Progestogen-only / Mini pill and period like cramps

How our community feel they have been impacted by period like cramps on progestogen-only / Mini pill

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

None or not sure

55%

A bit

19%

Quite a bit

14%

A lot

7%

A great deal

6%

Out of the 1498 reviews for progestogen-only / Mini pill, 682 people (46%) reported period like cramps.

Reviewers that reported period like cramps as a side effect

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

Used for 6 - 12 mo
17 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 weeks ago

It's stopped my period completely which is great, not that i had bad periods to begin with but it was definitely convenient. i've become quite irritable since being on cerazette and just overall heightened negative emotions. in the first couple months i had lots of nausea but that went away pretty quickly. overall it's been an alright experience, not bad but not amazing

Read more

Somewhat negative mood

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 1 - 3 mo
20 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 weeks ago

This is my second time using Cerelle and I’m about a month into it. The first time, about a year ago, I decided to stop using it because I was constantly bleeding. However this time round my periods seem to have stopped all together.


Worse skin

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 6 - 12 mo
22 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  28th May 26

went on cerazette after trying out microgynon30ED and noriday (which both caused frequent irregular bleeding). My GP told me cerazette was fantastic for people who experience frequent bleeding on other mini-pills and often their periods stop. i started it back in late september 2025, and experienced bleeding every second week. fine, i thought, it’s just my body getting used to it! by november i was having just one period a month again! yay!! this was short lived however, as by december i was back to having it every 2nd week. in january i bled for 25 days straight. i was told that the first 3-5 months are expected to see changes in bleeding, so i stuck it out a bit longer. unfortunately the bleeding never stopped, and i continued to get my period now every week and a half, or sometimes even more frequently with only 3 days break in between cycles. :( it’s end of may now and have been on cerazette for 9 months. i am still bleeding every week and a half and honestly im sick of it. i have stopped taking cerazette now. hopefully there’s another one out there for me :(


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill common side effects

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

49% of progestogen-only / Mini pill reviewers reported tender breasts

46% of progestogen-only / Mini pill reviewers reported period like cramps

41% of progestogen-only / Mini pill reviewers reported vaginal discharge

39% of progestogen-only / Mini pill reviewers reported breast enlargement

36% of progestogen-only / Mini pill reviewers reported vaginal dryness


Possible progestogen-only / Mini pill side effects

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

Order online

Order online now

Use our online prescription in under 5 mins

  • No GP appointment needed

  • Free standard delivery

Speak to a doctor

Not sure yet? Speak to a doctor

Schedule an appointment now

87% of women are happier with their contraceptive choice after speaking with one of The Lowdown's doctors

The Lowdown Footer

Women's health, reviewed.

Get the best women’s health info in your inbox

You are signing up to receive The Lowdown's latest findings and news in women's health. Your data will be used in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie policy

Built by doctors and experts

Our tools are made by medical professionals for your peace of mind

Our website uses affiliate links and we may earn a small commission if you click on them