Levonorgestrel and Acne: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Kia...
• January 25, 2021

For Birth Control "I suffer from endometriosis, ovarian cysts, heavy cramps/periods for about the past 8 years. The Skyla IUD the first year for me made me have brown discharge, BV, and yeast infections. The string felt like hard, sharp plastic, and it did, in fact, cut my partner during intercourse!! I had horrible acne and weight gain. The second year, as my body still adjusted, my periods did become lighter, the strings were still very much like a fishing line, and my ovarian cyst pain was bad. Third year, it started to no longer agree with my body, and all symptoms returned. I had to get it removed three months before its expiration date. I am so glad I had it removed. Here's another interesting thing, Skyla is a bright pink color when inserted, and when it comes out, mine was white... So now, have I absorbed harmful dyes into my body? Why make it a pretty color?... I think more research needs to be done on IUDs. More power to you and the women it works for. As for myself-NEVER AGAIN!"

• Les...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 4, 2019

For Birth Control "Mirena was the best decision I've ever made for my reproductive health. I realize some people don't have good experiences, but it has been truly amazing for me. I had it placed 4 years ago, and I will definitely get another after this. Insertion was painful, no doubt, but after a few days of cramping, I have had no issues at all. My period is almost non-existent, I do have some hormonal acne, which I also had prior to Mirena-it hasn't gotten worse, but it hasn't improved either. I still get monthly period symptoms like bloating, but no bleeding. My sex drive is the same (quite high), and I have so much peace of mind with Mirena. My partner has never felt the strings, and I can't always find them either, but every time I go to the doctor it is exactly where it's supposed to be."

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

For Birth Control "My OB-GYN convinced me to get this instead of getting my tubes tied after I had my third baby. She also has this IUD and highly recommended it to me. I have had it now for five weeks. I had the insertion done at ten weeks after delivering. I honestly felt nothing, I spot for two to three days every week. I got my period for one week so far. My periods used to be very heavy, now I just wear a pantyliner. As far as weight gain, I can’t comment because I just had a baby in July. Also, I am not breaking out, only on my chin from wearing a mask. Sex drive is good too! I really hope this helps!"

• BPa...
• March 20, 2021

"I’m here to first say, STAY OFF INTERNET SEARCHING. Second, I’m someone who has used this brand time after time, and it has worked. No matter what point in your cycle. Third, I’m a plus-size girl (size 20), and it worked. This pill is literally the same as Plan B, just at a cheaper price point. After using this, I can say the side effects are either the same or different. This recent time, discharge was thick, boobs are heavy, and also moody with acne. I’m someone who has anxiety, and if you need to take a test, take it. As far as the period, I had different effects every time: first time early, second time on time, the third time was on time, and my recent time it was a little later. That's really the only thing I’ll complain about. Just relax, Sis. I recommend this brand because it works."

• Lua...
• December 16, 2019

For Birth Control "I've had this fitted 11 days ago. Nobody tells you this, but we're not lab rats. Without a proper hormonal screening, this should not be inserted. It's absolutely bad having it fixed. Side effects: painful acne all over my neck, back, and face. Thrush that won't go away. Cramps. I haven't even had the courage to have sex, my drive went from horny rabbit to absolutely gone. I feel like I'm losing my mind - crying 5 times a day at least. Migraines, headaches, anxiety over the roof. Not being able to be myself though, having terrible mood swings and feeling depressed to the point where I isolate myself from everyone and feel like I'm a stupid experiment due to this product. I'm having it removed and will probably use non-hormonal contraception. This has been the worst thing I've done to myself in 30 years."

• idk...
• September 11, 2016

For Emergency Contraception "So, like a lot of people, I made a mistake and then ended up reading through these reviews hoping for some sort of reassurance. After deciding to take the pill, I promised myself if it worked, I would write a review (which I never do). After taking the pill, I had no side effects at all. Maybe my face broke out a little bit? But anyways, I'm not pregnant, and that's what matters. The pill works. Everything's going to be okay."

• Mee...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 21, 2020

For Birth Control "At first, it was fine on Skyla, but then I began having acne (to be expected, but it was bad) and it worsened my anxiety. I ended up with high blood pressure (no history of this) and chronic high anxiety. My doctors thought the IUD couldn't cause these symptoms, but once it was removed, my anxiety lessened and my BP returned to normal. Can't tell me it's not related! It worked great for birth control, but I ended up getting it removed because I could not stand the side effects. I'm sure some people do fine with it, but this is my personal experience. Would NOT do it again."

