Zelleta pill vs Desogestrel pill

Need help choosing? Speak to a doctor
Zelleta pill

£From £0.20/day

Desogestrel pill

£From £0.20/day

Overview

Rated 3.2

10 reviews

Daily

Frequency

93% - 99+%

Effectiveness

None

Blood clot risk

None

Effect on fertility

Rated 2.6

330 reviews

Daily

Frequency

91% - 99+%

Effectiveness

None

Blood clot risk

None

Effect on fertility

Zelleta pill ingredients

Main hormones in Zelleta pill

Less-Androgenic progestogen


Desogestrel pill ingredients

Main hormones in Desogestrel pill

Less-Androgenic progestogen

What Lowdown reviewers say

Benefits: What this contraceptive can help with

Period pain

Period pain

Try it now

£From £0.20/day

Try it now

£From £0.20/day

Check out our latest reviews

Real life reviews from people like you

Zelleta pill reviews

10 reviews

Used for 1 - 3 mo
26 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 weeks ago

  •  Still using

I couldn’t be happier with this pill. After having a break from contraception and using FAM and falling pregnant twice, I decided I needed to go back on birth control. I initially tried the copper coil but it expelled after 24 hours and I didn’t want to go through the insertion process again. I went to the doctor and she’s said to give the mini pill a go, and I was prescribed Zelleta. I was really nervous as I have previously been in the combined pill for 7 years and it really impacted my mood so I was hesitant to try a pill again, but the doctor told me my body could react differently to the mini pill and she was right. The first two weeks I had headaches almost everyday, and was feeling extremely tired but I think this was down to my body getting used to the pill. After the three week mark they both disappeared. I had no loss of sex drive, I would actually say it’s increased which took me by surprise. I’ve lost around 8lbs and I feel like I have more energy. The only downside for me is my skin (previously completely clear) has had some breakouts but I will take it. My low mood and anxiety has decreased significantly. I was so hesitant to go back on the pill but when your doctor says they’re not all the same and you just have to find the right one for you, listen to them because it’s so true.

Read more

Top side effects not reported

1 helpful

0 comments

Used for 1 - 3 mo
18 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 month ago

  •  Still using

The main side effect I experienced at the beginning of taking this pill was nausea, mainly after I had taken the pill but also throughout the day to the point where I thought I could be pregnant but it has subsided. I have started getting very irregular periods and regular spotting but I don’t really mind it too much, generally they’re a lot lighter and not painful. I have gotten a few more breakouts but they’re quite small, and could be due to other factors - do not let this put you off this pill. In terms of mood I have been crying more but not necessarily because I’m sadder at all? just out of happiness etc haha. No impact at all on sex drive etc yes. Overall a pretty good experience so far (but don’t want to jinx it)


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 6 - 12 mo
23 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  17th Oct 23

  •  Still using

The first five months of taking it after switching from the combined pill were amazing, I had no period and felt mentally very well. Then in the 5th month I started lightly bleeding and it hasn't stopped for over 3 months now, affecting my mental health, libido and general health of my vagina. I got thrush more and I started being drier and having pain whilst having sex. I'm not sure if it was user error since I never skipped a pill and the latest I'd ever been to taking it was 3 hours. Notable difference: The first 5 months were on Cerazette, not Zellete, however considering the active ingredient in the pill is the same I'm not sure that's what caused the difference.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

3 comments

Used for 1 - 3 mo
26 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 weeks ago

  •  Still using

I couldn’t be happier with this pill. After having a break from contraception and using FAM and falling pregnant twice, I decided I needed to go back on birth control. I initially tried the copper coil but it expelled after 24 hours and I didn’t want to go through the insertion process again. I went to the doctor and she’s said to give the mini pill a go, and I was prescribed Zelleta. I was really nervous as I have previously been in the combined pill for 7 years and it really impacted my mood so I was hesitant to try a pill again, but the doctor told me my body could react differently to the mini pill and she was right. The first two weeks I had headaches almost everyday, and was feeling extremely tired but I think this was down to my body getting used to the pill. After the three week mark they both disappeared. I had no loss of sex drive, I would actually say it’s increased which took me by surprise. I’ve lost around 8lbs and I feel like I have more energy. The only downside for me is my skin (previously completely clear) has had some breakouts but I will take it. My low mood and anxiety has decreased significantly. I was so hesitant to go back on the pill but when your doctor says they’re not all the same and you just have to find the right one for you, listen to them because it’s so true.


