Ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 5)

• xba...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 5, 2013

For Birth Control "I was on Tri-Nessa for almost 6 months. It did its job on birth control. My acne was almost gone with this medication, and I felt less hormonal during my time of the month. Worked great for me. No abnormal bleeding with this one. The bad effect that happened to me: During the 6-month period, I gained 25 pounds. I went from 110 to 135 lbs. I wasn't like a twig, I was fit. But then after this, I got tired and just ate all the time. I also got really nauseous from the first 2 weeks. Works well, but the side effects were bad. Everybody is different, but this is what happened to me."

• Ell...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 28, 2013

For Acne "I've been taking Tri-Sprintec for two months now. I have had persistent mild acne (plus scarring :/) since middle school. (I'm in my twenties now). I must say -- this pill has improved my skin. It's not perfect, but I've noticed that my normally breakout-prone skin has cleared up a bit, so that's nice to see. And now the negative: my appetite has increased immensely. I feel like I'm starving all the time. It's like constant PMS. I'm hoping this will go away as my body acclimates to the pill... I've consequently gained about 10 pounds... BUT -- my boobs have gotten bigger as a result, and my bum as well, so perhaps it's not all bad..."

• asm...
• March 31, 2016

For Birth Control "I have been on and off different birth controls for the past 6 years, including the Mirena IUD, NuvaRing, and other pills. The Mirena made me lose weight and have bigger boobs, but it also made me crazy. Like a psychotic to my husband, and my acne was horrible. The NuvaRing cleared up my face amazingly well, but made me gain weight like crazy, which in turn made me depressed. Some other pills I tried (can't remember names because there were probably 3 different kinds) worsened my acne or made me have crazy mood swings. A year after having a baby, my doctor put me on Mononessa, and it's the first time I have been happy with my birth control ever! My face is normally clear, weight is normal, mood swings low, periods normal to light."

• 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."

• kok...
• February 4, 2020

For Birth Control "Okay, I read so many reviews before starting this pill that made me skeptical, but I decided to try it out anyway. Overall, I would give this pill a solid 4. The first few months, I was pretty moody and crampy, but overall the pill had me feeling great! (I mean I would've rated this pill a 10 starting off!) Here we are at least 9 months into the pill, and I feel absolutely revolting! I've gained so much weight, and I don't even know how because I'm always nauseous and vomiting, so how am I even gaining anything? Don't get me started on the depression... I have to fight to get out of bed and even care about college... I also have no sex drive! This is so hard, especially when you're in a committed relationship and want to engage, but mentally and physically I just can't because I feel so disconnected. I've stopped the pills, and now I'm trying to find something else! Just please beware! This doesn't mean the pill will affect you like this, but just be cautious!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 4, 2015

For Birth Control "I just finished my first pack. I was so afraid since this was the first birth control pill I have ever been on. I was majorly concerned with gaining weight, but from what I see, my appetite may have even decreased a little. I want to eat more often, but I cannot eat nearly as much as I used to. My breasts already have grown about half a cup size bigger, which I am okay with. Normally, right before my period, I would break out just a little, but this pill has eliminated almost all of my acne except for maybe one minor blemish here or there. I do feel a little more emotional, but nothing so drastic that it would affect my relationship with others or my mental state. Overall, I am in love with this pill, no true negative side effects for me."

• Amb...
• December 17, 2020

For Birth Control "'Studies show no connection between the pill and weight gain...' I went over 15 years on a steady weight, steady diet, and activity level. Started this pill and within 4 yrs 25 lbs gained. Yes, this pill caused me to gain weight. PROS: Reduced period cramps/pain, period on a set schedule, lighter, shorter flow, clear glowing skin (in combination with CeraVe and women's vitamin), calmer mood, no mood swings, less anxiety, no babies. CONS: No sex drive, weight gain, occasional feeling of morning sickness, recurring bacterial vaginosis (while being sexually inactive)."

• 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."

• Dis...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 1, 2020

For Birth Control "I had been on Tri-Sprintec for about a year and a half to prevent pregnancy. A few months after starting to take it, I began to gain weight and became severely depressed. I would cry at every little thing, and my period cramps were worse than they were before. I couldn't sleep and had no sex drive. It didn't even occur to me that these changes were due to my birth control until I finally went to the doctor, who told me that sounds like symptoms of Tri-Sprintec. I just got an IUD placed, and I have never felt better, I have my personality back."

• scc...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 2, 2014

For Birth Control "I have tried Yaz, Nuvaring, Paraguard IUD, and other pills. This is the only pill that I have little to no side effects. Normally I become emotional and gain weight on birth control. I have been on this for 9 months and have lost 15 lbs (because of a healthier lifestyle). My skin hasn't broken out, though I am not sure this pill will help if you have acne (I took Accutane before going on this pill). My period is fairly regular. That's my only complaint. I had one month where I got my period 3 times. Overall, I would definitely recommend this pill. Also, even if you're a big woman, this pill with a lower dose of hormones can work for you. I'm 5'11" and 165 lbs! TRY IT!"

• Bos...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 10, 2015

For Birth Control "I feel it is my duty to write a review since I read so many before taking the medication. I'll first say I'm crazy about weight! I was so scared of potential weight gain. The first week I put on like 4 pounds. Increased water intake, and it was off by the next week. Also, before taking the medication, my acne was bad. I'm three weeks in, and my face is looking great. I LOVE this medication. The breakthrough bleeding was pretty bad at first, and sometimes I feel crazy and hormonal, but it is very minimal. Love, love, love."

• 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!"

• for...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 23, 2015

For Birth Control "I have loved this birth control for some time, but it has made me gain weight and enlarged my boobs, which I hate. The last couple of weeks, it has made me super depressed and have major mood changes, which is why I am coming off this BC."

