Qlaira pill vs Microgynon 30 pill

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Qlaira pill

£From £0.40/day

Microgynon 30 pill

£From £0.18/day

Overview

Rated 3.4

19 reviews

Daily

Frequency

91% - 99+%

Effectiveness

Increased

Blood clot risk

None

Effect on fertility

Rated 2.6

305 reviews

Daily

Frequency

91% - 99+%

Effectiveness

Increased

Blood clot risk

None

Effect on fertility

Qlaira pill ingredients

Main hormones in Qlaira pill

Androgenicity unknown


Microgynon 30 pill ingredients

Main hormones in Microgynon 30 pill

Androgenic progestogen

Medium oestrogen

What Lowdown reviewers say

42% no impact on mood

42% spotting

42% lost sex drive

68% no impact

47% no impact on skin

Cycle return

50% in 1 month

36% very negative

52% lighter periods

44% lost sex drive

42% no impact

43% no impact on skin

Cycle return

32% don’t know impact

Benefits: What this contraceptive can help with

Acne or bad skin

Heavy periods

PMS and PMDD

PCOS symptoms

Period pain

Acne or bad skin

Heavy periods

PMS and PMDD

PCOS symptoms

Period pain

Try it now

£From £0.40/day

Try it now

£From £0.18/day

Check out our latest reviews

Real life reviews from people like you

Qlaira pill reviews

19 reviews

Combined pill  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
33 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

Qlaira pill  

I was prescribed this by a gynecologist to treat PMDD. It has worked amazingly, my mood has been very stable since I started it 10 months ago. My symptoms are gone, my energy levels are normal, I’ve been more patient with the kids. The only issues are hair loss when I started (which sorted itself out after a few months), low sex drive (but it was low any way). The only issue is the slight clotting risk due to oestrogen, it fills me with fear. It is supposed to be lower than other combined pills but due to my age and other risk factors it concerns me. I am considering trying Slynd to see if it has a similar effect, but I’d happily go back to this if need be. A very good pill!

Read more

Very positive mood

3 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
18 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 weeks ago

Qlaira pill  

I initially wanted a pill that would help decrease my light acne, address mood swings, and alleviate awful cramps. I also hated using pads as it made my skin irritated. In the first month, it was all fine; shortly after, my acne was pretty much gone with just a few pimples left at the end of the month due to PMS. My period almost stopped completely, and my cramps were significantly lowered. After 2 months of usage, I noticed a pattern: 3 weeks with constant anxiety and depression, and then in the fourth week, I felt normal, a few days before the end of the pills. It proceeded to be this way for 5 months. Then I started to feel nauseous, and my awful cramps were back, alongside the increased breakthrough bleeding. I'm now trying to find a combined pill that meets my needs and doesn't give me severe anxiety and depression for 3 weeks of the month. My advice is: if you are like me and naturally have long PMS, I don't recommend this pill. I've tried other birth control pills before, but none were worse than this one. My doctor said it happened due to the fact that Qlaira tries to imitate the natural flow by altering the hormone quantity throughout the month, and keeps up the promise, but when you naturally have bad mood swings, it is not a good thing.


Very negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
34 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  9th Aug 24

Qlaira pill  

This pill has been really great for me with regards to my severe PMS and mood swings. I came on the pill as I was suffering with severe PMS and cyclical insomnia. So far, this has been a game changer for me. Pros: -Bioidentical oestrogen, meaning no thrush (I used to get this on every single combined pill in the past, and it was impossible to eradicate). -Bioidentical oestrogen also means no large, swollen, painful breasts. No change here (although mine are tiny so could have done with a boost!) -Only a two day break from any hormones. Mood swings are vastly decreased. I only have mild ones on the final two days. -The constant supply of oestrogen means my insomnia is virtually gone. I still struggle on the last four days of my cycle on this pill (where oestrogen is at 1mg for two days, then none for the next two), but it's only four days out of the month. I will take that over the 14 I was having pre pill. -My very early (I'm only 34) peri-menopausal symptoms have gone. Cons: -I have permanent breakthrough bleeding from around days 15-28. I use a pantyliner though and it doesn't stop me going about my day, or reduce sexual activity. -My sex drive has decreased somewhat - I have a very high sex drive naturally, but this has significantly dropped. However, I don't see this as a huge con, since my partner's sex drive is significantly lower than mine. So it's helped to even out any differences and arguments we were having around this.


