Levonorgestrel and Acne: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Sur...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 29, 2019

For Emergency Contraception "Waiting for your period can be a nerve-wracking experience. I had sex a day before ovulation, and the condom broke. Took Plan B after 8 hours. Was scared to death. Experienced fatigue, nausea, acne, and hot flashes. After a week of taking Plan B, I had thick white discharge, and a week later, I got my period at an expected time. Be at ease, Plan B works."

• que...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 27, 2015

For Emergency Contraception "Ladies, first and foremost, stop freaking out. I too was panicking like crazy until I got on here and read most of these reviews. So, I had unprotected sex late one night during the time I should be ovulating. I took the pill about 55 hours after the fact and didn't experience any side effects except my face breaking out badly from the huge dosage of hormones and received my period a week later (one week earlier than I normally would've gotten it). I've never been so happy to get my period. Just take it within the 72 hours and don't stress, let it do its thing."

• Sho...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 9, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have had Mirena for about eight months now, and I have severe acne on my face and scalp. All along, I thought it was just me and my hormones. I am 44 years old, and now the scalp acne hurts really badly."

• Jen...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 26, 2020

For Birth Control "I had my Mirena for a little over a year. I was constantly bloated horribly for the first 9 months. I had no periods, that was the only pro to it. I never had zits before this but got cystic acne on my face horribly. I had horrible anxiety that made me feel like my neck was swelling and I couldn’t breathe. I had an erratic heartbeat randomly that would make me feel like I was going to pass out. Worst of all, I was losing my hair so bad I ended up with a tennis ball-sized bald spot on the top of my head. Once realizing this had to be the cause, I had the Mirena removed. I am glad to say that all of the horrible symptoms I had above went away after I experienced what is referred to as the Mirena crash. I would NEVER recommend this to anyone!!"

• Yet...
• January 24, 2015

For Birth Control "I got my Mirena in Dec 2014. I was taking the mini pill for years. I get classic migraines and can't take estrogen birth control. I had missed some pills in Sept 2014 and had an ectopic pregnancy. Once my body recovered from that, my doc suggested Mirena. I always read 'horror' stories about it, but after what I just went through, I decided to give it a try. I'm 36, with 3 kids, so not having to worry about birth control for a couple of years is great. The insertion was uncomfortable, level 5, but over and done quick. Spotting about a week. Periods are so light that I barely need a pad. I haven't noticed any weight gain or acne. No issues with sex, and I think my libido has gone up. Thus far, I'm REALLY satisfied and wish I had done it sooner."

• Tes...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 16, 2013

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had a Mirena put in when I had my laparoscopy for endometriosis about five months ago. I had a month of heavy bleeding at first, now it's just a few days a month of light bleeding. The rest of the time, there is a light discharge, whatever that is. It is annoying as I have to always wear a pantyliner. Good thing the Mirena has gotten rid of the heavy, painful bleeding I had and my menstrual migraines (which used to last for 7-10 days every month). Yay! The only thing that really upsets me is the acne on my chin, though it's more like rash-type spots than full-on acne. It looks dreadful as my face has red splotches on it, and it's embarrassing. Still, I would prefer to have that than the horrible pains and migraines that I used to."

• Anonymous
• March 8, 2015

For Emergency Contraception "Girls, if you think it's not going to work, stop sweating it. My boyfriend and I had sex while I was ovulating, and the condom broke, and about 9 hours later, we got Plan B, and I took it. I got my period 2 weeks early, broke out pretty bad, and had terrible headaches, but it's better than pregnancy and taking care of a baby when you aren't ready. Don't worry, it works."

• Gar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 6, 2013

For Birth Control "I am a 47-year-old female. I tried the birth control pill, and it raised my blood pressure too high. My GYN suggested Mirena. I read the reviews and warnings and was nervous but agreed. It has been over 6 months, and here is my take: 1. Having it put in was ridiculously easy and not worth any concern. 2. Very pleased with not worrying about pregnancy. 3. Periods are normal but extremely light. 4. Some cramping after sex - some light bleeding after sex. No biggie. 5. Had to have the strings cut shorter for my partner - he cannot even notice it now. 6. The only downside I have had is an increase in acne, and on the days I get my period, I am very moody (I never had this before, so I know it is a side effect). 7. Cost $100.00."

