Tri-Lo-Marzia and Cramps: What Users Say

• Izz...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 25, 2021

For Birth Control "Tri-Lo-Marzia was the first birth control I had ever been on. I took it pretty irresponsibly the first few months I was on it, but the last three months of taking it, I was very serious about it. I did notice some changes with my mood, nothing too serious, but definitely random fits of crying. The pill had no effect on my weight or skin, but my period was definitely regulated, cramps were still very bad, but my period ended within 5 days. I was forced to change to Tri-Lo Sprintec, but for a first birth control, I really didn't mind Tri-Lo-Marzia. It was completely effective in eliminating pregnancy when used properly. Don't stress yourself out reading these reviews, which was a mistake I made. Everyone's body is different, and the only real way to know what side effects you'll experience is if you take it."

• Nfa...
• February 8, 2020

For Birth Control "I've been on Tri-Lo Marzia for a bit over 3 months. I read these reviews before starting, and the bad ones really outnumbered the good ones — they scared me. The side effects turned out to be better than I expected. I had cramps on my first week of starting the pill that were otherworldly. I spent the week doubled over in pain. Periods since then have been lighter but last longer. My boobs grew immediately - like a second puberty or a natural boob job. Sounds silly, but they've made me feel more womanly/powerful. My acne got a bit worse, covering my chin and cheeks faintly. Not much effect on weight/sex drive. The worst thing is mental health; I'm extremely sensitive, my weeks are emotional rollercoasters. I have depressive episodes similar to when I was in my darkest place. It's hard to point fingers straight at the pill, but I know myself, and I know that I'm not currently myself. Probably going to stay on, though. The pros kinda outweigh the cons :/"

• Nik...
• October 19, 2018

For Birth Control "I have been on Tri-Lo-Marzia for about 2 years now, and I have not experienced any side effects. It has done its job, and I have not gotten pregnant. I used to experience terrible pain on my period, including vomiting, dizziness, intense cramps, headaches, etc. Tri-Lo-Marzia stopped it all. It also shortened my period to about 5 days instead of 7. Overall, it has worked out well for me, and I would recommend it. However, everyone is different and reacts differently to medications."

• 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."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 13, 2019

"Has anyone using Tri-Lo-Marzia experienced muscle spasms, pain, and cramping in legs, knees, hands, feet, toes, and arms? Feels like your whole body has inflammation? I’ve started using the generic brand Tri-Lo-Marzia for 1 1/2 months, and I’m experiencing all these symptoms."

• Ras...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 18, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Don’t miss a pill when on Tri-Lo-Marzia. I swear if I miss a pill or take it too late, I’ll be spotting freaky-looking black clots and discharge until week 4 when I get my period where the gates go from just a crack to wide-hecking-open. But if I do everything right, it is a GODSEND. Severe cramps gone, no more mood swings, and a WAY MORE regular cycle. So yeah, set an alarm on your phone or something to take it, and it’ll be fine."

• tk2...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 20, 2020

For Birth Control "Tri-Lo-Marzia totally got rid of my sex drive. Before I got on this pill, I had a very high sex drive. Within a month of being on Tri-Lo-Marzia, I physically could not get aroused even when I wanted to. It made my vagina dry. I could literally tell the blood flow to my genitals had decreased. It's effective at preventing pregnancy because you will no longer want to have sex. It also gave me extreme mood swings and anxiety every month during the week 3 pills. On a positive note, I could not tell any changes with my acne or weight. I did not experience any spotting between periods, but it did make my cramps worse and flow slightly heavier. 27 years old, 160 lbs. Light periods lasting 4-5 days."

• 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 6 months to 1 year
• September 5, 2018

For Birth Control "In the beginning of taking this BC, it was not too bad. After a few months, I started experiencing side effects. I get cramps so bad I have to stop walking or stop any movement I'm making and just freeze until they go away. I also feel like I'm tired all of the time. Recently, I have been experiencing headaches and bloating. I've also noticed that ever since I have been on this birth control, I have an extremely low sex drive. I never did gain any weight, but I have been battling with crazy cravings. I have always had very bad hormonal acne, and after being on this birth control, I have noticed it cleared up some but not completely. I would be cautious if you are on this birth control. Give this birth control at least 3 months for your body to adjust. For me, I have given it a year, and it just keeps getting worse."

