Microgynon 30

A combined contraceptive pill that can also reduce period pain and help with heavy menstrual bleeding

Pack of 63 Microgynon 30 levonorgestrel ethinylestradiol oral tablets
Front of blister pack of Microgynon-30 pills
Back of Microgynon-30 Blister pack
Close up of three yellow Microgynon-30 pills
Packaging picture

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Microgynon 30 (3 x 21 tablets) - £14.00

Microgynon 30 (6 x 21 tablets) - £19.00

Microgynon ED (3 x 28 tablets) - £14.00

Microgynon ED (6 x 28 tablets) - £19.00


Frequently asked questions

Why are there blister packs with 21 and 28 pills?

Blister packs with 21 pills contain the amount of Microgynon you need to take in a month, with a 7-day pill-free break.

The blister pack with 28 pills contains 7 placebo pills. These pills don’t have any medication in them, so it’s just like taking a 7-day break. You may want to use this to remember to take your pill every day. This can be helpful if you forget when to start taking your pills after your break.

Is Microgynon a combined pill?

Yes, Microgynon is a combined pill. This means it contains a combination of 2 hormones, oestrogen and progesterone. Having both of these hormones means it gives some extra benefits and comes with a different risk of side effects compared to progesterone-only mini pills.

Is Microgynon the same as Levest?

They aren’t exactly the same. Microgynon and Levest do contain the same active ingredients (levonorgestrel and ethinylestradiol) in the same amounts. They are both taken the same way and work in the same way to prevent pregnancy.

The main difference is the manufacturers. Microgynon is made by Bayer plc, and Levest is made by Morningside Healthcare Ltd. The active ingredients are the same, but the other ingredients in Microgynon and Levest are different. For example, Microgynon contains a yellow colouring agent, and Levest contains carnauba wax.

Is Rigevidon the same as Microgynon?

Levest, Rigevidon and Microgynon aren’t exactly the same. However, Microgynon contraceptive pills do contain the same active ingredients as Rigevidon in the same dosages.

The main differences are that Microgynon is made by Bayer plc, and Rigevidon is made by Gedeon Richter. This means they’re manufactured differently with different non-active ingredients.

Can you get Microgynon on the NHS?

Yes, you can get Microgynon on the NHS through a sexual health clinic or your GP.

Can you buy Microgynon 30 over the counter?

No, you cannot order Microgynon without a prescription. But you can get some mini pills over-the-counter, like Hana and Lovima.

Does Microgynon stop periods?

It can, but not always. Microgynon is taken for 21 days with a pill-free break. This usually causes a breakthrough bleed and is like a period. Microgynon can be used to regulate your periods.

Some women who take Microgynon notice that their periods are lighter, they do not always bleed during their break, or their periods stop altogether.

You can take Microgynon to stop periods altogether by taking your pill packets back-to-back. Speak to your doctor if you want to use your pill this way.

Does Microgynon cause weight gain?

There is no evidence that Microgynon can cause weight gain, but if it does, it is usually only temporary due to water retention. Since it’s a temporary side effect, your weight should go back to normal if you stop taking Microgynon. But, if your weight gain is not a side effect of Microgynon, then it won’t drop once you stop your contraception, and you might need to consider a weight loss programme.

Does Microgynon cause hair loss?

Any form of hormonal birth control could trigger hair loss, but this is rare. This kind of hair loss is usually temporary and should improve when you stop taking the pill. If you are already experiencing hair loss, the pill could make this worse.

Does Microgynon help with acne?

Combined pills such as Microgynon 30 have been shown to help with acne for some people. This is due to the active ingredients which can regulate androgen levels and reduce the amount of sebum you produce.

Sebum is an oily substance that can protect and hydrate your skin. In people with acne, too much sebum is produced, causing hair follicles in the skin to become blocked, forming spots.

It may take 6 to 12 weeks to see an improvement in your acne if you take Microgynon. It takes time for your body to adjust to the hormones in the pill, and during this time, your acne could be worse. If your acne doesn’t improve after using Microgynon for several months, speak to your doctor.

Can Microgynon cause depression or anxiety?

Microgynon contains synthetic hormones that can affect your mood, especially in the first couple of months of taking it. This can cause depression or anxiety or worsen them. These side effects should get better as your body gets used to the treatment.

Speak to your doctor straight away if you get depression or anxiety when taking Microgynon and it is impacting your daily life.

Can Microgynon cause thrush?

While Microgynon cannot cause thrush directly, it can increase the risk of getting thrush. This is because it changes your natural hormone levels allowing the bacteria that cause thrush to grow and multiply. If you keep getting thrush whilst taking Microgynon, speak to your doctor.

Does Microgynon affect fertility?

Microgynon does not affect fertility long-term but will prevent you from getting pregnant whilst taking it. If you want to start trying for a baby, it may also take a few months (up to 1 year) for your menstrual cycle to go back to normal once you stop taking the pill.

Does Microgynon increase your risk of blood clots (thrombosis)?

Microgynon and other combined pills can increase your risk of blood clots but the risk is very low. Your doctor will make sure Microgynon is safe and suitable for you before taking it, and they won’t prescribe it if you’re over 35 and you smoke.

If you are worried about the risk of blood clots, you can use the mini pill instead. Since it doesn’t contain oestrogen, the risk of blood clots doesn’t apply.

Does Microgynon increase my risk of cancer?

Microgynon and other combined pills can slightly increase your risk of some types of cancer, compared to people who do not take it. When you stop taking the pill, your risk will slowly decrease until you are no longer affected.

Taking the combined pill can lower the risk of both womb and ovarian cancer. In most cases, the benefits outweigh the risks. Your doctor will check your family history to see whether the combined pill is suitable for you.

Can you use Microgynon for period delay?

If you already take Microgynon, you can use it to delay your period. You can do this by taking 2 pill packets back to back rather than taking a break. If you use the 28-pill pack, skip the inactive pills and go straight to taking your next pill pack. Speak to your doctor before doing this to make sure it is safe for you.

Since it delays your period, some people take it just for this and not for the protection against pregnancy.

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Medically reviewed by:
Dr Babak Ashrafi Clinical Lead for Service Expansion
Accreditations: BSc, MBBS, MRCGP (2008)

Babak studied medicine at King’s College London and graduated in 2003, having also gained a bachelor’s degree in Physiology during his time there. He completed his general practice (GP) training in East London, where he worked for a number of years as a partner at a large inner-city GP practice. He completed the Royal College of GPs membership exam in 2007.

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Last reviewed: 17 Aug 2023



Contraceptive pills are a reliable way of reducing your risk of getting pregnant from sex. ZAVA offers most common brands of pill, so you can order your preferred brand by visiting our contraceptive pill service page.


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In stock. Prices from £14.00