Seasonique and Acne: What Users Say

• Jad...
• September 14, 2010

For Birth Control "I usually don't write in these forums, but after reading a few posts, I realized that I needed to share my experiences to help someone else. I'm on my 8th week of Seasonique. Of course, I started taking it because I was attracted to the 4 periods a year. The first side effect I started experiencing was headaches, backaches, and stomach cramps. It either went away, or I just got used to it. Secondly, I noticed my face breaking out along the jawline. This has been a problematic area for me before but never quite this severe. I get once-a-week facials, and there was absolutely no explanation for this. Lastly, I've had these non-stop hysterical crying episodes."

• Rai...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 8, 2012

"I've been on Seasonique for a little over 6 weeks. I was previously on Depo-Provera on and off for the last 8 years (used NuvaRing on the breaks from Depo), and I was on Depo for the last year non-stop. Seasonique is a lifesaver. On Depo, I had crazy mood swings, uncontrollable crying fits, and severe depression. Within 2 weeks of starting Seasonique, I was a normal person! I didn't realize that Depo had created those side effects. I just thought I was crazy, but Seasonique changed everything for me. My acne even subsided dramatically, and I'm finally losing ALL of the weight I gained on Depo. I really believe Seasonique saved me. I have recommended it to every female I know."

• Anonymous
• November 8, 2009

For Birth Control "Well, it worked to prevent pregnancy because there was no way I could have become pregnant when I couldn't even have sex since I basically had my period for a month! In addition, I had the pleasure of getting severe cystic acne that I haven't been able to get under control. The cramps that accompanied my period were terrible. I'm going back on Loestrin 24."

• Anonymous
• July 11, 2009

For Birth Control "Fantastic experience. 9 months on Seasonique and never had breakthrough bleeding. Slight appetite increase, but no acne or crazy mood swings. My last 2 birth control pills gave me insane mood swings. My fiancé is thrilled with my choice in Seasonique."

• De2...
• July 29, 2015

For Birth Control "So I totally agree with some of the comments below. I've been on Seasonique since grade 9 (in my second year of college as of Sept 2015). I'm not gonna say why, but I will say that it was definitely great in the beginning. Periods became regular, I had my period for about 5 days, which I find healthy in my opinion since I don't get it for 3 months, and it has cleared up my face from acne and pimples. As of this year, I have noticed that the pill isn't working as it should. During the last week or 2 before the yellow pills or 'period pills,' I get constant on and off spotting. Then, during the week of my period pills, I don't get my period until the last few days. Usually Wed to Fri if following the actual week. Been taking it for 5 yrs now."

• De2...
• July 29, 2015

For Birth Control "So I totally agree with some of the comments below. I've been on Seasonique since grade 9 (in my second year of college as of Sept 2015). I'm not gonna say why, but I will say that it was definitely great in the beginning. Periods became regular, I had my period for about 5 days, which I find healthy in my opinion since I don't get it for 3 months, and it has cleared up my face from acne and pimples. As of this year, I have noticed that the pill isn't working as it should. During the last week or 2 before the yellow pills or 'period pills,' I get constant on and off spotting. Then, during the week of my period pills, I don't get my period until the last few days. Usually Wed to Fri if following the actual week. Been taking it for 5 yrs now."

• lad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 23, 2014

For Birth Control "I love this birth control so far! I've been on it for 2 months. I spotted on and off for the first 3 weeks. I just used a Poise pantyliner and was fine. I have had slight acne, but I wash and use Bentonite clay 3 times a week. I've heard of excessive spotting, you have to take it at the same time every day. I take it at 7 pm like clockwork, sometimes 6:30. Take it at night."

• Pai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 29, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I took this med for about a week and a half. The first few days, pleasantly, no side effects. Then I started having the worst insomnia, vivid nightmares, and deep-bone back pain/body aches every night. Fast forward to days 7-9, I still had all of the above, plus acne, panic attacks, racing thoughts, stomach cramps, diarrhea, depression, and hot flashes. At this point, I would rather have heavy, painful periods! I am an attorney and cannot function like this."

