Jolivette for Birth Control User Reviews
Jolivette has an average rating of 5.1 out of 10 from a total of 95 reviews for the treatment of Birth Control. 35% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 41% reported a negative experience.
Reviews for Jolivette
- Ber...
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- November 26, 2016
"I've been on this pill for 1 year now. I agree with previous posters that every woman is different and we all will have a different experience. I personally loved this pill. I'm not breastfeeding, and I've never had any side effects. My partner and I use this as our only form of contraception (meaning no condoms or withdrawal), and I haven't gotten pregnant. (Though please do your own research and assess the risk before deciding to do this because the mini pill is slightly less effective than the combined pill.) I would also like to note that I have suffered from anxiety my entire life, and I haven't felt any different since starting the pill. This pill has been perfect for me, and I will continue taking it."
- Lem...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- December 28, 2012
"I feel psychotic! I had a baby two months ago and needed a low dose estrogen pill. I feel overwhelmed, anxious, bloated, and very emotional. After having an emotional breakdown over nothing, I am stopping this immediately."
- HEB...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- May 17, 2013
"I started taking this after my son was born because I am breastfeeding. I've been on the medication for about 7 months now. Unfortunately, last month I had two periods! Two full periods, not spotting. This appears to be happening again this month, and I just can't have my period every other week. It's too messy and exhausting, on top of having a one-year-old."
- Anonymous
- February 17, 2011
"I was prescribed Jolivette due to my high blood pressure, which was being caused by Ocella birth control. For the first 3 months, I did not experience any side effects besides the irregular period, which was advised in advance. After 3 months, I first noticed the side effects below: extreme weight gain (50 pounds!) and cravings for food that I had not previously eaten. Oily scalp and hair loss, this was a first for me and I thought that I was just getting older, but then confirmed that it was Jolivette! (I'm 30, by the way). Anger and stress to the extreme. Depressed for no reason (I actually thought I was pregnant and would take home and doctor tests, but they resulted as negative every time). Chest and stomach pains."
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Your review helps others make informed decisions.- kai...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- December 27, 2013
"I have never taken birth control pills before Jolivette. This particular pill was prescribed to me because of my chronic migraines. The pill works great for my period, but the overall side effects were horrible. I am extremely emotional, my breasts were sore all the time, and I'm extremely emotional all the time, which is the opposite of how I usually am. I also had hair growth on my arms, legs, and a little on my face. It works, but the side effects make it not worth it."
- Tri...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- January 13, 2015
"I've been taking the mini pill for three months now! My first period lasted three days, with the first day heavy and the rest with spotting. I chose this mini pill for a few reasons. I have 4-day periods with heavy flow and horrible back pain. I love to snowboard, so that wasn't going to be okay to be dealing with. As well, my family has a history of mental health, to which I don't like to play with the chemistry in my body. So far, I've been on it for three months with one period! Of course, I'm loving this mini pill, but when is my period going to hit?! I haven't gained any weight, and my breasts are not tender."
- Anonymous
- March 13, 2011
"I am 21 years old, and my son is now five months old. I started taking Jolivette at the beginning of February. I have experienced abnormal, heavy bleeding that seems like it never ends, feels like I've bled more than I haven't bled. The bleeding will stop for two to three days, then return and last for about two weeks. I have also been feeling more angry and stressed than ever since I started taking this birth control. I am switching to a different birth control as soon as possible because Jolivette is making life miserable, and the way I am running through boxes of tampons and pads is ridiculous and draining the wallet."
- olo...
- January 16, 2013
"The first 3 months I had a period every 14 days. They lasted about 5 days, slightly heavier bleeding than normal for me. Then, after the 3rd month, my periods went back to their normal 28-day off, 6-day periods. I'm breastfeeding my 7-month-old, so this is a great option. No weight gain, no mood swings, no soreness or anything negative."
