Skip to main content

TriNessa and Weight Gain: What Users Say

Weight gain: mentioned by 98 users (20.6%)

Based on user experiences from 476 TriNessa reviews, the following table shows the most commonly mentioned side effects.

All user comments are moderated by Drugs.com. Each review is verified for relevance and screened for inappropriate content. Side effects are user-reported and not clinically verified.

mood swings 26.7%
acne 25.2%
nausea 22.7%
weight gain 20.6%
depression 19.7%
cramps 12.2%
headaches 9.9%
bloating 9.0%
anxiety 8.4%
sore breasts 6.9%

Reviews for TriNessa

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Lyn...
  • August 14, 2014

For Birth Control "The pill started great until every time I take it I want to vomit all the time. Practically, had the experience of a pregnant woman. I gained weight, was expected, and had terrible headaches that don't go away for hours. Impossible to sleep without wanting to vomit. I've been having emotional problems, feeling depressed and crying without reason."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
53 Report
  • Liz...
  • October 26, 2013

For Birth Control "I've been on TriNessa for about two years, and I love it. My skin is clear, my periods are usually only 4 days long with no severe cramps, and I haven't had any noticeable side effects like mood swings or weight gain. In fact, I've lost almost thirty pounds in recent months through diet and exercise, so losing weight hasn't been an issue either. I've tried so many kinds of BC (the shot, the ring, other pills), and so far, this one is my favorite."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
40 Report
  • Anonymous
  • March 18, 2013

For Birth Control "I've seen a lot of negative reviews, so I felt I'd share a good one. Ortho Novum 777 made my hair fall out, mood swings, and weight gain. Switched to Trinessa. Hair stopped falling out, lost 4 pounds in 3 weeks, no mood swings, super happy all the time, flawless skin even though Necon gave me acne, but I don't have it naturally. Sex drive is through the roof, which my boyfriend loves! No nausea, headaches, or any other crazy things. GREAT PILL. You don't know until you try! Also, I'm 20 years old, almost 21. Ortho Novum 777 and Lo Loestrin Fe had terrible side effects. Also took Reclipsen (Ortho-cept) for about 3 years, no problems."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
42 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Jho...
  • February 13, 2013

For Birth Control "I was on the Ortho-Tri-Cyclen-Lo for 4 years, but my insurance won't cover it anymore, so my doctor switched me to TriNessa. It's been almost a month I've been taking it, and my husband and I love it. I was scared at first because of the bad reviews, such as weight gain and depression. But with me, it's been good so far. No headaches, I've lost weight because, with Ortho, I was bloated a lot. I'm more interested in sexual activities, so my husband is happy with that. The only thing I don't really like is I'm a little bit more emotional, but not moody or crabby."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
31 Report
  • hap...
  • June 7, 2011

For Acne "I'm 15, and I've struggled with mild acne for a while, and I've tried Proactiv and tons of other products, and now I use expensive dermatological products. I get facials, and I even use an expensive Thermaclear zit zapper. I'm almost done with my second month of these pills, and I'm happy to say I don't have one zit on my face. I have no weight gain or anything. I'm taking this for my mild acne, and since I'm only 15, it's not for the birth control, but when I'm older, I'm sure it will be good for that too. I used to be weeks late on my period also, and now I'm on time. I'm very happy. Try this."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
34 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

Your review helps others make informed decisions.
Write a review
  • 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."

5 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
18 Report
  • 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."

6 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
18 Report
  • its...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • March 7, 2017

For Birth Control "I have taken this for 5 years. I have no symptoms at all with this pill. I have tried two others before I started TriNessa and had terrible side effects. This pill has been great with no migraines or weight gain."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
12 Report
  • Kat...
  • October 9, 2014

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I was originally on Trisprintec and got switched to Trinessa, and ever since have had nothing but problems. I get a period every two weeks, I vomit all the time and have gained a lot of weight. I've been on this pill for 7 months now, so my body should be used to it by now. Very unhappy."

