Slynd pill vs Desogestrel pill

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Slynd pill

£From £0.34/day

Desogestrel pill

£From £0.20/day

Overview

Rated 3.4

22 reviews

Daily

Frequency

93% - 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

Slynd pill ingredients

Main hormones in Slynd pill

Anti-Androgenic progestogen


Desogestrel pill ingredients

Main hormones in Desogestrel pill

Less-Androgenic progestogen

What Lowdown reviewers say

32% no impact on mood

46% stopped periods

50% lost sex drive

68% no impact

55% no impact on skin

Cycle return

67% in 1 month

33% somewhat negative

43% stopped periods

53% lost sex drive

44% no impact

47% no impact on skin

Cycle return

41% don’t know impact

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

22 reviews

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
38 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

Slynd pill  

I started using slynd around 6 months ago for period control due to heavy flow and pain Initially I felt optimistic I never took the placebo green pills as I was on tricycling method I still had a period every month with ovarian pain I had a 4 week spotting episode I’ve had 3 utis which I never had in my life every month for the last 3 My sex drive dropped off the earth and there was none My mood went from frantic cycling cleaning the house and obsessing over things to emotionally crying before feeling stupid and back to normal The biggest thing for me was hair loss at least half my hair fell Out in week one I stayed commuted thinking it would get better until bald patches started to appear in month 5 that’s when I jd enough I also had graphic nightmares waking up with sweating so bad my sheets were soaked Since finished this pill I feel like I’m getting back to me with no mood swings or low mood I am 38 and maybe I needed some Oestrogen to balance it out this pill was not for me

Read more

Very negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
34 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  16th Apr 25

Slynd pill  

Generally happy with this pill, which I'm now able to get from my GP. It's much better than Desogestrel for me. I haven't had a period since I started it and no breakthrough bleeding either. My skin is great on this pill and my weight hasn't changed - if anything I lost a bit of weight, which unfortunately made my boobs smaller. I read this pill has a diuretic effect but I haven't noticed that at all. Initially I had headaches and some disturbed sleep, but these went away after the first month. My sex drive is lower but not to the point of it being an issue. I love that it has the safety of a 24-hour window, plus it's made my mood really stable and has stopped my periods.


Improved skin

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
31 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  24th Feb 25

Slynd pill  

I have taken this pill for four months to help with endometriosis symptoms. Previously, I was on Eloine for about a year which worked greatly for me with minor side effects, but changed out of precautions due to having had two or three migraines with an aura. Within the first month of taking Slynd, my headaches became more frequent and intense (to such degree that I need to see a neurologist). Without changing my food habits, I gradually gained 8 kg in the four months of taking Slynd. I also have felt my mental health has been negatively affected by depressive feelings and mood swings. I am a mental health professional and was very surprised at this side effect, given my self-care routines and emotional regulation skills are usually optimal. I also developed adult acne, which I would have been ok with if it was the only side effect. The acne and weight gain have negatively affected my self-esteem. One good thing I experienced on Slynd is that my endometriosis cramps were less intense and that I was able to take this pill continuously, thereby skipping my periods and making endometriosis symptoms more manageable. As a result of this, I had more energy to work out.


Very negative mood

3 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
38 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

Slynd pill  

I started using slynd around 6 months ago for period control due to heavy flow and pain Initially I felt optimistic I never took the placebo green pills as I was on tricycling method I still had a period every month with ovarian pain I had a 4 week spotting episode I’ve had 3 utis which I never had in my life every month for the last 3 My sex drive dropped off the earth and there was none My mood went from frantic cycling cleaning the house and obsessing over things to emotionally crying before feeling stupid and back to normal The biggest thing for me was hair loss at least half my hair fell Out in week one I stayed commuted thinking it would get better until bald patches started to appear in month 5 that’s when I jd enough I also had graphic nightmares waking up with sweating so bad my sheets were soaked Since finished this pill I feel like I’m getting back to me with no mood swings or low mood I am 38 and maybe I needed some Oestrogen to balance it out this pill was not for me


Very negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
34 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  16th Apr 25

Slynd pill  

Generally happy with this pill, which I'm now able to get from my GP. It's much better than Desogestrel for me. I haven't had a period since I started it and no breakthrough bleeding either. My skin is great on this pill and my weight hasn't changed - if anything I lost a bit of weight, which unfortunately made my boobs smaller. I read this pill has a diuretic effect but I haven't noticed that at all. Initially I had headaches and some disturbed sleep, but these went away after the first month. My sex drive is lower but not to the point of it being an issue. I love that it has the safety of a 24-hour window, plus it's made my mood really stable and has stopped my periods.


Improved skin

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
31 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  24th Feb 25

Slynd pill  

I have taken this pill for four months to help with endometriosis symptoms. Previously, I was on Eloine for about a year which worked greatly for me with minor side effects, but changed out of precautions due to having had two or three migraines with an aura. Within the first month of taking Slynd, my headaches became more frequent and intense (to such degree that I need to see a neurologist). Without changing my food habits, I gradually gained 8 kg in the four months of taking Slynd. I also have felt my mental health has been negatively affected by depressive feelings and mood swings. I am a mental health professional and was very surprised at this side effect, given my self-care routines and emotional regulation skills are usually optimal. I also developed adult acne, which I would have been ok with if it was the only side effect. The acne and weight gain have negatively affected my self-esteem. One good thing I experienced on Slynd is that my endometriosis cramps were less intense and that I was able to take this pill continuously, thereby skipping my periods and making endometriosis symptoms more manageable. As a result of this, I had more energy to work out.


Very negative mood

3 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments


Desogestrel pill reviews

391 reviews

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
43 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 weeks ago

Desogestrel pill  

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

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 12 - 18 mo
26 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 month ago

Desogestrel pill  

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

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
22 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 month ago

Desogestrel pill  

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

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
43 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 weeks ago

Desogestrel pill  

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

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 12 - 18 mo
26 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 month ago

Desogestrel pill  

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

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
22 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 month ago

Desogestrel pill  

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

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 12 - 18 mo
25 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 month ago

Desogestrel pill  

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

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
22 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  19th May 25

Desogestrel pill  

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

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
18 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  15th May 25

Desogestrel pill  

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

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
31 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  14th May 25

Desogestrel pill  

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

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 5 - 8 yr
31 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  9th May 25

Desogestrel pill  

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

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
20 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2nd May 25

Desogestrel pill  

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

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
19 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2nd May 25

Desogestrel pill  

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

Contraceptive alternatives and comparisons

Compare the Slynd pill with other contraceptives

Compare the Desogestrel pill with other contraceptives

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