Sprintec and Weight Gain: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 9, 2020

For Birth Control "So I started Sprintec about 6 months ago to help clear up acne, and it worked. I was freaking out because I didn’t want to gain weight, but I really wanted to clear up my acne. The first two months were difficult. I was nauseous often, especially at night. I was very hungry the first month, but I got back to normal hunger levels after that. I gained some weight, mostly in my boobs. I would definitely say if you are hesitant about going on Sprintec for the weight gain, do not let that hold you back. Your body will normalize after a few weeks, I promise. Trust me, I did not want to gain weight, I have had an eating disorder in the past, but it is worth it. My skin is so clear now. Do not let the weight gain hold you back!"

• Rit...
• June 1, 2020

For Birth Control "I’m 21 years old. I gained 15 pounds in 3 months while on Sprintec. My sex drive went way down to the point where I just wouldn’t enjoy sex anymore. I couldn’t naturally get wet anymore, so it was painful when we would have sex, so we had to start using lube. The worst thing was that it messed with me mentally. I would have the worst mood swings, and I was very depressed, irrational, and frustrated. My boyfriend is the one who talked to me and asked what was going on with me, and I just completely broke down crying trying to explain that I had no idea what was wrong with me and that I just didn’t feel like myself. He told me it could be my birth control, and just then it clicked in my head, like duh, of course it is. So, I immediately stopped taking it. This is 2 months later that I’m writing this, and I feel 100% better! I’ve lost 10 pounds, and I finally feel like myself again!"

• Kat...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 2, 2020

For Birth Control "I have been on Sprintec since 2015. I had maybe 5 lbs of weight gain (first semester of college, lol, so there's that to consider too!) I have never had a single issue with Sprintec. I take it between 9-12 at night and only miss a dose once or twice a year - it happens! This does affect effectiveness (but if taken within 24 hours - that's rare) and it helped me regulate periods, they don't last over 6 days with minimal bleeding. My pharmacy switched, and I got on Monolinyah?.. it SUCKS: worst mistake ever. I'm switching back to Sprintec tomorrow and I cannot wait. I recommend this to anyone! Don't want a period that month? Skip the placebo pills... And this is only $9.00 if you don't have insurance - too expensive? Well... so is a kid, haha!"

• Anonymous
• April 18, 2010

For Birth Control "I have been taking Sprintec for 3 years now. It has worked really well for me. Before this, I would get very moody, get menstrual migraines, have really bad cramps, and when I was 18, I started getting nauseous/sick every other month within the first couple of days of my period. Since taking Sprintec, I feel my mood has greatly improved. I no longer get sick/nauseous, my cramps have become more than tolerable, and I noticed no increased acne or weight gain. I haven't experienced any yeast infection/urinary tract problems with this. However, every girl will react differently to different birth controls. If it doesn't work for you, don't worry; just call your doctor and discuss some new options. Eventually, you will find something that works for you."

• Rev...
• January 23, 2020

For Birth Control "Everyone seems to only want to discuss the bad when reviewing different methods of birth control. Overall, my experience being on Sprintec for 4 months now has been significantly better than average. The only type of birth control I was on before was Depo, and Sprintec has been a dream in comparison. I love this birth control because I have absolutely no unexpected bleeding, significant weight gain, or complexion issues on this birth control. Since I started Sprintec, my acne-prone problematic skin cleared up in less than a month! No more quarterly trips to the dermatologist now that I am on the pill. Most importantly, I don't have to worry about pregnancy. I have not noticed myself being overly emotional or unusually depressed while on any type of birth control. My only complaint is stomach issues for the first 7 days upon starting and craving at the beginning of the cycle. I would definitely recommend this birth control for pregnancy prevention and acne treatment."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 19, 2020

For Birth Control "I have been on Sprintec for about 3 months now. I have gained some weight (maybe 5 lbs), but I feel like that is normal with birth control pills. I don't really have any negative side effects to say besides that. On the bright side, though, I went from an A cup to almost a C cup. Can't complain, lol."

• Jan...
• February 26, 2020

For Ovarian Cysts "I am finding through more and more reading of reviews is that a lot of these higher estrogen, progestogen pills ruin lives. This pill absolutely destroyed my mental health. I had dark thoughts, I was aggressive and severely depressed. I gained back 10 pounds that I spent the last few months losing within the first month of this pill. I bled for three weeks straight and had super dry, itchy skin. Plus, it made sex unbearably painful, which I have never experienced before. I was practically manic depressive and extremely anxious with migraines and didn't have the energy. I do not recommend this at all, and I am really considering stopping birth control altogether as I am about to start Apri, and they say the same side effects happen. If you are trying this and have any symptoms, especially emotional and the weight, and pain down there from dryness and sex being unbearable, STOP ASAP and try something new. Please take care and don't ignore side effects."

