Levonorgestrel and Acne: What Users Say (Page 5)

• But...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 3, 2020

For Birth Control "Got Kyleena inserted at the end of October 2019. The insertion wasn't too bad, some cramping but nothing major. I bled for a month straight after. I'm now coming up on my 3rd month, have some occasional spotting, and I get my period every month, lasting about a week. So far, I've only had some cramping, bloating, and nausea when it is coming to that time of the month. But that's normal for me. I did have hormonal acne before the IUD, it hasn't made it any worse. I do suggest, though, for anybody who is breaking out on the IUD or has hormonal acne in general, I have been taking some supplements that have cleared my skin 90%: 1) Alani Nu Balance 2) Zinc 3) B5 4) Probiotic 5) Ashwagandha (helps with stress & depression) 6) Iron (if you have anemia or heavy periods). Hope this helps."

• Sex...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 17, 2014

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had Mirena inserted on September 2. I had very heavy cycles that lasted 8 days. After getting Mirena, my periods are much lighter, no more ultra tampons and overnight pads at the same time! My cycle is 5 days, but only the first day is enough for a super tampon. I spot the rest, and most of the days nothing! Insertion was horrible, my uterus is really high and is kind of hidden behind my what's called the G-spot. I would go through it again to have the cycle I have now. Side effects are breast tenderness constantly and acne. Still love it!"

• Ano...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 6, 2019

For Birth Control "Insertion felt like a little pressure and pinch. I have a high pain tolerance, so it didn’t feel like much. Light bleeding after. Then everything was okay up until my first real period on it. I had the most miserable cramps. Every single day. I’m talking contractions for cramps that would last the whole day. It was so bad that I could not get out of bed. This lasted for 3 months straight. I also had a heavy period for those 3 months as well. I talked to my gyno, and she said I have to give 6 months for my body to get used to it. Here I am 8 months in; I’ve gained 20 lbs, losing chunks of hair, have horrible acne covering my back, neck, and chin. I have depression. On top of a week prior to my period starting, I experience contraction-like cramps. I have a period for 10 days and spot for a few days after, and then I’m good for a week, then I’m back on my period again. Having this IUD is a nuisance more than a benefit."

• Keb...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 8, 2023

For Birth Control "I have had Kyleena since 12/17/2020. During the insertion, my gynecologist was really nice, but when I tell you it was the worst pain I experienced. I am not lying. The whole way home, I could barely move because of the pain. Then once I got home, I didn’t move and slept for basically two days because of the pain. Now, over 2 years later, I have noticed how my body has changed. I gained a lot of weight, with no change to my diet. I have literally no energy for anything. My sex drive is non-existent when I genuinely used to enjoy it. Now, I could go weeks without it and not even care, which has affected my relationship some. I honestly just feel like my whole body is out of whack. Like my hormones have affected everything. I am breaking out worse than I did during my sophomore year in high school. I tried everything to fix it, but it’s hormonal, so nothing is fixing it. I am moody and always tired. And oh my, the cramps I get randomly are awful."

• Anonymous
• June 15, 2009

For Birth Control "I have been on Mirena for over a year now and have experienced some side effects. Side effects to watch out for are severe mood swings, hair loss, depression, acne, dizziness, headaches, memory loss, and insomnia."

• har...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 9, 2014

For Birth Control "I love Mirena more than any other birth control method. Had it put in 3 months after my daughter was born. There was slight pain with insertion, but my cervix had fully closed by that time. I had light spotting that day and nothing since. I am also breastfeeding, so that might be why I am not bleeding like others. I have had no mood swings, acne, or weight gain. I do have a master's in pharmacology, and from an education background, I can say most of those side effects people complain about are from your body adjusting from having a baby in you and then out of you. The amount of hormone transfer from the uterus site to outside the body is minimal, that is why it is safe for breastfeeding mothers."

