Levora and Acne: What Users Say

• Mol...
• July 14, 2014

For Birth Control "I was VERY wary about being switched to this birth control. I had been on Ortho Tri-Cyclen for 3 years without any problems, but then I started having breakthrough bleeding and increased skin breakouts, including lots of cystic acne. Doctor put me on Levora, and after reading a lot of reviews of side effects, I was super worried I'd end up with worse acne. It's been 4 months and I LOVE THIS PILL. My skin has never looked better. I didn't experience any emotional issues with the switch. My period is regular again and lighter than it even was on the other pill. I barely get any cramps. I love it. If you're reading all these negative reviews, remember people are more likely to post negative experiences than positive ones."

• boo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 5, 2013

For Birth Control "I waited 1 month to write this review. Hopefully, things will stay the same. First of all, I read quite a few reviews before I took this pill. Let me tell you, I was terrified. I paid more attention to the bad reviews because with my luck I would suffer from every bad side effect of this pill. My main concern was weight gain and mood swings. I broke out but took control of it by going on Proactiv. It's working, but I have to make sure to wash morning and night. No falling asleep will make up. My breasts were tender for the first couple of weeks, actually, it was quite painful. No weight gain. My appetite has actually decreased. I had bad PMS episodes, and that's when I gained weight. This pill seems to help with that. Overall, I am happy."

• Ms ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 3, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I started taking Levora 3 months ago with the initial goal to correct my anemia and reduce bleeding. My Dr. prescribed it for a short period of time, 6 months max. I must say, I started bleeding heavily before the first 'scheduled' period on the pack. I bled for nearly 2 weeks, which never happened before. The Dr. office nurse said it was normal to get used to the medication. Fine. Now, I'm on the 4th month of taking Levora and I'm quitting it because I'm outraged that, again, I have heavy bleeding for nearly two weeks, and it's not even close to the 'period' mark on the blister. Again, that's very concerning and causing my anxiety to spike. I haven't noticed any weight gain, however, acne appeared on my face and chest, which hasn't happened since my teenage years. Also, I noticed worsening symptoms of gas, bloating, cramping, and pain in my ovaries."

• Cry...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 19, 2019

For Birth Control "Honestly, I remember taking this a long time ago and forgot why I stopped taking it because I switched and tried an IUD back then. When I first got back on the pill, I took Chateal, which was great, was a little moody but otherwise fine. Still had periods, which is fine with me because it let me know I'm still fertile and all (peace of mind). As soon as I was switched to Levora, my anxiety exploded, gastrointestinal issues like bloating, which was painful, acne, missed periods, fatigue, nausea. After 2 months of seeing if things would settle, I've stopped taking it and made an appointment to get rid of it and replace it. I'd rather be pregnant than be on Levora."

• Hap...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 23, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been on Levora for over 2 years now, and I really love it. I have not gained any weight due to being on the pill, I NEVER get acne, cravings and PMS symptoms are greatly reduced, and my periods are extremely light and short-almost like spotting. I still get cramps during the first day of my period, but they're so slight, and Advil takes care of it immediately. I usually start within the 3rd day of the inactive pills, and my period is over in 3 days, but lately I've been starting a day later, so my period lasts 2 days-not complaining though! I also suck at remembering to take the pill every day and still have not gotten pregnant."

• Mim...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• November 21, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been on Levora since 2009, so just over ten years. I initially gained weight, but lost it as soon as I started working out. I switched around a little bit but always came back to Levora. I got off for a year in 2017 and had the worst acne I’d ever experienced, so I went back on. I’ve never gotten pregnant, so it’s a good birth control. However, I am unable to tell if it’s affecting my moods, blood sugars (I’m a T1D). Thinking about getting off so I can clear up my body to prepare for pregnancy eventually. I’m just afraid of the terrible acne more than anything."

• RN8...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 30, 2016

For Birth Control "I developed extreme depression, anxiety, and mood swings, and gained 15 lbs. I eventually became suicidal. I switched to another type of BC, and within 2 months, my suicidal thoughts were completely gone, and within 4 months, my depression and anxiety were gone too. My life was the same, but I felt sane and in control of my emotions again. I also was finally able to lose weight. And my previously clear skin, which Levora ruined with cystic acne, went back to normal. This is a nasty, horrible pill. It should be taken off the market."

• Yat...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 20, 2013

For Birth Control "I started on the patch for my acne, but my skin had an allergic reaction to the patch. It gave me no side effects, so the doctor changed me to an oral contraceptive. The one with the closest hormone dosage to the patch was Levora (called MinOvral in Canada). I have been on it for 6 years now. The only side effect I have experienced is mild breakouts right when I start a new pack after a week off, but I can put up with that. It is also slightly pricier than many other oral contraceptives. Unfortunately, my school's insurance plan does not completely cover it, but it is still affordable."

