Ortho Tri-Cyclen and Weight Gain: What Users Say

• INS...
• January 5, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been on this pill for the past 8 years. I absolutely love it! After having tried 2 different types of birth control pills before I found this one. This is the one for me, it cleared up my acne within a month of taking it. I've had no weight gain or weight loss, no headaches, normal cramps, and a shorter period (4-5 days)."

• Jel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 13, 2014

For Birth Control "I haven't gotten pregnant on this pill, hence, I gave it a 10 for effectiveness. I have been on it for 6 months. I have gained 27 lbs on my 5-foot frame. Month one, I started noticing a decline in my sex drive. My flawless face became a pepperoni pizza. Still didn't get off the pill. The last couple of weeks, I started having this feeling of not wanting to do anything anymore. Did not want to work, nor go to school, and started doubting my feelings for my boyfriend. I started crying like a crazy person. It was just hard for me to get up. I was sleepy all the time. I am getting off this."

• Anonymous
• April 28, 2012

For Acne "I've been taking this birth control for about 7 months and have no real complaints. It cleared up my skin fairly well. I still break out a little but not as badly as I did before. It regulated my period and shortened it, and while I still get cramps, I no longer get back cramps or ones that physically make me sick. This birth control made my depression and mood swings, which I was already having, slightly worse, but nothing a higher dose anti-depressant didn't fix. My breasts were very tender for a few months, and I gained a cup size. I gained a little weight at first until I realized the pill was making me hungry, but with exercise and a balanced diet, I'm back to my original weight. Overall, I say it's worth a try."

• Qui...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 17, 2014

For Birth Control "I'm using this pill for the second time -- for the last few years, I didn't need birth control as the man I was committed to had a vasectomy. The first time I used Ortho Tri-Cyclen I was 18 and continued use until 21. Now I'm 25 and have been using it again for 2 months now. I love this pill! The only negatives I've experienced have been very mild and include slight weight gain (5 lbs), but mainly in the breasts and hips (and whoever complained about looking more like an hourglass??), and I've also, after two periods on it, noticed that my periods are more painful. It's not awful in my case, I never really had a problem with cramping anyway without the pill. But, my periods are very light, short (2-3 days), and manageable. No complaints!"

• Sha...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 30, 2014

For Birth Control "I've been using this pill for approximately 2.5 years. I have never had any trouble with it, never gotten pregnant. Disclaimer: I do take it every day, hardly ever skip, and when I do forget, I double up the next day, so I think I've got myself covered. I did not experience weight gain (but I'm pretty physically active, 5'3, 120 lbs). Cramps, well sometimes but not bad, no problems with acne, no mood swings (unless I'm on my period, but that's a given). If you're young and seriously unprepared for the risk of having a child, I would recommend making sure your partner still uses a condom even if you're on birth control, trust me (3 years and it's worked for me, knock on wood)."

• Lyn...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 11, 2016

For Birth Control "I am 18 and have been on Tri-Cyclen since I was 16. The first 3 months of taking the pill were rough, I was always tired, gained a little weight, and had mood swings. HOWEVER, as it says on the pill pack instructions and through personal experience, as you continue to take it, all of the symptoms go away. I am back to my normal weight (I am 5'2", 108 pounds), not tired anymore, have 100% clear skin, and extremely short, painless periods. I have even forgotten to take a pill, and it never failed to work, making these great for girls who are just starting birth control. These are low dose, so weight gain is NOT a symptom!!! Most of the negative reviews are from women who are advised not to take oral contraceptives at 35 years old."

• Syl...
• November 29, 2013

For Birth Control "It made me bloated, very moody, depressed, and gained 17 pounds and kept on gaining until switched to a different pill. It did its job, prevents pregnancy but definitely makes you gain a lot of weight. Got off the pill, lost the 15 pounds within 2 weeks..."

• ---...
• April 16, 2015

For Acne "I've been on Ortho Tri-Cyclen 21 for a month and a week. It does not make me moody or depressed, and nor did I gain weight. Those were my two biggest concerns before going on birth control. I am taking it for acne, and so far it just tamed my big pimples, but I still get small little bumps here and there. I spoke to my doctor, and I was told I need to wait at least two months to see results in acne. It helped me incredibly in terms of period cramps, I used to faint often on the first day of my period, throwing up and diarrhea. But now none of that, thanks to Tri-Cyclen. :) Strongly recommend! Beware, makes boobs a little sore, not too much."

