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Ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate for Ovarian Cysts User Reviews

Brand names: Sprintec, Estarylla, Tri-Sprintec, Mili, Tri-Lo-Mili, Tri-Lo-Sprintec, Mono-Linyah, Tri-Mili, Tri-Estarylla, Tri-Lo-Marzia, Tri-Lo-Estarylla, Tri-Linyah, Tri Femynor, Femynor, Tri-Previfem, Tri-Vylibra Lo, VyLibra Previfem Tri-VyLibra Nymyo Tri-Lo-Linyah Tri-Nymyo …show all brand names

Ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate has an average rating of 5.3 out of 10 from a total of 150 reviews for the off-label treatment of Ovarian Cysts. 35% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 39% reported a negative experience.

Ethinyl estradiol/norgestimate rating summary

5.3/10 average rating

150 ratings from 160 user reviews.

Compare all 32 medications used in the treatment of Ovarian Cysts.

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Reviews for Ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate

  • Jano
  • February 26, 2020

Sprintec (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "I am finding through more and more reeding of reviews is that a lot of these higher estrogen, progestogen pills ruin lives. This pill absolutely destroyed my mental health. I had dark thoughts, I was aggressive and severely depressed. I gained back 10 pounds that I spent the last few months losing within the first month of this pill. I bled for three weeks straight and had super dry itchy skin. Plus it made sex unbearably painful which I have never experienced before. I was practically manic depressive and extremely anxious with migraines and didn't have the energy. I do not recommend this at all and I am really considering stopping birth control altogether as I am about to start Apri and they say the same side effects happen. If you are trying this and have any symptoms especially emotional and the weight, and pain down there from dryness and sex being unbearable STOP ASAP and try something new. Please take care and don't ignore side effects."

1 / 10
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33 Report
  • Emily...
  • December 5, 2010

Sprintec (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "So I've been reading other reviews for this, and I really think that people should wait until after the first month to decide if this is a horrible birth control because OF COURSE we're going to have the bad side effects the first few weeks! Our bodies are adapting to a new drug so just be patient! The first three weeks I had nausea, mild mood swings, loss of appetite, and EXTREMELY sore and swollen breasts. Since then I've been side effect free. I've been on it for three months now and I have to say it's amazing! I take it for PCOS and because of my PCOS I would be having periods every 6 months and they would be KILLER! I would literally be in bed for days, but with this birth control I have mild short periods. It's fantastic. I definitely recommend it."

10 / 10
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66 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 1, 2020

Tri-Sprintec (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "I just started this pill Tri-Sprintec 2 days ago for ovarian cysts, and I have high hopes for it. I went through so many doctors who told me everything was fine with me but I knew something was wrong. Finally I found a doctor that actually ran the blood tests for me and diagnosed me with PCOS. I’m 27, I can’t believe it took this long for someone to listen! Anyways! I was dealing with extreme anxiety and constant agitation for years, and starting this pill I finally feel normal. Thank god! No mood swings and mini rages. I’m excited to finally have something that works for me!"

10 / 10
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26 Report
  • CayK
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 10, 2015

Sprintec (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "The reason why I'm taking birth control is because of my ovarian cysts. I would have the worst period in the world, I felt like I was dying because of all the pain I was in. I started taking Sprintec around March and my period has been so amazing. I sometimes forget I'm even on my period. Not only has it made my period a breeze but my metabolism was boosted. I've lost 17 pounds so far and it feels amazing."

