Ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 4)

• mmr...
• April 23, 2009

For Birth Control "I have been on Tri-Sprintec for 7 years and have overall had no problems with it. I started taking it to clear up my severe acne. I had been to dermatologist after dermatologist and had been on every cream and pill to treat my acne, and nothing worked until I got on Tri-Sprintec. I did not gain any weight, my skin cleared up, my periods were regulated, and I did not experience any spotting or anything like that. I am changing birth control pills after this pack due to longer periods. My period had always been about 6-7 days, but the past few months it has been 10-12 days. I'm not sure if the lengthened period is due to the Tri-Sprintec, but I never had any problems with it until recently. I would recommend Tri-Sprintec to anyone."

• tej...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 28, 2019

For Birth Control "It's great for birth control (trust me, I have unprotected sex with my boyfriend several times a week, sometimes several times a day). HOWEVER... I have gained so much weight, and I've seen my sexual desire go completely absent from time to time. My main concern is the weight gain. About 15-20 lbs. in a year that I've been using them, the pounds snuck up on me around 6 months ago or so..."

• JC6...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 19, 2016

For Birth Control "I have been on this medication for over 9 years, and it works great for me. My periods are way lighter, and the pain is much more manageable. It causes no mood swings or weight gain for me. Overall, it works great and is very affordable; my insurance covers all of it, but even without insurance, it's only $9/month."

• ---...
• April 16, 2015

For Acne "I've been on Ortho Tri-Cyclen 21 for a month and a week. It does not make me moody or depressed, and nor did I gain weight. Those were my two biggest concerns before going on birth control. I am taking it for acne, and so far it just tamed my big pimples, but I still get small little bumps here and there. I spoke to my doctor, and I was told I need to wait at least two months to see results in acne. It helped me incredibly in terms of period cramps, I used to faint often on the first day of my period, throwing up and diarrhea. But now none of that, thanks to Tri-Cyclen. :) Strongly recommend! Beware, makes boobs a little sore, not too much."

• Mil...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 19, 2021

For Birth Control "This birth control has been detrimental to my health. In just six months of taking it, my cholesterol (which has never been an issue; I am young) skyrocketed to almost double what it should be. I was nearly put on statins that I would be taking for the next 60+ years as a result. I also put on 15 pounds, and I'm super tired, nauseous, and have no sex drive. If you start feeling funny after the first month of taking this, get off of it before it starts causing permanent damage."

• Kay...
• May 13, 2016

For Acne "I started taking this pill about a year ago, and I LOVE it. I originally went on it for severe acne, and it completely cleared up. I read all this stuff about people gaining weight, but I've maintained the same weight I've had for 3 years now. Also, I haven't gotten pregnant, which is the most important thing!"

• Coo...
• March 13, 2019

For Birth Control "Increased depression and headaches all the time. Got rashes around my face and broke out really bad. Anxiety and mood swings off the roof. Still have cramps and gained so much weight. No sex drive whatsoever and feel nausea all the time."

• Amy...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 15, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been taking this brand for about four months now and haven't had any problems. Not sure why other women are experiencing such negative results from this brand. I got this for free at Planned Parenthood and she said it was one of the most popular brands. I haven't gained any weight, haven't had any mood swings, and my sex drive hasn't been diminished. Oh, and most importantly, I haven't gotten pregnant. So far, so good!"

• Lin...
• February 24, 2021

For Birth Control "I’m back with my review of Mili. 1st month taking Mili after using Loryna for more than 3 years. I had no bad side effects at all after taking it at nighttime around 10:30 pm. I only noticed a 1 to 2 pounds gained, but is not a huge deal 'cause I’m super skinny and it’s hard for me to gain weight, so that’s a +. At the end of the month, I just notice that my headaches are decreasing a bit after using Mili compared to Loryna, another +. I’ll continue using Mili 'cause it’s been more beneficial for me."

• Anonymous
• December 4, 2009

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I was 17 when I started on this pill because I had cysts on my ovaries. This pill is a good pill and not a bad one like a lot of the women are saying. This pill has the same side effects as all the other pills do. Yes, I gained weight at first, but now I am back to my normal size because my body regulated it. The leaflets say you may not feel well the first 1-3 packs. It's because your body has to regulate it!"