• Jai...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 25, 2015

For Birth Control "Best birth control!!! I have been on it for about a year and a half, if not longer. I have no complaints. I got on this because the Depo shot was definitely not working for me. Definitely glad I switched over - no random mood swings, cleared all acne within a month, no weight gain, overall it's the best birth control I've been on."

• Jax...
• February 13, 2014

For Birth Control "First time on birth control, and I started with this one mainly because I had terrible cramps and period side effects. Doctor recommended Ortho Tri-Cyclen, and I have been using it for 4 months now. Can't complain about the pill. My face has significantly become clearer. Still have pretty bad cramping though. My period now lasts about 4-5 days versus the 6-7. I also had weight gain. Gained 15 lbs in a matter of 3 months. I am 5'8 and normally weigh 115, so for me, it wasn't a big deal. I definitely felt my breasts a lot heavier too. I rarely suffer from headaches, and this pill made me get one almost every other day, which was annoying and uncomfy. Had to switch due to breakthrough bleeding though, either Azurette or Lutera."

• Sar...
• September 28, 2015

For Birth Control "At first, I was quite terrified to start Tri-Cyclen based off of these reviews, however, my doctor thought it would be a good fit for me. First of all, this birth control does what it promises-no babies have been conceived! It seems that many users complain of weight gain, I have actually experienced weight loss. Starting Tri-Cyclen, I weighed 148 pounds, currently, I am 143. I have not experienced bloating, nausea, or abdominal discomfort either. Tri-Cyclen helped to make my periods lighter and relieve my cramps associated with my period, which has been great. I have noticed that I receive more headaches than usual, which I am associating with this medication. This is why this birth control is receiving a 9/10 for me, otherwise, I love it so far."

• elh...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 22, 2015

For Birth Control "Cons: Experienced a significant increase in appetite, which led to lots of weight gain (I went from 115 lbs to 125 lbs after 6 months of use). I felt bloated all the time, and I felt like I looked 4 months pregnant. Also, I had no sex drive at all. Breast tenderness/pain was a problem too. Pros: I didn't get pregnant, my mood was pretty stable, my skin was clear, and periods were pretty light."

• jes...
• July 23, 2009

For Birth Control "I've only been taking this birth control for a month. I didn't know birth control could affect my mood so much. I was getting angry and upset for no reason. I would cry for no reason at the smallest things. Also, with extreme tenderness to my breasts and growth. I gained 5 lbs and didn't sleep well. Right now, I'm at the end of the cycle and finally feel like my old self."

• Ste...
• February 18, 2016

For Birth Control "I am 25 years old and have been taking this for over 2 years now. 2 years ago I was 145 lbs and now I am 165 and miserable. My husband and I have been dieting and exercising for the past year and a half, and I have only gained weight, never lost. I finally went to my doctor with the following symptoms: tired all the time even with 10 hours of sleep, mood swings (which affect my relationship), depression, sadness (for no reason), crying out of nowhere, weight gain and inability to lose weight, bad skin. All of those symptoms are also what people with thyroid issues have. Well, I got my thyroid tested this past week and it's normal. I read these reviews and bam! I am getting off this immediately, and I am really upset I did not read these sooner."

• MJa...
• December 12, 2014

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Last year or so, I was having constant spotting, and so I went to the Dr. and was put on different birth control pills, none of which helped with the spotting until this one. I've had no spotting whatsoever on this one, and I've been on it for 9 months or so, and my periods only last about 3-4 days, which is nice. I've also stopped getting bad cramps, which were horrendous prior to birth control. My acne has cleared up, except for the occasional spot, but only once a month or so. I have not experienced any weight gain either, however, I do notice some slight mood changes, but it's nothing that is uncontrollable. I would recommend."

• Sha...
• July 15, 2016

For Birth Control "Been on the pill (specifically this pill) since I was 15 and now I am 28. I am more than happy with the pill. I have never had issues with weight gain (unless I am hogging into a box of cookies), no acne, mood swings, and no pregnancy scares. Extremely predictable periods that are super minor: 1 heavy day and light-regular for the other 3 days-4 day period and done. Best thing I have ever done. Period. I recommend it for sure, but obviously it won't be the same for everyone."

• col...
• January 27, 2013

For Birth Control "I've been taking this pill for about 6 months now, and have gained 20 pounds. I haven't made any change to my diet or exercise routine. But the pill's been working well otherwise. I never really got acne, so that stayed about the same. I'm about the same emotionally, except for maybe worse PMS symptoms. My sex drive is outrageous, maybe even a little more than when I started on the pill. I'm just worried about the amount of weight gained in such a short time. I am also really bad at remembering to take the pill every day."

