Norgeston pill vs Desogestrel pill
Need help choosing? Speak to a doctor
£From £0.18/day
£From £0.20/day
Overview
Rated 2.8
55 reviews
Daily
Frequency
91% - 99+%
Effectiveness
None
Blood clot risk
None
Effect on fertility
Rated 2.7
391 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 £0.18/day
Try it now
£From £0.20/day
Check out our latest reviews
Real life reviews from people like you
Norgeston pill reviews
55 reviews
Used for 3 - 6 mo
24 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 2 weeks ago
I tried the mini pill after experiencing migraines after 6 years on the combined pill. First I tried Zelleta which gave me such low mood and tearful all the time, as well as constant spotting. I wanted to try Norgeston as the synthetic hormone is different. My mood definitely improved (although a little more anxious) and I’ve had no spotting, but my periods are so irregular, really close together and so heavy I can get through more than 3 pads a day. I’ve had 2 periods a month for the last few months and will end up with an iron deficiency at this rate! Running out of options
Somewhat negative mood
3 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 6 mo
36 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 24th Apr 25
I’ve gained some weight but I don’t think it was the pill alone, other factors such as other medication and enjoying food are at play! I’ve enjoyed having a regular cycle (still ovulating) with less intense highs and lows emotionally but no impact to libido. Has been helpful for PMS overall. Some side effects are headaches and tender/larger breasts. I’ve adjusted the 3 hour window to take this pill a few times with ease too.
Somewhat positive mood
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 6 mo
22 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 24th Mar 25
I moved onto Norgeston after trialling desogestrel for a few months (it gave me near constant spotting and super decreased sex drive). I was optimistic as levonorgestrel was the hormone I used to have in my combined pill and so far it’s been great for me - I do get periods, but these are regular and of a normal flow each month and thankfully my sex drive has come back.
Increased sex drive
1 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 6 mo
24 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 2 weeks ago
I tried the mini pill after experiencing migraines after 6 years on the combined pill. First I tried Zelleta which gave me such low mood and tearful all the time, as well as constant spotting. I wanted to try Norgeston as the synthetic hormone is different. My mood definitely improved (although a little more anxious) and I’ve had no spotting, but my periods are so irregular, really close together and so heavy I can get through more than 3 pads a day. I’ve had 2 periods a month for the last few months and will end up with an iron deficiency at this rate! Running out of options
Somewhat negative mood
3 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 6 mo
36 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 24th Apr 25
I’ve gained some weight but I don’t think it was the pill alone, other factors such as other medication and enjoying food are at play! I’ve enjoyed having a regular cycle (still ovulating) with less intense highs and lows emotionally but no impact to libido. Has been helpful for PMS overall. Some side effects are headaches and tender/larger breasts. I’ve adjusted the 3 hour window to take this pill a few times with ease too.
Somewhat positive mood
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 6 mo
22 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 24th Mar 25
I moved onto Norgeston after trialling desogestrel for a few months (it gave me near constant spotting and super decreased sex drive). I was optimistic as levonorgestrel was the hormone I used to have in my combined pill and so far it’s been great for me - I do get periods, but these are regular and of a normal flow each month and thankfully my sex drive has come back.
Increased sex drive
1 helpful
0 comments
Desogestrel pill reviews
391 reviews
Used for 1 - 3 mo
43 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• today
I’m very satisfied with the pill. I only been taking it for few weeks but my mental health improved so much ! I can’t actually believe it. I used to suffer mood swings due to hormonal fluctuations . None of this is happening . Very happy. No side effects either
Very positive mood
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 12 - 18 mo
26 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 5 days ago
I was so concerned about weight gain and mood changes but have not experienced this. I have barely any side effects and have had a really positive experience!
Decreased sex drive
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
22 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 1 week ago
I use this pill in combination with a copper coil and it has helped enormously with my PMDD symptoms. I used to really struggle around ovulation with feeling very unwell and now that I don’t have a cycle everything is a lot calmer. I’ve had some spotting and I’m sweating more but it’s much better than having hellish and painful periods. I now don’t have periods at all, which is so much less stressful. I feel like I can finally enjoy my life.