• JoM...
• June 24, 2021

For Birth Control "I was suffering very long and heavy bleeding once my second child was weaned off and periods had come back. So it seemed a good idea to try the coil. The insertion was quite painful, and I had some cramping and bleeding, but it was manageable. However, what I didn't expect were all the side effects I was having. Hair loss, bad headaches, bad skin, backache, joint ache (couldn't run without knee pain... I have never had knee pain in my life), hot flushes, mood swings, teary, and it reduced my sex drive to nothing. I have had it in for almost a year now, and while some of the symptoms have gone, like the headaches and hot flushes, the hair loss, mood swings, joint aches, and low sex drive have stayed with me. It helped with my overall health in terms of having no periods, and therefore I had no other illnesses, but the sum of all side effects outweighs the benefits in my case."

• Anonymous
• July 30, 2019

For Birth Control "I'm just going to start this off by saying everyone and every BODY is different. If you're considering getting an IUD for birth control, or have bad cramps, whatever the reason, don't psych yourself out because a few people had or are having a bad experience. Certain things aren't for everyone, and that is OK! I had it inserted a month ago, the procedure was painful. I took 2 Advil an hour before, and it didn't help. I would recommend getting the freezing spray if you can, it lasted a total of 10 seconds. I got it inserted on lunch and went back to work right after. The cramps lasted a few hours, I did get it inserted on my period. So far, I have no issues. I did get a few pimples, they go away after a few days. My period almost no longer exists, no weight gain, and no mood changes. I was on Alesse, and I feel much happier in my headspace with the IUD compared to the pill. I hope this helps someone who is curious or scared like I was beforehand. You won't know if it's for you until you try."

• Kar...
• August 22, 2019

For Emergency Contraception "OK, so I used this pill and broke out in acne. A week after taking it, I spotted for 2 days, then nothing. A week later, another day of spotting. I took a test, negative. Then I was more relaxed about it. I finally got my period two days after spotting the second time. It was very heavy the first two days, but seems to be light now. The pill works, pretty sure I was ovulating at the time too. Good luck."

• ktg...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 6, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve had the Kyleena for around a year and a half, and there are a few things you should know: 1) Insertion for me was NOT bad. It felt like a pinch-just be sure to take ibuprofen before your appointment (I took 4). NOTE: I am not a virgin. If you are, I can’t promise how you’ll react. It’s a little weird having someone be all up in your private area. So come mentally prepared! 2) If you are acne-prone, sadly your skin might get worse. I wish I could tell you that the Kyleena had no effect on my skin, but it did. Make sure to keep up a healthy diet, skincare routine, and exercise regime! This has helped me a lot. This side effect shouldn’t deter you! 3) Gaining weight? Nope! I lost 30 pounds during the time I've been on this form of BC. You can maintain/lose weight for sure. 4) Periods eventually became alarmingly light to the point I thought I was pregnant. However, it’s very good at preventing pregnancy-Kyleena has yet to fail me :)."

• Bec...
• November 4, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I do not recommend Mirena. Terrible acne, severe weight gain, continued cramping, random 2-week-long periods, terrible discharge, and cause of infection after insertion. Overall, an awful year, had to go back onto the pill anyway. It was recommended by every health professional I have come into contact with as a resolution for my endometriosis but has done nothing but reduce my quality of life."

• Gyp...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 29, 2016

For Emergency Contraception "I wanted to come here and give my insight and story. This has worked 2 times for me. Hopefully, it can calm or help how you or someone you know deals with the stress and anxiety that this brings!! The man I'm dating ejaculated in me, and I believe it was right after ovulation. We immediately took action, and I took Plan B within the hour. The pill made me tired, with mood swings, anxiety, cramps, acne, discharge, and bloating. The pharmacist said these are common symptoms. I cramped pretty bad, 5 days later, I spotted, then on the 6th day, I started my period! As long as you take it within the 3-day window, you should be fine. Plan B is a true lifesaver! Thank you so much, Plan B, you have saved my life! Take a deep breath and try to be calm."

