| Key to ratings for seasonale: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine. |
| Rating | Reason | Side Effects | Comments | Sex | Age | Time Taken | Date Added | |
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| 1 | Heavy periods and low iron levels | Weight gain and abdomanal pain. Cystic acne and headaches. | Thanks to everyone that posted - it made my decision to end taking this painful drug so much easier. I thought 4 periods a year would be a great benefit to helping with my low iron levels. It simply is not worth 10lbs weight gain (and that's with me working out and eating well, I shudder to think how much it would be if I didn't)the cramping, the acne and the random headaches. Bring on 12 periods, at least you know what you are getting. I would like to know if the weight comes off when you go off the pill? | F | 41 | 7 months | 11/19/2009 | 1 | birth control | experienced terrrible migraines, breast tenderness & weight gain. | I went on seasonale because my doctor recommended it. He said it had good side effects and would reduce my risk for ovarian and cervical cancer. I would never recommend it!! | F | 38 | 120 days | 11/18/2009 | 3 | Prevent pregnacy | Weight gain | The first 2 days taking this pill, I felt a little uneasy in my stomach, but that went away very quickly. The worst side effect was weight gain. I gained 5 pounds, which isn't horrible, but I am doing everything in my power to lose them and they are just not coming off!(cardio 6 times a week and weight lifting 3 times a week, calorie intake about 1000 - 1300 daily). I have 7 days left of the active pills, and just got some break through bleeding this morning, not much, just notice some blood when I use the bathroom. | F | 27 | 3 months | 11/13/2009 | 3 | birth control, less periods | weight gain, mood swings and minor depression, breakthrough bleeding | I have been on the pill since I was 13, due to very irregular and heavy bleeding. I started off taking a monthly cycle pill, then switched to the generic version of Seasonale (Jolessa) because I wanted only 4 periods a year. During some cycles I would have breakthrough bleeding in the month leading up to my period, but sometimes the cycle would work perfectly with no bleeding. Even after switching to the brand name, it was still hit or miss with the cycles. I was also very thin and could eat whatever I wanted without exercising. After I started Seasonale, I gained almost 15 lbs, and it was a little bit of a struggle for me to go back down to my previous weight. I had to really watch what I ate and exercise 7 times a week with cardio and weights. I went from being a happy-go-lucky person to someone that cried over the fairly small things. The weight and emotional side effects seem to be under control for now, though. I do enjoy only having 4 periods a year (when the cycle actually works right), but I may switch back to monthly if the breakthrough bleeding doesn't stop since I've already been on it for almost 2 years now. | F | 21 | 21 months | 11/11/2009 | 2 | heavy long periods | The first month I experienced dibilitating migraines. The second month cramping and bleed through for about 2 weeks. I thought it would get better but now i am the third month and have had bleed through for about half the month and terrible cramping. I got on this pill to lessen my days without bleeding not to increase them! | Going to the doctor to get something new...this is not for me! | F | 35 | 3 months | 11/2/2009 | 2 | 4 periods a year/ birth control | Breast Tenderness, Dizziness, Lethagry, Headaches | Side Effects started two weeks into taking the pills, they really blow, definitely not worth it. | F | 19 | 4 weeks | 11/1/2009 | 1 | birth control | uncontrollable mood swings, depression, severe break outs, no energy, vaginal dryness, weight gain | I am SOOOOO glad I found this website! Thank you to every one who posted. I have been on this birth control for 2 weeks now. Within days I had an unexplained emotional breakdown where I cried ALL DAY LONG. I have been so moody that my boyfriend was the one who suggested that it might be the birth control. I am usually pretty level, but i even cried over a commercial the other day! I have been completely exhausted...to the point that I considered asking my doctor to do a thyroid test. I don't want to do anything but lay on the couch, and that is not an option for me! And my skin!!! I have never really had a problem with breakouts...ever...in fact, people always comment on how even my complection is, but as soon as i started taking this I got deep pimples on my face and in my hairline and scalp. Even the prescription topical benzaclin (which I got from the dermatologist as a result of these breakouts) did not phase it. To top everything off, I am extremely dry which makes sex less than enjoyable. What's the point of taking this crap if I can't be intimate when I want to?? Also, a trip to the doctor revealed that i have gained about 3 pounds in the last 2 weeks. I will quit taking this pill tomorrow. It is not worth the side affects. At least I can reverse these side affects now...before I've gained 40 pounds! DON'T TAKE THIS PILL!!! | F | 31 | 2 weeks | 10/26/2009 | 2 | Painful Periods | Migraines (three in two weeks); Insomnia; Cramping; Breast Tenderness; Irritability; | Not sure if I should continue, if the side effects will lessen. | F | 32 | 3 weeks | 10/23/2009 | 2 | PCOS, heavy periods | I was spotting for the first 3 months of the pills, and called my doctor who said it would stop after 3 months. Not only did it not stop, in the second three months, I've been losing tons of hair, I feel like i'm sleepwalking, I can't wake up, I'm terribly depressed, and my boobs hurt. Thinking of switching to Ortho Cyclene, but i didn't have a great experience with it last time. | Who on earth WANTS to gain 15 pounds and lose their hair, all for 4 periods a year? not me!! | F | 26 | 6 months | 10/20/2009 | 4 | Irregular periods, contraception | Sometimes I will have thick discharge, and I will spot a few days prior to taking the off pills before my period arrives. I did gain a bit of weight, but its not a negative for myself, it was mostly in my breasts. | Before taking seasonale I would never know when my period was going to arrive, I would go months without it, now I know when it is coming and lasts a shorter amount of time than when I would get it, going from 7-9days to 4-6 days. | F | 20 | 9 months | 10/15/2009 | 5 | Birth Control | Painful Cramps | everything else is great for me with this product, but i am getting cramps today like i used to get before i started taking birth control. i can deal with that once every 3 months though. | F | 21 | 3 months | 10/13/2009 | 1 | birth control, regular periods | Breast tenderness, brief worsening of acne, moodiness, low energy, three weeks of breakthrough bleeding | When I started taking this pill I stumbled on this site, I didn't think any of the discussed side effects would happen to me. And at first they didn't and I thought the pill was great. Then week 7 into taking the pill I started my period. Before my periods were always short (3-5 days) and no cramps. I had breakthrough bleeding for 19 days before I just stopped taking it. My doctor gave me no clue that this would happen though apparently it happens to 1/3 of the women taking it. If I had known I would have simply taken to monthly pill. I've been off the pill for a week and my mood is completely better (something I didn't even realize was wrong until after I stopped taking it). Before you take