Skip to main content

Ethinyl estradiol / norgestrel User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)

Brand names: Cryselle, Elinest, Low-Ogestrel-28, Turqoz Ogestrel 0.5/50

Ethinyl estradiol / norgestrel has an average rating of 5.4 out of 10 from a total of 359 reviews on Drugs.com. 38% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 40% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Ethinyl estradiol / norgestrel

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Liz...
  • March 4, 2014

For Birth Control "I switched to Cryselle two months ago because my periods were very heavy on my old birth control. Since switching to Cryselle, my periods are very light, I have very little cramping, my face has been clearer, and I have been headache-free. I wish that I had switched sooner."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
24 Report
  • Anonymous
  • July 5, 2013

For Birth Control "I was terrified of starting birth control due to the horror stories I had heard from other women in the past. I am a small person, and due to this, I had very irregular periods. I would suffer from premenstrual syndrome for weeks on end before my period would actually start. Most times, I would have to take a progestin supplement to actually get my period. This started happening more and more often and started really affecting my life. I spoke to my doctor, and she put me on Cryselle. This has changed my life. It's been 3 and a half months, and I have had no side effects, no weight gain, and my period is regular and short every month. It's given me the positive change I needed so badly!"

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
27 Report
  • BBN...
  • June 17, 2008

For Birth Control "I have tried a few types of birth control pills before this, but Lo/Ovral has been very effective as far as period control is concerned. I usually skip the week of placebos and jump straight into the next pack to avoid having periods altogether, and this is the only birth control pill that doesn't cause breakthrough bleeding as a result. It has been an effective contraceptive."

7 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
34 Report
  • AHa...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • September 5, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I started taking Cryselle for heavy bleeding due to a uterine fibroid, and it has been highly effective. The bleeding stopped almost immediately, and the Cryselle has managed it well for a year now. I am peri-menopausal, so I will likely keep taking this through early menopause. It is helping manage those symptoms okay, though I still have night sweats and headaches."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
13 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 4, 2013

For Birth Control "I recently just switched to this pill because I kept spotting and having heavy periods on the estrogen pills, but I have to say this pill is working great for me so far. I have little to no periods, the only place I gained weight was in my breasts, so that's cool, and my mood has been so stable I barely PMS anymore. The only negative is that I sometimes break out on my face a little bit before my period, but a few pimples over heavy bleeding and spotting in the past is no problem! Great pill, highly recommend it if you have heavy periods and want a lighter one."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
23 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

Your review helps others make informed decisions.
Write a review
  • Han...
  • February 24, 2020

For Birth Control "I’ve been using this medicine, Cryselle, for almost two months. I cry or I am mad 24/7. I’m also having really severe cramping, which didn’t start till around my 2nd or 3rd week of taking them. If I don’t eat, I get nauseous but don’t throw up. Also, my skin is breaking out like it’s never have before. It’s making me think I’m pregnant, which is making everything worse, but I’ve gotten my period, so I think I’m fine."

3 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
12 Report
  • GEE...
  • November 17, 2011

For Birth Control "I have been taking this pill for 3 months, and it has been great so far. My periods are lighter, and I hardly have any cramping, when before they were horrible. (Really!) It has made me less moody during my periods, which my boyfriend finds amazing, and it has also made the sex better in our relationship. Besides the slight weight gain, this pill has been exceptionally good to me, and I will continue to take it."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
26 Report
  • atl...
  • August 19, 2015

For Birth Control "Cryselle is great! I've been taking it for about 3 months now and have been very happy with it. When I initially read the reviews on Cryselle back in May, I was nervous to take it since not many women had a positive experience with it, but went ahead and tried it anyway. My skin has been extremely clear, and my period is pretty comfortable. Cramps are very bearable, and the cycle itself only lasts a few days. I was a little nauseous the first day I took it in May, but it went away after a day. All birth controls react differently to each body, so don't be turned off by all the negative reviews on Cryselle! It's the best pill I've been on in years. Definitely worth a shot if you're on the fence, I couldn't be happier with it."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
19 Report
  • Its...
  • July 26, 2009

For Birth Control "Been on this pill for about 6 months. Went on it for two reasons: 1) Irregular/missed periods 2) Contraceptive purposes. It has been very effective in regulating my periods. I get them on the third placebo pill every month, like clockwork. They used to be horribly painful, and I now only get occasional moderate or light cramping, with much lighter and shorter periods (3-4 days). So far, so good as a contraceptive. I am in a monogamous relationship, and therefore, this is my only means of protection. The only issue I've had is that it caused some nausea, particularly when I haven't been RIGHT on time with it (a few hours late or something). Overall, a very good pill."

