Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol and Depression: What Users Say

• All...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 23, 2019

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I’m 40 years old and have been suffering from PMDD forever. Once upon a time, I was on one of those low-dose pills that had the worst side effects. I stopped taking birth control for years and went on antidepressants, which have their own set of side effects. I went to my old gynecologist, she said change your diet and didn’t really care. My new doctor suggested Yaz, and my goodness, the first month has been amazing! I don’t want to kill anyone anymore, I’m not fatigued to the point where I can’t get out of bed, my joints don’t hurt, I’m not depressed, and I don’t have to miss work. My skin isn’t amazingly clear but has cleared up some, and my breasts are much fuller now, which is fine with me because they were starting to become flat anyway. I wish I started Yaz years ago!"

• Han...
• December 14, 2019

For Birth Control "2 years on Yasmin pills. 1. Beautiful, glowing, moist skin. 2. Proper period. 3. No pregnancy. Disadvantages: 1. Severe anxiety. 2. Depression. 3. Low sex drive. 4. Lost my sense of humor. 5. Nothing makes me happy and alive. 6. Morning sickness. 7. Dry mouth when I wake up from fear! 8. Lost my hair. 9. Foggy mind. 10. Lost my self-esteem. I came off the pills around a month and a half. I started doing my blood tests and started taking: - vitamin B - vitamin D - omega. Helped me a lot in recovering! I started drinking a lot of water to flush the hormones from my system. You're not alone! We all suffered from this pill. Believe me, you'll be the best version of yourself after focusing on your health. You'll be fine, give some time for your body to recover and be patient with yourself! Love yourself and don't think of people's opinion about you! You're in a temporary phase, and this shall pass with love. Stay strong! With love, H from Dubai."

• Sop...
• June 7, 2020

For Birth Control "I’ve been on this Yasmin pill for a few months now and I have to say I’m really happy with it! I am a bit more emotional and sad but that comes with any pill, really. I’ve gone through about 3 pills and found this one is the best. I have shorter and lighter periods and no cramps, which is amazing. My skin is clear and my boobs have grown also. I do recommend this but keep in mind every pill has different effects for everyone:)"

• Sto...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 11, 2020

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I was quite sceptic before I started using Yaz pill especially because I read a lot of bad reviews. Also, risk of developing blood clot was concerning. It has been one month that I am on the pill, and I have to say I am so happy I found out about this pill. As someone who is suffering from PMDD, Yaz is a lifesaver! I had really bad symptoms before my period: depression, anger, anxiety - I would scream when talking to my family members, I felt so miserable, and I would have huge food cravings. Now, I feel much better, I feel in peace with myself!"

• izz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 10, 2020

For Birth Control "This was by far the worst form of birth control I have ever taken. I am quite a strong person, and this had me in tears every day, questioning all of my relationships. Physically, I felt drained and ill. I had no motivation to do anything, no sex drive, and no will to even live. Don't even start this depression-causing pill, would not recommend."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 6, 2020

For Birth Control "I’ve taken this Yaz pill for about 2 months, and I’m going off of it now. The anxiety and depression that came with this were not worth it. Sometimes, it came at the end of the pack, but I had terrible emotional problems all month long. I would cry for no reason, have multiple panic attacks a day, and have way too many self-deprecating thoughts. I’ve never had problems with periods before (no mood swings, cramps, bloating), but after starting this, I’ve experienced all of those. It’s been difficult to find a birth control pill that doesn’t come with emotional problems warranting antidepressants. I don’t know if I’ll ever find one."

• ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 24, 2020

For Birth Control "My contraceptive pill has been switched four times in the last two and a half years, and I can honestly say the last three months on this pill have been the worst of my life. Wouldn’t normally write a review on this sort of thing, but I just want to say if you’re experiencing higher than normal levels of anxiety, depression, paranoia, anger, etc., please get off this Yasmin pill as soon as possible. It turned me into a different person - look into other birth control/acne control options. My periods normally average two to three days, I have been heavily bleeding for a week now. This has not happened on any of my other pills. It’s honestly not worth the clear skin, many other pills do the same job with skin without making you depressed. I thought I was going crazy, but after reading all the reviews on this, my story is exactly the same. Do not take this pill!!!!"