• Jen...
• January 3, 2012

For Birth Control "I started using Levora after stopping Yasmin. I'm starting my third Levora pack next week, and so far my experience with Levora has been great! No headaches, no nausea, no feeling physically weak or overly emotional. My libido is really high, and my breasts have gotten a little bigger. I did, however, have the food cravings as mentioned in other comments, and it did make me gain a little weight, but I notice that when I'm taking the reminder pills, I'm a lot slimmer than when I'm taking the active pills. I also have increased acne by very, very little, nothing that makes me complain or feel annoyed. I recommend Levora for anyone debating on it. It worked well for me!"

• fdj...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 23, 2013

For Birth Control "I started this pill about three weeks ago. I've been crying non-stop. Not to mention I get irritated quickly, and my moods are up and down. It's affecting not only me but my love life. I started doubting my now long-term boyfriend loving me. Before I started this pill, my depression was starting to get better, then BAM, I'm on this pill and I start sleeping over and over again. I feel bored/worthless in life once again. Also, the side effect of getting pimples, my skin was clear before this. I'm changing my pill."

• sil...
• August 18, 2015

For Birth Control "I have taken this BC for close to 10 months. I have gained so much weight, and I have the worst moods. I already have issues with anxiety and depression, and this has made it worse. My acne still comes and goes. I am determined to stop this medication. On the other hand, my periods have been fabulous. Before, I would throw up and have horrible cramps."

• Tin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 30, 2020

For Birth Control "I guess this Levora pill isn't for me. I'm 43, so my fears of / hope for ever having a child are long gone. After being off the pill for years, my doctor put me back on them to help regulate my cycle. Levora lasted two weeks. They call it birth control for a reason. In just a few days, I became a bloated, tired, gassy demon with acne. Whereas I normally couldn't keep my hands off my boyfriend, I found myself wishing he would just 'get it over with.' I'm stopping these awful pills today. I still hate the unpredictability of my cycle. Maybe that's what happens when you get older, but I'd rather randomly bleed than endure this. No thank you. I'm trying more ibuprofen, a menstrual cup, and more iron instead. Let's hope my boyfriend and I are too old for an 'oops' baby. Besides, I don't think I can get pregnant anyway."

• lol...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 29, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "After years of severely painful and agonizing 7-day heavy periods, my doctor recommended Levora. I have been on this pill for over a year now, and it has been amazing. The only side effects I have had are positive-my boob size increased an entire cup, and I have just about no acne! My periods have also shortened to less than 3 days, and they are extremely light, no pain or headaches anymore either. My period comes the same time, same day, every single month. I was petrified to start birth control, but I couldn't stand the horrible periods anymore. I am so happy my doctor suggested Levora, as I no longer lose sleep laying awake in pain! This pill has done wonders for me!"

• Moo...
• January 23, 2012

For Birth Control "I have been miserable for the past few months while on Levora. At first, it just started with some moodiness, but it has escalated after about four months (I've been on it for about 6 months). My moodiness is just so unpredictable now, I feel physically depressed and anxious. Also, my decreased sex drive has become a huge problem. I have no interest whatsoever and have had increased vaginal dryness. Also, I have had increased food cravings, I feel like I am always hungry, and combined with feeling depressed, that is a dangerous combination. I've gained about 30 lbs in 6 months. I have had much lighter periods since I have been on Levora, no cramping and no acne, but the positives really don't outweigh the negatives."

• Rhi...
• April 4, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been on this pill for about a year, and at first, I loved it. I was on Depo-Provera for a while, but my periods were all over the place, and my skin wasn't in very good shape. Once I started Levora, my breasts were very tender, but they also grew, so I wasn't complaining. About 6 months ago, I started packing on pounds. I'm 5'2" and have never gone above 110 lbs. I am now a solid 125 lbs, sometimes more. I have not changed my fairly healthy diet and do lightly exercise. My skin has not cleared up, and my sex drive is gone. I literally got nothing good out of this pill other than big boobs (again, not complaining). I am getting off of this pill ASAP."

