Does the combined pill cause weight gaining?

How our community feel the combined pill has affected their weight

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

No change

48%

Don't know

18%

Out of the 2413 reviews for the combined pill, 0 people (0%) reported weight gaining.

Reviewers that reported weight gaining as a side effect

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

Used for 3 - 5 yr
28 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  today

  •  Still using

Qlaira started off pretty great after the 6 month window for symptoms to subside when starting new hormonal contraception. Being on it long term though, I've noticed symptoms such as low sex drive and fatigue. These symptoms are quite severe. It's been almost 5 years and I'm currently considering quitting hormonal birth control.

Read more

Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 3 - 6 mo
20 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  4 days ago

  •  Stopped using

switched from levest bcos of skin, didn’t really help my skin at all i think i experienced more breakouts on it than when i was on levest, made my boobs bigger but also i feel like it made my cellulite worse?? also was bloated a lot. sex drive went down like crazy


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
29 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

  •  Stopped using

I switched to this brand of pill after getting quite bad mood side effects on the previous pills I had tried (microgynon, yasmin) as I'd heard it was better for that sort of thing. It definitely was a lot better than the previous pills I had tried (they made me extremely depressed, constantly crying and not being able to deal with stress) but since making the decision to stop the pill a month and a half ago I have realised it was definitely still affecting my mood a bit. I feel a lot more bubbly, confident and more in tune with my emotions off the pill. I found it dulled my emotions a bit - I rarely cried even when I needed to - whereas now I feel like my emotions are normal. The main reason for coming off the pill though (as my mood was something I was okay with) was my sex drive. The pill almost completely killed it. Since coming off the pill this has changed dramatically and is what I'm most happy about. I would say Eloine is still a good pill to try and it has done me well for the past 2 and a half years. If you've struggled with low mood or other mood symptoms on previous pills and are very keen to be on contraception I would definitely recommend it.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill common side effects

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

53% of the combined pill reviewers reported tender breasts

48% of the combined pill reviewers reported vaginal discharge

48% of the combined pill reviewers reported breast enlargement

44% of the combined pill reviewers reported period like cramps

39% of the combined pill reviewers reported vaginal dryness


Possible the combined pill side effects

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

Best selling Combined pill in the UK

Yasmin pill reviews


Top contraceptives for sale in the UK


Top 5 types of contraception for women

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