• Vic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 5, 2020

For Birth Control "I'm 25, haven't had an actual period in years (was on an IUD called Mirena). It was working fantastically for 7 years, then came the expiration date. My desire to search for a new method of birth control began. Considering how long I'd been on the IUD, I figured let's try something new. BIGGEST MISTAKE OF MY LIFE, it has been HORRIBLE finding a birth control that would fit my body, and Yaz was NO exception. I have been taking the pill for two months. Side effects came gradually, things you'd assume: breast tenderness, cramping, bloating, lower back sensitivity. But there was something much more sinister bubbling up, so slowly I didn't even notice, until I became a completely different woman. I have never been more depressed. Low energy, irritability, general feeling of discomfort, hopelessness, EMOTIONAL, crying all the time. Do your research, but based on my experience, RUN."

• Vic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 5, 2020

For Birth Control "I'm 25, haven't had an actual period in years (was on an IUD called Mirena). It was working fantastically for 7 years, then came the expiration date. My desire to search for a new method of birth control began. Considering how long I'd been on the IUD, I figured let's try something new. BIGGEST MISTAKE OF MY LIFE, it has been HORRIBLE finding a birth control that would fit my body, and Yaz was NO exception. I have been taking the pill for two months. Side effects came gradually, things you'd assume: breast tenderness, cramping, bloating, lower back sensitivity. But there was something much more sinister bubbling up, so slowly I didn't even notice, until I became a completely different woman. I have never been more depressed. Low energy, irritability, general feeling of discomfort, hopelessness, EMOTIONAL, crying all the time. Do your research, but based on my experience, RUN."

• Anonymous
• November 30, 2018

For Acne "I had always had really good skin, so when I started having acne at 23 years old, I was distraught. Before taking Yasmin, I tried antibiotics that did not work and made me feel sick! So I decided to try Yasmin. The doctor said it would be about a month before I saw any real difference. Still, after three weeks, I was still breaking out every day and completely stressing out. I was in a panic, I exfoliated my whole bloody chin off, burnt my face off with retinoids and benzoyl, and cried most nights. One week into my second pack, I have not had a pimple in 5 days, it's amazing. I also take zinc supplements, probiotics, and magnesium, which help. I have decided to share my experience because reading the reviews helped me believe things would get better. Acne destroyed my self-esteem and made me very depressed and self-conscious. Yasmin worked wonders for me, and I’m so grateful. Just know you are beautiful no matter what and know that acne is only temporary and will get better if you keep trying."

• Lif...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 31, 2017

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I used Ortho Tri-Cyclen-Lo from 16-18 years old. My periods were easy without any side effects. By mid-18 years old, I was experiencing painful and heavy periods, with strong emotional swings. My emotions became unpredictable, extremely reactive, and at times I experienced deep depression and strong suicidal thoughts - completely contrary to my personality and traits. My parents requested I leave university, until that night we read about Yaz studies. Yaz was the only birth control with proven study results showing Yaz helps to control PMDD, which described exactly what I was experiencing. Yaz was immediately successful. Three and a half years later, I am still on Yaz and graduating with a Neuroscience degree. P.S. Generic Yaz experience was unsuccessful. 03/31/17"

• Anonymous
• July 17, 2021

For Birth Control "I started taking Yasmin only 2 weeks ago, and I’m already stopping. I feel angry all the time, crying, not myself. I feel like a dark cloud is over me and feel like I have depression. It’s been nerve-wracking leaving the house, going to work, and it’s like I’m losing my mind. I went on it to help with PCOS because of my irregular periods and PMS, feel like I can’t win, can’t find a pill that works for me and struggle with mood swings and hormones when I’m off the pill too. I would rather not be on Yasmin though, worse feeling down every day and like a different person. Do not recommend, looks like it’s rare that this suits anyone."

