Combined pill and 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

17%

Out of the 2610 reviews for the combined pill, 789 people (30%) reported weight gaining.

Reviewers that reported weight gaining as a side effect

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
24 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 days ago

I had several fortnight long periods on this pill. My regular periods are horrific so I was initially willing to take any side effects the pill had, and even though my regular level of pain/vomiting/fainting went away, I barely had rests from bleeding, my mood swings and hormonal breakdowns were uncontrollable, I gained a lot of weight, and I still had nausea and cramping. After over 18 months the side effects still had not dialled down so I had to quit.

Read more

Very negative mood

3 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 3 - 5 yr
24 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  5 days ago

My boobs have got so much bigger but my skin it completely cleared my awful awful acne and I have the clearest skin now.


Improved skin

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

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

As soon as I started taking it, my first period whist on this pill came after a week and it was the most horrible period I’ve had in my entire life (it was a longer period then I ever had before (with really heavy cramps constantly) that was the first step in the negative journey. After that, I continued taking it and my acne got worse especially on my back. I had thought it would improve but was much worse event at month two. After two months of taking this pill, I’ve also gained weight which I noticed straight away but had put down to temporary water retention but seems to not budge and have had extreme weight fluctuations like never before and been feeling very off and not myself ever since taking it/depressed, also have lost all sex drive. I am at the point where it’s either stick it out for another month to see if symptoms ease up or stop and cut my losses. I’ve decided to stop.


Very negative mood

3 more effects

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 breast enlargement

46% of the combined pill reviewers reported vaginal discharge

43% of the combined pill reviewers reported period like cramps

38% of the combined pill reviewers reported vaginal dryness


Possible the combined pill side effects

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

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 Footer

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

Our website uses affiliate links and we may earn a small commission if you click on them