Ethinyl estradiol / norgestrel and Cramps: What Users Say (Page 2)

• 3ca...
• October 16, 2016

Ethinyl estradiol / norgestrel for Birth Control "I took this for 10 yrs. Began experiencing severe leg cramping and depression. During a routine exam, found a lump in my breast at 31. Had a hysterectomy at 40 due to adenomyosis and eventually had a bilateral mastectomy at 51 after developing breast cancer."

• Ont...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 7, 2017

Ethinyl estradiol / norgestrel for Birth Control "I've been on it for about 3 years, it works, as I haven't gotten pregnant. My first 3 months were horrible, with nausea and vomiting on the first 2 weeks of the pack. I take my pill at night, so waking up on the first weeks of the pack was horrible. My doctor warned me of feeling 'morning sickness,' but the nausea subsided after the 3 months. I still occasionally get some nausea, but it's only if I missed a dose and had to take 2 on the same day. My periods are about 3 days and light. I always get it by the third day of taking the placebo pills. Some months I get cramps, but they're not painful. I get PMS one week before my period, and I've noticed I get really depressed, emotional, and get chin acne. I've gotten used to it, so I'm okay with it."

• cuc...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 9, 2019

Ethinyl estradiol / norgestrel for Birth Control "I was introduced to this pill (Low-Ogestrel 28) when I asked my doctor for a way to better control my horrible cramps and irregular periods. I would sometimes have cramps so painful I'd have to stay home from school. The very first month on it, I noticed a significant change in my PMS symptoms, and after almost two years I can't even remember what it was like before. I rarely have cramps anymore; when I do, they're very minor (I don't even need pain meds). My periods are 3-4 days long, with only one day of heavy flow - this does mean I can't safely use tampons, though. This pill has been a lifesaver for me; I strongly recommend it to anyone with menstrual problems like mine."

• Den...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 28, 2018

Ethinyl estradiol / norgestrel for Endometriosis "I used to take Tri-Sprintec, but after 3 months, it didn't work anymore because I started bleeding too much. So my gynecologist gave me Cryselle. After the second pill, I woke up at 2:30 am with a terrible stomach ache. I never felt that kind of pain, and I do have gastritis, it was awful. In one week, I had 3 of these episodes, and it was a stomach cramp. I felt like I was dying. Horrible side effect."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 9, 2016

Ethinyl estradiol / norgestrel for Birth Control "I started this medicine in August, so I haven't really been on it for long. But I did notice it regulated my periods. I had VERY irregular periods, which is why I am on birth control. I mean, my periods were very light and lasted 2 weeks! And I feel like it made my cramping worse."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 20, 2021

Ethinyl estradiol / norgestrel for Birth Control "I have been on this birth control for a little bit over a year, and let me just say it has been interesting. I honestly got it to help with periods, which it is okay at, but I was definitely expecting better. My periods used to last a heavy 6 days, but it switched to a slightly lighter 4 days. So it worked in that aspect, but when it comes to regulating, it would be off by a couple of days every month. I have gained 10 pounds in the past year, even though I was active, I feel constantly fatigued and have cramps all the time randomly. I never had acne, so that was not an issue, but the overall feeling of just feeling gross and depressed has outweighed the positives for sure. I'm going off of birth control, I just cannot handle this anymore. I wish anyone luck, I am glad to hear that some have positive experiences, I just did not."

• Gho...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 19, 2021

Ethinyl estradiol / norgestrel for Birth Control "Honestly, the worst BC I’ve EVER been on. My old PCP changed me without my consent. The first 3 months I didn’t have a period. My fiancé had to keep buying pregnancy tests for me (which were all negative). I have developed PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome). My depression has gotten severely worse to the point I have to be on two antidepressants instead of one. I never have normal periods. I take iron supplements, and this time my period was so bad I almost passed out and gave me a cramp for 5 hours straight. No matter whether I have a tampon in and a maxi pad on, I’ll manage to bleed down my legs."

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

Ethinyl estradiol / norgestrel 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!"

• Mon...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 16, 2020

Ethinyl estradiol / norgestrel for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I started this 3 months ago to stop my ovarian cyst from growing. Well, that shrunk, but a tiny fibroid I had grew 3 times its size, and my new OB said it was from this pill. Now I have to get surgery and take 4 weeks off work because I have had nonstop cramping for 3 months, and I’ve had a heavy period for over 3 weeks now (and I skip the placebo). My depression has gotten so bad I scored in the “severe depression” category, and life is so hard every day, so now I’m on antidepressants. This pill is a nightmare. OB is having me switch to progesterone only now."

