Levonorgestrel and Acne: What Users Say

• lis...
• December 21, 2020

Mirena (levonorgestrel) for Birth Control "I wanted to come back here and write a review because before I got the Mirena I was reading all of these, although aware that people are more inclined to write about their horror stories rather than their happy stories. So here is my happy story! I was using the ring for a couple of years before I tried Mirena. The ring made me miserable, hormonal, moody, and irregular. I was very depressed from the fluctuating hormones. In comes Mirena. The Mirena has been the best choice I have ever made for myself. It is true what all my friends and reviewers say. I do not feel hormonal or moody. In fact, I feel much more balanced! My skin does break out at times but I will happily take that over what I was experiencing before. My periods have stopped and I sometimes PMS about a week before what WOULD be my period, but it is very mild and manageable. Sooo happy with my Mirena!!! I was scared just like you and it was the best choice I made for myself."

• Coc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 30, 2021

Kyleena (levonorgestrel) for Birth Control "So, I first want to start off by saying that the worst thing you can possibly do is read medical reviews... Yes, we all do it, but it is a terrible decision. I got my Kyleena IUD placed on January 15th, the night before I read numerous reviews and almost backed out. I was so scared of the daunting reviews. But I still went to my appointment. I can say that getting the IUD implanted was painful and slightly uncomfortable, but manageable. Since getting it, I had little to no spotting for three days. I also had cramps for about four consecutive days, but the cramps can last longer, mine are off and on periodically. I also have slight acne, but nothing crazy. Overall, I am having a great experience so far. I will definitely keep up with writing reviews because I do believe that the only people who take the time out to write reviews are the people who are unhappy with the Kyleena, but I can attest that the Kyleena was the best decision I could’ve made! I recommend!"

• Anonymous
• May 7, 2010

Mirena (levonorgestrel) for Birth Control "I have had this for about 5 months now. I had NO IDEA others were going through the same things I am. I am tired, moody, and have gained about 25 lbs. I have been working out more and couldn't figure out what was going on until now. I am dry during sex, not in the mood most of the time. Acne has been pretty bad, didn't know why that was either (don't usually have acne). For a few weeks now, my body feels like it is pregnant. The moods, tired, etc., but all tests say not pregnant. It makes me uncomfortable to have so many things going on."

• Jus...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 3, 2020

Mirena (levonorgestrel) for Birth Control "I have issues with hormones any time I have been pregnant or been on birth control. I get every bad side effect possible. I was hopeful for this one. I had it in for a month and had severe headaches, cystic acne (literally all over my face & no wash would make it go away), constantly felt light-headed/dizzy, nauseous, zero sex drive, horrible mood swings, my period lasted 12 days and I was constantly bleeding, horrible stomach pains randomly when I moved certain ways. This medication made my anxiety & depression worse. So bad that I couldn’t be around my 4-year-old son because I’d get so anxious I'd have a panic attack. One day at three weeks of having it in, I had such a bad panic attack over literally nothing. I had to lay down in a dark room with a fan on me. I got so worked up I passed out. Do your research. There are a lot of harmful things that can happen when being on the Mirena IUD that they don’t tell you at the doctor. Do your research!"

• Mel...
• April 8, 2021

Kyleena (levonorgestrel) for Birth Control "I had my IUD for 1 year and 9 months. The good part is I did not get my period much, but of course I panic because I always think I’m pregnant lol. Anyways, while using Kyleena... my mood swings were crazy. I was super mean to my husband, I had severe depression and anxiety, and acne. I gained so much weight with it, and IT'S SO HARD TO LOSE WEIGHT WITH KYLEENA. Also, vaginal dryness was awful, I constantly had yeast infections, tears, lost so much hair... and my sex drive decreased. Overall, I did not like it, I got it removed today I just couldn’t handle it anymore."

• Anonymous
• January 30, 2021

Kyleena (levonorgestrel) "Kyleena is the BEST THING I EVER DID!! There are a ton of bad reviews but don’t let them scare you. I was on the pill for three years but they made me depressed, I gained weight, I’d get migraines, they made my acne worse AND my periods were TERRIBLE!! When I’d get my period before I had Kyleena, I would bleed for 7-10 days and it would be excruciating for the first 4 days. I wouldn’t be able to even move! So I switched to Kyleena. The migraines went away, after the first month, my skin cleared up, I lost weight, my mood was better and my first period was miraculous. I literally was only in pain for an hour. Period lasted about three days, was super light, and the weirdest part is is that even though I was still bleeding, THERE WAS NO PAIN!!! The procedure hurt a little but not quite as bad as I expected. I was not lightheaded, I felt totally fine, and the light cramps only lasted about a week. I’m so thrilled I finally found the perfect birth control. Sex is also wayyy better!"