this pill, research it as much as you can to see if it is for you. | F | 19 | 10 weeks | 10/9/2009 | 3 | birth control, endometreosis,anemia | Horrible spotting for the first 2 1/2 weeks. I wouldn't even call it spotting, more like a full blown period. ruined most of my panties :( EXTREME nausea. Mood swings, breast tenderness. | I am taking the Generic Quasense. For about the first 2 1/2-3 weeks i had horrible breakthrough bleeding. Completley ruined most of my panties :( and I Couldn't have sex because of it, which was killing me because i have a very high libido (which my boy loves :)) This is probably due to the inconsistancy of taking it though. After about the third week though it completely stopped. HALELUJAH! Started taking the pill EXACTLY the same time every day which seems to have helped a LOT. The only other problems i have had with this pill is EXTREME nausea in the mornings. I have to take this pill either when i wake up or before 4pm and must take it with a meal. If i take it in the evening i ALWAYS wake up the next morning at about 6am with my heart racing, sweating, and end up in the toilet for hours followed by a constant headache all day. I've also had some breast tenderness, but i won't really complain because my breasts have continually seemed to be getting bigger:) I'm about 107 lbs, and have yet to gain any weight, which is also a plus. I do not work out, but i generally have a low calorie intake due to stomach ulcers. Honestly, at first this pill was hell. I didn't want to take it at all due to the nausea. but After consistently taking it at the same time every day most of these side effects have gone away and everything seems to be getting better. You just have to let your body get used to these things. I would still recommend sticking with this pill for at least a month no ma | F | 19 | 1 months | 10/7/2009 | 1 | lessen bleeding/anemia | Major Period not just spotting for 5 weeks now! Fatigue, weakness, major cramps and severe back cramps, breast tenderness, Moodiness, depression is worse, Can't have sex life | I was trying this to lessen periods due to heavy bleeding and clotting that was cutting into my daily life and costing me huge anounts of money at the pharmacy. This is the first pack and I have had severe cramping, back cramps and a very heavy flow with huge clots. I'm considering going off since it is not doing what i thought it would do. I feel helpless and my doc is not understanding at all so i can't even have a discusssion about it. I do have a fibroid but he says bec of location that that is not causing the heavy bleeding. He hasn't checked me for a hormone imbalance yet. This is making me crazy! | F | 39 | 2 days | 10/4/2009 | 1 | birth control, lessen periods | Quickly started gaining weight, oily skin, moodiness, migraines, hair loss | I, too, thought I was going crazy. I had been losing weight for a while and all of a sudden I couldn't lose any, but worse...started gaining weight, uncontrollably! My face and hair became very oily, my face broke out. I became very moody! | F | 37 | 3 weeks | 10/3/2009 | 3 | F | 32 | 9/26/2009 | 2 | Birth Control | WEIGHT GAIN! Moodiness. Bloating. I didn't feel like myself at all. | This birth control pill is not for me! I quit taking it yesterday as the scale keeps going up and I am eating less and less! | F | 38 | 6 weeks | 9/26/2009 | 5 | regulation and birth control | Nothing out of ordinary. Only breakthrough spotting when under unusual stress. | I LOVE not having a period every month! No weight gain/loss or change of appitite, only stress related. I've been on both seasonale and quasense for probably 1 1/2 to 2 years. Although i have no previous medical history that would produce complications, i am going to give my body a rest and go off of the pill for a while :( How sad. Enjoy it if you can, if not stay away...you're body is telling you to stop for a reason. | F | 25 | 1 years | 9/25/2009 | 1 | Regulating my cycle | Weight gain,breast tenderness, mood swings, constant period | I was recommended this pill from my doctor who told me that it was ridiculous that my cycle was so mixed up and this would be easier. I've been on it for 2 1/2 months and I've had my period for almost the whole time. I'm miserable and snappy and I'm always hungry and gained weight. I'm getting off this as soon as it's done and never going back on. I'd rather have a period every month than deal with this!! Some breakthrough bleeding!! | F | 39 | 2 months | 9/24/2009 | 5 | birth control | No side effects | I'm on the generic Quasense. I think it's great, but then I don't have any side effects. In addition to reducing the number of periods a year, it reduced the duration of each period for me from 7 to about 4 days. I recommend giving it a try once. I just started my second pack and I plan to keep going with it. | F | 22 | 3 months | 9/23/2009 | 2 | birth control | migraines, hair loss, bled for 2 1/2 months non-stop, loss of appetite, yeast infections, weight gain | F | 30 | 3 months | 9/23/2009 | 2 | heavy uncontrollable periods | I started taking this pill and I did not like it at all. I gained 10 pounds and I'm not even done with my first pack. I got freaked out becsuse I was getting symptoms of pregnancy. My breasts hurt so bad it hurt to walk around. Iam going to get off this pill as fast as I can. | F | 20 | 2 weeks | 9/15/2009 | 2 | Anxiety, Birth Control | Migraines, Weight Gain, Mood Swings, Aggressive Behavior, Some days Dizzy, Numbness, Loss of Sex Drive, Increased Appetite, Low Energy, NOT MYSELF ANYMORE! | I guess it took some time for me notice this was related to this medication. After reading everyones similar experiences here, it all made sense! My weight is out of control. I refuse to buy larger clothes in fear of allowing it to happen. I reduced my calorie intake to below 1500 a day, sometimes 1000 and it wouldn't help. If I would loose any weight at all it was between 1-3 lbs! I was freakin starving! How come I couldn't loose the weight!? None of it made sense! I have finally decided after much consideration that I officially quit today. No more-It isn't worth it. I thought I was going crazy. | F | 28 | 3 years | 9/13/2009 | 1 | birth control | ? | I was prescribed Seasonale today and intended on filling my prescription tomorrow. I decided to read up on it and this was the website I picked. Gonna go get it changed asap. I want less periods but after reading all of this I am terrified. Blood clots the size of a human hand, 40 lb weight gain, low sex drives? No thank you! | F | 28 | 9/2/2009 | 1 | protect from pregnancy | magor let down!! for 9 months i did nothing but bleed and gained 45 pounds! | i do not reccomend to anyone | F | 27 | 9 months | 8/30/2009 | 2 | Prevention of Ovarian Cysts | Received generic brand Quasense instead of brand name by pharmacy. Smooth sailing until week 5 with daily cramping and mild breakthrough bleeding which has now lasted 14 days. Can't deal with the btb and continual crampy feelings and other PMS symptoms. I have decided to discontinue use of this medication, as for me personally the negative side effects far outway any potential benefit of only having a period 4 months out of the year. I'm glad this medication works for some, but as for those who have quit using Quasense, how quickly does this medication leave your system? I am quite anxious to get some relief... | F | 39 | 7 weeks | 8/28/2009 | 5 | Anemic from heavy periods | No side effects at all. Great for my pre menopause side effects! | I was having heavy periods that resulted in me becoming