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Ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome User Reviews (Page 2)

Brand names: Vienva, Aviane, Lutera, Seasonique, Kurvelo, Altavera, Sronyx, Twirla, Marlissa, Camrese, Jolessa, Portia, Amethyst, Levora, Setlakin, Falmina, Ashlyna, Seasonale, Lessina, Tyblume, Aubra EQ, Amethia, Simpesse, Larissia, Balcoltra, LoSeasonique, Jaimiess, Chateal, Lillow, Dolishale, Trivora, Daysee, Lo Simpesse, Joyeaux, Levlen, Rivelsa, Levonest, Aubra, Introvale, LoJaimiess, CamreseLo, Minzoya, Chateal EQ, Quartette, Ayuna Fayosim Cerinta Afirmelle Elifemme Amethia Lo Enpresse Myzilra Delyla Iclevia Orsythia …show all brand names

Ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel has an average rating of 4.8 out of 10 from a total of 56 reviews for the off-label treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. 32% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 43% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel

  • Anonymous
  • September 25, 2011

LoSeasonique (ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel) "I am at the end of my first pack of Lo-Seasonique. I am contemplating restarting another pack. I saw no improvement..I would bleed for 3 weeks straight. So much for my sex live. On the 5th week I started a flow like a regular period which lasted for 2 weeks. I am getting the exact opposite of what the pill is indicated for; which is supposed to give you a period at the end of the pack making it 4 periods per year. Instead I have more than tripled that, if I continue taking it. Everyone is different. It might work for some and not for others. I am still bleeding and cramping. I quit, I will go back to my old birth control."

1 / 10
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  • Livef...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • April 29, 2020

Seasonique (ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel) "This birth control caused Focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) in my liver. I know have 5 masses, that cause me discomfort and pain. after I had my last child I was on seasonique for about a year. I was healthy before that time. I had my gallbladder taken out and while in there they saw tumors. I was told it was most likely caused by this BC. Looking into joining a class action law suit.. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICATION! It is not worth it!"

1 / 10
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  • K in OK
  • December 28, 2017

Jolessa (ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel) "I was on Jolessa for 5 months. I had to stop because of the constant bleeding. I've literally been bleeding for four months. I'm depressed, sometimes have thoughts that I'm dying, feeling hopeless, have gained 13lbs that I can't seem to shake, and am exhausted. If I clean house, walk somewhere, take out the trash, the bleeding increases. My doctor put me on Beyaz a week ago, and the bleeding hasn't stopped. I'm starting to wonder if it ever will. I think Jolessa broke my uterus."

1 / 10
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  • Oml
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 21, 2016

Chateal (ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel) "I was put on Chateal 5 months ago because I was diagnosed with PCOS & Hypothyroidism. I had bleeding for 28 weeks Prior so they wanted to stop it. It didn't regulate me at all, I've experienced Period Cramping which I've never had before. I've lost weight and my sex drive. I've had nausea, Dizziness, Frequent Migraines, Blood in stool. But worst of all Stomach cramps and Extreme pain In abdomen area. If I stop taking the pills the bleeding will continue and I won't be able to get the tests I need to find out what is wrong. All in all, I'm going back on Friday to get more tests and a biopsy. If this birth control gives you extreme side effects, Or doesn't regulate your period; Contact your doctor right away."

1 / 10
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  • PCOSsux
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • May 6, 2019

Lutera (ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel) "I was on Lutera for 14 years. It completely eliminated my severe period cramps and heavy bleeding to the point where I barely had a period anymore. Only ever gained a couple pounds from it and it kept my skin fairly clear and PMS under control. Only bad thing is that it did really kill my libido, but that was not as big of a concern as my other issues. I had a hysterectomy last June due to massive fibroids (kept my ovaries) and went off of Lutera to see how I would do without it, and I can't stand it. Going to go back on it if I can find a pharmacy that still stocks it but so far I can't find one!"

9 / 10
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  • CaroD
  • February 8, 2016

Seasonique (ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel) "Two weeks after beginning Seasonique, I began developing severe cramps and heavy bleeding. I went to the doctor who prescribed it to me and he told me to wait it out and to continue taking it. However, about a week later, I was in such severe pain (and extremely nauseous) that I had to be taken to the emergency room. The ER doc said that my symptoms were likely due to the birth control pill, as the body can take two to three months to adjust to it. However, she advised me to stop the pill because I had been bleeding for three weeks and was having severe cramps (worse than my usual periods). I would not recommend this pill to anyone, and I don't know if I'd ever be willing to try another birth control pill again after this awful experience."

1 / 10
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  • MissL...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 18, 2019

Lutera (ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel) "I ordered this medication thru an online birth control website and the nurse practitioner recommended it because I'm over 35 and am at higher risk of blood clots due to my age and weight. I have PCOS and have had ovarian cysts in the past that required surgery as well as benign endometrial hyperplasia that could turn cancerous if not kept to a minimum. I hated Lutera. I took it and it made me so irritable after only a few days. Plus, my face broke out in zits. I promptly stopped taking it and asked my doctor about a different medication."