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 24, 2015

For Birth Control "Ortho-Cyclen has worked incredibly well for me. It was the first pill I tried, and I took it for about a year. When my prescription ran out, I went to Planned Parenthood and was recommended Aubra, which did not work out for me. I had constant spotting, it significantly decreased my libido, and made me gain about 10 lbs. I have since switched back to Ortho-Cyclen and have had no noticeable side effects other than my breasts growing by about a cup size."

• cut...
• March 26, 2020

For Birth Control "Been on this Sprintec pill on and off for about a year for secondary amenorrhea (period loss). Taking in an attempt to balance out missing hormones. Trying to lose weight right now, and despite eating at what I calculate to be a slight caloric deficit, been steadily gaining weight, ~0.3 pounds a day. So distressing to see the number on the scale go up every single day despite doing everything 'right.' Already gained 5 pounds in the past 2-ish months due to binge eating but suspect that a chunk of that weight gain was from the birth control. Praying to God that it's only water retention. Also, weight gain isn't in 'right places' (though don't really want to gain weight in butt or chest either). IT'S LITERALLY ALL IN MY STOMACH AND THIGHS??? Why? Look like a whale with a watermelon-ass stomach and elephant-ass thighs. Cries. Other stuff: - Have acne, believe the pill worsens - Don't think I get mood swings/depression - Periods on the pill lighter than 'real' periods back when I got periods."

• Pre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 23, 2015

For Birth Control "I've tried Ortho-Cyclen and Microgestin 1/20 and Diane 35 before. OC made me gain weight like crazy, and I couldn't deal with the bloating; I also lost a ton of muscle mass. I've been on OTC-Lo for about a week, but I feel such a big difference in the degree of my side effects. I'm Asian, 5'2" and 118 lbs for reference. I don't feel nauseous at all, very minimal bloating, my skin's a bit clearer, and my sex drive's the same! I'm nervous about the tri-phasic style of the pill as I'm very sensitive to hormone shifts, so I may update my review after a month. I think people just really need to find a pill that most closely mimics their natural hormone levels and go up or down in estrogen and progestin as they observe the changes in their body."

• Lan...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 18, 2019

For Birth Control "This BC is great! I had previously taken Alesse and only took it for two months, as I got crazy anxiety from it. A few years later, I decided to try Tricira Lo (generic of Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo). I had pretty bad acne before starting it, and this pill cleared it up almost completely! I love it, and for this reason, I'm planning to stay on it for a looooooooong time. The only side effects were that my boobs grew a little bit, and I gained about 5-10 pounds the first three months, but after 5-6 months, both stabilized. I've been on it for about two years now, and my acne hasn't returned. If you want a low-dose BC and have moderate/severe acne, this pill is worth a try!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 3, 2012

For Birth Control "After my BC pill that I had been taking for about 18 years was discontinued, I have been searching for one that I like. My doctor suggested Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo. It's been almost 1 year, and I want to change pills. Every month I experience a migraine along with my period that lasts 2-3 days. I have also had nausea, mood swings, bloating, and trouble losing weight. Recently, I have had breakthrough bleeding lasting several days. All of these symptoms are a first for me."

• ak1...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 12, 2015

For Birth Control "Let me just start with the fact that if I am going to buy or use anything under the sun, it is more than likely that I have read every review ever written on the item before buying/using it, etc. Before going on the pill, I read reviews for at least 100 different brands/versions of the combo pill and mini-pill before narrowing it down to three options (all combo pills). I talked each option over with my OBGYN, and we settled on Tri-Sprintec for a few reasons. A. Triphasic (mirrors natural hormone levels better) B. Estrogen/androgen/progestin ingredients/levels help with acne, and C. The first two weeks of pills are low dose. Pros: no mood swings, no weight gain except in boobs. Cons: medium cramps, slight breakthrough bleeding. Overall: love it!"

• sch...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 17, 2014

For Birth Control "I had a baby girl 6 months ago, and I started this about 2 months ago. At first, I was doing great with it, but then, after about 2 weeks of taking it, I have really noticed some not-so-great changes in me. My chin is constantly breaking out, so it did not help clear up the acne. I have really had some bad mood swings of just feeling really sad, and my anxiety has been pretty bad. It has really messed with my sleeping patterns. I also gained about 16 lbs from the time I started taking this pill until now. I wear contacts, and it really seems to dry my eyes out and make my vision a little blurry, which I haven't really had much trouble with before. I am seeing my doctor soon, and we are planning on switching me to another birth control pill."