anemic. As a last resort I took these pills having been off birth control for 15 years. Amazing! The mood swings are gone, I was having horrible anxiety/panic attacks and this was like a wonder drug to cure all of the symptoms. No weight gain, no side effects at all. My daughter takes them also, but she did gain a few pounds. Not quite sure if it is from the pills or not. | F | 48 | 2 years | 8/22/2009 | 1 | 4 periods a year | Major weight Gain, Thyroid Problems (enlarged thyroid, hair loss, brittle nails, sleepy), Depression, Anxiety, Mood Swings, | I have always been really thin about 110 pounds and 5 feet tall. After 4 years of taking this pill, dieting, and exercising I am 140 pounds. Now I am short and fat. Even with weight lifting and cardio every day and a strict diet, I would only loss 5 pounds. Then I would give up, and it would all come back plus some. I went to my doctors every 6 months for thyroid testing, and the results would come back normal. I am so tired all the time even though I get over 8 hours of sleep every night. I have a really great life, but I have major depression and anxiety issues that I never had before. I have terrible mood swings that always center round the four periods a year. I am going off these pills immediately. I never realized these pills might be the cause of all these problems. I am never going on another birth control again. I am so excited that I might get to be my old self again. Pros about the pills: I will miss only having 4 periods a year. I will miss only having to buy one or two boxes of tampons and pads a year. But I will never ever go on this pill again. | F | 26 | 4 years | 8/22/2009 | 5 | hormone regulation, birth control | NONE | In LOVE With this pill. Please try it for your self, every birth contril pill affects every woman differently!!!! my almost constant periods stopped, mood swings - gone - hot flashes - gone - have not had any spotting/breakthrough periods at all - | F | 35 | 7 weeks | 8/20/2009 | 3 | endometriosis; fewer periods | constant spotting for the first 5 weeks; nausea; fatigue (typically workout 5-6 days a week, but couldn't muster the energy at the beginning of this pill); would become teary-eyed for no reason | I'm taking the generic Quasense. My doctor said that my spotting was probably due to the fact that I switched from my previous medicine regiment for endometriosis (was taking 300 mg of progesterone 10X a month for the past 3 years, now taking this low dose pill). I wanted to have less periods so that I could have less days of pain with my endo. I'm in my 7th week now and I feel back to my normal self, but I'm still rating a 3 because I haven't even finished my first pack yet. I'm holding out that things will continue well with this pill (fingers crossed!) | F | 24 | 7 weeks | 8/11/2009 | 1 | regulate period | extreme fatigue, mood swings, depression, spotting, bloating, joint pains...?? | When I started I thought it was great and had hardly any spotting. Of course I didn't attribute any of the side effect to the seasonale until I read all these comments!! I really thought something was seriously wrong with me and I'd even made a doctors appointment! I have a bloated stomach and have weight gain even though I've always been tiny no matter what I eat, I'm extremely tired and have been taking naps almost every day, I start crying for no reason or feel tears prickling my eyes when I'm just having a convo, I'm depressed quite often and my parents keep wondering whats going on in my life when nothings wrong... This seems to explain it all. Also about a month ago I had a weird cramp in my side and then I got this weird rash on my thighs and wrist about 4 days later. Then the next day my joints were all stiff and I had a red streak up my wrists that looked like someone had slapped me there. Then it just kept getting worse until my knee swelled up and I could hardly walk on it so we went to the hospital and doctors, but no one could figure it out and eventually it just went away on its own... Could this have been from seasonale? Maybe not, but DO NOT TAKE THIS PILL. These side effects freak me out. That shouldn't happen. | F | 18 | 6 months | 8/3/2009 | 4 | Prevent Pregnancy | spotting, moodiness, tender breasts | I have been on Seasonale generic for about 3 years now. I did have spotting at first, but after a few months, I was period free. Seasonale helped with my acne, made my breasts larger, and I actually lost weight. It also helped with my PMS. I do occasionally spot, but it's usually only a few days. Sorry that so many women have had a negative experience with it, as having only a few periods a year is fantastic. It also has the highest effectiveness against pregnancy. | F | 23 | 3 years | 7/30/2009 | 3 | less periods | Depression with the week right before the periods, my breasts went up two cup sizes within 6 months, must've gained weight. Weighed 130ish before, been on it for a year and a half, now 145. | During the first year, I would have a full blown period six weeks in, and another at the end. That has gone away. But it has given me some pretty bad cramps. | F | 17 | 1.5 days | 7/28/2009 | 1 | birth control | spotting, mood swings, zero sex drive | I took seasonale for nine months before finally switching because I couldn't handle it anymore. The first month was always fine, but about six weeks into the pack I started spotting and would spot every single day until the end of the pack -- another six weeks! I hated it! I'd rather have my period once a month than spot every single day. I also had worse mood swings than the one I'm on now and had absolutely no desire for sex, which could have also been related to my stressful job, but still, I don't think this BC helped. I was trying to wait it out to see if my body would adjust but after three packs I gave up. The daily spotting was the worst. | F | 28 | 9 months | 7/22/2009 | 2 | birth control | weight gain, mood swings | I have been on jolessa (generic form of seasonale) for about a month. I am considering stopping due to weight gain. I am getting married in a couple of months, and need to get rid of the weight that seasonale has made me gain. I weighed the same amount for 5 years before immediately gaining 7 pounds in the first month on seasonale. I know a lot of others have stopped taking mid-cycle, and I am wondering how quickly after stopping did people get their period? | F | 30 | 30 days | 7/21/2009 | 5 | Birth control | very little spotting during the first year. | I've been taking seasonale for a while now after switching from ortho tri cyclen lo. I wanted a birth control that would allow me to have 4 periods a year. The first year I experienced spotting and at one point had a medium to heavy period for a month. Needless to say it was not enjoyable but after my body adjusted I've had little to no spotting, light, short periods, and no other side effects. I've noticed with my body that it takes me about 6 mos to a year to adjust to a new birth control (seasonale is my 3rd kind I've taken). My advice is to try out different kinds of birth control under the supervision of your doctor and see what works best for you. | F | 23 | 3.5 years | 7/20/2009 | 5 | b.c. and hormone regulation | NO Negative ones. All positve!!! I lost weight (finally) 10 lbs and counting.... mood swings now normal, hot flashes gone, ALL GOOD!!!! | LOVEEEEEEEE this pill. Wow. I feel like a new person after suffering for a few years with mood swings and irregualr periods and weight gain. Within a few days all symptoms gone, and the weight is