Skip to main content

Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol for Birth Control User Reviews

Brand names: Yaz, Yasmin, Ocella, Loryna, Nikki, Jasmiel, Syeda, Gianvi, Lo-Zumandimine, Zarah, Zumandimine, Melamisa Yaela …show all brand names

Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol has an average rating of 5.0 out of 10 from a total of 1542 reviews for the treatment of Birth Control. 34% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 45% reported a negative experience.

Drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol rating summary

5.0/10 average rating

1542 ratings from 1649 user reviews.

Compare all 279 medications used in the treatment of Birth Control.

10
14%
9
12%
8
8%
7
5%
6
4%
5
7%
4
5%
3
7%
2
9%
1
28%

Reviews for Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol

  • Ryry
  • May 5, 2020

Yaz (drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol) "I actually sought out user reviews to see if anyone else was benefiting as much as I am from this medication. I have bounced between Yaz and Lo Loestrin since I was 14 or 15. I am 22 now. I have absolutely nothing bad to say about Yaz besides the spotting. The spotting can be annoying and as a teenager, I became anemic because of it. However, at 22 years old and with a much healthier diet, Yaz has been absolutely amazing. Lo Loestrin made me quite angry/have mood swings and would make me lose my breast tissue if I lost weight. On Yaz, my boobs have stayed despite dropping 15 lbs while taking it. I don't have angry mood swings when I take Yaz. My skin gets insanely clear when I take Yaz. My hair grows faster and thicker when I take Yaz (compared to Lo Loestrin). My sex drive is extremely high when I am on Yaz. I actually experience a lower sex drive when taking Lo Loestrin."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
248 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • February 17, 2020

Yaz (drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol) "I've been on Yaz for 7 years starting when I went to college. I had been struggling with acne and excess hair. My periods at this time were a good 8 days of bleeding. When I started taking Yaz... nothing negative happened. My acne slowly got better and my body hair decreased. My periods also decreased to around 5 days and were generally less crampy, and I lost less blood. Literally no bad side effects. You can also skip or move your periods if you are going on vacation. The only reason I'm looking into switching to an IUD is because it's less work than taking a pill every day. A lot of these reviews are bad because of selection bias. I'm sure there are tons of stories like mine, but because they are so mundane, people don't share them."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
170 Report
  • Anonymous
  • January 17, 2021

Yasmin (drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol) "I’m a runner and have no history for blood clots. I started using Yasmin mid September of 2020 and November 21st I went on a run and passed out. The first hospital visit they told me I just had SVT and was sent back home. My heart rate stayed at 120 and I felt like absolute garbage I couldn’t even walk two steps without feeling like I couldn’t breathe and was about to pass out again. I went back to the ER on the 23rd, they did some tests and I came back with an abnormal test for pulmonary embolism. I got a CT and they told me I had a large clot above my heart and going into my lungs, called a saddle pulmonary embolism. I was sent to ICU and spent 5 total days at the hospital. They told me it was the largest PE they had ever seen in a person of my age I'm a late teenager). If I hadn’t gone in when I did they told me I could’ve gone into cardiac arrest. I’m not saying this is something that is going to happen to everyone but I want to share my story."

2 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
115 Report
  • Anony...
  • February 27, 2020

Yaz (drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol) "Please be careful with this pill it has ruined my life I was on it for just over a week and it has caused me to have a psychotic break I have never had issues with mental health just a little anxiety but nothing I needed help for it’s just common things like crowds did I say the wrong thing in that conversation a so on but now I am having intrusive thoughts more panic attacks then I can count and I am the lowest I have ever felt In my life I have gone from a happy loving person looking forward to her wedding in 10 weeks to someone who doesn’t even know who I am anymore PLEAE BE CAREFUL!!! "

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
134 Report
  • Hano
  • December 14, 2019

