Low-Ogestrel-28 and Weight Gain: What Users Say

• Chr...
• July 23, 2019

For Birth Control "I was on Cryselle for about a year before I was switched to Low-Ogestrel. This pill nearly ruined my life! Within the first month, I gained nearly 40 lbs. Then came the moodiness and apathy. By May, I felt literally insane. I had crippling anxiety, had zero interest in intimacy with my fiancé, and ended up in the ER with panic attacks. It was determined that I was estrogen dominant. *A pill only doesn't have to be exactly alike, just within a certain range to be called “equivalent.”* While I’m sure Cryselle didn’t help, things spiraled on this pill. I was prescribed medications for anxiety and depression; I have NEVER experienced either of these in my life. I am now on multiple regimens to bring down my estrogen and regulate my hormones. I have lost half the 40 pounds in 3 weeks and am dealing with acne and weird body odor as my body gets rid of whatever was in this pill. The reviews mentioning anxiety especially definitely held true for me."

• 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."

• wd1...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 14, 2016

For Birth Control "I got switched to this pill because I was beginning to have severe cramps on my Lutera pill. I liked this pill for the first 3 months as I noticed my boobs grew, my acne completely cleared up, and my cramps were gone. However, during this time period, I noticed about a 10 lb weight gain that only occurred while I was on the pill (I lost 8.7 pounds while on my sugar pills one week). I also noticed that I was really emotional and got upset about everything, and I never cry, ever. I know everybody has different reactions to medications, but I would suggest not even trying this pill because the pros were not worth the cons."

• Bet...
• November 10, 2020

For Birth Control "I was on Low-Ogestrel-28 for about 9 months before my family basically had an intervention with me and told me I had to switch to something else. It wasn't until about month #6 that I really started experiencing the bad symptoms like depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and anger/mood swings. I also saw increased appetite, bloating, water retention, and 10 lb weight gain. I was crying, lashing out, and overly emotional. I finally called my ob-gyn, and I got switched to the mini pill, and I feel 100% myself again. I feel like I'm on nothing. I came to the conclusion that estrogen and my body just don't do well, no matter what brand of combination pill. This pill has big-time side effects on me and messed with me psychologically. I noticed a drastic change 1 month off of them already, like I'm mellowed out and relaxed. This pill landed me in therapy because I couldn't control my anger. As a side note, it 100% did its job, which was to prevent pregnancy."

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 3, 2019

For Birth Control "Stay far away from Low-Ogestrel-28, that is all I can say. This birth control has made me the most unhappy human being. I cry at random times, my mood swings are unreal, and I’ve gained so much weight. I’ve also started getting acne. I am switching asap."

• Pin...
• September 28, 2016

For Birth Control "I have been on this pill for 3 months now, I think. My Dr. switched it up randomly, and it says it clears your skin, but honestly, my skin has been very bad since I started taking these. I have very bad breakouts, and I've never been this bad. My period has always been kind of normal and still is, but I have gained weight a lot too. Any recommendations?"

• Anonymous
• October 22, 2008

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "It is the only medication that controls my period. I am 50 years young, and my period should have stopped. After trying many things, I am taking this even though I can no longer have children. I have been on it for a year and have gained some weight, but I don't know if that is the pill. I exercise regularly and eat healthy. I would recommend anyone to try it."

• the...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• June 9, 2019

For Birth Control "I was on this pill from age 21 to age 31. After concerns of hypertension, my doctor inserted an IUD (Liletta). I gave it a go, loved the idea of not having a period or having to take a pill every day. After 5 months of insane mood swings, nipples so sore if I even looked at my breasts, there was a surge in pain, yeast infections, and a 10-pound weight gain with no decrease in blood pressure, I'm very happy to be back on the pill. On the Low-Ogestrel-28 pill, my periods are very regular and predictable. They last about 5 days, only 3 of those with significant flow. I have had no problems losing weight on it, no acne, no mood swings, or headaches. Starting back has been a shock to my body, as I've been on my period for about 12 days now, but that kind of thing is to be expected when you switch birth control methods. Just started placebo week for the first time since the IUD removal, and I honestly feel like a different person. I love this pill, never going back to an IUD."

