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Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo for Birth Control User Reviews (Page 2)

Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo has an average rating of 6.3 out of 10 from a total of 285 reviews for the treatment of Birth Control. 48% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 26% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo

  • honey...
  • July 5, 2009

"I have been using Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo for about 2 and a half years. Have experienced racing heart, panic attacks constant mood swings. I get upset and cry over something little, gained about 4 pounds, boobs did get bigger though and I haven't become pregnant, so that's a plus."

4 / 10
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27 Report
  • btlcec
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 5, 2015

"I am on my third month of this birth control and I am satisfied with it. The first week I took it, I would take the pill at night and then wake up in the morning with vomiting or nausea. The morning after I took the very first pill was the worst. This occurred the first few white pills of the second pack as well, however it subsided after a few days. I noticed I was moodier than usual the first few weeks but that went away. I'm glad I didn't stop taking it because now I don't even notice anything negative. I haven't gained weight, it hasn't helped my acne but it hasn't hurt it either, so that's fine with me. My periods became lighter for fewer days and MUCH less painful. My cramps are so much better now. Most importantly, I'm not pregnant."

9 / 10
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18 Report
  • Eight...
  • October 29, 2019

"Canadian here. I started taking Tri-Cyclen Lo in senior year of high school, 8 years ago which was 2011. I have been consistently on it since then and I think it's a good birth control, but I've never tried any other ones. - Normal period, monthly - Minimal affect on regular mood / anxiety - Little bit of sickness starting new pack (sometimes) - No affect on depression or happiness - Minimal or no effect on sex drive - No affect on migraines, may actually help - No increase in weight caused by BC - No increase or decrease in acne All in all, this birth control has been good to me. I think it affects everyone differently. I'll stay on this BC until I decide to have kids."

8 / 10
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11 Report
  • Pretty...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 23, 2015

"I've tried ortho-cyclen and microgestin 1/20 and diane 35 before. OC made me gain weight like crazy and I couldn't deal with the bloating; I also lost a ton of muscle mass. I've been on OTC -lo for about a week but I feel such a big difference in the degree of my side effects. I'm asian, 5'2" and 118lbs for reference. I don't feel nauseous at all, very minimal bloating, my skin's a bit clearer, and my sex drive's the same! I'm nervous about the tri-phasic style of the pill as I'm very sensitive to hormone shifts, so I may update my review after a months. I think people just really need to find a pill that most closely mimics their natural hormone levels and go up or down in estrogen and progestin as they observe the changes in their body."

8 / 10
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18 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 22, 2013

"Right now I am currently on my second pack. My nurse recommend this. I'm a beginner, I'm still nervous about this though. A little bit of history, I had TERRIBLE irregular period, and I'm sexually active. After the first pack, my period came and gone exact when it should be (which is the last 7 days). My mild acne seem to be SLOWLY cleaning up. Plus side is it helps my partner and I saving money from buy boxes of condoms. I saw quite a few reviews about breast growing, that hasn't happened to me but I'm hoping maybe later on. Side effects are just cramps and I noticed that I get drunk a lot easier and faster than normally would. I would give it a 10 but I'm only on my 2nd pack so not so sure yet. However ladies, EVERYONE is DIFFERENT. But it doesn't hurt to try out."

9 / 10
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21 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

  • LibbyPD
  • December 2, 2013

"I am 17 and I've been on this pill for about 10 days now and LOVE IT. Weighing on the smaller side with very miniscule breasts, this pill has helped me gain extra weight and has already helped my breasts grow. I was only a tad nauseous on the first day but I found my mood was overall happier and I have a great amount of energy. I am very happy with the results of this pill and how well it has worked for me. I was worried at first but once I had some food and got through the night, I realized that oral birth control is really a gift. If you were like me and worried sick over this pill then just look at all of the benefits that tiny pill can offer you and the security you gain. Thumbs up all the way."

10 / 10
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20 Report
  • Amy...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 15, 2015

"I've been taking this brand for about four months now and haven't had any problems. Not sure why other women are experiencing such negative results from this brand. I got this for free at planned parenthood and she said it was one of the most popular brands. I haven't gain any weight, have't had any mood swings, and my sex drive hasn't been diminished. Oh and most importantly I haven't gotten pregnant. So far, so good!"

