Ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate and Weight Gain: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 9, 2020

For Birth Control "So I started Sprintec about 6 months ago to help clear up acne, and it worked. I was freaking out because I didn’t want to gain weight, but I really wanted to clear up my acne. The first two months were difficult. I was nauseous often, especially at night. I was very hungry the first month, but I got back to normal hunger levels after that. I gained some weight, mostly in my boobs. I would definitely say if you are hesitant about going on Sprintec for the weight gain, do not let that hold you back. Your body will normalize after a few weeks, I promise. Trust me, I did not want to gain weight, I have had an eating disorder in the past, but it is worth it. My skin is so clear now. Do not let the weight gain hold you back!"

• 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."

• Rit...
• June 1, 2020

For Birth Control "I’m 21 years old. I gained 15 pounds in 3 months while on Sprintec. My sex drive went way down to the point where I just wouldn’t enjoy sex anymore. I couldn’t naturally get wet anymore, so it was painful when we would have sex, so we had to start using lube. The worst thing was that it messed with me mentally. I would have the worst mood swings, and I was very depressed, irrational, and frustrated. My boyfriend is the one who talked to me and asked what was going on with me, and I just completely broke down crying trying to explain that I had no idea what was wrong with me and that I just didn’t feel like myself. He told me it could be my birth control, and just then it clicked in my head, like duh, of course it is. So, I immediately stopped taking it. This is 2 months later that I’m writing this, and I feel 100% better! I’ve lost 10 pounds, and I finally feel like myself again!"

• Gir...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 6, 2021

For Birth Control "I was on Sprintec for 9 months before I was randomly switched to Estarylla. I had zero issues with Sprintec. After renewing my prescription, my pharmacist gave me Estarylla instead of Sprintec and assured me that this is the same thing just with a different name. It took me two months of taking Estarylla to realize that my body was not adjusting to these pills. They might be similar to Sprintec, but something is different enough for my body to experience all kinds of side effects I didn’t experience before. My anxiety increased significantly, and I have been experiencing a lot of anger and agitation. My skin and hair are extremely oily each day, I am painfully bloated after eating, my stomach is almost always upset, and I have gained weight despite a loss of appetite. So far, it has done its job in preventing pregnancy, but it has also caused my sex drive to decrease. Estarylla is great for some people, and everyone is different, but it’s definitely not 'the same' as Sprintec."

• 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."

• Kat...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 2, 2020

For Birth Control "I have been on Sprintec since 2015. I had maybe 5 lbs of weight gain (first semester of college, lol, so there's that to consider too!) I have never had a single issue with Sprintec. I take it between 9-12 at night and only miss a dose once or twice a year - it happens! This does affect effectiveness (but if taken within 24 hours - that's rare) and it helped me regulate periods, they don't last over 6 days with minimal bleeding. My pharmacy switched, and I got on Monolinyah?.. it SUCKS: worst mistake ever. I'm switching back to Sprintec tomorrow and I cannot wait. I recommend this to anyone! Don't want a period that month? Skip the placebo pills... And this is only $9.00 if you don't have insurance - too expensive? Well... so is a kid, haha!"

• 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."

• Rev...
• January 23, 2020

For Birth Control "Everyone seems to only want to discuss the bad when reviewing different methods of birth control. Overall, my experience being on Sprintec for 4 months now has been significantly better than average. The only type of birth control I was on before was Depo, and Sprintec has been a dream in comparison. I love this birth control because I have absolutely no unexpected bleeding, significant weight gain, or complexion issues on this birth control. Since I started Sprintec, my acne-prone problematic skin cleared up in less than a month! No more quarterly trips to the dermatologist now that I am on the pill. Most importantly, I don't have to worry about pregnancy. I have not noticed myself being overly emotional or unusually depressed while on any type of birth control. My only complaint is stomach issues for the first 7 days upon starting and craving at the beginning of the cycle. I would definitely recommend this birth control for pregnancy prevention and acne treatment."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 12, 2020

For Birth Control "This may be very hypocritical considering I went on the site to look at reviews, but stop driving yourself crazy! Everyone's body is so different, which means everyone can have different experiences with their birth control. Some reviews say your acne will be worse than ever, while some say their skin cleared up in the first few weeks. Personally, I was on this BC for about 2 years and nothing seemed to change. My period started to finally regulate after a month or two, my weight increased a tiny bit (but because weight gain is usually water retention), my mood never changed, and everything was good until recently. I talked to my gynecologist, and we decided to switch pills. I'm not saying don't read reviews, but don't let these be your deciding factor. Talk to your doctor, health care provider, or anyone else who you trust about this."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 19, 2020

For Birth Control "I have been on Sprintec for about 3 months now. I have gained some weight (maybe 5 lbs), but I feel like that is normal with birth control pills. I don't really have any negative side effects to say besides that. On the bright side, though, I went from an A cup to almost a C cup. Can't complain, lol."