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 21, 2020

Plan B One-Step (levonorgestrel) for Emergency Contraception "I had unprotected sex on my ovulation day (according to Flo app). My boyfriend pulled out, but we went for round two without cleaning up, so I decided to take the pill the next morning just to be safe. Five days after, I began to bleed lightly for three days. After the second week, I got hit with ALL of the symptoms. I had mild cramping, nausea, fatigue, sore nipples, and I broke out HORRIBLY. I took a pregnancy test 7 days after my missed period, it was negative. The next day I got my period (8 days late). Very heavy and bad cramping. I read pages of the reviews panicking about if the pill would work or not on ovulation, but it did for me, so just relax."

• del...
• August 9, 2009

Mirena (levonorgestrel) for Birth Control "I'm 27 years old and the mother of two boys. I had the Mirena inserted one and a half years ago. The insertion was fine, mild cramping, but for the last year and a half I have experienced depression, bad acne, weight gain of about ten kilos, mood swings. Six months ago once my periods stopped altogether the symptoms got worse. I began having stomach cramps, nausea on most days, painful breasts and diminished libido and when it was supposed to be that time of the month my abdomen would bloat. I had Mirena removed last week and feel like a new person. I'm already losing weight and all the other symptoms have vanished."

• Liv...
• October 5, 2019

Mirena (levonorgestrel) for Birth Control "I had my Mirena inserted in March 2017 because my husband and I didn’t want any more kids. The insertion wasn’t bad, it didn’t bother me. I had irregular bleeding for about 2 months, then no more periods. I had a healthy sex drive that crumbled with Mirena. I thought it was unrelated to the Mirena, my doctor said it couldn’t be the Mirena. I couldn’t lose weight and always felt bloated. My skin was constantly breaking out with acne. My husband and I agreed for him to get a vasectomy. I had the Mirena taken out in August 2019. I didn’t even feel him take it out. A) I started to lose weight and that constant bloated feeling. B) My sex drive is back to what it used to be, I felt broken for over 2 years. C) My skin is clear. D) I have energy and lost that feeling of depression and fatigue. Listen to your body, everyone is different. My doctor tried to convince me to keep it in, but I chose what was best for me. Some women love it, some hate it. This is my personal experience with Mirena."

• mar...
• June 20, 2021

Plan B One-Step (levonorgestrel) for Emergency Contraception "It works. I got my period one day late. I took it after 10 hours of the deed. I was on my 8th day of my menstrual cycle and 5 days before ovulation. However, because I was afraid of risks, I took it since my app said my fertile window started. I knew the pill was working because I got acne the day after on my chin (hormonal), cramps, and sore boobs all the next 3 weeks. Mood swings all over the place. I was scared, so I took a blood test one day before my estimated period date and it came back negative. Two days after that, my period arrived. I feel very tired and painful, but I am happy to be out of this craziness. This page helped me a lot to not go crazy. I took Plan B 4 times in my life, and it always worked. Sending you good vibes and peace of mind. You got this!"

• YYH...
• December 20, 2020

Plan B One-Step (levonorgestrel) for Emergency Contraception "I had sex on November 23, it wasn't until after we realized the condom had broken. I went to the pharmacy and managed to take Plan B about an hour and a half after sex. I realized after that I was about 3 days before ovulating, so I was at a high chance of getting pregnant. And of course, I had read that Plan B doesn't work if you have already ovulated. On November 30, I started bleeding, this went on for 5 days. I thought it was implantation bleeding because my nipples were also sore and sensitive. But it was a very light flow compared to my regular period, with few blood clots. My period was not due for another 2 weeks as well. A week after this, I had a thick, white, creamy discharge. I had to wear a pad for this. This went on for a week. My period was meant to be due on the 12th of December. I experienced breakouts, cravings, mood swings, extreme bloating, and mild cramps. I was convinced I was pregnant. I got my period today on December 20, eight days late, and I couldn't be happier."

• bea...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 3, 2021

Kyleena (levonorgestrel) for Birth Control "I had the Kyleena inserted 2.5 years ago, after taking birth control and suffering from hormonal mood swings. Like others have mentioned, I was told by my gyno that since the hormones were released into my uterus, this wouldn't be a worry. The insert wasn't too bad, honestly, but the rest hasn't been great. Best pro -- my period disappeared after about a month of spotting and never came back. That being said, I have always been a confident girl, etc., and I have had panic attacks and extreme anxiety for the first time in my life. Also, non-stop cystic acne along my chin and my forehead. I kept telling myself the non-period and protection was worth it, but after doing more research, I can't handle this anymore. I just regret the years I spent not being myself with this birth control. If you have any history of mood swings or acne with previous birth controls, I would seriously reconsider this investment. I'm having mine taken out in the next few days."

