Camila and Cramps: What Users Say

• Bye...
• August 24, 2017

For Birth Control "Imagine being pregnant and on your period at the same time -- without bleeding -- for months. That's what this pill is like. Countless pregnancy tests bought -- because surely all of this bloating, cramping, weight gain, fatigue, EXTREMELY sore and swollen boobs means I'm pregnant! Except no. This is just life now, courtesy of Camila. I ignored the negative reviews. I gave it 6 months. It's awful. And less effective than combo pills. Needless to say, I'm stopping immediately."

• McL...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 17, 2022

For Birth Control "As someone who’s always suffered acne, heavy periods, etc., this is the first time my acne disappeared. I’ll get occasional bumps here and there (normal), but not like before. Also, my periods are lighter, and I don’t feel cramps. The only negative thing about it is I have to take it at the exact same time every day and occasional spotting, which is fine. I never really was a fan of birth control before until I got on Camila. This pill works wonders. I haven’t gained any weight either."

• Rit...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 23, 2018

For Birth Control "When it comes to birth control, it's different strokes for different folks. I'm over 35 y/o. I switched from combo pills to Camila 6 months ago because of the terrible side effects. Ever since I took Camila, I haven't had bad effects. No more high blood pressure, no migraines, no crazy mood swings, no skin rashes, no cramps, and the period is 3-4 days instead of 6-7 when I was on TriCyclen. The only side effect from Camila is the weight gain. I'm definitely keeping taking Camila."

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 26, 2019

For Birth Control "I've been on Camila for 6 months, was put on after the birth of my daughter. Cons: Headaches, 20-pound weight gain, horrible mood swings, and longer periods (4 days start to finish vs. 7.5 now). Hair loss. Constant cramps. I've developed extreme nausea that is similar to morning sickness, and painful sex. (These are CONSTANT. THERE IS NO BREAK FROM THESE SIDE EFFECTS.) And that's after being begged for it, as I have 0 sex drive. Let me highlight how extreme a change that is: I used to crave/want to have sex 4 times DAILY. Now? Zero. Pros: less painful periods. No pregnancy. I have stopped taking this rubbish pill. Whoever invented it: get a new profession. I've been off it 2 weeks and feel so SO much better mentally and physically. Like coming out of a fog. Don't try this garbage."

• Dev...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 5, 2020

For Birth Control "Prescribed Camila as a birth control due to high blood pressure, couldn't take some of the others. My first 3 months were okay. I did have changes in my skin (went from clear skin to having weird acne all the time). My periods were lighter but longer, and the cramps were more painful than what I experienced pre-pill. Month 4, I started having breast tenderness constantly. Period was lighter and only lasted 4 days. I thought my body had finally adjusted to the pill. That excitement didn’t last as I had heavy bleeding which started up a week later, lasting 7 days. Similar situation month 5: *Possible TMI ahead* The first period was 5 days, barely any cramps, light bleeding but all tissue. There was almost no unclotted blood. Now, 6 days later, I wake up yesterday to blood everywhere. Totally unexpected. At the moment, I’m having terrible cramping and heavy flow with a lot of tissue present. I hate this! The irregularity and pain are not worth it."

• Kal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 16, 2018

For Birth Control "I tried multiple combo birth control pills and an IUD, which all ended terribly. My doctor and I decided maybe it was best that I took a progestin-only pill because of how I reacted to birth control with estrogen. I both love and hate this prescription, but if you do have issues taking estrogen, then I highly recommend you give Camila a shot. Yes, you do have to take it around the same time every day. My hair does fall out more than usual, and I do get almost like morning sickness before my periods. However, all of the positive outweighs the negatives. I used to have extreme cramping, and I would get extremely sick every single period. With this pill, I get a little sick before, but my periods are more bearable. It does not affect my weight at all, maybe my sex drive a little, but you learn to work with it. Overall, I do recommend you give it a shot as every woman experiences different things when trying different birth controls."

• tee...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 14, 2018

For Birth Control "I have high blood pressure, migraines, and my insurance wouldn't cover an IUD, so I was put on this. I do notice my boobs are much more heavy, swollen, and sore when PMSing, and the irregular periods are inconvenient and nerve-wracking. However, now that I've been on this pill for over a year, they have become a lot more regular (will still randomly show up when it's not supposed to, but maybe only once every few months now rather than all the time - the periods I get are no lighter or heavier than what I'm used to). I had way worse issues with my weight, acne, bloating, sex drive, cramps, etc. on other hormonal BC than I do on these. These reviews make it sound like this is the worst BC in the world, but personally, I'm not that bothered by it. It's worth it to not have migraines and a stroke risk anymore. It's not a bad option if it's your only option."

