Microgestin 1/20 for Birth Control User Reviews

• Jackie
• January 10, 2016

"I wanted to write something as I'm in the process of researching new birth control (I have underlying high blood pressure and smoke, so the pill may not be the best long term birth control option for me) and I found that there's not a lot of good info out there comparing methods. Most reviews seem to be people complaining, because who's going to take the time to write something when they're happy? Well, I want to. I've been on microgestin for over a yr and it's been great. My acne is much improved on it, I've actually lost weight in this time, I haven't had any spotting. My libido is still high and I haven't had issues with arousal. I miss my period sometimes but I think that's from using this continuously so often to skip it. No pregnancy!"

• Jazmyn
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 10, 2019

"This is my first birth control experience and I would have to say that this medication makes me want to never try birth control ever again. I have endometriosis and I was put on this pill just to alleviate that pain and improve my cycle. The day I began taking it I fell into a deep depression where I just could only feel numb. (I am always a happy person with no history of depression.) I was crying all day or just feeling like there was nothing to live for. This also made me go in to fits of rage where I would lash out on people for no reason. My anxiety peaked and I could only be anxious at night so I wasn't sleeping either. This continued for about a week and I couldn't take it anymore, so I just stopped taking it as a whole. Overall, a horrible experience and I would not recommend this to first time users."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 25, 2012

"I've been on this pill for 4 months now. It was my first ever so I was really nervous! While taking it everything was normal no side effects which was a plus! Before the pill my period was for 5-6 days and on the pill it was only 2-3 days which was great! In my 3rd and 4th month I was spotting A LOT! On top of that I was getting my period which was a pain! No weight gain and acne, my sex drive increased."

• Nicol...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 28, 2014

"I was on this birth control for almost 10 years...it was very effective at preventing pregnancy, even though I missed it a few times and there weren't any crazy noticeable side effects like weight gain, nausea, headaches, etc. I think because I was on it for so long, I didn't realize the side effects until I went off of it...once I stopped, I felt like a completely different and better person...my sex drive went through the roof and I realized how much it had suppressed my sex drive this whole time. I also found a huge sense of peace and was able to let go of things much easier I felt like a cloud of depression was lifted. When I tried to go back on it, it made me really irritable and I had to stop. "

• Mae...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 2, 2017

"Severe acne, low sex drive, vaginal dryness, extreme nausea and vomiting at the start of each pack, turned me into a raging psycho most of the time (literally felt like a different person on this pill, it was amazing getting off this and feeling like a cloud of anger and anxiety had been lifted off my shoulders). But the real kicker was when I started experiencing random shooting pain on my right front thigh, followed by right leg numbness. Fast forward a few more weeks and both legs started going numb and I got shooting pain that would travel up to my chest and arms. Doctors couldn't determine what was going on exactly (my BP was normal) but advised me to get off the pill, which I gladly did. Craziest BC experience of my life by far"

• Peri
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 24, 2019

"This pill has been great for my forever long, heavy, peri menopausal periods. I’ve been taking them for over a year (started them at age 46) and other than making my breasts tender I have no complaints. My very light period shows up every couple of months and lasts about three days. Doctor said this was normal for low dose pills. I’m hoping to be able to take these until I hit menopause. I sleep better and am much more pleasant to be around."

• Lily...
• May 6, 2015

"(First month went particularly well, I didn't recognize any symptoms. I felt 100% myself. I was so afraid it was going to trigger my anxiety (I have GAD) but it hasn't! I love microgestin so far. My first "off week" when I got my period was very different. I usually have a heavy to normal flow that last 5 days, but I had a very light flow that lasted the whole week. It stopped once I started the pill on Sunday. I am now three days into my second month, and I haven't noticed anything new. I feel great!"

• SMano
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 17, 2015

"My biggest fear with bc pills was the weight gain - I can assure you now that this does not happen & is somewhat of a myth. I'm married, been on this pill for about two plus years & haven't had any scares or issues. I get a little nausea when starting a new pack so I always take at night (my only real hang up). Never emotional, super light and predictable periods. Very happy."