• Bes...
• April 7, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Well, after I was told I needed Mirena for heavy bleeding and being anemic, I was scared to death. The reviews of this medication can scare anyone out of trying it. I had my tubes tied 8 years ago and did not need birth control but was told by my OB-GYN that it was less invasive than an ablation, which I really did want. I decided to give it a go! My OB said not to be scared, that every woman will have different reactions to this! I needed to have day surgery to have this inserted as my cervix was closed up too much to have it put in the office. Well, it's been 6 weeks and it's been great. I spotted for 10 days after the procedure and nothing since. I was scared of weight gain, hair loss, and acne, but nothing has changed! Please give it a try!"

• Kat...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 1, 2020

For Birth Control "It’s been 11 months. Two nights ago, I couldn’t move for an hour, my fiancée holding me, because of the severe pain in my uterus. Utter torture. I had ridden my bike for an hour that day and was paying the price. I could never have imagined this pain I have put up with for the past year. I put up with it, thinking the “symptoms” would go away. For 5 months, I had excruciating attacks in my uterus, multiple times a day—doubled over and paralyzed, many times in public. I’ve been depressed and unmotivated. My skin had developed cystic acne. My sex drive has gone down. But most of all... the pain. The debilitating pain. No woman should have to go through this. It’s been long enough, and I plan to free myself as soon as I can. Freedom is calling. And Kyleena, you're gone."

• BLS...
• January 19, 2020

For Birth Control "on this for irregular periods/ovarian cysts/birth control. I have not stopped bleeding since insertion and feel like I'm in a constant state of PMS. I have regular cramping and noticeable pressure in my lower abdomen. I am almost constantly bloated. I eat 90% paleo, limit alcohol, and work out regularly. The rest of my body is in great shape, but since the IUD insertion, my mid-section is ever-expanding! I am unable to fit into anything unless it has spandex. I have been experiencing headaches, which I am not normally prone to, and I feel more anxious than normal. My skin has also taken a downward turn. I have never been acne-prone, and my face looks like I am going through puberty. And most importantly, my mood sucks! I find myself to be uncontrollably irritable. It's almost like watching another person because I can see myself being angry or down in the dumps, and I can't pinpoint why and struggle to shake myself out of it. I have never had depression, but I think the medication is taking its toll on my normally upbeat nature. I am done."

• Kat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 3, 2025

For Emergency Contraception "I took the Plan B because my guy finished inside me, and that wasn’t planned. Of course, I checked my app, and yes, I was ovulating. I was so scared and nervous. We had sex around 11 pm, and the next day at 2 pm, I took the Plan B. I took an actual ovulation test, it said positive. I was even more scared. I went to the bathroom, and when I wiped, I saw the sticky clear discharge, which means I’m ovulating. I was even more worried. So after I took it, I read all the side effects, and there were a lot. I only had a headache that day. My vagina felt a pain and pressure combination for 1 week. 5-7 days later, I got almost all the symptoms. I felt emotional, sleepy around a certain time every day, which scared me because that happened when I was pregnant with my kid. My boobs were sore, I broke out with acne on my face bad. This pill kicked my butt, all I could think about is if this works. I don’t care that it did my body this way. It worked!! My period came two days before expected time. Don’t worry, girl."

• Ajd...
• July 27, 2019

For Emergency Contraception "I've used it twice. The first time was easy and I got my period a bit late, but it was still a success. However, this second time was different. I had unprotected sex on May 28, took the pill 45 min after, and my period was due two weeks from that day. No crazy side effects. Fast forward to the end of June, and I still had no sign of my period. I was extremely worried and my prayer mode was on. July approached, and my period was 3 weeks late! Still too scared to take a test because I was scared. But on July 3, I saw a sign of my period. Much different than my regular period, though. It was very dark red, almost brown, all 5 days. No period symptoms (headache, acne, bloating, cramps, mood swings), and it was a lighter flow. To be on the safe side of things, I decided to finally take the test, and I fortunately received a negative result. If you’re reading through these reviews right now, relax. Stress caused mine to be extremely late. So once I calmed down, I finally got it! I definitely do think this pill works."