• Lys...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 4, 2018

For Birth Control "I've actually been on Seasonique for 10 years. I got on Seasonique when I was 10 (because of bad cramps and ovarian cysts). Now I am 20, and I am still on this birth control! I choose to skip over the sugar pills to not have a period, and not once ever have I had random bleeding. I haven't had any acne in 10 years and have not experienced any hormonal issues. Also, it has kept me from getting knocked up, which is the best part."

• Jam...
• January 25, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been on Seasonique for almost 3 months, I haven't had any spotting, however, really bad acne on my T-zone. In the past, I have had maybe 2-3 spots at a time, but now, 3 months in, I have multiple spots, triple or more than usual. I am totally attracted to 3-4 menstrual cycles a year, not to the idea of the acne, however."

• Lad...
• January 28, 2011

For Endometriosis "I took Seasonique for only two weeks, but I quit because of the severe and immediate mood changes I experienced while on it. I have an anxiety disorder, and when I started taking Seasonique, I started feeling more irritated/anxious. After that, my mood plummeted into a depression. I felt like crying or screaming all the time. I also developed acne, breast tenderness, and extreme bloating. When I stopped the pill, I started a period even though I had a period two weeks prior. When I stopped taking Seasonique, my mood improved. I have taken the pill before and never had this reaction. I am now going to get the Mirena IUD to treat my endometriosis/adenomyosis."

• Bri...
• September 22, 2009

For Birth Control "I have been using Seasonique for a little over a year now. The first month and a half on Seasonique is great, but then the spotting starts. For the past 2 1/2 weeks on the last pack, I have been bleeding. It has given me acne and very painful cramps. I am switching to another birth control."

• Har...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 25, 2017

For Endometriosis "For the first 2 months of taking it, I didn't stop bleeding, gained 10 lb (I've been 125 lbs for the past 10 years), got zits! (Maybe had 5 zits in my whole life), then started this pill and I'm a bloated, bloody, zitty beast! I threw the pills in the trash today. Enough is enough! Horrible medication."

• Kri...
• June 18, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Worst BC I've ever taken. I thought it would be nice to be able to skip my period, so my doctor prescribed me this. I get breakouts bad, worse than if I'm not even on BC. I also get spotting and full-blown periods way before the inactive pills. I'm on the 3rd pack, 1st week, and having my period. I ordered new BC, hopefully, it comes soon. I wouldn't recommend this BC at all."

• unb...
• September 13, 2009

For Birth Control "I was on Seasonique for 2 years. Seasonique started out as an okay form of birth control. It took my body a while to get used to it (probably about 2 packs, so 6 months). When I did get used to it, it was great. But then the problems started. I've never had acne or even bad pimples, and my face started to really break out. Also, I don't know if my body got immune to the birth control, but after a while, my heavy periods came back as well as the cramps. Also, if I ever forgot to take my pill and had to double up, I would get really sick. Overall, it started out great, but the effects were not long-term. I've gained 15 pounds, and my libido is very low, and I'm very dry when having intercourse. Also, as mentioned earlier, it gave me very bad acne."

• Anonymous
• August 29, 2008

For Birth Control "Loved this birth control! I never had spotting or breakthrough bleeding during the 3 months of active pills. So nice to not have a monthly period. The only reason I'm switching is that my acne has gotten really bad because of stress."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 15, 2012

For Birth Control "I have been taking Seasonique since I gave birth to my second child in March 2011, and I enjoy having only four periods a year. However, I do notice that once my period comes, I experience severe migraines where I am knocked to the floor in pain. I also get moderate acne around my jawline when I do have my period, even though I do not mind it as much since it helps out with my acne when I do not have my period."