dropping off. Do not knock this pill until you try it, as any pill may not work for everyone! | F | 26 | 5 months | 7/17/2009 | 2 | taking for bad cramps, bleeding | bad:bloating, weight gain, spotting, thinning hair good: cleared up skin | i tried lybrel, but kept getting periods and spotting, with cramping. doc switched me to seasonle. i'm very petite and usually been at good weight, work out. but this caused my tummy to bulge. also 6 weeks of no period, but then 3 weeks of non-stop spotting until i got tired of it and stopped the pill for 4 days, getting a period. back on it now, doc is suggesting i switch to yaz to avoid the bloating. but that has pretty bad reviews too :( confused. | F | 30 | 3 months | 7/17/2009 | 5 | perimenopause symptoms (age 35) | None!!!! Helped regulate my hormones and alliveated ALL of my PERI MENOPAUSAL symptoms. | was scared at first reading all the negative comments, but decided to give it a try -- everyone is different after all. GLAD I did. THIS Is a WONDER DRUG!!!!!!! previously on triphasil and tricyclen, | M | 35 | 32 days | 7/13/2009 | 1 | birth control/severe cramps | weight gain, depression, insomnia, fatigue originally switched from the depo shot due to weight gain but I have gained more in 3mnths with this pill than I have gained in 6 yrs with the depo shot. | First off I dont even know why my doctor prescribed the generic form of Quasense when my insurance covers 80% of the name brand. Have been on this pill for 3 mnths and I am stopping today. have gained 10 lbs even while workng out 3-5 days a week and eating healthy. I have even started seeing a counselor for my suicidal thoughts that I have NEVER had before. Im not even sexual active but need birth control to curve severe cramps from periods.Would rather put up with the cramps than to deal with this BS. What is wrong with this drug and why is it so widely prescribed? ***women beware*** | F | 24 | 3 months | 7/13/2009 | 5 | irregular periods | NONE | LOVE LOVE LOVE shorter periodsss only 4 timesn a yr AMAZINGG.. unfortunetky my insurancee switched me to the generic which DOES NOT work for me, break through bleeding for a whole 2months it was horrible. and the reg. seasonale cost too much now that my insurance will only cover the generic brands =[' | F | 20 | 3 years | 7/11/2009 | 3 | Birth Control | The pharmacy gave me Jolessa, which is the generic form of Seasonale, and I started my period on a Saturday, so I was 2 days into my period before I took my first pill. My period went for 7 days which is normal for me. Then it stopped for a week. Then I started to get spotting of brown blood. I thought this was normal, because they warned me about this happening. Then I wasn't SUPPOSE to not have a period that month. I ended up having it though. Which I still thought was normal, because my body was still adjusting to it. But it has now lasted for over a month. When I was suppose to skip over my next period after that It just got heavier. I'm now starting week 11 tomorrow, but If it still is like this on my next pack, I might switch to another birth control. | A friend of mine who supports Planned Parenthood told me they might have given me too weak a dosage because that's what they do for everyone to see how your body takes it. It sucks having a period for SOOOO long. The reason why I started taking this is to only have a period 4 times a year! Way to get my hopes up. I wonder what the difference is between Seasonale and Seasonique? Maybe the latter is a little better? | F | 23 | 10 weeks | 7/11/2009 | 1 | short & lighter periods less cramps | Weight gain, cramping, face breakouts, breakthrough bleeding, fatique, | My situation is different. We can't have anymore kids, but I went on BC for convenience of less periods, lessen my heavy cramps and shorter periods. The first 6 weeks were perfect...though I did notice my face broke out (and it NEVER EVER did before). On 2 occassions I forgot to take the pill and would take two. But at the end of week 6, I started having spotting..no big deal b/c it was a side effect...but I am now almost done with my 7th week and it went from not worrying, to pantyliners, now wearing sanitary napkins/tampons. My cramps have been continuous and dull up til today when it has gotten worse. I called my gyno right away. I peed in a cup, they did an exam, an ultrasound and everything checked out so far. They also took blood, and he told me to keep taking it til they get results in next week. I was going on a biz trip in Barbados and DO NOT want to worry about accidental spottings and cramps the whole time! I dont know why I have to keep taking it if it's really not a necessity for me. So I'm going to stop taking it til my results come, and see what he says. I work out 3days a week, drink lots of water and do body cleansing...and my weight won't budge, I feel bloated, my pooch has grown though I have been busting my ass working out and eating right. Started noticing in the last few days I am TIRED in the middle of the day and have to nap! This is all so not me. Has anyone been on for 7weeks & stopped? if so, how long did it take the breakthrough to stop? | F | 31 | 7 weeks | 7/9/2009 | 3 | birth control | cramping | F | 37 | 3 years | 6/25/2009 | 1 | reduce migraines during period | Bloating, weight gain, oily skin, severe fatigue, loss of sex drive, hot flashes, spotting | I really thought I had a million different things wrong with me and after finding this site - I feel it HAS to be this pill - it all happened at the same time. My husband is getting the big "V" - I'm not dealing with PMS, migraines or this baloney weight gain and fatigue! | F | 41 | 2.5 months | 6/23/2009 | 1 | Painful periods + bc | The everlasting period. About 6 weeks into taking the pill I started what seemed like a normal period, it continued for 2 weeks with a normal amount of flow. The third week I started to flow so heavily I needed a new overnight pad every hour. I became anemic and dehydrated. My dr. had me quit the pill but it took about a week for the bleeding to stop. I also had very sore breasts at the time. | F | 33 | 2 months | 6/15/2009 | 3 | suspected endometriosis | very swollen, tender breasts, weight gain, severe daily heartburn, bleeding for first 3+ weeks | After the first 3 straight weeks of bleeding I had no more bleeding during the 3month pack of pills, which successfully eliminated the cramps, severe sharp pains I had been having which we suspect were endometriosis. Working out and eating really well and not dropping a single pound was enormously frustrating...been off for a couple weeks now and breasts slowly shrinking and slowly dropping pounds. Heartburn was HORRIBLE and ended almost immediately after stopping. Sex was less painful while taking which was a plus. Unfortunately this hasn't completely resolved endomet... but I would never go back on this for weight gain & heartburn. | F | 37 | 3 months | 6/11/2009 | 1 | Hormones & lower period frequency | Weight gain, bloating, mood swings, depression. | I thought this was going to be some sort of miracle pill - only getting my period 4 times per year?? Sounded wonderful...till I started taking it. During the first pill pack, I had my period for just about 6 weeks. My doctor told me to continue taking it & that my body needed to adjust to it. I started the second pack & noticed a whole other bunch of side effects. I'm 5'2" & work out 6 days per week, 2 of which are with a personal trainer. I was extremely fit. Since taking the pill, I have gained over 10 lbs & my stomach is painfully bloated. I