• Kat...
• May 12, 2016

For Emergency Contraception "I was reading some of these comments and thought to myself, why would these women take Plan B if he didn't cum inside, then say 'oh, it worked.' Makes me laugh. If you are going to write a review about this, I don't want to hear about how it worked even though he technically didn't ejaculate inside. Also, it would help a lot of women if you stated when you were ovulating or where you are at on your cycle. Thank you. I took this pill 2 hours after my boyfriend finished inside me, not pre-jizz, not thought he did, he did! Anyway, we did it on May 9th, expected to start my period May 16th (one week later). So I took this pill a week after I ovulated. Side effects: hot flashes, short cramps for like 2 seconds, and acne, also moody."

• Sam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 7, 2017

For Birth Control "I've had the Mirena IUD for 5 months now, and so far, I've loved it! I haven't had any weight gain or acne symptoms that everyone talks about in their reviews. I bled for maybe three days after the procedure and haven't had a period since. The procedure sucks, but it's bearable. It felt like intense cramping for maybe a minute, then it's over. I suggest taking 800 mg of ibuprofen before and after because I did have cramps and dizziness for the whole day. I switched to Mirena from oral BC because oral BC made me absolutely crazy (crying at every little thing, irrational, emotional, blowing up at people for no reason, etc.). Ladies, don't let the reviews scare you because every body reacts differently. You truly have to try it out for yourself!"

• Anonymous
• June 15, 2009

For Birth Control "FINALLY! It is relieving to see positive comments after finding nothing but negative remarks. I recently got the Mirena, and yes, I have experienced a few side effects. However, from what I understand, they are nothing out of the ordinary. I am not overly excited about the acne or the nausea, but I think the key for MOST of us that have recently had the Mirena inserted is to give your body time to adjust. Hopefully, the majority of us will have a positive experience. One thing to keep in mind: It is possible to experience side effects with most medications. That doesn't make it a horrible drug for all."

• Cat...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 10, 2020

For Birth Control "Ruined my body. I've had Kyleena for a little over 2 years now, and I am so traumatized from the horrific pain of it being inserted that I'm too afraid to remove it despite it destroying my body: ovarian cysts every month, horrible untreatable cystic hormonal acne, abdominal pain so bad that I double over in public constantly. This was the worst thing I did to my body. I feel so trapped."

• Jen...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 9, 2020

For Birth Control "Had Kyleena inserted a year ago, and it was incredibly painful. Even a week after, still got cramps as bad as when it was first inserted. The cramps were horrible. No pain medication or heating pad could help. I was moody, getting acne, constant cramps, discharge, and spotting. I had it removed yesterday, and as soon as it was removed, I instantly felt better. My boyfriend even said I instantly seemed like my regular self prior to getting the coil. I can't take the pill because it reacts badly with my epilepsy medication, so thought this was a better choice, but honestly, it was not worth it at all!"

• GGa...
• December 31, 2020

For Birth Control "Had the IUD inserted in March 2018. It wasn’t terribly painful. Even though my cervix had a crazy pinching sensation, I didn’t experience the wooziness or the fainting, which is ironic because I have POTS disease. I had level 8 cramps for a few weeks and was spotting and having irregular heavy flows on and off for the first 6 months. I sort of stopped spotting, but my irregular periods just lasted longer (2-3 weeks) and went 2-3 weeks waiting for my next irregular period. I gained weight, had hair loss, got acne on my face, scalp, neck, shoulders, back, chest, and randomly on my stomach. Went to a dermatologist, cycled through many products, stopped using scented anything and oil-based products. Nothing helps. My libido slowly decreased to zero. Mood swings. I am unmotivated to do anything; sports, exercise, cook (yet increased appetite), etc. I can no longer say this is worth it. I’m hoping my body can get some relief from all these side effects once I do."

• Sup...
• March 15, 2022

For Emergency Contraception "This is for all my girls that are freaking out. I promised to drop a review of how this works. Well, the pill does work, and I took it on the day I was ovulating, and 2 days later I got down with my boyfriend, and the condom broke, and he came inside me fully. I had to take the pills again, and I was totally freaking out because when I checked online, I saw that it wouldn't be effective. I had terrible acne, cramps, and sore breasts. Thought I was pregnant. I took a pregnancy test, and it was negative. Then I came across all the reviews here, and I was calm and believed that the pills would definitely work. Well, 2 weeks later I got my period. So if you are reading here, don't freak out, just calm down and trust the pills."

