Ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate and Headaches: 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."

• Lau...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 6, 2019

For Acne "From someone who is new to birth control - I tried Yaz and legit almost had a meltdown. I was super depressed and gained weight. Estarylla SAVED me - there is more ethinyl estradiol and a different progestin (norgestimate). I feel like my normal self. My skin is GLOWING. I didn’t gain a pound, I’m actually losing weight. And I don’t have any headaches or nausea. I’m starting my 4th month now! It really is true that different birth controls work for different bodies. My body has always been extra messed up and extremely sensitive and odd. For some reason, this pill, that everyone else hates, has been my savior!!! Anyone with cystic acne, PCOS, and oily skin might wanna give this a shot. Don’t immediately rule it out."

• AF2...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 21, 2020

For Birth Control "I started this birth control, Sprintec, just under two months ago. This is my first one. I have two days left this month, and I’m quitting. I have a history of stomach issues, and my periods definitely aren’t fun either. I threw up the first night I started Sprintec. I have not been myself since I started it. My stomach hurts, and I’m nauseous every day. I have really bad headaches almost every day, if not every day. I can’t sleep. My emotions are awful. I feel so depressed and anxious. I struggle to find the motivation to do anything or even live. I wanted my periods to be less painful. Now I look forward to them every month because I feel better when I’m on it than when I take the pill for the other 21 days. I desperately just want to be myself again. I don’t even know who I am anymore. I’m sure this is different for everyone, but I just can’t handle it anymore."

• kel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 5, 2021

For Birth Control "I hate this. Apparently, Sprintec is on a nationwide shortage. I've been taking this for about 3 months. I'm bloated all the time, I began to think I was pregnant. I feel so hungry and tired and have the worst stomach cramps. My headaches are sometimes unbearable. I figured it wouldn’t be any different than Sprintec... but I hate it."

• INS...
• January 5, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been on this pill for the past 8 years. I absolutely love it! After having tried 2 different types of birth control pills before I found this one. This is the one for me, it cleared up my acne within a month of taking it. I've had no weight gain or weight loss, no headaches, normal cramps, and a shorter period (4-5 days)."

• Kai...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 10, 2020

For Birth Control "This birth control for me has only really done me a few favors, and that’s being free and not getting me pregnant. However, that being said, the side effects I can’t justify. I recently turned 18 and started taking the pill. My first month was fine, but the more I take it, the worse I’m getting. I’m having constant anxiety and panic attacks. I always feel extremely worried, stressed, and overwhelmed. I’m very irritable and impatient, not to mention it gives me horrendous headaches and recently extreme nausea and vomiting. Not to get into too much detail, but just absolutely projectile vomiting everywhere. Feeling very feverish, hot, and cold sweats, not to mention for period cramps, it does nothing. My cramps feel just as bad as they were before, and my period is just as heavy and maybe even a little longer. My sex drive has definitely decreased, and sex is painful, I nearly bleed a little each time. It’s causing me to go crazy, and I have trouble even sleeping with some of the symptoms."

• Lyn...
• August 14, 2014

For Birth Control "The pill started great until every time I take it I want to vomit all the time. Practically, had the experience of a pregnant woman. I gained weight, was expected, and had terrible headaches that don't go away for hours. Impossible to sleep without wanting to vomit. I've been having emotional problems, feeling depressed and crying without reason."

• Anonymous
• October 31, 2020

For Birth Control "I’m on the 2nd month of taking Femynor. I had nausea and headaches the first 4 days of taking it. I’d take it at 11 pm, but I’d wake up nauseous in the middle of the night. But it wasn’t bad to the point of throwing up. I will say I felt more affected emotionally. During the 3rd week, my emotions felt all over the place. I have a history of anxiety, and it did aggravate it. I cried for no reason, felt more anxious than usual, and some paranoia. This lasted about a week. During the last week of taking the sugar pills, I did not get a period. I only had very light spotting for 2 days. This is a big pro for me. No PMS or cramping at all. Yes, it was rough the first few weeks, but the side effects have worn off after the 1st month. This birth control is also inexpensive for me, I pay $8 monthly. Don’t let the reviews scare you, give it a try. It takes some time for your body to adjust. I hope it works for you, I will update at the end of month 2."