cry constantly & feel like I could seriously kill someone. I recently stopped taking it & I can see/feel the difference already. I don't feel bloated or emotional. I think I'll just go back to getting my period every month - the benefit of 4 periods a year just don't outweigh all these awful side effects. | F | 30 | 6 months | 6/10/2009 | 1 | stop period to help anemia | horrible mood swings | After two weeks on seasonale, I was a raging bitch! I stuck it out for a full month to see if it passed or was just a coincidence. NOT A COINCIDENCE, I felt better within 2-3 days of stopping. My hematologist told me to try again (he really wants me to not have a period or blood loss b/c I am severly anemic). So 4 months after I stopped, I started again and was a moody basket case within 10 days of re-starting. I am so glad I found this site because now I know I'm not alone. I switched to loestrin and it's ok so far (3 weeks). | F | 32 | 1.5 months | 6/9/2009 | 5 | birth control | none. | i love this pill. i think getting my period every 3 months is a lot nicer!! i didn't experience any side effects emotionally, but since taking it i've had a lot of trouble with my joints in my knees and shoulders being sore. i'm wondering if it's because of the pill or something else. but nothing else would really explain it?! oh well. still only 1 period every 3 months!! | F | 19 | 3 months | 6/8/2009 | 1 | birth control | Weight gain (approx 1 pound per week), extreme mood swings, depression, headaches, bloating/gas, intestinal pain. | I haven't gained a pound for the past couple of years and as soon as I started Seasonale, I started to put on weight (same diet, etc). Also had a ridiculous number of headaches and became a mega bitch (and I'm SO not a bitchy person!). After 5 weeks on Seasonale I've had enough - I'm now switching and am going to give YAZ a try. | F | 34 | 5 weeks | 5/31/2009 | 3 | birth control, fewer periods | mood swings, depression, migraines, anxiety/panic attacks, irregular bleeding (sometimes a lot, sometimes non-existent), fluctuations in libido. | when I started the first pack, i bleed heavily for 4 weeks straight. 3 packs later, sometime i get a period, sometimes not. it's very inconsistent. when i first started, i had absolutely zero libido with uncomfortable vaginal dryness that made sex painful, now I'm like a sex crazed maniac even my bf can't keep up with me. the fluctuations in libido are disturbing. I've also experience severe depression with suicidal ideations, chronic fatigue, lack of energy, crying for no reason ( i will be driving on the highway and all of a sudden i'm crying hysterically), i'm a total bitch to everyone and my patience is non existent. I have never gotten migraines and it's been so bad recently that I've missed work because i was bedriiden and afraid to move or open my eyes out of fear of making the headaches worse. I get anxious about everything and panic over every little thing that has the potential to go wrong. My bf and I had initially contributed all of these symptoms to stress with work and school but after reading all your comments, it all makes sense. I'm still waiting for the bigger boobs that some of you have talked about here... so far nothing. it does its job but the price you pay in interpersonal relationships and mental health is not quite worth it. | F | 27 | 10 months | 5/28/2009 | 2 | BC | severe depression, weight gain, acne, low libido | I did not get breakthrough bleeding, but it caused me to be severely depressed to the point of not being able to get out of bed in the morning, crying constantly, feeling worthless, etc. Plus it gave my deep cystic acne on my face. | F | 23 | 3 years | 5/27/2009 | 2 | Birth control | severe mood swings, bleeding | This is the first birth control I've ever been on. First week was fine, second week I had 6 days of light brown bleeding, constant dull headaches, and SEVERE mood swings! I got married 6 weeks ago, started taking these 2 1/2 weeks ago, and this last week has been terrible. Happy one minute, then literally 10 minutes later, crying, resenting my husband, feeling unloved and appreciated for no reason.....it has been terrible. It just made me feel weird and a little depressed, which is not my normal personality. I've been off it for 2 days and already can tell a HUGE difference - and so can my husband! | F | 33 | 2 weeks | 5/17/2009 | 1 | PMS and Hormone Regulation | EXTREME IRRITABILITY! SO ANGRY AND SUCH A BAD TEMPER. Even on my worst PMS days, I was a little irritable, but this takes the cake. I have never felt so bad, and I have only been on this pill for 4 days. I would rather find ways to deal with PMS then take this pill and hate the world. | F | 30 | 4 days | 5/14/2009 | 1 | endometriosis | So much blood, beyond irritable (yelling constantly), insomnia, and I feel like I'm going a mile a minute...I feel like I'm going nuts!!!!! | F | 34 | 2 days | 5/12/2009 | 5 | Birth Control | Weight gain. Not major, but did notice a few pounds that I can't attribute to anything else | After struggling through several disastrous pills (Yaz was particularly bad, but others too, with bad acne, moodiness, breakthrough bleeding, headaches) this one finally works. Totally cleared up the acne and made my boobs bigger. | F | 38 | 2 months | 5/11/2009 | 4 | having severe cramps | hardly any side effects some fatigue but nothing major | those of you having month long periods or whatever need to know that if spotting occurs for 4 days, STOP TAKING IT because the body is wanting to have a period. after that you can resume taking it and everything will go back to normal. my doctor told me this | F | 18 | 1 years | 5/9/2009 | 2 | birth control, hormonal regulation | Everything was fine until week 8, and then out of the blue I became extremely depressed, moody, sad and tired. This lasted for a week, and at the end of the week I started the dreaded breakthrough bleeding! It has lasted over 10 days now, it dark brown, light but I have to use a pad or tampon. If I had known that Seasonale causes this I would never have taken it!! | don't take it!! | F | 25 | 9 weeks | 5/5/2009 | 2 | birth control, less periods | I have been on this medication (switched from lo-ovral) For 8 weeks....Since the switch, I have experienced increased acne on face and neck, which i NEVER had before. Breakthrough bleeding for more than 7 days. low sex drive (probably due to the breakthrough bleeding), vaginal dryness, cramping as if I were on my period. Weight gain...8 lbs in 2 weeks!!! | I am not going to finish my pack. I am switching back to my other BC today!! Thank you all for sharing your experiences! I needed to know what was going on... | F | 29 | 60 days | 5/4/2009 | 5 | birth control | none | a little break through bleeding the first month I was on it and one other time 1 1/2 years after being on it. I was nervous to try it after reading so many horrible reviews but I think it's the best BC for me. No weight gain, no acne, no cramps no mood swings | F | 29 | 2 years | 4/29/2009 | 3 | Wanted less periods | Unsure at this time..posibly weight gain, moodiness, tired | I have been on Jolessa(generic) for a few years and never attributed some of the things that have been happening to me to my pill..but after reading this web site I am stopping it immediately. I am gaining weight for no apparent reason, which I cannot get rid of. I have complained to my Dr. about my mood swings, she says it is not the pill, but I am going to give it my own test. I am wondering if my crazy moods and tiredness are actually this pill