• Jan...
• February 26, 2020

For Ovarian Cysts "I am finding through more and more reading of reviews is that a lot of these higher estrogen, progestogen pills ruin lives. This pill absolutely destroyed my mental health. I had dark thoughts, I was aggressive and severely depressed. I gained back 10 pounds that I spent the last few months losing within the first month of this pill. I bled for three weeks straight and had super dry, itchy skin. Plus, it made sex unbearably painful, which I have never experienced before. I was practically manic depressive and extremely anxious with migraines and didn't have the energy. I do not recommend this at all, and I am really considering stopping birth control altogether as I am about to start Apri, and they say the same side effects happen. If you are trying this and have any symptoms, especially emotional and the weight, and pain down there from dryness and sex being unbearable, STOP ASAP and try something new. Please take care and don't ignore side effects."

• 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."

• Lil...
• June 7, 2016

For Birth Control "I have had absolutely no problems with Tri-Sprintec. I don't have any side effects at all. No weight gain, no mood swings, no depression, no anxiety, no nausea, same sex drive. (No increase in breast size either - I WISH I had that side effect!) I feel exactly the same taking this as I did not taking any birth control. The only difference is my periods are lighter and shorter, and my cramps are no longer severe. By the way, I was really scared to take this because of the negative reviews I read! But before you decide this is a bad pill, give it a try. Every woman's body is different, and your experience will just depend on your body!"

• 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)."

• 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."

• Viv...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 13, 2021

For Birth Control "I was scared to try this after reading the comments here, but this is what my gyno prescribed me, and I trusted her recommendation. I took this every day as prescribed, and I didn't have a problem. I haven't gotten pregnant, so it works. I do feel like my sex drive is lower, but it's been on the decline since before I got on the pill, so I’m not sure if I can blame it on that. I didn’t experience mood swings like others have shared. One thing to note is that I have gained a significant amount of weight - I tend to go up and down in weight (I've always struggled with this), so again, not sure if I can blame that on the pill. Overall, I would recommend it because I haven't gotten pregnant, and I didn't experience negative side effects."

• 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."

• New...
• April 22, 2014

For Birth Control "I am only ten days into my first pack of Tri-Sprintec, and I can already see changes. I'm not one to have acne, I just get the occasional pimples or tiny zits, but they're all gone now. Even more interesting, though, is that my breasts went up a cup size, and my voice is now lighter too. It's too soon to know its birth control effectiveness or its effects on weight gain yet for me. But I have noticed it slimmed down my daytime appetite, but at night, literally, I cannot seem to get full. Weird. Anyway, it's good for a broke college student like me."

• 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."

• Dix...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 20, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "When I was reading these other reviews, they made me so scared I almost didn't take this pill. Don't let them scare you. I have had a great experience so far. I was originally on Tri-Lo-Marzia, but I started spotting out of nowhere for a few months, so my doctor switched me to a pill with a higher dose (Estarylla). My spotting went away within the first 4 days of the new pill, and it hasn't come back. I've had no weight gain, some moodiness when I was adjusting, and my skin has majorly cleared up. Also, my other pill made me super anxious around the time I started spotting, and Estarylla has really helped me feel calmer. So, just remember that everyone's body is different, so if you don't try the medication, you won't know how it affects you. Don't be scared of Estarylla!"

• 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."

• Jel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 13, 2014

For Birth Control "I haven't gotten pregnant on this pill, hence, I gave it a 10 for effectiveness. I have been on it for 6 months. I have gained 27 lbs on my 5-foot frame. Month one, I started noticing a decline in my sex drive. My flawless face became a pepperoni pizza. Still didn't get off the pill. The last couple of weeks, I started having this feeling of not wanting to do anything anymore. Did not want to work, nor go to school, and started doubting my feelings for my boyfriend. I started crying like a crazy person. It was just hard for me to get up. I was sleepy all the time. I am getting off this."

• Anonymous
• August 21, 2010

For Birth Control "This was the first birth control I have been on, and I love it. I have been on it for 6 months now, and the only side effect I have had was a little bit of weight gain. It is only 7 lbs, and I would bet quite a bit that it is all in my breasts. I went from a 34D to a 34DDD. Other than that, I have had no other side effects. My fiancé and I both agree that my sex drive has increased tremendously since I started taking Sprintec. This was just how it affected me."

• May...
• May 27, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been taking Mononessa since January 2013 and have had a really good experience. No weight gain, no hormonal changes, no unexpected pregnancies! If I ever had side effects, it was within the first month of taking the pills just because my body was adjusting to them. But ever since, my period has been extremely consistent and gotten a lot lighter (which is nice!). I honestly just have no complaints. Also, with a committed partner, it has been totally safe to have sex without a condom (if you're wondering about that kind of thing). I've never had a scare or anything with this birth control -- it's been super effective. Overall, it's just a great product. Love it. Also, shout out to Obamacare for covering my birth control!"