Yasmin and Weight Gain: What Users Say

• Ell...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 20, 2020

For Birth Control "I'm on Yasmin for 3 years. 3 very long years. I started on Yaz and had it for a year and had breakthrough bleeding, so I was told to go onto Yasmin. Well, I've gained two stone. Skin is spotty around the time of the month, which never used to happen. I cry if I'm tired or angry. I cry if something happens that wasn't supposed to. I'm very emotional. I've had enough of it now and am changing the pill after my break. My sex drive? Nonexistent. My mood swings? Dangerous. My body? Fat and tired."

• Ell...
• April 7, 2018

For Birth Control "Trying Yasmin for the first time and honestly, I was freaked out by all the bad reviews on the web! But a review from someone (a nurse) said everyone's body is different so you can't rely on others, and besides, people usually feel the need to write reviews when things are bad, and don't bother when it's good. So, I'm gonna give it justice. I've tried it for 2 weeks, expecting all these depression, mood swings, nausea, weight gain, loss of sexual desire, and all other things people say happen to them... to happen, but NO, nothing changed at all! All those did not happen at all! I know I only tried it for 2 weeks, but this review is to tell you all ladies out there, just try it; if your body 'matches' with the pill (like mine I guess, I hope it will continue like this), it feels amazing because you have the safety without any side effects!"

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

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "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!"

• Ann...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 18, 2020

For Birth Control "My doctor recommended this birth control to regulate my period. I was on this for about 3 months, I gained 10+ pounds from this birth control and cried nearly every day about the smallest things. I was so emotional and depressed. I have taken about 5 other birth controls in the past, and they have never given me any side effects like this. I strongly do not recommend."

• Sus...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 24, 2020

For Birth Control "Highly do not recommend Yasmin. Advantages - no pregnancy, lighter periods. Disadvantages - weight gain, bigger breasts, no sex drive, decrease in hair quality. Within the first three months, I already had a UTI and a yeast infection, which I’ve never had before in the past. Overall bad for me, I started being way more anxious and stressed out, felt like it was way more difficult to be happy at all. Do not recommend at all! Feel so stupid as I didn’t link any of my symptoms till now, even though I only started having these issues after the pill."

• Lol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 16, 2014

For Birth Control "Mood improved dramatically, PMT gone! Completely, and this was becoming a problem as I'm 40, it seemed to be getting worse. I've lost a few pounds and find it easier to keep my weight down, it must be the diuretic and no fluid retention. Bigger breasts, a bit tender but better with time, I've been on it nearly 3 months now. Libido maybe even better, as I feel happier. This is by far the best pill I've been on, and I didn't take the pill for years because of the effects of weight gain and libido. I've tried Mirena twice, awful, mini pill, mini pill injection, cap, and coil. Finally found one that suits, now my GP won't prescribe it! I will try family planning."

• Ano...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 27, 2015

For Birth Control "Been on Yasmin for 5 years. Always had brain fog. Gained 50 lbs. Lost hair. Stressed. Appetite went way up. Recently decided to go off the pill. After the period, I instantly felt better. Sex drive is coming back. Just feel good. Hope it keeps up, but I'm not going back."

• Anonymous
• December 11, 2011

For Menstrual Disorders "I have taken this pill for 7 years, and my gyno recommended a lower dose pill (Yaz). Yasmin has done wonders for PCOS symptoms of acne, weight gain, and overall mood issues. I am 45 years old and do not smoke. Overall, it has been an amazing pill."

• Sop...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 12, 2021

For Acne "I was put on Yasmin 3 months ago for my acne as well as a use of contraceptive. Over the past three months, my skin had gotten so much worse. Big cystic spots around my jawline and cheeks, as well as small under-the-skin pimples. I've suddenly started to realize myself changing with depressive moods, anxiety, emotional wreck, weight gain, and generally not myself. I will not be taking my fourth month packet, as the hope for clear skin is just not worth this feeling. My advice: don't take this pill."

