Slynd pill vs Cerelle pill
Need help choosing? Speak to a doctor
£From £0.34/day
£From £0.20/day
Overview
Rated 3.6
19 reviews
Daily
Frequency
93% - 99+%
Effectiveness
None
Blood clot risk
None
Effect on fertility
Rated 2.8
308 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
There are no benefits that are recognised in scientific research or guidelines for this contraceptive
Period pain
Try it now
£From £0.34/day
Try it now
£From £0.20/day
Check out our latest reviews
Real life reviews from people like you
Slynd pill reviews
19 reviews
Used for 3 - 6 mo
30 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 3 weeks ago
I’ve been on Slynd just over three months, and as someone who has tried several other mini pills this one seems to agree with me best. On other mini pills I experienced mild to moderate side effects, notably acne, spotting between periods/constantly and low mood. On Slynd I’ve only had very, very minor spotting and it’s infrequent. I haven’t yet had a period on Slynd but that’s not unusual for me on mini pills. Most notable is my skin, which has seen a noticeable and gradual improvement. Acne has been my biggest challenge on mini pills, with painful cystic acne requiring prescription topical creams for years on end. I’ve just started my fourth month on Slynd and seem to have turned a corner to where I have very little acne, if at all, and no cystic spots. My skin hasn’t been this clear in years! The only other side effects i’ve experienced, but cannot be 100% sure are related, are some moderate thirst in month 2/3 and a strange, weeks-long cramp in the bottom of my foot. I started eating more bananas to try and balance my potassium and the cramp has since gone. Rating 4 stars only because I’ve been on combination pills before (no longer can be on them) and I will always prefer the combination ones over mini pills. But I would say Slynd has been the closest to combination pills I’ve found yet.
Improved skin
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
28 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 1 month ago
The Slynd pill has helped my adenomyosis symptoms! I used to have extremely heavy and painful periods that were so bad that I couldn't walk and leave the house. I had to take high doses of codeine. Apart from a bit of nausea on the first two days (couldve been my period though as I took the pill on the first day of my period) I haven't had any negative side effects.
Lost weight
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 31st Jul 24
I am really happy with this pill. I have tried every type of mini pill available and can no longer take the combined pill for multiple reasons. I now have 2 days of spotting when I take the placebo pills. Less acne, although it wasn't severe it was noticeable. Now I just get a few spots every now and again. Other mini pills have had a negative effect on my mood, this one seems ok so far. I was hoping it would help with my excessive facial hair growth, doesn't seem to have made it any better but it's certainly not worse either (other mini pills I've tried have made it worse in the past). I have noticed my sex drive has reduced a fair amount but this doesn't really bother me and I can still get in the mood with a bit of effort. I may have had quite a high sex drive in the first place so believe it or not I see this as a bit of an advantage as my partner does not! I was on noriday before this and was still having unpredictable and heavy cycles, along with several ovulation and period pain and what seemed to be migraines related to particular points in my cycle. Also mood issues up to 10 days before my periods. I am absolutely thrilled that all of that has improved a huge amount. Not had a migraine since I've been on Slynd either. My pelvic pain is about 75% better and is now manageable and intermittent rather than constant. I'm hopeful that things continue to improve for me taking this pill. I really felt that I'd run out of options with hormonal contraception before I tried this having tried the mirena iud and depo provera in the past and not getting on with them at all. I like that this pill has a 24 hour window to take. You are supposed to take it at the same time every day but reading from the literature they have found that you can be upto 24 hours late taking it upto 4 times in 28 day pill pack and it will still be effective.
Improved skin
1 more effect
1 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 6 mo
30 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 3 weeks ago
I’ve been on Slynd just over three months, and as someone who has tried several other mini pills this one seems to agree with me best. On other mini pills I experienced mild to moderate side effects, notably acne, spotting between periods/constantly and low mood. On Slynd I’ve only had very, very minor spotting and it’s infrequent. I haven’t yet had a period on Slynd but that’s not unusual for me on mini pills. Most notable is my skin, which has seen a noticeable and gradual improvement. Acne has been my biggest challenge on mini pills, with painful cystic acne requiring prescription topical creams for years on end. I’ve just started my fourth month on Slynd and seem to have turned a corner to where I have very little acne, if at all, and no cystic spots. My skin hasn’t been this clear in years! The only other side effects i’ve experienced, but cannot be 100% sure are related, are some moderate thirst in month 2/3 and a strange, weeks-long cramp in the bottom of my foot. I started eating more bananas to try and balance my potassium and the cramp has since gone. Rating 4 stars only because I’ve been on combination pills before (no longer can be on them) and I will always prefer the combination ones over mini pills. But I would say Slynd has been the closest to combination pills I’ve found yet.
