Camila and Weight Gain: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 25, 2020

For Birth Control "This pill, Camila, is awful!!! I’ve been off and on it a few times, unsure whether it was the pill or just me. Nope, it was the pill. If you enjoy crying nonstop for no reason, extreme anxiety and depression, unable to get out of bed due to exhaustion, weight gain, and anger issues, this pill is right for you! If not, run. This pill completely changed who I was, and I didn’t like it at all. I was no longer my motivated, bubbly self but rather a very mean crybaby who slept all the time. Not to mention the constant spotting and headaches. I couldn’t stand this pill anymore, so I quit. Highly do not recommend."

• ABC...
• June 12, 2019

For Birth Control "I started taking Camila six months ago, after having a medical abortion. Somehow in my late 30s, I have become quite fertile, and I was afraid to get pregnant again, so I went on birth control for the first time since high school. They would not prescribe me anything with estrogen because of past migraines, so I went on Camila despite reading all the reviews. I have not had any issues with mood swings. I did not get acne like some have warned. I still have a healthy sex drive. I always shed, so I don't think this birth control has made that any worse. I have definitely gained weight, but I could blame that on late-night munchies as well. The periods were all over the place. Sometimes I would get my period twice in a month. Then last month, I didn't get it at all. In fact, I got PREGNANT using this birth control perfectly! Every day! At the same every day! This was not supposed to happen. This birth control failed me. Approx 13/100 women will get pregnant on this pill. BEWARE!"

• Anonymous
• March 29, 2011

For Endometriosis "I started this after my second lap surgery for my endometriosis. Had no problems the first month, but have now been bleeding nonstop for 6 weeks. I really liked the fact that I didn't suffer from the side effects that I feel with a typical combination pill (weight gain, nausea, etc.), but I cannot take the bleeding and pain anymore. I have had to take 2-3 pills a day to control the bleeding and am still experiencing spotting and cramps. I'm sure that this is the right method for controlling endometriosis for some women, but it is definitely not right for me."

• poo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 31, 2020

For Birth Control "If you enjoy having your period daily for a month and a half straight, and feeling bloated and pregnant - without actually being pregnant, then this is the pill for you. You get all the wonderful symptoms of early pregnancy, bloating, tender swelling breasts, weight gain, hunger, plus the added bonus of having your period every day as well. It is a win-win!! In case you can't tell, I'm being sarcastic. This pill is not worth the hassle. It would be more convenient had I actually been pregnant, than dealing with all that. Pretty sure I ended up being anemic before I finally said no more and stopped taking them. I was only on them for a month and a half, in which I had my period almost every day. Stopped taking the pills and period finally stopped a day or two later. This pill is garbage."

• Bye...
• August 24, 2017

For Birth Control "Imagine being pregnant and on your period at the same time -- without bleeding -- for months. That's what this pill is like. Countless pregnancy tests bought -- because surely all of this bloating, cramping, weight gain, fatigue, EXTREMELY sore and swollen boobs means I'm pregnant! Except no. This is just life now, courtesy of Camila. I ignored the negative reviews. I gave it 6 months. It's awful. And less effective than combo pills. Needless to say, I'm stopping immediately."

• hal...
• November 4, 2016

For Birth Control "Long but important! Don't take this! I absolutely hate this birth control! It makes me so rotten! Horrible mood swings to the point where I am snapping at people at work. I have gained 100 pounds being on birth control overall... that's right, 100 pounds. But this one keeps tipping the scale! My acne is terrible, I have absolutely no sex drive, and my periods are so irregular. My ankles swell to the point where I can't feel my toes, my hair is falling out in clumps, and I am absolutely miserable. Please don't waste your time on Camila like I did. I don't want anyone to ever experience what I am right now. I am getting it switched today. Good luck, ladies!"

• AlF...
• January 21, 2016

For Birth Control "I have to take it because I can't take the regular birth control pills with estrogen. It's nice in the fact that I only get my period once every 3-6 months, but that can also make me a bit paranoid about being pregnant. I've just learned to trust the pill and take it perfectly on time. I haven't made any lifestyle changes, but in the past couple of months, I've gained about 20 pounds seemingly out of nowhere. Not sure if it's because I've been on the pill for a year now or not, but the timing was strange because I started gaining weight after exactly a year on it. That's the only reason I didn't give it a 10. Weight gain aside, my periods are only about three times a year and only 2-4 days when I do get them. So that's a nice benefit."