Somewhat positive mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
33 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

Qlaira pill  

I was prescribed this by a gynecologist to treat PMDD. It has worked amazingly, my mood has been very stable since I started it 10 months ago. My symptoms are gone, my energy levels are normal, I’ve been more patient with the kids. The only issues are hair loss when I started (which sorted itself out after a few months), low sex drive (but it was low any way). The only issue is the slight clotting risk due to oestrogen, it fills me with fear. It is supposed to be lower than other combined pills but due to my age and other risk factors it concerns me. I am considering trying Slynd to see if it has a similar effect, but I’d happily go back to this if need be. A very good pill!


Very positive mood

3 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
18 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 weeks ago

Qlaira pill  

I initially wanted a pill that would help decrease my light acne, address mood swings, and alleviate awful cramps. I also hated using pads as it made my skin irritated. In the first month, it was all fine; shortly after, my acne was pretty much gone with just a few pimples left at the end of the month due to PMS. My period almost stopped completely, and my cramps were significantly lowered. After 2 months of usage, I noticed a pattern: 3 weeks with constant anxiety and depression, and then in the fourth week, I felt normal, a few days before the end of the pills. It proceeded to be this way for 5 months. Then I started to feel nauseous, and my awful cramps were back, alongside the increased breakthrough bleeding. I'm now trying to find a combined pill that meets my needs and doesn't give me severe anxiety and depression for 3 weeks of the month. My advice is: if you are like me and naturally have long PMS, I don't recommend this pill. I've tried other birth control pills before, but none were worse than this one. My doctor said it happened due to the fact that Qlaira tries to imitate the natural flow by altering the hormone quantity throughout the month, and keeps up the promise, but when you naturally have bad mood swings, it is not a good thing.


Very negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
34 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  9th Aug 24

Qlaira pill  

This pill has been really great for me with regards to my severe PMS and mood swings. I came on the pill as I was suffering with severe PMS and cyclical insomnia. So far, this has been a game changer for me. Pros: -Bioidentical oestrogen, meaning no thrush (I used to get this on every single combined pill in the past, and it was impossible to eradicate). -Bioidentical oestrogen also means no large, swollen, painful breasts. No change here (although mine are tiny so could have done with a boost!) -Only a two day break from any hormones. Mood swings are vastly decreased. I only have mild ones on the final two days. -The constant supply of oestrogen means my insomnia is virtually gone. I still struggle on the last four days of my cycle on this pill (where oestrogen is at 1mg for two days, then none for the next two), but it's only four days out of the month. I will take that over the 14 I was having pre pill. -My very early (I'm only 34) peri-menopausal symptoms have gone. Cons: -I have permanent breakthrough bleeding from around days 15-28. I use a pantyliner though and it doesn't stop me going about my day, or reduce sexual activity. -My sex drive has decreased somewhat - I have a very high sex drive naturally, but this has significantly dropped. However, I don't see this as a huge con, since my partner's sex drive is significantly lower than mine. So it's helped to even out any differences and arguments we were having around this.


Somewhat positive mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments


Microgynon 30 pill reviews

305 reviews

Combined pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
19 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  4 days ago

Microgynon 30 pill  

Apart from the vaginal dryness and loss of sex drive, i’m happy with this pill as it did not have any really negative side effects for me, plus it grew my breasts which i liked.


Decreased sex drive

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 12 - 18 mo
27 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  6 days ago

Microgynon 30 pill  

main thing for me was the super low sex drive. filling this out, interested to also see sweating a lot as an option. As I do sweat a lot, very easily so very interested (and hope) that is a side effect as looking to change/come off.


Decreased sex drive

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
37 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

Microgynon 30 pill  

I am using microgynon to manage endometriosis. Before starting I was having significant pain, nausea, and depression due to the pain. I am taking this pill without breaks, so not having periods is really helping reduce my endo symptoms. I have had a lot of mood problems with other pills, but if anything my mood is slightly better. I think it was just that my endo pain was so bad it was making me feel really low. I am still having some breakthrough bleeding with this pill, but much less than other pills.


