Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder User Reviews (Page 3)

• Anonymous
• January 15, 2009

"I've been taking Yaz for two years for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), combined with a low dose of Prozac. It has been a great combination for me. I used to have extreme mood swings about a week before my period, even to the point of getting myself in trouble at work. Now, I hardly feel my period coming on, and it's smooth sailing all month."

• Jas...
• January 2, 2016

"I started this pill because I was having crazy mood swings and just not feeling like myself at least 3 weeks out of the month. My doctor prescribed me this, hoping it would also treat my acne along with PMDD. Well, the first month was pretty rough as far as my acne was concerned, but it wasn't as bad as I've read in other reviews. I had a few painful cystic pimples within 2 weeks of taking Yaz. I felt really embarrassed because my old pill (Loestrin) gave me clear skin, and I wasn't used to acne anymore. Well, now I'm about to start my 4 inactive pills, and about 3 days ago my skin just cleared up like MAGIC. I read that it takes about 3 months to level out your hormones. But I finally feel like myself again! No more crazy crying fits!!"

• amk...
• July 4, 2008

"I was on Loestrin 24 for 3 months and noticed a lot more moodiness and irritability, so they put me on Yaz, and immediately I felt better. I have much more energy. I feel better, no bloating, and I'm just generally happy. Much more like I was before I began birth control. I love it."

• sle...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 7, 2016

"I just started Yaz almost 4 weeks ago. I am 42 years old, I have my tubes tied, so I don't need this for birth control, but I started having perimenopause issues and I needed something to fix my hormones ASAP. I actually asked for Yaz. The first three days I was extremely tired, but I was also extremely chill. After day 2, things started looking better, and each day after that it gets better and better. This has helped the moods quite a bit, right now, the only con is that my sex drive is lower, but I am going to give my body some more time to adjust to the hormones before I make any changes. I plan on taking this pill back to back to eliminate my periods. I'll check back in another month."

• Fli...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 14, 2019

"I thought it would be useful to share my experience of Yaz for PMDD. I found Yaz so helpful for my moods. Emotionally, it really did balance me out a lot. I felt in control of my life again. No more panic attacks, heavy bleeding, bloating, and no more week-long depression. It was great. For my acne, however, it really flared things up. I persisted through till nine months of taking it. But I decided the skin just wasn't improving, so I gave up hope that it would. Since stopping, my skin has cleared up beautifully. If you are similar to me, persevere for at least six months. But it may not work for you either. Keep looking for something that works for you."

• Bia...
• May 26, 2022

"Day 1 back on this after being off it for 4.5 years. Already feeling the change for the better, and I feel normal again. I feel like I’m getting my life back! I almost lost my life to PMDD a few times, and it’s not a good place to be. Wasn’t functioning before, today was so productive. I feel like this small tweak has already turned things around with my hormones. It’s only Day 1, but wow, I’m so, so pleased to be feeling better and getting things done. I really hope to keep this momentum going."

• Fru...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 11, 2022

"I started taking this pill 1.5 months ago for PMDD. I still have PMS to some degree, but my mood is SO MUCH BETTER! I was really skeptical to take this at first because of all the negative experiences I read, but I gave it a try anyway. I feel like I am myself again. I feel happier, am less anxious (which was severe), I can handle stressful situations better. My sex drive has gone up because I’m not always in pain or depressed anymore. I still need to take it longer to notice full effects, but the ones I’ve already noticed are life-changing for me. I am so much more confident about myself. I don’t feel “puffy” anymore. No more swollen stomach. My acne is not gone (yet), but is a LOT better than it used to be. My wounds heal better. My skin looks more moisturized and clear. I have more energy. The only downside is that I’m very tired in the morning. I will come back for an update after 3 months of taking it."

• Umb...
• October 6, 2014

"I've been on Yaz for over 3 years now. It's the only birth control I've been on, and it's been amazing. I suffer from severe PMDD, and I was placed on it. So far, my PMDD is not fully gone, but it has helped my life tremendously. My period used to be 8 days long and extremely heavy. Now it's around 5 days and very light. I used to get severe cramping, and now I rarely cramp. I also had mild acne, and it's virtually gone now, except for the few I get right before my period. For physical issues from my period, it has been really successful, but for the emotional issues, it has helped mildly. I still get the panic, anger, and depression up to a week before my period, but it has calmed down. Also, no pregnancy scares at all or weight gain."