Improved skin
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
28 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 1 month ago
The Slynd pill has helped my adenomyosis symptoms! I used to have extremely heavy and painful periods that were so bad that I couldn't walk and leave the house. I had to take high doses of codeine. Apart from a bit of nausea on the first two days (couldve been my period though as I took the pill on the first day of my period) I haven't had any negative side effects.
Lost weight
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 31st Jul 24
I am really happy with this pill. I have tried every type of mini pill available and can no longer take the combined pill for multiple reasons. I now have 2 days of spotting when I take the placebo pills. Less acne, although it wasn't severe it was noticeable. Now I just get a few spots every now and again. Other mini pills have had a negative effect on my mood, this one seems ok so far. I was hoping it would help with my excessive facial hair growth, doesn't seem to have made it any better but it's certainly not worse either (other mini pills I've tried have made it worse in the past). I have noticed my sex drive has reduced a fair amount but this doesn't really bother me and I can still get in the mood with a bit of effort. I may have had quite a high sex drive in the first place so believe it or not I see this as a bit of an advantage as my partner does not! I was on noriday before this and was still having unpredictable and heavy cycles, along with several ovulation and period pain and what seemed to be migraines related to particular points in my cycle. Also mood issues up to 10 days before my periods. I am absolutely thrilled that all of that has improved a huge amount. Not had a migraine since I've been on Slynd either. My pelvic pain is about 75% better and is now manageable and intermittent rather than constant. I'm hopeful that things continue to improve for me taking this pill. I really felt that I'd run out of options with hormonal contraception before I tried this having tried the mirena iud and depo provera in the past and not getting on with them at all. I like that this pill has a 24 hour window to take. You are supposed to take it at the same time every day but reading from the literature they have found that you can be upto 24 hours late taking it upto 4 times in 28 day pill pack and it will still be effective.
Improved skin
1 more effect
1 helpful
0 comments
Cerelle pill reviews
308 reviews
Used for 3 - 6 mo
21 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 15th Dec 24
Started taking in April 2024 finished the last pack September 2024. Had spotting for the first couple months in the place of period which was frustrating (spotting for 14days instead of normal 5-7day period flow). Once settled, periods just completely stopped which made me feel slightly uneasy as there’s no indicator of “missed period” for pregnancy sirens to ring. Mood was a strange one, felt slightly mentally exhausted but difficult to tell whether that was life or the pill, but I do remember having PMS type symptoms (emotional, cramps) once a month, almost mimicking a period without the bleeds.
Worse skin
1 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 7th Aug 24
I've only been on this pill for two months so there's a chance this may calm down after the full adjustment period, but the side effects have been interesting. Most notably, my cycle has gone from around 35 days to 13 days, and I have been having a period every other week. The first two periods gave me hope because they were significantly lighter - to the point where I was questioning whether or not I should even log it as a period - and painless. However, the next three periods I've had so far have been gradually getting heavier and I'm getting more cramping. It's weird though because, for most of my period it's still quite light, but on around the second or third day, I do have a few hours where it's quite heavy and crampy, then it subsides again and the rest is light. I had spotting between the first three periods but that's stopped now. Other than the annoying cycle changes, I had a constant lingering headache for the first two weeks, I'm getting more acne than usual, and some vaginal dryness before my period. I don't know if this is worth staying on as I'm only on the pill to manage my painful and heavy periods. Current plan is to finish my three months' supply and take it from there.
Somewhat negative mood
1 more effect
1 helpful
0 comments
Used for 8+ yr
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 24th Jun 24
Overall it’s excellent and all positive, no periods at all and steady mood
Very positive mood
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 6 mo
21 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 15th Dec 24
Started taking in April 2024 finished the last pack September 2024. Had spotting for the first couple months in the place of period which was frustrating (spotting for 14days instead of normal 5-7day period flow). Once settled, periods just completely stopped which made me feel slightly uneasy as there’s no indicator of “missed period” for pregnancy sirens to ring. Mood was a strange one, felt slightly mentally exhausted but difficult to tell whether that was life or the pill, but I do remember having PMS type symptoms (emotional, cramps) once a month, almost mimicking a period without the bleeds.
