Heather and Spotting: What Users Say

• kyl...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 21, 2017

For Birth Control "The pill is effective in the sense of I'm not pregnant, but I got a lot of adverse effects. I got switched to the Heather pill after my pharmacy didn't carry the generic version. After 2 months of use, I started to get some adverse effects. It started with random spotting every day, and I couldn't lose weight. They were irritating, but I continued use. It wasn't until I started getting headaches, becoming confused, and couldn't concentrate where it became a problem. I broke out in a rash for a few days, and I have been emotionless. I would say use at your own risk."

• Moa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 3, 2021

For Birth Control "Initially, it seemed like a great option for me, a 30s black woman with 2 children, taking the pill to prevent future pregnancy. I did rate it a 4 because it did prevent pregnancy, which was the main reason I took it. I have high blood pressure, so I can’t do the combo pill, but I took it for about a month and a half. The first thing I didn’t realize right away was the mood swings, irritability, and extreme depression - I’m talking about extreme depression, my thoughts were crazy, suicidal, fatigue, or not having energy to do anything. Then there was spotting for days at a time (started after week 1). Once my cycle started (week 6), I discontinued the pill 3 days into my cycle once I saw how much heavier it was. I’m now on day 7 of a med-heavy cycle (my cycle is typically 3-4 days long and light to medium flow). My hair is also thinner than usual. Do your research, ladies."

• fsa...
• December 27, 2018

For Birth Control "I am at the end of my third month taking this minipill. For me, the worst side effect has been irregular periods/bleeding. I have periodic (no pun intended, really) spotting that I never had before, and my last two cycles have been MAJORLY thrown off. My normal cycle length is about 24 days long, and I recently had a 14-day cycle and then an 11-day cycle. This put me about 8 days between periods, which is no fun at all, and has put a damper on intimacy a few times. The last period was very light compared to my normal flow. Also, I was about 11 hours late taking one pill in between these two cycles. I have noticed some correlation between being late by even a couple hours and spotting, so that one missed pill probably could have thrown me off a lot. I'm sticking with the pill for now to give my body a chance to get used to it and adjust, as I have read that this is one of the most common side effects."

• Sam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 24, 2021

For Birth Control "I was trying to use this progesterone-only pill to regulate my hormone levels. I was told that I have PCOS and high estrogen levels, hypothyroidism, and hirsutism. I used it for 2 months. It helped slightly with my severe period pain, but I was still experiencing bloating and inflammation in my body when I was ovulating and before I started my period. It stopped my period headaches as well. The problem started when I was on my third month, and my period started like normal, but then a week later I started spotting with brown blood. Then, a week after that, I started bleeding again like I had a heavy period flow again. My doctor recommended that I stop taking it. Within 48 hours, my period stopped, but my bloating and pain remained for the rest of that week. It's been 38 days after my last period, and I have not had my period since then. I am used to taking birth control pills, so I am used to taking it on a regular basis. I never skipped days or tablets. Not sure what to say about this."

• Ell...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 6, 2023

For Birth Control "I’ve been using Heather for birth control for almost a year. Periods are mostly gone. I’ve only experienced a bit of spotting if I take the pill an hour or two after the time I’m supposed to take it (you have to take it every day at the same time to make it more effective in preventing pregnancy). I suffer from chronic migraines, and I’ve noticed a big difference in the occurrence and duration of my migraine episodes (less migraines, they last less). Also, I have varicose veins, and they’re less problematic to me now that I use the mini pill."

• mam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 15, 2023

For Birth Control "My 4th baby just turned 5 months old, and I've been taking the mini-pill since my 6-week postpartum checkup, prescribed to me due to breastfeeding (estrogen can affect milk supply), and I have absolutely zero complaints. I actually had a period at 4 weeks and 8 weeks postpartum and haven't had another since - and I can't say if that's solely because of the pill or if breastfeeding has played a part as well. I have no side effects whatsoever that I could attribute to this birth control. No acne, no spotting, no weight gain, no nausea... nothing. I set an alarm on my phone and take it at the exact same time every single day!"

• Gre...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 16, 2024

For Birth Control "I've been on birth control since I was 15, now 26. First, I was on the regular combo pill. It regulated my periods, but I had migraines so bad, I was actually diagnosed with a migraine disorder. Later, I started the 3-month packs, where I only had a period every 3 months. Loved it, but still, migraines. When I was 21, I started the Depo shot. I took that until I was about 23/24. I loved not having a period, no migraines, and I loved the weight gain it gave me. But my doctor tested my hormones and they were borderline menopause levels. I was having major hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, etc. Then, I was put back on the combo pill, and that's when the migraines came back. Figured out it was that pill causing them. Then, I tried the mini pill. And BOY, I have never felt better taking birth control. Before this one, I had thought about getting off of it completely. I've been on this pill for 2 years and have no migraines, no periods (with the occasional spotting), no mood swings, no PMS! And no pregnancy!"

• Jay...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 26, 2022

For Birth Control "I've never had a good experience with birth control until I tried Heather. I used to get painful periods to the point where medication didn't work and I couldn't get out of bed. I did experience spotting and hair loss the first 3 months, but that's it. My hair has grown back longer and healthier than ever, and I never get a period or any spotting at all. I refuse to get off this pill, it has been amazing!"

• Kin...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 27, 2022

For Birth Control "While taking Heather, I experienced bleeding for 14 days each month, spotting, weight gain, and hair loss."