• dru...
• November 26, 2009

"Took Yaz for PMDD and helped my symptoms related to my PMDD. But, please be aware: I ended up with a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). I am a 38-year-old woman who is very athletic and extremely healthy...it's not just a warning for 'smokers'!"

• Yas...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 1, 2017

"I've been on Yasmin for about a month and a half now. I didn't experience any side effects for the first two weeks of taking it, and then gradually I started feeling more moody, irritable, and depressed. My sex drive also went away around the time it would normally be in overdrive. I haven't gotten any acne from this pill, nor weight gain. I did notice that I wasn't nearly as crazy just before my period like normal, so it has helped with actual PMDD so far. I'm now halfway through my second month on it, and it actually seems better so far. My sex drive has improved, and I haven't been moody or depressed. Still no acne or weight gain. I think this pill just takes time to adjust to your body for some people."

• gui...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 10, 2012

"This is my second day on Yaz. I have been on countless other birth control methods such as Marvelon, Tri-Cyclen Lo, Demulen, and most recently, Aviane. When I was on Marvelon, I never noticed anything while I was taking the pills side effect-wise, but my periods were unbearably heavy. On Tri-Cyclen, my period was light, but it never stopped for three months! On Demulen, I went into a deep depression that I am still getting over. And finally, on Aviane, it was great, but I gained about 40 lbs in the past year. I went on Yaz to help keep me upbeat and happy (coupled with my daily dose of Prozac) and to hopefully help me shed some weight and give me comfortable and short periods. So far, so good. High libido and no negative side effects except slight headache."

• Van...
• October 19, 2019

"After trying an IUD and two other pills, I was turned off by the idea of birth control because of how horribly depressed and moody the others made me feel. Gianvi has been totally different. I suffer from anxiety, acne, and PMDD. I have been taking Gianvi for about 4 months now. Emotionally, I feel the same as I did before, except my PMDD has improved drastically. It is not completely gone, but instead of feeling suicidally depressed for two weeks before my period, I just get a little down for only a few days, which is huge for me. I have always struggled with acne, and my skin has cleared up significantly since being on this pill. I still get pimples here and there, but nothing like before. Weight gain was a big concern of mine, but I am happy to report that I have not gained weight from this pill. And a bonus is that my boobs have gotten a bit bigger too! While Gianvi has not completely eradicated my acne or PMDD, I am so happy to have found a birth control pill that works well for me."

• Anonymous
• October 5, 2012

"I have been on Gianvi for about 5 years or more. I have severe PMDD problems, as well as a family history of severe period problems as well (too heavy bleeding, cramps, etc.). Yaz has improved my PMDD symptoms by about 80%. It also makes my periods very light and easy with no cramps. I also have bad hormonal acne, and Yaz clears my skin and makes it glow. I still get 1 or 2 pimples around my period, but that's it. I went off Yaz for 9 months, and it gave me horrible rebound cystic acne that makes me reinstate (my skin was getting ruined!). I am staying on it indefinitely and am fine with that. I love it."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 6, 2021

"I am a 39-year-old woman. I started taking Vestura five weeks ago to help with extreme mood swings during PMS. It's been 10 years since I last used birth control pills. I skipped the placebo pills and went into the next pack of active pills as advised by my doctor, but a week into the new pack I experienced medium-to-heavy breakthrough bleeding, cramps, nausea, and emotional distress, including crying spells and passive suicidal thoughts. I do have a history of anxiety and depression, but I'm concerned about continuing to take this pill if there's a possibility it's bringing on these intense emotions. I've decided to stop taking it rather than 'wait it out' another few months."

• Han...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 12, 2019

"Nikki was the first form of birth control I have ever taken to make my period symptoms better, and I can say I absolutely recommend this medication. My acne has gotten so much better, I get compliments on how clear my skin is all the time now. Also, I have no symptoms from my period now, where before Nikki, I was throwing up and passing out. Strongly recommend this for anyone who experiences the same symptoms!"

• Iri...
• May 17, 2013

"This is the best birth control I have ever been on! I'm willing to pay extra for it. Give it a chance, ignore the negative reviews (everyone is different). This birth control keeps me happy, did not affect my sex drive, continues to keep my skin clear, and as an added bonus, I gained a cup size. I give it an A, about time something works right for me."

