ParaGard and Mood Swings: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Tri...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 9, 2022

For Birth Control "I got my copper IUD put in when I was 15. I was encouraged by my mother after her being a teen mom and her having hormonal IUDs in the past. After being convinced by the doctor that it was the best long-term contraception, I was told it was not a painful insertion, but let me tell you that was so far from the truth. I had it put in and the pain was unbearable. I left after 10 minutes and had to pull over to vomit from the pain. I couldn’t get comfortable for at least a week, but now I am absolutely terrified to get it taken out. I’ve now had it in for around 5 years, and I have horrible mood swings, acne, migraines, I bleed during sex, and it’s uncomfortable. I feel it scratch me unexpectedly during the day. I need to get it removed, but I’m just absolutely terrified. Please, if you're a mom looking into contraception for your teen, please please do your research."

• Bul...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 31, 2019

For Birth Control "I absolutely love mine. Getting it put in and then the first period after was honestly very painful, but after that, it's been wonderful. I think my period is a teeny bit heavier, but that is about it. I have not had any weight gain or increased acne breakouts due to this BC, and no issues with mood swings. Occasionally I can feel the implant if I stretch a certain way or on my heaviest period day, but I honestly do really love my ParaGard."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 9, 2021

For Birth Control "I got ParaGard 3 years ago, and it’s been nice not having the extreme mood swings I used to get on the pill. I also didn’t notice other side effects for the first year. However, in the 2nd year, I started getting really bad cramps and pain in my lower abdomen. My uterus felt like it had a rock in it, and I couldn’t wear my normal jeans because it made the pain worse. I was sure the IUD was misplaced, but my gyno said it was in place and everything looked fine. After a while, this pain started to radiate to my lower back, butt, and legs. The butt and leg pain almost felt like sciatica, which I never had until then; I was 28, 115 lbs, and active! I was trying hard to avoid hormones as much as possible, so I kept the IUD for another year. I’ve now decided to take it out because I just can’t deal with the cramps and back pain!"

• Tso...
• November 10, 2016

For Birth Control "Okay, so the ParaGard worked well to prevent pregnancy. I had it for 3 years. Love it, and it didn't mess with my period at all, much besides increased cramps. But 3 years into having the ParaGard, something strange started to happen. I don't know if it was the IUD, but I'm thinking it was, because a month after removal, I felt just like my old self. I was so dizzy, headaches when I went to bed and when I woke up, fatigue was bad, mood swings where I was angry then crying for no reason. I lost half of my hair, it was coming out in clumps, panic attacks that resembled strokes, no joke. My hands would turn into claws, and I would seize up. I had blood work done and even had a doctor think it was a brain or adrenal tumor. But no... IUD came out, and 3 weeks later I'm back."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 23, 2016

For Birth Control "I chose the ParaGard since it was hormone-free and a long-term birth control option. Insertion wasn't very painful, but I did bleed for 4 days afterward. The first 6 months, my periods were extremely painful and 7-8 days long. After 6 months, the cramping wasn't as bad, but the length of the period remained. I've had it over a year and have noticed some extreme differences in my life. I feel fatigued often, have gained 10 lbs without a dietary change, my mood swings are crazy. I can't prove that ParaGard is the cause of these, but I have a great reason to believe that. I am having it removed this week, and I cannot wait."

• Emm...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 7, 2018

For Birth Control "Well, it works for birth control, but I did have skin problems probably due to no hormones. But there were also changes to my mood in terms of PMS and depression. I always felt like I was in a fog and had anxiety. Recommend just taking the pill, at least you would have clear skin, and your mood will be under control and lighter periods."

• 31Y...
• July 23, 2018

For Birth Control "I had the copper IUD for about 3 weeks, and I finally got it removed this morning. First, I got it inserted, and the first week I was having contractions and bleeding blood clots. Very heavy bleeding. It was so bad that I would get chills from the pain. Second, I started to have panic attacks, and my anxiety felt off the charts. Third, my brain felt super foggy. My brain felt like I was off on a cloud, and I couldn't focus at work. Fourth, I felt depressed and moody. It was like my emotions were up and down, and I couldn't help it. Fifth, I felt bloated and fatigued. I was told numerous times that this IUD didn't have hormones, but it sure had something in for me to get symptoms like this. I know that every woman is different, but with my experience, I would recommend the Mirena IUD over the ParaGard IUD ANYTIME. I had both, and by far, Mirena is better. For now, I'll stick with the old school birth control - 'The Pill.'"

• LAM...
• June 1, 2017

For Birth Control "I had the ParaGard inserted 3 years ago after my second child. Heavy period, headaches, bloating, mood swings, and weight gain about 15 pounds. I had it removed last week. Felt better almost instantly. I wouldn't recommend. Also tried the Mirena, that was even worse."