• Man...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 13, 2019

For Birth Control "Was on Camila for about 3 years because I have debilitating migraines. I love it, however, I'm bloated some days and crampy. I definitely had breakthrough bleeding. You will have bleeding if you miss the pill sometimes. I didn't get a period for a whole month, and while it's great, my body just felt heavy. I had a baby (I stopped taking it) and went back on it again after."

• Sha...
• March 18, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been on and off with the mini pill, switching between pills to see what works best. I haven’t been consistent until just now, starting in January. I constantly bleed. Either it's every other week or every other two weeks. My period comes every 28 days, but I always spot in between, and it’s bothersome when you think you’re done bleeding for the month and then out of nowhere start bleeding again. When my period is about to come, my breasts hurt super bad, and I get real nauseous. It made me think I was pregnant, until the test was negative and my period came on the 28th day. I get terrible cramps when I’m spotting and also when I’m on my period. It protects you for sure, but it’s a hassle to deal with constant bleeding. I also break out when I’m on my period, and my face does clear up though after my period ends. I crave things sometimes and mood swings. I get irritated more quickly, and I’m super tired most days."

• Dyl...
• May 9, 2017

For Birth Control "This is the absolute worst pill on the market. My periods used to be fine before this pill. Now my cramps are so horrible that I actually pass out from the pain and puke until the point where I would rather die. My face has broken out, and I have gained almost 20 pounds. If I could give this pill a negative review, I would."

• Cou...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 7, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I'm 40 years old and was getting migraines every two weeks, which we attributed to hormonal surges and heavy bleeding. The doctor suggested I try this to “suppress” my ovaries and help calm down the surges. I gave this a shot, even with the warnings of increased appetite, bloating, and skin changes. I lasted 1.5 months and had to stop. I originally stopped because of the increased appetite and the fact that it did nothing for my bleeding. The headaches were consistent with frequency but didn’t last as long - I’m sure with time maybe this could have changed. My period came a week early and has lingered 4 days longer than normal. The cramping is horrendous. Daily, nonstop cramps that are now even worse after I’ve stopped the pill - plus spotting. And I’ve only been off it for 2 days now. I think any medication is worth trying out, but just be aware of what to possibly expect and decide if the cons are worth it."

• Mxd...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 16, 2019

For Birth Control "So I have been taking this pill for about 3-4 months now. I started taking it because I was and am sexually active, and I wanted extra protection. However, it has caused my period to come every 2 weeks. Previously, it would come at a normal rate, once a month. I do not understand why this is happening at all. I have had mood swings and issues concentrating while on my period that I did not have prior to taking this pill. The worst has honestly been the cramps. The cramps from being on this pill are absolutely terrible. I did not really have bad cramps before, they had been pretty subtle, never too much. However, the cramps, in combination with the excruciating backaches it has caused, well, all I can say is you may want to call in sick that day. I have honestly considered just stopping taking the pill without even asking my doctor, since I haven’t been able to get in contact. Honestly, if it keeps up, I’m just going to stop taking it. Absolutely terrible."

• SEG...
• October 19, 2017

For Birth Control "I’ve been on this pill for about 2 months. I wanted to try a low hormonal pill to hope for no or less weight gain. Camila, by far, is the worst birth control I have been on. My period is light, but the duration is about 9-11 days. SMH! I’d rather bleed heavy for 3-4! The cramps are deadly. I’ve always had bad cramps, but this is different now. Oh, if you miss a pill by a few hours, you start to cramp and bleed. I haven’t experienced any major breakouts. My mood is pretty normal, except for when I’m cramping and bloating. NOW the weight gain is no joke. I’m sure it’s all water weight and bloat, but who wants that? I’ve gained 6 lbs in one month! My appetite has definitely increased for the worst. I’m a normal healthy eater, but all I want to do is snack."

• Ash...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 10, 2017

For Birth Control "Was on the combined pills before that made me crazy. But this pill actually doesn't do any of that for me. Sure, I've gained like 20 pounds in the few months I have been taking it. I have a few more cramps than usual. No abnormal bleeding. I got a little bit more acne than usual. But this pill does the trick for me."

