Levest pill and periods to stop

I used this quite a while ago, I do not notably recall any mood-altering changes (hence why I rated "poor" instead of "terrible" to be fair, since every individual is different). But I will list below effects from when I was actively taking it and afterwards: - Heavier and more painful periods. I already struggle with painful periods, but while using Levest, they became unbearably painful (OTC barely helped, sweating, dizziness & nausea due to the pain). - I subtly started gaining more weight, despite no lifestyle or dietary changes. - I believe I had increased bodily hair growth. - After a period of heavy and painful periods, I eventually stopped having my period altogether, despite the 7 day break each month. When I stopped using it altogether, my cycle didn't resume. At one point, I didn't get my period for half a year until eventually being diagnosed with PCOS. However, Levest did not mask my symptoms during use either, it felt like it induced them (weight gain, hair growth, cycle dysregulation). I read another comment on here on hyperandrogenism concerns - and this symptom also relates to PCOS. While the issue of "pill-induced PCOS" is controversial and unconfirmed, it's still relatively acknowledged that those predisposed to the condition may find that using certain birth controls can induce it when otherwise dormant (especially progestin dominant ones, such as Levest). Synthetic progestin is often structured very similarly to androgens, hence why the body may register it as such. I heard that more recent brands have improved upon its configuration, so it's less similar - but from experience, I would say Levest hasn't quite got it yet.

No real bad side effects although I would say it’s given me more of a low mood but nothing too serious. No weight gain at all and sex drive still the same.

Pros: PMDD completely gone Didn't bleed for 3 months as didn't have a break and no spotting at all Felt happier in general Stabilised my moods Increased cup size-- went from a C to a DD in 2 months Cons: Breast tenderness and pain was horrific for the first 8 weeks Increased weight significantly in 3 months Completely lost sex drive and found sex disgusting Heart palpitations Constipation Constant hunger Heart burn that lasted for around 2 weeks on second pack If I could have stayed on this pill forever, I would have. Yes, there were side effects but they were nothing compared to the horrific time I go through every month of my cycle anyway. The only reason I stopped is because I have a condition called POTS, and it turns out oestrogen makes it worse! I was running packs back to back and I was so happy being able to have a stable mood and feel less depressed. But in the end the heart palpitations that were exascerbated by my condition were enough to make it worse. I did have weight gain on this pill as well, and having stopped 3 days ago, I've dropped almost half the weight I put on already, so I was definitely retaining a lot. All in all, yes there are side effects, but I'm more sad about having to stop it than I was about them in the first place.