• Cec...
• October 4, 2019

Ethinyl estradiol / norgestrel for Birth Control "I’ve always had heavy, abnormal uterine bleeding and polyps. I’m waiting for my hysteroscopy in 2 weeks. I was on the Cryselle-28 day (which reduced my bleeding) for 2 months until my local Rite Aid pharmacy switched the brand to Elinest. The first few days of taking it, I was having severe cramps with inflammation and heavy, painful bleeding. By the end of the week, I was gushing out blood and clots and wearing nighttime maxi pads which were getting soaked every hour. I’m still heavily bleeding as I write this review, and I’m so reluctant to take another pill. My pharmacy doesn’t carry Cryselle anymore, so I’m stuck on what to do next."

• AZ ...
• August 27, 2013

For Birth Control "In my 20s, I used several kinds of birth control, and this had the least side effects, so I stayed on it for about 5 years, then went off birth control and became pregnant. After pregnancy, my OBGYN put me back on this birth control (9 years ago, age 28; used various brands based on insurance), and overall, I didn't experience any negative side effects. It keeps my period regular (as long as I am consistent with taking my prescription on time each day), and I don't have acne issues. I did gain a few pounds when I went back on it, but that is typical with any birth control. The only thing I have noticed in the last year (age 37 now) is some heavier periods and some cramps I didn't have before, but that may be due to my age. Hope this is useful."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 10, 2018

Ethinyl estradiol / norgestrel for Birth Control "This is the worst birth control I have ever taken. Dr. prescribed me this to prevent pregnancy / treat cramps. I have always had horrible menstrual cramps, but this has only made them worse. Every month I have debilitating cramps, headaches, bloating, mood swings. My periods are shorter and lighter, but that's about the only positive point I can give to this brand. Makes me feel nauseous, lightheaded, and crampy in between periods. Wouldn't recommend this to anyone!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 10, 2018

Ethinyl estradiol / norgestrel for Birth Control "This is the worst birth control I have ever taken. Dr. prescribed me this to prevent pregnancy / treat cramps. I have always had horrible menstrual cramps, but this has only made them worse. Every month I have debilitating cramps, headaches, bloating, mood swings. My periods are shorter and lighter, but that's about the only positive point I can give to this brand. Makes me feel nauseous, lightheaded, and crampy in between periods. Wouldn't recommend this to anyone!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 19, 2015

Ethinyl estradiol / norgestrel for Birth Control "I had very irregular periods, so my doctor put me on this pill to help regulate them. My periods come like clockwork now, which is very nice considering I've never had that. They haven't become lighter or shorter in length, which I was hoping for. They are still 6-7 days with heavy flow and lots of cramping. My acne has also increased a lot. I had some acne before taking the pill, but this is the deep kind that can take weeks to heal, which I rarely got before. I also have been pretty emotional since starting it, but I won't entirely place blame on this pill, as I stay pretty stressed regardless, but I think it could be related. I'm going to switch soon, most likely."

• Moe...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 20, 2015

Ethinyl estradiol / norgestrel for Birth Control "I've been on Cryselle for a year and a half. I haven't had any side effects till recently. I take 4 packs, then have my period. I have extremely bad cramps, but I always have. No birth control has ever made them better. I noticed just last week when I was off the pill and on my period, I was happier. I do have mood swings that are sometimes crazy. I also don't have a sex drive. I will be trying a new form of birth control to see if my mood changes along with my sex drive, but I'm scared to try new things while my body adjusts. If nothing works, I will get back on Cryselle."

• hot...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 7, 2018

Ethinyl estradiol / norgestrel for Birth Control "I was on the pill for over 3 years; I stopped for a few months and started again, and this is what I've noticed. I still give it a decent rating because it prevented pregnancy and regulated my cycle. However, my periods never stopped being moderate-heavy, and my cramps are actually worse on LO; I couldn't function without Midol when I was off. I also have highish blood pressure and headaches/migraines, which this pill only exacerbated. Off LO, I had sometimes-normal-usually-prehypertension readings, and now on Low-Ogestrel are again stage 1/2 hypertension readings, and my headaches are much more common all cycle, as opposed to mainly a couple here and there. I'm only 19 and would really like to get back to enjoying my youth instead of feeling like garbage all the time, so I think I'll switch to condoms instead."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 24, 2018

Ethinyl estradiol / norgestrel for Birth Control "This was the first pill I have ever been on. It is horrible! It made my acne so bad, I never have had a bad outbreak in my life. My skin used to be super clear. I have had the same breakout for 2 months now, and it has not gone away. I have bought better face skin products, was attempting to help it, and still, it hasn’t done anything for my skin. I wash twice a day, and my acne is still there. I also never experienced cramps before taking Cryselle, and this pill gave me cramps, which is actually horrible. I wouldn’t suggest this pill to anyone! It made me get super emotional and sad, and I would find myself crying over super dumb things or sometimes even over nothing. I once cried because my boyfriend didn’t text me back. Honestly, worst pill ever. I have 2 and a half weeks left of this pill until I can switch, and I haven’t been happier. Thank goodness! I do not suggest using this pill."

