Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome User Reviews

• Kat...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 15, 2019

Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol "Yasmin (brand name only) has been a miracle drug for me. I have PCOS, and when I'm not on it, I gain weight, have severe acne on my back and chest, grow excess hair on my body, lose hair on my head, and I'm super lethargic. When I'm on Yasmin, all of these symptoms go away. I will go on it again as soon as I can!"

• kay...
• July 2, 2011

Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol "Well, I have had polycystic ovarian syndrome symptoms since the age of 13. When I was 18, my doctor prescribed Yasmin. Before, I was overweight, had bad acne, excessive hair growth on my body and face, and was just angry/depressed. After taking Yasmin, my skin was amazing, seriously! I lost 20 pounds in 3 weeks (was active though), hair didn't grow as much, I had more energy, and I was content. The only side effect I had was a small rash on my ankle that cleared up in 2 days. At that time, I only had a 28-day supply. I'm 26 now and haven't taken Yasmin since then. I've gained all the weight back plus more, I have way more hair growth, and I'm angry and depressed all the time. I'm willing to try Yasmin again this year."

• Anonymous
• November 6, 2009

Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol "I started taking this - before, I was very moody - caused a lot of fights with my boyfriend from mood swings. I suffer from depression, PKD, POD, etc. I took the medication, and within the first month, I noticed I wasn't as moody. I'm also very overweight - lost 30 pounds the first 2 months (granted, I ate healthy and exercised, but what a boost - POD is a heavy cause for weight gain). My hair also didn't grow as fast, so I didn't have to shave as often, and I was a lot happier in the end. I've been told to switch to another one, and I'm very, very hesitant to do so - only due to this not being recommended for kidney disease."

• Anonymous
• September 12, 2009

Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol "I was placed on Yaz in May and taken off of Sprintec because of extreme joint swelling. At first, Yaz was great. I had no complaints the first month, then the weight gain started. I have been 120 lbs my whole adult life and went to 130 lbs within days into the second pack. By August (just months), I slipped into a depression with extreme hopelessness and could not stop crying. I also noticed that my skin was getting oily. I called my doctor, and they placed me back on my old pills. Within a week, my mood has improved, I'm not crying uncontrollably, and my skin is normal again. The pharmacist stated that women either love Yaz or they hate it. Too bad it didn't work for me, I am very glad to be off of it."

• Mis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 10, 2017

"I've had 2 surgeries for 2 ruptured ovarian cysts as a result of PCOS, and I usually have very severe side effects to hormonal medication. However, I did not want to experience the pain I did this last time, so I found out about Yaz and decided to try it since its anti-androgen properties could help my symptoms. I was prescribed the generic thanks to my insurance - Nikki - and was skeptical that I would get the full benefit. WOW! What a difference! I'm not even through the first pack yet, and my brain fog is GONE! My moods have evened out - I also suffer from PMDD - and I feel AMAZING!"

• ohh...
• June 6, 2011

Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol "I decided to write a review since I did not see anyone mention PCOS. I have been on Gianvi since October 2009. It is now June 2011. I initially took Yaz until I was switched to the generic version, Gianvi. Both medications have not given me any issues. My periods are normal, no cramps (I never had any to begin with), reduced acne, and maintained weight. I have always been an emotional person to some degree. This hasn't seemed to increase my emotions, and I do not get angry or get headaches as some have said. My only worry is getting blood clots or DVT, as I've recently read."

• Anonymous
• March 23, 2011

Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol "I would be absolutely useless during my period, and the pain from my 'episodes,' as we have come to call them, would be so bad that I would actually go into shock. I took Yaz for a little over a year and LOVED IT. My periods were nearly pain-free, my skin looked AMAZING (even though it wasn't horrible before), and I had no definite side effects. I went from needing 2 acetaminophen and 4 ibuprofen every four hours or a hydrocodone (for the pain) to needing nothing! The pain had gone from unbearable to a mild discomfort. I had no change in weight, and my moods were much more stable. My only side effect was a mild 'rocky' stomach the first few days after initially starting the pill. It worked great for me."

