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

• Nic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 3, 2014

For Birth Control "It's almost been 1 month of taking this birth control. At first, I was experiencing nausea for 5 days, then it went away. I have noticed weight gain, and I am constantly bloated! I've taken anti-bloat meds, but nothing seems to help. I work out and eat super healthy, and the bloat sticks, and the weight can stick also! I am thinking of dropping this birth control."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 3, 2020

For Birth Control "I do not recommend this birth control. I have gained thirty pounds in 6 months, tired all of the time, dark thoughts and anxiety, and low sex drive and pain during sex. I am getting off soon because I can not take it anymore. I can not lose weight no matter how hard I try. I was put on for my cysts, which thankfully went away, but the side effects for my experience, at least, a nightmare."

• Kat...
• May 21, 2020

For Birth Control "5 months on Tri-Lo-Marzia & hate it. I have been working out & eating well & continue to gain weight (this never used to be a problem for me even when not exercising/eating well). I have felt random heart palpitations. I get bad cramps/stomach pain. But the worst of all has been my anxiety, irritability, sadness & lack of will. I yell at my fiancé for things that are not his fault (I drop a plate & I blame it on him for no reason). I cry all the time over nothing (I NEVER used to cry about anything). One day I could barely bring myself to put away socks w/o crying or taking 5 breaks (I don't have a lot of socks). It's out of control. I just feel down all the time. Every period I feel like I get a cold (no fever), almost religiously. Chills, runny nose, sore throat for one week every month. I am getting off this medicine for good! Ultimately, I have not gotten pregnant... but I would rather be pregnant than feel how I do and to risk the relationships in my life. Not worth it at all."

• Kat...
• May 15, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "When I went on this Tri-Lo-Sprintec pill for acne and painful periods, I was nervous. After reading the horrifying reviews and already having taken 2 previous brands of birth control that did not work well for me, I finally tried this. Tri-Lo-Sprintec has been a miracle. My stubborn, ever-present acne finally started to get under control, and I have the best skin I've ever had in my life--no joke. Also, I have less period pain and a lighter flow. I don't use it for birth control, so I'm not sure how well it works contraception-wise, but it's been great for acne and periods. I haven't experienced weight gain, headaches, or mood swings. It took my body a couple of weeks to get accustomed to it, but overall it's been wonderful and easy. I'd just like to stress that everyone's different, and each person has a birth control that works for them. No matter what the reviews say, don't be afraid to try--you may be glad you did. If I'd been psyched out by these reviews, I never would have had this amazing turnout. I love this pill!"

• Anonymous
• December 7, 2013

For Acne "I'm 22 years old and have been dealing with acne since about 13 years old. I've been on Tri-Sprintec for almost two years now, and what a difference. It has to be the best birth control I've ever been on. No gaining weight, mood changes, and my face stays clear even when it is that time of the month. Life changing."

• Kan...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 4, 2019

For Acne "I love this birth control, the only thing I am sacrificing a little bit is a loss of sex drive, as it comes and goes. But as for my acne, it has cleared, and my periods are only 3 days long! I have no mood swings or feelings of depression and have been on this for a year. Also, no weight gain!"

• 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)."

• Lyn...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 11, 2016

For Birth Control "I am 18 and have been on Tri-Cyclen since I was 16. The first 3 months of taking the pill were rough, I was always tired, gained a little weight, and had mood swings. HOWEVER, as it says on the pill pack instructions and through personal experience, as you continue to take it, all of the symptoms go away. I am back to my normal weight (I am 5'2", 108 pounds), not tired anymore, have 100% clear skin, and extremely short, painless periods. I have even forgotten to take a pill, and it never failed to work, making these great for girls who are just starting birth control. These are low dose, so weight gain is NOT a symptom!!! Most of the negative reviews are from women who are advised not to take oral contraceptives at 35 years old."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 21, 2014

For Birth Control "I have been on this birth control for 3 months now. At first, I didn't really notice anything, but recently I have realized that I have gained a couple of pounds, even though I work out 5 times a week and eat relatively healthy. The worst part is my mood; I'll be happy-go-lucky one second, then become a psycho emotional wreck the next. I flip out about EVERYTHING and get really upset; I used to be very mellow and laid back. However, it has really cleared up my skin, and my period is regular now."