• Cou...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 15, 2025

Ethinyl estradiol / norgestrel for Birth Control "I was so surprised when I saw how many negative reviews for this birth control there are, because I feel the opposite. I’ve been on it for 5 years now, and it’s done so much for me. I haven’t noticed any mood swings or acne. I used to get really, really horrible cramps, and now I barely notice them. I also love how regular my period is now and never have to stress about when it’s going to come."

• mid...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 28, 2022

Ethinyl estradiol / norgestrel for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "The first pack I had no issues. It was almost like I was taking nothing. Second pack, I began to have painful cystic acne pop up on my cheeks and lower jawline. I was almost finished with the pack, and due to my work schedule, took them off schedule (minutes to a few hours) for I think 3-4 days straight. Hell promptly began. I started bleeding lightly during the day and heavily during the night. At about 6 pm every day, painful cramps would begin to set in, back pain would intensify, breasts were swollen and tender, and flow increased during the night. I was getting up 2-3 times to empty my diva cup. I skipped 3 days of pills desperate for relief, and it worsened. It got to the point I was emptying my cup every hour/1.5 hours, and was leaking. Instructed to finish the third pack, and we’d reevaluate. Finished it. Still bleeding. Instructed to take 2 pills for 3 days, and if the bleeding didn’t stop we’d have to find a different option. So far, the extra pill has made the bleeding worse."

• Mis...
• October 6, 2016

Ethinyl estradiol / norgestrel for Birth Control "I started this birth control a few days ago and have been dealing with bad cramps, stomach pain, and tightness in my stomach when I yawn or cough. It's just so awful that I stayed in bed most of the day. I discontinued it today and am going on another birth control that I love and had no side effects. My doctor switched me to Cryselle despite me telling her I want to stay on the other one, now she switched me back. Not trying to scare anyone, but it's best you avoid this medicine."

• Fai...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 5, 2018

Ethinyl estradiol / norgestrel for Birth Control "Terrible. Went on Cryselle for acne, but it made it 100 times worse! I had these small bumps all over my face, and my face hurt to the touch. It was so raw and dry, and it just kept breaking out. Was on this for 3 months, and once I switched to Tri-Sprintec, my acne cleared. It took 2 months because of how bad this pill messed everything up. On Cryselle, I gained like 13 pounds in a span of 3 months. Also, it made my periods horribly painful, long, and heavy, which they were never before. The only thing this pill did was regulate my periods but made them terrible. Do not go on this pill if you have acne or acne-prone skin."

• Gee...
• August 30, 2015

Ethinyl estradiol / norgestrel for Birth Control "Well, just started these pills this month, on my third week, and I could already feel some minor side effects. I started cramping within the 2nd week, I'm a little bit more moody, and my sex drive definitely decreased, mainly because I've been cramping a lot. I will give it a couple of months before I decide to switch. Hopefully, it goes away."

• Mai...
• September 8, 2015

Ethinyl estradiol / norgestrel for Birth Control "Before being on birth control, I had light bleeding, but terrible, painful cramps, and I started experiencing migraine headaches from my periods. The first BC that my doctor put me on, I immediately started having the worst abdominal cramping that I ever felt. So, after six months, she switched me to Low-Ogestrel-28. The first month was fine, but now I'm experiencing abdominal cramping again and a little lightheadedness during the intense cramping. I take the pill in the morning, and the cramping happens usually at night. I also think that it's messing up my GI tract because I'm experiencing upset stomach and diarrhea issues that I have never experienced before. I definitely will be switching to something else."

• Jay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 14, 2020

Ethinyl estradiol / norgestrel for Gonadotropin Inhibition "I took Cryselle for prep for IVF. Side effects are rough! Horrible breast swelling and pain for the first few weeks, terrible cramps and pelvic pain for 2 weeks straight, almost constant, odd period even while on active-only pills for 5 weeks, weight gain after just one month, headaches almost daily, tired and moody. I wanted to feel good about this as it's prep for something exciting, however, it has been distressing and upsetting."

• lee...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 10, 2018

Ethinyl estradiol / norgestrel for Birth Control "I began taking LO when I was 18 as my periods were always painful, heavy, a full week long, and irregular for the 5 years before beginning this medication, with cycles anywhere from 18 days to 35 days. The bad cramps, heavyish flow, and lengthy period never really went away when I began the pill, which is the only reason I give this less than a 10/10. I fortunately never had a problem with my skin, and LO definitely didn't create any problem. The main reason I was prescribed this pill over any other is because it's totally covered by insurance. It has been very effective at doing what it's supposed to for me, i.e., preventing pregnancy, and it's a really nice bonus to not have to panic about not being protected from a period that I don't know when to expect. I am going to stop taking this pill only because after 3.5 years, I am sooooo tired of taking a pill every day. I'll just take my chances, lol."