• blb...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 4, 2022

For Birth Control "I was on Low-Ogestrel for about a year and a half after getting married. I experienced about 30 lbs of weight gain, moodiness, anxiousness, and overall felt depressed. I stopped birth control in May of 2021 after my husband and I decided we wanted to start trying for a baby. I have always had regular periods. It took 2 months for my period to come back, and now I believe I have pill-induced PCOS. I get a period every other month, and we have been trying for about 5 months now, and no luck. We have started seeing a fertility doctor and are getting bloodwork done to see what next steps we can take. I definitely do not recommend any form of hormonal birth control if you plan to start a family down the road. Looking back, we both seriously regret the pill and wish we had gone with natural family planning instead."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 24, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I was on this birth control pill, Low-Ogestrel-28, for 3 years. Overall, I had no problems. I weighed about 115 lb when I started it, and after 3 years, I was about 135. I was a college athlete and have always been active, but I found it harder to maintain my desired weight on this pill. Although I don't fully contribute my weight gain to the pill, after the first month after stopping it, I have dropped almost 8 pounds (with a balanced diet and exercise). Other than weight, I have completely enjoyed this pill. My periods were light and lasted about 4 days total. Minimal cramps. My period also started exactly when it was supposed to every single month. I only had to switch birth control methods due to high blood pressure caused by the estrogen in the pill. But if you are good about remembering to take the pill, I highly recommend this pill!"

• Lil...
• October 7, 2020

For Birth Control "I was originally prescribed Low-Ogestrel-28 once I got off the depo injection, which literally turned me into a different person. I only had two depo provera injections, and I was miserable. Side effects ranged from weight gain, anxiety/depression, hair loss, no sex drive, and constant bleeding. The best way I could describe it is as having a literal dark cloud over my head. Anyway, I was prescribed the Low-Ogestrel pill, and I’ve never been happier. I have absolutely no side effects, it’s amazing. My acne is significantly better. I mainly use the pill as a prevention of pregnancy and for my acne. So far, it’s been doing a superb job. I definitely recommend this pill, without a doubt."

• Bnn...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 27, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I am so satisfied with Low-Ogestrel! I am only a teenager, just using this birth control for period management; not actual birth control. Before I was on this pill, I had the worst periods ever. I had unbearable cramps, I was sick all of the time, and yet they were very, very heavy! Now I have been on Low-Ogestrel for 8 months, and I couldn't be happier with the results. My periods are much lighter, only last a few days, I have far less cramping, and I don't get sick anymore! I experience very slight side effects, sometimes nausea after taking the pill every night, and slight weight gain. Overall, totally worth it!"

• Alc...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 19, 2017

For Birth Control "Was on it for about a year and 2 months. Experienced no weight gain or mood swings. My acne was not severe by any means, but it did flare the first month I started taking Low-Ogestrel, which went away the next month. Still get occasional pimples closer to my period. Had to switch because after about 11-12 months I started spotting during the active pills, which turned into full-blown periods that would last for 2 weeks. Tried to ride it out because my doctor suggested it might be a hiccup, but it continued for two more months. Was bummed because I loved this birth control."

• Rlt...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 2, 2017

For Birth Control "My pharmacy used this brand and Crycelle interchangeably, but both were generally the same thing for me. I gained a lot of weight on Depo before this, and though I haven't gained more on this pill, I haven't been able to lose much weight on it either. My face isn't necessarily breaking out, but my cheeks have been red with little bumps almost like rosacea since starting this brand. It isn't constant but does flare up sometimes. The only really bad side effect I've noticed is I've gotten really bad anxiety and mood swings. It is still way better than how I felt on Depo, and the birth control is really cheap ($15 per pack), so I will stick with it until I have money to try other brands."