Worse skin
1 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 7th Aug 24
I've only been on this pill for two months so there's a chance this may calm down after the full adjustment period, but the side effects have been interesting. Most notably, my cycle has gone from around 35 days to 13 days, and I have been having a period every other week. The first two periods gave me hope because they were significantly lighter - to the point where I was questioning whether or not I should even log it as a period - and painless. However, the next three periods I've had so far have been gradually getting heavier and I'm getting more cramping. It's weird though because, for most of my period it's still quite light, but on around the second or third day, I do have a few hours where it's quite heavy and crampy, then it subsides again and the rest is light. I had spotting between the first three periods but that's stopped now. Other than the annoying cycle changes, I had a constant lingering headache for the first two weeks, I'm getting more acne than usual, and some vaginal dryness before my period. I don't know if this is worth staying on as I'm only on the pill to manage my painful and heavy periods. Current plan is to finish my three months' supply and take it from there.
Somewhat negative mood
1 more effect
1 helpful
0 comments
Used for 8+ yr
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 24th Jun 24
Overall it’s excellent and all positive, no periods at all and steady mood
Very positive mood
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 14th Jun 24
I'm giving this pill more time because maybe it's just an adjustment. But I've been a bit weepy with sore breasts and spotting every week. Also a really tender feeling in my lower abdomen-especially during sex. Which I hate obviously. So I'm definitely not getting pregnant because I no longer enjoy sex.. so in that respect it is effective. It's getting one more month and then I'm done.
Somewhat negative mood
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 6 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 7th May 24
went on this pill due to high blood pressure, and the experience has been very well. my periods skip a month then return lighter. the first month my bleed was longer but lighter, ever since then it has been lighter. my period cramps have reduced massively. few headaches and light sensitivity but has not occurred in a while. acne has be a little bit worse and oily but clears up after a bit. overall has benefited me and libido increased surprisingly 😊
Very positive mood
1 more effect
1 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 7th May 24
I suffer from migraines and was convinced to try this contraption as a way to prevent hormonal fluctuations and therefore prevent them. This pill left me with status migranosus / intractable migraine. It was horrific
Somewhat negative mood
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 5 yr
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 7th May 24
I started on this contraception when I was 16, and am now 21, so in lots of ways it feels difficult to pin any major changes onto it given I would have changed so much in this time anyway. For me, the best thing about it is that it completely stopped my periods for nearly 4 years and then, after experiencing bleeding for the first time in years and seeking advice from the wonderful team at the lowdown, I was able to double my dose so that periods stopped again. I generally have been stable on it which is brilliant, especially after starting on the combined pill and experiencing intense symptoms of nausea and vomiting. I would definitely recommend it based on my experience!
Top side effects not reported
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 6 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 4th May 24
Was told I could no longer continue my low dose combined pill (Gedarel) at age 43 because I was deemed overweight by a GP (a nurse looked at me in disbelief at this and actually initially extended my prescription to allow me to enjoy my honeymoon. GP now still stubbornly going on my BMI) Blood pressure fluctuates at times too so didn’t want to go through the stress of not knowing at a 3 month check if I’d suddenly be forced to come off it depending who I saw. Started Cerelle in January. First 6 weeks weren’t pleasant. Really sore breasts, spotting mixed in with random heavier bleeds, dryness when not bleeding and bladder irritation. All calmed down (apart from Dryness)- by third strip stopped spotting etc. Then on fourth strip started to bleed for two weeks (light enough to be ok) but by week 3 was bleeding so heavy was leaking through a heavy tampon/pad/period pants and passing clots with no sign of easing up after a full stressful week of this. Stopped taking the pill and bleeding calmed down. It took another 6 days to stop but feel so relieved. A nurse wanted me to switch straight away onto a new mini pill or coil but honestly I feel my body needs a break. Not sure where to go now as already my body feels so much better/libido back/moods balanced. Fed up of hormones!!
Somewhat negative mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 12 - 18 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 26th Apr 24
Short term symptoms were: very tender breasts and feeling weird for a week couple of weeks. Most importantly I suppose - I did not get pregnant while on the mini pill, so it did it's job. It also stopped my periods completely, which was convenient. I was struggling on and off with depression starting just BEFORE I started on the pill, so it didn't caused thay but but I do think it prolonged the problem.
Somewhat negative mood
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 6 - 12 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 26th Apr 24
Improved skin
1 more effect
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