• Mia...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 20, 2020

Kyleena (levonorgestrel) for Birth Control "Okay, I’ve never written a review, but I wanted to, so I could maybe help someone out. I was on the pill for 3 years before I got my IUD. It honestly just seemed easier to go on the IUD so I didn’t have to take a pill every day. I’ve had my IUD for 8 months, and it is the worst thing. I got such bad acne. It reminds me of when I was in high school. It was extremely painful acne as well. I have also gained SO MUCH weight for literally no reason. I have the exact same diet that I did before. I get such bad cramps now, and I never usually got cramps. I also have extreme back pain that is sometimes unbearable. I get moody and lightheaded all the time. It also amps my anxiety for sure. I’m getting it out in a week, and I’m so excited. I want to go back on the pill."

• End...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 26, 2020

Mirena (levonorgestrel) for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I started Mirena in 2016 for endometriosis causing ovarian cysts. As far as birth control, I use it as a secondary method, but it's been effective. I've had no periods and maybe 10 episodes of light spotting in almost 5 years, none of which lasted more than one day. I've had a few noticeable cysts in that time (some abdominal tenderness), but nothing like the pain I would have prior to insertion. For treating my endometriosis, it works as it is meant to. The bad: within 2 months of insertion, I gained over 20 lbs. I've steadily gained weight around my abdomen since. Not all has been related to Mirena, but I have gained about 50 lbs in 4 1/2 years, and I know that Mirena is a huge factor. My cystic acne had also gotten worse, but I'm not sure if it's related. I'm due to get Mirena taken out in a few months and am looking into alternative treatments as I don't want to continue to gain weight."

• blu...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 18, 2020

Skyla (levonorgestrel) for Birth Control "I had the Skyla in for 6 years: I replaced it once after 3 years. After reading all the horrible reviews of IUDs, I hesitated getting one for a full year. I eventually took the plunge, out of fear of becoming pregnant. Insertion was uncomfortable, but bearable. The majority of the time, I forgot I had the thing in. No cramps, no bleeding, no acne, no weight gain-zero side effects. I know my experience is in the minority, but I wanted to leave this review so others could see that not every person has issues with IUDs. My experience was overwhelmingly positive."

• P G...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 3, 2020

Kyleena (levonorgestrel) for Birth Control "I have been on Kyleena now for a year after being on Depo-Provera for 5 years. I have extremely painful periods, and I stayed on Depo because I was scared of the pain coming back (despite my horrible depression, weight gain, and acne). I made the switch to this IUD, and the only bad experience so far was insertion. My doctor suggested prescribing a pain reliever for before the appointment, but I was dumb and didn’t accept it. Ask your doctor for pain pills for those first couple of days, and enjoy your pain-free uterus! I also have lost almost 20 lbs of Depo-Provera weight as well! Not every experience is negative."

• Ter...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 17, 2020

Mirena (levonorgestrel) for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I'm looking for reviews to see if I made a bad decision. I'm 46, and I had the device inserted on December 4, 2019, to help reduce my heavy periods. Well, today is February 17, 2020, and I'm still bleeding! Every day!! I'm so tired of using Kotex and tampons, I don't know what to do. Plus, I have acne and some emotional instability. I had a visit with my doctor on February 7, and she said to give it another month. Well, we'll see. I'm leaning towards having it removed in a month, yet I'm so eager to have no more periods!"

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 18, 2020

Liletta (levonorgestrel) for Birth Control "Liletta gave me cystic acne, reoccurring infections, pelvic pain, and out-of-control bleeding. After a year and 6 months, I removed it, and I am already feeling relieved, and it’s only been 24 hours. Every woman is different, so I can’t say that my experience will be yours, but I wouldn’t recommend it to my worst enemy."

• MiS...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 28, 2019

Kyleena (levonorgestrel) for Birth Control "I’ve been using Kyleena for almost two years now, and I haven’t had any complaints at all. The insertion went super smooth, it took about 3 minutes for the whole process. It didn’t hurt that bad either, it felt like one hard cramp, and then it was done. I didn’t get any cramps afterwards either. For the first two months, I had some spotting here and there and some acne, but now my periods are way lighter than they were before hopping on Kyleena, and they are a lot shorter too! My acne has also significantly improved to where my skin is almost always clear, except for a couple flare-ups here and there. Getting Kyleena was one of the best decisions I’ve made. I know there are a bunch of scary reviews out there, but there really are a lot more people with positive things to say than negative. The people that have had a good experience with it aren’t writing reviews, shoot, it took me almost two years to write one! Don’t be afraid, it’s always better safe than sorry!"

