Does progestogen-only / Mini pill cause weight gaining?

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

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

No change

43%

Don't know

16%

Out of the 1257 reviews for progestogen-only / Mini pill, 0 people (0%) reported weight gaining.

Reviewers that reported weight gaining as a side effect

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

Used for 6 - 12 mo
28 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  today

  •  Still using

First few weeks were lovely, no noticeable side effects. Then came the breakthrough bleeding which didn't stop for months on end and still continues to this day at a minimal level. Couldn't fault this pill otherwise but the breakthrough bleeding is a major inconvenience and almost defeats the point of being on a form of BC. Breasts became slightly more enlarged and occasional lower back pains. I just wasn't one of the lucky ones for which bleeding stops completely. Periods are much lighter though but more drawn out. My usual 4-5 days are now 7-9 and that's not counting the daily spotting. It's been good as a temporary measure but I'll be glad to be off Lovima when the time is right because predictable periods >>> unpredictable spotting.

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Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 6 - 12 mo
32 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 days ago

  •  Still using

I have found desogestrel good over the last few months compared to my experiences with the combined pill however it has definitely affected my mood. I feel more negative than I would usually and less motivated to start/do things. I am hoping that this will level out as I am on it a bit longer. I have noticed that there is a difference even between the brands of desogestrel, when I switch my mood changes and it takes a couple of weeks to stablise again.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 8+ yr
27 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 days ago

  •  Still using

This is an easy and quick contraception method which I have found really beneficial to me personally. My periods have now essentially stopped, with very irregular periods now being the norm with my last period being over a year ago. Because of that, when I get a period it is only a few days at a time, whereas before they would sometimes last over 2 weeks. Menstrual pain such as cramps, lower back pain etc are also a lot more controlled. I still get these every month or two but they don't last for long and the pain has decreased massively although I do get breast tenderness more than I used to pre-pill. The downsides though do include acne which has had periods of improving/getting worse and weight gain. Overall though, I like the ease of this (mine is the 12 hour mini pill) compared to other options out there.


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

52% of progestogen-only / Mini pill reviewers reported tender breasts

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

45% of progestogen-only / Mini pill reviewers reported vaginal discharge

41% of progestogen-only / Mini pill reviewers reported breast enlargement

39% 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

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