Top side effects not reported

1 helpful

0 comments

Used for 1 - 3 mo
18 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 month ago

  •  Still using

The main side effect I experienced at the beginning of taking this pill was nausea, mainly after I had taken the pill but also throughout the day to the point where I thought I could be pregnant but it has subsided. I have started getting very irregular periods and regular spotting but I don’t really mind it too much, generally they’re a lot lighter and not painful. I have gotten a few more breakouts but they’re quite small, and could be due to other factors - do not let this put you off this pill. In terms of mood I have been crying more but not necessarily because I’m sadder at all? just out of happiness etc haha. No impact at all on sex drive etc yes. Overall a pretty good experience so far (but don’t want to jinx it)


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 6 - 12 mo
23 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  17th Oct 23

  •  Still using

The first five months of taking it after switching from the combined pill were amazing, I had no period and felt mentally very well. Then in the 5th month I started lightly bleeding and it hasn't stopped for over 3 months now, affecting my mental health, libido and general health of my vagina. I got thrush more and I started being drier and having pain whilst having sex. I'm not sure if it was user error since I never skipped a pill and the latest I'd ever been to taking it was 3 hours. Notable difference: The first 5 months were on Cerazette, not Zellete, however considering the active ingredient in the pill is the same I'm not sure that's what caused the difference.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

3 comments


Desogestrel pill reviews

330 reviews

Used for 1 - 3 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
  •  today

  •  Still using

I’ve been on this pill for 7 weeks after having the Modena coil and then copper coil. For them removed fallen on pregnant so had to try something else. I was struggling as I suffer with hormonal acne so wanted to go on a combined pill but I could t as I suffer with migraines. So I but the bullet and give this a try. I can honestly say it’s helped with my anxiety and mood swings so much. I feel a lot calmer in myself too. My periods have stayed same so far maybe a bit lighter. My acne hasn’t improved or got worse really just same well I think so anyway. The first few weeks I was constantly bloated and constipated but I just take two husk tablets a night now and I’m back to goi g regular. Overall I’m finding this pill ok and I’m happy with the way it’s helped my mood swings.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 12 - 18 mo
31 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

  •  Stopped using

Overall after trying many different pills, this was the best, I started to have very depressive weeks so I stopped as I was afraid of some suicidal thoughts.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 3 - 6 mo
20 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 month ago

  •  Stopped using

The only side effect I had on this pill was the irregular bleeding. It worked for the first 2 months and then I just bled for the next 4 months (until I stopped). I suffer from VERY painful periods and even when I wasn’t bleeding or it was really light I can recall having 3 huge pain episodes that would last a few days. The pill didn’t affect my mood, but the side effects did because I had to spend nearly all summer inside because of the anxiety and depression. Aswell because of the bleeding I lost interest in sex (again, not caused by the pill directly). Overall I’m disappointed this method didn’t work. If I didn’t have bleeding and unexpected cramps this would’ve been perfect.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 1 - 3 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
  •  today

  •  Still using

I’ve been on this pill for 7 weeks after having the Modena coil and then copper coil. For them removed fallen on pregnant so had to try something else. I was struggling as I suffer with hormonal acne so wanted to go on a combined pill but I could t as I suffer with migraines. So I but the bullet and give this a try. I can honestly say it’s helped with my anxiety and mood swings so much. I feel a lot calmer in myself too. My periods have stayed same so far maybe a bit lighter. My acne hasn’t improved or got worse really just same well I think so anyway. The first few weeks I was constantly bloated and constipated but I just take two husk tablets a night now and I’m back to goi g regular. Overall I’m finding this pill ok and I’m happy with the way it’s helped my mood swings.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 12 - 18 mo
31 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

  •  Stopped using

Overall after trying many different pills, this was the best, I started to have very depressive weeks so I stopped as I was afraid of some suicidal thoughts.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 3 - 6 mo
20 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 month ago

