Ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 3)

• aga...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 8, 2019

For Birth Control "This drug is a life ruiner. I was on Trinessa for a while and doing fine before I randomly got switched to this for no reason. Since starting this drug, I have become nauseous, lightheaded, depressed, constipated, and extremely fatigued. I can only wear loose, flowy clothing or I will get heat flashes and pass out (I'm only 21). I have headaches regularly. Anxiety tics that I worked hard to get rid of years ago are back. I have painful cystic acne that I never had before, and I've gained weight. Taking this drug almost made me fail a semester of school, and it cost me multiple friendships because I was too fatigued and depressed to leave my room and socialize. My self-confidence is at an all-time low. It is not worth it. This drug is cruel."

• Jay...
• July 6, 2014

For Birth Control "I had an okay experience at first, the only positive thing was that my periods were lighter. The cramping was awful, though. I constantly had a headache caused from the estrogen levels, so they switched me to something not so high. I was on it for 3 months before they switched me to Aviane."

• 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."

• ABa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 2, 2021

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I've been on this birth control for 4 days, and that is all I'm giving it. My headaches have been so intense I just cry. I sleep so much more, and I'm always hungry. And even better, I started bleeding as soon as I popped the first pill in my mouth, and I'm talking about heavy bleeding, clots! Soaking through pads and tampons within an hour or less. Please, ladies, stay away from this."

• Ano...
• October 24, 2019

For Birth Control "I switched from TriNessa to Tri-Sprintec around 6 months ago, due to the discontinuance of TriNessa. I had previously been on TriNessa for roughly 3 years with zero side effects. Once I switched to Tri-Sprintec, I couldn’t even tell the difference. These two contraceptives are the only ones I’ve ever been able to take. All others have had way too many unbearable side effects. My acne has improved. I suffer from headaches, and Tri-Sprintec has not worsened them at all. I have no gastrointestinal side effects. No tenderness. I don’t notice a difference with my mood either. The menstrual cycle is regulated well with a light to moderate flow. I highly recommend."

• Jax...
• February 13, 2014

For Birth Control "First time on birth control, and I started with this one mainly because I had terrible cramps and period side effects. Doctor recommended Ortho Tri-Cyclen, and I have been using it for 4 months now. Can't complain about the pill. My face has significantly become clearer. Still have pretty bad cramping though. My period now lasts about 4-5 days versus the 6-7. I also had weight gain. Gained 15 lbs in a matter of 3 months. I am 5'8 and normally weigh 115, so for me, it wasn't a big deal. I definitely felt my breasts a lot heavier too. I rarely suffer from headaches, and this pill made me get one almost every other day, which was annoying and uncomfy. Had to switch due to breakthrough bleeding though, either Azurette or Lutera."

• pum...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 30, 2020

For Birth Control "I have been on this pill, Tri-Lo-Sprintec, for about half a year now. My first 2-3 months on the pill gave me some headaches and nausea, but soon went away by the 3rd month. It makes my period last about 3-4 days, and my cramps are not as severe. It seems great to stop pregnancy, since it hasn’t gotten me pregnant, and I have sex very often. I do have 2 negatives, though. The first 2-3 months gave me bad breakouts, but since then it has been clearing up, and I only deal with pimples here and there. The main negative is how it controlled my hunger level. I’ll be extremely hungry but then barely eat when I get the chance. Some days this doesn’t happen, but I’ve been noticing I don’t eat as much as I used to. I do get very hungry, though, as I get closer to my period. If you’d like to know health-wise to help you, I am about 5'6" and weigh 140 pounds. I suffer from depression and anxiety. My mental illness does not seem to worsen on this, and I’ve been about the same weight. The only difference I have seen is slight breast growth."

• Anonymous
• August 8, 2010

"I have been on this form of birth control for about 5 months now, and so far so good. It has cleared up my skin completely and has made my periods shorter. Although I have experienced headaches and dizziness, I have yet to gain any weight or experience any other bad side effect. I would recommend this birth control if you are wanting to clear up your skin and not get pregnant."

• BMN...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 16, 2016

For Ovarian Cysts "I was diagnosed with PCOS at the age of 14, and I'm now 23. I've been on and off different forms of BC. Tri-Sprintec is the ONLY form of BC that has helped me. My periods are regulated, I have no acne, no unwanted facial hair, and it hasn't made me gain any kind of weight. The only negative effect I've experienced with Tri-Sprintec is an occasional headache. Other than that, it works great!"