• Ano...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 22, 2019

For Acne "I am 19 and have had mild to severe acne all throughout my teen years. I have tried so many different acne products, such as Proactiv and other prescription creams, but nothing ever worked. It really lowered my self-esteem, and I would never leave the house without makeup. I decided to try Yasmin because it was the only thing left to try before Accutane, and plus my periods were really irregular, so I was hoping it would help that as well. I have now been on Yasmin for 8 months, and my skin is completely clear, with just a few pimples every once in a while. Also, my periods regulated as soon as I started the pill. My face didn’t get worse at the beginning, but it does take a few months to see results. I have been a little more moody since I started and have gained a little bit of weight (I also haven’t been exercising), but I’m for sure going to stay on it because my face is the clearest it’s ever been, and I now feel comfortable leaving my house without makeup."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 12, 2020

For Birth Control "I was on this pill for around a year, and I can’t believe I put up with it for that long. My appetite would change constantly. Sometimes I would eat everything, and sometimes I couldn’t eat without feeling nauseous. I’ve tried this pill and Tricyclen, this one made me gain so much more weight. I was on both for around a year. Finally, the mood swings. I would cry every single day for no reason. Even if something inconvenient happened, I’d start crying. And I felt like I couldn’t control it. Out of nowhere, the tears would start falling. It made everyone around me annoyed. It helped my acne for a bit, but then I started getting a few pimples again after a while. I do not recommend this one!"

• 123...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 11, 2016

For Birth Control "I don't usually review anything online, but I really feel like I need to share my experience with this pill. I was on Yasmin for a year and a half, and although superficially it was okay (no weight gain, no acne, etc.), mentally I went crazy, and this seems to be the case for a lot of women. I was anxious, my mind was foggy, I was snappy and overly aggressive (which is very unlike me), and generally just didn't feel myself. I then spoke to a doctor following an anxiety breakdown, and they said it could've been due to my pill. I recently changed from Yasmin to another pill, and it has changed my life. I FINALLY feel myself again, and I've realized how much Yasmin messed me up. I would not recommend this pill or experience to anyone."

• Vic...
• June 17, 2021

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I started Yasmin as I read that it helped with severe PMS and didn’t cause weight gain. In short, I thought I was dying when taking this. A list of the symptoms I was experiencing, which have gone since I stopped taking it: Extreme fatigue (big into my fitness and I couldn’t do a 10-minute walk at times), extreme emotions (crying, depression) whilst feeling numb and disconnected, joint pain, knees especially, muscle pain and shooting pains in arms and legs. DOMS would last 5 days instead of 1 day. Weight gain - over a stone, constant nausea, night sweats, anxiety and chest pains, regular heart palpitations, declining kidney function, painful, swollen feet, bleeding under the skin, bad headaches, sore eyes and blurred vision, hair loss and brittle, broken nails. Please reconsider taking this pill, I think it’s awful. Now on the copper IUD and I’ll take the very painful periods any day over how I felt on Yasmin."

• Anonymous
• November 6, 2009

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "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."

• ElN...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 26, 2024

For Birth Control "With my previous experience with coc birth control, I was a bit dubious. I’d gained so much weight and developed awful acne on Microgynon. I’m really thankful I was able to get on Yasmin. I’d been struggling with PCOS and its side effects, but I didn’t realize how bad it had gotten. After just a week on Yasmin, I’ve noticed my skin is so soft, my hair is growing back, my skin feels plump, I’m losing weight mostly from my arms and stomach, and I genuinely feel mentally balanced in a way I hadn’t been in a very long time. I’m so taken aback by how great it’s been so far, and I really hope this lasts."

• Anonymous
• October 4, 2011

For Acne "For the first month and a half, I was extremely hungry and gained weight, although I did not realize it and just blamed it on the pill. I was also very tired. Then the hunger pains went away, and I started to gain my energy back, so I naturally lost weight. The acne started to go away, but now, almost finished with the third pack, I am having a flare-up. It is probably normal, and I just need to give it some more time. Overall, I am very happy with this pill, and I have been on a few."

• Chl...
• September 26, 2015

For Birth Control "I didn't think there was a problem, no immediate reactions, 2 years, and I'd put on 15 lb without changing my lifestyle. My (mild) acne seemed to improve, and it was great being in control of my periods. Then I became moody, emotional, combative, and depressed. Really depressed. I had migraines, at least 3 attacks a month, I had hypertension. And because I had put on so much weight, I was trying to lose it, playing football 3 times a week and going to the gym 2 times a week, no big difference, and I ate less than my slim friends. I don't smoke. I had hypertension (185/135 being the highest reading). I stopped taking it, and now I feel better, lost 10kg, happier, blood pressure is normal. Now I have polycystic ovaries, I blame that pill."

