Today I thought I would bring you a very personal post. I decided to write this post so that I could help someone who may be going through the same thing. Obviously if you are a guy you aren’t going to like this post(!) and maybe some of you ladies might cringe a little. Anywho, let’s get started.
When a man and a woman love each other very much… *coughs* you get my drift…
When my boyfriend went to university, I decided to start taking the contraceptive pill. I had previously been against taking it due to horror stories I had heard about bad reactions. but after speaking with both my boyfriend and my mum at length about it, it seemed like the best route to take to protect myself. After having a consultation/appointment with my local sexual health clinic, I was given Levest .
Levest is a combined oral contraceptive and contains two different types of hormones – estrogen and progestogen. My interpretation of the science behind Levest is that these two hormones prevent you from getting pregnant, the same way your natural hormones prevent you from getting pregnant whilst you are pregnant. Like Inception..? Discuss.
When it comes to the pill, it seems, you can either get on with it or suffer a bad reaction. I unfortunately suffered a bad reaction.
Just to clarify – I’m about 5,1 and I’m about 10 stone ish (I think!). I don’t smoke, drink, take drugs and I’ve never had a serious health problem. My blood pressure is fine.
I started suffering from constant nausea during the first packet – I would often come home from work and just lay down on my bed. Even though the lady at the clinic told me that it might make me feel sick, she told me to take it with food as it might help. It didn’t. I no longer feel sick every day but there are times after I’ve taken it I feel a bit “ugh”.
I began to feel pains similar to period pains during the time I took the pill, and around 1-2 weeks before my actual period. You know the pains I mean, the awful squeezing ones where you think your Fallopian tubes are. These were uncomfortable. However, and this is where it gets a bit gross, my period changed. Before the pill, I used to suffer heavy periods with bad cramps. When I was younger I would often have to just stay in my bed as I would become dizzy, shaken and obviously in a lot of pain! There were some times I would take the strong painkiller Feminax Naproxen (which is so strong you cannot take it for more than a few days because there is a chance of addiction- that’s how bad they were!). Before, my periods would last about 5-7 days. On Levest, I barely get any pain and my period is over in about 2-3 days. Whilst before my period was heavy and, oh god this is disgusting to type, generally just normal looking, red blood coming out of me *squeals* *cringes* *squeals some more* , my period has now changed to a disgusting “clot” of dark, almost black, blood – reminiscent of the first time I came on my period (that however is another story for another time…). I know, I know, it is gross but it needs to be said. Whilst I may save money on sanitary products, the “clot” I now get as a period is disgusting and it can feel just as uncomfortable. I’m not even going to go into the underwear that has been ruined because I no longer get the warning pains that basically says “HEY YOUR PERIOD IS ON THE WAY PUT ON YOUR GRUBBIEST PAIR OF UNDERWEAR THAT YOU CAN FIND”.
They often claim contraceptive pills can improve your skin but I feel as if mine has declined. I have developed frequent, painful, under the skin spots that leave my face sore and blotchy. I haven’t seen an improvement in the breast area, particularly size, either which would have been quite nice, I’m not going to lie.
I could have overlooked the nausea and the complete u-turn of my period and continued to take Levest if it wasn’t for the the main problem I have had with it, which is my change of mood. Levest has made me turn into a different person. Before, I would be quite sensitive during my period and that would usually be it. Now, I’m often quite tearful, angry and moody all the time – not just around my period. During my first packet, I felt so low I felt as if I was being sucked down a plughole. I had no motivation to do anything. My japanese studies, my blog, even my appearance, they were all abandoned – I simply lied on my bed feeling like shit. (I know I am usually careful about swearing on my blog but there are no other words to convey the feeling).
Me and my boyfriend did split up briefly during my first packet. I obviously was upset due to the end of the relationship, but there was one Sunday where I could not stop crying. I literally could not stop. The tears didn’t even feel real, it was just like water leaking out of my face. The final straw for me came this weekend. A jokey remark about my singing ability – I cannot sing and I know I cannot sing – reduced me to tears. Even though I didn’t feel upset, the remark was quite funny actually, my body just decided to cry.
During Levest, I have began to feel really insecure about myself and I have started arguments for no reason, I have became jealous and aggressive. Without tooting my own horn, I’m not particularly a nasty person – I do like to keep things fairly positive – but since taking Levest I haven’t been a nice person to be around.