• Hat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 24, 2021

For Birth Control "I've never written a review, but I feel so strongly about this pill I need to share. I've been taking Sprintec for four years, I got switched to this one because of a shortage. I've been taking this pill for three days, and I already want to stop. I've had a headache for three days, been so nauseous every time I eat that I have to lay down and close my eyes. My anxiety has been so much worse, and I don't feel like doing anything-going to the store, doing my schoolwork, or even going on drives with my friends because I’m scared I’ll be so nauseous I’ll throw up. I never want to take this pill again and will be stopping immediately. If I could rate it -100, I would."

• Jen...
• January 2, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been on the pill for about a year now since I switched from the Depo shot. At first, it was giving me headaches, so I started to take it right before bed. My face has cleared up a lot with the occasional zit around my period. Periods have become lighter with less cramps, and my breasts have gotten fuller. The only thing that I have noticed is my sex drive isn't what it used to be, but it could just be me."

• Con...
• December 1, 2014

For Birth Control "The positive I had on this medication was having great, clear skin. But the negatives very heavily outweigh the positives. I've been on this for a month and a half and already have to stop taking it. I get constant headaches, my mood swings are off the wall (affecting my boyfriend and I's relationship), nausea, difficulty concentrating, irrational thoughts, and depression. Switching off of this immediately. If you are prone to depression, DO NOT take this 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• And...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 25, 2021

For Birth Control "I've been on this birth control for about a year, it works great at preventing pregnancies if taken perfectly. I haven't had many side effects except occasional headaches, but they aren't too bad. It also lowered my PMS mood swings! I really like this birth control, and I always get my period on the second day of the placebos. I say give it a try because I read all of the bad reviews and was so scared to take it, but it ended up being fine. This was the first birth control I was prescribed, and it is fine! I'm also glad I'm not paranoid about getting pregnant because I know the pill is working."

• Sha...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 27, 2019

For Birth Control "I took Mononessa for years and never had a problem. One month, my pharmacy gave me Estarylla, and I immediately noticed a difference. When I called my doctor to let her know I didn't want the Estarylla and wanted the Mononessa back, like I've always had, they just acted like I didn't know what I was talking about, since it is 'basically the same drug.' Once Mononessa was taken off the market, my doctor started prescribing me Estarylla on the regular. It does what it needs to when it comes to birth control, but the side effects are absolutely awful. I have major nausea, headaches, and depression when taking this birth control. I also found it had heavily decreased my sex drive and has given me severe mood swings. I quit taking the drug for a month or two, and all symptoms went away. I don't think I'll ever take it again after I finish this month."

• kac...
• December 22, 2010

For Acne "I've only been taking TriNessa for a month, but so far I love it. I was getting very self-conscious with my acne, and I was originally going to take Ortho Tri-Cyclen, but my doctor recommended TriNessa. I was VERY worried after reading some of these comments, but I'm so glad I gave it a try! Sure, my skin is not perfect (it's not a magic pill), but it's CONSIDERABLY clearer, and I have not had any nausea, headaches, or dizziness. My breasts have gotten a little sore (a couple of times), but it's a small price to pay for clear skin. Try TriNessa."

• csh...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 12, 2019

For Birth Control "First of all, everybody is different, and people tend to write bad reviews rather than going out of their way to write good ones. If you want to try this pill, then you should, but I personally have mixed feelings about this birth control. I was on a different pill then switched over to Tri-Lo, which has been a better experience than my previous one. I do not experience nausea or horrible headaches. Since I've started birth control, I have gained 5-10 pounds, but I'm not sure if that is directly from birth control. I do get bloating mostly right before my period, but most women do anyway. I have always had a regular cycle, and this pill did not affect that and actually made my period much lighter with very few cramps. The only big complaint I have about this pill would be the depressive feelings and mood swings. I am not one to usually have terrible mood swings, but I definitely experience them on this pill (worse with PMS), as well as frequent tiredness and feeling unmotivated."