Somewhat positive mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
19 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  4 days ago

Microgynon 30 pill  

Apart from the vaginal dryness and loss of sex drive, i’m happy with this pill as it did not have any really negative side effects for me, plus it grew my breasts which i liked.


Decreased sex drive

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 12 - 18 mo
27 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  6 days ago

Microgynon 30 pill  

main thing for me was the super low sex drive. filling this out, interested to also see sweating a lot as an option. As I do sweat a lot, very easily so very interested (and hope) that is a side effect as looking to change/come off.


Decreased sex drive

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
37 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

Microgynon 30 pill  

I am using microgynon to manage endometriosis. Before starting I was having significant pain, nausea, and depression due to the pain. I am taking this pill without breaks, so not having periods is really helping reduce my endo symptoms. I have had a lot of mood problems with other pills, but if anything my mood is slightly better. I think it was just that my endo pain was so bad it was making me feel really low. I am still having some breakthrough bleeding with this pill, but much less than other pills.


Somewhat positive mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
23 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  16th Sep 24

Microgynon 30 pill  

This was the absolute perfect pill for me. I had no side effects other than slightly sore breasts in the first couple of months.


Lost weight

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 5 - 8 yr
30 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  13th Aug 24

Microgynon 30 pill  

I was given this pill when I was 15 and didn't really know any other options for hormonal contraception. I didn't really notice any negatives for the majority of the time - I was on the combined pill for about 9 years altogether and did switch pills towards the end at one point but it's hard to remember why now as it was so long ago. I think it was because I was struggling to lose weight and also had little to no sex drive. I didn't have enough knowledge of hormones and contraception side effects at that time to know if it was my pill or other factors causing these - I wish I knew what I know now about this topic!


Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 5 - 8 yr
32 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  6th Aug 24

Microgynon 30 pill  

Was on combined pill from around age 16 to 19 with no major issues apart from a bit of weight gain (and bigger boobs) ,until I became very depressed which seemed to clear up when I came off the pill. Difficult to say if it was the cause. Had a break for a while and then tried taking the combined pill again around age 24. Unfortunately this time it made me very sick for the first few days every month to the point of vomiting multiple times. I switched to the progesterone only pill and have never looked back!


Very negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 12 - 18 mo
18 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  17th Jul 24

Microgynon 30 pill  

Originally went on the contraceptive pill to control and ease very painful and heavy periods, it helped and made my periods regular and easier to deal with. However, around 12 months in I began having regular migraines with aura which are dangerous when using this pill, it was an amazing pill other than that major side effect I had no emotional affect because of it.


Gained weight

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 12 - 18 mo
28 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  14th Jun 24

Microgynon 30 pill  

General side effects were minimal but had constant spotting that didn't improve over time. Switched to a different pill (Yasmin) and spotting stopped immediately. Switched back to microgynon due to other bad side effects from Yasmin and spotting again within 4 days. Time to continue the search...


Somewhat positive mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
32 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  13th Jun 24

Microgynon 30 pill  

Was on the mini pill and it completely wrecked me. I use this to manage endometriosis. It works well for that purpose. My mood is stable. My adhd has improved bd im responding to medication better (compared to the mini pill). So far, im extremely happy with the pill - who knew being a functional human being is pretty great??


Very positive mood

3 more effects

0 helpful

1 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 3 - 5 yr
22 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  30th May 24

Microgynon 30 pill  

I was given the combined pill as my first ever contraception. It was great in terms of regular periods, lighter periods, convenient to use, not invasive to have etc. However, whilst using it, I had migraines every single time I was menstruating, sometimes with aura and were extremely debilitating. This ultimately meant I had to come off the pill, and I didn’t realise until around a year after being off the pill that my migraines had nearly stopped completely, and when I did have them, they weren’t nearly as severe. Other than debilitating migraines (which may not be the case for everyone as I did experience them before going on the pill), the combined pill was amazing in all aspects.


Somewhat negative mood

0 helpful

0 comments

Contraceptive alternatives and comparisons

Compare the Qlaira pill with other contraceptives

Compare the Microgynon 30 pill with other contraceptives

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