Dianette pill side effects

I had HORRIBLE acne so finally went on this pill when I was 18, (22 now). Although my skin had cleared up dramatically within about 6 months, I took a break during lockdown and my skin had a big flare up so am now scared to come off it. I don’t have a high libido anymore and I feel numb a lot of the time.

Really good experience. No negative side effects, easy to take, enjoying having more control over my periods and slightly less body hair.

My mental health deteriorated a lot. Contestant suicidal ideations and depression and anxiety. I was on this pill for over ten years and was told to come off it as it has strong side affects. I saw a massive shift in my mental health within a month of switching, however my acne flared up and my skin became very oily.

Cleared my chin acne up after years of trying all the face washes and skin routines I could find.Took a few months but skin has been completely clear for a few months now back to back (about a year in). Bloating and mild headaches are main side effects. Have had a more delicate stomach in terms of reacting to things/ bloating since being on it - never really had that before. Overall happy but I am worried about staying on it due to the clot risk - is having clear skin worth that risk?

Was on it consistently for 4 years (16yr-20yrs), took a 6 month break to see what would happen. I lost weight, felt happier, libido returned, no more brain fog, no more bloat and digestive issues, no change in skin (I have always had fairly good skin though), no change in body hair (I'm a little hairier than most). Estelle did not affect my skin or hair. I went back on it and my digestive troubles returned, I gained 3kg despite an increase in exercise, and feel so much more lethargic and am now dealing with dryness and loss of desire. The symptoms are manageable but really not ideal

Dianette really worked for me - I was prescribed it after being diagnosed with polycystic ovaries but it massively improved my acne, which hadn’t been responding to medication. Unfortunately despite it working for me, I was told I couldn’t continue on it after 2+ years as it increased the risk of blood clots.

I went on this pill first because I had really bad acne, after being on Dianette for a month or so my skin completely cleared up, it was amazing. This pill also kept the weight off I was really slim the whole time I took this. Unfortunately had to stop taking this one due to constant bleeding (not due to this pill)

Can't remember exact time frames but I took this for over a year, maybe 2 but I think less. I was on it for PCOS, specifically to see if it would help with hair loss. I didn't notice any change (also had anemia and taking supplements for that may have been what reduced the hair loss, rather than dianette). The first few months were quite rocky. I often had bad headaches and mood swings and quite soon after starting experienced vaginal discomfort. I went to the GP / pharmacy multiple times for thrush. My breasts also got bigger and felt tender. After the initial 3 months, I still found orgasms less intense (less sensitivity in general down there) and my sex drive lowered. The threat of another thrush outbreak seemed to always be there. The positives were I had clear skin, and the headaches stopped unless I had a breakthrough bleed, which would be when I'd get the really bad headaches again, cramps etc. again. It also helped stabilise my mood and I felt less irritable. It didn't have a dramatic effect on my body apart from the breasts (but even then only made them fuller, going up a cup size possibly). I came off it because of the vaginal discomfort, lowered sex drive and not enjoying the changes to my body (although now I think I'd be more accepting of the body changes, as they were really minor).

I was prescribed this pill very randomly at 14yo, for having some acne. I now would say this doctor was irresponsible, specially for not saying I should take this for only 6 months- I took it for 7 years. Although at the time I was very happy with this pill and noticed no bad side effects (light short periods, decreased acne, no menstrual pain or PMS), looking back now I had quite a few, but simply didn't know myself and my body well enough to see them. During the pandemic I was curious to see what my body did naturally: I was shocked to see so much change. I do not now if it's all related, but I'm going to share what I noticed suddenly shift. Within a month my hair grew fuller and suddenly curly. My circulation improved drastically (i used to always have tingly arms and legs and freezing extremities that easily went blue), my boobs grew a few cup sizes, I suddenly had a libido (!!! a very new sensation that lead me to many realizations), and vaginal discharge. I'd struggled for years with anxiety that has since vanished. Very strangely I was physically unable to cry and very numb (genuinely thought it was a personalty trait: it was very hard to make me sad, all I felt was numbness). Now I cry normally and don't feel numb anymore!! My occasional migraines and nausea haven't returned, and i now wear contacts without issue (i had no idea this was from the pill, until just now realizing when asked by the lowdown). My acne improved but didn't disappear and body hair stayed the same. My body weight changed however my habits also changed so I will not attribute it to the pill. I had mood swings, periods of depression, and difficulty concentration but I was going through puberty, so I'm not sure if it's related.

Dianette was recommended to me by a private dermatologist for acne. It completely cleared my skin and made it less oily; I stopped using foundation. Thanks to clear skin it ultimately improved my self-esteem. I don't have any physical side effects like with other pills I've tried in the past (eg. Cilest) which gave me bad headaches. It made my periods less heavy, no more period pain. I also like that I know exactly when my period is coming or can choose to skip it with continuous pill taking. I am aware of the increased risk of blood clots, but if you read the pamphlet carefully the risk increase is quite small. The downside is the GPs tend to be rather reluctant to prescribe it due to the this risk and have tried to convince me to alternatives. I've always stood my ground and demonstrated that I've researched other methods and am making an informed decision with Dianette.