• Pri...
• April 4, 2008

For Birth Control "Out of all the birth control pills, this one is best! Gained some weight in the 'right' spots :) Less PMS, if any at all, lighter periods/flow. And this pill is safe enough to take for 3 consecutive months, so you can have your period only 4 times a year!!! That's so AWESOME!"

• nur...
• February 14, 2009

For Birth Control "I have been on Yasmin since I was 15. My periods used to last 9-11 days, were heavy, and very painful. I can remember my mom keeping me out of school due to this. Not only was my cycle completely crazy, I had acne on my shoulders, upper back, and upper arms. Being in high school, something like this can be traumatizing. Anyway, after almost 6 years, I have been acne-free (maybe the occasional bump or 2) and 4-5 day easy periods! I did gain weight... but who knows if it was because of the birth control... like the lady said before, she gained in all the 'right' places so I can't complain about that one. I went up a whole size! I plan on taking this until I decide to make a little one (another 4 years hopefully)."

• Cam...
• January 2, 2016

For Acne "This is a very good option for acne! I am 18 and I have had acne since around 7th grade. I did not know what exactly was causing my acne... hormones? The food I was eating? I was not sure, but I feel this pill was effective. I am also on Solodyn, which I love! And also I use Cetaphil to cleanse, then moisturize with the silver serum. My routine works very well for me; I have not gotten a pimple in a while; however, I have gotten small bumps along the way. Gaining weight was not a problem at all while taking this... I even think I lost weight. So I would recommend this and Solodyn; they definitely helped with my acne."

• Cas...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 20, 2018

For Acne "Month two and my skin has cleared up by 80 percent combined with prescription face wash. I was looking at Accutane as the next option because I have tried everything including a vegan diet! However, it was cystic acne that was on my cheeks and around my mouth, which is very hormonal. I am 23 years old, and this started getting bad around 21-22. I have always hated birth control pills because of weight gain and side effects. However, I have gained no weight and do not have that bloated ring around the belly or waist. I also no longer have sleepless nights before my period. This has solved skin issues and sleeping issues for me without bad side effects. My breasts did increase in size, but for me, that is not a negative side effect. Sex drive has gone down, but hey, I am in grad school, and it helps me stay more focused on my studies...lololol. Overall, please ladies, give this a try. If your acne is hormonal, it's the only thing that saved me from having to undergo Accutane!"

• Gis...
• December 23, 2020

For Birth Control "I have been on Yasmin for about 5 years because I experienced horrible cramps due to cysts. At first, I gained weight, but then after, I lost it. My cramp pain decreased, and it regulated my period. I didn't experience acne, but I did have constant breast tenderness. After so many years of taking it, I stopped because I was experiencing bad headaches. Now I'm currently looking for different birth control."

• Meg...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 20, 2021

For Birth Control "I was 19 years old when I had to have an emergency life-saving surgery as a cyst burst in my stomach. My stomach was filled with blood, and I had no idea about my condition. After I recovered, I was prescribed a pill that made me feel very ill, gained weight, and was hungry all the time. When I was introduced to Yasmin, it literally saved my life. I lost all the weight I put on in no time, as it regulated my appetite, made me feel happier, gave me more energy, resulted in no painful periods, and regulated my periods. I was taking it for about a year, and I fully recovered and got pregnant 2 years later with a healthy baby boy. I haven't had problems since."

• Akj...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 29, 2019

For Birth Control "I have endometriosis and PCOS, and my doc gave me Yasmin. All my life, I've maintained a normal weight. Ever since I started taking Yasmin, I've been gaining weight. I started in April 2019, and my weight was 53 kg. By mid-July, my weight went up to 59.3 kg. I'm stopping it. I feel bloated all the time, no sex drive, and a disturbed sleep pattern."

• Anonymous
• October 13, 2010

For Birth Control "This was the first (and only) birth control I have ever used, so I will say upfront that the effects it had on me may have resulted from any birth control use, not just from Yasmin. I used Yasmin for about 2 months, and in that amount of time, it had almost completely killed my sex drive. I could not reach 'climax,' whereas I had not had a problem before and had almost no desire for sex. In addition, I became so dry that when I did have sex, it would burn and be painful. I did gain some weight, but I'm not sure if I could really blame it on the birth control, except for the fact my breasts went up a cup size and still haven't shrunk, though I've lost weight. The weight may have been put on easier on Yasmin? Hair got thicker also, but no baby!"