• tou...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 30, 2019

For Birth Control "Honestly, I didn’t love Tri-Lo-Marzia. It did nothing to help my acne, I gained a little water weight (5 lbs), and I experienced spotting every month after the second week of each pill pack. However, I am not pregnant, and my period is extremely light. Before starting this birth control, I used to get terrible cramps and nausea during my periods, and those things have really improved, so that’s a definite upside to Tri-Lo-Marzia. There are pros and cons, but I’m looking to switch now to something different."

• Dnn...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 29, 2019

For Birth Control "I was on Ortho Lo for nine years and recently was switched to Tri-Lo-Marzia. The first week, I was fine. I am now ending week 2 and am bloated, nauseous, and have cramps. I NEVER have gotten cramps since I’ve had my period at age 12 (now 25), and I’m not even near my period. I am trying to have a positive outlook, but I already am worried about this pill."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 5, 2019

For Birth Control "I was switched to Tri-Lo-Marzia after having pretty bad side effects from other birth control pills. Immediately, I noticed I was cramping, always bloated, and crazy indigestion. I was hoping if I stuck with it, my body would adjust. I stayed on this 6 months before I had to stop. It's been almost 2 months since I stopped taking them, and I'm still dealing with indigestion and bloating."

• Anonymous
• July 25, 2021

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I switched birth controls to this one. My birth control before let me skip the placebo pills, but if I skip it on the Tri-Lo pill, I start bleeding black blood clots out of nowhere. I also get cramps too, like I’m on my period. Even if you forget to take the pill 2 hours after you're supposed to, you’ll bleed the next day."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 18, 2018

For Birth Control "I've given this birth control a try for two months, and I have decided to get off of it due to the degree of nausea that I have been experiencing the first two and a half weeks of every new pack. I have also not noticed any positive impact on my skin, it's stayed the same. I was cramping quite heavily when I started the first month, and that seemed to dissipate with the second month. I have noticed that my period this month is significantly lighter. However, due to the nausea, I will be switching back to Ortho Cyclen (i.e., Sprintec) that I was on a few years ago."

• Dai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 18, 2018

For Birth Control "I have been on my period for 12 days, and I have never had cramps like I did with this pill. Having your period for 12 days is not normal. Do not take this pill! I’ve only been on it for three weeks, and I hate it!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 27, 2021

For Birth Control "Gave me terrible cramping and excessive bleeding. Took it for about 5 months and stopped when I noticed I had huge blood clots coming out during my period, they were so big it was painful to pass. Didn't give me acne or any weight gain."

• COR...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 15, 2019

For Birth Control "RUN RUN RUN...... I know that everybody's bodies are different. I used to be happy before I took this birth control, and this wasn't my first either. This birth control has made me feel insecure, I overthink, I'm just depressed or angry. I actually feel like I'm going crazy while on it. I have gained 5 pounds in just 2 weeks that I have been on it, and I haven't done anything to change my habits other than my birth control. So far, I've been taking this for about a month now, and I know the doctor says you should take 3 months to get used to it, but I'm not going to sit here and do nothing while I am miserable. I have control over my own body. I'm currently contacting my doctor and switching back over to my old birth control, Sprintec, because I'd rather deal with painful cramps than suicidal tendencies."

• Anonymous
• January 24, 2021

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Went on this pill for frequent menstrual bleeding and acne and absolutely did not like it. For the first 30 days straight, had nonstop bleeding with black clots. Cramps got worse, as well as lower back pain. I was also painfully nauseous all the time and completely lost my appetite. I couldn’t eat more than a small meal at a time without completely being full and nauseous. I was told the acne would get worse before it got better, but it only got worse and then mildly improved. I can say that it did help get my cycle to only bleeding once a month instead of twice a month, but it’s not worth it with all of the side effects. Mentally, my mental health and anxiety got worse at first, but it leveled off and was fine after about a month. Overall, would not recommend it as the nausea is so bad and just constantly persistent."