Yasmin (drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol) "2 yrs on yasmin pills 1.Beautiful glowing moist skin. 2.Proper period. 3.No pregnancy Disadvantages: 1. Severe anxiety 2.Depression 3.Low sex drive 4.Lost my sense of humor 5.Nothing makes me happy and alive 6.Morning sickness 7.Dry mouth when I wake up from fear! 8.Lost my hair 9.Foggy mind 10.Lost my self esteem I came off the pills around a month and a half. I started doing my blood tests and started taking - vitamin B - vitamin D - omega Helped me a lot in recovering ! I started drinking water a lot to flush the hormones from my system You're not alone ! We all suffered from this pill , believe me you'll be the best version of yourself after focusing on your health. You'll be fine , give some time for your body to recover and be patient with yourself ! " Love yourself and don't think of people's opinion about you ! You're in a temporary phase and this shall pass with love .. Stay strong ! With love H from Dubai"

Was this helpful?YesNo
136 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

  • MGS
  • April 7, 2021

Nikki (drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol) "I LOVE Nikki! I read several negative reviews when I was prescribed this birth control, but I still took a chance. Since starting, I have had no period whatsoever. My PMS symptoms have dramatically decreased. My skin is so clear I can’t remember the last time I had a significant breakout which is huge for me. I was surgically diagnosed with endometriosis 2 years ago, so having no period & no pain every month is amazing for me. I know every birth control is different for every woman, but I wanted to provide my positive review."

Was this helpful?YesNo
103 Report
  • Soph
  • June 7, 2020

Yasmin (drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol) "I’ve been on this Yasmin pill for a few months now and I have to say I’m really happy with it! I am a bit more emotional and sad but that comes with any pill really. I’ve gone through about 3 pills and found this one is the best. I have shorter and lighter periods and no cramps which is amazing. My skin is clear and my boobs have grown also. I do recommend this but keep in mind every pill has different effects for everyone:)"

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
117 Report
  • lana
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 17, 2021

Yaz (drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol) "Honestly I was quite scared to start taking the birth control pill for the first time after reading so many bad reviews and hearing all these horror stories about it. But I have to say although I've only been on it for 2 months I've had almost no side effects at all. Only on the first few days I was a bit nauseas and my breasts were tender but besides that its been smooth sailing. No emotional changes, no weight gain, nothing. So don't let bad reviews about it get to you and give it a try, everybody has a different reaction to it."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
96 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 24, 2019

Yasmin (drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol) "I had the WORST experience on this medication. The ONE and ONLY thing that got me through was the strength of THE HOLY SPIRIT. I took this medication for 10 days and I experienced crippling anxiety. Two months later, I am taking anxiety medication to get my body back to normal. If anybody is reading this and going through something similar, read the word of GOD. "

Was this helpful?YesNo
110 Report
  • Still...
  • November 6, 2020

Nikki (drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol) "This makes 5 months on Nikki for me. My body acne has completely healed. I was on the Mirena IUD right after my second child and it completely messed up my hormones. I gained 30 lbs in two months. Now being on Nikki, I have officially lost 20lbs without any real change to my diet . Wondering if I'm crazy or if this BC has actually straightened out my hormones. Has anyone else experienced weight loss?"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
85 Report
  • bella...
  • August 16, 2009

Yaz (drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol) "I just want to say thank you to all those who took time to write positive things about Yaz. I did a lot of research before taking the pill and frankly, it scared me. So many complaints and horror stories. The most important thing to remember is that we all react to substances/hormones in different ways. I'm 35 and haven't taken the pill since I was 20. I am on my 4th pack of Yaz and am very pleased. I had a little spotting in the first two months and stomach discomfort, especially when I forget a pill. Aside from that, I've lost weight and stay slim even when not active, my breasts have gone up a full size which I love. My sex drive is fine, if not greater, no change in moods. Good luck to all."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
238 Report
  • izzy
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 10, 2020

Yasmin (drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol) " This was by far the worst form of birth control I have ever taken. I am quite a strong person and this had me in tears every day, questioning all of my relationships and physically I felt drained and ill. I had no motivation to anything, no sex drive and no will to even live. Don't even start this depression causing pill, would not recommend."

