Minidoz is an ultra low-dose combined hormonal contraceptive (COC) in a 24+4 regimen, containing Gestodene 60 mcg and Ethinylestradiol 15 mcg, manufactured by Exeltis, a pharmaceutical company specialising in women's health and contraception.

Gestodene is a different progestin from the desogestrel used in Mercilon — both are third-generation progestins with low androgenic activity, meaning less hormone-related acne or oily skin than older-generation progestins. However, Minidoz has a lower oestrogen dose (15 mcg vs Mercilon's 20 mcg), one of the lowest among combined pills currently sold.

The pill works primarily by suppressing ovulation, together with thickening cervical mucus so sperm cannot pass through and thinning the uterine lining so a fertilised egg cannot implant. These three mechanisms work together to give high contraceptive efficacy when taken correctly as directed.

Primary indications:

• Contraception — over 99% effective when taken correctly, without missed doses or significant timing drift
• Cycle regulation — helps make periods regular and predictable, useful for irregular cycles
• Hormonal acne reduction — gestodene's mild anti-androgenic effect reduces oiliness and new breakouts

Key advantage: a very low 15 mcg oestrogen dose, ideal for those sensitive to oestrogen or who had side effects such as nausea, headaches, or severe breast tenderness on higher-oestrogen pills, while keeping the same high contraceptive efficacy.

Dosage: each box has 28 tablets — 24 hormone tablets + 4 hormone-free placebo tablets (different colours) — so you can take the whole month continuously without tracking a pill-free break yourself

How to take:

• Take 1 tablet daily at the same time, following the arrows on the blister pack
• Take all 28 tablets continuously with no break, then start a new pack the very next day
• Starting on day 1 of your period gives immediate protection; starting on another day requires condoms as backup for the first 7 days
• During the first month after switching from another pill, take Minidoz strictly on schedule while your body adjusts to the new hormone levels

If you miss a dose:

• Less than 12 hours late — take it immediately, still protected as usual
• More than 12 hours late — take the missed tablet immediately and use condoms as backup for 7 days
• Missing one of the last 4 placebo tablets — discard the missed one and continue with the next tablet as scheduled; contraceptive efficacy is not affected

Common side effects:

• Mild nausea, often improved by taking the tablet with food or before bed
• Headache during the initial adjustment period
• Breast tenderness
• Breakthrough bleeding, especially in the first 1-3 months before the body adjusts to the new hormone levels
• Mild mood changes

Serious side effects (rare):

• Blood clots (DVT/PE) — a small increased risk, as with all combined hormonal pills, especially for smokers or those over 35
• High blood pressure — periodic monitoring is advisable while on this medication

Important: seek immediate medical attention for one-sided leg swelling, sudden chest pain, difficulty breathing, or unusually severe headache.

Should not be used if you have:

• A history of venous or arterial blood clots, or a close family member who had one at a young age
• Migraine with aura
• Heavy smoking and age over 35
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease
• Suspected pregnancy or unexplained vaginal bleeding
• Severe liver disease or liver tumours

Those with conditions such as diabetes, migraine, liver disease, or who are breastfeeding should always consult a doctor or pharmacist before starting Minidoz, so individual risk can be properly assessed.

All three are low-dose combined pills sold here, but each uses a different progestin with its own strengths:

• Mercilon (Desogestrel) — a different progestin, 21+7 regimen, with a slightly higher 20 mcg oestrogen dose. Choose Mercilon if it has suited you before
• Yaz (Drospirenone) — same 24+4 regimen, but better at reducing water-retention bloating. Choose Yaz if PMS relief and less bloating matter most

In short: choose Minidoz for the lowest oestrogen dose in this group, a continuous no-break regimen, and a focus on reducing hormonal acne.

Starting Minidoz on day 1 of your period gives immediate contraceptive protection from the first tablet, with no need to wait for hormone build-up.

Starting on another day of the cycle requires condoms as backup for at least the first 7 days, since the body needs time to build up enough hormone to fully suppress ovulation.

Cycle-regulating effects are usually noticeable from the first or second pack, while acne improvement is usually noticeable after 2-3 months of continuous use, since skin needs time to adjust to stable hormone levels.

Where to Buy Minidoz?

Order online from Intimo Life with nationwide delivery in 1-3 business days. Discreet packaging protects your privacy — no product name shown on the parcel.