Sprintec and Cramps: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Kay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 4, 2019

For Ovarian Cysts "I was diagnosed with PCOS about 6 months ago. My periods were every other month for a month straight, consistently heavy. I started off with Estraylla/Sprintec, and it was horrible the first month. I had breast tenderness that made it hard to wear a bra or even do activities that caused my breasts to move. The cramps and back pain were unbearable, none of which I had prior to starting birth control. I had migraines, and I was always sleepy. Then my period came and lasted for 36 days. After that, though, everything has calmed down, my period is regular and lasts 5 days max and light."

• Jes...
• November 21, 2014

For Birth Control "I've been on Sprintec for about 6 months now, and my face and weight are normal. I was on Lo Loestrin before this, and it messed up my mood so much, made me break out, gain weight, all the worst possible things. The only thing with Sprintec: I never had cramps before birth control, but now I have cramps. Also, the period is super heavy but only lasts 4-5 days, so it's a trade-off, and at least it's regular (I started birth control because my period wouldn't stop)."

• Bob...
• January 17, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have been on this pill for almost 7 months now, and when I first started, I would have horrible mood swings. I've been depressed ever since the first pill, and now I have been bleeding for the last month, so I've decided to stop taking it and look for something better. Nor did it help the cramps. Just made them worse and last longer."

• Anonymous
• April 19, 2011

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I am on my second week of Sprintec. I started taking these because I already have the Paragard IUD, and it was giving me heavy periods, cramping before, during, and after periods, and I also had very thick, stringy discharge. My doctor put me on Sprintec temporarily because the extra boost of hormones should help my condition. So far, the side effects have been minor. I noticed it is starting to help with my acne, and my discharge has thinned, but it also has an odor. Almost immediately after taking a pill, I get dry mouth and start to get hungry. Eating small meals or skipping meals is not an option after taking it. If I don't eat a decent-sized meal to calm my hunger, I get weak with nausea. I also get somewhat jittery."

• Twi...
• August 21, 2013

For Birth Control "My doctor put me on Sprintec to regulate me. I have been on it the last year and a half. My side effects were tender breasts and mild cramps the week leading up to my period, and then I'd get a headache on the day of my period, which was okay with me as it warned me it was coming. The plus side for me on this pill is my mood swings are gone. It really balances me out. Recently, I went to the doctor for a check-up, and she suggested a new birth control pill that will allow me to only have 2-day periods versus the 4-day ones I have with Sprintec, but also, I wouldn't get the sore breasts, etc., plus it is a lower dose. A week and a half into it, I was mad at the world and depressed. I am now back on Sprintec. I'd take sore boobs and a headache over mood swings any day!"

• kat...
• June 13, 2020

For Endometriosis "Remember everyone’s body reacts differently to birth control, so don’t let the reviews scare you from trying. I decided to take Sprintec after my friend was on it and had no problems. The first month I had bad nausea, and my cramps were worse than before. But after the second pack, the cramps were better, and I had less bleeding then. Besides the first couple of weeks, I experienced no mood changes. I have normally acne-prone skin and get breakouts before my period. But on the second month of Sprintec, I had the worst cystic acne I have ever had in my life. My face was completely covered in painful breakouts. I decided to stay on it until I completed my third pack to see if my body was adjusting to it. But after the third month, it continued to breakout. My doctor decided I should stop taking it. After stopping taking it, my skin drastically cleared up. It took three months off of it to 100% clear up my skin to normal. So if you have acne-prone skin or get breakouts around your period, I would not recommend this."

• ele...
• June 25, 2014

For Birth Control "I gave Sprintec a 10 for effectiveness. This will be rather long: when I first started the pill, everything was normal. I got my period 3 pills into the placebo pills (and I have every month since). I noticed that I do have some vaginal discharge, but it is normal, and it happens usually when I get a new pack. When I'm on my period, my cramps actually worsened, and I'd often get terrible leg cramps that would wake me up in dead sleep. But fortunately, the leg cramps disappeared a few months in. Mood changes: I do tend to get mad easily now and cry a lot more than I used to. Also, it made my sex drive plummet, I was not interested in anything sexual. Also, it made my orgasms very faint and last maybe 3 seconds. This did go away a little."

• em1...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 3, 2019

For Birth Control "Yeah, this birth control sucked for me. I went on Sprintec for only three months, but I gained about 15 pounds, was constantly bloated and anxious, broke out (and I don’t usually break out), my periods did not become any shorter, and my cramps did not become any less bad, and my sex drive disappeared, and I also lost hair. Please do your research because going through this and having to lose the weight is not worth it just to be protected from pregnancy when there are better pills out there. You can find one that works great for you while doing that. For some, this may work, but this was awful for me."

