Alesse and Acne: What Users Say

• Mad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 29, 2013

For Birth Control "I used to take Diane 35 from age 20-25, and my new doctor in a new city convinced me to start taking Alesse recently. I've been taking it for two months now, and I have experienced spotting basically every single day since I started, sometimes light spotting, sometimes heavy, and it only stopped for one or two days. I can't find anyone else who has had this same experience so far - might have to change to a different pill. I'm hesitant to do that though because one very good side effect from Alesse has been a reduction in appetite for me! I haven't had aching breasts or acne yet. My moods also have seemed pretty fine. I just want to stop spotting every day."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 12, 2013

For Birth Control "I'm 18 years old. I started taking the pill about a month ago. At first, due to the sudden change of hormones, I had a horrible breakout of acne on my face, and I was very emotional and bitter at first. But my first period since being on it was much shorter than my usual periods. Normally, my periods last a full week, but this one only lasted about 3-4 days or so. So right away, my period got lighter with tolerable and few cramps, as opposed to my normal constant excruciatingly painful cramps that would sentence me to a day or two on the couch with a hot water bottle and some Aleve. My face has cleared since, and my emotions are back to normal. I definitely recommend this pill!"

• Cic...
• February 1, 2014

For Birth Control "I've been taking Alesse for 6 years. It's the only birth control I have ever used, and I love it. I've never had problems with it before. My periods are predictable, very light and regular. I don't experience mood swings or any major cramping on the pill either. It controlled my acne as well. I would suggest Alesse to every girl."

• da9...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 1, 2012

For Birth Control "I am 20, have been using Alesse for about 2 years now. Good: no pregnancies, lighter, predictable periods with no cramping whatsoever (HUGE plus), no weight gain. Bad: I am completely insane on this pill, extreme mood swings, never happy, always in a lulled state of lazy depression, brought to tears by every and anything, constantly tired, no motivation, really low sex drive. Horrible: my skin is at a point where I don't even want to step outdoors and be seen by people! Worst breakouts I have ever had, and perpetual yeast infections. The yeast infections, laziness, and diminished sex drive basically erase the need for a birth control pill anyway. Very unhappy."

• Nat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 24, 2021

For Birth Control "Honestly, I don’t know where to start. This is month 2 of taking the Alesse pill, by the way, my first ever birth control. I have been so moody for the past month, and at this point, everyone irritates me, which has never happened. I had bad acne before this, but Lord help me, it’s gone from bad to worse. I sometimes get a sharp stab in my chest, which scares me so bad. I cry for no reason, and the smallest of things tick me off. Now I’m stopping this pill today because it’s not worth dying from it. It’s obviously not working for me, but it could work for someone else, but just a heads up, be careful."

• Anonymous
• October 24, 2012

For Birth Control "This was the first pill my doctor prescribed me when I started on birth control, and I only took it for one month because of the side effects. I had spotting the first week, acne worsened, and my moods were absolutely uncontrollable. During the third week of my pack, I cried every day at little things that would normally not faze me. I stopped the pill before I even finished the month because of how out of control I felt. This was not a good first experience for me and made me skeptical to try any other pills."

• Sal...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 5, 2014

For Birth Control "Alesse was the first birth control pill I tried. Prior to this pill, I had Depo Provera (there was about a 3-month gap in between these contraceptives), and it was such an awful experience. I was so scared to try any birth control because the last one made me feel so incredibly crappy. My nurse told me to try Alesse because it was the lowest dose of hormones (according to her), so I reluctantly tried it. It's been 9 months, and I haven't had any problems. Periods are only 3 days, and they're extremely light. No depression, no major weight gain (I work out regularly, so it's hard to know for sure), no complete loss in sex drive, no spotting. The only con to Alesse that both my friend and I agree on is the facial acne. Try Alesse if you need birth control!"

• jul...
• August 9, 2013

For Birth Control "I'm 20 years old and have been taking Alesse for 2 years now. It has done wonders for my period, no cramps or bloating, the period is so much lighter and manageable. I haven't had any acne problems or weight gain. My moods have been affected, but I believe it's only around the time I get my period. As for the tenderness of my breasts, I only feel it if something accidentally hits them, other than that, the pain isn't noticeable or disturbing. Another plus is the pill is extremely small and easy to swallow, I hate taking pills. I definitely recommend this pill."

• Ale...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 29, 2016

For Birth Control "Just quit Alesse after 4 months. I tried to tough it out, but it just wasn't working. I was always hungry, then I would eat and feel constantly nauseous and bloated. I had no energy and felt tired, always wanting to eat sweet stuff. Didn't really gain much weight, just water weight around my hips and boobs (those were constantly sore as well), such bad mood swings and depressed and anxious often. Got lots of headaches, acne got worse (cystic acne on my chin, back, and chest), and lower sex drive. This is my first day without birth control (period will start in a few days), and I can honestly say that I feel so much better, which is weird because Alesse is 'ultra low dose hormones.'"

