Desogestrel pill and weight gaining

How our community feel desogestrel pill has affected their weight

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

No change

44%

Don't know

16%

Out of the 416 reviews for desogestrel pill, 145 people (35%) reported weight gaining.

Reviewers that reported weight gaining as a side effect

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

Used for 12 - 18 mo
18 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 weeks ago

I was so scared to go on this pill because of the mounds of negative stuff on it online as well as my own medical anxiety but it’s the best thing I ever did. Went on it at 17 due to heavy painful long periods and for the first like 6 months? I spotted every day. Which no isn’t ideal but it wasn’t painful. After those 6 months I have not bled or had any period since. My general anxiety has decreased so much after being on the pill and my overall mood. No side effects except maybe a small weight gain. Don’t let bad reviews put you off, this pill works for so many people, it changed me and my friends life for the better

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Gained weight

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 1 - 3 mo
43 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  28th Jan 26

Been on Desogestrel for just over 3 months now, started October. Had a good run with no side effects until 6th Jan and have been spotting ever since with no sign of it stopping. Told by nurse it can take 3+ months for body to get used to it. Also have a big increase in spots on face, majority chin and neck but can be all over which is really annoying. Lower back pain and some cramps experienced also. Unsure how long I’ll leave it before asking GP to change as spotting everyday is a little annoying.


Worse skin

1 more effect

0 helpful

1 comments

Used for 12 - 18 mo
42 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  17th Dec 25

My overall experience on this pill was a very negative one. I was on this pill for 12 months. I'm hoping to switch to the coil in January, still deciding which one, the copper or Mirena. I am 42 years old. On the mini pill I was emotional, very irritable and anxiety was through the roof. I could be okay one minute then the next I could flip a switch and be kicking off over minor things. I had racing thoughts most of the time which led me to be crying and causing my anxiety to be out of control. The spotting and breakthrough bleeding were horrendous which led to heavy clotting and sometimes it would happen unexpectingly. Sex most of the time wasn't happening due to this. The stomach cramps are so painful and because of this I felt unmotivated to do any hobbies and lost interest. I describe my hair as fine but I noticed it started to really thin and fall out which has led me to have low self-esteem and not wanting to engage in social events.


Very negative mood

1 more effect

1 helpful

0 comments

Desogestrel pill common side effects

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

52% of desogestrel pill reviewers reported tender breasts

45% of desogestrel pill reviewers reported period like cramps

42% of desogestrel pill reviewers reported breast enlargement

41% of desogestrel pill reviewers reported vaginal discharge

35% of desogestrel pill reviewers reported vaginal dryness


Possible desogestrel pill side effects

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

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