• Mar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 24, 2021

For Birth Control "This pill has really worked for me! I don’t get any side effects, and my skin looks really great. I’ve been on two other pills, and they caused me to break out, have continuous spotting, and worsened my depression. Seasonique just works really well with my body!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 5, 2012

For Birth Control "I've been taking Seasonique for two years. When I first started using it, nothing major really changed with my body, but after the first couple of months, I started to break out more often, and my sex drive was practically non-existent. Two years later, the acne problem isn't as bad, but my sex drive is still gone, and during intercourse, I am also dry, which makes intercourse uncomfortable. This was my first birth control, and I am now switching."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 14, 2012

For Birth Control "Honestly, I know experiences often depend on the woman, but I had nothing but problems. I bled every single day for 4 months before I finally stopped taking it. It was awful. I am a healthy young woman with a regular period. My doctor said the bleeding was normal. But 4 months straight? I don't think so. That being said, the upside was I didn't have worsening acne, weight gain, headaches, etc."

• Anonymous
• May 23, 2011

For Birth Control "I've been using this product for four years. Anyone who is concerned about spotting and immediately switches is just being impatient. It's not easy for your body to be programmed to have a period monthly and then switch in an instant to every three months. You will have spotting for the first two to three cycles, but it will go away! You must be patient and give your body time to adjust. There are so many versions of this available now: Seasonique, Seasonale. If one isn't working for you because you feel as though it's giving you worse cramps, acne, etc., try another brand. I have not experienced worse acne, and my periods are shorter and less painful. Remember, your life changes-just because your acne got worse doesn't mean it was automatically your birth control."

• Cry...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 10, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve been on Seasonique for about nine months. I just started my 4th pack. I was originally on the shot, but it made me extremely depressed after getting it once, so I took a 5-month break and started Seasonique. I rarely have mood swings, I don’t get acne or headaches, and haven’t gained any weight. This birth control was perfect for me until I started bleeding for 3 months straight. I don’t bleed a lot, I could pass by just wearing liners all day, but it stops for maybe a week when I start a new pack, and I start it again out of nowhere. If I didn’t bleed so constantly, this would be the perfect birth control for me. When I am on my “period pills,” I only bleed for about 4 days and get a little cramp here and there, but it’s nothing compared to how they used to be. Debating if I should wait to finish my last pack or just try to get a new one."

• Cha...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 23, 2019

For Birth Control "So, I was on this birth control from 2014 to 2017, and I LOVED it. I went through many trials and errors before finding that this medication didn’t cause me any awful side effects. Others I tried made me secretly nauseous to the point of not being able to keep anything down, lightheadedness, headaches. I raved and raved about this birth control! My doctor recommended that I stop due to an autoimmune disease that I was suspected to have. I stopped for one year and recently got back on it and just finished my first three months. This time was a completely different experience for me, and I am SO confused. Terrible spotting, ACNE (I have never had acne in my life), spotting heavily, along with a heavy period, which is why I am on this BC to begin with primarily. I realized that the manufacturer is Mylan, and before I don’t know exactly what brand, but it was in a bright green case, and those worked great for me. Can’t figure out what manufacturer that was or if it makes a difference."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 10, 2017

For Birth Control "I was on this birth control for about a year, and I don't know why I waited so long to get off of it. I had cystic acne all over my face (I used to never break out before this pill), and I lost 20 pounds. I'm not a big girl in the first place, but this pill got me down to 90 pounds because of the severe nausea. Also, I was moody the entire time I was on it. I went on Ortho Tri-Cyclen, and it saved my life."

• Aos...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 29, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have been on this pill for 5 weeks. I started it the 3rd day of my period as my Dr. instructed. It seemed to make my period go away! That was nice. I have consistently taken the pill every morning at approx. the same time. I have not spotted at all. I have not been on any pill in at least 15 years. I'm 35 with heavy periods and cramps and taking it just for that. As my cycle is around 35 days, I'm anxious to see if it shows up or if this pill is already working! I hope it's working because I've been a hormonal mess, and my skin has been breaking out. Pros and cons are currently even."