• lol...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 5, 2021

For Birth Control "Ok, I love this pill. I know a lot of birth controls warn about gaining weight, but it was the opposite for me. I actually lost weight, and my skin has never been clearer since I started. My periods are more regular and not super heavy. I still get my cramps, but they aren’t terrible, that’s the only real con, but everything else is great."

• Cat...
• June 8, 2020

For Birth Control "I've taken Sprintec for about 4 years now. I studied abroad in France, and the pharmacy didn't carry Sprintec, so I was switched to a variation of a French brand, Tri-Sprintec, which I enjoyed. So, when I came back to the U.S., I tried Tri-Sprintec and did not like it. I gained weight, lost hair, and switched to Tri-lo-Sprintec. This one made my periods heavier, made me cramp a lot, and also I gained even more weight. After about 6 months, I decided to just go back to Sprintec, which I had taken for 3 years already with no issues... (I'm not sure why I didn't just do this immediately instead of trying other pills). I've never had any issue with Sprintec. I did notice bloating, but I've been taking some supplements that help me with this. I've had no issue with losing weight and have successfully lost the weight I had gained on the other pills by just eating healthier and exercising. Sprintec also helped my hair grow back and cleared my skin. I think Sprintec is a fail-proof BC pill."

• Anonymous
• August 21, 2010

For Birth Control "This was the first birth control I have been on, and I love it. I have been on it for 6 months now, and the only side effect I have had was a little bit of weight gain. It is only 7 lbs, and I would bet quite a bit that it is all in my breasts. I went from a 34D to a 34DDD. Other than that, I have had no other side effects. My fiancé and I both agree that my sex drive has increased tremendously since I started taking Sprintec. This was just how it affected me."

• Anonymous
• January 12, 2010

For Birth Control "I took this for 5 months and loved it. It actually cleared up the acne I had before I started it, and it kept me from getting pregnant. I started forgetting to take it, so I switched to the Depo Provera shot. It has made me depressed, crazy, gain weight, no period, lactate, acne breakouts, and no sex drive at all. Now my doctor even thinks I might have a tumor on my pituitary gland and will have to get an MRI to find out soon. So, I have definitely switched back to Sprintec, today actually, and I hope all these side effects from Depo Provera go away."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 15, 2014

For Birth Control "I started Sprintec last November for my heavy periods, and for that, it's working great. It has reduced my periods from 10 days to 5 days, and after the first few months, they are now incredibly predictable. I know exactly when they'll start and end and what flow intensity to expect each day. They have also considerably lightened my periods. The only side effect I have noticed is weight gain. It may not have helped that I started the pill around the holidays, as I have found myself with a bigger appetite since starting Sprintec. I gained about 10 lbs by about January (but I haven't gained since then due to changes in diet) and went up about 1.5-2 cup sizes (so annoying since I'm an athlete). My butt and thighs also got noticeably bigger."

• Ree...
• October 10, 2013

For Birth Control "First, let me preface this by saying that every woman's body is different. Don't let these comments highly influence if you decide to take or not to take Sprintec. You yourself have to try it and see if it works for you. With that being said, I have been on Sprintec for a little over 5 months. It works for me. I really haven't had any side effects... no weight gain, no acne, no crazy moods. I am a Sunday starter, and my period usually comes on late Tuesday or early Wednesday during the week of the placebo pill. The only thing I will say against it is that I haven't experienced the shorter periods. My period still stays on for about 5 days. Most importantly of all, I haven't gotten pregnant!"

• Mel...
• July 27, 2013

For Birth Control "I was extremely scared to start taking this pill because of all of the reviews, but I saw one review that made me change my mind. The girl said, 'Everyone's body reacts differently. The only way to know how yours will react is to try it.' So I did, and now I feel the same as she did. This birth control is great. I only had symptoms the first 2 days, and that was only nausea and one time vomiting. After that, I never felt nauseous again. I've been on it for about a month now, and I've experienced some weight gain, but mostly in all the right areas (breasts, butt, and hips). Because of where the weight gain is, I suspect it's the pill because normally my weight fluctuates. If you're worried, just try it. The worst that could happen is you stop using it."

• Kke...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 11, 2020

For Birth Control "I was on Sprintec for about a year and a half after being on Mirena for 6 years. I didn’t have a period on Mirena, so naturally, I started getting mine on Sprintec. But it definitely was very light through the whole time I was on Sprintec. My acne cleared up (less cystic), but boy, did my moods change, and I gained about 15 lbs. I didn’t change my workout routine or eating habits and still put on weight. The pharmacy switched me to Mono Lynyah, which has horrible reviews. So let’s see how that goes."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 3, 2020

For Birth Control "I do not recommend this birth control. I have gained thirty pounds in 6 months, tired all of the time, dark thoughts and anxiety, and low sex drive and pain during sex. I am getting off soon because I can not take it anymore. I can not lose weight no matter how hard I try. I was put on for my cysts, which thankfully went away, but the side effects for my experience, at least, a nightmare."

