Combined pill and period like cramps

How our community feel they have been impacted by period like cramps on the combined pill

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

None or not sure

57%

A bit

18%

Quite a bit

13%

A lot

7%

A great deal

5%

Out of the 2632 reviews for the combined pill, 1140 people (43%) reported period like cramps.

Reviewers that reported period like cramps as a side effect

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

Used for 1 - 3 mo
17 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  5 days ago

I started this pill to help with my hormonal acne that had come on when i was on a different pill so decided i needed a change. Everything was fine for the first week or so, I went abroad and accidentally missed a pill due to different timezones. I bled consistently for 3 weeks after missing one pill. My anxiety has been increased and i am extremely fatigued all the time. I have painful sex, due to hormonal changes and vaginal dryness. I am now coming off this pill for a week to bleed and then i am going back on the pill i was on previously.

Read more

Somewhat negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

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.


Decreased sex drive

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 1 - 3 mo
19 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 week ago

All good so far just really tender breasts but no weight gain and even cleared up my skin!


Improved skin

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