- Anonymous
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- January 3, 2013
"I was on Jolivette for over a year. The first three months, it was great; lighter periods, less PMS, no complaints. After that grace period, it was all downhill. I took it at the EXACT same time daily (down to the minute!), and I ended up with two long periods a month! One month I would have a regular period, and the next I would have another period two weeks after my first. It was frustrating, to say the least."
- Che...
- July 19, 2017
"First, I want to remind everyone that we all react differently to medications. If I would have gone off these reviews, I wouldn't have ever started taking this birth control, let alone any of them. I have been on it a month now. The first week, I had very high anxiety levels, which was difficult to push through, but after 10 days, it subsided. I do notice I am bloated pretty much all the time, but with time, I hope that will pass as well. I have had mild cramps every now and then. Otherwise, I am fine. Don't let bad reviews scare you off. I would recommend this pill."
- Anonymous
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- March 15, 2013
"My first period on it was heavier than normal. After that, I was spotting for several days, which I have never experienced. This past month, I have either been bleeding or spotting, and it's incredibly frustrating! Lots of random cramps as well. My mood has been up and down, which is also frustrating."
- Dro...
- August 8, 2013
"I've been on Jolivette for almost a year, and it was working fine until now. I had a period that finished 6 days ago that lasted 4 days, and I started another one today. It makes no sense to me. I have not missed a single pill. I hope this isn't the way it's going to be from now on because I don't have the time to have a period every six days! Thank goodness my yearly check-up is next month."
- sth...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- March 18, 2017
"I was put on Jolivette because I suffer from migraines and I can't have estrogen or I experience stroke-like symptoms. Overall, I didn't have an issue with the medication. In the beginning of treatment, I did notice I was kind of sensitive and a tad moody, but for me, it passed. I've been on this BC since November, no complaints. I read the other reviews, and I just want to remind everyone that every woman's body is different and we all have different needs. I didn't break out in acne, I didn't gain weight (I'm very active, if that matters). I say it takes a couple of months for your body to get used to the new hormone, but it's nothing intolerable once time has passed."
- Zom...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- July 8, 2015
"All the other reviews make this pill sound horrid. I have been on this pill for two years. Let me tell you, the first few months of taking this pill is hell. Complete hell. I had a period every other week, I broke out, I gained weight, I had mood swings. I talked to my doctor to switch, but he insisted I stay on it. And I did. Months went by and the side effects went away. My period just kinda comes and goes when it wants. But other than that, it's fantastic. I take it every day at the same time. Stick with it and all will be fine :)"
- Kri...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- April 30, 2012
"I was on a hormonal birth control pill for many years. I could set a clock by my periods... start on a Tuesday, off by Saturday. It was great. I turned 35, and my doc would no longer prescribe the hormonal pill. So, enter Jolivette. The first two weeks, my nipples were so sore, and I was so bloated that I thought I might be pregnant. Then, my period started 1 week early and lasted for 9 days! A very heavy 9 days as well. 1 week later, heavy bleeding again. I don't think Jolivette and I are going to be friends."
- mqu...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- December 30, 2016
"So I started this BC due to painful periods/irregular periods. I had tried a combo pill called low low estrogen, and it just gave me terrible side effects. Jolivette seriously helped me out. I rarely get periods, unless I'm super stressed out, no mood swings, and no pregnancy (though that didn't become a concern until last year). I've been taking it for four years now and would highly recommend this. Saved me a lot of hospital visits and made my life easier."
- New...
- March 29, 2013
"Great for the first year, then irregularity started. I took it after my son's birth. It started with some mid-period spotting, then light bleeding. Now it's a heavy period every two weeks. I just stopped and will be switching at the start of my next period."
- tu ...
- October 17, 2011
"It's been three months, and I love it. My hair has grown so silky and long. I haven't seen my period for the three months that I have been on Jolivette, and I like that. I can say I'm going to continue using it."
