Desogestrel pill vs Cerelle pill

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Desogestrel pill

£From £0.20/day

Cerelle pill

£From £0.20/day

Overview

Rated 2.6

331 reviews

Daily

Frequency

91% - 99+%

Effectiveness

None

Blood clot risk

None

Effect on fertility

Rated 2.8

301 reviews

Daily

Frequency

91% - 99+%

Effectiveness

None

Blood clot risk

None

Effect on fertility

Desogestrel pill ingredients

Main hormones in Desogestrel pill

Less-Androgenic progestogen


Cerelle pill ingredients

Main hormones in Cerelle pill

Less-Androgenic progestogen

What Lowdown reviewers say

Benefits: What this contraceptive can help with

Period pain

Period pain

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£From £0.20/day

Check out our latest reviews

Real life reviews from people like you

Desogestrel pill reviews

331 reviews

Used for 1 - 3 mo
28 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  6 days ago

  •  Still using

Just started my third pack, originally I was on the combined pill (4+ years) but experienced some migraines so the GP switched me to desogestrel. The first week of taking I had a regular heavy period for 8 days ish and then was okay for about 2 weeks, then the breakthrough bleeding started and has been on and off for 4 weeks now, a mixture of red / brown spotting which is not ideal as I can't be intimate with my partner as its very off-putting. I'm due to meet with my GP over the next few weeks to discuss but I know they will just say this is bleeding is normal for the first few months of taking. I did notice some spots around my chin and mouth area about a month in, they have since gone. I'm losing weight purely because of my good diet and workouts but tis good to know I can lose weight on this pill. Unsure if I want to continue taking these.

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Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 1 - 3 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

  •  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
  •  1 month 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 1 - 3 mo
28 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  6 days ago

  •  Still using

Just started my third pack, originally I was on the combined pill (4+ years) but experienced some migraines so the GP switched me to desogestrel. The first week of taking I had a regular heavy period for 8 days ish and then was okay for about 2 weeks, then the breakthrough bleeding started and has been on and off for 4 weeks now, a mixture of red / brown spotting which is not ideal as I can't be intimate with my partner as its very off-putting. I'm due to meet with my GP over the next few weeks to discuss but I know they will just say this is bleeding is normal for the first few months of taking. I did notice some spots around my chin and mouth area about a month in, they have since gone. I'm losing weight purely because of my good diet and workouts but tis good to know I can lose weight on this pill. Unsure if I want to continue taking these.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 1 - 3 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

  •  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
  •  1 month 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


Cerelle pill reviews

301 reviews

Used for 3 - 6 mo
44 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  today

  •  Stopped using

Was told I could no longer continue my low dose combined pill (Gedarel) at age 43 because I was deemed overweight by a GP (a nurse looked at me in disbelief at this and actually initially extended my prescription to allow me to enjoy my honeymoon. GP now still stubbornly going on my BMI) Blood pressure fluctuates at times too so didn’t want to go through the stress of not knowing at a 3 month check if I’d suddenly be forced to come off it depending who I saw. Started Cerelle in January. First 6 weeks weren’t pleasant. Really sore breasts, spotting mixed in with random heavier bleeds, dryness when not bleeding and bladder irritation. All calmed down (apart from Dryness)- by third strip stopped spotting etc. Then on fourth strip started to bleed for two weeks (light enough to be ok) but by week 3 was bleeding so heavy was leaking through a heavy tampon/pad/period pants and passing clots with no sign of easing up after a full stressful week of this. Stopped taking the pill and bleeding calmed down. It took another 6 days to stop but feel so relieved. A nurse wanted me to switch straight away onto a new mini pill or coil but honestly I feel my body needs a break. Not sure where to go now as already my body feels so much better/libido back/moods balanced. Fed up of hormones!!