10 / 10
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43 Report
  • Tilly
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 16, 2018

Sprintec (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "I started taking sprintec about 2 months ago. I suffer from Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). At first I refused any form of birth control but after not having a period for 3 months and entirely overwhelmed from all the symptoms from PCOS I gave in and boy am I happy I made this decision. Since taking sprintec I have slightly to no symptoms from PCOS I feel back to myself and my periods are on track again. "

9 / 10
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30 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

  • Laureo
  • June 8, 2013

Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "I was diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome in 2011 and my doctor put me on Ocella. After about two years on it, I became so irritated and unhappy with everything I switched (Ocella is horrible). I called my doctor and explained that Ocella was making my hormones go crazy, so she switched me to Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo. I've been taking it for probably 6 months now and everything is great! My periods are really light, they've went from three days to two days, which worries me a little bit but my Doctor said this can happen after being on the pill for so long. I haven't gained any weight, my slight acne has cleared, & my breasts have jumped about one cup size! I also barely notice myself getting irritated anymore. So far, so good! This pill has been great for me."

10 / 10
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43 Report
  • lcg
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • March 13, 2019

Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo has been THE BEST and ONLY birth control that has never interacted with any of my other medications. It's also the ONLY birth control my body was able to tolerate WITHOUT negative side effects. I was on the medication for 10+ years, and now they discontinued it. I am beyond devastated that I have to switch, since I am EXTREMELY SENSITIVE to medications and dosage changes. So far, I have tried another generic (Tri-Lo-Marzia), and had a terrible experience. I switched to something else, but still trying to adjust to the new one. I wish they would bring this medication back!!! PLEASE!!!!! CALL JANSSEN (1-800-JANSSEN, M-F, 9 AM-8 PM) and file a complaint regarding the discontinuation of this product. The more people contact them, the higher the likelihood they might bring it back."

10 / 10
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24 Report
  • Hakuna...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 11, 2014

Sprintec (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "Took this pill at first just because I had cysts that I had to remove surgically. I'm talkin like 12cm cysts. This pill not only helps with my cysts, but I have no mood swings, my periods are controlled, my skin has never been better, and my sex life is great. No cramping anymore at all! Perfect for me!"

10 / 10
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27 Report
  • Mia
  • February 21, 2013

Sprintec (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "I have polycystic ovarian cysts. I used to be on Tri-Sprintec, the polyphasic version of this pill, and had the worst headaches from the hormone changes every week. Switching to Sprintec seems to have solved the issue. My acne and hair issues, courtesy of PCOS, have improved, and I feel better overall. I did gain about three pounds, but I started the medication shortly before the holiday season so it could have been a product of too many parties. Definitely worth a try if you need a higher estrogen level pill. Plus, it's affordable even without insurance."

8 / 10
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24 Report
  • Anonymous
  • August 19, 2010

Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "I got on this pill to stop from getting ovarian cysts; while I don't think it completely solved this problem, I found this pill very helpful overall. I had very few side effects: no spotting, no nausea, no loss of hair, but I do still get cramping before my period. It shortened my period to about 5 days and it always comes when expected. I have tried two other types of pills, one being Yaz, and I came back to Ortho-Tricyclen Lo because of the fewer side effects. Its a great pill and I haven't had any problems with it. I've been on it for about 2 years."

8 / 10
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28 Report
  • Anonymous
  • March 13, 2012

Mononessa (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "I had been experiencing ovarian cysts for at least a year, but I didn't know that was the cause until about 5 months ago. I have been on Mononessa for three months now and I haven't had any cyst symptoms, also I am instructed by my doctor to only take three of the reminder pills before I start a new pack instead of all seven. My periods tend to be lighter and my face is clearer than it used to be. I have been on birth control for about seven years now and so far I am liking this one a lot. I haven't really had any of the side effects, no spotting, some breast tenderness but I have always had that. My appetite does fluntuate, I'm not sure if that is due to the pills or not, I am a college student so it tends to happen a lot."

10 / 10
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25 Report
  • Crc
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 27, 2020

Estarylla (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "I hate to write a review this awful but I have to. People should know how life altering this pill is. I started taking Estrylla A WEEK ago and had to throw them in the trash. If you have or have ever had any bouts with anxiety or depression DO NOT even look at this pill. I don’t remember a time I have felt so low and lethargic and then let’s not forget the cyst acne that popped up on my jaw and chin. If it works for you that’s great but it has TORN ME UP!"

