Cerelle pill reviews

2.8

314 reviews

Cerelle pill has an average rating of 2.8 out of 5 stars from a total of 314 reviews when used as a contraceptive. These are self-reported reviews where users of Cerelle pill review their satisfaction with this contraceptive and any side effects they feel they experienced whilst using.
Cerelle is a form of the mini pill (progestogen-only pill) which contains desogestrel. It is really safe for nearly every woman, but like all desogestrel pills, some of us have issues with breakthrough bleeding as there is no oestrogen in the mini pill to help with cycle control.

Daily

Frequency

91% - 99+%

Effectiveness

None

Blood clot risk

None

Effect on fertility

Cerelle pill

Reviews

2.8

314 reviews

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Community reviews

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 12 - 18 mo
19 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  24th Mar 25

Cerelle pill  

honestly haven’t experience any negative side effects, it was a bit rough for the first couple of months but after about 8-12 weeks it settled and it’s been great, i gained a little weight but no more than about 7lbs so overall it’s been brilliant


Somewhat positive mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 8+ yr
35 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  21st Mar 25

Cerelle pill  

Been on this pill for about 15years its great i have no periods at all, i have no symptoms of periods etc and i have gained weight but i dont think i can put that down to taking cerelle haha all in all i love this pill and most importantly i havent gotten pregnant while taking it so its main job is done


Very positive mood

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
28 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  10th Feb 25

Cerelle pill  

I had an unpleasant experience using Cerelle. It was the first birth control I tried and wasn't given any other options or choice by the GP at the time. I had a 2month long heavy and painful period, worsened skin, hair loss, severe backne to name a few side effects. Really bad experience for me sadly. Having now tried over 10 other birth control pills- mini and combined, I learned that I am very sensitive to progesterone so the mini pill just isn't for me sadly. I'm now on the Patch and loving it.


Worse skin

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 3 - 5 yr
35 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  4th Feb 25

Cerelle pill  

I took this for endometriosis, but not worth it because of facial hair growth. I had breakthrough bleeding every 4-6 months for about 4-5 days, fairly light and not too painful. My sex drive and weight were unaffected, however I got thick dark hair on my stomach, inner thighs, chest and face. This destroyed my self esteem so my mood was obviously low. After stopping the hair did not revert back which is common so I had electrolysis which took care of it. Then 2 years later I went back on this pill stupidly to try and help the endometriosis, the hair came back within 2 months. I have since stopped this pill, spent even more money on electrolysis and have had no issues after regarding that. It took about 3-5 months for my cycle to regulate after coming off birth control. I’m thinking about trying slynd as it is supposed to be anti androgenise, we’ll see.


Somewhat negative mood

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
42 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  4th Feb 25

Cerelle pill  

I used this for 6 months hoping my body would adjust but had to stop. My periods became really irregular, and super heavy. The first month, I had 2 periods (both lasted around 10-12 days), second month I got one period, 3rd month I got nothing, and then months 4 - 6 I had 3 periods in 7 weeks, all lasting around 12 days and far heavier than my normal periods. I felt like I had backache most of those last couple of months as that's something that happens whenever I'm menstruating. I've tried other pills and never had side effects like this, so I've stopped these now and will go back to another type of pill.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
24 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  23rd Jan 25

Cerelle pill  

Had some mood issues during the first 3 months such a depression, low moods, emotional but put that down to my body adjusting. But after 5/6 months all the side effects of depression, low mood, constant crying can back much worse. Had 6 week period cycles with irregular bleeding and spotting and heavy cramping. Had to come off the pills as they were affecting my life so greatly.


Very negative mood

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
21 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  15th Dec 24

Cerelle pill  

Started taking in April 2024 finished the last pack September 2024. Had spotting for the first couple months in the place of period which was frustrating (spotting for 14days instead of normal 5-7day period flow). Once settled, periods just completely stopped which made me feel slightly uneasy as there’s no indicator of “missed period” for pregnancy sirens to ring. Mood was a strange one, felt slightly mentally exhausted but difficult to tell whether that was life or the pill, but I do remember having PMS type symptoms (emotional, cramps) once a month, almost mimicking a period without the bleeds.


Worse skin

1 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
  •  7th Aug 24

Cerelle pill  

I've only been on this pill for two months so there's a chance this may calm down after the full adjustment period, but the side effects have been interesting. Most notably, my cycle has gone from around 35 days to 13 days, and I have been having a period every other week. The first two periods gave me hope because they were significantly lighter - to the point where I was questioning whether or not I should even log it as a period - and painless. However, the next three periods I've had so far have been gradually getting heavier and I'm getting more cramping. It's weird though because, for most of my period it's still quite light, but on around the second or third day, I do have a few hours where it's quite heavy and crampy, then it subsides again and the rest is light. I had spotting between the first three periods but that's stopped now. Other than the annoying cycle changes, I had a constant lingering headache for the first two weeks, I'm getting more acne than usual, and some vaginal dryness before my period. I don't know if this is worth staying on as I'm only on the pill to manage my painful and heavy periods. Current plan is to finish my three months' supply and take it from there.