• Sta...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 23, 2018

For Birth Control "I've been on Camila for 2 years. I switched from the combination pills since they were giving me morning sickness every week after the placebo. On Camila, my periods are lighter and take the same amount of time (7 days). I usually get my period every 45 or so days on the pill. If I miss a pill, I can guarantee I'll have my period again within 2 weeks (sometimes I skip a pill on purpose if I'm planning a trip). As far as remembering when to take them, I just set an alarm on my phone and take it when it yells at me. I don't think I've had any weight gain as a result of Camila, just simply me getting lazy and not exercising. The reason I've decided to stop taking the pills is I have little to no sex drive. It's driving my husband bonkers. Otherwise, I think all of these women with these horror stories should go see the doctor."

• Suz...
• November 3, 2016

For Endometriosis "I just started taking this pill for heavy, very crampy monthly periods. I am on my second pack, and I've had my period for 12 days, but no cramping, which is great. It has made the bleeding a lot less but longer. Some days all I need is a panty liner, which I could never do before this pill. Other than that, I have had no headache, acne, or weight gain."

• Rit...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 23, 2018

For Birth Control "When it comes to birth control, it's different strokes for different folks. I'm over 35 y/o. I switched from combo pills to Camila 6 months ago because of the terrible side effects. Ever since I took Camila, I haven't had bad effects. No more high blood pressure, no migraines, no crazy mood swings, no skin rashes, no cramps, and the period is 3-4 days instead of 6-7 when I was on TriCyclen. The only side effect from Camila is the weight gain. I'm definitely keeping taking Camila."

• ros...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 9, 2019

For Birth Control "The only reason I was put on this birth control was due to my high blood pressure. I couldn't take other types of oral contraceptive pills, but that was the worst decision ever. Ever since I started taking this thing, I have been feeling horrible, such as fatigue, insomnia, dizziness, nausea, lightheadedness, depression, mood swings, and, worst of all, weight gain. I was not on any other medication, nor did I take anything for my blood pressure, so of course I knew this birth control was the only thing giving me these crazy side effects. I'll just stick to my old birth controls that I have been put on in the past."

• SPQ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 15, 2019

For Birth Control "I just stopped taking the Camila birth control pill after 5 months. Initially, I did not have a period at all—this lasted approximately 3 months. Once I did get my period, I broke out in cystic acne all over my chin. There would be (on average) 5 large and deep pimples around my chin. No matter what I tried, these pimples would not go away. In addition, I gained 12 pounds in about 6 weeks. I run, bike, go to yoga, and eat the same foods consistently. I finally decided to stop taking the pill two weeks ago and switch to NuvaRing. My skin has already cleared up (I have one small zit now, and it’s almost gone), and my bloating is decreasing. Although this pill did prevent pregnancies, it was not worth the side effects."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 7, 2017

For Birth Control "I originally began taking this pill to lessen the pain of my period cramps and make them lighter. It did make them lighter, but my cramps did not improve. I also wanted to protect against pregnancy, which it did. I broke out a lot less. My boobs were sore and tender ALL THE TIME. The huge issue I had with this pill was the mood swings and weight gain. I was very irritable and constantly snapped at my mom and my boyfriend, which caused arguments in our relationship. I was tired all the time. I cried over everything and was just very depressed. I did notice I would eat more, which caused me to gain a bit of weight. I would not recommend this pill to anyone. It's not worth the emotional roller coaster it puts you on."

• Geo...
• January 19, 2020

For Birth Control "I was prescribed the pill after having frequent migraines with auras using my last birth control. Initially, the pill was okay, I didn’t get frequent periods, which was a plus, but my breasts were always sore and I gained weight. Gradually, the frequency of my periods began to increase. A year into taking the pill, my period comes monthly, lasting about 14 days, headaches are frequent, acne awful, I’m overweight, low sex drive, and breasts are always sore, and I am an emotional wreck. Each month I say I’ll stop after I finish this pack. Due to my blood pressure, this is my last option for pills, and I’m nervous about other birth control methods."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 12, 2020

For Birth Control "PREGNANT. Yup. To be honest, the pill seemed to work great for me. No weight gain that I noticed. No mood swings, crazy bleeding, or pain. Nothing. But alas, it failed me. Took the pill every day. But still ended up with a bun in the oven."

