Side effects
Zelleta pill common side effects
Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews
64% of Zelleta pill reviewers reported period like cramps
55% of Zelleta pill reviewers reported breast enlargement
46% of Zelleta pill reviewers reported tender breasts
36% of Zelleta pill reviewers reported vaginal discharge
36% of Zelleta pill reviewers reported headaches
Zelleta pill rare side effects
Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews
9% of Zelleta pill reviewers reported migraine with aura
9% of Zelleta pill reviewers reported hair loss
9% of Zelleta pill reviewers reported thrush
Possible Zelleta pill side effects
Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews
- Period like cramps (64%)
- Breast enlargement (55%)
- Tender breasts (46%)
- Vaginal discharge (36%)
- Headaches (36%)
- Nausea or vomiting (27%)
- Dizziness (27%)
- Lower back pain (27%)
- Vaginal dryness (18%)
- Migraines (9%)
- Migraine with aura (9%)
- Hair loss (9%)
- Thrush (9%)
- Discomfort wearing contact lenses (0%)
- Cystitis (0%)
- Sweating more than usual (0%)
- Body hair getting darker (0%)
- High blood pressure (0%)
- Body hair increase (0%)
- A latex allergy (0%)
- Pelvic infection (0%)
Reviews
3.3
11 reviews
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Community reviews
Used for 1 - 3 mo
19 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 13th May 24
Overall, I was happy with this pill. I am not currently on it as I'm in between prescriptions and its been difficult contacting my doctor. However, the last week without it has made me realise how I was benefitting from it. I used to get mood swings quite often which disappeared when on this pill. The first month, my mood swings were still there like before and I found that I was more likely to cry over small things but this went away after the first 4 weeks. Before, I would also get medium pain cramps that lasted nearly the whole day for about 2 weeks on and off every month. This went down to small cramps for an hour maybe one or twice a month which was definitely a positive. I did get one or two more spots on my face which was annoying as I've struggled with my skin for a while and was finally starting to clear it up before starting the pill but this wasn't a significant impact because I was used to my stubborn skin. I also got spots on my back and chest, but these started going away again after about 6-8 weeks. The main impact I had was my period. It went from being pretty regular and heavy for 6-7 days every month to a very light period (ranging from light/medium to basically only spotting) that lasted for 3 weeks. Although without cramps and because it was so light it didn't impact me much (it was more an inconvenience). After this, I wouldn't get my period for over a month (about 5 weeks) and then it started again. I understand that this is what would put most people off getting the pill and it was what I had been dreading the most but I realised that it wasn't as bad as I thought as most days I could get away with just a panty liner rather than an actual pad or tampon (and it reassured me I wasn't pregnant).
Somewhat positive mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
26 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 9th Apr 24
I couldn’t be happier with this pill. After having a break from contraception and using FAM and falling pregnant twice, I decided I needed to go back on birth control. I initially tried the copper coil but it expelled after 24 hours and I didn’t want to go through the insertion process again. I went to the doctor and she’s said to give the mini pill a go, and I was prescribed Zelleta. I was really nervous as I have previously been in the combined pill for 7 years and it really impacted my mood so I was hesitant to try a pill again, but the doctor told me my body could react differently to the mini pill and she was right. The first two weeks I had headaches almost everyday, and was feeling extremely tired but I think this was down to my body getting used to the pill. After the three week mark they both disappeared. I had no loss of sex drive, I would actually say it’s increased which took me by surprise. I’ve lost around 8lbs and I feel like I have more energy. The only downside for me is my skin (previously completely clear) has had some breakouts but I will take it. My low mood and anxiety has decreased significantly. I was so hesitant to go back on the pill but when your doctor says they’re not all the same and you just have to find the right one for you, listen to them because it’s so true.
Very positive mood
2 more effects
1 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
18 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 28th Mar 24
The main side effect I experienced at the beginning of taking this pill was nausea, mainly after I had taken the pill but also throughout the day to the point where I thought I could be pregnant but it has subsided. I have started getting very irregular periods and regular spotting but I don’t really mind it too much, generally they’re a lot lighter and not painful. I have gotten a few more breakouts but they’re quite small, and could be due to other factors - do not let this put you off this pill. In terms of mood I have been crying more but not necessarily because I’m sadder at all? just out of happiness etc haha. No impact at all on sex drive etc yes. Overall a pretty good experience so far (but don’t want to jinx it)
Worse skin
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 6 - 12 mo
23 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 17th Oct 23
The first five months of taking it after switching from the combined pill were amazing, I had no period and felt mentally very well. Then in the 5th month I started lightly bleeding and it hasn't stopped for over 3 months now, affecting my mental health, libido and general health of my vagina. I got thrush more and I started being drier and having pain whilst having sex. I'm not sure if it was user error since I never skipped a pill and the latest I'd ever been to taking it was 3 hours. Notable difference: The first 5 months were on Cerazette, not Zellete, however considering the active ingredient in the pill is the same I'm not sure that's what caused the difference.