Was this helpful?YesNo
80 Report
  • hannah
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 23, 2022

Loryna (drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol) "I see so many negative reviews for Loryna but I thought I would write a positive one because there's probably a girl out there who was just like me and scared to death to switch birth controls because of all the horrid reviews. I took generic Ortho Tri Cyclen (Trinessa) for several years because I have acne alongside my need for BC. Ortho made me into a lunatic. It ramped up my emotions to the point of me damn near becoming psychotic. When I gave birth to my daughters I tried the Copper IUD, had it almost 3 years but got sick of the CONSTANT bleeding I was having. decided to get back on Ortho Tri Cyclen (this time called Tri-Lo-Mili) and immediately became a raging psychopath after only a few days of taking it. Now granted, I would've stuck it out, but I remembered how I was during the 3 years of Trinessa and the feelings were the exact same. I switched to Loryna and the first day there was immediate mental relief. I've had 0 negative side effects. Love this BC so much."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
48 Report
  • Jenna
  • February 27, 2020

Yasmin (drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol) "I’ve been on this pill for more than a decade. No issues. Slight nausea and a mild yeast infection when starting it, but those went away after the first few weeks, and after that I had 10 years of light periods, clear skin, nice hair, and stable mood. Sex drive was slightly reduced, but not enough to cause problems. I went off Yasmin for a few years to try the Paragard and honestly it’s been frustrating. Sex isn’t as much fun because I’m bleeding or PMSing for three quarters of the month, plus my periods, while not medically problematic, are annoyingly irregular - and they come with seven days of insomnia. Being on the pill put a stop to that for me. Yes, there have been a few benefits of being off it, but on balance, my natural hormones are not the magical fairy tale I keep seeing touted on the internet. I’m not saying everyone should take Yasmin, but if you’re thinking about taking it and are anxious about side effects, know that for some of us it ends up being fine."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
77 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 6, 2020

Yaz (drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol) "I’ve taken this Yaz pill for about 2 months and I’m going off of it now. The anxiety and depression that came with this were not worth it. Sometimes, it came at the end of the pack, but I had terrible emotional problems all month long. I would cry for no reason, have multiple panic attacks a day, and have way too many self deprecating thoughts. I’ve never had problems with periods before (no mood swings, cramps, bloating) but after starting this, I’ve experienced all of those. It’s been difficult to find a birth control pill that doesn’t come with emotional problems warranting antidepressants. I don’t know if I’ll ever find one."

3 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
66 Report
  • MGano
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 28, 2020

Nikki (drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol) "I’ve been taking Nikki for almost a full month now. At first I was so nervous it was going to make me depressed and gain weight after reading all these reviews. However, I started working out more and watching what I eat and I’ve only lost weight in the last month. My mood seems the same besides I cry easier than I did before starting Nikki. Don’t let all these reviews scare you it’s important to see how your body reacts to it."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
62 Report
  • anon
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 24, 2020

Yasmin (drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol) "My contraceptive pill has been switched 4 times in the last 2 and a half years and I can honestly say the last 3 months on this pill have been the worst of my life. Wouldn’t normally write a review on this sort of thing but I just want to say if you’re experiencing higher than normal levels of anxiety, depression, paranoia, anger etc please get off this Yasmin pill as soon as possible it turned me into a different person - look into other birth control/ acne control options. My periods normally average 2-3 days, I have been HEAVILY bleeding for a week now, this has not happened on any of my other pills, it’s honestly not worth the clear skin many other pills do the same job with skin without making you depressed. I thought I was going crazy but after reading all the reviews on this MY STORY IS EXACTLY THE SAME DO NOT TAKE THIS PILL!!!!"

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
58 Report
  • kayla...
  • July 16, 2013

Yaz (drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol) "I have been on Yaz for 3 and a half years, and I have not had any issues. I have regular periods, I have no weird side effects. I fluctuate in weight by 5 pounds now off and on. I read all of the scary lawsuits against Yaz, talked to my doctors and the lawsuits failed to mention the other issues that girls had other then just the common factor that they were taking Yaz. PLEASE DON'T BE SCARED OF IT. I was and its a stress you don't need. I have been fine, and many others have too."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
114 Report
  • Gullis
  • August 31, 2019

Nikki (drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol) "I’m so glad I took the leap and decided to take this birth control. I was suppose to get YAZ, but my doctor prescribed me this instead. BOY, was I worried from all these reviews. I was about to just throw the pack out from the horror stories. This stuff saved my life. I no longer suffer from cramps, my PMS is tamed, and my painful breakouts are gone. It’s a dream come true. As for libido... it’s still there! I did drop a star from the review because I don’t get as wet as I used to. But this is normal on BC and that’s what lube is for, haha. Everyone’s body is different, ladies. Embrace the trial and error phases and find what works best for you <3"