• Nom...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 17, 2020

For Birth Control "Awful experience. Had ParaGard in for 9 years. Had major mood swings (which I never had, even when pregnant), high anxiety, hair loss, weight gain, and heavy, heavy periods (like can’t go through the night with a super tampon without changing it). Had it removed, and my bloating, fatigue, and anxiety disappeared."

• non...
• August 30, 2016

For Birth Control "I've had my ParaGard in for 8 months so far. Same as everyone else, pretty crampy when getting it inserted. However, I love the fact that it works. The only downfall is I bleed WAY more. I bleed through super+ tampons in less than 8 hours. I'm going to a doctor to see if I need to change the device. Also, my mood swings are pretty crazy lately. I'm not sure if it's the excessive bleeding or what. I want to love the ParaGard, but if you have known problems with low iron or thin blood, it may not be right for you!"

• Not...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 17, 2020

For Birth Control "I am planning on getting this removed tomorrow... despite recovering from a concussion. I want it OUT. Intense pain: over AN HOUR. The Drs gave me ice AND heat packs, and both helped. After March insertion: LIGHTER periods. November: they suddenly went from regular to coming every 2 WEEKS. Length of periods: okay, severity of periods: okay, mood swings: severe. I used to love attention from people, but now it feels like everyone is watching me. What was good: it decreased my frequency of yeast infections, but didn’t get rid of them altogether. Haven’t been myself since November: anxious and depressed. This has negatively impacted my studies. I recommend: hormones are better, but go to the gym often and eat plenty of greens/spinach to help iron levels if you have heavy periods. I wish I knew which hormonal IUD to switch to, to prevent mood changes and to help me prevent yeast infections, but I’ll see what the GYN thinks. Verdict: ParaGard is not worth it."

• Chr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 12, 2016

For Birth Control "I was on the progestin-only pill for 10 months and pretty much hated it. Had to be on it because I couldn't have any birth control that contained estrogen due to a family history of blood clots. The POP was effective, yes, but I had crazy mood swings, acne, low sex drive, and it gave me vaginal dryness, which made sex extremely painful. My gyno had been trying to get me to try the IUD for almost a year, so I decided to try it since I about had it with that pill. I went in today for my insertion. I had some issues because my cervix was tight, and I have an introverted uterus. She had to use the sonogram to help place it correctly. So what should have been a 5-minute procedure took 20 minutes. It was painful, but bearable. Just felt like period cramps."

• Rod...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 4, 2018

For Birth Control "Got it right after I had my son (2 months after) and immediately regretted it. Terrible cramping. Painful periods. Excessive bleeding. I'd fill a super tampon and leak through to fill a liner within an hour. Then the hormonal changes started happening: mood swings, migraines, depression, anxiety, panic attacks. Fatigued. Anemic. So fatigued!"

• Nat...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 6, 2017

For Birth Control "To be honest, I had ParaGard in under 4 months and had horrible experiences. Severe stomach cramps, which felt like labor pains, hair loss, severe depression, which led me to self-harm and overdose. Mood swings were very bad to the extent I was lashing out and getting arrested, heavy bleeding where it was going through my clothing, and suffered many migraines. After having the ParaGard removed, it's taken over 6 months to get where I am now, which is I am in more control with my moods, the bleeding is back to light, no more cramps, and my hair is now back to long and thick. My depression is now controllable."

• cit...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 26, 2018

For Birth Control "After much consideration, I removed my IUD. I got the IUD 2 years ago. The insertion was a pinch and quick, and the cramping/spotting only lasted for a couple of hours. I loved it so far until I experienced my first period. She said it would be heavy and painful the first few months, but for me, it was every month I got my period, SUPER heavy, excruciating cramps, terrible depressing mood swings. I also noticed sex started becoming painful when it never used to be. But the worst of all was the chronic BV. The first time I ever had it was 3 months after insertion. I took rounds and rounds of antibiotics and home remedies for 2 years, and it always came back after I would have sex. I read that the IUD could play a role in recurrent BV episodes, so I am hoping the removal will help me live a happier and healthier life. OVERALL, the IUD is amazing at preventing pregnancy at 99%! I just couldn’t live with the side effects any longer. Hope this helps!"

• taa...
• November 2, 2017

"After trying 5 different birth control pills over the years and suffering from major mood swings, depression, hair loss, etc., I read several reviews on the ParaGard IUD, the majority of the reviews were negative and terrifying. However, getting the ParaGard IUD has been the best option for me. The insertion hurt but wasn't overwhelming. I took ibuprofen and brought my heating pad. The insertion took maybe 15 minutes. I spotted for 2 days, and then it was fine. Prior to getting the ParaGard, my periods lasted 2 days, and now they are 4 days. Periods are heavier, but it's worth it."