It is actually quite laughable that Levest, a pill designed to ensure you can have sex without worrying about pregnancy, can make you feel so low that the last thing you want to be doing is anything naughty. That’s probably how it really works – it makes you feel so bad about yourself and makes you argue with the person you get up to aforementioned naughty things with, that you just don’t have sex.
I have about 2 weeks to go until I finish this packet and once they are gone they are gone. I do not want to continue on with Levest. I don’t want to try another brand or try an alternative form of contraception. The coil makes my innards cringe and the thought of the implant makes me gag. Just as others have taken the pill and been fine, there are others like me who have had a miserable time. I hope this blog posts helps someone who may be feeling quite alone in their experience. I know that I felt quite alone in my experience. I’m counting down the days until I can finish this packet and hopefully revert back to the person I was before Levest.
Danniella x x x
UPDATE: I have blogged about what happened to me after I stopped taking Levest .
You poor thing, sounds like you’ve had a right time of it. I’m on microgynan, it’s the only thing I’ve found that doesn’t mess me up too much. The worst was the injection. A 12 week period is not fun haha.
Try some others out there & you might find ‘the one’
X
Eeek, from what I’ve heard I wouldn’t have the injection even if I was promised baby pandas on tap! x
Good on your for having the courage to type this out and post it! The pill is a nasty little thing and I didn’t get on with it at all. I became so, so ill and I can completely understand how horrible it is :( I now have the implant and I’ve had a rather rubbish time with this, but the thought of having it taken out and having to replace it with something is just too scary for me!
I hope once you finish it you find something that works for you, and that you feel like your usual happy self again.
xx
Thank you! I did worry slightly that it might have been “too much”!
Eeee no implant for me :| no nuffin for me a while! I just want to get my body back to normal <3
Hi guys,
I just found this website as I was looking for anything about Levest. I just got them yesterday.
In the past I used to have Pramino (not good), later Lindynette, which was absolutely fine, but then my GP said I have high blood presure and said it might be because of my pills, so they have changed them for Cerazette which are ok, but it is “The progestogen-only pill” and you can have your perion at any time…. then I have tried an implant, which is same based – progestogen only, but it was the worst choice ever – my breasts hurted for more than 2 months, my friend thought I was pregnant as I was still hungry, tired etc.. and I put on weight about 3 stones in about month and a bit… but doctor says it is very individual…
After reading your story I am also very worried about Levest… and I have found only bad coments online about Levest…. so… :(((((
There is also still the patch… any experiences, peoples? :-)))
Have a good day everyone here !!!
Barb xxxxxxxx
Hi there Danniella,
I think this post is really important for women, especially young women, to read because there are some awful things that happen when it comes to contraceptive.
When I first went on the pill, I was put on Microgynen and I felt fine. It suited me, I was happy and in control. When I went home for the holidays, I went to see my doctor for a repeat prescription but I was told that I was too fat to be on Microgynen and it could cause clots. I am large, I understand that. My doctor moved me onto Ceraset (sp?) which is a pill with a week long placebo included.
I started to gain more weight, I became a raging bitch and I felt awful all the time. My period didn’t change like yours but the mood swings were horrendous! I went back to my doctor, he told me that I should continue with it and anyway, I was too fat, who would want to have sex with me?
As soon as I got back to uni, I went to the doctor and explained the situation. The woman was lovely and she explained that if my weight was a problem then I could go on Loestren 20 which has a lower dose of hormone in it and isn’t dangerous to my health.
I have to say that I have not since had any problems and I’m quite happy on my dosage. Sometimes it just takes a bit of trial and error. I know that sounds bad and tedious but it’s just the way it is. I would definitely encourage anyone who encounters problems to change the brand of pill, the dosage of hormone and speak to their doctor about it. Your body will let you know when it’s right.
Thanks for writing such an open and honest post!
Samantha xx
Thank you for taking time to comment!
That was the aim of this post, thank you for saying that :)
I do disagree with the “I was too fat, who would want to have sex with me?” because I think if people judge you solely on that, then well they don’t deserve to have sex with you ;)
I feel like the only reason I put on a bit of weight is because I ate junk food to feel happier, don’t think it’s down to the pill directly. Would be great if I could blame it ;)
I feel like my body doesn’t take too well to hormones and I may be best off just leaving it for now. I just really want my body to go back to normal now, I even want my old heavy periods back haha!