Somewhat positive mood
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
43 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• today
I’m very satisfied with the pill. I only been taking it for few weeks but my mental health improved so much ! I can’t actually believe it. I used to suffer mood swings due to hormonal fluctuations . None of this is happening . Very happy. No side effects either
Very positive mood
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 12 - 18 mo
26 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 5 days ago
I was so concerned about weight gain and mood changes but have not experienced this. I have barely any side effects and have had a really positive experience!
Decreased sex drive
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
22 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 1 week ago
I use this pill in combination with a copper coil and it has helped enormously with my PMDD symptoms. I used to really struggle around ovulation with feeling very unwell and now that I don’t have a cycle everything is a lot calmer. I’ve had some spotting and I’m sweating more but it’s much better than having hellish and painful periods. I now don’t have periods at all, which is so much less stressful. I feel like I can finally enjoy my life.
Somewhat positive mood
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 12 - 18 mo
25 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 2 weeks ago
I must say that this pill absolutely saved my life. Suffering from severe endometriosis pain & PMDD and it reversed the effects of that. I have control of my moods and body back and I’m so grateful. I must leave a positive review because it’s not all bad. The beginning was rocky with irregular bleeding but this stopped after 8 months or so. It was worth it.
Very positive mood
1 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
22 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 3 weeks ago
I was put on this pill after I suffered from bad migraines from the combined pill- I wanted to try contraception to tackle my low moods, PCOS and acne. I became so depressed over the course of about 3 months, to the point where I went to the GP to try and get some therapy/talk about possibly taking antidepressants. Straight away the GP was like 'oh just stop taking the pill'- I did and a few months later I felt normal again. Literally can't believe that GPs prescribe this stuff without giving you proper warning- I felt like an empty shell of a person for a few months literally all because of this pill.
Very negative mood
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
18 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 1 month ago
i was put on this pill due to me being incredibly hormonal and 'hysterical' every month (on top of other issues i was facing). i was put on at 15-16 years of age i am now 18. my skin became more acne-like on cheeks and chin, whereas before it was just one or two. my breasts grew a lot, which was hard for me to come to terms with. thinking of coming off due to just 'having enough' and being worried about blood clots etc.
Somewhat positive mood
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
31 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 1 month ago
I have been on this pill for a little over 10 weeks with the hopes of it stopping my period altogether but I spent more time bleeding than not. Sometimes little bits here and there, sometimes a lot and for 10+ days at a time. I found myself having a lot of down days and googling PPD symptoms. The worst thing I noticed was the brain fog. My ability to remember things and speak clear and cohesive sentences was just obliterated. I’m on day 2 post stopping and it feels a little better already although I have started my withdrawal bleed. I know you should give your body at least 3 months to settle after starting but honestly that was enough time for me. I just hope my cycle goes back to normal fairly soon!
Very negative mood
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 5 - 8 yr
31 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 1 month ago
Was on desogestrel for almost 8 years. Only got light spotting when I missed a pill, otherwise very easy adjusting to pill. I’ve stopped now as I’m trying to conceive and actually stopping has been an experience - I’ve been getting hormonal acne and my sex drive has shot through the roof! I also developed minor vaginismus (related to stress levels) on the pill and that seems to have gone away in the last month since I stopped desogestrel. I can update this in a few months time in case these symptoms are temporary or not.
Decreased sex drive
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
20 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 2nd May 25
This is the WORST. My mental health plummeted on this pill, crying nearlt everyday. Not to mention i was bleeding medium heavy for 30+ days every single day. Really terrible effect i would not recommend. My doctor said to wait another week but after bleeding for a month straight i couldnt.
Top side effects not reported
1 helpful
0 comments
Used for 6 - 12 mo
19 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 2nd May 25
this was my first contraceptive pill i tried. in the first three months, i did struggle with lower mood and had consistent light bleeding that would last for over a week. later on, i adjusted better and eventually stopped having a period, with the occasional light bleeding from time to time. i experienced decreased sex drive and mentally has not been great but it has been manageable. i decided to stop this after 10 months due to suddenly getting worsened acne, which is not something i have struggled with since i was a young teenager
Somewhat negative mood
2 more effects
1 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