• cwa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 17, 2020

For Birth Control "I started taking Sprintec in February of 2018. About a month into taking this, I started having severe anxiety. This led to panic attacks and having to go to therapy. I also have gained 30 pounds since starting Sprintec. My boobs have gotten so much bigger. I'm at a loss. I was prescribed this on NURX, and I'm ready to just ditch it to see if I can lose some of this weight. I can't seem to lose it no matter what I do."

• Kay...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 7, 2020

For Birth Control "I’ve been on this pill for about a year now. I stopped taking it for a while and noticed that my mood had lifted and I was overall a happier person. I do think that all birth control pills can make you feel sad and depressed, but I think that Estarylla really amplified those feelings. I didn’t find it to clear up my acne, and I did gain weight. I would say this pill is average, but I’m hoping to find something better."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• August 31, 2009

For Endometriosis "I was on Sprintec for only 3 weeks in an attempt to treat endometriosis. I had to discontinue this medication because I gained five pounds of retained water weight overnight during my 2nd week. I woke up and my fingers and ankles were swollen. I started getting numbness and painful 'pins and needles' in my right arm and right leg. I also was so tired, all I wanted to do was sleep. Co-workers even commented on how tired I looked. I had mood swings and had periods where I was upset or wanted to cry over minor issues and couldn't understand why, yet I couldn't control it. The hormonal fluctuations played havoc with my emotional state."

• elh...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 22, 2015

For Birth Control "Cons: Experienced a significant increase in appetite, which led to lots of weight gain (I went from 115 lbs to 125 lbs after 6 months of use). I felt bloated all the time, and I felt like I looked 4 months pregnant. Also, I had no sex drive at all. Breast tenderness/pain was a problem too. Pros: I didn't get pregnant, my mood was pretty stable, my skin was clear, and periods were pretty light."

• Mel...
• July 18, 2016

For Birth Control "Let me start by saying that I love this birth control. I started taking it at the age of 14, I'm 24 now and have never had any pregnancies! I have taken it at 8 pm every night, and that has worked wonders. I notice that if I do not eat something with the pill at night, I am WAY more likely to wake up and feel sick. Now that I know what to do, it's not really an issue anymore. I never gained any weight and didn't notice any out-of-the-ordinary mood swings. Breasts did get bigger, though! I tried a generic version of this about 5 years ago and had TERRIBLE results. I'm so scared to try it again, but I can barely afford the $150 it costs every month for this pill. Please lower the price! It's a wonderful product!"

• SGa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 16, 2020

For Acne "Oh my goodness. I am in tears reading these reviews, finally finding out what’s wrong with me. I stopped breastfeeding about 3 months ago, and my skin started to break out from the hormone change, as expected. I called my OB to get back on what I assumed would be my regular BC, Trinessa, but I got this Tri-Sprintec. My face has never been this bad in my entire life. Painful, cystic acne. I’ve gained weight. My mood swings were terrible. I had anxiety through the ROOF. Whatever you do, DO NOT GET ON THIS PILL."

• Sta...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 29, 2020

For Birth Control "Definitely a horrible birth control. Started it 2 months ago, and I have put on weight, irregular spotting in between periods. Most of all, my mood swings have been so bad. Makes me feel bipolar. I cry over everything and get so mad. Even feel depressed. Was on Tri-Previfem for years and didn’t have any side effects. Switching back next week. Pharmacists claim they’re all the same ingredients included, but I disagree."

• Amb...
• November 3, 2014

For Birth Control "Been taking this birth control for 8 months now since giving birth. Pros are light periods that last 3-4 days, 5 tops, and they always come on time. No pregnancy, so that's good. Cons... (Well, my only MAJOR con) is WEIGHT GAIN!!!! I am constantly gaining weight every month, and it's scary. Every time I step on the scale, I've gained another 2-3 lbs. I don't even eat a lot & have never gained weight this rapidly in my life. So far I've gained 13 lbs since starting this pill... It's depressing, and I cry about it. Also, it is almost impossible to lose the weight other than practically starving yourself. The contraceptive side of Mononessa is good, but the weight gain is NO GO!!!"

• Wor...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 1, 2024

For Birth Control "I’ve been on this brand of birth control for the past 6 years. I’ll admit that the first 2-3 months after getting on it almost made me give up. I had lots of nausea triggered by random scents or foods or for no reason at all, rather crazy mood swings, and some weight gain. After the 3-month period, things seemed to go back to normal. Not sure if my body just needed some time to get used to the change, but I have since been able to go about my day-to-day life with no problems. So far, it’s worked to prevent pregnancy!"

• CMa...
• January 3, 2017

For Birth Control "I was so afraid to go on birth control because I always heard about weight gain and acne. I recently got on it just because I'm intimate with my boyfriend and wanted to be extremely safe, and I must say Sprintec is amazing. The only issue I had that really got to me was I was on my period the first month for two weeks. It made me really sick because of the amount of blood I lost, but I took it easy. I get the occasional breakout before my period, which is completely normal. Other than that, my skin is seriously so clear! I get the same symptoms before my period: sore breasts, acne, and occasional cravings. But surprisingly, this makes me not want to eat, and I've actually lost weight. Lastly, there's been no pregnancy scares or babies on the way."

• Bab...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 7, 2013

For Birth Control "As far as birth control, it is an extremely effective contraceptive pill! Never got any severe side effects; some nausea the first week, but that's about it. Also, my periods are about the same flow-wise, but very little cramping, about 4 days long instead of 5. I used to have awful skin, and now it is clear! The only thing that happened when I went on this medication that may be displeasing to others is that I gained about 30 pounds. My varying weight before was 106-110, and now I am between 130-136 lbs."