• Too...
• February 19, 2019

"I was on Yasmin for about 3 years, which really helped with my symptoms of PCOS. For some reason, my doc decided to switch me to Yaz despite me telling her multiple times that I liked Yasmin and that it helped me regulate (she also told me I didn't have PCOS, even though I recently went to a new doc who has confirmed that I do have PCOS). Anyways, Yaz completely messed me up, stopped getting a period for about 5 months, then started getting sick with migraines and extreme nausea. Finally, I went off Yaz and found a new doc to help me with the issues Yaz gave me, she found that I have PCOS and put me back on Yasmin. To clarify for me - Yasmin works for PCOS, Yaz does not. They have the same hormones, but different doses. The Yaz has less ethinyl estradiol (0.02 mg) and the Yasmin has more (0.03 mg). Needless to say, I am so happy to be back on Yasmin."

• Anonymous
• June 18, 2010

"I have been on Ocella for a month and two weeks and have not experienced any weight gain. I was scared to hear all the negative reviews about Yasmin and Ocella, and I didn't want to take it, but unfortunately, I have PCOS and I had to. When my period came, I experienced extremely painful cramps, which some girls experience during that time of the week, but I never have. A Pamprin solved that problem. I am nauseous a lot of the time, but it's not too debilitating, and I think it helps me eat less. I noticed my acne clear up tremendously after taking Ocella, and I have regular periods again, which is a relief. Everyone has a different reaction."

• Anonymous
• August 11, 2010

Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol "I have been on Yaz for a little over a year now. My doctor put me on this pill because it is apparently a good one for PCOS. This pill did keep me from getting pregnant and helped somewhat with cramping. However, while on this pill, I gained about 12 pounds, and my sex drive was non-existent, and I'm 21, so that's not normal. Also, while I was on Yaz, my periods never came the day they were supposed to but rather the day they were supposed to end. My periods were often heavy and irregular. Before I was put on Yaz, I was on Seasonique, and today I am going back on that pill. I was on Seasonique for 4 years before Yaz, and I never had any problems."

• Lea...
• November 6, 2009

Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol "Count me as another woman upset that Ocella is no longer a generic. According to BlueCross, who has received tons of calls on this change, Ocella is now a brand-name drug and is also non-formulary. Even though the drug worked great for me and was helpful in my treatment of PCOS, there's no way I can spend $160 for a three-month supply, especially for something that used to be completely covered by insurance."

• Chr...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 6, 2019

"I had almost lost one ovary by age 13. I’d had periods every 2 weeks that lasted up to a week each for years before that. I had a cyst on the end of my fallopian tube that had been constricting for probably a year or more. At the rate I was losing eggs, I’d hit menopause by 18. I was prescribed Yasmin 28. Anytime I’ve been off it, I get acne and my PMDD gets worse, as well as my PCOS. For my teen years, I was still getting cysts, just not as bad, and they would rupture before they got big. I had my first child at 19 or so. I also got pregnant only when I was off Yasmin 28 for a month (insurance, Orthotricyclin). I’ve been mostly cyst-free for over a year, and I’m 34. I have had a few when I was off Yasmin 28. I found for my body the generic for Yasmin 28 was not as helpful. As a teen, it was the worst, even on Yasmin 28. I do suggest this drug for PMDD and PCOS. My insurance now covers it as my doctor clicks preferred brand on the RX, and I get a 3-month supply for like $60 on insurance."

• san...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 19, 2018

"I took the generic brand from Lupin Laboratories for ovarian cysts. I did not experience nausea or headaches, and it helped with the cyst. The only downside was I started getting dark spots on my face. My doctor switched me over to Migrogestin 1/20."