• Ung...
• February 23, 2014

For Birth Control "I am 19, in a relationship and have been on Sprintec for 3 months now, and this has been the only birth control pill I've tried. This pill has been extremely effective when it comes to preventing pregnancies. Unfortunately, I have had several side effects. At first, it started off as frequent headaches, then dizzy spells, and then an increase in mood swings. The dizziness and headaches. Everything else is good, the acne and the weight and stuff are normal for me, but the mood swings are killer. I have irrational anger and crying outbursts. I have started attacking my boyfriend when I'm angry."

• Sum...
• April 29, 2020

For Birth Control "I started taking Mili two months ago, and I have little to no side effects! My periods are regular, they aren’t anything out of the ordinary. I still get period cramps, so it’s pretty normal for my typical period. I do get headaches sometimes, though! I haven’t gained any weight. After the first few months, side effects start to slow, so give it some time, y’all!"

• Dee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 3, 2012

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "When I started Sprintec, a couple of days later I started having side effects. I started being really short with my kids. Then I started going into panic mode every time they went anywhere, and they both are teenagers. And I had nothing to worry about. Then I started spotting, which I know was going to happen from reading the reviews. So I didn't mind that. But the panic attacks got worse, my chest started hurting, then I started bleeding and clotting non-stop, headaches, lightheadedness. My MD finally told me to stop taking them. I was bleeding so badly I was homebound for weeks. And I'm still bleeding some. Went from having no period to bleeding non-stop. Thank God I'm a nurse, or I would be in the hospital."

• Jho...
• February 13, 2013

For Birth Control "I was on the Ortho-Tri-Cyclen-Lo for 4 years, but my insurance won't cover it anymore, so my doctor switched me to TriNessa. It's been almost a month I've been taking it, and my husband and I love it. I was scared at first because of the bad reviews, such as weight gain and depression. But with me, it's been good so far. No headaches, I've lost weight because, with Ortho, I was bloated a lot. I'm more interested in sexual activities, so my husband is happy with that. The only thing I don't really like is I'm a little bit more emotional, but not moody or crabby."

• Dia...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 23, 2019

For Birth Control "Just finished my second pack. For the first month, I had headaches and nausea consistently, so I started to take my pill with food and in the evenings. My period has been on time, completely painless (I had debilitating cramps previously), and very light both months. During the second pack, headaches and nausea subsided-and previously my skin was constantly breaking out, and I haven’t had a breakout in over a month, which is amazing! My boobs grew about a cup size, but I haven’t put on any additional weight (however, I do exercise regularly). I struggle with anxiety and depression in general, but have not noticed any changes or crazy mood swings, which is something I was worried about-if anything, I feel a bit more stable than usual due to the steady stream of hormones in my system."

• Bri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 22, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I started this pill about a month and a half ago after being severely irregular (periods would sometimes be six months apart) and the worst hormonal cystic acne I’ve ever had. My doctor ran some blood tests and found that my hormones were out of whack. Despite the reviews for this pill, I haven’t experienced any side effects. My acne cleared up (FINALLY OMG), my periods are regular and less crampy, etc. I’m making sure to stick to a diet as I saw there is a potential for weight gain, I’ve lost 4 pounds. The only negative things I can say are 1. It made my boobs grow about a cup size and 2. Occasional light headaches. I would still recommend this pill."

• Nik...
• October 19, 2018

For Birth Control "I have been on Tri-Lo-Marzia for about 2 years now, and I have not experienced any side effects. It has done its job, and I have not gotten pregnant. I used to experience terrible pain on my period, including vomiting, dizziness, intense cramps, headaches, etc. Tri-Lo-Marzia stopped it all. It also shortened my period to about 5 days instead of 7. Overall, it has worked out well for me, and I would recommend it. However, everyone is different and reacts differently to medications."