• Bri...
• April 21, 2020

For Birth Control "I started taking birth control for my painful period symptoms (cramps, migraines, nausea). I was originally on Ortho Tri-Cyclen, the brand version, but they stopped making it, I think, so naturally I opted for this one, I didn’t mind. It has helped a lot with my headaches/migraines. I don’t get them anymore. I still get pretty bad cramps and nausea, but I also credit that to my body always eventually building immunity to whatever pill I’m on. I have gained some weight, but nothing too noticeable or serious. I get occasional pimples along my chin/jawline, but again, nothing too bad. I recently tried being more prompt with taking my pills on time at the same time of day to prevent pregnancy since I normally just take it whenever I remember to (various times of day), so we’ll see how effective it is with that, lol. Ultimately, I like it. It’s done better than other birth control pills I’ve used before. I see a lot of reviews with hives and rashes; I have not experienced any of that."

• Bet...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 17, 2019

For Birth Control "This was the first birth control I was ever prescribed, starting when I was 18 (I'm now 24). I've always struggled with acne (was on Accutane twice) and heavy periods with heavy cramping. This medication never worsened any of my acne or period symptoms, but also didn't improve them. While taking Tri-Lo Marzia, I had 7-8 day-long periods with the first 1-4 days being very heavy with cramping and it lightening up the last few days. I still broke out around the time of my period, but my acne was not worsened or made better overall by taking this pill. I'm only considering switching now because after 6 years of heavy cramps and period symptoms, I'd really like to not have to deal with it anymore! Overall, I wouldn't dissuade anyone from taking this, but I also think there are better options out there."

• Jen...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 26, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I’ve always had heavy periods that contributed to iron deficiency anemia and lack of energy. Finally decided to let my doctor know that I wanted to be put on a birth control pill (at 30, no less, wish I had done this in my teens), and this Tri-Lo-Marzia is what she put me on. I’ve been on it for over 6 months, and my periods are lighter and shorter. Overall, my quality of life has improved. I still get cramps for maybe two days, but those have never been terrible anyway. My level of (mild) acne has probably stayed about the same. I do think I gained a small amount of weight, especially in my breasts. I don’t think this has been super noticeable to anyone though, just to me. I think maybe my moods have improved a bit, especially since I’m not bleeding as much anymore, and those were always awful times. Otherwise, my moods are about the same. I plan on staying on this pill for a long time."

• Ann...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 2, 2018

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I was recommended this pill by my doctor for abnormal bleeding, and it worked and helped regulate my periods. I had the normal side effects: cramps, headache, etc. The first couple of weeks, after that, it went away. I have no side effects, and I think it helped my acne a little too. I'm happy with this pill."

• Mai...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 23, 2021

For Acne "Was prescribed this for acne. Helped clear up about 75% of it, which is good. I also don’t get as moody or as many cramps on my period. Little weight gain (5 pounds). However, my period happens roughly twice a month now, which is very annoying, although it is a little lighter than it used to be. According to my doctor, give it at least 3 months for your hormones to adjust, and you have to take it at the same exact time every day. With my inconsistent work schedule and general forgetfulness, this medication is not the best fit for me, but if you’re trying to find a solution for acne and PMS symptoms, it will help."

• peg...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 29, 2021

For Birth Control "I would not recommend this birth control to anyone, I was on it for almost a year, and the only positive was it kept me from getting pregnant. I had horrible acne a month or two after starting the pill, and it continued throughout my time on the pill. I still had painful cramps and headaches on my period, and it also caused me to gain about 15 pounds within a year. I have been off of it for about 2 months, and I've already lost the weight I gained while on it. The bigger problem is that my first period after the pill was 11 days late, and my second period was 11 days early. I've been on 4 different pills before and never have experienced lasting issues after I went off the pill. Do yourself a favor and try something else."

• Tar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 13, 2021

For Birth Control "Honest review here. I have sinus tachycardia, and estrogen is a trigger. I wanted to try birth control again at the lowest possible dose after a couple of years of not being on anything. Within that week, I started getting a burning chest, racing heart, horrible headache, and 24/7 cramps. Threw it in the trash where it belongs."