• Son...
• March 6, 2014

For Birth Control "Over 2 months... I've gained 10 lbs, awful mood swings, headaches (which I never used to get), and fatigue. I switched to this to help with my spotting, but I feel like I'd take the spotting over this any day! Not happy."

• Jan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 16, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I really don't like this pill. I feel sick all the time. Headaches, blurred vision, motion sickness, hot flashes, and depression. My vagina is always dry and itchy. I am so sick to the point of leaving work and lying in bed all day. The weight gain is horrible. I was on it for period control."

• Dee...
• November 28, 2016

For Birth Control "I started taking Sprintec at 35. The first month was horrible. I had nausea, headaches, and I felt like I had morning sickness from being pregnant. I mentioned it to my doctor, and she told me the side effects will go away, and to just ride it through. It was prescribed for me for two reasons: one, to prevent pregnancy, and two, to regulate my period. The side effects I encountered were clearer skin, better sleep, less cramps, lighter periods, higher sex drive, fewer migraines, more energy, a decrease in my PMS symptoms, and a better mood in general. I call it the miracle pill, but you just have to pass the initial side effects. The side effects went away within a few weeks, and my period was regulated within 3 months of taking this pill. It works!"

• CAT...
• July 4, 2017

For Birth Control "I've been on Sprintec for 3 years now. I switched from the depo as I didn't like what the depo was doing to my body. I had no weight gain from the depo, but I just didn't like the reviews I was reading, and the fact I had no period freaked me out. I was on the depo for 6 months (2 shots), and I stopped the depo and didn't get a period again until 6 months later. So definitely didn't like that. With Sprintec, I've had no weight gain. I do get a little emotional the last week of the pack, but I blame that on my period. No headaches. Periods are regular. My sex drive hasn't changed. Overall, I think this medication works for me. Everyone is different, so if you're experiencing anything unpleasant, definitely talk to your doctor!"

• Sar...
• September 28, 2015

For Birth Control "At first, I was quite terrified to start Tri-Cyclen based off of these reviews, however, my doctor thought it would be a good fit for me. First of all, this birth control does what it promises-no babies have been conceived! It seems that many users complain of weight gain, I have actually experienced weight loss. Starting Tri-Cyclen, I weighed 148 pounds, currently, I am 143. I have not experienced bloating, nausea, or abdominal discomfort either. Tri-Cyclen helped to make my periods lighter and relieve my cramps associated with my period, which has been great. I have noticed that I receive more headaches than usual, which I am associating with this medication. This is why this birth control is receiving a 9/10 for me, otherwise, I love it so far."

• Jaz...
• March 10, 2019

For Birth Control "DO NOT TAKE Sprintec!!! It was too many hormones for me. I remember days when I wouldn’t even get out of bed because of how much pain my body was in... I would take it at 10 a.m. every day, and by 11:30 a.m. I was angry, my head would spin/I was dizzy, and my vision was so bad some days it was impossible to drive. Sprintec is terrible. I had headaches so bad my eyelids hurt (sharp head pains), impaired vision, the nausea was debilitating, my breasts were swollen for 4 months, and it made me angry and combative for no reason. DON'T TAKE IT! It almost ruined my relationship, and my family members didn’t want to be near me. I would pick fights, and I was depressed for months-crying every day, suicidal thoughts, picking fights with people... and I really thought I needed help. I even went as far as reaching out to a therapist. But all along, it was that birth control... It’s the worst contraceptive pill. Now, I am on Camila, and so far it isn’t bad."

• Abo...
• October 30, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "First month went well. Second month I started bleeding, spotting really the second week of active pills. I have now been bleeding for the last month, and I'm tired. I've had all the symptoms of a period: bloated, headache, tired, back pain, restless at night. I didn't have any of these problems when I was not on birth control. I really hate how this pill has made me feel, as well as the all-month bleeding."

• Uni...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 6, 2019

For Birth Control "I'm on my second week of taking Mili. I started taking the pill the first Monday after my period, as directed by my doctor. So far, mood is fine, no abnormal bleeding, no headaches or nausea. I am experiencing breast tenderness. I used to experience anxiety, but after taking the pill, the anxiety is less. I have mild acne, but it is too early in the month to see if it's getting better. It all depends on the person, so I guess you will have to experience Mili for yourself. These reviews were helpful for me because everyone's experiences were different, and so was mine."

