Hana pill vs Cerazette pill
Need help choosing? Speak to a doctor
£From £0.24/day
£From £0.24/day
Overview
Rated 2.9
17 reviews
Daily
Frequency
91% - 99+%
Effectiveness
None
Blood clot risk
None
Effect on fertility
Rated 2.6
397 reviews
Daily
Frequency
91% - 99+%
Effectiveness
None
Blood clot risk
None
Effect on fertility
What Lowdown reviewers say
Benefits: What this contraceptive can help with
Period pain
Period pain
Try it now
£From £0.24/day
Try it now
£From £0.24/day
Check out our latest reviews
Real life reviews from people like you
Hana pill reviews
17 reviews
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
34 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 1 month ago
Hana has worked like a charm for me. I was a bit worried about starting it, as I had a horrendous experience with the combined pill, but my periods are heavy and painful, and I just couldn't stand it anymore. Not getting pregnant was a reason to start Hana, but I was mostly looking for period relief, and it really has delivered. At the beginning I had a few unusual periods - some shorter, some longer, and a bit irregular, but they were immediately lighter and less painful. After about 3 months, things had evened out, and now 2.5 years later, I can't even remember the last time I had a period, only that it lasted about a day or so and was so light I barely even needed a pad. My partner and I have had no pregnancy scares, and it works wonderfully for me. I think my mood is absolutely fine - it felt maybe a tiny bit flat at the beginning, but more because it was no longer fluctuating so much during my cycle. Now it's like I get to be at the end of the first week after my period, all the time. My main negative with starting Hana is that it really increased my appetite at the beginning - about 6 hours after taking it, I *had to* eat snacks. It felt impossible not to. This contributed to some weight gain, and while I've gotten used to the snack-attacks now and can manage them, I haven't been able to shift the weight, despite using methods of weight loss that have worked for me in the past. I can't say for sure if this is because Hana is making it harder for me to lose weight, or if it's just because I'm getting older. I am currently contemplating taking a break from Hana to see if I can lose the weight off it, but I'm reluctant to as it has had such a positive impact on my quality life. If you're also experiencing an increase in appetite, and want some advice, it really helped me to change the time I take Hana - I moved it to later, so that my craving hits much closer to dinner time, which is perfect. All in all, Hana has worked much better for me than I could've even hoped, and I would recommend trying it to see if it works for you.
Decreased sex drive
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
30 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 29th Mar 24
I have PCOS, so I don't have periods normally as is and hormonal birth control effects me differently. My review is for the other PCOS girlies who have amenorrhea (lack of/no menses). I started cramping almost immediately. I take the pill at noon everyday, and the cramping sets in 30 minutes later. It is worse at night before bed. As far as emotional side effects, I've noticed I am more apathetic than usual, but otherwise fine.
Decreased sex drive
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 12 - 18 mo
34 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 14th Mar 24
Hana was my first experience of taking a contraceptive at the age of 33. It was generally a positive experience. It really reduced the PMDD symptoms I was experiencing and made the week before my period more manageable. My period was lighter and less painful overall. There were some negatives,my sex drive completely disappeared and I experienced vaginal dryness. My periods were less regular and sometimes I would have two back to back with just a few days in between. Because they were so light it wasn't a huge problem. The biggest issue was I realised that in balancing out my hormonal mood swings it felt like it had gone too far and I was overall emotionally flat. I realised that I wasn't really myself, it was subtle and it took me a while to realise.
Decreased sex drive
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
34 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 1 month ago
Hana has worked like a charm for me. I was a bit worried about starting it, as I had a horrendous experience with the combined pill, but my periods are heavy and painful, and I just couldn't stand it anymore. Not getting pregnant was a reason to start Hana, but I was mostly looking for period relief, and it really has delivered. At the beginning I had a few unusual periods - some shorter, some longer, and a bit irregular, but they were immediately lighter and less painful. After about 3 months, things had evened out, and now 2.5 years later, I can't even remember the last time I had a period, only that it lasted about a day or so and was so light I barely even needed a pad. My partner and I have had no pregnancy scares, and it works wonderfully for me. I think my mood is absolutely fine - it felt maybe a tiny bit flat at the beginning, but more because it was no longer fluctuating so much during my cycle. Now it's like I get to be at the end of the first week after my period, all the time. My main negative with starting Hana is that it really increased my appetite at the beginning - about 6 hours after taking it, I *had to* eat snacks. It felt impossible not to. This contributed to some weight gain, and while I've gotten used to the snack-attacks now and can manage them, I haven't been able to shift the weight, despite using methods of weight loss that have worked for me in the past. I can't say for sure if this is because Hana is making it harder for me to lose weight, or if it's just because I'm getting older. I am currently contemplating taking a break from Hana to see if I can lose the weight off it, but I'm reluctant to as it has had such a positive impact on my quality life. If you're also experiencing an increase in appetite, and want some advice, it really helped me to change the time I take Hana - I moved it to later, so that my craving hits much closer to dinner time, which is perfect. All in all, Hana has worked much better for me than I could've even hoped, and I would recommend trying it to see if it works for you.