7 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
28 Report
  • Han...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 24, 2020

For Birth Control "I got put on Cryselle birth control about 2-3 weeks ago. My anxiety and depression have been so bad I constantly feel like something bad is going to happen. At first, I thought it was because of stress from other things. But, I'm also getting bad migraines every day, and around the same time every day, I feel nauseous and dizzy, like I'm going to throw up, but I don't. It's making me think I'm pregnant sometimes, which is making my anxiety so much worse."

3 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
11 Report
  • mur...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 27, 2017

For Birth Control "I have been on Cryselle for three, going on four months now. It is great. The only side effect I have is some dizziness. I was put on this as part of treatment for hypothyroidism, and it has resolved my hormonal imbalances. I was previously on Minastrin 24 FE, and I gained weight and bled for three months straight. The day I started Cryselle, the bleeding stopped, and I have had no breakthrough bleeding whatsoever. My skin is clear, mood is good (but I am also on Wellbutrin). I have energy enough to exercise six days a week and have lost 30 lbs since starting this pill in the last week of December, which is exciting because I had been unable, for years, to lose this pesky thyroid weight gain. Sex drive through the roof, not pregnant."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
18 Report
  • lee...
  • July 23, 2018

For Birth Control "This was my first birth control pill I ever took. I wanted to start birth control to help my really irregular periods. I was probably 16. I was on it for a while and then switched to a different one to help acne, but switched back because I felt this was a better fit for me. Now, years later, I've been on it ever since, and it definitely does its job of preventing pregnancy, but I’m finally starting to realize why I’ve felt so emotionally and mentally miserable. I was one day away from scheduling an appointment to get anxiety medication before I looked up these reviews. On top of the constipation and stomach aches, this pill has sent my anxiety and mood swings through the roof. I’m annoyed at any little thing, I cry so much I can’t control it, extremely irritable, irrational thoughts I can’t control, and a constant lack of energy. My sleep has been so bad, I can’t stay asleep to save my life, and sometimes I just feel like I’m mentally going crazy. I wouldn’t recommend this."

3 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
13 Report
  • ili...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • September 21, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been on this birth control for 8 years! I feel like the reviews are based on people that haven't given their body time to adjust to it. On this pill, I had no acne problems, no weight gain, no crampy periods. Generally, my periods would be 3-4 days long without pain, sometimes, I would forget it was that time of the month. So, while on it, this pill was great. I recently, almost 4 months ago, got off due to how long I've been on it and hyperpigmentation on my forehead and cheeks. Now I feel my periods and gained 9 lbs. Considering getting back on again, especially since hyperpigmentation is pretty much gone."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
18 Report
  • PG1...
  • March 5, 2014

For Birth Control "I have been on this pill for about 5 years after being switched through so many in about a 6-month time frame! Happy to have found this, my doctors have tried to switch me since the name brand I believe was taken off the market at one point. It's not worth breakthrough bleeding and yeast infections I've experienced with other pills. I am about 10-15 lbs heavier, but I'm in college and my diet sucks. Periods are clockwork, start on the 4th day of sugar pill off by the start of the new pack... when I'm stressed or not sexually active, I have no periods at all. Moodiness has been the worst of it all, mostly around mid-cycle to the end. Other than that, I refuse to switch!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
20 Report
  • Sar...
  • July 20, 2016

For Birth Control "Most of these reviews aren't so good, and most of the reviewers aren't giving their body enough time to adjust to the hormones. Your body is trying to get used to the pill, so that's why, during the first month, you may get some unpleasant side effects like mood swings and acne. I had nightmares for the first 3 weeks, sore breasts after that, and acne breakouts. My first period on Cryselle was horrible, the cramps were awful, but everyone's different. I'm still going to give my body the opportunity to adjust to Cryselle. If you're having some unpleasant side effects while on Cryselle, talk to your doctor, especially if it's something serious. But don't be quick to give up the pill because of things like acne and sore breasts. Things can improve!"

