Combined pill and irregular periods

How our community feel the combined pill has affected their periods

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

Lighter

48%

No change

16%

Don't know

7%

Out of the 2490 reviews for the combined pill, 126 people (5%) reported irregular periods.

Reviewers that reported irregular periods as a side effect

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

Used for 12 - 18 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 month ago

unfortunately caused severe negative effects on my mental health and quality of life. increased anxiety & depression (both were constant) and drastically reduced my confidence and body image. all symptoms intensified the week before a period was due - body image was so poor i wouldn't leave the house or wear anything other than baggy clothes, felt suicidal, cried over nothing, lost all motivation/drive, couldn't concentrate + poor short term memory, felt worthless, anhedonic, insomnia that was worst the few days before a bleed, and persistent fatigue & lethargy. i did try to stick it out as i assumed it was pre-existing conditions causing my symptoms, but they got progressively worse the longer i was on it. after i came off the pill i noticed pretty rapid improvement in my self confidence and overall mental health.

Read more

Very negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
  •  15th Aug 24

This took me a while to realise that my mood was being negatively affected as I also had a big change in life, getting married but weight and mood really changed. Felt unhappy a lot of the time and thought it was the changes in life but then stripping those changes away, I stiff felt sad and when I was off the pill on my period o felt so much better and more like myself.


Very negative mood

3 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 12 - 18 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
  •  14th Jun 24

General side effects were minimal but had constant spotting that didn't improve over time. Switched to a different pill (Yasmin) and spotting stopped immediately. Switched back to microgynon due to other bad side effects from Yasmin and spotting again within 4 days. Time to continue the search...


Somewhat positive mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill common side effects

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

53% of the combined pill reviewers reported tender breasts

48% of the combined pill reviewers reported breast enlargement

47% of the combined pill reviewers reported vaginal discharge

44% of the combined pill reviewers reported period like cramps

39% of the combined pill reviewers reported vaginal dryness


Possible the combined pill side effects

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

Best selling Combined pill in the UK

Yasmin pill reviews


Top contraceptives for sale in the UK


Top 5 types of contraception for women

Order online

Order online now

Use our online prescription in under 5 mins

  • No GP appointment needed

  • Free standard delivery

Speak to a doctor

Not sure yet? Speak to a doctor

Schedule an appointment now

87% of women are happier with their contraceptive choice after speaking with one of The Lowdown's doctors

The Lowdown Footer

Women's health, reviewed.

Get the best women’s health info in your inbox

You are signing up to receive The Lowdown's latest findings and news in women's health. Your data will be used in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie policy

Built by doctors and experts

Our tools are made by medical professionals for your peace of mind

Our website uses affiliate links and we may earn a small commission if you click on them