• GG3...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 26, 2017

For Birth Control "Can I give this pill a zero rating?! I started this pill back in July because I was having migraines with auras, and my doctor thought this would help. NO. This pill is awful. I had no migraines, but what I experienced was worse: acne breakouts all over my body, which I have never experienced before this pill, frequent spotting but no actual period, bloating and cramping all of the time, drastic weight gain, zero sex drive, foggy brain, and worst of all, it made me so moody. I'm an extremely bubbly person, and this pill made me mean and grumpy. I had zero tolerance and frequently snapped at people. I was tired all the time and depressed. I quit this pill a week ago, and I feel so much better already. I am my old self again."

• Jac...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 2, 2020

For Birth Control "So I have experienced being on both Camila and Mylan brand. Camila was the first birth control I was prescribed. For the first few months, my hair was falling out. But within a year, it grew back. Other than that, it is an amazing birth control. Better than all of the others I've tried in the past. Best of all, I didn't get a period, which I have a history of extremely painful periods. But due to insurance reasons, I recently was switched to Mylan brand. I'm 2 months in and am requesting to go back on Camila. I get periods again, but the pain is terrible, also cramps, acne, depression, sore breasts, and really bad muscle pain that keeps me up at night. Don't get sucked into believing that generic vs. brand-name drugs are the same. There are inactive ingredients that many people experience with generic. This isn't the only medication I have problems with the generic version of."

• Sam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 12, 2019

For Birth Control "I was using Norlyda because my periods are heavy, super painful, and cause migraines. I stopped it due to breakthrough bleeding and acne, so I was then switched to Camila. A few months passed before I decided to give Camila a try. It's been a horrible experience overall: acne, vaginal pain, and cramping. Not to mention facial hair growth. I'll have to stop completely all over again and track my ovulation (which I already do). Just unfortunate that it has to be that way. I already suffer from cystic acne, but I'd rather deal with that than be on a pill that makes it worse. My face hurts, and so does my abdomen."

• Jan...
• January 20, 2018

For Birth Control "I’ve always had long and irregular periods, so the pill did not affect my period at all. The main change was extremely sore breasts and slightly worse cramping. But definitely manageable for me. So the absolute worst thing was the depression. I’m exactly a month and about three weeks ago I started having extremely bad depression and breakdowns to the point I was having super depressing thoughts. Over the past few weeks, I kept questioning what the hell was wrong with me. One morning I forgot to take my pill, and then I realized, holy moly, it’s that damn pill. I’m stopping today. I do not recommend this pill for anyone."

• bow...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 7, 2021

For Birth Control "Starting this off with I am on Camila as a hormone blocker due to being transgender. This is the first birth control I have ever been on, and I was told it would stop my period. The first month I was on it, I was on a very low dose, and it postponed my period for a week, and then it happened anyway. I normally have heavy periods, but I have never had cramps. Camila made my period even heavier than normal and painful! My doctor upped my dose, and now, on my second month, I have been having light to moderate bleeding for a week and a half now (starting during ovulation) and in the past three days, cramps so painful I haven’t been able to move around and haven’t been able to attend school. Everybody’s body is different, sure, but I think that I should have been warned of these possibilities before starting because, looking here, it seems more common than I would expect."

• Poo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 24, 2019

For Birth Control "Just had my son 6 months ago, and I was breastfeeding, so my doctor recommended Camila birth control. Ever since I have been taking it, my face has been covered in acne, mind you, I have had none for years, and I cannot lose weight even when I have been trying. Plus, my periods are extremely painful, so I'm probably going to get off this pill."

• Poo...
• December 6, 2017

For Birth Control "I've been on this pill since February. It is now December. My periods are longer, heavier, and irregular. I experience bad cramps and nausea starting a full week before my period. I was prescribed it because I have high blood pressure. I also believe it has lowered my sex drive. I got on this pill instead of having my tubes tied, and now I wish I had done that instead. I can have no bleeding before taking the pill, and an hour after taking it, I bleed. ;-( Hubby and I are unhappy because no sex isn't the birth control we were trying to have. I think I'm going to just stop taking it."

• Agg...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 8, 2017

For Birth Control "I was on the combo pill before, which was great but made my blood pressure go sky high. I switched to Camila to help. I’ve been taking Camila since July and the first few months were good; no cramps, no bloating, even no period. I wasn’t worried that I was pregnant since I wasn’t really having sex at the time. My period is super light, but I’ve had it for almost 2 weeks now and it sucks. I also have cramps now all day long. I’m truly thinking about switching back to my combo pill because these cramps and long periods are killing me!"