3 / 10
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  • Mirg
  • April 21, 2017

Sronyx (ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel) "I've been on sronyx for about 3 years, at first my doctor's didn't know what was wrong with me because I grow hair in places I shouldn't. They thought birth control would help with my cycle and to slow down the hair growth but it hasn't. I now have high blood pressure and severe headaches but yet I keep taking this pill in hopes it would help. I haven't had a period in at least 2 years, I used to take a name brand and it did give me regular periods."

2 / 10
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  • 121105K
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 16, 2015

Falmina (ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel) "I have been on this pill for 2 months. The first month was ok. I didn't feel any different beside slight water gain. My first period did not come until the 4th day on the placebo pill. The 2nd month I had nipple tenderness every single day, which sucks because it hurts when I work out. My period did not come until the 3rd day on the placebo pill. I would say it is a good contraceptive besides the nipple tenderness. I had no other side effects. I am most likely switching to a different contraceptive due to the nipple tenderness."

8 / 10
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  • Nina
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 26, 2020

"Been taking these pills since May 2020 They make you feel very nauseous, little to no appetite, hair loss, depression x2 , sentiment I think because of the whole hormones it’s up and down . I use to regulate my period"

9 / 10
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  • MissL...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 25, 2018

"I hate this medicine! Anything with levonorgestrel does not settle well in my system. Camrese Lo caused horrible breast tenderness and headaches. It didn't affect my mood much, thankfully, but my boobs hurt so much that I had to stop it. I was trying a lower strength birth control for PCOS. It's not worth it."

2 / 10
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  • Anais
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 6, 2019

Levlen (ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel) "I have been on this pill for a month. So far I have experienced severe depression and some acne. However, I have not put on any weight while being on this pill. As I have read in the comments below, that some girls have experienced profound weight gain. I would not recommend this pill. I will be going back on a pill called Femme Tab. Which, had controlled my hormones and stopped my acne. I had only gone on this particular pill, because I started to have break through bleeding. This pill is horrible, and has been a complete disaster for not only myself, but for other woman too."

1 / 10
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  • Tori
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 10, 2018

Sronyx (ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel) "I have been on this medicine since this past February and at first it was great and actually helped to clear my face. But it was all downhill from there I have such terrible acne and red patches on my face and I hate going out without makeup on. I gained A LOT of weight and I am athletic so I was maintaining a weight of about 145 pounds and I now weight about 170. This pill causes me an intense amount of bloating and stomach cramps. Like they are literally debilitating and make me feel like I’m going to vomit! I get horrible headaches too and this started when I was put on Sronyx. I do NOT recommend this pill at all! Made life a lot harder, I’m switching back to Medroxyprogestorone pills instead of a daily birth control pill so my periods come."

2 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 23, 2017

Chateal (ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel) "I was hesitant to try Chateal. Or any birth control really. In the past I have them to make my moods feel out of control and weight to fluctuate. Due to PCOS, I needed to take this. HOWEVER, I am starting my second month on this. So far the only side effects I have noticed are my breasts are swollen (like 2 cups larger) and tender. I had a headache the first week after I took it (I took it in evening to avoid any potential sickness) but the headaches went away after the first week. I do not notice any particular mood swings or weight gain. Am also not pregnant which is great. I would recommend Chateal based on my current results."

8 / 10
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  • Saman...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • June 25, 2016

Levora (ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel) "Due to being diagnosed w/ Polystic Ovary Syndrome, my doctor put me on Yasmin but later switched me to Levora. This birth control has its pros & cons. Pros: I never got pregnant, even though I was a little inconsistent w/ the time I took it & sometimes would even forget. Cons: It did not help w/ my acne. I was easily irritated & would be depressed when my period was coming. It was very difficult to shed pounds & very easy to gain weight, so I had to be cautious w/ my food intake. I always had headaches, & felt tired and lazy a lot of the time. Birth control effects everyone differently, but I would suggest trying another brand before trying this one."

6 / 10
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  • Swagner
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 20, 2015

Seasonique (ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel) "I have been on Seasonique for 4 weeks now and started bleeding 3 days ago. Not spotting, but full blown bleeding non-stop. I called my OB and the nurse told me to basically deal with it until my body gets used to the drug. She said it could take months, that I could potentially be bleeding, non-stop for the next three months or more she had no idea when it would stop. I was not aware of this when I agreed to this pill, and it is not listed on the side effects. Breakthrough bleeding or spotting is NOT having basically your period for months! For me it doesn't matter if after 3 months it works like a charm, if you randomly get your period for long lengths of time - it defeats the lure of this product."