  •  Stopped using

The only side effect I had on this pill was the irregular bleeding. It worked for the first 2 months and then I just bled for the next 4 months (until I stopped). I suffer from VERY painful periods and even when I wasn’t bleeding or it was really light I can recall having 3 huge pain episodes that would last a few days. The pill didn’t affect my mood, but the side effects did because I had to spend nearly all summer inside because of the anxiety and depression. Aswell because of the bleeding I lost interest in sex (again, not caused by the pill directly). Overall I’m disappointed this method didn’t work. If I didn’t have bleeding and unexpected cramps this would’ve been perfect.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 3 - 6 mo
25 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 month ago

  •  Still using

Granted I suffer with anxiety and depression anyway but it was under control and I hadn’t had panic attacks in a year when I was off birth control. I started this in January and at first I felt great, I had more energy, little bit of bloating but that went and no changes really at all. By month 2 I noticed I was getting panic attacks again and felt very anxious in safe places/ around safe people where I have never experienced anxiety before. I am now on month 4 and it is worse than ever, I am irritable, angry, emotional, low body image, finding myself not wanting to do anything. I am coming off this pill now and trying another because I want to be myself again.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
29 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  10th Mar 24

  •  Still using

Completely stopped periods. Noticed mental health effects and loss of libido quite severely after starting using this pill.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
35 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  9th Mar 24

  •  Stopped using

After being informed by my doctor that I could no longer use the combination pill, I felt pressured (and ill informed ) to move onto the mini pill. My sex drive was non existent and I it affected my mood dramatically. It was almost as bad as the implant side effects I had years before.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 3 - 6 mo
28 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  27th Feb 24

  •  Stopped using

After I had my first child I was given the option of taking the mini pill while I was breastfeeding. Unfortunately for me I suffered with symptoms of vaginal dryness , erratic mood changes which led into post natal depression and experienced light spotting. I really didn’t like how the pill was making me feel and I just wanted to try a natural method whilst I continue to breastfeed. Which is why I started to use condoms and Family planning methods.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 1 - 3 mo
21 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  8th Feb 24

  •  Stopped using

I bled for 10 solid weeks. Sometimes, it would be very heavy and sometimes light, but I never stopped completely.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 8+ yr
35 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  7th Feb 24

  •  Still using

Hi


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 3 - 6 mo
30 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  26th Jan 24

  •  Stopped using

If you are prone to acne or have depression, I would it advise trying this pill. Started it August 2023 and by October I was very depressed, but it hadn’t occurred to me at that point that it could have been caused by this pill. After that depressive episode ended after a week to two weeks my mood has stayed generally low, also very emotional pretty much all the time and quicker to anger/become frustrated. Also began breaking out in spot in November and am still experiencing this now (January 2024), however I did only change from this pill to another two days ago. Have also experience a significant loss of sex drive, although that could be because I’ve been so down and sometime anxious. Finally, a last, weird one (that I can’t be sure was caused by this pill but would be very interested in hearing if anyone else has experienced this while on this or another hormonal contraception). In September last year I began to feel an aching exactly where period cramps are felt and thought it was just that, because of my body adjusting to this new pill. I then woke up a couple of nights later to extreme cramping in my lower abdomen and then almost passed out on the toilet. Tunnel vision, sudden pins and needles in my hands/arms, cold sweat over my entire body, etc. called 111 because I thought I was having some extreme reaction to the new pill, saw an out of hours GP who said it probably hadn’t been caused by this pill, which I accepted. Had, sometimes very, painful, aching in my lower abdomen after every meal then for a week after. Believed by the end it had to have been gastroenteritis. Fast forward four months and last weekend I had the same aching happen the day before, the following night I wake up again with the same extreme aching, then upset stomach, and finally the almost fainting spell again. It then continued in the same pattern as last time, with bad aching after meals for the next few days after. Like I said, I can’t definitively say those two episodes were caused by this pill but am truly hoping it never happens again now I’ve changed back to a combined.


Top side effects not reported

1 helpful

1 comments

Contraceptive alternatives and comparisons

Compare the Zelleta pill with other contraceptives

Order online

Order online now

Use our online prescription in under 5 mins

  • No GP appointment needed

  • Free standard delivery

Speak to a doctor

Not sure yet? Speak to a doctor

Schedule an appointment now

87% of women are happier with their contraceptive choice after speaking with one of The Lowdown's doctors

The Lowdown

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

Built by doctors and experts

Our tools are made by medical professionals for your peace of mind

Pharmacy services provided by Phlo Technologies Ltd. GPhC reg number: 9011171

When you click on some links on this site, we may get a small affiliate commission