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

• Mis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 18, 2019

Ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel "I ordered this medication through 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."

• PCO...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 6, 2019

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!"

• Car...
• February 8, 2016

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."

• Jas...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 13, 2021

Ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel "Trigger warning: I started this medication about a month and a bit ago, and I already have mental health issues, and it made me really moody and gave me suicidal ideation. Anyway, a week and a half ago, I stopped it due to this issue, and Thursday I got my monthlys back after 4 years of not having it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 18, 2016

Ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel "My journey with this BC has been extremely rough, but worth it! I have been diagnosed with PCOS, GERD, IBS-D, generalized anxiety disorder, PTSD, and manic depressive disorder. My gynecologist instructed me to give it 6 months before discontinuing. The first 2 weeks were normal. Then I had spotting for 4 weeks straight. I could deal with that. I figured I hadn't had my period in months due to PCOS, so it would take time to regulate. At the 6-week mark, I got the heaviest menses of my life with extreme cramping. Ended up in the ER twice. Had my period for 12 weeks straight. Off for 3 weeks, back on for 4 weeks. And then it started working normally. Now I have no symptoms at all and get my period every 3 months like clockwork!"

• Ana...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 6, 2019

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, 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 breakthrough bleeding. This pill is horrible and has been a complete disaster for not only myself but for other women too."

• Ech...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 31, 2020

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."

• Nin...
• 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."

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

Ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel "I was hesitant to try Chateal. Or any birth control, really. In the past, I have had them make my moods feel out of control and weight 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 that my breasts are swollen (like two cups larger) and tender. I had a headache the first week after I took it (I took it in the 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. I am also not pregnant, which is great. I would recommend Chateal based on my current results."

• Sam...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 25, 2016

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

• Mis...
• 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."

• Swa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 20, 2015

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 as a side effect. 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."

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

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."

• 121...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 16, 2015

Ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel "I have been on this pill for 2 months. The first month was okay. I didn't feel any different besides 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."

• Pco...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 6, 2014

Ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel "I took Lutera for a year, it was my second try on the pill since my first attempt with Loestrin Fe was horrid. I got acne spots every once in a while, but nothing big. My breasts were insanely tender almost constantly. My sex drive was destroyed by the end of my one year of trying this pill, and I would get so moody. My poor boyfriend had to go through a lot with me taking this pill, and I gained 50 lbs. I never did notice a difference in my Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome-related symptoms, which was a bummer. It could work for someone else, I'm sure, though, since birth control affects everyone differently. I'm on Nexplanon now, which has given me absolute clear skin, my sex drive is back, and my moodiness is normal again. No more crying at the drop of a hat."

• Tir...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 15, 2023

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, I 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."

• PCO...
• 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 of 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, I was having tachycardia my sixth month into it, I got off it and my heart went back to normal. Still not sure if this BC was the cause."

• Anonymous
• September 25, 2010

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."

• jan...
• 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 a period, and the longest is 8 months. But when I have my period, it's prolonged, that lasted for a year. I went to the ob-gyn, 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'm taking the fem pills now, and my acne is gone, my heavy period stopped, but every day I have spotting. I am experiencing headaches and stomach aches. I'm so moody, and most of the time I'm angry at my husband."

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

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."

• Mir...
• April 21, 2017

Ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel "I've been on Sronyx for about 3 years. At first, my doctors 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."

• Tor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 10, 2018

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 weigh 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 Medroxyprogesterone pills instead of a daily birth control pill so my periods come."

• K C...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 11, 2022

Ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel "I never leave reviews, but OMG, Levlen was by far the worst pill I have ever tried. My mild pimples ended up becoming giant cysts under the skin. And I cried at everything, and I am never emotional. Switched back to Brenda and feeling 1000% better, and acne is slowly healing. Just think twice about this pill, especially if you want to treat acne!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 28, 2021

Ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel "I tried Seasonique for a month and 3 weeks because it was recommended by a relative, not blood related. It worked for her but I do not think it worked for me. My experience was nausea in the first two weeks, but nothing too bad. Several weeks in, even though I was eating less, I actually gained a few lbs, I believe it is water. I also experienced throbbing in my legs, tightness in my back, headaches, lower abdominal cramping (way more than usual), and sometimes chest pain, and an overall feeling of heaviness. I stopped taking it due to worrisome side effects being the throbbing and bloating just in case. I have never had a problem with water retention before. I have PCOS, so I am used to feeling unwell with some of those things in particular, but I think Seasonique heightened them. The benefits were less hair loss, less cravings, but not worth the bloat. I hope this medication works for others, I am going to try YAZ next due to it having a different chemical compound."

• PCO...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 14, 2023

Ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel "My experience with Levora has been amazing. The first month of taking it, I did get a lot of nausea, but that is something that comes with starting any new birth control. After my body got used to the medication, my acne started to go away, my periods were way less painful, my mood has been more stable, and I don't struggle with the usual PCOS symptoms that I originally had. I've been taking this medication for almost a year now, and I can't explain how much better my periods have gotten. I've tried many other birth controls for my PCOS, and none of them seem to work as well as this one. If you have PCOS, I definitely recommend you give this a try."