Progestogen-only / Mini pill and spotting

How our community feel progestogen-only / Mini pill has affected their periods

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

Stopped

44%

No change

3%

Don't know

2%

Out of the 1321 reviews for progestogen-only / Mini pill, 219 people (17%) reported spotting.

Reviewers that reported spotting as a side effect

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

Used for 1 - 3 mo
19 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 days ago

I have only been using the minipill for a month but I am already feeling pretty strong side effects especially on my mood: crying for no reason, being very angry at times and very sad at others, overall depressed mood. I am probably going to finish the blister and switch to something else.

Read more

Very negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

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

I’ve been on Slynd just over three months, and as someone who has tried several other mini pills this one seems to agree with me best. On other mini pills I experienced mild to moderate side effects, notably acne, spotting between periods/constantly and low mood. On Slynd I’ve only had very, very minor spotting and it’s infrequent. I haven’t yet had a period on Slynd but that’s not unusual for me on mini pills. Most notable is my skin, which has seen a noticeable and gradual improvement. Acne has been my biggest challenge on mini pills, with painful cystic acne requiring prescription topical creams for years on end. I’ve just started my fourth month on Slynd and seem to have turned a corner to where I have very little acne, if at all, and no cystic spots. My skin hasn’t been this clear in years! The only other side effects i’ve experienced, but cannot be 100% sure are related, are some moderate thirst in month 2/3 and a strange, weeks-long cramp in the bottom of my foot. I started eating more bananas to try and balance my potassium and the cramp has since gone. Rating 4 stars only because I’ve been on combination pills before (no longer can be on them) and I will always prefer the combination ones over mini pills. But I would say Slynd has been the closest to combination pills I’ve found yet.


Improved skin

0 helpful

0 comments

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

I got this pill after being 25 years on Yasmin but started to get headaches and turned 40 so was made to switch to Desogestrel. I didn't get headaches but everything else just got bad, was told to stay on it 6 months to get adjusted but after 5 and half months I finish the pack half way as I was getting really frustrated with it all. The side effects have been horrible - oily skin, scalp and nails, acne, hair loss and hair thinning, random spotting and I gained 15kg, I have never been so huge! I just hope all will return to normal soon as it's been very depressing.


Worse skin

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill common side effects

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

51% of progestogen-only / Mini pill reviewers reported tender breasts

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

43% of progestogen-only / Mini pill reviewers reported vaginal discharge

40% of progestogen-only / Mini pill reviewers reported breast enlargement

38% 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

Best selling Progestogen-only / Mini pill in the UK

Cerelle pill reviews


Top contraceptives for sale in the UK


Top 5 types of contraception for women

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