Thank you so much xxx
I know you probably feel like crap right now, but you will go back to normal eventually. I had bad experiences with a different type of birth control pill so I totally get where you’re coming from, and I think it’s good that you’ve shared your experience because there are probably other people going through the same thing and wondering if it’s normal. I actually had a doctor laugh in my face when I suggested that birth control might be responsible for a sudden increase in mood swings – really, doc? Funny how it went away when I stopped taking it. Anyway, hang in there, you’ll be back to your usual self soon!
Thank you for your comment!
I’m really hope so, I’m keeping everything crossed that I haven’t damaged my body – eek!
That was what I was aiming to do. I often typed Levest into Google but no one seemed to be talking about it. It was so frustrating because then I felt, well is this only happening to me? Is anything even happening to me or is it all in my mind? It was so awful :(
xxx
Oh my goodness, how completely awful! I’ve switched pill a few times because of various things: I’m the opposite to you in a way that I actually do get cramp and warning signs where I never used to. The one I’m on now is generally fine except I *whispers* hardly ever want sex now. Bet that’s actually how it works ;’) when I had a two week break, I noticed so much difference. I’m on Millinette if you ever wanted to try again but I completely understand how you’ve been turned off trying it! xx
I don’t think I’d want to go on a pill that makes me not want to have sex, or what is the point of going on it? :P I jest, I jest. I understand what you mean. I’ve been on this nearly 3 months now, think it’s time to let my body have a break and just get itself back to normal :) xxx
Haha it is a massive downside!! Need to take a break from mine as I’ve been on it for years but the thought is scary – good on you for being sensible :) hope you get back to being yourself soon! xx
Hahahaha ;)
Aw thank you! So do I :) xx
I’m 43 and I’ve never taken the pill, I had a friend that died of a blood clot at 20 so you can see how this would put me off. I have 4 children, all planned, my husband and I have only ever used condoms. Personally, I wouldn’t risk it, my 19 year old daughter takes Marvelon, she has lovely clear skin now but I fear for her every day. I know that serious problems are very rare because my dad was a GP, he was obsessed with getting all his female patients on the pill as soon as they’d given birth. Definitely not for me.
Thank you for taking time to comment :)
Oh my god I completely understand how that would put you off. I used to be adamant about not going on it, my mum was quite persistent about me going on it so I basically went on it so she wouldn’t nag me anymore. I really dont think giving every single girl contraceptives is right because there are some, like me, who just aren’t right for them. xx
Oh I am so sorry that you had an awful experience with your brand of pill. It’s really hit and miss and I know that GPs are pretty crap when it comes to offering alternatives or even just talking through your experiences. Unfortunately everyone is affected differently, so what works for one might not work for you, but it’s definitely a trail and error situation with contraception.
I was put on Yasmin as my first oral contraceptive. A lot of doctors to this day don’t understand why I was given that one first before the cheaper brands, but I had no issues with it so they couldn’t change it without my consent. My skin felt good and I didn’t have any bad side effects aside from the odd cramp. It wasn’t until I stopped taking it, however that I realised just how miserable I’d been for the last 5 or so years. I used to snap at the smallest things that I find laughable now, and my mood instantly lifted as soon as my hormones settled back into a routine. I swear, most people I know who are on the pill don’t even know how much better life can be without them. I’m fairly sure my last relationship break down was in part due to that type of contraceptive. I look back on it and think about how aggressive I was, sensitive to every comment, etc. It’s a wonder I didn’t see it at the time, but my personality completely changed and it was awful. Truly awful.
I made the decision to get a Mirena Coil fitted over 2 years ago now. I’d decided I’d had enough, and wanted to see what my options were. Implant didn’t appeal as I’d seen friends have awful side effects with theirs, and same went for the injection. When it came to choosing the coil, I was terrified but also knew that it lasts 5 years, I don’t get periods anymore (at all) and the hormones are a low does in the area they are supposed to be in. Putting in the device was uncomfortable and takes your breath away a bit, but is over in a few seconds and now I just forget I even have it in there. My sister is getting one fitted when she can, after having had a baby. I recommend it to a lot of people, but I also know it’s not for everyone.
My only suggestion would be to talk this over with a counsellor, get the doctors to refer you to one who specialises in sexual health. You’ve had such a traumatic experience that it’s understandable you’d be put off trying anything else. You’d be surprised what they might tell you.
Thanks for sharing your story, lovely, it must have been difficult to write as it was tough to read. It brought back all my memories and I truly feel for you. xo
Adrienne | Late Night Nonsense
Oh my gosh sweet your comment is super long <3
I didn't go to my GP you see, I went to sexual health as I thought it would be better and they would understand more? Like, if that is all they did all day they would be a bit more knowledgeable...
