Microgestin Fe 1/20 for Birth Control User Reviews (Page 4)
Microgestin Fe 1/20 has an average rating of 5.6 out of 10 from a total of 526 reviews for the treatment of Birth Control. 39% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 35% reported a negative experience.
Reviews for Microgestin Fe 1/20
- Kelik...
- August 1, 2014
"I was on Microgestin for about 3 years. Over the past year, I started to get extremely bad headaches during the sugar pill week. I took extra strength Tylenol the entire week, twice a day, and it still didn't make my headaches go away. I also would feel very lightheaded and nauseous. I had to leave work early, it was bad. The only good thing was I've had the same box of tampons for the entire year. I barely had a period. Oh yeah, I also got high pigmentation right above my lips. They call it a "pregnancy mask" but you can get it with certain birth control. It is very dark and it is difficult to hide with makeup! I'm not a big fan of having a weird skin mustache so I went off it."
- Natasha
- June 8, 2015
"The medication is 100% effective in preventing pregnancy, as long as you follow the guidelines of the medication. This is my 3rd month on the pill I have not gained weight or had any serious side effects. I do notice that I get cramps the week of my period but very minor. My period flow is a lot lighter. The only discomfort is breast enlargement and tenderness."
Frequently asked questions
- Birth control. Do I have to take the brown pills?
- Microgestin Fe 1/20 - Breakthrough bleeding or period, with cramps, while taking active Microgestin?
- Jen
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- July 1, 2019
"I have been on this pill for almost 1 year. It’s the first BC pill I’ve ever taken and it regulated my periods. I used to only get my period about 6-8 times a year and this pill helped with that. I took it every day on time and it’s very effective at preventing pregnancy. I didn’t get any bad side effects which is great. I did however gain 10 lbs and I’m not complaining because I needed it and now I’m at a steady weight. I just switched to Junel Fe and now I’m sad because Microgestin changed my life and made me feel more confident."
- Aano
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- July 7, 2019
"On Microgestin Fe 1/20 Absolutely horrible! Mentally, I was a complete wreck and struggled to feel happy or excited for anything. I was depressed and upset 24/7 and would get angry for the dumbest reasons. I felt so hopeless, I lost interest in everyday tasks/activities. I broke out like crazy on my chin and have always had clear skin. I thankfully switched to Junel FE which has been great."
Are you taking this medicine?
- Anonymous
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- May 3, 2013
"Switched because my old pill was crazy expensive. This pill personally just does not agree with me! No weight gain but sore breasts constantly, lack of periods, nausea, shortness of breath. Been on it since December (now it's May) and I've had about enough. My sister was on this pill also and she said she also would go months without a period (which is just get on your nerves)."
- Agirl...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- October 27, 2015
"I switched from Safyral to Microgestin. After reading the horrible reviews of this pill, I literally cried.I wanted to share my GOOD experience with taking Microgestin over the past ~2 months. I have noticed no spike in appetite, except around the week before my period and at times while I'm on my period, which is not unusual for me. I have not noticed any extreme bloating, and I've experienced little to no nausea. I have no cramps, no spotting, and my period is now extremely light, to the point where I forget I have it at times. I only experienced one patch of skin on my face that became almost unnoticeably darker, but it faded in a week. I exercise daily, eat reasonably, and I have not gained weight. THIS PILL IS NOT BAD IN MY EXPERIENCE"
- Anonymous
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- May 4, 2012
"I was very hesitant to try this birth control after reading SO many negative reviews. I decided that I would go ahead and try it anyways, since everyone reacts differently. Personally, I absolutely LOVE this birth control. I have been on it for approximately three months now, and have not had any bad side effects whatsoever. I used to be on Yasmin for 3 years, and would get headaches almost daily. Ever since I switched, I rarely get headaches. I have had no weight gain, no mood swings, no acne, and no change in breast size (unfortunately). I have noticed my periods are much lighter and I have had no spotting. Overall, I give this birth control an A ."
- Anonymous
- December 3, 2009
"I had been taking Microgestin for over 6 months now (switched from the patch), and I will be switching to another form of birth control once again. I've gained 15 pounds (going up 3 dress sizes!) and I've had excessive night sweats. None of these side effects have occurred prior to taking this pill. I will be switching to another form of birth control."
- Bsucc...
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- October 28, 2013
"I started this pill after a horrible experience with implanon. I've been on the pill for over a year and I love it! My periods are predictable and very light, and have had no weight gain. I only get light acne (one or two pimples) when my cycle is about to come on I've had no breakthrough bleeding, but have noticed a decrease in sex drive, but not by too much."