• sex...
• November 13, 2019

For Birth Control "I was on Levora for approximately 5 months; it was great the first few months. My acne had lessened overall, and I had minimal bloating around my period. Cramping had subsided, and I had a lot of hair growth on my head. No weight gain, no bigger boobs. However, the negative side effects first started with breast tenderness (which was okay), but it became worse. I started out as emotional, then became extremely angry or easily aggravated all the time! My skin started becoming really oily, which then caused me to break out. Overall, I still believe this was a good birth control; it just didn't work out for me. I'd still recommend you'd give it a try if you can. (no pregnancy either!)"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 5, 2012

For Birth Control "This is the first and only birth control medication I've been on. I've been taking it a little over 2 years now. I've had no side effects besides EXTREMELY low sex drive. I've never had a particularly high sex drive, but now it's nonexistent. I haven't had any of the headaches or mood swings. There was a mild increase in my acne, but I'm also a college student, so I don't particularly lay all the blame on the pill. Overall, it does its job, but I would caution potential takers with low libido."

• Jas...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 11, 2014

For Endometriosis "I've been on Levora for three years to help with my endometriosis. I've gained weight, but most women do while taking any type of birth control. I used to have really bad acne, now I only really break out during my period. Also, my period is lighter and shorter. Every woman is different, and our bodies aren't going to be the same as another woman taking the same birth control."

• Lyn...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 15, 2013

"I was put on Levora because I didn't want my period anymore. Didn't have any problems to begin with, my period has always been light and on time. It would just happen on days where I really needed it not to. I've been taking it for exactly 3 weeks (started the day my period ended), and it's been great! I have no mood swings whatsoever, no weight gain, no headaches, and no nausea! My libido was already pretty high, but now it's even higher! My breasts are a tiny bit sore, but they've increased from an A to a B. The only negative thing I've noticed so far is that I have more breakouts than I used to, but it's not horrible. I was supposed to start my period today but didn't, so it could be working for that. As long as I have fewer periods. First birth control for me."

• Car...
• April 13, 2014

For Birth Control "I began Levora to help control my migraines that are caused by a significant drop in estrogen on or right before my period. Although they worked for the migraines, I started to notice symptoms like extreme moodiness, crying, frustration, etc. within the first month, but figured my body was just getting used to it since this is the first birth control I've been on. Three months later, it got worse, and I also had problems with water weight, a huge increase in acne, and terrible dry spots all over my face. The emotions got so bad it was affecting my relationship, so I had to stop."

• caw...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 15, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I went on this pill to help control my insane periods and help with my acne. I'm quite young, and my periods would last from 7-10 days. My periods would be so bad that I would throw up, not be able to walk, and faint. So I decided to go on birth control to lighten my periods. My doctor told me to skip the placebo pills every month for 4 months. After the fourth month, I got my period, and it made the cramping and blood flow EVEN WORSE! I also went on it to help with acne, and I can say that it has possibly made my acne worse. Before going on the pill, I rarely got large, hard pimples on my cheeks, and now that's a regular occurrence. If you're like me, I wouldn't recommend this pill!!"

• Anonymous
• May 6, 2011

"I've been taking Levora for 2 months now. The first few weeks were awful... I was an emotional wreck with severe mood swings. Also, I would feel very nauseous the majority of the time, especially immediately after taking the pill. I had bad breast tenderness, but within a few weeks, this subsided. I only had a few days of irregular spotting, but this soon subsided as well. On the second pack, I really had hardly any problems with this birth control. However, I am planning on switching pills because the one major problem I have with this pill, which is a serious deal breaker for me, is that ever since starting the pill, I have experienced terrible acne... large, painful, under-the-skin pimples and also many tiny pimples on my forehead. Hope this helps!"

• Anonymous
• May 28, 2012

"I have tried almost every type of birth control out there, and this is definitely my least favorite! I initially gained weight when switching from the ring to the pills and then switched to Levora from Sprintec, and it's been a disaster. I gained more weight and can't get rid of it despite dropping to a 1200 cal/day diet and running/walking at least a mile 4 x week. I also have lost my libido almost completely (bad for a soon-to-be newlywed!) and have acne I haven't had in at least 6 years."

• jes...
• January 15, 2012

For Birth Control "I had been taking Levora for almost two years but decided to stop because I realized many negative aspects could be contributed to it. Yes, it was a successful birth control because I never got pregnant, but I developed acne for the first time in my life (I'm 21). The acne could not be contributed to anything else - I'm a healthy and active vegetarian with an esthetician for a mother. I also had no sex drive, which was my first major red flag that something serious was out of whack. I also went from a D to an F cup - cool for my boyfriend but not for my wardrobe. It was almost impossible to lose weight. However, periods were short, with no cramps or spotting, and I never got pregnant. I switched to the lower-dose Lutera this week."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 13, 2013

For Birth Control "I've been taking Levora for about 6 months. It does its job - prevents pregnancy. But I have gained weight, become depressed, and I have a LOT of acne when I used to have a clear face. On the plus side, though, my periods are light and on time every month. I also don't experience cramps, when I used to throughout my entire period."