• Eri...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 1, 2018

"I really loved this pill. It seems to get poor reviews online, but it worked wonders for me. Its effect on PMDD helped me manage my appetite surges, cramps, mood swings, migraines, and muscle aches around my menstrual cycle, which were specifically the reasons I started taking this pill. I did not experience side effects, except breast tenderness in the early months."

• Lun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 14, 2022

"Yaz is the only thing that has helped me with my PMDD. I was hysterically crying and depressed every month for 1-2 weeks before my period, antidepressants didn’t help because it’s a severe hormonal issue. I know this birth control isn’t an option for everyone, but it has really helped me. I wanted to share this positive experience to give someone out there hope."

• Anonymous
• March 9, 2008

"I have used this medication for a month now, and I have been extremely tired. I would wake up in the morning, eat breakfast, take the pill, and go back to sleep for hours. Constantly tired or nauseated. I am wondering if I should stop taking them right now."

• Sha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 29, 2018

"I took Yaz in college and never had any issues with anxiety, depression, and anger. Well, now I realize why.....I was on Yaz. Now in my thirties, I have struggled with PMDD for over five years. Finally decided to go back to Yaz to relieve my symptoms, and it's effective. My first month was easy, I felt a difference immediately. Now, on my second month, I have some bleeding and noticed my hormones are up and down towards the end of the pack. Looking forward to my third month, hopefully the light bleeding will stop."

• Anonymous
• December 3, 2009

"Yaz gave me my life back. Before I started taking it, I had reached a point where I just couldn't imagine living the rest of my life with the upheaval caused by PMDD. While it doesn't take 100% of the symptoms away, it makes life livable again. I had to stop taking it for a month, recently, because of a prescribing miscommunication, and I was reminded just how much it does help, and how much my quality of life declines without it. The drawback, however, is the cost. My insurance does not cover it, and the cost steadily increases. It's an awful catch-22, to need something so badly in order to be able to fully live one's life, but to have to struggle to afford it. I'm waiting anxiously for a generic to be available!"

• Tak...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 1, 2021

"I've been on a birth control journey for four years now, and after having issues with previous birth control methods, my doctor decided to have me try Yaz. At first, I was excited because my doctor had also told me that I probably have PMDD, and Yaz is supposed to help with that (as well as my hormonal acne flare-ups). The first few months were okay, however, in month 6 of taking Yaz, I essentially had a mental breakdown like I've never had before. Then, in month 7, I had two breakdowns, two weeks apart. At that point, I decided to quit taking my birth control altogether and see if it helped. It's been two months now since I haven't taken ANY birth control, and the difference to me is night and day. Only time will tell if I can truly attribute my breakdowns to Yaz, but I just feel so much more 'normal' off of it. My anxiety has gone down, I don't feel so depressed/suicidal, and I feel more social. I'm hoping I can eventually find a method that will finally work for me."

• Mja...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 27, 2019

"Starting month 3 on Yaz... and I have to say my PMDD is much better. Not altogether gone, but much more tolerable. I actually think I'm losing weight, and my boobs are fuller, definitely a bonus. I do feel tired a lot more, not much energy, but I can deal. I'm definitely going to continue with medication. One other negative, insurance only covers generic, so having to pay $$$ each month to get the real deal, but I feel it's worth it. There are some really good coupons online that help reduce the cost."

• Anonymous
• November 7, 2009

"I highly recommend Yaz for anyone experiencing awful PMS/PMDD. I was on a generic pill, Lutera, for around 6 months, and each month my symptoms got worse and worse. The last week that I was on it was one of the worst weeks of my life: mood swings, roller coaster emotions, suicidal thoughts, and I begged my doctor to put in an IUD. She had me try Yaz, and I'm glad she did. For the first month, I cramped more than usual and my breasts were tender, but the change in my emotional level is amazing. I can actually function! This drug was life-changing for me."

• Kez...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 19, 2018

"I have had severe depression and anxiety since my early teens. I’m now 29, and last year I went off Effexor (antidepressant) as it stopped working. I went on a number of antidepressants after that. The last one was Prozac, which gave me the worst acne of my life, even 6 months after I came off it. I’ve been on Yasmin for just a month, and finally, my acne has calmed down. My skin is almost entirely clear, my moods have stabilized (still get a bit depressed and anxious but recover quickly), and my boobs have gone up TWO CUP SIZES! I have always been really flat-chested, and suddenly I have boobs, it’s great. They are painful, hopefully, that subsides. Even if they go back to normal, I am so thankful to Yasmin. I feel sane again!"