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
20 Report
  • dra...
  • March 23, 2008

"I've gone through about 15 different types of BCPs, all with negative results from being a bitch 24/7, being depressed, sore breasts, skin discoloration, weight gain, UTIs, you name it, it's happened. This is the only one I've taken that has not had any effect on me physically, emotionally, or even personally. I love it and have been on it for 2 years with no problem. I would recommend it to someone who's had as picky a body as I do."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
26 Report
  • TRa...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • January 27, 2013

For Birth Control "These are my first birth control pills. I had heard about the weight gain and such, but it never happened to me. I am really happy with the pill. During my pre-pill life, I had cramping and lots of gas and mood fluctuations during periods, but during this pill, I have very predictable periods and almost no mood imbalances or unusual pain. Since I work out regularly, I experienced no weight gain at all."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
19 Report
  • Anonymous
  • May 19, 2010

For Birth Control "Told my doctor I wanted to try another pill after my old pill was giving me migraines during my placebo week. She said I could take this and skip the placebo week (and my period). I did have some breakthrough bleeding 2-3 times, nothing as heavy as a real period, no cramps. Didn't have any negative side effects. However, I noticed my breasts grew nearly a cup size. Can't complain."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
23 Report
  • Jen...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • August 7, 2018

For Birth Control "I started this pill back in February, and for the first couple of months, I was fine-no side effects. And if you’re looking for a pill to regulate your period, this one works wonders. I never got breakthrough bleeding either. However, after the first couple of months were over, I slowly started getting into a funk. My mood is just “numb” all the time, and I never want to get out and have fun anymore. My anxiety is a 10 when it was usually a 4. Now I know everyone’s bodies are different, so they’re going to react differently to this medication, but I can’t stand not being able to focus or, like... be happy. I’m getting off of it finally and switching to another type, so wish me luck. Side note: this birth control also does its job in the pregnancy prevention category VERY well if you take it on time. I never had to worry on this pill."

5 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
12 Report
  • Len...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • February 19, 2021

For Birth Control "I’ve been taking this birth control for a year now. It is so not for me. My hair is falling out in clumps, my anxiety is terrible, I sometimes get 2-3 periods a month, and I’m getting acne in places I’ve never had acne. Not to mention I don’t usually gain so much weight, but I’ve gained more in this year than I ever have. 1/10 for effort, but if your doctor recommends this, RUN!"

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
10 Report
  • Fai...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • July 16, 2018

For Birth Control "I've been taking this birth control since I was a freshman in high school. I'm 19 now, and I'd have to say I've really had no problems. I started Low-Ogestrel 28 after having major problems with some others I tried out. You might have some nausea for the first few months, but it goes away once your body gets used to it. I had terrible heavy periods and hormonal acne, and it makes my period way more regular. I know the exact day and time my period will start every month, and they are shorter and lighter. Plus, I've been in a serious relationship for a long time where we don't use condoms, so I know it works, lol. 10/10"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
12 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • March 13, 2022

For Birth Control "Honestly, I love this birth control! My periods are lighter, fewer cramps, my skin is clear, and my depression has lifted. It's insane. Also, I haven't gotten pregnant, so that's a bonus, haha. 12/10 recommend!!!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
6 Report
  • Tif...
  • April 13, 2013

For Birth Control "I've been taking Cryselle for over a year, and I find it the best birth control for me. I've taken several others that made me sick, and Cryselle gives me the least side effects. I get moody on and off, but that's normal for any woman in general. I've had less cramping, and periods are normal. I gained 4 pounds, but that's also something that comes with it, just like either losing weight. Overall, I like Cryselle!!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
17 Report
  • mur...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • September 11, 2014

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Cryselle was the 4th or 5th pill I tried in my journey to find a birth control that improved my cramps, heavy flow, and regularity without intolerable side effects, which was also covered by my insurance. I've been very happy with it! It has all but eliminated my PMS symptoms, and although it didn't have a marked impact at first, my cramps have become less severe and my flow lighter the longer I've been on it. I haven't experienced any negative side effects, either. If anything, my mood seems to be more stable on Cryselle. (I've been on pills that made me crazy!). It's also been effective as birth control."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
15 Report
  • bjg...
  • August 25, 2017

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I was prescribed Cryselle for extremely heavy periods due to a fibroid tumor. The bleeding I experienced not only interfered with my daily life but also caused anemia and seemed to only be getting heavier by the month. I started taking Cryselle 4 months ago - and haven't experienced any negative side effects (other than the expected breakthrough bleeding month two, which I attributed to my body adjusting to the medication). My periods are much lighter! Also, PMS type symptoms like sore breasts and bloating have significantly decreased. I'm very pleased so far with Cryselle!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
11 Report

See also:

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.