Combined pill and weight loss

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 2643 reviews for the combined pill, 112 people (4%) reported weight loss.

Reviewers that reported weight loss as a side effect

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

Used for 6 - 12 mo
22 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

I got switched from Maexeni to Levest due to medication shortages. Despite levest having few negative side effects, it’s caused vaginal dryness especially during sex. My sex drive has also disappeared and it is now very painful to have, which is obviously very frustrating (and embarrassing when hooking up with people), not something I had ever experienced before January this year. I’ve noticed this seems to be a very common side effect so beware. Safe to say I will be switching back to Maexeni asap!!!!

Read more

Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

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

Overall okay, main side effect affecting me is the loss of libido and vaginally dryness as someone in a long-term relationship.


Improved skin

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 3 - 6 mo
25 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  14th Aug 25

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

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