• Ama...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 15, 2021

"I just remembered this website after coming across it back in the summer, several months ago. While reading these reviews, it frightened me because I was previously on Yasmin, which caused me to have weight gain but helped my acne. I decided to just give this pill a go. I was diagnosed with PCOS at the age of 16 after having extreme irregular periods and cystic acne. My acne was my biggest issue, as those were my only signs (not overweight at all). I was on Yasmin all throughout high school until this summer, where I really realized it had made me gain so much weight (15 lbs) & I was tired of feeling so unconfident especially. Well, turns out I was right. After starting this pill, I had absolutely zero side effects at all, it didn’t make me break out, I lost 10 pounds & back to my normal weight. I feel so much more emotionally stable and normal now. Great pill, I highly recommend for anyone struggling with cystic acne or PCOS. I promise, give it a try :)"

• 050...
• January 20, 2010

Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol "I was on Yaz for almost 3 years. At first, it REALLY helped with the symptoms of my PCOS. I had gained so much weight before starting the pill, and my ache was horrible. When I got on the pill, acne went away, my weight started to slowly decrease. Now, however, I've been on it for 2 years, and all I can say is that it made me feel worse. My weight still has not dropped off (after diets and exercise). I got headaches, and I'm always so tender now. I've developed GERD, which I never had a problem with before I started the Yaz. I recently JUST stopped taking it, and now that I'm NOT on it, I feel more in control over my thoughts, and I started noticing roller coaster patterns in my moods from when I was on the Yaz. However, I'm summing up."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 18, 2016

"I have been on Ortho Tri-Cyclen for two years and rapidly gained over 15 pounds after the first year. I never felt full after a meal and would always crave sweets. Finally, 3 months ago, I decided to go on Zarah, a generic brand of Yasmin. Before I was on birth control, I was 104 pounds. 3 months ago, I was 131 pounds and started becoming very concerned about my weight. After being on Zarah for these 3 months, I am now 123.0 pounds! I'm happier and less worried, and I want to lose at least 4 more pounds. This is a huge difference for me, as birth control is something I need to be on to prevent any more cysts from forming. I've had two burst in less than two weeks and had to be hospitalized."

• Nat...
• July 11, 2021

"I began Yaz in 2019 after a doctor tried to give me a birth control that made me bleed constantly after I had a huge cyst. They decided instead of the laparoscopy, more birth control changes would be cheaper. It was also not helping with cyst growth, so I did my research and got a second opinion with a telephone doctor. I got Yaz, and it's helped me so much with my PCOS. My hair stopped falling out so much, weight loss became 'easier,' and I'm not bleeding constantly with severe symptoms! It didn't matter how much pain I said I was in, that my stomach hurt, my back. I still get pain, but it's not as extreme, and I'm not crying over a Rice Krispies treat for no reason. Wish it did more for hirsutism."

• Fry...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 1, 2016

"I was on Yaz for three years. I am really torn on how I feel about it. I am an average weight non-smoker. I am on birth control for ovarian cysts, not to prevent pregnancy. At first, Yaz was great. No periods at all, but some bleeding after sex. I lost 10 lbs immediately, mostly just water weight, and my PMS/PMDD was so much better. The negative part is the extremely painful breasts, low libido, a blood clot, binge eating, price, and eventual negative mood changes. I have finally connected Yaz to two whole years of horrible light-headed/dizzy spells, of which I originally blamed my antidepressant. I am now getting off of Yaz and going back on my antidepressant. I cannot yet prove it was the Yaz, but I do see dizziness as a side effect."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 10, 2018

"Do not take this drug. It made me spacey, tired, anxious, and, most of all, extremely dehydrated. I could not hold onto any water and urinated large amounts every 30 minutes. As you can imagine, this has greatly interfered with my life. I constantly have dry, cracked lips and no energy. It took me years to finally figure out that this is the problem. I switched to a different pill without drospirenone, and I think I am slowly getting better. This dangerous drug should not be prescribed at all."

• Anonymous
• November 26, 2010

Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol "I have tried practically every treatment there is for PCOS, and unfortunately, Yasmin is the only thing that has helped me. But, it puts about 7-12 pounds on me."