Somewhat negative mood

1 more effect

1 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 8+ yr
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
  •  24th Jun 24

Cerelle pill  

Overall it’s excellent and all positive, no periods at all and steady mood


Very positive mood

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
  •  14th Jun 24

Cerelle pill  

I'm giving this pill more time because maybe it's just an adjustment. But I've been a bit weepy with sore breasts and spotting every week. Also a really tender feeling in my lower abdomen-especially during sex. Which I hate obviously. So I'm definitely not getting pregnant because I no longer enjoy sex.. so in that respect it is effective. It's getting one more month and then I'm done.


Somewhat negative mood

0 helpful

0 comments

Cerelle pill FAQs


Bleeding patterns can be unpredictable with progestogen only pill use and breakthrough bleeding is common. Science isn't quite sure why this happens, although we think it's that the vessels in the womb lining become more fragile. Luckily, this can settle the longer you use the mini pill. Over a 3 month period, about half of women will have no period or very infrequent periods. Others may have bleeds like normal, or have spotting or prolonged bleeding. Although these symptoms may be annoying, they can be normal. If your bleeding pattern suddenly changes consider doing a pregnancy test.

There's no evidence that Cerella causes weight gain. However, a number of related factors could impact your weight. Hormone fluctuations affect how the body stores fat, retains water and even your appetite. More research is needed to provide a definitive answer so in the meantime, take a look at our user reviews to see how our community report Cerelle impacts their weight. You can also find out more in our complete guide to contraception and weight.

The progestogen-only pill does not contain oestrogen and does therefore not cause the increased risk of blood clots that is associated with combined methods of contraception (the combined pill, patch or vaginal ring). This means it can be taken by women who can't use combined contraception for medical reasons.

The progestogen in Cerelle has the ability to be androgenic and may cause hair loss as a result. It's important to remember, however, that hair loss can have a myriad of causes, so it's best to consult your doctor for a diagnosis if you're experiencing this. Be sure to also read our full guide on hair loss and the contraceptive pill for more information

You can order Cerelle online at The Lowdown from £7 per month (including delivery). Head to our Pill Prescriptions service to fill in a short questionnaire about you and your medical history. Your request will then be reviewed by our pharmacy. We'll post a 3 month supply of your chosen pill directly to your door in discreet packaging.

Cerelle is a small tablet you swallow daily that (unlike the combined pill) only contains one hormone – progestogen. It prevents pregnancy by making the fluid in your cervix thicker (which makes it more difficult for sperm to enter the womb), and preventing the lining of your womb thickening enough for a fertilised egg to implant in it. Progestogen-only pills containing desogestrel can also stop ovulation. There are a few things that can stop the progestogen-only pill from working properly including vomiting, some medicines, or missing a pill. Take a look at our complete guide to the progestogen-only pill.

Cerelle contains the hormone desogestrel and must be taken within 12 hours of the same time everyday. We recommend keeping your pill packet somewhere you look at everyday (like your makeup bag) to remind you to take it, or set an alarm on your phone. Cerelle is designed to be taken for 28 days with no break between packs. Depending on where you are in your cycle when you start the pill, you might not be protected against pregnancy straight away. Find out more about the progesterone only pill. Coming off the pill is easy - you just stop taking it. When you do, you're no longer protected from pregnancy. If you want to stop the pill but do not wish to become pregnant then you might want to consider switching to another form of contraception before you stop taking your pill. Read our complete guide to coming off the pill.

Cerelle is very safe for most women. The development of small fluid-filled sacs (cysts) on your ovaries is a possible side effect but they are usually harmless and disappear without treatment. There may be an association between current or recent hormonal contraception use and breast cancer, however, any potential increased risk appears to be small. If you do become pregnant while you’re using the progestogen-only pill, there may be a small risk of an ectopic pregnancy. It's also important to remember that the pill does not protect you from STIs.

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Cerelle pill benefits

Some of the benefits that are recognised in scientific research or guidelines for this contraceptive

Period pain

Cerelle pill ingredients

Main hormones in Cerelle pill

Less-Androgenic progestogen

Cerelle pill alternatives

Contraceptives that work in similar ways, or brands that have close or exactly the same hormonal ingredients

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