3 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
14 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 28, 2017

For Acne "Just finished my 3rd month, and I have not experienced any side effects besides a tiny bit of weight gain. It cleared up most of my moderate acne. Do not be discouraged by the dozens of terrible reviews, I felt the same way before trying it."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
10 Report
  • Pan...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 11, 2019

For Birth Control "I've been on Ortho Tri-Cyclen for 10 years and loved it -- totally normal periods, no weight gain, all good. This month I had to switch to the Ortho Tri-Cyclen generic called TriNessa because of the discontinuation of Ortho Tri-Cyclen, and I feel like a crazy person. It's only been a week, but I've cried most days, and I feel like it's made my preexisting anxiety worse. I also have gained three pounds in the last week or so on it. Did this happen to anyone else on making the switch? Is this normal? They're supposed to be the same drug, so I'm surprised my body is reacting so much."

5 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
8 Report
  • Ang...
  • April 25, 2015

For Birth Control "I recently went on TriNessa after being off of birth control for several years. I explained to my doctor that when I took BC pills in the past, I always had taken the low dose Ortho Tri-Cyclen. He prescribed me the normal dose of TriNessa anyways. Needless to say, I will never take these pills again. I was given a 90-day supply, and the first few days of taking it, I was constantly nauseous. Then, after about a month, I noticed a five-pound weight gain (I am a soldier in the US military, so I work out five days a week and nothing else could have caused this), which, by the time the prescription had run out, had ballooned up to almost fifteen pounds! After roughly a month, I started having horrible mood swings. Never again will I feed myself hormones."

2 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
13 Report
  • woo...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 22, 2017

For Acne "I just finished my first month on this pill, and so far, so good. I was on Tarina FE 1/20, but it broke me out HORRIBLY, so my doc switched me to TriNessa. No weight gain, no stomach pains, no increase in acne, AND no baby. Hopefully, in a few months, it'll clear my skin. A lot of people are saying this pill made them gain weight, I actually lost some, and my boobs got a teeny bit fuller (not much though). Without insurance, I pay $20 per pack at PP."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
9 Report
  • Zay...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 19, 2017

For Birth Control "Trinessa was great at first! I have always had pretty good skin, and it has not altered that. I did not gain weight, and my period was lighter. Unfortunately, I experienced a lot more cons than pros. First, I noticed that I was unable to control my blood pressure. It was to the point where I almost needed pills for my blood pressure, and I have never had a problem previously. Aside from the blood pressure, I was over-emotional. I'm a very outgoing person, but I found it hard to be around others these past few months because I was annoying! I cried about everything. I was supremely jealous if my friends hung out without me, and I'm never like that. I would get sad in the middle of the day or night with no explanation. I feel a tremendous change after stopping."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
10 Report
  • Anonymous
  • October 1, 2012

For Birth Control "This is the first birth control and the only birth control I will ever try. I love it! I became sexually active about 9 months ago and decided to have the birth control at hand. I read all these reviews and became so scared, but I'm glad I tried it for myself! My boyfriend and I don't use condoms, but I've taken my birth control on time every day at the SAME TIME. I have never had weight gain, nausea, or vomiting, even in the beginning. I have had a pregnancy scare since I've been on it, and I get my period every fourth week of my cycle. I will continue this medicine until I decide to have children. Also, I've had bad acne for years and, to be honest, it hasn't all gone away, but it has not gotten worse at all."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
12 Report
  • Jes...
  • May 21, 2013

For Birth Control "I am 18 years old and was diagnosed with an ovarian cyst just about a little more than 1 month ago, so I was put on birth control for that reason. Week 1: Was on period. Horrible on the 2nd day of taking the pill, I threw up all day and had nothing to eat. Week 2: Not as bad as week one, though experiencing weight gain from 132.2 to weight 138.8, almost 139 lbs. Week 3: Started period early, noticing a lot of shedding of the hair. Moody, boyfriend can see that I am very angry and mean at this point. Week 4: Diet change, feeling a lot better, no more sleepiness. 1 Mo.: Doing a lot better, weight going back down (134.8)."

