Combined pill and migraines

How our community feel they have been impacted by migraines on the combined pill

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

None or not sure

92%

A bit

4%

Quite a bit

2%

A great deal

1%

A lot

1%

Out of the 2632 reviews for the combined pill, 205 people (8%) reported migraines.

Reviewers that reported migraines as a side effect

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

Used for 6 - 12 mo
24 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  6 days ago

Amazing compared to the progesterone only pill and progesterone only implant I was on previously. Less mood swings, no depression. Perfect for timing my irregular periods, except the breakthough bleed a couple days before I end my pill packet. DEFINITELY GAINED WEIGHT. Before I was living a bit sedentary, and even when I joined the gym, I was still heavy/gaining weight. Led to breasts and tummy increasing 4 inches each. Will be going back to the gym daily for cardio to maintain / decrease this. My migraines had stopped prior to taking the combined pill, but since having it, I am getting a few more headaches, and sometimes a migraine, but not daily like I used to.

Read more

Decreased sex drive

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 8+ yr
28 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

I loved this pill at first and didn’t have any issues. After 4.5 years I started getting severe sharp head pains as well as lower back and pelvic pain which my gp said was from the pill. I swapped to Desogestril which I didn’t like to came off the pill and the pains stopped. I started back on Millinette after a couple of months and have been fine for 5 years until this year I have had an upset stomach and severe dizziness which has been put down to Vestibular Migraines. I have also had severe anxiety. I came off the pill and my stomach has gone back to normal but the constant dizziness, vertigo and severe anxiety is ongoing


Somewhat positive mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 3 - 6 mo
25 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 weeks ago

I decided to try Eloine due to negative experiences with other combined pills and the low-dose appealed to me. Unfortunately this turned out to be the worst decision I've ever made. In the first month I felt fine but soon after I began experiencing cramps, headaches and significant mood swings. After 4 months, I was suffering from daily severe headaches and migraines with aura. These migraines were consistent, occurring at the same time each week and lasting nearly two hours (something I had never dealt with before). I often had to take afternoons off work and isolated myself in a dark, quiet room until my vision returned and the dizziness subsided. The only times these migraines didn’t occur was the week I had off for my period. I also started experiencing regular spotting. Alongside the physical symptoms, my mood deteriorated. I became easily irritable, leading to frequent arguments with my partner… something that was rare for us before. This change in my behavior left me feeling down and my anxiety gradually worsened. My sex drive plummeted and eventually vanished altogether. The only positives from this pill was my heavy periods and awful period pain decreased and I lost weight. After discussing my symptoms with a doctor, I was advised to stop taking Eloine immediately. Since stopping, my headaches and migraines have ceased (I haven't had a migraine since) and I began feeling like my old self again within 6 months. The impact of this pill extended beyond my health; it affected my relationship as well. This experience has left me wary of contraceptive pills, making me hesitant to try another option.


Very negative mood

3 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill common side effects

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

52% of the combined pill reviewers reported tender breasts

48% of the combined pill reviewers reported breast enlargement

46% of the combined pill reviewers reported vaginal discharge

43% of the combined pill reviewers reported period like cramps

38% of the combined pill reviewers reported vaginal dryness


Possible the combined pill side effects

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

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