• ano...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 7, 2019

For Birth Control "Decided to try this birth control without reading the reviews... wow, that was an awful decision!! For the past 7 weeks, I've changed my diet to plant-based. I go to the gym 6 out of the 7 days of the week, doing cardio or working with loose weights to gain a little upper body strength. I only drink water and rarely consume alcohol. I don't even remember the last time I had any sort of sweet dessert. BUT, somehow I still gained 15 pounds in my stomach and back area (love handles). I thought this is odd. How can I be gaining weight with all this cardio and new diet I took on? Turns out the birth control did the job. I can no longer fit into my jeans that I bought a few months ago, and I can no longer wear any crop tops without feeling insecure about my stomach and lower back. DO NOT TAKE THIS PRODUCT."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 21, 2016

For Birth Control "I just want to start this by saying not everyone's bodies are the same and different pills can react differently. I've been on Sprintec for two and a half years now, starting when I was a teenager, and I love it. I used to have extremely painful cramps during my period and 7- to 8-day long periods. Since starting Sprintec, my periods are much lighter, much shorter, and way less painful! My overall acne has improved, I do break out around my period, but I think that is normal. I did not gain weight from this pill. You only gain weight if you give in to cravings that changes in hormones can bring. Just be aware of what you are eating and how much. I did not notice any change in my cravings, however. I love this pill, and it has worked great."

• Anonymous
• August 8, 2019

For Birth Control "I'm currently 25 years old and have been taking Tri-Lo-Sprintec for two months. It is the best birth control pill I've been on! I've been on Loryna and Lo-Esterin Fe previously, and I did not do well on those - bloating, weight gain, mood swings, etc. I was hesitant to try Tri-Lo-Sprintec, but will say it's been great! I'm using it primarily to keep regular menstrual cycles and eliminate horrible cramps I was having all throughout the month. The cramps are basically gone (one day of cramping on my period now), my skin has become more consistently clear (which has been a major issue since I was 10 years old), and my periods are regular. I have not experienced mood swings, bloating, or other unwanted side effects. Very mild nausea a few times is the only one I've noticed, and I believe the longer that I take the pill, it will diminish even further. I used to believe there was not a pill out there for me, but keep trying until you find one if that seems right for you!"

• Jam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 15, 2013

For Birth Control "I have been on birth control for about 5 years, but I had to switch brands due to Yaz being discontinued. I tried another brand at the beginning of the year with no luck. I've been taking Trinessa for 2 months, and it has been awful! I haven't gotten pregnant, which is a good thing, but the side effects are extreme. I have gained about 5 lbs, and I am bloated. I have had very bad cramps; they are so bad that my back even hurts. I have always suffered from migraines, and they have been controlled, but within the last week, they have been awful. I am going to see my gyno next week to explore some other options."

• Mon...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 24, 2015

For Ovarian Cysts "This medicine has worked pretty well for me. After having constant health problems such as weight gain, bad acne, and not having a period but once a year for 3 years and being told that it was 'okay', I finally went to the OB/GYN for another opinion. I found out that I had PCOS and was placed on Ortho Cyclen. This medicine started to clear my acne after 3 weeks of taking it, and I started losing weight while on it. I lost a total of 6 pounds the first month and 8 the second month. The only drawback was that my period lasted for an entire 31 days the first month but was told beforehand that it could last that long because of the time I went without a period."

• Jai...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 25, 2015

For Birth Control "Best birth control!!! I have been on it for about a year and a half, if not longer. I have no complaints. I got on this because the Depo shot was definitely not working for me. Definitely glad I switched over - no random mood swings, cleared all acne within a month, no weight gain, overall it's the best birth control I've been on."

• Chr...
• February 21, 2017

For Birth Control "I was prescribed Tri-Sprintec when I was 15 years old to regulate my period. I turn 20 in two weeks and have been taking this birth control consistently. I have had minimal issues (occasional breast tenderness-no big deal). All birth controls have their side effects, but to say that this would alter my decision to take this birth control is bizarre. I have sex with my partner about every other day, and we NEVER use condoms. However, he only 'finishes' in me once or twice every few months. Even then, I have (luckily) had no problems. I have had no weight gain or mood swings or any other side effects. It has also kept my face perfectly clear since it doubles as an acne fighter. Very impressed and would HIGHLY recommend to younger people."