• Mia...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 2, 2019

For Birth Control "I am currently on this pill and have never felt so low and depressed in my life. I have been on it for around 2 months, and for the past two weeks, I have cried every day, had no motivation, a lack of relationships, and had really dark thoughts. I am generally such a bubbly and sociable person, but I have canceled plans, been absent from work, and had no motivation. This pill has caused me to have depression and feelings of being low-coming off it tomorrow and just hoping it makes a difference. At the clinic, the lady said that this is good for mood swings-she was wrong! If you are feeling down, please come off it immediately because it can really affect your life negatively."

• Mia...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 2, 2019

For Birth Control "I am currently on this pill and have never felt so low and depressed in my life. I have been on it for around 2 months, and for the past two weeks, I have cried every day, had no motivation, a lack of relationships, and had really dark thoughts. I am generally such a bubbly and sociable person, but I have canceled plans, been absent from work, and had no motivation. This pill has caused me to have depression and feelings of being low-coming off it tomorrow and just hoping it makes a difference. At the clinic, the lady said that this is good for mood swings-she was wrong! If you are feeling down, please come off it immediately because it can really affect your life negatively."

• JMA...
• April 7, 2013

For Birth Control "I was prescribed Yasmin by my GP 3 years ago. After 2 months, I became depressed and very moody, but the acne on my back cleared up. I decided to come off it for my sanity, my moods improved, but my acne returned. 7 months ago, I decided to give it another go. This time has been fantastic. I'm 31, and my skin has never looked so clear, and my hair growth is much faster. I have always been a B - C cup, but 7 months on, I am a DD. My mood never changed, and I just feel great. I wouldn't change from Yasmin now, it's been great for me."

• Anonymous
• July 17, 2021

For Birth Control "I have only been taking this pill for two months. For the first month and break, it was fine, but ever since the second break, I feel like I have gone insane. I am so, so glad that I found this chat. I was feeling so low, had so many intrusive thoughts, and irritable anxiety. I have been feeling very depressed and just want to hide in bed. No matter what I did or how much I tried to make myself feel better, nothing worked, and now I am considering getting therapy for the level of anxiety I have reached. It also personally did not help with my skin, I’m not sure if that’s because I haven’t taken it long enough, but for the sake of my sanity, I can’t take it anymore. I am in my early 20s and it makes me so sad to think there are teenage girls who probably continue to feel this way and take this contraceptive pill."

• JB3...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 1, 2013

For Birth Control "I've been experimenting with different brands of birth control for 15 years. I took every pill under the sun, including the shot but always suffered terrible side effects from nausea and vomiting, to crazy mood swings, depression, anxiety and weight gain. Yaz is the ONLY pill I've been able to tolerate. I have very minimal side effects (some breast tenderness, occasional spotting). My skin looks great, I have more energy, I haven't gained a single pound, my periods are light, I still have a sex drive, and my emotions are not all over the place. I get that everyone is different and what works for some may be a nightmare for others, but if you've not been able to tolerate any other brands I'd give Yaz a try."

• Mny...
• October 26, 2019

For Birth Control "I just came off this birth control, Yasmin, after suffering from the worst mood swings. I have never been so depressed and disoriented to the point where I felt like I was going crazy. I was having problems with everyone in my life. I cried day and night and would lash out at people. I didn't know if it was the pill or if something was wrong with me. I thought the heart palpitations I was feeling on a daily basis were just me having some sort of anxiety disorder, but they have now completely disappeared. I can't believe I am enjoying my life again after just a week of not taking these pills. Other symptoms I had were that it made my period pain 10 times worse, even though it's not supposed to be a real period? And migraines-don't get me started, they would last for days. I don't ever really write reviews, but I had to because if there are other girls that are feeling what I felt, please stay strong, don't feel alone, it gets so much better when you stop taking it."

