Ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel
"I started taking this a month ago for endometriosis and cysts and so far I am miserable.  "Back in the day" I used to have no problem with birth control but after the birth of my boys I now struggle with bad side effects (mostly mood related). I am not sure if this is because of my age (40) or if my hormones have changed (maybe both). I had the worst cramps of my life 4 days into my first pack and I bled for 14 days straight and even now continue to have cramps. I also have *very* noticeable depression--but again, I am prone to this so I think the pill just makes it worse. I also noticed today I have gained 3 pounds and I am a hardcore marathon runner--so I know it has to be from this pill."