9 / 10
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18 Report
  • LAPin...
  • December 14, 2014

"I started taking Ortho Tri Cyclin Lo when I was 16 because I had horrible, horrible cramps and heavy bleeding. I've been on it for 13 years now and I absolutely love it! I'm 5'5 and weigh 115-120 my weight sometimes it fluctuates 5 pounds or so but I never had any major weight gain taking this medicine. I went off of it a year ago for a few months... my skin got soooo mad at me!! I had awful acne on my jaw line - my doctor told me it was hormonally related. Once I went back on it my skin cleared up, my cramps were gone and my period was light and lasted about 3-4 days. It's been a wonderful solution for issues encountered during my period."

9 / 10
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18 Report
  • Evaria
  • May 25, 2016

"I loved this pill and it worked wonderfully for me. As long as I ate with the pill during the first week, I never felt nauseous. The only reason I'm having to switch now is because my insurance no longer covers enough of it and I can't afford $150 a month. Very nervous to leave a pill that worked so well for me."

10 / 10
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16 Report
  • Miche...
  • May 13, 2014

"I'm on my second month and I'd say it's doing what it's intended to do. My periods are slightly less heavy and I don't have the normal monthly cramping like I used to. I have not lost my sex drive, and if anything its been increased. However, I did notice a change in appetite and a feeling of never feeling full. I seem to want to eat everything in my path. My acne seems unchanged, but maybe it's too early to notice."

9 / 10
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19 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • December 3, 2012

"After my BC pill that I had been taking for about 18 years was discontinued I have been searching for one that I like. My doctor suggested Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo. It's been almost 1 year and I want to change pills. Every month I experience a migraine along with my period that lasts 2-3 days. I have also had nausea, mood swings, bloating and trouble losing weight. Recently I have had breakthrough bleeding lasting several days. All of these symtoms are a first for me."

4 / 10
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21 Report
  • Prisc...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • August 25, 2020

"I have been on birth control for two years. I started Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo before switching over to the generic brand. When I started taking the birth control I was nauseous. I had loss of appetite and began to lose weight. I lost over all 40lbs in two years. I still don’t have a big appetite I do eat but my portions are smaller. My periods are normal and light. I like this birth control. It works well for me."

10 / 10
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9 Report
  • JullesG
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 15, 2014

"To help with bad case of PMS (acne, depression, anxiety), decided to start something that will help regulate my periods and balance my hormones. Just started this, and now on day 5, and my only complaint is I feel like I have 'morning sickness'. I'm so sick to my stomach not long after taking it. And prescription nausea meds don't help. I'm not expecting the acne to clear up immediately, but on plus side, no depression and anxiety, which is huge win. So far, if the nausea leaves within next couple months, I will continue this medication."

7 / 10
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18 Report
  • engin...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 14, 2014

"I switched from Levora/Portia. It's my second month on this pill and I am really loving it! Aside from some migraines, which I'm hoping they'll go away soon, no side effects. No acne, my mood has improved, no weight gain (that I've noticed), and it works perfectly to prevent pregnancy. Highly recommended!"

10 / 10
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  • sccali
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • February 2, 2014

"I have tried Yaz, Nuvaring, Paraguard IUD, and other pills. This is the only pill that I have little to no side effects. Normally I become emotional and gain weight on birth control. I have been on this for 9 months and have lost 15 lbs (because of a healthier lifestyle). My skin hasn't broken out, though I am not sure this pill will help if you have acne (I took Accutane before going on this pill). My period is fairly regular. That's my only complaint. I had one month where I got my period 3 times. Overall I would definitely recommend this pill. Also even if you're a big woman, this pill with lower dose of hormones can work for you. I'm 5'11" and 165 lbs! TRY IT!"

9 / 10
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18 Report
  • Alano
  • September 17, 2019

"I have never felt more insecure and anxious. I’m usually a very confident, happy go lucky person but ever since I’ve started this taking Ortho Tri- Cyclen Lo I am paranoid and insecure. I am finishing the pack and then switching."

1 / 10
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10 Report
  • Melly
  • July 28, 2014

"I went on this pill a while back to help regulate my period and help with severe cramps. I had an extremely heavy flow and my cramps were so unbearable. Also, I would get my period for 12 days, sometimes twice a month. Since being on the pill, I usually dont get any cramps which is amazing. I also noticed that my skin is always 100% clear. However, I would say that I gained a solid 20 pounds since being on the pill and am currently trying to work it off with healthy eating and regular exercise. Side note, the first week i took this i was throwing up every night and feeling nauseated but if you stick with it those side effects eventually subside. Overall, besides the weight gain I would say that this pill has done wonders."

