Combined pill and weight gaining

How our community feel the combined pill has affected their weight

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

No change

48%

Don't know

17%

Out of the 2637 reviews for the combined pill, 795 people (30%) reported weight gaining.

Reviewers that reported weight gaining as a side effect

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
22 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 day ago

Loved Maexeni annoyingly however it’s pretty impossible to get in the UK due to medication shortages. Great sex drive, boobs got bigger and didn’t make me depressed like my first pill - what’s not love ahaha (minimal weight gain but may have also been due to uni lifestyle)

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Somewhat positive mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 6 - 12 mo
24 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks 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 3 - 5 yr
23 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 month ago

I have tried about 4 different types of birth control. This one is the only one that has not made be spot for months at a time. This is the first time in my life I have a normal 5-7 day period once a month. My cystic acne has also improved a lot. My boobs did get bigger and it’s more difficult to maintain my weight but with more effort the weight gain is only minimal. Cramps were only bad the first couple months starting it. I also get a headache the entire time I am on my 7 days off the pill. I also get depressed close to my period. Overall the side effects are bad but better than any other I’ve tried and it actually regulates my cycle. I can’t wait until I’m old enough to get my tubes tied because I am over pumping my body with hormones


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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