintec, but for a first birth control, I really didn't mind Tri-Lo-Marzia. It was completely effective in eliminating pregnancy when used properly. Don't stress yourself out reading these reviews, which was a mistake I made. Everyone's body is different, and the only real way to know what side effects you'll experience is if you take it."

• Can...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 4, 2021

For Birth Control "I've taken Sprintec for years and have never had any side effects. My pharmacy was out of Sprintec, gave me Mili without telling me, and I feel absolutely horrible after taking it for 1 week. I started spotting, cramping, feeling dizzy, and exhausted. Do not take this birth control!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 13, 2021

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I took Sprintec for 7 months, and after seeing these reviews after a MONTH of bleeding (brown blood for the most part), I am quitting this pill - my gyn tells me to keep taking it, but I refuse when this could risk my health. It hurts my vision, gives me cramps, induces nausea, and I'm hoping quitting will calm down my bleeding and reset my normal menstrual cycle. This will probably be the last birth control I ever take. For all the ladies wondering when the madness ends after quitting - I'll keep in touch and refresh this review when it stops and let you guys in on my quitting journey."

• 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
• December 17, 2009

For Birth Control "Within the 1st week I went from a happy, optimistic girl, to a very unhappy, unstable individual. My experience: crying for no reason, complete misery, severe weight gain, antisocial, exhausted, nauseous, dry eyes, high anxiety, NO sex drive, painful sex, cramping, bloating, irrational behavior."

• Anonymous
• October 19, 2011

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I was put on this pill to regulate my period, but I was on my period when the doctor gave it to me. I have not stopped bleeding for 3 weeks straight. I started the pill a week ago, and I find it gets worse - the cramps, the bleeding, and blood clots. I'm emotionally drained, tired all the time, and feel sick. I've been on birth control to stop bleeding before, and it worked within 2 to 3 days. I don't know when I'm going to stop bleeding, hopefully soon. I'm getting so tired of it. I just want to feel normal again."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 24, 2021

For Birth Control "My pharmacy switched this on me instead of my regular Sprintec. They are supposed to be the same dosage and pretty much interchangeable, but they are definitely not. I've been taking it for 2 months, and I spend most of the month spotting, bloated, tired, and occasional cramping. My periods are heavier, which you wouldn't think is possible since I'm spotting all month. I'm honestly thinking about just going off of it until I can get Sprintec again."

• lol...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 5, 2021

For Birth Control "Ok, I love this pill. I know a lot of birth controls warn about gaining weight, but it was the opposite for me. I actually lost weight, and my skin has never been clearer since I started. My periods are more regular and not super heavy. I still get my cramps, but they aren’t terrible, that’s the only real con, but everything else is great."

• vma...
• August 4, 2014

For Birth Control "Sprintec is great for me. I have taken it for a year and a half (19 years old). Never had any problems, but I guess that shows it works different for everyone. My breasts got bigger. I didn't gain any weight, periods became shorter, lighter periods, and I rarely have cramps, and if I do, they aren't bad. Before I got on Sprintec, I had really heavy periods, all 7 days long, and horrible cramps to the point where I would miss school and work. It's affordable, and I would recommend Sprintec to anyone."

• 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."

• Cat...
• June 8, 2020

For Birth Control "I've taken Sprintec for about 4 years now. I studied abroad in France, and the pharmacy didn't carry Sprintec, so I was switched to a variation of a French brand, Tri-Sprintec, which I enjoyed. So, when I came back to the U.S., I tried Tri-Sprintec and did not like it. I gained weight, lost hair, and switched to Tri-lo-Sprintec. This one made my periods heavier, made me cramp a lot, and also I gained even more weight. After about 6 months, I decided to just go back to Sprintec, which I had taken for 3 years already with no issues... (I'm not sure why I didn't just do this immediately instead of trying other pills). I've never had any issue with Sprintec. I did notice bloating, but I've been taking some supplements that help me with this. I've had no issue with losing weight and have successfully lost the weight I had gained on the other pills by just eating healthier and exercising. Sprintec also helped my hair grow back and cleared my skin. I think Sprintec is a fail-proof BC pill."