- Bee
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- January 18, 2019
"First I wanna say I have never been on birth control I am 24 years old .this is my first time being on birth control. I’ve been on this birth control for about three months now. The first few weeks my mood swings were horrible my boobs grew !!! I feel the difference ...and I haven’t gained any weight at all ! Actually this birth control kind of slow down my appetite. Now after the few weeks went by everything has been fine with me. My period is back on track how it used to be .I have no problem with this birth control but every women body is different so I really didn’t have any bad experience with this birth control I hope this help"
- sammm...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- December 9, 2018
"I was so skeptical to begin taking this because I read the reviews beforehand but after being on it for a full month now, I can say I think I found the one. My boobs grew just enough, light period, and virtually no cramps. I used to not even be able to get out of bed because of my cramps and it is so nice to be able to actually function the first couple days of my period."
- Patie...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- December 3, 2015
"I have been on this pill since June of 2015 and I so far have not gotten pregnant, but I have pregnancy like symptoms all the time which lead me to think I am pregnant therefore buying tests. I have major migraines, I am depressed, already had anxiety but it has heightened, I am moody and nauseous all the time. My body aches. I am worried about what the affect this is having on my body. I have also taken the pill at the same time everyday and have skipped the week off (period week) but have not had a period since the 2nd month of being on it."
- nurse...
- November 9, 2018
"I took this for 4 months. At first great, boobs grew 2 cup sizes, no acne, & when it came time for my period I only had some spotting. However, 3 weeks into taking it I had to go to the ER cause I thought I had a blood clot. My left arm was numb and swelling, went to the ER & luckily everything was fine. 2 months later I developed severe anxiety & blood pressure was scary high. My heart rate was 142 at the doctors & they were so concerned that they made me stay until it lowered & told me that if it goes back up to go to the ER. Gained 10 pounds & had severe bloating and water retention in my calves. I started dating my current boyfriend while on this and he says that the person I was on this pill is not someone who he would date. I had NO emotions, I literally felt nothing and he tells me that I acted like a zombie. Now I'm off it my boyfriend tells me that I’m a totally different person. This pill will probably work for someone who is very healthy and has no history of mental health issues."
- Anonymous
- December 12, 2012
"I am 19 years old and this is my first time on birth control. I chose this one because it is fairly inexpensive if I didn't have insurance to cover as well as fitting my body. I have no bad experiences with it at all, no weight gain or anything and it does its job! Needless to say I love this pill!"
- BreyAnn
- Taken for less than 1 month
- December 4, 2015
"This is the worst birth control I have ever used. I have been taking it for two weeks now and I have literally gone crazy. I'm not myself at all. It has made me insanely emotional, I cry all the time not to mention I'm very very depressed and have thoughts of suicide. I am also very irritable and find myself snapping at people for no reason. I would never recommend this pill to anyone."
- Zayna...
- September 28, 2017
"I was EXTREMELY nervous about taking this bc. This is my first bc pill I've taken and it's been great. I just finished my first pack and all I can say is I weigh less and my period was SUPER light! Before bc, my periods were like 4 days long. On birth control, it was literally a day. I didn't have any mood swings or depression. I do feel like it increased my anxiety a tad bit. Always remember, when looking for the right bc for you, never put too much into these reviews. Try it out for yourself."
- Sarah...
- March 1, 2016
"I've been on this pill for a little more than 2 years (can't remember exactly when I started it). Only birth control I have ever used and I have no problems with it what so ever. No mood swings, no weight gain, no increased acne, and so light of periods that I only need a liner which lasts for 2 to 4 days. My sex drive is the same as it was before the pill and I haven't had a single pregnancy scare which is great because I've had unprotected sex with my boyfriend the entire time I've been on the pill. I of course take the pill like you are suppose to (every day at the same time) other than not bothering with the sugar pills. I recommend to try it for few months because when I first began the pill I had nausea but it stopped after few months"
- Tyler...
- December 23, 2016
"I started this birth control after my insurance stopped covering loloestrine fe.. the first 2 months of this were a breeze. I had little to no symptoms, almost like I wasn't even on birth control. I finally reached my 3rd month and I am truly horrified by my experience with this Bc. I am a sexually active woman and the symptoms I'm experiencing are making me feel like I may be pregnant even though I am not. It started with severe constipation, frequent urination, loss of appetite all together, nausea ALL DAY EVERY DAY mostly at night. I truly can't take it anymore and I decided to stop this Bc last night in hopes of the nausea stopping. If you are feeling this way please go to your gyno and seek a new pill. It's truly not worth this feeling"
- Anonymous
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- May 12, 2014
"I recently decided to get back on this pill, after I was off it for a few months. My experience has been slightly different from the first time I took it. As it has in the past, my skin has completely cleared up, however this time around I am feeling extremely nauseaus, lost my sex drive, and I am constantly and randomly just bursting into tears. This might just be temporary side affects, hopefully it gets better soon..."