Decreased sex drive
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
30 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 29th Mar 24
I have PCOS, so I don't have periods normally as is and hormonal birth control effects me differently. My review is for the other PCOS girlies who have amenorrhea (lack of/no menses). I started cramping almost immediately. I take the pill at noon everyday, and the cramping sets in 30 minutes later. It is worse at night before bed. As far as emotional side effects, I've noticed I am more apathetic than usual, but otherwise fine.
Decreased sex drive
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 12 - 18 mo
34 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 14th Mar 24
Hana was my first experience of taking a contraceptive at the age of 33. It was generally a positive experience. It really reduced the PMDD symptoms I was experiencing and made the week before my period more manageable. My period was lighter and less painful overall. There were some negatives,my sex drive completely disappeared and I experienced vaginal dryness. My periods were less regular and sometimes I would have two back to back with just a few days in between. Because they were so light it wasn't a huge problem. The biggest issue was I realised that in balancing out my hormonal mood swings it felt like it had gone too far and I was overall emotionally flat. I realised that I wasn't really myself, it was subtle and it took me a while to realise.
Decreased sex drive
0 helpful
0 comments
Cerazette pill reviews
397 reviews
Used for 1 - 3 mo
50 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 2 days ago
Most of my life I was on Mercilon combined pills which was the only one working for me after tried few in my early 20tis. Had them with some breaks . Later I tried mini pill for few months which didn’t work for me. Mostly because of painful red spots on my neck like acne. Now I am 50 can’t take combined pills and trying the progesterone pills. Tried 1 month Cerazette but stopped after 1 month. I didn’t want to eat Titanium dioxide . Now 2 months in I am on Zelleta. Having acne on my chin and around my mouth. Now have very bad numbness in my hands especially during the night . And some in my legs too . Finishing 2nd pack but coming of it now . Can’t feel my fingers. My hands hurt . It’s not menaupase or lower estrogen level as got this suddenly within days. Very low sex drive like I am switched off completely . Also mood swings with anxiety. I am done with desogestrel pills they are not good for my heath, never was. I am trying natural cycles with app next . And my period should be completely stopping soon with my age.Also, Didn’t have any period with these pills.
Somewhat negative mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 6 mo
30 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 15th Jul 24
I had breakthrough bleeding every day for almost 6 months starting from the day after my first pill. Sometimes heavy like a period but mainly spotting but it never stopped. Eventually the nurse advised it’s probably not for me and told me to stop taking it. It gave me no other negative effects but I thought that was negative enough!
Top side effects not reported
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 6 mo
29 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 10th Jul 24
Since beginning this pill I have been strictly observing my weight and other side effects. Other birth control methods were unsuitable for me as I experience migraines. So far, I have had minimal side effects and have not noticed any impact on my mood or weight. I have had some small spots appear on my chin, I feel my breasts have gotten a little bit bigger (but I have actually lost weight since starting cerazette). I have had irregular bleeding/periods as the hormones are settling into my system, which has been annoying for myself and for my partner but better than the alternative, which is the point in taking the pill anyway. So far I'm happy to have chosen Cerazette and hope this will continue.
Worse skin
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
50 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 2 days ago
Most of my life I was on Mercilon combined pills which was the only one working for me after tried few in my early 20tis. Had them with some breaks . Later I tried mini pill for few months which didn’t work for me. Mostly because of painful red spots on my neck like acne. Now I am 50 can’t take combined pills and trying the progesterone pills. Tried 1 month Cerazette but stopped after 1 month. I didn’t want to eat Titanium dioxide . Now 2 months in I am on Zelleta. Having acne on my chin and around my mouth. Now have very bad numbness in my hands especially during the night . And some in my legs too . Finishing 2nd pack but coming of it now . Can’t feel my fingers. My hands hurt . It’s not menaupase or lower estrogen level as got this suddenly within days. Very low sex drive like I am switched off completely . Also mood swings with anxiety. I am done with desogestrel pills they are not good for my heath, never was. I am trying natural cycles with app next . And my period should be completely stopping soon with my age.Also, Didn’t have any period with these pills.