• aca...
• January 2, 2012

For Birth Control "I'm 25 years old with no children, and I have Mirena. I absolutely love it. The pill gave me acne, weight gain, mood swings, and nausea. The NuvaRing gave me blood clots. Mirena has been a dream. Insertion was no worse than a bad period cramp (again, I've never had kids, and it didn't hurt that bad), and I spotted for a few days. No biggie. I've had oily skin and acne my whole life but am able to control it. Mirena has made it no worse at all. I work out every day and have even been losing weight. So, Mirena has not made me gain weight. I just want to be a positive voice out there for Mirena. Before I got it, I read message boards, and it almost discouraged me from getting it. Thankfully it didn't because it's been the best birth control ever."

• Ath...
• January 19, 2020

For Emergency Contraception "What a roller coaster this has been. I took Plan B November 25th, 2 hours after an accident. 5 days later, I started bleeding, at first, I thought it was a super early period, then implantation bleeding. Then I read that it happens, so I called to make sure, and they assured me that it happens to some women. I felt weird the whole month of December... light cramps, mood swings. My period was supposed to come mid-December, but my period is ALWAYS very late, so when my period skipped a month, I was stressed but not really surprised. I took six urine pregnancy tests and one blood pregnancy test. I took the blood pregnancy test 46 days after intercourse happened, everything came back negative. The last few days, I started having cramps, more pimples than usual, and huge mood swings. Today, I finally got my period. So Plan B worked for me."

• Ber...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 15, 2019

For Birth Control "I've had my Liletta since I was 18, and I've had it going on a year and three months now, and it's pretty great. Getting it in was slightly traumatic, but in reality, it was just a huge period cramp, basically. Yes, it hurts, duh, but only for a minute, so just tell yourself not to worry, it'll be over in a second. Or take a deep breath, and it'll be over. Afterwards, I cramped for about a week, and I waited to have sex again until I was comfortable. Minus some minor cramping after sex, I love it. I got put on birth control pills a month ahead of getting Liletta, so the doctor could schedule my period, and the pills broke my skin out and made me nauseous. With Liletta, my skin is clear, and I haven't gained any weight. I'm only extra moody around the time I'd usually have my period. I've only had one period in the past year+, and I've only spotted less than a handful of times. Plus, I'm not pregnant! Don't let bad reviews talk you out of it, everyone's experience is different."

• KBa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 7, 2018

For Birth Control "I wanted to wait and post my review later on to see how it works in the future, but I refuse to let all the recent negative reviews on Kyleena stop anyone else's decision to get it. I got Kyleena put in over a month ago, the pain was sharp but totally bearable and lasted maybe 10 seconds. The cramps after were very bad, but they went away after a couple of days. I took 4 Aleve and an evening primrose pill to soften my cervix before I went. Coming from someone with depression and GAD, everything with me is perfectly normal, I actually feel better after getting the IUD! It takes an average of 6 months to one year for your body to settle down and get used to it, please give it time! I had hormonal acne, but so far my face has been clear. Cramps are gone already. I used to get frequent migraines, and I haven't had any. I am a teenager and have had positive outcomes, some people need to give it longer to settle in. I mean, it is a foreign object in your uterus. You have to give your body a chance."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 7, 2021

For Birth Control "Horrible, horrible, horrible experience! Worse was only Mirena! I’ve been on it for over a year…still everyday spotting, still awful cramps…mood swings, acne (which I have never had before). Protects - yes, for pregnancy it is 100% - no issues with that, but be prepared for the nightmare of its side effects."

• EmJ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 27, 2019

For Birth Control "I thankfully did not have any of the extreme side effects of weight gain, constant bleeding, or severe acne. I actually did not bleed at all after the initial insertion (which ended up making me more paranoid than I anticipated). However, I had constant nausea to the point where there was not a single day where I was able to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner because I always felt so sick. The worst part, though, is that my mental health completely deteriorated. I constantly felt anxious and depressed and did not feel like myself at all. I had two full-blown anxiety attacks on my honeymoon and started seeing a therapist until I realized it was potentially linked to my IUD. I had my IUD removed about a month and a half ago and went back to hormonal pills, and everything about me has completely gone back to normal. Each person is different, but I personally would never use this again."