Drospirenone / estetrol and Acne: What Users Say

• Ann...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 23, 2021

Drospirenone / estetrol for Birth Control "I am a really odd case, so I can’t comment on the effectiveness of the birth control in terms of spotting/breakthrough bleeding, but here’s what I can say. I have always had horrible acne as well as a migraine disorder. This medication does wonderful with both of those. I did, however, find that I have terrible uterine cramps seemingly randomly through the month. The very first month on this medication was terrible, the pain from cramping was 7/10 every day! Second month in, and cramping only happens about once a week now. The other side effect I notice is definite breast swelling and tenderness, they are almost always sore to the point I don’t wear a bra anymore."

• lal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 21, 2022

Drospirenone / estetrol for Birth Control "Started this because I have painful, long periods off of birth control. On every birth control that I've tried, I bleed at least twice a month for around 10 days. The first month was great. I was hopeful because my bleeding held off until about 3 days before the inactive pills. Period lasted long, but I was fine with it. Second month started, and I began bleeding again. On the positive side, I have noticed way less mood swings/PMS compared to what I experienced on other OCPs. No major increase in acne or weight gain so far either. Only main complaint is the constant breakthrough bleeding and irregular periods."

• Uns...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 4, 2023

For Birth Control "Was switched to this as a 'low hormone' birth control. Unfortunately, it just didn't work for me. I took it for 5 months and was consistent in taking it daily at the same time (a few days, was 30 minutes late, but did not miss any pills). I had a lot of unscheduled bleeding. The first month - my period was a week early (week 3). In the second and third months - bleeding occurred again on week 3 and then during the placebo week (week 4). The fourth month - bleeding occurred in week 2 and then again during placebo week (when scheduled). Pack 5 - bleeding again at week 3 and then again during placebo week. Cons - increased cramping with placebo/withdrawal period and also with all the unscheduled bleeding. Acne started around months 3-4. A massive increase in fatigue! Guessing likely due to all the unscheduled bleeding. No pregnancy. Pros - no breast pain, weight gain, or nausea. Mood seemed stable. Overall - prevented pregnancy but did not help with any menstrual relief at all, made it worse because I was bleeding more."

• Cma...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 6, 2023

Drospirenone / estetrol for Birth Control "I was on Junel Fe for years, but recently switched to Nextstellis because of the vaginal dryness the Junel caused. That was the only downside of the Junel, but it was making intercourse uncomfortable. The Nextstellis works wonders for the vaginal dryness, but it caused many unwanted side effects for me. I have a history of bad acne, and the Junel kept it under control for years, but when I started the Nextstellis, I began to have breakouts. They were mild at first, but by month 5, it was all over my face, back, chest, and shoulders. I haven't had breakouts like that since middle school. It also caused breakthrough bleeding, terrible cramps, sore/painful axillary lymph nodes, and hair loss during my placebo pills/period. These symptoms seem to have worsened month to month, never getting better. So, I will be trying a different pill, it just sadly wasn't for me."