5 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • August 10, 2017

Falmina (ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel) "I've been using this for about 8 months my periods up until the 6th month were regular some didn't come until the 3rd or 4th day on the placebo pills but then they got lighter and lighter this month I haven't bled at all it makes me nervous but I've heard this is normal. Other than that I've had no other issues."

8 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • September 25, 2010

LoSeasonique (ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel) "Not good! I've tried regular Seasonique as well as LoSeasonique and although yes, it did get rid of my cysts after only one month, the LoSeasonique caused me to have breakthrough bleeding for almost the whole time that I took it (9 months). Some days it was as much blood as having a period and I even had cramps and nausea that I usually have when I have a period. With regular Seasonique the spotting only happened for the first pack (3 months), but still made me nauseous. But all in all, LoSeasonique's side effects of being in a period-like state for 9 months straight do NOT outweigh the benefit of helping with PCOS."

2 / 10
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  • Tired
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 15, 2023

Seasonique (ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel) "I went on this birth control to limit my periods as I have PCOS and I can't walk, work or do anything for 3 days a month, every month. During the first two weeks on this birth control I was extremely nauseous and extremely hungry (I gained 12 pounds in a month). After the first two weeks, I started spotting, and a week after that got my period. I have been full-blown bleeding now for two months. I'm extremely moody and have been fighting with my family, my boyfriend, and everyone around me because of this stupid pill. It did stop my anxiety and panic attacks but I don't think it's worth it to ruin every relationship around you. I'll update once the three months are over if everything actually works out but I don't believe it will. I take it at the exact same time every day, with food. I've never missed a dose. If this is your last resort like mine then maybe try it but please ask your doctor for other options as this one will ruin 3 months of your life."

2 / 10
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  • Echo
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 31, 2020

Alesse (ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel) "This medication has been amazing for me. Before taking Alesse my cycles were so agonizing, I was constantly exhausted, I used to feel very unwell around ovulation and the week before my period. So far taking Alesse I’ve had no side effects other than a very mild amount of nausea during the first week. This has done wonders to regulate my cycles and mood. To my surprise it has also helped my sleep."

10 / 10
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  • PCOS...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • November 11, 2015

"I will start out with the positives- NO MOOD SWINGS OR WEIGHT GAIN! Other birth controls have made me crazy and gain weight. This BC made me calm and stable, and controlled my crazy food binges. The worst part about this pill is the nonstop bleeding. Tampons became expensive to buy because I would go through so many for a couple months I was on it. My boobs were also very sore when moving around i.e. exercising or running. It was worth taking because of the mood stabilizer element, that was the great part about this pill, but the bleeding was so excessive and affected my sex life so I got off of it. Also was having tachycardia my 6th month into it, got off it and my heart went back to normal. Still not sure if this BC was the cause"

7 / 10
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  • janna...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 3, 2021

"I have PCOS and my menstruation is on and off, sometimes 4 months I don't have period and the longest is 8 months. But when I have my period its prolonged that lasted for a year. I went to the ob gyne and she said I have PCOS but the rest of my organs are normal. I went on the medication but I am still the same. I' taking the femme pills now and my acne is gone, my heavy period stop but everyday I have spotting. I am experiencing headache and stomach aches. I'm so moody and most of the time I'm angry to my husband."

8 / 10
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  • KCano
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 13, 2018

Seasonique (ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel) "Treated the problem, caused lots of others. Dry brittle hair, awful acne even after 4 months of use, weight gain- had to resort to calorie counting, am starving 24/7. Caused me one major yeast infection when I first started and I have never had one in my life, guess the fluctuating hormones can cause them. Am giving it 6 months before I call it quits, hope it gets better soon."

4 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • November 6, 2010

LoSeasonique (ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel) "Have been taking this for about a week now and have had severe breast tenderness and almost a burning pain. Happens about 30-40 minutes after taking pills. This stopped today and now I have a migraine- so far two days. If this continues I'm done. No spotting yet. Has helped alleviate pain in my left ovary."

7 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • February 25, 2022

Seasonique (ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel) "I was on Seasonique for 4 years, and had to go off of it in 2018 due to financial costs and me living in another country. In 2019, I started gaining excessive amounts of weight, facial hair, extreme hair loss and feeling tired all the time, sometimes sleeping for 12+ hours and still feeling like shit… basically all the signs of PCOS. I went to my doctor at the time, and was told I was being irrational for thinking that maybe being off the birth control started something or triggered something. I just got diagnosed with PCOS this year (2022) and my new doctor believes that this birth control caused cysts to form… with me stopping the pills, and my period trying to get back into a normal state of once a month, my body triggered some kind of reaction and now I’m dealing with full on PCOS. I can’t lose the weight, I have to be on a strict diet and constantly shaving my beard. It’s not normal to have one period every three months y’all."

1 / 10
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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.

Learn more about Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Symptoms and treatments