Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Acne User Reviews
Brand names: Lo Loestrin Fe, Junel Fe 1/20, Blisovi Fe 1/20, Loestrin 21 1/20, Junel Fe 24, Hailey 24 Fe, Aurovela Fe 1/20, Nortrel 1/35, Hailey Fe 1/20, Nortrel 0.5/35, Blisovi 24 Fe, Microgestin Fe 1/20, Junel 1.5/30, Junel Fe 1.5/30, Junel 1/20, Larin Fe 1/20, Hailey 1.5/30, Larin 24 Fe, Brevicon, Jinteli, Alyacen 1/35, femhrt, Estrostep Fe, Hailey Fe 1.5/30, Larin Fe 1.5/30, Taytulla, Necon 0.5/35, Melodetta 24 Fe, Finzala, Blisovi Fe 1.5/30, Layolis Fe, Tarina Fe 1/20, Microgestin Fe 1.5/30, Microgestin 1/20, Microgestin 1.5/30, Balziva, Kaitlib Fe, Dasetta, Minastrin 24 Fe, Ortho-Novum 7/7/7, Nortrel 7/7/7, Aurovela Fe 1.5/30, Fyavolv, Charlotte 24 Fe, Larin 1/20, Mibelas 24 Fe, Generess Fe, Pirmella 1/35, Cyclafem 7/7/7, Gildess Fe 1/20, Necon 7/7/7, Nylia 7/7/7, Zenchent, Nylia 1/35, Aurovela 24 Fe, Tarina 24 Fe, Aurovela 1.5/30, Tri-Legest Fe, Gemmily, Briellyn, Dasetta 7/7/7, Vyfemla, Larin 1.5/30, Gildess 24 Fe, Wera, Wymzya Fe, Pirmella 7/7/7, Cyclafem 1/35, Gildess Fe 1.5/30, Norinyl 1+35, Aranelle, Leena Zenchent Fe Femcon Fe Cyonanz Aurovela 1/20 Taysofy Leribane Cyclafem 0.5/35 Tri-Legest Gildagia Tilia Fe Lomedia 24 Fe Philith Dasetta 1/35 Nexesta Fe Oshih Alyacen 7/7/7 Rhuzdah Gildess 1.5/30 Gildess 1/20 Merzee Chabelina Fe …show all brand names
Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone has an average rating of 3.8 out of 10 from a total of 178 reviews for the treatment of Acne. 19% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 61% reported a negative experience.
Reviews for Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone
- Jade
- April 14, 2014
Junel Fe 1/20 (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone) "I used to be on Orhro Tri-cyclen until it made me an emotional basket case. I then switched to Junel Fe 1/20 and I felt completely normal again. I took a year break and two months ago I began to notice I was getting acne like a teenager again, I'm 30. Mostly hormonal, jaw and chin area. I decided to get back on it again. I've been on it for almost 2 months and my acne cleared up. 2 weeks into it I noticed bloating, and breast swelling. I also noticed I went up 3lbs. However all that went away my 2nd month in. I'm back to my normal weight, no more swelling in the stomach area, although my breasts are fuller than usual. These were my only symptoms. If this happens to you give it 2 months at least for your body to get adjusted."
- Anonymous
- June 23, 2009
Microgestin Fe 1/20 (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone) "I just started taking this birth control a week and a half ago. So far, so good. I have noticed a profound difference in my acne. Most blackheads are gone. Also, my breasts are bigger, which is never a bad thing."
- meeli...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- January 6, 2014
Microgestin Fe 1/20 (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone) "About to start my fourth pack and I love this birth control. I took birth control (Cyclessa and Yaz and some others I don't remember) in my early 20s and gained a bunch of weight and had a diminished sex drive. Once I stopped taking it I swore I never would again but my skin got really bad in the last few years so I finally, reluctantly, decided to try again. I have virtually no side effects from this pill. My mood hasn't changed, I haven't gained weight (although I went from a C cup to a D cup) and, for the first time in years, my skin is clear. I had spotting the first two months I took it but that's gone away and now my period is super light."
- Anonymous
- January 3, 2012
Loestrin 24 Fe (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone) "I went to the doctor looking for a contraceptive that would also help with the acne around my jaw line. I don't really get pimples anywhere but around my chin and mouth. I would say that my acne, at its worst was decently severe in that area. Anyway, when I first started using Loestrin Fe 24, my acne in that area was absolutely outrageous. I was getting huge cysts that were very painful. I would get 2 to 3 new ones a week. It was very disheartening, but I decided to stick it out. By the third pack, I watched my acne disappear. I am now on my 4th pack and only get one or two small whiteheads (not big scarring cysts) right before I start taking the iron pills. I like this birth control and with time, I believe it helps acne."