1 / 10
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10 Report
  • Sprin...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 9, 2016

Sprintec (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "I will start by saying this, the pill has done its job. It's regulated my period, cleared my acne, and prevented pregnancy. I haven't gained a whole lot of weight I've actually lost weight but I have gone up a cup size. Here's the problem, 1) I have little to no sex drive now. It takes me forever to lubricate now and when I do it's very little. 2) THE BIGGEST PROBLEM is that I have become very emotionally unstable. I cry a lot now. There's very few days that go by that I don't cry. I also have a bad temper. I believe this is due to the pill after reading other reviews. These emotional issues didn't come about until about 2 or 3 months of being on this pill. I've been on it for about 6 months now and can't say whether I love or hate it."

7 / 10
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16 Report
  • Monae
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 24, 2015

Ortho Cyclen (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "This medicine has worked pretty good for me. After having constant health problems such as weight gain, bad acne, and not having a period but once a year for 3 years and being told that it was "ok", I finally went to the OB/Gyne for another opinion. Found out that I had PCOS, and was placed on Ortho-Cyclen. This medicine started to clear my acne after 3 weeks of taking it and I started losing weight while on it. I lost a total of 6 pounds the first month and 8 the second month. The only drawback was that my period lasted for an entire 31 days the first month, but was told beforehand that it could last that long because of the time I went without a period."

8 / 10
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16 Report
  • PCOS...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • February 20, 2019

Estarylla (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "I was prescribed this form of BC to help treat my PCOS and irregular periods. I've been taking Estarylla (previously Mononessa) for about 10 years now. To be honest, I think it works very well. My periods are light flow, light cramping and always on time. My acne has always been mild and usually only on my face. I do experience some depression and anxiety but I figure that's just me. It is important to take this at the same time every day for best results. I also recommend drinking plenty of water (because it's great for your body! :)"

8 / 10
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11 Report
  • Kkelley
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 1, 2021

Sprintec (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "I started sprintec Dec 2020 and it is March 1st tomorrow and all I can say is that my period went from being 2 weeks long and a mess to being only about 4 days long and light the past 2 months. My mood seems better. I was having horrible mood swings due to PCOS and in the last 2 months I've been calm and not stressed like before. I've maintained the same weight as when I started in Dec which is appx. 185 lbs. (No weight gain) I don't suffer from sore boobs or bloating. My face cleared up a little bit. My appetite is fine. So I personally have no complaints I guess."

10 / 10
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7 Report
  • BMNS
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 16, 2016

Tri-Sprintec (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "I was diagnosed with PCOS at the age of 14 and I'm now 23. I've been on and off different forms of BC. Tri-Sprintec is the ONLY form of BC that has helped me. My periods are regulated, I have no acne, no unwanted facial hair, and it hasn't made me gain any kind of weight. The only negative affect I've experienced with Tri-Sprintec is an occasional headache. Other than that, it works great!"

8 / 10
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13 Report
  • Natalie...
  • January 18, 2015

Sprintec (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "Before switching to Sprintec, I never had an ovarian cyst before. After starting Sprintec about 4 months ago, I wound up in the hospital 3 times for severe abdominal pain which turned out to be ovarian cysts. For everything else, this birth control is great and I have no complaints. But the cysts gotta go, so do these pills."

3 / 10
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15 Report
  • PCOS...
  • August 18, 2015

Tri-Sprintec (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "My senior year in high school I gained a lot of weight, we figured out it was all PCOS related. (60 pounds and I was a varsity athlete, now a high school graduate). I was an emotional wreck from the mood swings I had due to hormone imbalances. Tri-sprintec was perfect for me. It brought me back to normal, and after only 4 months on the pill I lost 20 pounds. I became happy me again. My periods returned, scene cleared up, and mood swings ended. Tri-sprintec, however, significantly increased my sex drive. It was there a little before the PCOS symptoms became noticeable. Then I had no sex drive from PCOS, but since I started it my sex dive has been pretty high for an 18 year old. Anyway, I would say if you have PCOS this pill rocks."