Now you see I'm really excited to stop taking it now because I can't wait to go back to being my normal self and actually taking enjoyment in things and no longer wanting to shut myself away. I spoke with my boyfriend last night after he read the post - he was a little grossed out about the descriptions haha, and I did say, do you want me to try another? And he said no, after reading all of that I don't want you to go through that again.
I did umm and ahh about the coil the first time I read your comment but the idea of not having a period at all does scare me a little. I'm one of these people that panics when they are a few days late, I would stress myself not having one at all.
I will say that after all the tweets and comments and messages yesterday I am not having the implant or the injection as they sound absolutely vile. I cannot believe some people's experiences, for example periods that have gone on and on or completely stopping. I don't know what I would have done if I had suffered those.
I might go back and speak to a counsellor, for my own peace of mind. But for now, I'm counting down the days until I can give my body a break and go back to normal :)
xxx
I think my doctor told me she would never put me on that pill because of the side effects – so crap that you got put on it. I take the ridgevidon one and I’ve not had any problems with that :) xx
Jesus, sounds like you dodged a bullet ;) I can’t believe your doctor said that haha… What on earth was my nurse thinking :( xx
Well done for sharing this! It’s not cringey in the slightest, in fact I applaud you for saying it how it is. I had a similarly awful experience on the pill (Microgynon). I would burst into tears for no reason, my skin was a mess and I felt the lowest I’ve ever felt at times. I came off it and then tried going back on it a few months later, only to experience the same horrible side effects almost instantly. I’m now on Marvelon which is so much better for me, I don’t suffer from any horrible effects and I’m so glad I decided to try a different pill despite having such a negative experience the first time round. x
Aw thank you sweet! <3
That's good how you don't have any effects now, sounds like you found the right one for you :) it's scary how bad one tiny pill can make you feel!
xxx
You poor poor soul! Thankfully I’ve had no bad side effects apart from being more emotional but that doesn’t bother me too much haha.
My friend had a similar experience with the implant she’s been so physically depressed and has had a constant period for the past 6 months the doctors gave her pills to sort it out but it’s made her worse. So now she’s waiting on getting it out but they’re not sure if it’s properly messed her insides up or anything so she’s having billions of tests.
I hope you get back to yourself after :) sending you lots of hugs lovely :) If you ever feel like trying another pill I’m on Microgynon and it’s worked for me for the past 3 years :)
Also if you ever need a friend or someone to chat to when you’re down I’m all ears :)
Kloe xxx
haveacupofteawithkloe.blogspot.co.uk
<3
You see, I'm quite emotional around my period anyway but this pill made me like it all the time. It was horrible!
Eek, I hope your friend is ok! I will think of her and send her lots of love <3
Aw thank you sweet, you're too nice <3
Oh babe.
I had to come off the pill a couple of months ago as the second month of it I woke up in bed heammm, hemmorag, pouring blood.
Hospital kept me in for two days and then said never to take it again. :-(
I was a Hormonal bitch as well while I was on it.
Although that could just be me.
Hope you get it sorted
Hahah aw bless you <3
No I think it really does vary from person to person. I think I will just come off them all completely!
xx
I take Yasmin, my mum used to take it and reacted badly but I can honestly say it is one of the best pills I’ve ever taken. I tried various others when I was a teenager before swearing off them completly (family planning clinic idiotic nurse nearly landed me in hospital after messing around with dose of pill with medication I was on)
I didn’t go back on pill until 3 years ago, like you I had terrible periods, I had to be on prescription painkillers for them as id pass out from the pain and would throw up for the first day, as soon as I went on pill they are so much better, never take painkillers now. It helped to clear up my skin and fixed hormonal mood swings. Depression runs in my family so we do react quite badly to certain pills, I think it’s just a case of finding the right one for you xxxx
Thank you for your comment <3
You see, my nurse was really nice and helpful and she answered all my queries, but then again I have a feeling that if I went back and I told her that it made me cry a lot she would perhaps tell me to get over it! After all these comments yesterday I did briefly think about trying another but atm I just want to focus on giving my body a break.
I wouldn't even mind going back to how my periods were before tbh, the ones I have on this pill are just rank :(
xxx
Well done for writing this post, it’s definitely something not many people talk about openly. If you have a nice GP it could be worth going back to discuss alternative pills. I started on Microgynon and it was awful – the main issue was that it broke me out terribly! I’m now on Cilest and it’s much much better.