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
59 Report
  • Anonymous
  • July 17, 2021

Yasmin (drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol) "I started taking Yasmin only 2 weeks ago and I’m already stopping, I feel angry all the time, crying, not myself, I feel like a dark cloud is over me and feel like I have depression. It’s been nerve wracking leaving the house, going to work and it’s like I’m loosing my mind. I went on it to help with PCOS because of my irregular periods and PMS, feel like I can’t win, can’t find a pill that works for me and struggle with mood swings and hormones when I’m off the pill too. Would rather not be on Yasmin though, worse feeling down every day and like a different person. Do not recommend, looks like it’s rare that this suits anyone."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
40 Report
  • Moocat
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • June 21, 2017

Yasmin (drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol) "I have been on Yasmin for 11 years now consistently and have absolutely zero issues, complaints or problems. No weight gain, clear skin, and my moods are as normal and fluctuate based on my regular monthly hormone fluctuations. However I see numerous comments on the first few weeks from users, and it's important to know that everyone is different! We are all built uniquely and our bodies have a one of a kind reaction to anything, particularly birth control. I'm a nurse in the public health sector and I advise all my patients to give their new birth control at least 3 months before deciding to call it quits. There's a lot of hormones going into your body at once and you need to let it settle! Good luck with whatever contraception you choose"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
77 Report
  • Vic
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 5, 2020

Yaz (drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol) "I’m 25, haven’t had an actual period in years (was on an IUD called Mirena). It was working fantastic for 7 years then came the expiration date. My desire to search for a new method of birth control begin. Considering how long I’d been on the IUD I figured let’s try something new. BIGGEST MISTAKE OF MY LIFE, it has been HORRIBLE finding a birth control that would fit my body & Yaz was NO exception. I have been taking the pill for two months. Side effects came gradually, things you’d assume: breast tenderness, cramping, bloating, lower back sensitivity. But there was something much more sinister bubbling up, so slowly I didn’t even notice, until I became a completely different woman. I have never been more depressed. Low energy, irritability, general feeling of discomfort, hopelessness, EMOTIONAL, crying all the time. Do your research but based off my experience RUN."

2 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
48 Report
  • Lily
  • February 26, 2021

Nikki (drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol) "It is important to remember that only people who have had either awful or a great experience review things... most people are just average! Anyways I LOVE Nikki. No side effects other than spotting a week before placebo for a few months ( very light, only needed a liner so it didn’t bother me!!) No weight gain, depression, NOTHING. OH and she cleared my acne! I can’t remember the last time I’ve had a pimple. Remember that everyone’s body is different, so don’t get scared reading the reviews."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
43 Report
  • Dani
  • October 16, 2020

Loryna (drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol) "By far my favorite birth control I have ever taken. I have been on the pill since I was 16 (22 now) due to heavy periods and to help with my acne. I was on Loryna from 16-19 years old then tried the Kyleena IUD which was a nightmare for me. I ended up getting it removed after 6 months and went right back to Loryna. I have been the same weight since I was 16 and the IUD caused me to gain 5-8 pounds within 6 months, but my weight went right back to normal when I went back on Loryna. My skin rarely ever has any acne on it and the best part... I haven’t gotten my period in 2 years on this pill! Ignore the scary reviews and give it a try!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
46 Report
  • Mel
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • April 16, 2020

Yasmin (drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol) "I was taking this pill for 2 years, during this time my long waist length hair started to fall out very gradually, after about a year my thick hair had become thin and had all broken off to neck length. My doctor was adamant that this pill was not causing my problem and sent me for blood tests to see whether I had some sort of deficiency. These all came back normal. I made the decision to come off the Yasmin pill last year. My hair has only just started to grow back - this is after a year of not taking the pill. I am absolutely certain after reading other Women’s reviews on here that Yasmin caused my hair to fall out. Please please consider what you are doing when taking this pill. I took this pill like many because it is marketed as the only pill that doesn’t make you gain weight. Putting on a little weight wouldn’t have hit my mental health as hard as losing all of my hair has."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
50 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.