Combined pill and spotting

How our community feel the combined pill has affected their periods

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

Lighter

47%

No change

16%

Don't know

7%

Out of the 2623 reviews for the combined pill, 276 people (11%) reported spotting.

Reviewers that reported spotting as a side effect

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

Used for 3 - 6 mo
25 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 days 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.

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Very negative mood

3 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
24 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  4 days ago

Tricycled Femodene for about three years, cleared my skin up but mood swings were apparent. Started having an increased and unusual discharge (with no infection) GP advised to stop taking this pill and change contraception. Just a heads up in case this happens to anyone else as was a very alarming thing to go through with no advice!


Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
26 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

Lucette has worked well for me for managing period cramps and acne. However since starting it I've had an increase in back pain, a flare up of eczema that I've never had before, and I can't have caffeine without having a bad reaction. My sex drive has also decreased a lot.


Improved skin

2 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

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