Somewhat negative mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 6 mo
30 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 15th Jul 24
I had breakthrough bleeding every day for almost 6 months starting from the day after my first pill. Sometimes heavy like a period but mainly spotting but it never stopped. Eventually the nurse advised it’s probably not for me and told me to stop taking it. It gave me no other negative effects but I thought that was negative enough!
Top side effects not reported
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 6 mo
29 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 10th Jul 24
Since beginning this pill I have been strictly observing my weight and other side effects. Other birth control methods were unsuitable for me as I experience migraines. So far, I have had minimal side effects and have not noticed any impact on my mood or weight. I have had some small spots appear on my chin, I feel my breasts have gotten a little bit bigger (but I have actually lost weight since starting cerazette). I have had irregular bleeding/periods as the hormones are settling into my system, which has been annoying for myself and for my partner but better than the alternative, which is the point in taking the pill anyway. So far I'm happy to have chosen Cerazette and hope this will continue.
Worse skin
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
22 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 22nd Jun 24
Was great for 2 years, no side effects. Then after 2 years was getting very irregular bleeding even though you get no periods on this pill. That is why I stopped using it.
Top side effects not reported
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
32 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 13th Jun 24
Took it for 2 years. It numbed and blunted my feelings and led to outbursts because I wasn’t aware I was feeling bad in the first place. Had a terrible effect on my ADHD and made my meds much less effective, leading to massive burn out. I was sooo depressed and angry, and couldn’t figure out why. I had a light period non stop!!! I started getting the worst acne, which I found out was hormonal acne. This was what prompted me to stop! And I’m so glad I did!!! Using a combined pill with some estrogen right now and it’s been a total game changer!
Very negative mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 5 - 8 yr
44 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 21st May 24
I used this pill for my mental and physical health. I had debilitating periods for years along with servere mood swings. This has helped a lot along side using Sertraline
Somewhat positive mood
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
26 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 20th May 24
Was really anxious about taking these after coming off rigevidon however I’m pleasantly surprised. Minor spotting episodes during the first few months of taking but not bothersome. My skin and hair are oilier but not unmanageable. No more intense period pains or heavy bleeding.
Somewhat positive mood
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 12 - 18 mo
30 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 15th May 24
I actually really loved the Cerazette mini pill. It basically stopped my periods, so pretty amazing because my period cramps are unbearable. I was really sad when I had to stop taking it but I just couldn't deal with the extreme acne it gave me. It started about 3 weeks after starting Cerazette and it vanished within a couple months of stopping it so I am 100 percent sure it was this pill. I have never before or since had acne at all (apart from when I was a teenager eons ago, but basically I am not someone who ever has it). I am waiting for a mini pill that will not give me acne, meanwhile I make due with the combined pill.
Somewhat positive mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 8+ yr
36 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 14th May 24
I used Cerazette for 15 years and didn't really think about it, which is a testament to how few notable side effects I had. Worked effectively, and didn't hugely affect my appearance (skin or weight) which was very important to me when I began taking it at 21. However, I suffered from headaches / migraines almost weekly which I never connected to Cerazette until I stopped taking it, and since then they've gone completely (it's now been almost a year since I last took a pill). I've also got so much more energy, and my libido came back as soon as I got my periods back. Overall, if you can't take the combined pill and want a hormonal option, I really would recommend it, but be mindful that some side effects might come on slowly over years.
Somewhat negative mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 6 - 12 mo
26 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 10th May 24
I was on this contraception for 12 months and didn't notice any negative side effects. I have heavy periods with pain and after a few months of using the mini pill these mostly stopped which was a great benefit. I have listed weight gain as a symptom however I would not attribute this to the pill and more to unrelated health reasons. Ordered through The Lowdown which I found easy to do. Where possible I prefer not to go through the NHS for cost reasons/hope those who really need their services get them and the Lowdown offered a great alternative.
Gained weight
0 helpful
0 comments
Women's health, reviewed.
Get the best women’s health info in your inbox
You are signing up to receive The Lowdown's latest findings and news in women's health. Your data will be used in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie policy
Slide into our DMs
Built by doctors and experts
Our tools are made by medical professionals for your peace of mind
Our website uses affiliate links and we may earn a small commission if you click on them