• Bir...
• October 21, 2018

For Birth Control "I’ve been taking Sprintec for about 10 months. For the first few months, I was very nauseous all day long; the nauseousness was getting so bad I switched to taking it at night. After doing that, the next couple of months were fine; granted my periods were a day or two longer than usual, but I didn’t have any weight gain or enlarged breasts or anything. The last four months, I’ve been super depressed (even having suicidal thoughts), super emotional, throwing up in the morning at least once during the week, difficulty sleeping, all while being exhausted, my face is swollen, random period-like cramping when I’m not on my period, and I’ve even experienced leg cramps that feel like I have something blocked in my legs (it usually happens at night and becomes so annoying/painful that I can’t sleep). I’m not myself. I’ve contacted my doctor, and hopefully they’ll switch me. The pill works for preventing pregnancy, but it has definitely altered my life, mostly in a negative light."

• Bir...
• October 21, 2018

For Birth Control "I’ve been taking Sprintec for about 10 months. For the first few months, I was very nauseous all day long; the nauseousness was getting so bad I switched to taking it at night. After doing that, the next couple of months were fine; granted my periods were a day or two longer than usual, but I didn’t have any weight gain or enlarged breasts or anything. The last four months, I’ve been super depressed (even having suicidal thoughts), super emotional, throwing up in the morning at least once during the week, difficulty sleeping, all while being exhausted, my face is swollen, random period-like cramping when I’m not on my period, and I’ve even experienced leg cramps that feel like I have something blocked in my legs (it usually happens at night and becomes so annoying/painful that I can’t sleep). I’m not myself. I’ve contacted my doctor, and hopefully they’ll switch me. The pill works for preventing pregnancy, but it has definitely altered my life, mostly in a negative light."

• HAl...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 3, 2015

For Endometriosis "I love this pill. I still have cramps, but they went from lasting 3 days to just one. I go through way less tampons and pads. I can make it through the night without bleeding everywhere. The best benefit of all: I am no longer moody. I feel like myself all month long. I am in love with Sprintec."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 16, 2019

For Birth Control "This is the best birth control I have been on. It’s been two months, and I have only occasional cramps and, every blue moon, a little depression kicks in, but overall it has been great, and the best part... not preggers!"

• Cat...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 13, 2013

For Birth Control "I am going now on my 2nd year using this, and it's great. My sex drive is great, probably got better too. I did not experience much weight gain that isn't normal. I did experience mood swings, especially when I would have my periods. I guess in that sense it was a bit bad, I'd cry or get mad VERY easily, and I did experience cramping during my cycle. All in all, I do not mind it at all, it is good for what it is for because I am not pregnant. I did take my pill 18 hours late, almost a whole other day, but I was still fine. This worked great for me. I am 5'1''. I weighed 118 when I started, now I weigh 130 lbs. Considering it's been two years, I don't think it's bad, perhaps because my hips got a little wider, but nothing out of the ordinary."

• Anonymous
• December 2, 2009

For Birth Control "I have started taking this birth control last month, and I hate it. I had a week-long period, which is normal. Then the next week, I had dark brown discharge for a week. Then I started bleeding again the third week for about 3-4 days. My cramps are severe. Mood swings are out of control."

• Lio...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 28, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve been on Sprintec for the past 6 months. The first day I started taking it, I got a really bad headache and nausea. Every time I start a new cycle, I get a light headache. I’ve gained about 10 pounds since I started; I blame it on the hormones because I exercise 5 times a week and have a good eating habit. Also, some mood swings are noticeable, but again, hormones. However, it regulated my period; I could go 2-3 months without getting it, and it also completely took away the cramps. It’s worked well, but I’m indecisive if I should continue using it because of the weight, headaches, and mood swings."

• Ran...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 21, 2019

For Endometriosis "I have been on Sprintec for almost 9 months now. My doctor prescribed it because I had abnormal periods with non-stop vomiting, serious IBS-like symptoms with blood in my stool, and heavy bleeding. She says that most probably I have endometriosis. Every month, for at least a week, my life became awful. I had to take at least two days off work per month. I also have fibroids with a history of myomectomy. Sprintec improved my life immensely. Now, I do not experience nausea and intestinal issues as often as before, and I do not have to take days off work anymore. The problem is that I have been on my period for two months now. Not even a normal day in between on which I don't have to wear a pad. The bleeding does not stop, and it is getting heavier and heavier. Last night, I experienced huge blood clots and cramps. I have also gained weight and have headaches all the time. I am so disappointed. I can't go back to my life before Sprintec, but now life is no fun either."