Good luck with whatever you decide, as at the end of the day only you know your body and how it reacts xx
Thank you sweet <3
I got it from my local sexual health as my GP is absolutely useless. I went to get my moles checked out and I was basically in and out and they referred me to the hospital anyway. The clinic is in the city centre which meant it was easier for me to get an appointmment.
I had no idea there was so many different types!
And yes, I had a feeling it would perhaps react with my body but I didn't know it would be to this extent.
xxx
Thanks for sharing your story, SO many women go through experiences like this, but you just don’t hear that much about it. I had a similar problem with Levest, though it was more to do with the mood swings that bothered me (luckily I didn’t get the nausea!) and came off it asap. I stopped taking all oral contraceptives 3 years ago and haven’t looked back.
I now just use condoms which people think is really risky but if you’re with the right person and now how to use them properly, then they work! I have a MAP in my drawer just in case that I got from BPAS but have never had to take it once yet *touch wood*. You just have to find what works for you! x
Evelyn @ We Were Raised By Wolves
Thank you for your comment <3
I was honestly so taken aback by all the comments and tweets I received by others in the same situation or who had tried multiple different types of contraceptive. Part of me did think, should I risk it again? But after a think I really don't want to mess around with my body anymore and if I do decide to go back on it in the future I have lots of options. I just want to go back to feeling like myself again.
What's a MAP?? Hahaha :') OHHHHHHHHHHHH I totally just got that as soon as I typed it... I think.
xxx
Oh wow, this sounds horrible! I’ve always been put off taking the ‘pill’ due to other people’s experiences….When I decided to start on a contraception, I went through all the options and
finally decided on the injection. I know a lot of people don’t like the idea of having the
injection once every 12 weeks, but for me it’s the safest form of contraception. Once it’s in
there (uh-uh) it’s not coming out, so there’s no worrying about getting ‘up the duff’. I’ve not
had any side effects of the injection except the little weight gain, but that was to be expected
with the hormones, etc. I wouldn’t recommend it to everyone, but your experience sounds horrible.
I really hope you start getting back to yourself soon! <3
Laura x
http://pale-girl-reviews.blogspot.com
I hope you have a fab Christmas, lovely :)
It was horrible! Just under 2 weeks before I can stop taking it :)
There is such a huge difference between people and their contraceptives. The injection works for you yet I’ve heard some awful horror stories from others about it.
And I hope you have a fab Christmas too, thank you for taking the time to comment <3
Oh gosh this sounds like an horrendous experience! I’ve only ever used Microgyon or however you spell it and after the first month with me everything settled down and things run pretty much like clock work luckily.
Hope you find a better solution :)
Amy x A Little Boat Sailing
Lucky ducky :) there are so many options to choose from… but my body needs a break for now :)
xxx
I am so glad you wrote this. I’ve been on levest for a couple of years and never had a problem. The last few months I’ve been exactly the same, snapping over everything, crying over everything and more recently I’ve been paranoid about my boyfriend cheating on me. Same as you I have a couple of weeks left before I make that jump. I’m hoping it makes a difference. It will great to go back to my usual positive energetic self :)
Aw thank you sweet! I’m currently on the week break and I don’t have any more packs to take, hopefully my body will go back to normal. Keep me updated as to how you are though <3
You poor thing! I have PCOS and I tried verious types of the pill and like you had nightmare reactions, my periods turns from 10 day nightmares to 3 week nighmares! Over a year ago I had the injection, the first injection is your body getting used to it, since then I don’t get periods and my PCOS is controled! Its about finding the right one x
Oh my! I hope you are ok now :) I’m trying to give my body a break for the moment, thank you for your comment <3
I’ve tried various types to manage my PCOS and have settled on Marvelon after a few nightmare reactions like you mentioned in this post! I’m considering trying the injection instead though in the future. I think after you’ve given yourself a break it would be good to try something else, once you’re on the right one life’s a dream haha.
I’ve heard some right horror stories about the injection, eee! I’m still feeling the effects of this one to be honest :(
Good for you posting such a personal post, and I think without the honest ‘gross’ parts, it just wouldn’t be as effective.
Personally, I have been on Microgynon since I was about 13, I started due to extremely heavy, painful and unpredicatable periods; I’d be on for 6 weeks! My gynaecologist advised me not to take a break and take 3 months worth of packets before taking a break.