and I was attributing it to having 2 small children. I started this pill right after the birth of my first son, so really don't know if it is my life or this pill that is making me nuts! Will send an update after being off it for awhile. I have my hopes up because of what other people have said they have experienced!! | F | 35 | 4 years | 4/23/2009 | 2 | Birth Contol | Low Sex Drive, Vaginal Dryness, Fatige, Mood Swings, Weight Gain | I didn't realize that all my problems were coming from the Seasonale until my online pharmacy lost my perscription and by the time I got it I had to go a month without the pills. I felt better than I had in years when I didn't take the pills. With the Seasonale I am extreamly tired all the time, moody, have no sex drive and have vaginal dryness. I'm switching to a new birth control as soon as I can. | F | 34 | 3 years | 4/22/2009 | 1 | bloating, weight gain, continuous spotting, cramps | In three months I gained a significant amount of weight. And I experienced spotting and cramps continuously. It was almost like having my period everyday. It was the worst bc I have ever taken. | F | 26 | 3 months | 4/20/2009 | 1 | Birth Control | Weight gain (10lbs in 2 months), low sex drive, vaginal dryness, the WORST cramps ever, acne, oily skin, bloating (my rings no longer fit) | My doctor started me on Seasonale to help w/ my fairly severe premenstral migrains. Well, it did help with those, but the side effects are awful. I've never really gotten PMS cramps before. Now I've had the worst cramps for a month. My skin is like a pimply oil slick, I've gained 10lbs of mostly belly fat for no reason, my sex drive is practically gone, my vagina is bone dry (not that it matters when you have 0 sex drive), my rings that I've worn for a decade no longer fit and I just don't feel right. | F | 29 | 2 months | 4/17/2009 | 1 | regulate periods | lengthy breakthrough bleeding, weight gain, mood swings, bloating, just about every other horrible thing you can think of | I switched to Quasense nine months ago - who doesn't want to have fewer periods, right? Well, not only have I gained 20+ pounds with no change to my lifestyle, but I am only period-free two months of every cycle. I experience light to moderate bleeding for the remaining 4 weeks of active pills (which compeletely defeats the purpose of the pill), and the cramps and crazy-heavy flow during the last week of nonactive pills make me want to die. I have also experienced extreme mood swings/anxiety/agitation which I did not intitally attribute to this pill, but after reading all these stories, I have to wonder... Moral of the story: DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICATION!!! I'm going back to Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo, I never had any problem with that one. | F | 22 | 9 months | 4/15/2009 | 3 | due to hormone problems a | I just recently start having break through spotting which is interfering with my love life. I haven't missed a period but just about two weeks of breakthrough bleeding. | I have taken these before and no problems but now I don't know what is wrong. I have to call my doctor to see what he say. | F | 36 | 4 months | 4/14/2009 | 3 | less periods/year | heavy bleeding, extreme cramps, severe mood swings | This is my first period since taking Seasonale. My period came 2 weeks early and the cramps beforehand were incredibly painful. There were large chunks of uterus lining in my period (more than had ever had before). Also, the week before my period, I had severe PMS, but did not realize that it was PMS since my period was early. I'm not a person who cries often, but I was crying on a daily basis, about 3 times a day. | F | 24 | 3 months | 4/13/2009 | 5 | to get less periods | enlarged breasts and some tenderness | So far so good. I've experienced no break-through bleeding but my doctor mentioned that if you do, to stop taking it for about a week and let yourself have a "mini-period" as she called it. The breast tenderness isn't bad or anything, it can just be annoying sometimes. Did NOT need bigger breasts but I won't complain. | F | 36 | 7 weeks | 4/10/2009 | 5 | Birth Control with less periods | Absolutely none! I love Seasonale! | I had no acne whatsoever being on Seasonale, had absolutely no cramps before or during my periods, my bleeding was very light and lasted only few days, my periods came exactly on 28th day after the three month supply was finished, I gained no weight or had no mood swings or anything like that. I only got off recently because we would like to have a family now. No problem getting off it either. | F | 32 | 5 years | 3/24/2009 | 4 | Bad periods | breakthrough bleeding and headaches first 2 or 3 months | I really liked it, after I got through the first 3 months. It was fantastic not having periods and PMS. Only downside was the cost ($60/month with my insurance), which was ultimately why I stopped using it...had to go back on a generic b/c pill. | F | 32 | 18 months | 3/20/2009 | 1 | wanted fewer periods a yr | VERY HEAVY BLEEDING!!! | I was on this birth control for only 3 months. When the time came that i was due to have my period i had such a scare. I was sitting on the couch watching tv and all of a sudden i felt my period. only it didnt feel like what i was used to. I ran to the bathroom and sat on the toilet and i began to pass very large blood clots and was bleeding SO much. I was soaking through 1 pad in about 20 minutes. It was pretty late at night so I called my ob gyn who was on call and she told me to go to the ER. I went to the ER where I continued to bleed extremely heavy. When I was finally taken back to see the ER doc i explained what was going on, they did an internal u/s (very uncomfortable) which was fine and also some bloodwork which showed that i had a low blood count which he told me meant i had infact lost a lot of blood. in the end he told me i needed to follow up with my ob gyn but he suspected that my body could not handle not having a period for so long and when it finally came it was almost as if it was "backed up" which was why it was so heavy. i stopped the seasonale and went on YAZ and have been fine since. | F | 23 | 3 months | 3/19/2009 | 3 | Less periods | I haven't gained much, if any, weight while on this pill but every once in a while when I've already had my period for that three month time, I start bleeding all over again. My cramps start happening too; it's like an extra period. It's happened to me twice before and I don't know why. I thought maybe it was a side effect of the pill, but it is a horrible side effect. I went on this pill so I wouldn't have as many periods and they would be less painful but it isn't really working. | It helped with my acne and made some of my periods a bit lighter. | F | 17 | 1.5 years | 3/17/2009 | 1 | birth control, heavy bleeding | I have been taking Seasonale since I was 16. I stopped for 8 months and things seemed to be fine, I started on the medicine again 2 months ago. I have experienced severe mood swings, depression, and I have been feeling suicidal for the last 2 weeks. I cry several times a day. I have horrible heartburn every night also. | I would not suggest this medication for teenagers, we already have so much going on with our bodies this medication is a roller coaster. | F | 18 | 2 years | 3/17/2009 | 3 | Hormone-related migraines | weight gain, heartburn, bleeding | I started taking Seasonale to control my hormone-related migraines. While the migraines are gone, the weight gain and bloated feeling is bad. I have gained 