- Nana
- September 17, 2015
"So amazing. I have currently had the IUD Mirena for 3 years & recently realized how much I miss Microgestin Fe 1/20 & want it back in my life. ( recently I had a new guy complaining he can feel it) The Microgestin Pills had me with the finest body (lost weight); no acne, light/no periods, & no pregnancy. I would take it every day, on time (@ 3pm), until a nurse (funded by my [different] school health insurance) encouraged me to get the IUD because you don't have to remember something every day, it "prevents pregnancy better". That is why I switched. Yes, this pill me feel bad at first, but the nauseousness goes away. I want it back."
- TexLady
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- June 2, 2015
"When I originally took Microgestin 1/20 by Watson, it was amazing (particularly after the first couple of months of taking when my body got use to it). My breasts went up a cup size & there were little to no side effects. Lighter periods. No pregnancy. WIN! THEN after almost two years, a dark cloud called Actavis became the new manufacturer and shattered my love for Microgestin. Something changed in the formula because I was suddenly sick during the first week of each new pack to the point that I'd throw up at times. Random cramping. Gained about a pd a week - not a deal breaker but still sucks. HEAVY exhausting 2-3 day periods. Two side effects worsened over time: melasma and mood swings. Needless to say, it's goodbye time. Beware!"
- Genah
- April 21, 2019
"I’ve used birth control for over 10 years. I’ve used Microgestin Fe 1.5/30 for majority of that time. I’ve also used the patch (no complaints other than it would give me a small rash on the area that I applied it on). Microgestin Fe 1/20 was my least favorite. I didn’t get my period the first 4 months. I gained weighed (10-15 pounds). I hit the gym everyday for about 2 hours. I ran 5-7 miles a day, ate clean and I could not lose the weight. I had mood swings. I just got off it. As soon as I went back to Microgestin Fe 1.5/30 (my regular birth control) I dropped all the weight, my period came back, and my mood swings went away. I’ve always been regular. Please read reviews before you try something."
- danny...
- September 13, 2016
"I've been on this pill for 8 months. I've always been overweight but I've significantly changed my lifestyle, going to the gym consistently for the first time ever, yet I'm gaining weight. Ugh. Other side effects: anxiety, panic attacks, mood swings, weird, vivid, and often sexual dreams, I sleep so much (10 hrs/night), loss of sex drive. Headaches and disturbed sleep which were extremely rare for me before. Also my blood pressure was 140/89 the other day and I've never had high blood pressure! I was compelled to read reviews after that and I see some people had the same issue. This is the first pill I've been on so I thought "maybe this isn't so bad" but now, writing out all of my side effects, I'm seriously considering stopping this pill."
- 41...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- December 18, 2019
"I had the mirena for 3 years. It was the first birth control I've used since I got married 3 years ago... It was wonderful except after a year I started getting hot flashes. I suffered for a bit longer and then had it removed. Hot flashes gone!!! I was given microgestin. I took it for 16 days and bleed for 16 days. Full blown, heavy bleeding, huge clots, thought I would expel my uterus. lol. Dr. said keep taking and if I feel like I'm going to pass out come to the office. I didn't listen and stopped the pills. 3 days later no blood. I've never bleed like this in my life. Not sure why it made me bleed. Wish I understood this since it's supposed to make you not... Anyways I'm going to take a break for a couple months and maybe try a different pill..."
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 Birth Control
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- Birth Control Guide
- Birth Control Pills and Your Period
- Birth Control Pills: Why Do I Get Breakthrough Bleeding?
- Emergency Contraception: What You Need to Know
- Grapefruit and Birth Control Pills: Your Questions Answered
- Hormonal Birth Control Methods (Non-Pill Options)
- Missed your birth control pill? Here's what to do
- Non-hormonal Methods of Birth Control
- Permanent Birth Control Methods
Medicine.com guides (external)
More about Microgestin Fe 1 / 20 (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone)
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Professional resources
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"Yes it is effective as a birth control contraceptive. The side effects I have had loss of sex drive, moodiness, weight gain and an irregular menstrual cycle. I stopped taking that pack of pills the end of January 2014 as of now I have yet to have a menstrual cycle. Something is right."