• 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."

• Hap...
• April 11, 2014

For Birth Control "I'm on Mono-Linyah, and I have a love-hate relationship. I've been on it for a month, and my 32A breasts are now 32B breasts. I'm underweight and struggle with weight gain, but this pill has helped me put on pounds. I'm hungry a lot, lol. My skin is totally clear, not even any blackheads, which is great. But my mood swings are extreme. On the active pill, it's bad, but I can handle it, but on the last week (period week), it's awful. I cry several times a day and can't get a hold of myself no matter what I do. My period was heavier than ever, and I cramped horribly. But it was short. I find it hard to concentrate due to mood swings, but I just drink some herbal tea and am usually fine afterward. Love/hate relationship."

• tli...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 7, 2013

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "My doc prescribed Sprintec and said to use with the 'skip method,' where I skip inactive pills for a few months and only get 4 periods a year. Sprintec gave me horrible mood swings and anxiety attacks during the first few months. I was a nervous wreck, and my husband hated me. I hated myself. After that, it was good for a while. But now I've been spotting on and off for 3 weeks, with cramping and times of heavier bleeding. My sex life also is non-existent."

• 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!"

• Ill...
• July 4, 2021

For Birth Control "Today is my 8th day of taking Tri-Sprintec. Let me start off by saying it’s been 7 years since I’ve been on any type of birth control. I’m 31 and have two daughters, ages 6 and 2. I decided to start taking the pill again to regulate my periods and, obviously, as a contraceptive. I originally came here for the reviews on the pill’s weight gain, since I’ve been pretty bloated the last 5 days (not to mention the miserable constipation and cramping). Other than that, I used to suffer from daily headaches/occasional migraines, and I haven’t had one as of yet! My husband says he’s noticed my mood has changed for the better! My random mood swings are no more, but honestly, my headaches were the main reason for my misery. My skin has cleared up dramatically, and I haven’t been drowsy or exhausted during the day like I used to. Overall, I’d say so far, so good! I’ll post an update after I finish my 30-day pack. Lastly, I want to add I take it right before bed to avoid any nausea."

• BBa...
• November 29, 2019

For Birth Control "This is my first BC experience. I went to the doctor, and she prescribed Sprintec, but the pharmacy gave me Estarylla. I went along with it. The first month was pretty awful, so I assumed all the bad reviews were true. My period lasted two whole weeks. It wasn't just spotting, it was medium to heavy flow. I was cramping every day as well. I decided to keep trying it because it was my first time ever taking birth control, so I blamed it on my body not being familiar with it. I'm glad I stuck it out because the second and third month have been perfect. Absolutely no spotting, my period was only 4 days, and it was lighter as well. Not as bad of cramps as I used to get. No abnormal weight gain. My skin isn't clearer, but it also isn't any worse (this may take a little longer to show results). As for mentally, there were a couple of days I felt a little more angry than normal, but it wasn't anything I couldn't control. Sex drive didn't change. It has also been an effective birth control."

• Hol...
• April 8, 2014

For Birth Control "I've completed six months with this and have had zero problems with it. 4-day periods, sex drive is normal, minimal cramping, and no other side effects at all. Birth control pills work differently for everyone. Your body may react differently than mine, but I've had no problems with Tri-Previfem."

• 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."

• 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."

• Hol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 16, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "This pill has been a godsend for me. I am 42 and have a six-year-old and a 3-year-old and have had hormonal issues since having them both: extremely heavy periods, horrible cramps, menstrual migraines, severe bloating and breast tenderness, heavy mid-cycle spotting, and cyclical insomnia. After one pack of these pills, I am sold. Lighter period, no cramps. No nausea, spotting, moodiness, and I am finally sleeping better. These have been the best pills I have taken during my reproductive years so far. I hope this helps some patients, as many of these reviews can be negative."