7 / 10
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17 Report
  • Confu...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 18, 2013

"I started Ortho Tri-cyclen Lo on May 19th but I got my period on May 3 and since I started the pill I missed my June period and I've been experiencing heartburn, nausea, weakness/fatigue sometimes bloating. Makes me feel pregnant, my breast didn't change much. The fact that it throws your hormones off my sex drive is finally low."

4 / 10
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18 Report
  • Boss...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 10, 2015

"I feel it is my duty to write a review since I read so many before taking the medication. I'll first say I'm crazy about weight! I was so scared of potential weight gain. The first week I put on like 4 pounds. Increased water intake and it was off by the next week. Also before taking the medication my acne was bad. I'm three weeks in and my face is looking great. I LOVE this medication. The break through bleeding was pretty bad at first and sometimes I feel crazy and hormonal but it is very minimal. Love love love."

9 / 10
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16 Report
  • Lauren
  • August 5, 2013

"This pill did not go well with me. I took it for a week & felt bloated, got acne, headaches everyday, nausea! I would take the pill at 7pm so my stomach wouldn't be empty but I would wake up around 3am to wanting to vomit. I started it on a day 1 start & my period was so long and heavy, it didn't stop until I stopped taking the pill that week. But I tried taking it again since I've read that symptoms will usually go away after a few months. The 2nd time around I felt bloated & got a headache again the first day. The first night I woke up at 2am to throw up with a cold sweat I felt I would pass out. I'm going to look into something else. I can't function with this nausea & moodiness."

4 / 10
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18 Report
  • Jasmi...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 17, 2015

"The great thing about the pill is that my breast went up a full cup size which is wonderful. The bad part is that I got severe migraines about 2.5 weeks into the pack and I have never gotten one before. My cramps were so bad I felt like my insides were going to fall out and I never had serious problems like this. Lately I have been more emotional than usual, I don't act like myself at all I'm always angry, sad, or depressed. My sex life with my bf is completely trash now so guess that makes my increased cup size a waste. No positive or negative changes in Acne. Since I'm only just finishing the first pack I'm going to try and keep going and see if the side-effects subside."

3 / 10
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15 Report
  • Anonymous
  • July 21, 2011

"I am a serious worry wort when it comes to periods and pregnancy, so last year I asked my doctor for a birth control pill that would give me regular periods. She recommended Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo, and I could not be happier. I have a period every 28 days on the dot, and it's only heavy for a few days, with two days of light bleeding that I hardly notice with a liner. I've been on it for a year now and have had zero side effects. No change in appetite, no change in acne - actually, some of my cystic acne has cleared up! No mood swings, and my cramps are MUCH better; I used to get cramps so bad I'd vomit from the pain, but now I only have slight discomfort for a few hours. And best of all: no pregnancy! If you want a combined oral contraceptive pill, this is the best!"

10 / 10
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20 Report
  • Laura
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 11, 2012

"I have been on Tri-Cyclen Lo for nearly three months and I am VERY pleased with it. This is the first time I have even taken a birth control pill, and I was very weary to begin the pill after reading many horror stories online. I am very glad that I did not let my fears prevent me from taking the pill. PROS: -No weight gain -No extreme mood swings -No decrease in sex drive -Easy to use -Effective -Less premenstrual cramps, shorter periods CONS: -For the first few days of the pill, I felt extremely nauseous. It was so bad that I considered giving it up, but I am glad I didn't as the nausea went away after the first week. -I now experience headaches before my expected period"

9 / 10
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18 Report
  • tcp
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 17, 2015

"I love this birth control. After reading all of the reviews, I was really scared to go on it, but ever since, I have nothing but good things to say. No weight gain, haven't gotten pregnant, plus my sex drive is through the roof now. The only downside is that I'm way more emotional than I usually am; like crying a lot and getting mad more often at little things. But I've been told that that will improve as time goes on. Plus I get this birth control for free. I would definitely recommend this to people!"

8 / 10
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15 Report
  • beccaf
  • January 14, 2015

"Overall as a birth control it did its job, me and my husband never used a back up birth control, and in the year and a half I was on it, I didn't get pregnant. The reason I'm only giving it an 8 is because around the time I was getting my period, I would go insane. Crying a lot...yelling, getting really angry for no reason. I had a low sex drive while I was taking it but other than that it got rid of my terrible cramps, and my acne cleared up a lot also. I just switched to Apri so we will see how that goes."

8 / 10
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15 Report

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.