• NoB...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 23, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm 27 with no kids. I do not want kids and never have. I wanted something long-term that was more reliable than the pill and wouldn't mess with me in the way the shot does. I've had Mirena for several months now. At first, the cramping was odd and painful, nothing I couldn't handle, it would happen sporadically and would subside after a few minutes. A few months into it, it's pretty much gone. No periods and minimal spotting. It was literally, for me, 'stick it and forget it.' I'm very happy with it. No weight gain, no acne, no mood swings. I'm still my regular self. For the insertion, I was really scared, and my OB gave me something for nerves. Honestly, it just felt like a deep cramp. I didn't feel the pinch, but it's different for everyone."

• In ...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 30, 2020

For Birth Control "It was absolutely horrible. I gained a lot of weight and acne, and I was in so much pain all the time and depressed. The doctor told me to wait it out when I continued to explain all the pain I was in and how much hair I was losing. It was like the doctor didn't care in any way to hear what I was saying. I have zero idea why they push it so hard on patients and really push for you to keep it in when you are telling them how bad it is. I finally had enough after three years, told my doctor to get it out of me. She went on about how amazing it is for me and how it is helping with my pain from endometriosis. I stopped her in her tracks and said no, take it out now - I have lived with it for three and a half years, and it does not help. I am in so much pain all day, every day, and swelled out like I was six months pregnant. Oh my goodness, when it came out, all the pain went away instantly, and the swelling did the next morning. Yes, it helps with not getting pregnant, but there is a lot of bad that comes with it."

• ZEN...
• June 17, 2015

For Birth Control "I had my 1st child in November 2014 and got Mirena in January 2015. I spotted for the 1st month and a half. I've had cramping, no sex drive, lack of energy, acne, hair itching, and gained 20 pounds in 4 months. I finally got Mirena removed today, 6/17/2015, and I already feel better. No cramps. I've been able to work from 5 am to 1:30, go to the gym, go shopping, and play with my baby without fatigue. The RN was giving me a hard time and stating my research is wrong and Mirena doesn't make women gain weight due to such low hormones, but I told her everyone's body is different, and this was not the right birth control for me. I told her even all my coworkers that have it right now are experiencing the same issues, so what does that tell you? She acted like she had an attitude because she couldn't talk me out of removing it, but I don't care, it's my body, my choice. I hope that this helps someone. If this is what it costs to not have a period, I'd rather have mine!"

• Tha...
• July 20, 2015

For Emergency Contraception "I just wanted to share my experience to calm the minds of every girl on here. So, I have now had to take Plan B twice. The first time the condom broke, he finished inside, so I took the pill one hour after and had little side effects. My period came right on time. The second time the condom broke, but he pulled out long before he finished. I took the pill a few hours later. I had cramping, nausea, acne flare-ups, and lots of stress. I missed my period, and around that time my breasts became sore. I was very nervous. I took a pregnancy test, and it was negative. But two and a half weeks later, it came like a truck, and now I am bleeding heavily and cramping a ton! So, ladies, please just try to relax and let the pill do its job. Thank you, Plan B!"

• Bal...
• October 18, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Got my Mirena inserted in April '19, today is Oct. 17, roughly over 6 months. So far, all the days were nothing but one horrible pain covered with never-ending bleeding. I will dismiss my headaches, almost like horrible pressure and cystic acne (always been envied of my skin), nausea, mood swings, insomnia, feeling depressed, and lack of libido. However, I can’t believe that something that small could put me through this hell. What else can this be called if for the past 6 months I didn’t wear a pad maybe for 5 days tops? This past week it got so heavy and long with so many huge clots, I feel more insecure than I’ve ever had on my worst period day. My spouse is very supportive, but it’s me that is losing patience with it and about to lose my marbles. Will call my gyno the first thing tomorrow morning to have it removed and won’t leave the room until I see it outside my body. I refuse to be so naive as to be told to wait months to see results. Will keep you posted once I have it out."

• Ken...
• February 2, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm a 20-year-old woman who has never had kids, and I'm here to tell you how to get an IUD so you don't have a terrible experience like some of the people who rate this drug badly. Don't listen to the bad reviews! They will just freak you out. Plus, complications are extremely rare, especially if you ask the doctor (not a nurse) about his/her personal stats. Side effects like moodiness, weight gain, and acne are impossible! Less than 1% of the drug gets into your bloodstream, so it can't have the same side effects as most birth controls. The cervix softener and ibuprofen really help with pain, while lorazepam helps relax your muscles. Make sure you take them! It will hurt like a strong cramp, but it is brief and worth the 99.7% protection, plus no periods."