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

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

  •  Stopped using

Short term symptoms were: very tender breasts and feeling weird for a week couple of weeks. Most importantly I suppose - I did not get pregnant while on the mini pill, so it did it's job. It also stopped my periods completely, which was convenient. I was struggling on and off with depression starting just BEFORE I started on the pill, so it didn't caused thay but but I do think it prolonged the problem.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 6 - 12 mo
19 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

  •  Stopped using

Put on a lot of weight


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 3 - 6 mo
44 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  today

  •  Stopped using

Was told I could no longer continue my low dose combined pill (Gedarel) at age 43 because I was deemed overweight by a GP (a nurse looked at me in disbelief at this and actually initially extended my prescription to allow me to enjoy my honeymoon. GP now still stubbornly going on my BMI) Blood pressure fluctuates at times too so didn’t want to go through the stress of not knowing at a 3 month check if I’d suddenly be forced to come off it depending who I saw. Started Cerelle in January. First 6 weeks weren’t pleasant. Really sore breasts, spotting mixed in with random heavier bleeds, dryness when not bleeding and bladder irritation. All calmed down (apart from Dryness)- by third strip stopped spotting etc. Then on fourth strip started to bleed for two weeks (light enough to be ok) but by week 3 was bleeding so heavy was leaking through a heavy tampon/pad/period pants and passing clots with no sign of easing up after a full stressful week of this. Stopped taking the pill and bleeding calmed down. It took another 6 days to stop but feel so relieved. A nurse wanted me to switch straight away onto a new mini pill or coil but honestly I feel my body needs a break. Not sure where to go now as already my body feels so much better/libido back/moods balanced. Fed up of hormones!!


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

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

  •  Stopped using

Short term symptoms were: very tender breasts and feeling weird for a week couple of weeks. Most importantly I suppose - I did not get pregnant while on the mini pill, so it did it's job. It also stopped my periods completely, which was convenient. I was struggling on and off with depression starting just BEFORE I started on the pill, so it didn't caused thay but but I do think it prolonged the problem.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 6 - 12 mo
19 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

  •  Stopped using

Put on a lot of weight


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

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

  •  Still using

I started the mini-pill as a quick method inbetween the time I was waiting to get the Copper Coil contraceptive. It has worked very well! No spotting or bleeding. Except, my periods were slightly heavier but had little to no cramps. I was very skeptical of the pill affecting my mental health but I am not sure as it could be other reasons!


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 1 - 3 mo
34 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  14th Mar 24

  •  Still using

I switched to Cerelle from Hana a few months ago. This pill has been a big improvement for me. My sex drive is back, and everything seems to function normally down there again! I feel more myself than I had before, my moods are generally better. I haven't had a period since I started which is amazing for me as I've always suffered with PMDD and very heavy, painful bleeding. There are a couple of downsides, I have had more headaches and migraines which I've always been prone to. Hoping they will settle with more time. I've also noticed sometimes painful, quite major bloating. At times I look pregnant (I'm definitely not!). I have managed to solve this by adding a supplement to my routine so it's not too much of a concern


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 12 - 18 mo
19 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  6th Mar 24

  •  Still using

I have a love and hate relationship with this pill. On the positives i didn’t really get any physical side effects apart from my period stopping which was a bonus. However this pill makes me so much more emotional and anxious than before so thinking of taking a break to see if my mood improves.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

1 comments

Used for 3 - 6 mo
29 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  15th Feb 24

  •  Stopped using

I was on this pill for nearly 6 months and during that time I was very nauseous. I also had horrendous mood swings and completely lost my sex drive. The worst symptom however was the random bleeding, completely out the blue with no warning which was so inconvenient


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 3 - 6 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
  •  13th Feb 24

  •  Stopped using

This was great for my mood and mental stability. Instead of my mood completely dropping drastically and making each month unbearable with emotions, overthinking and mood swings, this gave me a clear head and no drop. I could barely tell when I was due a period. Unfortunately each month I’d have a week of absolute burning and discomfort that made me cry anyway. I came off it to get my body back to normal and just risked the mental health side.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 1 - 3 mo
29 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  10th Feb 24

  •  Still using

I was suffering a hormonal imbalance since having my son I went on the depo (which I knew doesn't agree with me) it took 2 years for my periods to come back and they came back with a vengeance. I was down depressed, bleeding all the time, no motivation and no sex drive and constant hormonal headaches. I had completely lost myself. I decided to try the mini pill to have a break from it all and I'm so glad I did I've got myself back I'm happy, jolly and not anxious at all. If your suffering with a hormonal imbalance and need a break like I did I highly recommend cerelle


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 1 - 3 mo
22 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  6th Feb 24

  •  Still using

quite a positive experience so far, noticed I don’t show signs of ovulation, occasional small headaches but not significant, no negative effect towards mood :)


Top side effects not reported

1 helpful

0 comments

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