• Eri...
• August 10, 2013

For Birth Control "My doctor prescribed Alesse for me after convincing me to get off of Diane 35, as it had a much lower hormone dose. Almost immediately, I began suffering from abdominal cramps, spotting unpredictably, and increased acne on my back, shoulders, and jawline. I expected much of this from reading about coming off of Diane, and my doctor assured me it would only last a few months. It's been nearly a year later, and although the spotting and cramping have subsided, the acne is still there (I can't even wear a top without a hood, let alone a tank top or bathing suit!), and I'm displaying a huge lack of interest in life. I have some good days, but spend a lot of time feeling unmotivated, tired, uninterested, etc. I want my life back."

• HTa...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 16, 2020

For Birth Control "This pill was the worst. I broke out in acne all over my body. My breasts were so swollen and tender, and the bloat never, ever, ever went away. Ever; don’t even ask about the weight gain. The only thing it did was avoid pregnancy. DO NOT TAKE THIS. Find another pill."

• Anonymous
• March 22, 2016

For Birth Control "I was skeptical after reading the many negative views, but now I'm on month three, and here's what I have to say (every body is different, ps): The first month was hard. I broke out and got back acne. I was exhausted to the point of fatigue (and a real weird eye twitch). I had a few moments of intense nauseousness and a couple headaches. My first period week was rough - my energy levels depleted immensely, and I was an emotional crybaby. My boobs grew a lot, which was fabulous. And I even noticed my nails and skin (I have really dry, dry skin) and hair all strengthen and become healthier. By month three, everything subsided, and I feel back to normal, with healthier nails even ;) Give it time - at least three months to see if it works!"

• wit...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 15, 2022

For Birth Control "I began taking this medication after being on Diane35 for about 9 years, originally being put on it for acne. Diane was a perfect birth control pill for me, however, due to the higher risk of blood clots, my doctor and I decided I should try a new pill. I didn't experience spotting, and my period was light on this medication, which was a plus. However, it wreaked absolute havoc on my body. I haven't had acne for about 2-3 years now, and going on Alesse caused me to break out horrifically all over my face, on my shoulders, and on my chest. The acne would start to go away only when I was on my week of sugar pills and then come back a few days after starting the next pack. It also caused the worst mental health and mood issues I have ever experienced. I have never struggled with depression and only have mild anxiety. After going on this pill, my anxiety has become unmanageable, and any inconvenience makes me want to cry and sink into a hole. I am almost in a state of being nonfunctional now."

• Jes...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 23, 2015

For Birth Control "This has worked amazingly for my hormonal acne (cystic acne on the sides of my chin). I've been taking it for about a year now, and I get the odd zit here and again, but for the most part, it's cleared up. Most effective treatment I have ever used for acne. I don't bother taking the sugar pills or skip a week, I just go right to the next pack as recommended by my doctor."

• Ban...
• February 13, 2021

For Birth Control "To be honest, I really liked taking this pill. Only stopping because I get aura migraines and can't take estrogen because of the stroke risk. I was only on the pill for 2 months, so take what I say with a grain of salt, but here's my experience: I was a little emotional for the first 2 weeks, acne around my jaw for the first month, and I feel like my bowels were off a little at first too. Just a bit constipated and bloated, but that also adjusted over time. Acid reflux flared up a bit easier too. My boobs looked GREAT, which I loved, and I was super relieved that it didn't make me super emotional like other ones I have tried. My periods were lighter and less cramps. And I actually got my period on time, and I have always been irregular. Weight stayed the same, sex drive stayed the same (if anything, I think that my bigger boobs put me in the mood more lol). Overall, I had a good time taking this and wish I could stay on it!!"

• Gin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 15, 2015

For Birth Control "So, recently I got switched off from Aviane, which was the best birth control ever! Because I moved out of province, they didn't carry Aviane, so they put me on Alesse. I'm going on 21 years old, I'm 5'3, and I've never passed 115 pounds using Aviane. Using Alesse, I have gained almost 10 pounds in the last few months of use! This birth control has worsened my acne, caused me severe headaches, worsened my abdominal pain throughout and off my period, heavy bloating, worsened my constipation, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and rather than 5 days, my periods are 7-9. I'm glad this birth control suits most of you ladies on here, for myself, it has been the worst! Obviously not for every woman, definitely not for me! Looking to switch ASAP!"

• kat...
• October 17, 2017

For Birth Control "Alesse was the first birth control that my doctor had put me on. I had no side effects and was confused due to all of the complaints I had heard about taking birth control in general from my peers. I began to wonder if there was anything better than Alesse, and that is my biggest regret. I took Lolo as well as Tricera Lo, and both of those helped me realize what side effects and tolls some birth control pills can have on women. I was breaking out in cystic acne, my breasts hurt, I had gained weight, my appetite was immense, etc. I went back on Alesse, and lo and behold, my skin is at its best, I have ZERO side effects, and most importantly, it prevents me from getting pregnant."