• Anonymous
• October 18, 2011

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I am 21, and I was put on this because of the abnormal bleeding I was having. I've been taking it for 3 weeks. I had a few of the other side effects that were listed. For the first week and a half, I was very emotional and just wanted to sleep and eat, but after I got through that, it was perfect. My face cleared up after the emotional roller coaster, I could manage my appetite, and could function regularly. I also had a little nausea in the afternoon because I take it right after breakfast. My cramps during ovulation were a little bit worse than before but tolerable and short-lasting. I would definitely recommend this to anyone, but then again, it will affect everyone differently."

• Ell...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 3, 2015

For Birth Control "I had started BC without my parents knowing and went to Planned Parenthood to request BC. I get my prescription for $9. I've been on it for almost a month now. I'm halfway through the third week, the next week is the white pills. I had started the birth control off my period, I started on 10/18 at 7 pm. My period usually comes around the 30th, I have not had a period yet. I had very little breakthrough bleeding for a short week, and little cramps the first night. The next day, I was very tired and hungry. After that day, everything was normal except for bloating, which was fine. My boobs have gotten slightly bigger, and I've gained 5 lbs, which I wanted to gain weight. Also, I've been wanting sex a bit more if some ladies are worried about their libido."

• Sug...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 1, 2019

For Birth Control "This medication makes me nauseous and shaky, and gives me headaches daily. I have PCOS and fibroids, and I suffer from cramps daily and cervix pain, and this birth control makes it so much worse. I do NOT recommend."

• Cic...
• February 1, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I started taking this pill for extremely heavy, painful periods that occur twice a month with constant spotting in between. Basically, I was bleeding all the time. I also have terrible cystic acne around my jawline when I’m menstruating. The first two weeks have been terrible. I was so nauseous every day of the first week that I vomited at work. The second week, the nausea has improved. However, I started cramping with a “high-pitched,” sharp, pinchy kind of uterine pain I’ve never felt before. I’ve been bleeding, but it’s somehow different than normal period bleeding. It HAS caused me to gain weight. It may be water weight, but I can still see it and feel it, and it still weighs something on the scale, so it counts as weight gain. It has made my skin less oily already, however, so I’m going to continue to take it until I’ve had enough or don’t start seeing improvement."

• Rip...
• April 30, 2017

For Birth Control "I've only been on this birth control for a few weeks, and I am experiencing crazy anxiety and extreme dizziness! It's so scary at times. I just had a baby two months ago and can't risk another pregnancy right now, so I don't know what to do. Not to mention, I've been bleeding for two weeks straight with crazy heavy cramps."

• Mel...
• July 12, 2016

For Birth Control "Overall, I liked this pill. The positives outweighed the negatives for me. Initially, I took it to change my cycle due to a vacation I was going on. I decided to stay on it for another 4 months as birth control. The positives: regular period, no weight gain, no breakthrough bleeding, no more cramping, no co-pay, and NO babies! The negatives: mood swings, leg cramps, occasional cystic acne (a week before and during placebo week), remembering to take it every day, and breast tenderness. Eventually, I got tired of remembering to take a pill every day, so I switched to the Nexplanon arm implant, which has been great so far. If the pill doesn't work out for you, there are other good options!"

• Jes...
• February 17, 2017

For Birth Control "I am almost done with my 28-day pack, and I am not happy. I'm having the heaviest period of my life (5 days in and still absurd cramps, constant heavy flow-TMI, sorry). My body is literally freaking out on me. I am a slim, active girl, but I am sluggish, gaining weight (how), and my skin is not clearing up on Sprintec. It might just be me. My body might just be changing with age, but I'm sharing my experience anyway. I'm throwing away my next month's pack and saving myself from this misery."

• Sas...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 2, 2013

For Birth Control "I have been on Sprintec for about six years now, and for the most part, it has worked well. I have had no pregnancy scares, no hormonal mood swings, and very little spotting in between period weeks. However, recently, after period week, I have become extremely nauseous in the mornings. (And no, I am not pregnant.) Also, my cramps have worsened."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 13, 2018

For Birth Control "I have been on Sprintec for almost a year now. My dermatologist actually prescribed it because the birth control pills that my gynecologist prescribed were causing me to break out. I didn't notice any changes for the first month or two; however, after 3 or so months, my face cleared up and my period became very regular. I always start my period on Wednesdays, and it is over by Saturday evening. My periods are super light, and I have little to no cramping. My face looks great too! Would definitely recommend. My insurance also covers it, so I get my pill pack each month for free! I am currently thinking about switching to an IUD for convenience (I don't want to be responsible for taking the pill every day at the same time to prevent pregnancy), but I am hesitant to change because this is working so well. For reference, I am a 20-year-old college student with no children."