8 lbs in 5 months, which is very unusual for me. I have also been bleeding for the past 2 months. Sometimes just spotting, other times heavier with cramps. I also have heartburn at night-never had it before. | F | 46 | 5 months | 3/14/2009 | 2 | Birth Control | weight gain, mood swings, break through bleeding | I think I am going to stop taking Seasonale because i have already gained 5 pounds and have had major mood swings, not to mention breakthough bleeding. I was on the Nuvaring prior to this and didn't have any of these problems. | F | 30 | 2 months | 3/7/2009 | 2 | long, heavy periods | weight gain, bloating, mood swings, breakthrough bleeding | I thought i was going crazy because i haven't felt like myself since starting this pill. I have gained about 4 lbs, feel bloated and have bled continuously since starting the pill. Now I think I am getting a yeast infection. I am going off this pill today...especially after reading all of your comments! | F | 38 | 5 weeks | 3/5/2009 | 5 | PMDD, very heavy periods. | No negative side affects so far and I have had very bad luck with BC in the past. I have actually lost a few pounds since I started taking Jolessa (generic). | F | 34 | 1 months | 3/1/2009 | 2 | to control heavy bleeding | severe weight gain over 30lbs in 1 year, no sex drive, fluid retention, high blood pressure, shortness of breath sometimes | I have been on this medicine for 1 year and have not had 1 period--i love that but do not love the weight gain. I made sure that I took the brand only on Seasonale because I had heard the generic was bad. I am going to switch to Yaz and see if that helps. | F | 34 | 1 years | 2/27/2009 | 5 | ovarian cyst | had break through bleeding in the first 3 months. | I think it works since being on seasonal I haven't had to had to have any surgeries, to remove ovarian cyst. prior to this medication I had 3 invasive surgeries. Not laproscopic as the cyst were too large to remove that way. | F | 18 | 4 years | 2/24/2009 | 3 | Less Periods | I never had any problems with seasonale such as mood swings, weight gain, acne or breast tenderness. The only complaint is that when I lost my pills for a few days (foud them 2 days later) and then caught up taking my pills..ever since then, I have been spotting (for almost two months now) other than those couple of days, I take my pill regularly every day. | I am almost done with this pack and I will be switching to something else just for the mere fact that I hate the fear of spotting after missing one pill. | F | 21 | 6 months | 2/24/2009 | 1 | Birth Control | Mood swings/Irritability!!!!! heartburn, dizziness, fatigue, mid-section weight gain, depression, heart palpitations, anxiety/panic attacks, headaches. | After a short time on Seasonale, and after weeks of heavy spotting, I experienced severe mood swings and this plethora of side effects. I am so surprised to see that all of what I was experiencing was all related to this one pill!!!! I had been very concerned about my declining health, and am quite relieved that this is all from one source. My fiancé is quite relieved, as I am not sure we would have made it to our wedding day otherwise... after 2 weeks of being on this I really changed... he kept saying that I am not the same person I was just weeks before about 2 weeks ago, and I have only been on it for 5 weeks. I thought it was just stress until the depression and panic attacks set in this weekend... I am so done with this b/c!!! Thanks to everyone for putting in their feedback and making it so easy to understand why this b/c is NOT for me! | F | 48 | 5 weeks | 2/23/2009 | 1 | ovarian cysts | weight gain, hair loss, extreme joint pain, excessive perspiration, breakthrough bleeding, heartburn/nausea | First six months were ok. Then the symptoms started. Had thyroid checked, but then found out that this medication affects blood tests for thyroid! | F | 18 | 1.5 years | 2/16/2009 | 2 | Birth control and endometriosis | Acne, weight gain, blood clots, breast soreness. My endometriosis pain is soooo much better. | I liked the idea of 4 periods per a year and my DR. felt it would help lessen the pain of my endometriosis. My endometriosis is better. Periods are not as bad, pain is better no cramping all the time as before. The problems that I did not attridute to Seasonal until a friend told my she had the same problems on it and I read these reviews from were SEVERE acne, and the weight gain. I gained 30 pounds even with going on crazy diets where I would lose 10 pounds only to get it back. I do eat healthy, I am very active, walk 2 to 3 times a week, do all the yard work, and I am a pre-k teacher. Like others have said before me I have never had a problem with weight before I started this medication. My hair did start falling out around the time I started on seasonal also. I didn't realize these problems might all be connected until I read this review. I have even been to several DRs with these concerns only to be told that I was fine get used to the acne, try weight watchers it was normal for m | F | 37 | 3.5 years | 2/15/2009 | 3 | generic Joleesa | Bad acne on face and upper back, rosacea, loss of sex drive, vaginal dryness, slight weight gain, neck stiffness, increased facial hair, fatigue | Positives: This worked great in the fact that my PMDD vanished and I became a less frantic and worried person. My periods were light and I never spotted once over the 2 years I have been taking it. However, the side effects I described and the fact that I have gained at least 10 pounds since I started using it, even though I go to the gym 3 times a week are serious issues. I am switching to Ortho Tri-cyclen Lo. | F | 39 | 2 years | 2/11/2009 | 3 | birth control | breast soreness, increased appetite for unhealthy/fatty foods, more irritable/moody, increased insomnia | I started the generic about 2 weeks ago and already have noticed ALOT of breast tenderness. While I don't sleep well in the first place, I used to be able to get at least 4-5hrs sleep w/out the use of a sleep aid, now I need a sleeping pill to help me stay asleep for 4-5hrs. I have not really noticed a weight gain yet, but I have noticed I am craving unhealthy/fatty/salty foods more, which is something I've never really been interested in consuming before. I've also noticed that I'm more depressed and have a more labile mood--some days are fine, other days I feel really down. I'm going to try it for a three month cycle to see if it gets better, but if it doesn't, I'll switch to something else. | F | 22 | 2 weeks | 2/10/2009 | 1 | for fewer periods | insomnia, weight gain, moodiness, nauseau | i thought i was going crazy - glad to see others in the same frame of mind...i'm done with this pill! | F | 34 | 2 weeks | 2/7/2009 | 5 | Severe PMS and cramping | Massive weight gain & 40 day long period which only stopped because I went off of the Seasonale pill. | This is an update to my previous post. Was on Seasonale for 2 months and bled almost the entire time. Changed to Mirena IUD and it's been EXCELLENT. Only Mirena side effect was increased breast size and had to buy new bras. | F | 43 | 2 months | 2/6/2009 | 1 | Birth Control | WHERE DO I BEGIN! I came to this site to seek answers of why I've experienced so many problems, and I guess I'm not the only one! I've gained a sickening amount of weight, I have terrible mood swings, and my husband to atest to the fact that my sex drive is NON-EXSISTANT. This pill is terrible and I am discontinuing, especially after realizing I'm not just crazy and there are others out there