Progestogen-only / Mini pill and 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
44%
Don't know
16%
Out of the 1453 reviews for progestogen-only / Mini pill, 509 people (35%) reported weight gaining.
Reviewers that reported weight gaining as a side effect
Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews
Used for 12 - 18 mo
42 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 3 weeks ago
My overall experience on this pill was a very negative one. I was on this pill for 12 months. I'm hoping to switch to the coil in January, still deciding which one, the copper or Mirena. I am 42 years old. On the mini pill I was emotional, very irritable and anxiety was through the roof. I could be okay one minute then the next I could flip a switch and be kicking off over minor things. I had racing thoughts most of the time which led me to be crying and causing my anxiety to be out of control. The spotting and breakthrough bleeding were horrendous which led to heavy clotting and sometimes it would happen unexpectingly. Sex most of the time wasn't happening due to this. The stomach cramps are so painful and because of this I felt unmotivated to do any hobbies and lost interest. I describe my hair as fine but I noticed it started to really thin and fall out which has led me to have low self-esteem and not wanting to engage in social events.
Very negative mood
1 more effect
1 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
28 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 19th Nov 25
I went on for 2 weeks, my skin went so oily and congested week 2. Constantly felt tired falling a sleep in the afternoon and unbelievably hungry. Probably gained 7 pounds in 2 weeks. But my skin was the worst part, it became unbelievable oily. It did chill me out but provably too much, i dont like to feel tired every day.
Somewhat negative mood
3 more effects
1 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 6 mo
17 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 10th Nov 25
Genuinely hate this pill. I have always experienced acne but rarely on my body until now. My back chest and shoulders are covered. I have had bleeding about 2 times a month with no changes to the pain scale. I have gained a bit of weight. Where on the last pill I was on I had lost some. Which certainly effected my already down mood. Just is not working for me.
Somewhat negative mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Progestogen-only / Mini pill common side effects
Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews
50% 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
40% of progestogen-only / Mini pill reviewers reported breast enlargement
36% of progestogen-only / Mini pill reviewers reported vaginal dryness
