Patch and lighter periods

How our community feel patch has affected their periods

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

Lighter

35%

No change

22%

Don't know

7%

Out of the 108 reviews for patch, 38 people (35%) reported lighter periods.

Reviewers that reported lighter periods as a side effect

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

Used for 1 - 3 mo
30 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 month ago

I don't like it. It makes me feel sad, like full-time pms. I've cried most days on it. I get headaches and I never used to. My friends say I don't seem like myself. My sex drive is lower. I was spotting for the first 6 weeks. Pluses are decreased risk of pregnancy, being able to skip a break and less heavy period/breakthrough bleeding so iron levels are easier to control. It's easy to use and so far has stayed on well (we'll see if this is still the case in summer). I like that if I wanted to stop using it I can remove it myself.

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Very negative mood

2 more effects

1 helpful

1 comments

Used for 3 - 6 mo
24 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  10th Feb 25

Having tried 12 birth control pills previously that nearly all had intolerable side effects for me, mostly making my IBS worse, I decided to try a non-digested birth control method and settled on the Patch. It took me a few tries to get used to applying it correctly and for the first 2 weeks I had very light daily spotting. Now having been on it for 4 months, I am so happy I tried it. I have gained weight and I have definitely noticed an increased appetite but for me the lack of other side effects is 100% worth it. It has had no impact on my IBS, my skin is the clearest it's ever been and I love the convenience of using it weekly. I currently use it continuously because I've always had heavy and painful periods. Every 2 months or so I do have a few days of spotting/ bleeding but it's not heavy or painful and then I have no bleeding for another few months. I did notice a little increase in my Anxiety but I take antidepressants so I can't say how much it affected my mental health. My boobs have gone up a cup size but not that noticeable as I was only an A cup before. Overall I couldn't be happier with my experience so far, it's definitely the best I've tried yet. definitely recommend if you're sensitive to the pill/ digested birth control.


Improved skin

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 6 - 12 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
  •  5th Jun 24

This has been the best contraception I've ever used. I have had no side effects and would recommend this to anyone who struggles with the pill or with typically reacts poorly to oestrogen.


Improved skin

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Patch common side effects

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

52% of patch reviewers reported breast enlargement

49% of patch reviewers reported tender breasts

39% of patch reviewers reported period like cramps

34% of patch reviewers reported nausea or vomiting

32% of patch reviewers reported vaginal discharge


Possible patch side effects

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

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