• Dan...
• April 8, 2017

For Birth Control "I got Kyleena inserted in January of 2017. I was told to take 600 mg of ibuprofen before and wasn't asked to be on my period for insertion. The procedure was a piece of cake and took no more than 10 minutes. The pain was only slight cramping for a few seconds while inserting. The first few days I had cramps, which is typical, but they were bearable. I had light spotting for about a month after, which was annoying, but that has now stopped. So far, I've only had one period, and it was super light and lasted two days, which is not typical for me. I usually have a heavy period (super tampon) for a week. So far, I'm loving this basically nonexistent period, no acne, improved sex life, and overall I feel happier compared to the pill I was previously taking."

• Anonymous
• February 22, 2010

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had Mirena placed 6 months ago to control excessive bleeding during periods. I am 38 and have had one child. The placement was extremely painful for me, even with taking 800 mg of ibuprofen prior to the procedure. That being said, I have friends who have had it placed with no more pain than what you'd expect during a pap smear. It all depends on the person. My periods are tremendously lighter, to the point that I can almost get by with only a liner. So Mirena has served its purpose. On the downside, I spot frequently between periods, have reoccurring yeast infections, mild acne, less sex drive, and mood swings. My orgasms are nowhere near as intense as they used to be, and I frequently get mild cramping and lower back aches."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 18, 2019

For Birth Control "I have had Kyleena for almost two years now. I keep telling myself my body just needs to adjust and that all the problems will go away, but after reading some of these reviews, I really should’ve listened to what my body has been telling me. Since I’ve had Kyleena, I’ve been constantly spotting. Like, allllllll the time. I get sharp pains in my sides and back, and it’s been going on for quite some time. I keep hoping that my body will adjust because Kyleena does do its job, but the acne, the spotting all day, and after sex, the pains? Definitely not worth it. I’ll be contacting my OB to have this removed ASAP. All this time I thought it was just me."

• JKH...
• July 13, 2017

For Birth Control "I bled and cramped for a solid month. Then the headaches, acne, and breast tenderness started. I've gained 10 lbs in four months with this thing. The inches are all going to my waist. And now to add to the cramping, I have extreme bloating. It's so bad it distracts me from my job because it's painful to sit. I've not been on a hormonal birth control in five years, so there's no other explanation for these changes. I'm getting it removed."

• Ple...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 19, 2020

For Birth Control "I had annoying but manageable adult acne until I went on Mirena. I had it removed after 5 weeks because the side effects and especially the acne were unbearable. I went from 1-3 pimples at a time to ~10 huge painful cystic bumps on each cheek. Even months later, the acne wouldn’t go away. I had it removed in May, and in November, I had to go on Accutane, which worked but is its own ordeal and takes at least 6 months. Now I use the pill + condom. Please trust me and find any other alternative besides this..."

• nat...
• January 6, 2017

For Birth Control "After trying the pill and realizing that it wasn't for me, I decided to give Mirena a try. My experience with this method of birth control has been nearly perfect. Here are my pros: - I no longer have a period. As someone who used to suffer from crippling cramps and extremely heavy flow, this is a blessing. - I haven't had any symptoms that I experienced with the pill (weight gain, acne, mood swings, hair loss). - Childless and proud. Cons: - The day of the insertion, I was slightly crampy afterwards. However, I recovered quickly. Overall, this is the best form of birth control. 10/10 - would highly recommend."