• Anonymous
• August 1, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been on Alesse a month now, and it's been absolute hell. I'm not an emotional person by any means, and I eat like a full-grown man usually, but since starting this, I haven't been able to eat at all because of the nausea and have had random uncontrollable mood swings. I've lost 10 lbs, and every time I take one of these pills, I get an instant headache. My period was hell as well, I got bad cramps for a week before and all during. This is not normal for me. My period also went from 4 days to 7, which really ticked me off. It caused my acne to get far worse and scar like I've never had before. Not only this, but my anxiety levels went through the roof, and my depression did the same, causing me suicidal thoughts, and I had ABSOLUTELY no energy."

• kar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 13, 2018

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I started to take Alesse a little over 2 months ago, and my period has not stopped! The breakthrough bleeding is ruining my life. Every single day, I have what is like morning sickness, breast tenderness, and feel sick to my stomach. GET OFF THIS PILL. Oh, and it caused me to break out!"

• Lou...
• October 8, 2019

For Birth Control "I think I've been on Alesse now for 3 or 4 years... can't really remember now. Prior to that, I was on a couple of other higher dose hormone pills since I was 19; 31 years old now! I started this pill because of the lower dose of hormones. I was struggling with depression and anxiety at that point and thought the pill may be affecting that. I still have periods of depression and anxiety, but I can control it better. My skin has changed though... I have super sensitive skin with painful cystic acne. It's not a lot of spots, but they are painful and stay for a really long time. I've had weight gain, but I don't know if that's more me or the pill. I've decided to come off the pill, which I'm kind of nervous to do! It's more about the fact that I've been on it for almost 13 years and I want to see what I'm like off of it. Right now, I would say that I would go back on it, because I don't find the side effects that bad, but we'll see in the future after I've been off it for a while."

• Nic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 15, 2017

For Birth Control "I'm 24, and this is my first ever contraceptive pill. Taking it for a month now. I don't have a problem aside from gaining weight, and I'm emotional, but not this much since I started this pill. I'm happy that my acne is slowly fading, my cramps are not as severe as the last one I had, and I don't have a problem at all. I've noticed that my breasts are gaining some extra fat too. Lol."

• Cat...
• November 1, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been on this pill for a year, and I think I'm gonna stop taking it. Honestly, not really happy with this pill! For someone who had relatively clear skin, I got the worst acne from using it! Like little bumps all over my forehead and painful zits on my jawline and cheeks. Tried every possible skin care line and couldn't understand how I went from clear skin to a face full of acne... and now some acne scars too. Finally pinpointed it to Alesse being the cause. Also pretty sure I gained some weight while on it. Definitely don't recommend it!"

• Ano...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 4, 2021

For Birth Control "I've been on Alesse for 6 years, and I had no negative side effects at first (aside from gaining weight), but then I became severely depressed, and my face broke out in cystic acne. I feel completely numb on this pill. My self-confidence is terrible, and I'm never happy even though I have so many things to be happy about. I just feel dull, and I feel like I have no personality anymore. I took a break from this pill last year and felt like a completely different person. I had my confidence back and overall had a sense of mental clarity and happiness, but went back on for the sole purpose of preventing pregnancy. The positives are that I've never had any pregnancy scares, and my periods are very light and regular, but the impact it has on my mental and physical health isn't worth it anymore. If you're looking to start this pill, I would just say be careful and pay attention to the way you feel. It took a while for me to realize that this birth control was the problem."

• Aly...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 19, 2016

For Birth Control "NOT WORTH THE SIDE EFFECTS!! Seriously. My GP gave me Alesse because she had some packets that were sent to her for free. I thought, 'Hey, why not' and took them. Well, the second month was the worst. Gained probably 10 lbs because I was constantly hungry. Became lethargic, and it made me more depressed. That went away in the third month. Then the acne started. As someone who was on Accutane and had relatively pimple-less skin, this pill brought up old wounds. Turns out this pill, which is often prescribed to treat acne, is one of the worst BC that causes acne. My skin is now 10x more oily, and I have painful zits on my cheeks, chin, and lips. Also, my boobs have gotten bigger, which I hate. The pill also causes me really bad cramps, and my period was off."

• Aly...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 19, 2016

For Birth Control "NOT WORTH THE SIDE EFFECTS!! Seriously. My GP gave me Alesse because she had some packets that were sent to her for free. I thought, 'Hey, why not' and took them. Well, the second month was the worst. Gained probably 10 lbs because I was constantly hungry. Became lethargic, and it made me more depressed. That went away in the third month. Then the acne started. As someone who was on Accutane and had relatively pimple-less skin, this pill brought up old wounds. Turns out this pill, which is often prescribed to treat acne, is one of the worst BC that causes acne. My skin is now 10x more oily, and I have painful zits on my cheeks, chin, and lips. Also, my boobs have gotten bigger, which I hate. The pill also causes me really bad cramps, and my period was off."