Somewhat negative mood
1 more effect
0 helpful
3 comments
Used for 6 - 12 mo
20 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 14th Aug 23
Since changing to zelleta, every emotion I have is severely heightened and, for me, the highs are definitely not worth the lows. I also have a lower sex drive and I spot a bit.
Very negative mood
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
22 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 13th Jun 23
Overall, I’m really enjoying using this contraception at the moment. I’ve noticed my skin has cleared up and my breasts have gotten bigger, as well as me losing weight. I will just note that I did have one extra long period right at the beginning of taking this contraception that lasted two weeks, but my doctor said all of it was normal and my blood work and pressure seemed fine, so keep that in mind if you take this. Since then, I haven’t had another period, but I’ve always been irregular so cannot put that down to the pill.
Improved skin
1 more effect
5 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
18 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 3rd May 23
I switched to this pill from rigevidon which gave me crippling anxiety and low mood. As soon as i went on this pill it all went away so that was nice. I would have stayed on this pill if not for the fact i had a period of 7 days breakthrough bleeding when switching and then a 4 day break and i started bleeding again which i thought was going to go away but it didnt and i bled every day for over a month until i switched pills. I also realised id get slight moments of nausea for a few minutes throughout the day but if this was my only symptom it would be manageable. The second dealbreaker for me though was my complete loss of sex drive. It was non existent and the thought of anything remotely sexual or intimate would be uninteresting or id even feel slightly uncomfortable about the thought of it. Felt like it definitely affected me mentally because i felt it was my fault I didnt feel aroused when my boyfriend made a move. So yeah, don’t recommend this pill.
Somewhat positive mood
2 more effects
2 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
20 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 5th Feb 23
Having been on various combined pills since I was 13 due to incredibly heavy periods, I constantly experienced mood swings, migraines and acne on everything but Loestrin 20 (discontinued), and Gedarel (still had symptoms, just mild). I tried a mini pill this time, and it’s made a massive difference! I had a light period for about 8 days when I first started, and haven’t had anything since. No symptoms during the time I would have been on it either beside the occasional mild headache. My acne has been fractionally worse, but regular basic skincare has reduced it to no more than one or two small pimples at a time. I’ve lost a little bit of weight, my hair has stopped shedding so much, but my scalp can get dry and itchy sometimes and my hair needs more regular washing. My moods have improved massively! I generally feel a lot more stable, energetic and positive, and people have commented on how much better I seem. Very positive experience overall, just hoping it continues!
Very positive mood
2 more effects
5 helpful
0 comments
Used for 6 - 12 mo
17 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 20th Oct 22
For the first few weeks of taking the pill I noticed I had a lot of mood swings and negative feelings as well as having quite sore/tender breasts, achne on my face and back, and continuous period cramps. I have not experienced any type of bleeding since starting the pill, but I do still have regular cramps and lower back pains at the time I would have been on my period. The period pains I am getting on the pill are significantly worse than before I started taking it, but they are manageable with prescribed pain medication. Before I started the pill I had never suffered with any sort of achne, chronic headaches or migraines but these are all now regular for me. I would recommend this pill if you would like to stop heavy bleeding but be aware that there are some not so nice side effects that could occur.
Very negative mood
3 more effects
2 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
35 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 11th Oct 22
So far okay. I had mood swings and headaches in the first 2 weeks but that has stopped. I also got some spots on my chin. I am currently on a weight loss journey and have lost 14 lb since being on this pill (just under 2 months). My appetite hasn’t been impacted and my sex drive has improved since coming off the combined pill and going onto this Period wise, I had a light one after being on it for 7 days but I had just come off the combined pill so it was probably caused by a drop in Oestrogen. I haven’t had a period for nearly 6 weeks now but had cramping when it roughly due for about 4 days but no bleeding since the period at the start.
Somewhat negative mood
3 more effects
4 helpful
0 comments