• Tra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 17, 2021

For Birth Control "I had been taking Tri-Sprintec for the past 2 years, then suddenly I started to get Tri-Estarylla. Don't know why. They seem to be the same medication, but they are not. This medicine made me gain 10 pounds in 1 week, I had bad cramps and overall fatigue. I wish to have my Tri-Sprintec back. Don't take this medicine, from my experience, it was horrible. I'm stuck with all this weight now."

• Mal...
• February 1, 2018

For Birth Control "This birth control was amazing! I didn't get my period for the 3 months I've been on it, I had a little bit of spotting that only lasted about a week when I first started it, but it didn't bother me as it's your body's natural reaction to adjust to the medication. My breasts grew a bit, which I have no complaints about. I did have a bit of weight gain, but I blame it mostly on the holidays since I started in November. If you're not on insurance, this pill is very affordable! I really recommend it!"

• Mia...
• February 21, 2013

For Ovarian Cysts "I have polycystic ovarian cysts. I used to be on Tri-Sprintec, the polyphasic version of this pill, and had the worst headaches from the hormone changes every week. Switching to Sprintec seems to have solved the issue. My acne and hair issues, courtesy of PCOS, have improved, and I feel better overall. I did gain about three pounds, but I started the medication shortly before the holiday season, so it could have been a product of too many parties. Definitely worth a try if you need a higher estrogen level pill. Plus, it's affordable even without insurance."

• Dia...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 11, 2013

For Birth Control "I've been on Sprintec for about 2 months. I recently noticed weight gain and really bad mood swings. I cry for no reason, so I decided to check online. Turns out a lot of people taking Sprintec had similar problems, which is a relief because I thought I had depression for a bit. But my breast got bigger, that's good, I guess. My period is shorter and lighter, no acne either. So overall it's okay. I just hope I stop being so emotional soon."

• Dan...
• June 26, 2015

For Birth Control "I went on this pill when I was 17. The first 6 months were dreadful. An emotional freak, always crying. After my body got used to it, I was totally fine. My boobs went from an A to a C, I did gain a little weight, however, I blame that on college. I am able to lose weight easily when I diet while on the pill. Never got pregnant, even with missing pills. Regular period, LIGHT period. I would recommend this pill, once your body gets used to it, it will be fine."

• tim...
• August 9, 2010

For Birth Control "I was on Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo for nearly 10 years and hated the thought of switching pills (insurance purposes). I started Tri-Sprintec about 5 months ago, and I cannot tell the difference between the two. I was concerned with the nausea, vomiting, and weight gain that others talked about but had none. My face is still clear as ever, my periods are still very light, and I feel fine! Definitely worth the change!"

• ARD...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 21, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm so glad I decided to Google this medication and found these reviews. I thought I was going NUTS! My hormones are out of control on this medication. Like others, my pharmacy switched me to Estarylla from Sprintec. I was fine on the Sprintec, but on this stuff - I've had HORRIBLE mood swings, my acne is out of control, spotting, nausea, weight gain, headaches. I thought I was pregnant! I'll be switching as soon as I can."

• ABQ...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 25, 2014

For Birth Control "This is my second form of birth control, and I absolutely love it! My insurance pays for it, so it does not cost me one penny. When I did pay for it, it was less than ten dollars. I started on the Depo shot, and I hated it. I gained 40 pounds on it, and it affected me tremendously. Tri-Sprintec hasn't let me down. I have used it for a little over two years now. My boyfriend and I have been together for a year, and we have been baby-free. It continues to work for me. I haven't gained any weight. I don't get mood swings. The only difference I have noticed is a little bit more cramping, but nothing major. Cramps have been bearable. If you are looking for a steady birth control, then this could be for you."