• Mit...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 29, 2017

For Birth Control "I switched to the Skyla after having a horrifying experience with the Paraguard (don't recommend it if you have a small uterus or haven't had kids like myself). I had the Skyla inserted, and my experience has been great so far, this IUD doesn't release much hormones and is smaller than the others. I'm very sensitive to hormones, and I haven't had many adverse effects. I highly recommend this! Light periods, minimal cramping, no acne (I also don't have acne), no weight changes."

• Anonymous
• November 26, 2020

"Get this thing out of me! I was told I would potentially have some spotting following the insertion of Kyleena... well, that spotting ended up lasting 4 months. Since then, it’s a crapshoot as to whether I’ll get my period or not. They’re irregular and impossible to track. I have never been prone to acne, but I now have relentless acne on my chin, and no matter how well I take care of my face, it keeps coming back. Also, I have never experienced any concerns regarding my mental health. Following my IUD insertion, I now find myself horribly irritable, on edge, emotional, anxiety-ridden (unwarranted panic attacks included), the list goes on. Again, these are all highly uncharacteristic of my personality, my nature, and are unrelated to COVID as they appeared prior to 2020. Finally, the last and the absolute worst. I get a persistent morning sickness sensation??? Sometimes it lasts throughout the day (disclaimer: I am not and have not been pregnant). Like painful/uncomfortable waves of nausea. All in all, 0/10."

• ms...
• March 13, 2009

For Birth Control "I had my IUD placed in almost 3 months ago exactly. I had fairly regular periods that lasted about a week every time, maybe 2-3 days of heavier bleeding, and next to no cramps. With the exception of about a week, maybe two, I have bled every day since. They say there can be spotting, but it's been more than spotting for me. Just when I think I'm about to stop, it starts back up. Not only that, but I don't have acne, and all of a sudden it's there, and it's only getting worse. I'm also tired all the time, moody, and sick a lot."

• bmi...
• September 2, 2020

For Birth Control "I went on the Mirena IUD 5 years ago, I am now 21. It was great! No side effects except the most painful cramps in my life the first day I got the IUD inserted. It just recently expired, so I had it taken out about 3 months ago... The most terrible acne I've ever had in my life popped up about 1 week after I was off the IUD, and no one warned me. My skin has always been clear for the most part. I have developed tons of cystic acne on my chest! As a woman, I've literally become depressed not being able to wear a tank top or anything that shows my chest in the last 3 months. My face also went a little nuts. 4 weeks ago, I started Yaz BC, hoping it clears me up, no results so far. Looks like it's all getting worse, tbh. Every day I wake up, praying Yaz will do what it's meant to do and clear me up! Be aware getting off Mirena has serious skin side effects, to me, it made it not worth the IUD due to the treacherous hormonal outbreak immediately afterwards."

• bmi...
• September 2, 2020

For Birth Control "I went on the Mirena IUD 5 years ago, I am now 21. It was great! No side effects except the most painful cramps in my life the first day I got the IUD inserted. It just recently expired, so I had it taken out about 3 months ago... The most terrible acne I've ever had in my life popped up about 1 week after I was off the IUD, and no one warned me. My skin has always been clear for the most part. I have developed tons of cystic acne on my chest! As a woman, I've literally become depressed not being able to wear a tank top or anything that shows my chest in the last 3 months. My face also went a little nuts. 4 weeks ago, I started Yaz BC, hoping it clears me up, no results so far. Looks like it's all getting worse, tbh. Every day I wake up, praying Yaz will do what it's meant to do and clear me up! Be aware getting off Mirena has serious skin side effects, to me, it made it not worth the IUD due to the treacherous hormonal outbreak immediately afterwards."

• Opp...
• August 1, 2018

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "After suffering from debilitating cramping and super-heavy bleeding naturally (without birth control intervention of any kind) for ten years, a doctor finally convinced me to try birth control for the problem. Inserting the thing was excruciating. The debilitating cramping following the procedure lasted for six weeks before it faded to about a 6 on the scale... and stayed there for two years. After two years, one particularly 'rough' menstrual cycle resulted in literally level 10 cramping (passing out) and bleeding for three straight months. Considering the huge weight gain, acne, and other side effects actually listed for the drug made me feel so unattractive that sex was out of the question, I decided that that must be why Mirena was so effective as a birth control. I had the thing yanked after two years, and I opted to have the problem organ removed completely. Women! We need to fight for better treatment for extreme menstrual problems. How many pills do they have for ED now?"

