Drospirenone / estetrol and Depression: What Users Say

• hel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 12, 2023

Drospirenone / estetrol for Birth Control "I have both good and bad things to say about this birth control. On the positive side, it has made my periods lighter, shorter, and regular. They are also much less painful, and those are all of the things I was trying to achieve, so I’m happy about that. But, on the contrary, I almost feel numb on this pill, bordering on depressed at times. My sex drive is also incredibly low after being on this birth control for a few months. I wasn’t like this before being on it, and it is incredibly frustrating for me."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 14, 2023

Drospirenone / estetrol for Birth Control "For the first few months of taking Nextstellis, I was very depressed, had low motivation and appetite. It got better after the first 3 months, but I still find that I am more emotional than before. After the first few months, I also had extremely low libido. My boobs got bigger, and I got more irregular periods, some of which lasted a month. However, I did not experience weight gain, and I did not get pregnant, but I am switching off of this birth control due to the irregular periods and other unpleasant side effects. It's also extremely expensive, even if covered by insurance."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 14, 2023

Drospirenone / estetrol for Birth Control "For the first few months of taking Nextstellis, I was very depressed, had low motivation and appetite. It got better after the first 3 months, but I still find that I am more emotional than before. After the first few months, I also had extremely low libido. My boobs got bigger, and I got more irregular periods, some of which lasted a month. However, I did not experience weight gain, and I did not get pregnant, but I am switching off of this birth control due to the irregular periods and other unpleasant side effects. It's also extremely expensive, even if covered by insurance."

• ros...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 7, 2022

Drospirenone / estetrol for Birth Control "I got switched to Nextstellis when my previous birth control pill started causing breakthrough bleeding after years of use with no problems. I had such high hopes for it because of the natural estrogen and reports of it improving users' mental states. Unfortunately for me, it had the opposite effect. I noticed that during the second and third week, I became severely depressed each month. The main issue for me was that it caused me to have 2 to 3 full periods per month. Sometimes they were so heavy I would be dizzy and have to take iron supplements. I soaked 3 pads in 2 hours routinely. In addition to the multiple periods per month, I often spotted too. I really wanted this medicine to be the solution, but it just was not for me. I did, however, avoid getting pregnant as best I can tell. I would still recommend trying this pill out because I seem to be in the extreme minority with these side effects. Most users have given it good reviews."

• Ale...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 21, 2024

Drospirenone / estetrol for Birth Control "I have taken Nextstellis for the past 2 years now, and I've officially decided to come off of it. In the first year, it was fine. I had the spotting and breakthrough bleeding that others mentioned, but it eventually stopped, and I have had super light, painless periods. In the last year, however, I think how I have been feeling emotionally and mentally is related to Nextstellis. I first noticed major dips in my mood, especially during the few times I was late taking the pill. I've either been feeling super flat or depressed. Also, I became socially withdrawn and not interested in things I used to like - a recent red flag for me. I've had 0% libido since being on the pill. I haven't felt like me for a while, but I'm feeling a lot more normal now since coming off it. I felt validated reading a few of the other existing reviews here and thought I'd give mine. Maybe this review will help others make a choice in their decision to continue taking it."

• Tay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 4, 2023

For Birth Control "My doctor recommended this medication for my PCOS, and all I have noticed is a complete change in my mood since taking it. I have been in an awful depressive state ever since I started it, which is not normal for me. I am usually the opposite. On the bright side, it has helped my acne, but I have also noticed an increase in my appetite since starting the medication. It has been two months now, and so far, it has not been a good experience."

• Sav...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 20, 2025

Drospirenone / estetrol for Birth Control "I have decided to come off Nextstellis after being on it for around 1.5 years. At first, I found spotting to be quite regular, sometimes even mid-cycle - that did stop after around the 6-month mark. The biggest effect and reason for deciding to stop taking Nextstellis is my mental/emotional wellbeing, as well as my sex drive. I have noticed a major dip in my mood/mental, almost constantly either sad, numb, or frustrated easily. I have pretty much 0% interest in being sexually active or wanting to - I have an amazing partner who is completely okay with that, but I am not anymore and miss being happier & wanting to have some fun from time to time. I had no experience with acne or weight gain in regard to side effects. Everyone is different, and of course, our bodies will be different. I saw a similar review to mine, and it’s helped in my decision to stop taking it and make a change."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 9, 2025

Drospirenone / estetrol for Birth Control "I started this because my previous birth control made me depressed/almost numb with my emotions. My doctor had nothing but great things to say about Nextstellis, but unfortunately, I gained 20 pounds when I was the healthiest and most active I’d been in years. My breasts enlarged, and my heavy periods were light-medium along with heavy cramps the first day of my cycle. Aside from weight gain, my mind was very clear, and I finally felt like myself again!"