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- Anonymous
- October 29, 2012
Loestrin 24 Fe (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone) "I switched to Loestrin, as the pill I was on before caused me to have migraines. I've only used Loestrin for a week, but my migraines have stopped, however it's caused me to break out ridiculously. I've never suffered from spots before, but I've broken out all over my forehead and on my cheeks. "
- Anonymous
- October 16, 2012
Loestrin 24 Fe (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone) "I'm 19 years old, & I've taken Loestrin 24 Fe for 4 years now - I absolutely love it! From age 12 I had 9-10 day irregular, extremely heavy cycles. My cramps were so bad that I couldn't get out of bed & would start vomiting, & my acne was out of control. Once I turned 15 my mother suggested birth control. The first month was rough; I started the pack the day after my period ended & a week later had another full period. The next month was a drastic change - my period was 4 days, NO cramps & my skin has looked amazing ever since! Went from taking muscle relaxers for pain to an occasional Advil every few MONTHS! My insurance is great - 3 months for $22! That's less than $7.50/month! Sadly no increase in breast size, but no weight gain, either!"
- Acano
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- February 2, 2019
"I am on the pill first and foremost for birth control. My skin was so bad, more than it ever had been, so I had my Dr put me on a pill that was better for acne than the one I was on. There is a few negatives. I have gained a little weight (this could be related to other stuff though) and I have virtually no sex drive but thats on any pill for me. This pill FOR ACNE WORKS. This pill helped to completely change my skin like I never had been able to achieve before. My skin was so blotchy and uneven and rough and I still got whiteheads and I had not left the house without foundation since I was 16. I’m 29 now and the only time I wear foundation now is for special occasions. Very grateful for the clear skin I have now."
- Average...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- March 28, 2014
Junel Fe 1/20 (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone) "I am currently half way through my 3rd month. I was on the NuvaRing which made my skin immaculate, but because it caused low libido I stopped. After 4 months being off of the ring, I started getting acne again. I finally decided to try birth control again to help with my skin issues and my doctor recommended Junel. My skin has gotten way worse than it ever was. I am getting acne on my back and neck as well. "
- Anonymous
- February 28, 2010
Loestrin 24 Fe (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone) "This is the worst birth control pill I've ever taken. It gave me the worst acne ever. I was super moody. Mood swings, depression, frustration, headaches, and everything. Maybe the only good thing about it was that it made my cramping go away and my periods were very light and short. Other than that I hate it! It was the worst experience ever. I tried to give it some time so my body could get used to it but after 7 months there was no changes so I decided to switch to another brand. Now I am taking orhto tri-cyclen lo and I love it. My acne went away right away and my face is so clear. I have no more mood swings and I just love it. I recommend this brand to everyone."
- Anonymous
- October 11, 2012
Loestrin 24 Fe (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone) "I started taking Lo Loestrin Fe about 2 months ago and I am breaking out horribly around my mouth and chin. I have always had acne but not that severe and it actually cleared up in the past year with the occasional pimple here and there....now I have cysts and white heads all over my chin that are not going away. I am finishing this pack and then calling my doctor to switch."
- Anonymous
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- September 19, 2013
Loestrin 24 Fe (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone) "I have taken Lo Loestrin 24 for about 2 months now. I have had migraines, nausea and fatigue non stop. I only had one very light period since I started this pill. I have had horrible face and body acne since I started Loestrin, I feel 16 again! I have had a significant appetite increase and mid section bloating. However I will continue with it one more month and see If my symptoms clear up"
- Takes...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- July 16, 2017
Microgestin Fe 1/20 (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone) "Most people that are complaining that they got acne using it are most most likely in their first/second month of using it. I'm almost at my fifth month of taking Microgestin and I rarely break out now. I've definitely been noticing that my skin looks better. Also, I have been weighing myself and have not gained weight from it. My advice is, just keep on taking it because most symptoms (mainly the acne part) gets worse before it gets better."
- Anonymous
- Taken for less than 1 month
- July 13, 2017
Loestrin 24 Fe (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone) "I have only been on this pill for 4 days now and I all ready have noticed large cystic pimples appearing on my cheeks and chin. I have never had perfect skin to begin with but I have never experienced cystic pimples nor have I ever broken out on my cheeks. After reading these reviews, I am glad to know that I am not the only one experiencing this. I started taking birth control to help with my heavy and irregular periods but I have ultimately decided to stop using this pill due to the negative effects it has already had on my skin. I personally do not recommend this pill especially if you are starting it with the intentions of clearing your skin."
- supsu...
- November 16, 2011
Loestrin 24 Fe (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone) "I'm 17 years old and I've been using Loestrin 24 Fe for almost a month now and I couldn't be happier! I have suffered with acne and insecure body image my whole pre-teen/teenage life and searched consistently for a solution. That's when I came across birth control. After only 2 weeks of starting the pill, I've seen an increased size in my breast! Nothing else, just my breast which I'm extremely pleased with. Also, my skin is getting a bit better, but I've heard it doesn't work instantly. I have to wait about 3 months to see my acne disappear like everyone says but it does adjust my mood to make me feel confident about my skin and body. I can finally go to school without makeup and feel super great about myself."
- Anonymous
- March 29, 2011
Junel Fe 1/20 (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone) "This pill certainly works for birth control and my periods are significantly lighter and shorter, but the acne on my face worsened and I suddenly had back acne as well. I had to get another prescription for acne medicine to get that under control."
