Side effects
Zoely pill common side effects
Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews
37% of Zoely pill reviewers reported headaches
33% of Zoely pill reviewers reported sweating more than usual
30% of Zoely pill reviewers reported nausea or vomiting
30% of Zoely pill reviewers reported vaginal dryness
30% of Zoely pill reviewers reported period like cramps
Zoely pill rare side effects
Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews
7% of Zoely pill reviewers reported body hair getting darker
7% of Zoely pill reviewers reported body hair increase
3% of Zoely pill reviewers reported discomfort wearing contact lenses
Possible Zoely pill side effects
Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews
- Headaches (37%)
- Sweating more than usual (33%)
- Nausea or vomiting (30%)
- Vaginal dryness (30%)
- Period like cramps (30%)
- Breast enlargement (27%)
- Hair loss (27%)
- Dizziness (20%)
- Migraines (17%)
- Tender breasts (13%)
- Lower back pain (13%)
- Vaginal discharge (10%)
- High blood pressure (10%)
- Thrush (10%)
- Cystitis (7%)
- Migraine with aura (7%)
- Body hair getting darker (7%)
- Body hair increase (7%)
- Discomfort wearing contact lenses (3%)
- A latex allergy (0%)
- Pelvic infection (0%)
Reviews
3.2
30 reviews
Filter reviews
Community reviews
Used for 12 - 18 mo
27 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 1 week ago
I requested Zoelly after attending a talk at spire about endometriosis as it was recommenced. For the first 3 months I loved it! Minimal cramps and much lighter periods lasting 2 and a half days (always been 6-7 days and heavy for me). After about 9 months - 1 year. Periods went back to 6 days but lighter. However, my endo symptoms have worsened. I can’t say if that’s is due to the pill though. I was taken off this due to developing migraines (I think developed due to stress rather than the pill) and endo symptoms worsening so to try another option.
Top side effects not reported
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 12 - 18 mo
31 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 2 weeks ago
Honestly the best of all of the pills I’ve taken. However, after 18m on this I’m going to come off it and go back to natural cycles due to the following - loss of sex drive, constant and I mean constant headaches, generally feeling a bit ‘flat’ and tired all the time. I also have heavy limbs which is a weird side effect. That said, Zoely did not have any negative implications on my skin, weight, appetite and I don’t get mood swings- in fact I just feel a bit too flat overall so perhaps If mood swings are an issue it might suit you! But I’ve gone the other way
Somewhat negative mood
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
37 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 31st Mar 26
Zero libido and very painful to have sex when I tried. Stopped periods which was great for endometriosis but slowed my digestion so much the bloating and endo belly was uncomfortable all the time, caused pain in hips, lower abdomen and lower back. Had constant reflux unless I slept upright which wasn’t ideal.
Decreased sex drive
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 12 - 18 mo
26 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 2nd Feb 26
Zoely was brilliant for managing my cyclical mood symptoms and essentially stopped my periods which was great in the context of endometriosis. I had no period pain on this pill. However unfortunately I struggled with significant vaginal dryness which honestly felt like perimenopause and made sex intolerable. I also noticed significant hair loss, but I can’t say 100% if this was Zoely or due to life stress.
Somewhat positive mood
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 5 yr
25 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 20th Nov 25
Worse skin
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 6 - 12 mo
19 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 16th Nov 25
This contraception is highly effective, but for me the main side-effect is major hair loss and irregular periods.
Top side effects not reported
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
37 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 5th Sep 25
I’ve been on this for 2 1/2 months for perimenopause. My mood has been so bad I’ve had to have 2 weeks off work. I’m tired to the point even the smallest of things seem overwhelming. No sex drive whatsoever and unable to orgasm. I’m crying all the time and my poor husband doesn’t know what to do. The worst pill I’ve ever had.
Very negative mood
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 12 - 18 mo
36 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 10th Aug 25
I’m pleased with the lack of periods on this pill (despite the 4 day sugar pill break), and therefore the monthly pain from endometriosis. However, I have gained quite a lot of weight and often feel bloated, so I’m considering changing meds.
Gained weight
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 6 - 12 mo
32 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 1st May 25
My psychiatrist put me on Zoely in August of 2024, I had recently been diagnosed with PMDD (pre menstrual dysphoric disorder) and was at a point in my life where if I didn’t find a way to manage the symptoms I was at breaking point. I’d been misdiagnosed with bipolar, major depression, borderline personality disorder and had been on a rollercoaster of treatments from ages 13-30. So I was hesitant to trust this psychiatrist and go on another potentially damaging rollercoaster of meds. Alas, after 3 weeks I noticed dramatic changes to my moods, I was balanced! I felt in control, grounded and sane! Obviously my period stopped and my cycle was no longer existent but this medication saved my life, my relationship, my mental health and gave me back my life! The only negative side is my low to zero sex drive, that’s been tough but I’m navigating it now, my partner doesn’t feel desirable because I don’t want sex.. like ever but we are both just happy to have a peaceful life without the ups and down. It seems like a fair trade to me. So very grateful for this medication.
Very positive mood
2 more effects
1 helpful
1 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
44 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 1st Apr 25
I was put on zoely to treat symptoms of perimenopause. It actually made my symptoms worse. I took it for 1 month and found I had more frequent night sweats and hot flashes, my mood felt unstable and erratic, insomnia was worse also. I constantly had spotting every day for the month and then no period. My exhaustion was even worse than it had been before starting it. I've stopped it now and feel better already after 6 days.
Very negative mood
0 helpful
0 comments