• E12...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 15, 2021

For Birth Control "I didn’t have many physical side effects (maybe gained a little weight) with Ortho Tri-Cyclen, but I became extremely depressed and went through a depressive episode worse than any I had before. When I stopped the pill, I went back to normal. For those with a history of depression (like myself), I would advise you to be cautious with Ortho Tri-Cyclen."

• Can...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 27, 2017

For Acne "Ortho Tri-Cyclen saved my face! I've dealt with cystic acne flare-ups for years. I experienced HUGE cysts that would distort my face. I've tried EVERYTHING to rid myself of them (even did a round of Accutane 10 years ago), but they persistently return. Seven months ago, I switched from Alesse, and it's made an incredible difference. The first four months were really rough (I broke out A LOT but noticed the cysts were actually coming to a head and draining for the first time ever). I almost gave up out of frustration, but I'm glad I stuck it out. My face has been totally manageable, just the small NORMAL occasional pimple around my period. No weight gain, no mood swings, no adverse effects. Also, loving the shorter, lighter, less painful periods."

• Emm...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 9, 2019

For Ovarian Cysts "This birth control has been a truly horrible experience for me. The only positive I can say is it cleared my skin after six months, but for the first three months, I had eczema on my face, which I’ve never had before. DO NOT TAKE THIS IF YOU HAVE DRY SKIN. I was on the lower dose version of this birth control but was having breakthrough, so I switched to this. I still am having breakthrough bleeding. I’ve gained about 10 lbs, and my breasts have enlarged so much it's painful. I have always had anxiety but never suffered from mood swings, and this birth control makes me feel like I’m suffering from bipolar. I am constantly angry, both my family and boyfriend have said I have been acting insane. I don’t feel like myself anymore, I feel like I completely lose my sanity the week before I receive my period. Every month I have had breakthrough bleeding, and twice I didn’t receive my period at all."

• Kat...
• March 28, 2016

For Birth Control "This birth control had given me side effects from the start: moodiness, weight gain (ten pounds), headaches, nausea. It did clear my skin, which is what I went on it for, however, eight months into taking it, I was admitted into the hospital with bilateral blood clots in my lungs. I understand this may just be specific to my case, but just because it is a low-estrogen birth control does not mean clots cannot happen. Please be aware, and if the risk of clotting runs in your family or you are at all concerned, please talk with your doctor before you take this pill."

• Anonymous
• December 7, 2010

For Birth Control "I took Ortho Tri-Cyclen for a few years when I was younger. During the first month, I gained 5 lbs, but that was it. I did notice I was very emotional for the first couple of months, and I was told by others that I got angry or upset easily. However, while taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen, I never got pregnant. It helped decrease my acne, my period went from 5-6 days to 3-4 days, my period was also very light (almost no heavy days), and I almost never had cramps. I switched to Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo after, and I was less moody and less emotional, so I guess the decrease in estrogen was better for me, and the pill was just as effective as the regular Ortho Tri-Cyclen for me."

• lin...
• March 15, 2016

For Birth Control "Just some of my background so some of you can relate: I'm 115 lbs, 23 years old, in my third month of taking Tri-Cyclen, which is the first BC I ever went on. So far, thank God, no pregnancies, although an increased amount of discharge, and I got a vaginal infection, which I never had before, and that was strange. At first, I gained weight, and my breasts went up a size, which was great, but now I'm back to losing a lot of weight. Yes, mood swings have increased, but I was always emotional and thought of myself as someone with depression, lol, so you guys really have to be careful about what is really considered to be called depression. Periods have stayed the same, just a little bit more regulated, which is also a plus. So far, no drastic changes."

• Emi...
• December 2, 2016

For Birth Control "I was put on this birth control after I had been on a progesterone-only pill, which made my usually clear skin break out horribly. Once I started taking this pill, my skin cleared up. My periods are shorter, and my cramps are less severe. I have had weight gain, but that's more due to my lack of exercise and being in college. I sometimes get headaches during the placebo pill days, but those are easily combated by Advil."

• JAM...
• October 13, 2016

For Birth Control "I did not experience any weight gain, acne, or physical side effects, and the birth control did do its job (prevent pregnancy). I was, however, very emotionally affected by this pill. I was not depressed, but incredibly overemotional. I normally never cry and keep most things to myself, but cried every single day while taking this pill. Ultimately changed to another BC because, after 6 months, it did not go away."