- em24123
- May 31, 2017
Loestrin 24 Fe (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone) "Im so happy I'm not alone here with saying this pill is absolutely awful. I've always had ok skin, but I get bad cystic acne, and got on this pill for this main issue. I've had bad stomach issues, but thats another story- I just wanted my face cleared up. I cry over how bad my face has gotten in the month I've been on this pill. My doctor told me it would take 3 weeks to work, yet told me 3 whole packs (3 months) a different time. I wish I never got on this. I was on Yaz for a month and it did wonders for my face, but made me incredibly nauseous. I'd rather go back to that in all honesty. Wish I read these reviews sooner. Don't go on this pill if you are looking to clear up acne, I'm worried about going off it now, what it'll do to my skin"
- betty...
- October 20, 2010
Loestrin 24 Fe (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone) "I am 17, and have tried a plethora of birth control pills all to try to help my acne. First was Ortho Tri-cyclen. I tried it for a month and became depressed, so I stopped. Next was Yaz. It was amazing. My skin was crystal clear in 3 months, and even cystic acne on my back completely disappeared. The only problem: 10 pounds of weight gain after 6 months. I stopped Yaz and tried Alesse. It made me depressed. Next was Loestrin. I have been on loestrin for 5 months now. For the first three months, my skin was perfect. I had no weight gain, and my boobs went up a cup size. After the third month though my acne came back. I just finished my last pack today, and I am going to try Kariva next. If that doesn't work. I am taking the risk and going to take Accutane."
- Beckymw
- May 23, 2017
Loestrin 24 Fe (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone) "Looking over these reviews, it's such a relief to know that I am not alone in dealing with the HORRIBLE, EMBARRASSING and PAINFUL cystic acne this has caused me. Until starting, my (then) clear, flawless skin was the thing I liked best about myself. HOWEVER, within a month, this had truly RUINED my skin forever. Excessive and deep cystic acne that did not respond to any dermatologist treatments and sent me into a spiral of low self-esteem. Gyno insisted I stick with it for 6 months to see if it evened out. IT DID NOT! Instead, what I've been left with is unresponsive acne for the past two years (yes...1.5 years after I stopped taking this) because of this horrible pill. Also, did not work properly and gave me 2 periods/month :) STAY AWAY!"
- on...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- May 16, 2013
Microgestin Fe 1/20 (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone) "After 2 1/2 years of horrible acne, during which I was on antibiotics & topicals that never ended up working, my dermatologist and Dr. suggested I should try birth control. I went to Planned Parenthood and was put on Microgestin Fe 1/20. After about 6 months on this pill, I actually lost weight (due to nausea at first), breasts grew, lighter periods every month, and no change in everything else. As for my acne, it probably got better about 40%, but still had at least 3-5 pimples/cysts all the time and no reduction in face oiliness. Trial and error, now trying Ortho Tri Cyclen."
- sadgirl
- February 7, 2017
Loestrin 24 Fe (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone) "This pill is a nightmare!!!! I have had clear skin all of my life and enjoyed makeup as a hobby, now I absolutely hate it because I feel like it is an obligation to cover up the disgusting, painful cysts that this pill has caused!!! My self esteem is extremely low, I don't remember the last time I saw my real face and felt confident. I will be seeing my doctor very soon to get off of this terrible terrible terrible pill!!!"
- Kaylabr
- May 20, 2017
Loestrin 24 Fe (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone) "I didn't notice at first why my acne was getting better, then I realized it was the birth control. After I stopped the pill I noticed huge bumps on my chin and around my cheeks, and acne on my chest. I recently re started back on the pill and my skin is all of a sudden clear again so it works for acne very well for me. Everyone seems to be different."
- Anonymous
- April 15, 2012
Loestrin 24 Fe (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone) "My acne got so bad and my skin even started peeling. Its caused so many problems and after trying this for 2 months and reading all these (mostly negative) reviews, today is my last day taking this pill. "
- Anonymous
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- September 24, 2012
Loestrin 24 Fe (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone) "I'm 22, and this is my first time being on birth control. At first I liked it because it regulated my period, and I went up a cup size, but that's the only positive experience I've had with this pill. I'm bloated around my midsection (I'm 5'6 and 107lbs and I look 2 months pregnant because of the bloating), my cramps are just as bad as they were off the pill, my breast hurt so bad and the biggest thing of all that I hate is that my face went from being flawless to severe acne EVERYWHERE! The pill is also expensive."
- 1stTi...
- May 28, 2013
Loestrin 24 Fe (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone) "No mood swings which was excellent! But I have been breaking out in places I didn't know I could actually get pimples. I mean, I have a pimple on my thigh. Been on it for three weeks and after the first week started breaking out and it just never stopped."
Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.
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Loestrin 24 Fe (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone) "I'm 20 years old and had always experienced severe cramps and bleeding for as long as I've had my period. I also suffered from severe acne. Since I've started Loestrin 24, I noticed dramatic changes in every aspect! -My periods are lighter (1-2 days) -MY SKIN IS FLAWLESS -I lost about 7 lbs! -Overall I feel my hormones regulated and less moody Loestrin 24 really turned my life around and I couldn't be happier! I hope you all have the same experience with it."