• Syl...
• November 29, 2013

For Birth Control "It made me bloated, very moody, depressed, and gained 17 pounds and kept on gaining until switched to a different pill. It did its job, prevents pregnancy but definitely makes you gain a lot of weight. Got off the pill, lost the 15 pounds within 2 weeks..."

• San...
• December 5, 2013

For Birth Control "I use it as birth control, but it has helped a lot with my acne. No more oily face. Also, how effective is this in regards to birth control? So far, no problems, no weight gain. It was difficult getting this approved by my insurance, BCBS."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 25, 2012

For Acne "I was very skeptical about trying this pill because it is a generic, and I have heard negative things about it. I have been on it for two months, and so far, no weight gain, no nausea, no mood swings, or any other of the reported side effects. The best part about this pill is that it completely cleared up my cystic acne after only a few weeks. I have been on a couple of other pills with horrible side effects. Find the pill that works best with your body. This one seems to work best with mine."

• Hle...
• February 16, 2015

For Birth Control "I love this pill! I wasn't sure I was going to be able to remember and keep myself on track with the one pill a day, but I set an alarm on my phone and have no problems. I've experienced a lot of weight gain (need to move up bra size, went up a size in jeans & shirts), but I'm happy about that because I was at 87 lb in a month of taking it, I went to 102 lb. My periods are light, I've never really had cramps, so I can't say anything there."

• SKR...
• June 23, 2019

For Birth Control "If I had rated it during my first 1-3 months, it most likely would have been a 3 or 4 at best. I had weight gain, increased acne, moodiness, and bloating, oh, the bloating! I stuck with it, and I am really happy I did. Over the last six months, I’ve dropped the weight, my skin has cleared, and although I still get a little moody before my period, I think that’s pretty normal whether on BCPs or not. I take it religiously, and it is the only form of birth control I use in my committed relationship. I have had no pregnancy scares. Bonus: FREE on my insurance, which is truly a blessing because I was paying $150 a month for Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo (which was a horror story for me). If this pill gives you problems in the beginning, consider waiting them out, because for me, it truly did get better each month."

• Anonymous
• October 29, 2009

For Birth Control "I am 23 and took Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo (OTCL) for about 5 or 6 years. I started taking it to regulate my cycle, for lighter periods, less cramping, and all the other positives the pill boasts (and got it!). I am a pretty emotional gal, and this seemed to somewhat help. At worst, I would say it had no effect on my mood swings, but at least it did not make them worse. Over the time I took the pill, I gained weight and my boobs grew a cup and a half, but I would not blame the weight gain on the pill. OTCL even has cute little cases that you can get from the website for free, which I liked and used. I would have stayed on OTCL if I was better about taking it on time and if it were not so expensive ($50 retail, $10-30 with insurance)."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 28, 2020

For Birth Control "I’ve been on Tri-Sprintec for about 5 months now, for bad cramping. I’d like to say that I am a lesbian, so this is not a contraceptive for me, it was just to alleviate my period pain and heavy bleeding. The first three months were the worst. I gained a little weight, was the most moody I’ve ever been, and was sad often. However, once you get past all of that in those 3 months, it's a lifesaver. My period pain has decreased so much that honestly I’ll forget I’m on my period, it’s made them lighter and shorter. My skin is clearer, the weight I lost from the first 3 months is gone, and I’m not moody anymore. However, it does kill my sex drive almost completely, so if you are worried about that, take it into consideration before trying this birth control."

• Lad...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 13, 2013

For Birth Control "In the beginning, my acne immediately cleared up. I've never had clear skin in my life! My breasts are larger, and I've had a little weight gain, but I'm SO emotional, and I have little to no sex drive, which has its effects on my husband and me. It's cheap, and insurance covers it. I'd keep taking it if I didn't have issues with my lack of desire for sex."