• tav...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 31, 2019

For Birth Control "I was on Sprintec for the longest time with no problems. When I went to get my refills, they gave me a different brand. I told them this was not the medication I was on and requested Sprintec. It helps with my period since before I had a breakthrough bleeding for about a month and a half. Since Sprintec, I have a period every 2 months. I went to CVS to get my refill, and they gave me 'Femynor.' I told the pharmacy AGAIN that this was not my medication. The pharmacy stated that Sprintec is discontinued and my doctor suggested this. I'm on day 3 and really feel like trash. First off, I'm moody. I feel like bursting out in tears for no reason, then really mad that I feel like this for no reason. I have been throwing up like crazy. I ate noodles which sat well until my friend got the SAME noodles, as soon as I smelled it, I started throwing up the noodles I just ate. I have a headache out of this world. I literally want to go home and sleep all day if I could. This is horrible! This is some trash!!"

• bri...
• May 14, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been on Sprintec for about 3 weeks, and it works great, and my period is regular. I have not been sick or had any negative side effects at all. But my acne has been clearing up, decreased appetite, and a little moody for the first four hours after I took the pill. I love this birth control since the ring made me really sick, gained weight, caused intense headaches, and made me bleed for two months straight at a time. I would recommend that you eat something before taking the pill to avoid headaches. Other than that, it isn't all bad for me. I think everyone needs to experience it for themselves instead of believing everything you hear or read because every experience is different. I had read over half of these reviews before I decided to take Sprintec."

• Cpa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 23, 2018

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Could not say enough bad things about this medicine!!! Abnormal bleeding, oily skin, mood swings, headaches, weight gain, racing heart, shortness of breath, cramping, night sweats, and nausea just from taking this pill for less than a month. Do not understand why anyone is even getting prescribed this pill, especially after reading all the reviews I’ve read on it. Absolutely ridiculous!!"

• meg...
• February 15, 2021

For Birth Control "I've been taking it for a month now, no bad side effects like I've read on here. I’ve been slightly more emotional and cry easier and get occasional headaches, but it may just be my body adjusting. No nausea or anything, and I know there are some scary reviews, so I wanted to leave a neutral one!"

• LLG...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 24, 2021

For Birth Control "I was super nervous to try this pill after reading reviews because I am generally very sensitive to birth control pills, but Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo had been discontinued, and there aren’t a lot of other similar options. I was super anxious to try it, so I delayed starting my pills for almost 6 months, but when I started them, there were almost zero side effects! The only side effect I had was a minor annoying headache for about two months-not enough to take pain relievers, but just kind of an annoying ache in my head. It went away after the first period I had (after 2 packs). I had this exact same symptom whenever I started Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo too. Anyway, I would recommend this-everyone is different. I am grateful to have found this pill and have it work for me. It hasn’t diminished my sex drive or caused weight gain either, and the few breakouts I used to have actually stopped after I went on this pill. Hopefully, this review helps others!"

• 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."

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

For Birth Control "I've been taking Mono-Linyah for 5 months now, and I am so disappointed and unhappy with it. I get frequent headaches, they last all day. Sometimes they last for 2-3 days at a time. They're almost unbearable. My periods have gotten even heavier than they were before I started taking this, and they last for about 6 or 7 days. I just got off my period 5 days ago, and I'm back on it again right now. I have had a period literally every other week since I started taking Mono-Linyah. Most people notice weight gain while taking most birth controls, but I've been losing weight. I was 120 lbs when I started it 5 months ago, and now I'm only 104 lbs. I feel like I'm in such an irritable mood all the time. I'm always so tired and have no energy, but I also can't sleep at night, and my anxiety has been terrible. I would not recommend this birth control to anyone. Hopefully, my doctor will change it when I see her next month. I really don't want to keep taking this rubbish."

• Sel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 15, 2014

For Birth Control "I have been on this pill for 3 months, and I have suffered every side effect. The only reason I continue to take it is because of the low hormone levels. I have headaches with neurological symptoms, a change in appetite, my breasts were enlarged for 2 months, then went down to normal size. I'm also suffering from depression, and I lost my sex drive, as well as I can't climax. My skin looks better."