• Ind...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 14, 2019

For Birth Control "I had to start Camila birth control pill because prior to this (a little over a year ago), I was using the pill with 2 hormones and I experienced a very heavy flow and, not to be gross, but huge blood clots for about 3 weeks. I am also on a blood thinner because of previous experience with blood clots in my left leg. My gyno said it would be best if I either went on Camila or used an IUD since being pregnant isn't in the cards right now. So about a year ago, I switched to Camila. I haven't noticed any weight gain like I experienced with the depo shot or hunger cravings like with other birth control, so that's one reason I like this pill. I have been stressed out lately, stupid family drama, but I missed my most recent period. So, of course, I freaked out. Took several pregnancy tests and they all came back negative. Went to my gyno and she tested me, saying yes, you aren't pregnant. And went on to explain that since I've been on Camila every day for almost a year, my period might disappear often."

• Not...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 12, 2017

For Birth Control "Started Camila back in December after meeting my amazing boyfriend. Seriously, now have my period for like 9 days... (used to last like 5 or less). I have had abnormal mid-cycle bleeding, have gained weight, and am miserable. I can't wait to get to my Dr this week to get OFF this pill. I am so tired of the bleeding. I might as well become a nun. Ha!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 29, 2020

For Birth Control "I’ve been on this pill since January (4 months) and still haven’t had a period. I am not sexually active, which not having a period is kinda great for me at the moment, but not for later on. I’m 18 and in college, and I have bad migraines all the time, so I had to switch from Sprintec to Camila so I did not have estrogen so I could have injections for my migraines. I’ve been bloated and gained 10 lbs, which I’m not happy about. I broke out on my face, mostly forehead, a lot when I used to have clear skin. I have mood swings, usually sad."

• Lap...
• December 2, 2016

For Birth Control "Started this medication due to breastfeeding. Worst birth control ever. My periods are EXTREMELY heavy and last forever, bloating out of this world and minor weight gain. After this pack, I'm done. Will never take this again."

• Dyl...
• May 9, 2017

For Birth Control "This is the absolute worst pill on the market. My periods used to be fine before this pill. Now my cramps are so horrible that I actually pass out from the pain and puke until the point where I would rather die. My face has broken out, and I have gained almost 20 pounds. If I could give this pill a negative review, I would."

• Anonymous
• April 24, 2017

For Birth Control "This pill has so far prevented pregnancy successfully, even with missing occasionally. The irregular periods do provide quite the scare, but I'm thankful for something during this breastfeeding stage. Since I exercise, I haven't noticed any weight gain or significant side effects after the first few days of taking it."

• Juj...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 2, 2019

For Birth Control "When I first started on Camila in 2014, yes, I bled a lot over several months. I was going through a divorce and had a lot of stress anyway. I had lost 10 lbs in two months when I first started. I thought that was appropriate since the estrogen pills made me gain it. I stayed like that for about three years. Then, all of a sudden, it seemed like the formula changed. The packaging sure changed. I started gaining weight and bleeding again. I am a marathon runner and also a gym rat who watches what she eats, so I didn't understand the weight gain. I don't know if I can get back on this one, but I have been trying others with the same active ingredients (trying each for at least four months). The weight gain just won't stop, and I will do anything to have Camila work like it used to. All the reviews are so mixed. I am onto Heather to see if it will take the weight off. If not, I don't know what I will do...."

• SEG...
• October 19, 2017

For Birth Control "I’ve been on this pill for about 2 months. I wanted to try a low hormonal pill to hope for no or less weight gain. Camila, by far, is the worst birth control I have been on. My period is light, but the duration is about 9-11 days. SMH! I’d rather bleed heavy for 3-4! The cramps are deadly. I’ve always had bad cramps, but this is different now. Oh, if you miss a pill by a few hours, you start to cramp and bleed. I haven’t experienced any major breakouts. My mood is pretty normal, except for when I’m cramping and bloating. NOW the weight gain is no joke. I’m sure it’s all water weight and bloat, but who wants that? I’ve gained 6 lbs in one month! My appetite has definitely increased for the worst. I’m a normal healthy eater, but all I want to do is snack."

• Ash...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 10, 2017

For Birth Control "Was on the combined pills before that made me crazy. But this pill actually doesn't do any of that for me. Sure, I've gained like 20 pounds in the few months I have been taking it. I have a few more cramps than usual. No abnormal bleeding. I got a little bit more acne than usual. But this pill does the trick for me."

• Fal...
• April 19, 2017

For Birth Control "Awful pill. I threw away this month's pack, and I am only on week 2. My face broke out like crazy, and I became so irritable I wanted to put my fist through the wall constantly. I started having really bad depressive thoughts, and I gained weight as well. Oh yeah, and I have no sex drive at all. Don't take this pill. I'm getting an IUD."