• Anony...
• January 26, 2014

"I was on a different birth control beforehand and I had every side effect possible, so my doctor switched me to Microgestin and I'm so glad she did! I haven't had a single side effect since being on the pill! I used to get terrible cramps and even after taking the pill for a month the cramps were completely gone. The only thing that happened was that my breasts got bigger, which I'm not complaining about!"

• Tenie...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 13, 2019

"I would not recommend microgestin 1/20. I was prescribed this because I have very heavy periods and am very anemic. I have been bleeding for 13 days. I feel like having my uterus removed!! Once I am done with this pack I am never taking it again!!!"

• kim
• November 28, 2014

"I was 23 when I started this birth control. It was my first time using it and I was terribly afraid of getting pregnant while on this. Surprisingly after almost a year of using it and turning 24, I haven't gotten pregnant, my skin looks the best it's ever looked and my periods are finally regular. there is some heavy spotting that comes unpredictably and heavy cramping at times but it works and if you have insurance it should be free. i take it at the same time every day. i used a condom the first month so my body could get used to it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 24, 2014

"I switched to Microgestin after I could no longer afford Lo Loestrin Fe. I didn't get my period or have any bad side effects while on Lo Loestrin Fe so I was worried that I would when I switched. Thankfully no side effects or period."

• Ms Hb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 18, 2017

"I've been on this pill for about 3 months and haven't had any issues.I am wondering about my sex drive though but I am not sure yet if its the pill or work stress because I have a lot of that. My periods are shorter and lighter and as long as I eat when I take it I don't experience any stomach issues. Everyone's body is different and just because someone had a bad experience doesn't mean you will. I don't have issues with anxiety or depression. Those who experience that already may have an increase of those symptoms. Pills don't make you gain weight food does. If your appetite has increased on it practice some discipline and eat less. I exercise regularly and have not gained weight."

• anony...
• May 6, 2013

"I've been on Microgestin for about a year now. My OBGYN said it would be best if I took it continously, so that's exactly how I've been taking it. I take it consecutively for 3 months and then I take a break for week. Ladies, I haven't had a period in over year and although it sounds scary believe me it is totally fine. Zero nasty side effects like headaches, cramping, long periods, moodiness, etc. The only thing is lowered libido but hey, after all there is no perfect pill that won't have any side effects! Good luck with this medication."

• Norma
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 15, 2015

"I have had a very positive experience with microgestin. I started using it about 6 months ago, and it was my first time on birth control. It helped to clear up my acne and made my periods much lighter and shorter (from 7 days to only 2 or 3). I did not experience any weight gain or nausea. The only negative side effects I had were that I was a bit more emotional than usually in the first two weeks of use, and that for a few months, I would have a bit of light spotting leading up to my period. Overall, it has been a really great birth control and had very few side effects."

• Saint...
• January 18, 2016

"I wanted to write this review because I read many negative reviews and do not want people to think birth control is a horrible thing. Everyone's body is different so the reactions to the pill will be different- it is not a one size fits all type of deal. Additionally, it is best to stay on birth control for at least 3 months before switching over. Some people only stay on it for a month or two before switching because they are not happy with the side effects but do not realize they disappear over time. I've only been on the pill for over a month but overall I am very satisfied with the results. I did experience back pain, breakouts, breast tenderness, and headaches but it went away. My period is shorter and cramps are way less painful."

• candy...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 10, 2019

"I dont like this Microgestin 1/20 birth control at all. Since taking this med, my acne has gotten so bad. It doesn't make my face oily, but I am getting so much acne around my jawline and down my neck which is new for me. My skin just feels so gross! My boobs are also constantly swollen. I lack energy. I've been depressed. I haven't been myself! So happy that I finally realized it was this birth control, because I will never take this stuff again! Awful!!!"

• higs
• August 5, 2016

"I'm taking it for a regular birth control and I'm just fine.. I haven't had any crazy mood swings, no weird cravings, and my acne is actually clearing up. It all depends on your body and how your body takes it, like I said I'm just fine!"