9 / 10
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13 Report
  • badst...
  • January 9, 2020

Mono-Linyah (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "This stuff Mono-Linyah messed me up. I've been taking it for at least 5 months. I have PCOS. My periods were fine; light, regular, no cramping. It seemed to be helping my mood then out of nowhere I started having panic attacks. I have been diagnosed with generalized anxiety in the past and have had anxiety attacks but never pure panic that lasted an entire day much less an entire month. I also have had some personal things that could warrant anxiety but not to this extreme. The entire month of December was a nightmare. I couldn't take deep breaths, I couldn't eat, I was nauseated all the time, felt like I was on a constant roller coaster. I thought it was just the holidays and once they were over, I'd feel better and I did start feeling better but then one night, I had a huge panic attack again. What changed? I thought I was getting better. Then it hit me, I had just started the new month over. I quit the next day. It's taken 6 days to feel even sort of better."

1 / 10
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7 Report
  • Thiao
  • May 31, 2016

Sprintec (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "So I've been taking sprintec for a month now due to different insurance. And I've had two periods within one month, I am very emotional unstable. My ankles are swelling I have headaches. And my sex drive is decreasing. I'm always sleepy, I never want to get up for work, my cervix was really hard and low on my period. And this has never happened before, this pill is horrible for me! I can't speak for everyone."

1 / 10
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11 Report
  • Hsouder
  • January 17, 2013

Sprintec (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "The only reason I gave this birth control a 2 was because it made my periods last two days and my acne wasn't as bad. That's the only good thing I have to say about it. It has my anxiety come back, severe nausea, bad acid reflux, migraines, mood swings, insomnia, depression at times, and extremely tender breasts. It's hard to go off someone else's experiences cause everyone is different. "

2 / 10
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14 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 19, 2013

Sprintec (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "My first pack, it's been fine for me. I usually experience a bit of nausea with birth control pills and this one wasn't too bad at all! Breasts are pretty tender and seem to have grown a bit. I love that its so cheap and does what it's intended to do. Before this my insurance wouldn't cover birth control so to me this is a God send. "

10 / 10
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14 Report
  • Dancer
  • May 15, 2020

Sprintec (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "I got on sprintec to try to fix acne and stop getting ovarian cysts. I haven't had an ovarian cyst for either month and I've had at least one for 7 months in a row before starting this. At first my back and chest broke out which wasn't normal and my face acne didn't get better or worse. My back and chest have been healing and my face still is about the same, maybe a little better. My boobs hurt pretty bad for the whole first month but have felt better and almost back to normal now. I do feel nauseous but I did before from ovarian cysts too, so I'm not sure if that's because of the bc. I have felt hungry a lot from this I think but I haven't gained weight from it. I haven't had mood swings out of the ordinary. The biggest complaint I have about this is that my period cramps usually happened the first day or two and then went away and on Sprintec it's hurt the whole time I've been on my period. I'm also not pregnant, so it's doing it's job on that part. So, overall, not complaining!"

8 / 10
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6 Report
  • Periods...
  • January 16, 2013

Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "I was on this pill for 5 years with absolutely no problems. My periods were on time, short and light. Also my ovarian cysts dissappeared. Then my doctor decided to change me to a different pill because she was worried about high blood pressure. On the new pill I've had constant spotting for the last 5 months and now I've had my period for the last 4 weeks. Ugh! Since my blood pressure monitoring came back normal, I finally convinced her to switch my pills again. Oh I wish she'd switch me back to Orhto Tri cyclen Lo, but she picked a new one instead. We'll see how that goes..."

10 / 10
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13 Report

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.