going through the same thing... | Don't try it. A period once a month is way better than the side effects that come along with this pill | F | 27 | 1 years | 2/3/2009 | 2 | Birth control, severe period crampi | Bloating, slight weight gain. The most noticeable side effect I've experienced has been SEVERE loss in sex drive and an increase in fatigue. | I've never had a problem with breakthrough bleeding, and Seasonale did help alleviate the length and severity of my periods. However, the sex drive issues alone are enough of a reason to stay away. Try a lower hormone pill like Yaz instead. | F | 21 | 3 years | 1/29/2009 | 4 | I have been taking Seasonale for the past 2 years. I am pretty happy with it. I had spotting for the first couple of months but it went away. Every pill makes you gain weight, moody, and all the other stuff everyone says. I have been a little crampy these past two weeks but I am on my last week of pills and it usually happens. So it just depends on you. Everyone is different. I love it. | F | 24 | 2 years | 1/28/2009 | 2 | birth control | Weight gain- approximately 10 pounds in 2 months despite very little change in lifestyle. Also low sex drive and vaginal dryness. | I am going off this ASAP! | F | 29 | 2.5 months | 1/28/2009 | 3 | YIKES! | I just started taking the generic Jolessa today and I decided to take a look at some patient comments, WOW! WOW! AND WOW! I am petrified to take this pill! My Wedding is next month so my doc prescribed it to me today. What damage can be done, I'm only planning on taking it for 1 month only-Suggestions? Is this going to make me break out? Gain weight? HELP! I'm getting married in 3 weeks | F | 33 | 1 days | 1/27/2009 | 1 | To avoid period every month | My doctor said that Seasonale would be fine for me to take. However, my body hasn't felt the same since taking it. I have now been off of Seasonale for almost 2 years, and most things have not gotten better. While on Seasonale, I gained a lot of weight, had terrible mood swings, ended up with migraines (never had a normal headache before taking it), was diagnosed with Vertigo because of severe dizziness, numbness and tingling in my face, tongue, head, and arms. I've seen a neurologist and ear, nose, and throat specialist. Since going off of Seasonale, I lost the weight, but still suffer from migraines, anxiety attacks, and dizziness. | I am also taking a prescription for the anxiety and dizziness. I still don't feel like myself and I've had to change my lifestyle so much. I can't be around crowds or go to amusements parks (because of the dizziness, which I never had before taking this pill). If anyone else out there has experienced these same problems, I would appreciate if you could let me know. I think it is very possible that this pill has severe, long lasting side effects that are not mentioned. And, I feel that women should be aware and that the drug manufacturer should do something about it. | F | 31 | 1.5 years | 1/26/2009 | 1 | less periods | Oh my goodness, where do I begin? I started taking seasonale to avoid having periods. I have experienced severe mood changes, weight gain, swollen ankles & anxiety attacks. Until i read this website i thought my body was shutting down. | F | 32 | 90 days | 1/25/2009 | 1 | higher estrogen and fewer periods | I experienced weight gain, constant breast tenderness, mood swings, and worst of all my hair was falling out and became very thin on top. I was also breaking out constantly. | I took the generic form for the whole 3 month cycle. I experienced heavy bleeding and clotting almost every other week that was worse than any period I have ever had. I was also bruising easily. I was on Yaz before this and switched only because I was missing periods. Yaz had no other side effects for me, am upset with my doctor for suggesting I switch to the Seasonale nightmare. Will go back on Yaz or another low dose BC. My dermatologist confirmed seasonale to be the cause of my breakouts and thinning hair. | F | 29 | 3 months | 1/22/2009 | 4 | Birth Control | CONS: At first it seemed hard to lose weight. I was eating right and working out, but I just wasn't getting any benefits. My weight, however, did not go above what it was before, I was just kind of stuck at the weight. My breasts are pretty tender still but I've just gotten used to it. At first, missing your period is scary and I did have to spend some money to buy pregnancy tests just to be sure that the pill was working and that I didn't miss my period due to a pregnancy, but it did its job. PROS: overall, I like this pill. I'm now working harder on what I eat and exercising and i AM losing weight. I have not experienced any spotting at all in 3 months, but I have an alarm set in my phone so I am sure to take it within 2 minutes of the same exact time everyday. If you do this, I believe you will not have any spotting. The first couple months just take some getting used to, but then your body adjusts. | F | 23 | 3 months | 1/18/2009 | 2 | BC change: breakthrough bleeding | CON: Extreme breast tenderness 21 days of spotting/bleeding; drop in sex drive; inability to orgasm; weight gain; dry skin; PRO: mood improvement from prior pill; less bad hair growth | I switched from Alesse (and previously Marvelon) due to constant breakthrough bleading. Marvelon had made me crazy moody even screaming fits (really embarrassing). Alesse improved this but still had difficulties with the breakthrough bleeding. I was excited when my Dr. said I would have 3 periods a year but the side effects sent me running back for a change. After the third week I began spotting and over the next 21 days had daily spotting which on some days was as heavy as a regular period. During that time my breasts became so tender I could not roll over in bed without waking. I have fibrocystic breast disease and the tenderness generally goes away with my cycle; this pill made it worse than before. I have a generally super-high sex drive and this pill killed it, even curtailing my ability to orgasm. On a positive note although there were a few sensitive days during the first 3 weeks, my emotions leveled out far better than on previous pills and my skin was clear | F | 40 | 7 weeks | 1/16/2009 | 1 | endometriosis | SEVERE weight gain (even while following my Weight Watchers program and exercising 2-3 times a week), low sex drive, fatigue/low energy, acne, heavy discharge between periods, a 7+ week period through one pack, heavy clotting during periods, the list goes on! | I would not recommend this drug to anyone. I am now turning to Lupron. I have tried so many birth controls and this is the one with the worst symptoms. Please don't use this drug if you don't have a medical condition such as endometriosis. Even then you should seriously consider other options. The weight gain alone is frustrating. | F | 27 | 2.5 years | 1/15/2009 | 1 | trying to counteract menorrhagia | increased intensity and frequency of migraines, weight gain, chronic bleeding (not breakthrough, but NONSTOP), nausea for the first 2 weeks | This was horrible. I took it for 6 weeks, and spent the last 22 days bleeding. I've been off of it for 2 days and now my period is finally stopping. I already suffer from migraines, but this pill definitely increased the frequency (a couple per week rather then 3-4 per month) and the intensity (thought I was having aneurysms). I gained about 8 pounds, all around my hips/tummy. Just a very bad experience. | F | 34 | 6 weeks | 1/10/2009 |
| Key to
ratings: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine. |