6 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
13 Report
  • Ash...
  • August 5, 2011

For Birth Control "I am 20 and started taking TriNessa about a month ago. It's my first time using birth control, and I wanted to get on it to help regulate my periods and to help with cramps. I'll admit, after hearing about some awful reviews about this specific birth control, I was a little worried. Especially about the mood swings and whatnot because my boyfriend and I were already having problems with me freaking out about the tiniest things. After about a week of being on it, my mood swings got a little bit worse, and I would cry about anything, but it went away quickly, and I mean they WENT AWAY. I am completely chill now. I haven't had weight gain or any other side effect. I love it."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
11 Report
  • Ron...
  • July 22, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I've been on the pill for over two weeks. This is my first time on birth control, and I'm taking it mainly to help regulate my periods so I get one every month, and also to help with cramping and heavy flow. So far, all I've gotten is cramps, dizziness, light-headedness, acne, spotting that started off light and now is coming off a lot heavier, weight gain, huge appetite, problems sleeping, and is majorly affecting my mental health."

2 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
10 Report
  • Anonymous
  • August 23, 2018

For Birth Control "First birth control I've ever tried and very pleased with it. Skin improved by about 90%, and my awful cramps are virtually gone. Have not experienced any type of depression or anxiety. If anything, I've had less because I'm less stressed out about my face and getting pregnant! May have slightly gained weight (around 10 lbs), but I believe that is more because of changes with my exercise at this time. Side effects with birth control are highly variable. Don't be afraid to protect yourself!"

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
6 Report
  • Syd...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • October 19, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been taking this birth control pill for almost a year. At first, I was an extreme bitch and super emotional for about the first month or two, and my breasts increased, and I probably gained about 5 pounds. I also spotted throughout the first month of taking it. But after three months, everything went back to normal, and my acne decreased. I had occasional zits here and there, but now my skin is completely clear. Also, it has made my period 3 days shorter. My period used to be a week long, and now it lasts four days, and it's pretty light, and I do not get any cramps. If you can make it through the first few months, it's totally worth it!"

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
10 Report
  • EER...
  • December 31, 2014

For Birth Control "I switched to TriNessa after being on a lower estrogen pill for three months. The previous pill caused some irregularity in my periods. TriNessa did regulate my period. But the improvements in my acne on the other pill unraveled a bit. I get acne just like I did before ever going on birth control. Sex drive has decreased slightly, but nothing detrimental. No weight gain, but I do have one terrible evening of nausea once a month during the week before the placebo pills."

6 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
8 Report
  • Hap...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • September 14, 2012

For Birth Control "I've been on TriNessa for 3 years now, and I couldn't be happier. I always start my period on a Tuesday or Wednesday, and it only lasts until Sunday and is very light. It is also very inexpensive. I pay $4/month for a pack. When I first started, the only side effect I had was a little bit of weight gain (3-4 lbs). It definitely helped clear up my skin, but I do get the occasional zit here and there. I still have a little bit of cramping before my period, but the doctor says that is normal, and no pill can really prevent that. Just the natural part of the body. I haven't had any changes in side effects over the years, and it has definitely done its job of preventing pregnancy. I would highly recommend it to others!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
9 Report
  • che...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 4, 2014

For Birth Control "I've been on Trinessa for almost 6 months now, and I haven't seen many issues with it. When I first started, I was a bit moody, but now that side effect seems to have gone away. Also, I've had somewhat irregular periods while on the pill. I've had no headaches, weight gain, my skin has cleared up a lot since starting it. I'd definitely recommend it."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
10 Report
  • yay...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • April 14, 2013

For Birth Control "Been on Trinessa for 8 years for mild acne and birth control. At first, it helped with my acne significantly, but it also made me gain 15 lbs (even though I was working out like usual); I feel like the medication decreased my exercise tolerance and motivation. Now that I'm in PA school, my acne has returned. Part of the weight gain was in my breasts, but also everywhere else. It also worsened my PMS symptoms, making me more emotional and irritable. Not fun to feel like you're always in a bitchy mood. Overall, it did its job, helped with my acne (at first), and was cheap, but the weight gain and worsening PMS symptoms were not fun. I recently switched to Implanon because I hate taking daily pills and want something more long-term."

7 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
12 Report
  • All...
  • March 20, 2013

For Acne "I have been on Trinessa for six months and have decided to switch to Loestrin. I have the worst acne I've ever had, not just my face but my back and chest too. I get headaches all the time, and I've gained 20 pounds. It's like my appetite for food skyrocketed. My appetite for sexual activity, however, got depleted, which is frustrating."

3 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
11 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

Your review helps others make informed decisions.
Write a review
Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.