• Car...
• May 19, 2014

Mirena (levonorgestrel) for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I've had the Mirena for about 3 1/2 years. At first, I experienced bleeding for about 4-6 months with only a few days of not bleeding in between (like some have said). I got it inserted after I gave birth to my son. After those first months of bleeding passed, my periods became light and only lasted a few days. I love this because before I was a heavy, heavy bleeder! But recently, I've noticed way more acne, along with bleeding (spotting) every 2 weeks. Now all of a sudden, I had a heavy period again along with cramps and the same old stuff! I'm kinda scared because it has always worked extremely well for me! I wonder if all this is because it's getting closer to the 5-year mark! Can anyone relate?"

• Anonymous
• August 13, 2020

Plan B One-Step (levonorgestrel) for Emergency Contraception "Just like everyone else in the comments, I promised that I would post a review if this worked for me, and let me tell you, this did the job! I had unprotected sex with someone and took Plan B 3 hours after it. I definitely experienced symptoms from Plan B. It made me extremely depressed for a couple of days, I got cramps and had an acne breakout. While having these symptoms, I was also stressing myself out thinking it wouldn’t work, and I would come on here and read some of these reviews, and it would calm me down. Well, 7 days after I took the pill, I started bleeding lightly, and then it got heavier. This lasted for a whole week. Needless to say, I also got my period for the month of August, and I’m so happy! This worked for me, so I give it a 10/10!"

• Sti...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 23, 2020

Mirena (levonorgestrel) for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Glad to know I’m not the only one still experiencing spotting. I’ve had like low to heavy spotting for over 8 months now. My ex said the area of me stunk, but we were fighting bad and breaking up. I have a very poor sense of smell but don’t notice an odor, but his comment made me extremely self-conscious. I’ve never had anyone else say I had an odor. I’m going to call my gyno immediately on Monday. After reading comments, I realized side effects are pretty bad. Got weekly acne like I used to get just once a month with my cycle, which used to be like clockwork. Now I bleed heavy one day, brown spotting another day, then no bleeding... no rhyme or reason to it."

• Gem...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 22, 2020

Skyla (levonorgestrel) for Birth Control "I am VERY pleasantly surprised at my Skyla IUD experience. I'm a small woman (5' 100 lbs) & previously partially expelled a Paragard IUD due to the small size of my uterus. I always wanted to avoid ANY sort of hormonal BC out of fear of side effects. When the Paragard was taken out, I decided to take a chance on Skyla (smallest IUD size, lowest hormone dosage). My next form of BC was going to be FAM, that's how much I wanted to avoid hormones. Well, after insertion (which felt awful, but that's not surprising), I've been GREAT. I felt virtually no cramps post-insertion. I've had zero hair loss, acne, or mood swings whatsoever (and trust me, I've been paying close attention). My first period post-Skyla was normal but with ~2 weeks of light brown spotting afterwards. I'm guessing this will diminish with time since the uterine lining will continue to thin. A recent ultrasound confirmed everything looks great. If things stay the way they are, I'd happily get another Skyla in 3 years. Yay!"

• Rae...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 3, 2020

Kyleena (levonorgestrel) for Birth Control "I chose Kyleena because I wanted an extremely effective, low-maintenance, long-lasting, and hormone-low form of birth control. So far, my experience has been incredible. While the insertion was uncomfortable, I took ample pain meds and drank plenty of water, which really helped. The only pain I have experienced is abnormal and unpredictable cramping and some headaches. I have barely bled, but there has been a lot of discharge. I have not gotten any acne-the hormones have seemed to help my skin! I have had some bloating, but nothing too extreme. I gained maybe a pound, if any weight at all. Neither my partner nor I have felt the IUD during sex. I am still experiencing a very, very light period. Overall, I am very happy with my choice and encourage anyone who is considering Kyleena to get it."

• Car...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 16, 2020

Kyleena (levonorgestrel) for Birth Control "The insertion didn’t hurt much, just a few cramps that my gyno warned me about in advance. However, my body went into shock afterwards and passed out and wasn’t even able to drive myself home. It’s been 3 months since I started Kyleena, and I have already gained 10 lbs with no change in my diet. I have extreme mood swings and get a very short temper most days when I have always been a very forgiving person. My bloating is constant, and I’m always uncomfortable. I’ve never had a problem with acne before this, but now I constantly break out around my chin. My sex drive is lower than when on the pill, which could be from my self-consciousness because of the weight gain and bloating. I don’t recommend this to anyone, and I’m counting down the days to get this removed."