• Mia...
• February 21, 2013

For Ovarian Cysts "I have polycystic ovarian cysts. I used to be on Tri-Sprintec, the polyphasic version of this pill, and had the worst headaches from the hormone changes every week. Switching to Sprintec seems to have solved the issue. My acne and hair issues, courtesy of PCOS, have improved, and I feel better overall. I did gain about three pounds, but I started the medication shortly before the holiday season, so it could have been a product of too many parties. Definitely worth a try if you need a higher estrogen level pill. Plus, it's affordable even without insurance."

• Dia...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 11, 2013

For Birth Control "I've been on Sprintec for about 2 months. I recently noticed weight gain and really bad mood swings. I cry for no reason, so I decided to check online. Turns out a lot of people taking Sprintec had similar problems, which is a relief because I thought I had depression for a bit. But my breast got bigger, that's good, I guess. My period is shorter and lighter, no acne either. So overall it's okay. I just hope I stop being so emotional soon."

• Hle...
• February 16, 2015

For Birth Control "I love this pill! I wasn't sure I was going to be able to remember and keep myself on track with the one pill a day, but I set an alarm on my phone and have no problems. I've experienced a lot of weight gain (need to move up bra size, went up a size in jeans & shirts), but I'm happy about that because I was at 87 lb in a month of taking it, I went to 102 lb. My periods are light, I've never really had cramps, so I can't say anything there."

• SKR...
• June 23, 2019

For Birth Control "If I had rated it during my first 1-3 months, it most likely would have been a 3 or 4 at best. I had weight gain, increased acne, moodiness, and bloating, oh, the bloating! I stuck with it, and I am really happy I did. Over the last six months, I’ve dropped the weight, my skin has cleared, and although I still get a little moody before my period, I think that’s pretty normal whether on BCPs or not. I take it religiously, and it is the only form of birth control I use in my committed relationship. I have had no pregnancy scares. Bonus: FREE on my insurance, which is truly a blessing because I was paying $150 a month for Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo (which was a horror story for me). If this pill gives you problems in the beginning, consider waiting them out, because for me, it truly did get better each month."

• Lad...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 13, 2013

For Birth Control "In the beginning, my acne immediately cleared up. I've never had clear skin in my life! My breasts are larger, and I've had a little weight gain, but I'm SO emotional, and I have little to no sex drive, which has its effects on my husband and me. It's cheap, and insurance covers it. I'd keep taking it if I didn't have issues with my lack of desire for sex."

• tej...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 28, 2019

For Birth Control "It's great for birth control (trust me, I have unprotected sex with my boyfriend several times a week, sometimes several times a day). HOWEVER... I have gained so much weight, and I've seen my sexual desire go completely absent from time to time. My main concern is the weight gain. About 15-20 lbs. in a year that I've been using them, the pounds snuck up on me around 6 months ago or so..."

• cut...
• March 26, 2020

For Birth Control "Been on this Sprintec pill on and off for about a year for secondary amenorrhea (period loss). Taking in an attempt to balance out missing hormones. Trying to lose weight right now, and despite eating at what I calculate to be a slight caloric deficit, been steadily gaining weight, ~0.3 pounds a day. So distressing to see the number on the scale go up every single day despite doing everything 'right.' Already gained 5 pounds in the past 2-ish months due to binge eating but suspect that a chunk of that weight gain was from the birth control. Praying to God that it's only water retention. Also, weight gain isn't in 'right places' (though don't really want to gain weight in butt or chest either). IT'S LITERALLY ALL IN MY STOMACH AND THIGHS??? Why? Look like a whale with a watermelon-ass stomach and elephant-ass thighs. Cries. Other stuff: - Have acne, believe the pill worsens - Don't think I get mood swings/depression - Periods on the pill lighter than 'real' periods back when I got periods."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 21, 2016

For Birth Control "I just want to start this by saying not everyone's bodies are the same and different pills can react differently. I've been on Sprintec for two and a half years now, starting when I was a teenager, and I love it. I used to have extremely painful cramps during my period and 7- to 8-day long periods. Since starting Sprintec, my periods are much lighter, much shorter, and way less painful! My overall acne has improved, I do break out around my period, but I think that is normal. I did not gain weight from this pill. You only gain weight if you give in to cravings that changes in hormones can bring. Just be aware of what you are eating and how much. I did not notice any change in my cravings, however. I love this pill, and it has worked great."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 4, 2015

For Birth Control "I just finished my first pack. I was so afraid since this was the first birth control pill I have ever been on. I was majorly concerned with gaining weight, but from what I see, my appetite may have even decreased a little. I want to eat more often, but I cannot eat nearly as much as I used to. My breasts already have grown about half a cup size bigger, which I am okay with. Normally, right before my period, I would break out just a little, but this pill has eliminated almost all of my acne except for maybe one minor blemish here or there. I do feel a little more emotional, but nothing so drastic that it would affect my relationship with others or my mental state. Overall, I am in love with this pill, no true negative side effects for me."