• kla...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 26, 2020

For Birth Control "Seriously, beware of this birth control. I was on Yaz for about two years, and the negative side effects of this pill are never-ending. This birth control caused me to go into a deep depression for the entire duration I was on it. I was on and off anti-depressants trying to combat the negative effects and ultimately got to the point where I was completely anti-social and so anxious/depressed that I was skin and bones. It even got to the point where I was having suicidal thoughts on a regular basis. Once my doctor determined these all may have been side effects of Yaz (not sure why it took so long for my doctor to realize this, but that's another conversation), I stopped taking it, and within 24 hours, nearly all of the negative side effects were gone. Crazy! Long story short, this birth control literally ruined my life for two years. I highly recommend avoiding this unless there is some specific circumstance that causes this birth control to be your only option."

• ani...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 29, 2021

For Birth Control "DO NOT TAKE Syeda! During Covid-19, my pharmacy switched me to Syeda from Ocella. I didn’t think anything of it. Oh boy, was I wrong. Gained 20 lbs FAST, had severe acne, and crazy depression and anxiety. Thought it was all due to Covid-19 stress. However, from doing my research, I am now learning Syeda messed me up! Throwing it out now."

• Bos...
• November 11, 2015

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I am 21 and have been taking the pill since the age of 16. Two years ago, I began to take Yaz after severe mood swings, depression, and overwhelming sadness and anger due to PMDD. Yaz has been a lifesaver for me! I don't have cramps, my period lasts 3 days at most and is very light (not even enough to warrant the use of a tampon), and my skin is perfectly clear, with the exception of 2 pimples a month around menstruation. But the absolute best part is my mood! I became ME again, a happy, easy-going person who doesn't pick fights with her boyfriend over burnt spaghetti noodles ;)"

• Bos...
• November 11, 2015

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I am 21 and have been taking the pill since the age of 16. Two years ago, I began to take Yaz after severe mood swings, depression, and overwhelming sadness and anger due to PMDD. Yaz has been a lifesaver for me! I don't have cramps, my period lasts 3 days at most and is very light (not even enough to warrant the use of a tampon), and my skin is perfectly clear, with the exception of 2 pimples a month around menstruation. But the absolute best part is my mood! I became ME again, a happy, easy-going person who doesn't pick fights with her boyfriend over burnt spaghetti noodles ;)"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 21, 2013

For Birth Control "I'm 20 years old. I've been on Yasmin for 3 years and have experienced horrible side effects. It's great for acne, weight loss, and actual birth control, but my mood swings are crazy. Before starting this pill, I was a very happy, positive person. After taking this pill, I've become crazy, anxious, depressed, upset, and stressed out over the tiniest things (causing major fights with my boyfriend) at all points in my cycle. This is a major side effect and shouldn't be ignored, it has completely changed my personality, and I won't be taking it again after this month is over."

• Ell...
• April 7, 2018

For Birth Control "Trying Yasmin for the first time and honestly, I was freaked out by all the bad reviews on the web! But a review from someone (a nurse) said everyone's body is different so you can't rely on others, and besides, people usually feel the need to write reviews when things are bad, and don't bother when it's good. So, I'm gonna give it justice. I've tried it for 2 weeks, expecting all these depression, mood swings, nausea, weight gain, loss of sexual desire, and all other things people say happen to them... to happen, but NO, nothing changed at all! All those did not happen at all! I know I only tried it for 2 weeks, but this review is to tell you all ladies out there, just try it; if your body 'matches' with the pill (like mine I guess, I hope it will continue like this), it feels amazing because you have the safety without any side effects!"

• Bee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 24, 2021

For Birth Control "Switched to Loryna to help with acne and didn’t notice a change at first, but it gave me severe anxiety, and I felt hopeless and depressed every day, even to the point of having suicidal thoughts. I thought I was going crazy because of how fuzzy and out of it I felt. Didn’t feel like myself at all, had no appetite, GI issues, and heart palpitations. It is not worth it for a little less acne. I've only been off it a couple of weeks, and I feel SO much better."