Side effects
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
37% of Desogestrel pill reviewers reported vaginal dryness
Desogestrel pill rare side effects
Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews
5% of Desogestrel pill reviewers reported discomfort wearing contact lenses
4% of Desogestrel pill reviewers reported a latex allergy
3% of Desogestrel pill reviewers reported migraine with aura
Possible Desogestrel pill side effects
Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews
- Tender breasts (52%)
- Period like cramps (45%)
- Breast enlargement (42%)
- Vaginal discharge (41%)
- Vaginal dryness (37%)
- Lower back pain (35%)
- Sweating more than usual (32%)
- Nausea or vomiting (24%)
- Body hair increase (19%)
- Thrush (17%)
- Headaches (15%)
- Cystitis (14%)
- Body hair getting darker (13%)
- High blood pressure (11%)
- Dizziness (9%)
- Migraines (7%)
- Hair loss (6%)
- Pelvic infection (6%)
- Discomfort wearing contact lenses (5%)
- A latex allergy (4%)
- Migraine with aura (3%)
Reviews
2.7
393 reviews
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Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
21 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 1 day ago
The first 3-5 months were a bit rough, having sex would cause me to get a period and sometimes was painful. I also was definitely more emotional than before. It all calms down over time, I’ve been on it for almost 3 years now and it was the best decision i get very occasionally spotting and cramps if i miss a pill or two but overall I like it
Somewhat negative mood
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Used for 1 - 3 mo
29 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 3 days ago
I was on Microgynon 30 for almost 8 years and I never had any issues! I changed 3 months ago to the progesterone only pill (Desogesterel) due to my friend getting a blood clot from microgynon, and within a month I began getting spots all over my jawline! I have now had constant spots for 2 months. I also have breakthrough bleeding which I never had on Microgynon. I will be heading back to the pharmacy to discuss my options
Worse skin
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Used for 1 - 3 mo
43 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 3 weeks ago
I’m very satisfied with the pill. I only been taking it for few weeks but my mental health improved so much ! I can’t actually believe it. I used to suffer mood swings due to hormonal fluctuations . None of this is happening . Very happy. No side effects either
Very positive mood
1 more effect
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Used for 12 - 18 mo
26 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 1 month ago
I was so concerned about weight gain and mood changes but have not experienced this. I have barely any side effects and have had a really positive experience!
Decreased sex drive
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Used for 1 - 3 mo
22 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 1 month ago
I use this pill in combination with a copper coil and it has helped enormously with my PMDD symptoms. I used to really struggle around ovulation with feeling very unwell and now that I don’t have a cycle everything is a lot calmer. I’ve had some spotting and I’m sweating more but it’s much better than having hellish and painful periods. I now don’t have periods at all, which is so much less stressful. I feel like I can finally enjoy my life.
Somewhat positive mood
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 12 - 18 mo
25 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 24th May 25
I must say that this pill absolutely saved my life. Suffering from severe endometriosis pain & PMDD and it reversed the effects of that. I have control of my moods and body back and I’m so grateful. I must leave a positive review because it’s not all bad. The beginning was rocky with irregular bleeding but this stopped after 8 months or so. It was worth it.
Very positive mood
1 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
22 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 19th May 25
I was put on this pill after I suffered from bad migraines from the combined pill- I wanted to try contraception to tackle my low moods, PCOS and acne. I became so depressed over the course of about 3 months, to the point where I went to the GP to try and get some therapy/talk about possibly taking antidepressants. Straight away the GP was like 'oh just stop taking the pill'- I did and a few months later I felt normal again. Literally can't believe that GPs prescribe this stuff without giving you proper warning- I felt like an empty shell of a person for a few months literally all because of this pill.
Very negative mood
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Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
18 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 15th May 25
i was put on this pill due to me being incredibly hormonal and 'hysterical' every month (on top of other issues i was facing). i was put on at 15-16 years of age i am now 18. my skin became more acne-like on cheeks and chin, whereas before it was just one or two. my breasts grew a lot, which was hard for me to come to terms with. thinking of coming off due to just 'having enough' and being worried about blood clots etc.
Somewhat positive mood
1 more effect
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0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
31 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 14th May 25
I have been on this pill for a little over 10 weeks with the hopes of it stopping my period altogether but I spent more time bleeding than not. Sometimes little bits here and there, sometimes a lot and for 10+ days at a time. I found myself having a lot of down days and googling PPD symptoms. The worst thing I noticed was the brain fog. My ability to remember things and speak clear and cohesive sentences was just obliterated. I’m on day 2 post stopping and it feels a little better already although I have started my withdrawal bleed. I know you should give your body at least 3 months to settle after starting but honestly that was enough time for me. I just hope my cycle goes back to normal fairly soon!
Very negative mood
1 more effect
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Used for 5 - 8 yr
31 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 9th May 25
Was on desogestrel for almost 8 years. Only got light spotting when I missed a pill, otherwise very easy adjusting to pill. I’ve stopped now as I’m trying to conceive and actually stopping has been an experience - I’ve been getting hormonal acne and my sex drive has shot through the roof! I also developed minor vaginismus (related to stress levels) on the pill and that seems to have gone away in the last month since I stopped desogestrel. I can update this in a few months time in case these symptoms are temporary or not.
Decreased sex drive
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