- Anonymous
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- June 3, 2012
"Just started my 2nd month. The 1st week and a half, I had light bleeding every day. Then, the next week, my nipples were so sore. Now, this past week, I've had on-and-off light bleeding and cramps during the last week of pills. I have no side effects emotionally, which is great, because everything else makes me go crazy. But, I have noticed a little weight gain and craving food all the time, and I jog 3 to 4 times a week. I am 24, no pregnancies ever. I'm not sure about this pill yet. I'll give it another month and see how it goes. I don't even want to be on birth control, but my cramping and periods are so terrible without it."
- Ver...
- May 10, 2016
"I've just started my fourth pack, and let me say this pill is amazing! I'm not breastfeeding, nor have I ever had a kid. I'm on a PoP because I've tried many other forms of the combined pill, and I would have the worst side effects that would make me feel like I was going to die. On this pill, I have had 0 adverse side effects, and it is just amazing for me. I still get a period, and it comes every month at the exact predicted time. The only difference is the length of the period varies. Sometimes it is a day or two longer, sometimes, it is a day or two shorter. It really isn't a big deal, though. I love this pill, and I am so thankful I finally found something that works for me."
- Sat...
- November 10, 2015
"I tried 6 different pills before finding Jolivette. I've been on it for four years now and haven't had a period in that time-it's amazing! No side effects, my migraines are gone. It's been a lifesaver. Before Jolivette, I would have periods for up to 3 months at a time. I have recommended it to all of my friends, none of whom have had a negative experience yet."
- Esq...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- September 6, 2015
"I have been on the pill for 3 months. As soon as I started taking it, my milk supply dropped so drastically that I had to rent a hospital-grade pump to keep up with my daughter. I gained 17 lbs in 4 weeks, which is awful considering I was finally getting rid of my baby weight. I've never had acne, and my arms are now completely broken out. Terrible pill! I think it must be great for keeping you from getting pregnant, though... who wants sex when you feel fat, tired, hungry, while covered in acne!"
- The...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- June 23, 2017
"I started bleeding last year, 2016, in April and bled until this year, 2017, June. I had a D&C in Nov 2016 and had Mirena placed. Well, Mirena wasn't for me, it caused weight gain and loss of hair, not to mention no sex drive and was still bleeding, so I had the Mirena removed on 6/18/16. Bleeding got worse by the next day. Doc had prescribed Jolivette, the mini pill, there are like 7 different names for this pill, also known as the mini pill or POPs. I started it on Saturday, the 19th, and 6 days later, period free, no cramping, no bloating, no back pain - nothing. I'm so happy after a year of bleeding, it's finally over and I'm 47, no side effects at all. I'm actually losing weight, so if you have abnormal bleeding, I would highly recommend this pill."
- Flo...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- January 12, 2017
"I have suffered from PMDD, which is basically extreme PMS with really bad mood swings. I would tend to be antisocial and irritable half the month. On Jolivette, my mood is much more stable, and I feel like myself instead of feeling out of control of my emotions. Shorter periods, very light. Other pills with estrogen affect my moods negatively. This works great."
Learn more about Birth Control
- Antibiotics and Birth Control Pill Interactions
- Birth Control Guide
- Birth Control Pills and Your Period
- Birth Control Pills: Why Do I Get Breakthrough Bleeding?
- Birth Control and Alcohol: Do They Interact?
- Emergency Contraception: What You Need to Know
- Grapefruit and Birth Control Pills: Your Questions Answered
- Hormonal Birth Control Methods (Non-Pill Options)
- Missed your birth control pill? Here's what to do
- Non-hormonal Methods of Birth Control
- Permanent Birth Control Methods
Medicine.com guides (external)
More about Jolivette (norethindrone)
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- Drug class: contraceptives
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"I've been taking Jolivette for three months now, and couldn't complain about it. I used to have crazy irregular periods, for instance, the month before I started, I had a 10-day cycle, which meant two and a half periods in a calendar month, and the time before was 50 days. Since taking Jolivette, I haven't had a single period. No cramping, bloating, weight gain, mood swings, nothing. In fact, I've lost weight. It's also great because I no longer get migraines as opposed to being on an estrogen pill. Would recommend it to anyone."