• Ler...
• August 30, 2010

For Birth Control "Please don't be afraid to try this! I'm 36 with no children, had to come off the pill for health reasons. Dr. said it was great for women my age. I was scared to death from all these reviews. But I gave it a try. Yes, insertion was terribly painful (and I'm a tough cookie). After a few hours of cramping, my ibuprofen did the job and I felt better. Had a sore back the next day and that's been it. No bleeding (insertion during my cycle) since. I've been working out and actually have started to lose weight. No acne or moodiness, although it's only been a week. Please give it a try and enjoy your built-in birth control."

• Dan...
• June 5, 2020

For Birth Control "I’m one of those who decided to get the copper IUD in, regardless of never having kids. The whole year I had it in, I had the worst pain from periods and more blood flow, which was expected. But I also spotted the whole year when I wasn’t on my actual period. So, I decided to take a break and just accept my doom. Hate the pill, IUDs are horrible (I thought), and I haven’t heard anything good about the others. Well, I decided to see a new gyno, and he suggested Kyleena. I was very hesitant. Best thing I ever did! The insertion was a breeze compared to the copper IUD, and my period I would only have one bad day with cramps, which was bearable and normal. Blood flow is minimal. I didn’t experience acne or weight gain, but I have never struggled with acne my whole life, so that might be why. I got my IUD on 4/1/20, and it is now 6/4/20. My period has pretty much stopped by June, I only have spotting. We will see how it continues, but so far, I love it!"

• No...
• July 23, 2019

For Emergency Contraception "I had unprotected sex, you know, heat of the moment type thing (he didn’t cum inside me, but you know pre-cum is also scary), and then no less than an hour later, I went to CVS and got a Plan B pill because I am NOT having babies for another 6 years at least. I would have given this pill a 10 because it worked, but I gave it a 9 because the side effects were kinda wacky with me. I broke out in acne, was nauseous but didn’t vomit, and I had some abdominal pain. Most of these symptoms had me thinking I was ACTUALLY pregnant. I checked my period app, and I was supposed to start in two weeks, so I waited it out (even though I was SO stressed), and I started today 2 days earlier than expected. Make sure you breathe and relax and let your period come because stressing will only make it worse. Best of luck to all of you!!"

• syd...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 28, 2020

For Birth Control "I have now had my IUD for about a year and a half, and while it is not perfect, it's been a great improvement. I had super terrible periods: extremely heavy, terrible cramps, hormonal migraines. Because I have migraines with aura, I'm a bit limited on which BC I can take, so my Dr. and I decided on Kyleena. The insertion itself was fine (I took ibuprofen before, like recommended), but I had pretty bad cramps for a week after, nothing that some pain relievers and a heating pad couldn't handle, though. Now, my periods are longer (about a week and a half compared to 5-6 days), but so, so much lighter. I really just spot on and off for a week and a half (compared to before, where I was so heavy, I was anemic). I still have cramps, which can get pretty bad, but they don't last as long. Zero issues with weight gain or acne. And the actual birth control protection is great, never have to worry about it. Overall, I highly recommend!"

• Abb...
• December 20, 2019

For Birth Control "The insertion was equivalent to two really big cramps that make you stop what you're doing and hunch over, but it wasn't unbearable. I cramped for the next day, along with the next 3 weeks. I also spotted for 3 weeks, but only needed a panty liner. I've been through 3 periods on this now and they last about 8 days, are fairly heavy, and I now get horrible cramps, as opposed to my 4-day light periods before this. Around the 2-month mark, my acne got awful, and my hormones turned me into a monster, and not just around the time of my period. I'm not an angry person normally, but this made me snappy, irritable, and angry, that would quickly turn into crying. My spotting came back and is now heavy enough to have to wear a tampon. Also, my panic attacks, which have been gone for years, returned. It also increased my anxiety dramatically. My sex drive also took a big hit. Going to continue it for a few more months, but it's not looking great. I hate to say that I wouldn't recommend this to anyone."