• Izzy
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 13, 2019

"I got on this pill Microgestin 1/20 so I wouldn’t have periods, as I was basically bedridden during that time of the month. I missed one pill in June and took one pill 6 hours late a month later in July. It is mid August and I have been spotting with cramps for a little over two months. I have absolutely no sex drive. It’s completely disappeared and that’s hard for me as I am in a long term relationship with my boyfriend. I love him so much and want to be intimate with him, but I just have zero libido for it. I also feel like I’m crazy. My emotions have been all out of whack. I’m either sad, angry, or numb. My last birth control lowered my sex drive and made my emotions funky sometimes but it was NOTHING compared to this. Would not recommend to my worst enemy. I give it a 2 out of 10 because I’m not pregnant which is the ONLY upside."

• Tiff...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 1, 2017

"I've been taking this birth control since March of 2017 and it's worked great for me so far. No pregnancies, no side affects. I absolutely love it. I still get my period during the placebo week but my cramps are way more manageable, and my period is super light and only last 2-3 days, when before it was 4-5 days and horrible horrible cramps. I've always had clear skin but I do notice that the first two weeks of a new pack, my skin is glowing! Towards the last week of the active pills I get my regular period about to start pimples. Sometimes I notice a slight increased irritability but I can't completely attribute that to just this birth control. I've had horrible mood swings on a past medication and haven't gotten even an ounce of that."

• Ashle...
• June 1, 2017

"This birth control is awful. I've been on microgestin for almost two months now and I have nothing good to say about it. My anxiety is through the roof (I'm not generally an anxious person), I'm super moody (I'm normally a happy person), I'm extremely bloated 24/7 (I look 6 months pregnant), my hair keeps falling out, I'm nauseous, I just got over my period a week ago and now I have breakthrough bleeding (heavy bleeding), I already have horrid period cramps from PCOS but these microgestin cramps are almost unbearable. Seriously, just don't try this bc..."

• Anonymous
• November 5, 2012

"I was given this as instead ofLoestrin, which I normally take. I've been on it 2 months and it's like I have a non-stop period. They're also really heavy which they have never been in my life and my breasts get very enlarged and are so tender. I'm not happy with it at all and will be using something different beginning next month."

• BamsMom
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 9, 2016

"I am in my 30s. I do not take any other medications. I do not smoke or drink. I have anxiety. This birth control ruined my life. My anxiety went through the roof. I couldn't leave the house. My husband was getting frustrated but we communicate well so while he was skeptical he saw the side effects. The enhanced anxiety was nuts! Our anniversary was ruined by me not being able to go into the hotel/casino, sitting in the truck, shaking and throwing up. The hot and cold flashes were unbearable. I couldn't cuddle with my husband and I would go outside to cool off (Thank god we live in the Rocky Mountains) in the snow. Debilitating migraines, nausea, vomiting, etc. I switched to OrthoTri Cyclen Lo :) and my husband is getting a vasectomy."

• Linzee...
• November 3, 2013

"This pill was terrible. Had bad migraines the first 5-6 months of taking it. Plus I would get angry over nothing and have crying spells. After about 8 months of being on this pill, my period would come a week early and last for 2 1/2 weeks. It was light bleeding, but still the point of my period going on that long was not normal. My period normally lasts 5-7 days. I stuck the pills out for another month and when I got that 2 1/2 week period again, I called my obgyn. I explained to her what was going on and she had a nurse pull my chart to change my bc. The only good thing about these pills were that I had no weight gain."

• CC Sn...
• December 9, 2016

"I have been on Microgestin for 4 months now and I hate it. I have not found a birth control yet that doesn't screw up my period which I use to be able to count on every 30th or so of the month. This is my 3rd birth control. Mood swings, depression, sadness, lower sex drive, increase appetite and oh yeah a whole lot of bleeding. My period is completely out of wack. I tried to skip ONE period. Well it worked. But then out of no where I bled for 19 days straight (not light bleeding either). I don't know what to do! My body hates birth control. My mom said that it was like that for her as well. Not sure what to try next."