• Rev...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 18, 2022

For Birth Control "I used ParaGard for 3 years and recently had it removed. I am very happy with the decision. I expected heavy periods and more painful cramps with the IUD, but did not expect the severity and frequency of the cramps. Sometimes they would start and maintain for 2 weeks prior to my period, at times being so painful that I would buckle over. I was fine with that, but what I also didn't expect was many other side effects, including panic attacks (which I had never experienced before), joint pain, teeth grinding while sleeping that would cause me to wake up in pain, and extreme mood swings that were like clockwork every month. Additionally, I had strange linear rashes show up on my lower torso and back, which no doctor could provide a diagnosis for. Reading reviews on here, I was surprised and relieved to find others having the same issues. Since having it removed 2 months ago, all of these issues have either significantly improved or disappeared."

• Mid...
• November 30, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve had ParaGard since Feb 2019. I’ve had BV once, 2 yeast infections, and a UTI. The insertion was as expected-moderately painful but nothing I couldn’t manage. I had cramping and spotting afterward. The 6-month adjustment cycle was tough. I went through several phases of periodic cramping, spotting, achy joints, and mood swings. Afterwards, the intermittent cramping stopped, and my periods are regular. They are longer than they were pre-ParaGard (before they were 3/4 days, now 5/6 days + a day of spotting). I’ve also noticed my PMS is worse. Although there’s no hormone, I am much meaner when it’s period time, and I feel it. I have an appointment with my OBGYN to discuss removal because I can’t keep having infections. For context, before this year, I've had 1 yeast infection when I was pregnant with my oldest 8 years ago and 1 UTI when I was pregnant with my youngest 4 years ago. To be on my 4th infection this year is crazy!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 9, 2017

For Birth Control "Having bad experiences with hormones in pills causing mood swings and acne, I wanted to try the non-hormone ParaGard, and I was SO scared of insertion. I read horror and good stories on it and almost backed out, but I didn’t. An hour and a half before, I took two Midol and listened to music with one headphone out so I could hear the doctor and braced for the worst. It wasn’t painful at all, more like annoying! A slight pinch and a little bit of cramping, and so quick. He said, “I’m almost done,” and I was in shock how fast it went - not even 5 minutes that I had been there, more like 2-3, and it was over! Definitely thankful, and so far so good. Worth a try."

• BeB...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 18, 2018

For Birth Control "It was more of a mental problem for me than physical. Never had any cramping or pains, maybe a little discharge problems between periods, but the main concern for me was feeling depression, anxiety, isolation, tiredness all the time, mood swings affecting my marriage! I never suspected my IUD to be the problem, but it all started after I had it put in about 2 years ago and slowly progressed to being very noticeable now; it had me considering going on anti-depressants!"

• Lib...
• July 13, 2018

For Birth Control "I've had my implant for about 3 years now, the only complaint that I have is the cramping around my period is sometimes unbearable (but manageable). I regularly check to make sure it's in place, so far so good! The procedure of getting it implanted is the most uncomfortable part, though. However, if you've had a pap, it won't be an unfamiliar feeling. No mood swings, no weight gain, no happy accidents!"

• ran...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 1, 2019

For Birth Control "STOP! Do not use ParaGard! You can thank me later after reading the horrible reviews. My symptoms were (just removed today at 10:40am Yeah!) to name a few: severe burning sensation on the left side of my throat, pain occurring all over my body at different times, horrible mood swings, kidney issues (bubbles in my urine), insomnia. I had ParaGard for 2 years. 3 hours after removal, I felt 50% better. I requested my gyno to give me a copper test, and she did-waiting on results. I'm slowly getting to be me again."

• Sav...
• June 7, 2017

For Birth Control "I've had 2 ParaGard put in, the first was in for 10 years and the second one was in for 3 years. I've been experiencing hair loss, mood swings, memory loss, urinary tract infections. I was hospitalized for a cyst on my fallopian tube that was about to burst. Constant migraines to where I can't function the whole day. Severe scalp pain that causes blurry vision. I've told the doctors, and nobody will believe me or even listen. Helpless."

• Ril...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 22, 2017

For Birth Control "Always do research before putting anything in your body. My doctor said it was safe with no symptoms except heavy periods, which were crazy heavy! The actual procedure isn't bad. However, I had extreme hip pain for weeks afterward. My stomach was always bloated, and depending on how I moved, I would get a sharp pain in my lower stomach. I had extreme anxiety and depression. I couldn't sleep, and I was tired all the time. I had to take sleeping pills. And holy mood swings! I cried because I ran out of hot water in the shower... The worst part was my hair falling out in clumps! After 2 1/2 months I was done. I've been off of it for a month and I feel so much better. My mood is better, no pain, and I'm able to sleep without pills."

• Ate...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 28, 2021

For Birth Control "I switched from Mirena to ParaGard in December 2020. I felt my mood swings disappear and my food cravings disappear as well. I got my first period in January 2021 and have had a monthly cycle. One cycle was so heavy that I could not leave the house for one day because nothing would contain the bleeding. Then I resumed a regular 8-day cycle. I now have had a light period for 30 days. I'm waiting for the bleeding to end. Hopefully, it is just a one-time thing. The bleeding is never-ending."