• Bum...
• August 19, 2020

"I had Kyleena inserted in 2017, had it removed this year. Insertion was painful, but I knew it would be going in. First year was great. Painful cramps, but zero period. Did have acne flare-ups, which are unusual for me, but nothing crazy. Over the last 18 months, everything changed. Horrible, awful cramping, terrible bloating to the point where I literally was asked if I was pregnant - I am an extremely active person, currently training for a marathon, and even with training, running upwards of 20 miles a week, I was gaining weight. I developed mood swings - I am not a crier, but I could barely make it through a Hallmark commercial. And, oh god, libido was gone. Had it removed Monday, and already the bloating is completely gone, dropped 4 pounds, and my face is clear as can be. Was Kyleena effective? Yes. Was it convenient? Yes. But for me, not at all worth the plethora of symptoms I experienced. I've transitioned back onto the pill and am much happier for it."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 6, 2021

For Birth Control "Been on the Kyleena for 1.5 years now, and I absolutely don't want to have it anymore. Insertion was okay, it hurt bad for about a week or so, but was happy I had it as it is low maintenance. Although it caused so many mood swings that were unbearable. Still have my period, and they are irregular. Occasional acne will appear as usual before my period. The thing I can’t deal with the most is the mood change though. If you have a history of depression or anything mood-altering, then don’t try this unless you are prepared to feel depressed for the duration of it."

• Not...
• August 6, 2016

For Emergency Contraception "I had unprotected sex on my ovulation day and freaked out. Took the pill 16 hours later and had terrible side effects for 3 weeks. Diarrhea, cramps, acne, and a super severe period with terrible cramps. But it was all worth it because I'm not pregnant. Heyyyy ohhhh. So definitely would recommend this emergency contraception pill that's not the same thing as an abortion pill. So take the pill and don't stress."

• Eri...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 4, 2020

For Birth Control "I really wanted to like the Skyla, but I had a horrible experience. Getting an IUD was one of the worst decisions I’ve ever made. My best friend loves her Skyla, has no side effects, and got another placed after 3 years, so take my comments with a grain of salt. First, insertion was the worst pain I’ve ever felt (and I’ve fractured my back in 2 places). I threw up immediately after. Second, this gave me cystic acne. I had panic attacks before leaving my house because I was so disgusted with my face. Third, I had ovarian cysts and severe cramps. The kind of cramps that make you black out upon standing up and throw up. Fourth, I could hardly stand to have sex. If my boyfriend hit the IUD, the pain was paralyzing. One pro is its efficacy. Knowing that I was virtually protected from pregnancy was empowering. It did not inherently decrease my libido, but the fear of pain and low self-esteem due to my skin made me too anxious to have sex. I did not gain weight."

• Kat...
• November 26, 2014

For Birth Control "I chose Mirena because the Pill became too expensive to buy every month. I was happy to find out my insurance paid for 100% of the costs! I only cramped for about two weeks after, and those were very mild, but I don't have a history of cramps either. I do not have a period anymore (which is great for saving $ on tampons!) although I do still have some symptoms of PMS each month. The only downside I have to say about it is that because Mirena doesn't have the same hormones as the Pill, my acne isn't being regulated like it was before, but it's definitely not unmanageable."

• Lca...
• July 25, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had Mirena placed December 26th, 2018. I have fibroids and the world's heaviest period. I was told this was going to help lighten, if not make my period go away, and shrink my fibroids naturally. In the last 7 months, I have had my period almost completely straight through the 7 months. It’s still very painful, the bleeding is lighter, yes, but it is NOT worth it if I am continually bleeding for months. The time when I would normally not be on it, I am spotting thick brown discharge. I’ve been told this is normal. As for the fibroids, they are still the same size. Just to add onto this, I have gained a ton of weight (I workout with a trainer every day), so this is very frustrating, and I have small acne hormonal bumps around my chin. I can’t wait to have this thing removed. This is a complete nightmare, I don’t recommend this to anyone."

• Cha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 26, 2019

For Birth Control "Cons: The IUD insertion was the worst pain I’ve ever experienced in my life. I felt 1 intense cramp and then 2 stabbing pains when it was inserted. Perks: It only took a minute, and I didn’t get bad cramps after at all and went on with my day. I just had my 5-week checkup, and thank goodness it’s still in place! I actually love the IUD now and have no symptoms (other than minor breakouts on my chin). The insertion pain will hopefully be worth the 5 years of not worrying about contraception."