I’m still on it, I’ve noticed no side effects, but I do sometimes wonder what will happen when I come off.
Perhaps you may feel confident enough to try another brand/type. I know lots of girls that have gone through many before finding their perfect match.
Lauren xx
hey,
i know I’m late, but thanks for this post, i am going through the same thing with this pill… i have turned into a different person, thought it was just me…my mood swings are intense and i cry for no reason. super clingy too… my poor boyfriend
Hope you are ok now, you can email me if you need to talk to someone x
Hi,
Thank you very much for sharing this. Reading this made me realise that maybe I am not as insane as I thought, or weak minded as my partner believes. I literally cannot control my anger. I distrust everyone’s intentions especially my partners and I am just depressed and completely unhappy with everything: my life, my job, my will, my weight, my friends, my everything. I used to think so high of me, body wise, face, believed that I understand everything and nothing can harm me or touch me. Now, I just sometimes fantasise about how it will be like to die. I haven’t shared that with anyone because the thought of it scares me. I just cry myself to sleep most nights and I cannot even sleep properly.
I have been on the pill in the past, Logest (which might be similar to levest that I am on now) and then Yasmin for 2 months), I had a couple of years break as my doctors back home recommended not taking any form of hormonal pill as I have thyroid problems . But then the inevitable happened….I got pregnant, and it was the most terrifying experience of my life, I made the decision of having an abortion as both me and my partner were unemployed at that time and completely not ready. It still haunts me. I decided to take the abortion pill instead of having the procedure because I have been under general anaesthetic before and I heard you can only do it just a couple of times in your life. Bleeding blood and having parts come out of my body was traumatic. I don’t ever want to do that again or experience that again. Of course my doctor gave me contraceptive pills while I was still bleeding because of the abortion. I was on yasmin for 3 months, I was depressed and upset but I believed it was because of what just happened to me and I still believe that. Afterwards I heard from my friends that yasmin are really dangerous and that I should avoid them. One of my friend has been in the hospital because of it.
So I decided to ask for something of lower strength, because of my thyroid problems as well( I am not taking medication for it so this might be a reason as well)
They gave me Levest somewhere in March this year. And now that I think about it, I have been depressed since, angry at everyone especially at the only person that has been with me for it all, my partner. I am in love with him and I don’t want to lose him…the thought of it breaks my heart. but I have been under so much paranoia, and anger, and I am trying to control him, I suspect him of the worst things, I didn’t even believed him when he told me he was at the hospital with his mom and it turned out that she missed her flight a week later because she felt sick again. I just belive the worst of people and I didn’t use to be like that. I really feel like I am losing it….I pick out fights out of everything, I just push him more and more every time. He always tells me that he wants to be with be, build something with me but every time I argue and dwell on it even after he felt that we passed the prospect of us having a life together furthers even more in his head.
I just cannot stand myself. anymore and I don;t understand how can he. I actually had a fight today with him and this is why I started searching the effects of this pill. I still want to think I am rational person but I have this blackouts where I get so angry and so mean and think the worst of him that it scares me!!
I am sorry for probably not making sense in everything I am saying but writing this….does feel different….
I guess I just want something to understand me and not look at me like a crazy person….and reading these stories I can see how much maybe this pill has affected me without realizing it.
just watch this please:
Thank you sooooo much for this post. I recently started Levest because it has the same hormonal make-up of the birth control pill I used to take back in America (Seasonique). However, I’ve been experiencing really mild nausea lately and I was wondering if it was Levest, as it is the only new thing in my life. Glad to see I’m not paranoid.
You are welcome :) I hope the nausea passes! xx
I’ve been on Levest for about two years now and for like the first six months I didn’t have any problems, but since then I’ve had SO many problems! Ive had some kind of developing ‘rosacea’ – its actually not rosacea its just redness and ridiculously sore spots on my face! I get little hairs (sorry if this is embarrassing) on my face and I NEVER use to get them! After that I got the worst pains mid cycle and my mood has been progressively getting worse (and I’m never like that :((((( ) Plus i exercise 6 times a week for about an hour each day, only have about 1,500 calories a day and yet every time I take Levest i get all puffy and bloated so I look a stone heavier! I always feel so embarrassed about my appearance because of Levest! I’m so glad I came across your blog! I feel so relieved that it’s not just me having problems with Levest! Thank you so much for posting! I’ll be stopping these horror pills asap!