In short

  • Microgynon is a contraceptive drug that uses multiple methods to prevent a woman from becoming pregnant.
  • It not only stops ovulation (the release of the egg), but it also alters the mucus consistency of the cervix and the uterine lining, ensuring that these areas are not hospitable to fertilisation.
  • The effect is a hormonal one, as the drug attacks certain hormones released in the body, altering the schedules and changing the way the body works.

Microgynon is a contraceptive drug that uses multiple methods to prevent a woman from becoming pregnant. It not only stops ovulation (the release of the egg), but it also alters the mucus consistency of the cervix and the uterine lining, ensuring that these areas are not hospitable to fertilisation. The effect is a hormonal one, as the drug attacks certain hormones released in the body, altering the schedules and changing the way the body works. Such drastic changes are not going to be without some repercussions, and this drug, like any other, has its risks and benefits.

The most common side effects are:

  • Nausea

  • Vomiting

  • Headaches

  • Dizziness

It is also possible that the drug will affect the menstrual cycle and change when the period occurs, how severe it is and how the woman feels during her period. This drug can also cause breast sensitivity and weight gain, and these are considered to be severe side effects for which immediate treatment is necessary. If any of your symptoms seem severe to you, then it is important that you get help right away. You don’t want to wait to see if the side effects go away on their own because, during the time you wait, the problem can become so much worse that you may not be able to call for help when you really need it.

Even if your symptoms are mild, it’s still a good idea to talk to your doctor about them. So long as they are tolerable for you, your doctor will likely recommend that you stay on Microgynon.

You may also experience emotional changes. As the hormones in your body change, your emotions may go up and down, and you may often feel depressed or irritable as the drug runs its course. Likely, your body will adapt to the drug over time, and the side effects should lessen as it gets used to Microgynon. If yours become more severe over time, you should let your doctor know.

You should also be aware that there is a potential for an allergic reaction. You can tell if you are having such a reaction because your tongue may begin to swell up, you may have some trouble breathing, or you may begin itching or developing a rash. If any of these occur, you need to stop taking the drug and seek immediate medical attention. An allergic reaction can close off your breathing passages and lead to death quickly, so as soon as you start to experience any of these symptoms, you should seek medical help.

Always ensure that you read the patient information leaflet thoroughly before taking any medication. If you experience any concerning side effects, seek medical attention.

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Sources

References

2 sources were selected to match the subject of this article. Link destinations were checked twice when added. This does not mean every statement has been individually source-mapped or clinically approved.

  1. Side effects and risks of the combined pill

    NHS · HTML · NHS contraception safety guidance · Link destination checked 5 September 2026

  2. Combined hormonal contraceptives and venous thromboembolism: review confirms risk is small

    Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency · HTML · UK regulator drug-safety update · Link destination checked 5 September 2026

Reference links open the cited source pages. If you spot something out of date, tell our content team.

Who wrote this

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Authored by

Hywel McGlinchy - Pharmacist and Medical Writer

Pharmacist / Content Writer

Hywel has been a registered pharmacist since 2017; he started with Simple Online Pharmacy in 2020. Hywel was responsible for helping review and author accurate site content. He worked with our GPs to make sure all aspects of the medications mentioned are covered.

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Medically reviewed by

Karim Nassar, Co-Founder, Pharmacist & Author

Karim Nassar

Co-Founder, Pharmacist & Author

Karim is a registered pharmacist with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and was a founding member of Simple Online Healthcare in 2015. With a Master of Pharmacy degree from Strathclyde University, Karim brings a strong foundation in pharmaceutical care and a passion for leveraging digital solutions to improve patient access to healthcare.

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