Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol and Mood Swings: What Users Say

• pau...
• July 2, 2020

For Acne "I’m writing this review because I drove myself crazy reading reviews basically every single night when I first started taking Yaz, and I’d love to help out whoever might be doing the same. I always had relatively clear skin, but a few months ago, I started getting hormonal cystic pimples. So I decided to go on Yaz. The first month was a little hard, I’m not gonna lie. I felt “down” most of the time, and I also broke out a whole lot in the first month, which didn’t help my mental state at all. But I remained confident that Yaz would clear up my skin. As soon as I started my second pack, things fell into place. My mood swings are gone, I don't cry every day, and for the first time in my life, I can say I have 150% clear skin and no problematic skin. I've lost more than 15 lbs, my boobs went from 34B to 34D, and I'm healthier than ever. All this to say: things might get worse before they get better, but in the long run, it DID pay off for me, and I hope it will for you too."

• Ryr...
• May 5, 2020

For Birth Control "I actually sought out user reviews to see if anyone else was benefiting as much as I am from this medication. I have bounced between Yaz and Lo Loestrin since I was 14 or 15. I am 22 now. I have absolutely nothing bad to say about Yaz besides the spotting. The spotting can be annoying and as a teenager, I became anemic because of it. However, at 22 years old and with a much healthier diet, Yaz has been absolutely amazing. Lo Loestrin made me quite angry/have mood swings and would make me lose my breast tissue if I lost weight. On Yaz, my boobs have stayed despite dropping 15 lbs while taking it. I don't have angry mood swings when I take Yaz. My skin gets insanely clear when I take Yaz. My hair grows faster and thicker when I take Yaz (compared to Lo Loestrin). My sex drive is extremely high when I am on Yaz. I actually experience a lower sex drive when taking Lo Loestrin."

• 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:)"

• pho...
• September 4, 2014

For Acne "I had really bad acne. I'd cry about it for hours. I would wear a lot of makeup to hide the fact that my skin was awful. I'm a very sensitive person, so when people nastily commented on my make-up, it hurt. I would think, it isn't my fault, it's my skin! I went to the doctors after receiving many acne medications (which had lots of side effects but no results). I was offered Yasmin before, but I thought I was too young. It was my last resort before going to have Roaccutane. I was 13. I'm still on Yasmin. I used to have irregular periods and mood swings. They've stopped, and my skin is clear and beautiful now. I stopped wearing makeup and became more confident. I would recommend it!"

• 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."

• 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."

• Pmd...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 24, 2019

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I started taking Yaz at age 17 to deal with PMDD and cystic acne that only popped up the week before my period but would always need steroid injections and then scar for months. It dealt with my PMDD like nothing has before or since taking it. I no longer felt like a prisoner to my emotions or on a rollercoaster from hormones! My skin looked like porcelain. However, it does have side effects. After 5 years, I started noticing some hair thinning. I go to the bathroom more often on this than I do off it. My periods were light or non-existent to the point I thought, 'how could this be healthy?' After 10 years, I decided my body needed a break so I went off it. Well, in the last year, my skin has ruined itself with cysts and my moods before my period range from homicidal maniac to so severely sad and depressed that puppy food commercials make me cry. I am going back on Yaz next week. You have to decide if the side effects are worth it for you. For me, I can't live like this anymore."

• 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."

• 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."

• Ell...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 20, 2020

For Birth Control "I'm on Yasmin for 3 years. 3 very long years. I started on Yaz and had it for a year and had breakthrough bleeding, so I was told to go onto Yasmin. Well, I've gained two stone. Skin is spotty around the time of the month, which never used to happen. I cry if I'm tired or angry. I cry if something happens that wasn't supposed to. I'm very emotional. I've had enough of it now and am changing the pill after my break. My sex drive? Nonexistent. My mood swings? Dangerous. My body? Fat and tired."

• Ell...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 20, 2020

For Birth Control "I'm on Yasmin for 3 years. 3 very long years. I started on Yaz and had it for a year and had breakthrough bleeding, so I was told to go onto Yasmin. Well, I've gained two stone. Skin is spotty around the time of the month, which never used to happen. I cry if I'm tired or angry. I cry if something happens that wasn't supposed to. I'm very emotional. I've had enough of it now and am changing the pill after my break. My sex drive? Nonexistent. My mood swings? Dangerous. My body? Fat and tired."

• 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."

• Leg...
• June 5, 2017

For Birth Control "I was very concerned after reading the reviews for this birth control. My doctor had me switch to this birth control after I had been experiencing bad side effects from Blisovi. I have to say that this has so far been the best experience I've had with any birth control. My skin has cleared up beautifully, and it has been glowing because of this. Not only that, but I have had the easiest periods with no cramping. I didn't experience any mood changes except for the first week on this pill as my body got used to it. It's important to remember that most people who do have great experiences with a drug wouldn't think to write a review on it. That being said, everyone's bodies are different. I recommend giving this pill a try."

• Ban...
• April 1, 2020

For Acne "I was prescribed two different birth control pills since I first chose to go on it, and my experience with both was not great. I would experience spotting, severe anxiety and mood swings, and then very severe cystic acne. This past October, I switched to Nikki for the sake of my skin and anxiety, and I have never been so happy. My skin has been PERFECT since starting this pill, my hormones feel so balanced, and I could not be happier. I HIGHLY recommend Nikki for anyone experiencing difficulties with emotions, anxiety, or cystic acne."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 1, 2020

For Birth Control "I have been on Yaz for 2 weeks, and it completely changed my mood. I went on it to clear up my cystic acne due to my period. My skin has cleared up, but my mental health has severely deteriorated. I am extremely emotional and angry and have random outbursts, which I have never experienced before. I do not even recognize myself, and I am stopping this pill immediately."

• 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!"

• Anonymous
• May 14, 2009

For Birth Control "I've been taking Yaz for 3 months now, and I absolutely love it. I've lost weight without trying, and my periods have greatly decreased in heaviness and severity. I have not experienced any of the bad side effects like depression or tiredness, I wake up happy and ready to go. The only difference I've noticed that is not so great is that the first day of taking the placebo pill, I tend to be emotional, but that usually clears up by the second day. Also, if I miss a pill, I usually have stomach pain until I take it, which is actually a nice reminder to take it. I love Yaz though and cannot say enough good things about it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 4, 2012

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I'm using Yasmin as a birth control method but also to treat acne and PMS symptoms. Let me tell you, Yasmin is awesome! I've just finished one cycle of Yasmin, and all my acne and pimples have disappeared, now my skin is very clear and even somewhat glows. All my PMS symptoms have subsided, no more cramps and period pain (you hardly feel that you're on your period because it is so light), and my period comes very much on time. I used to get occasional mood swings before, during, and after my periods, but I haven't been in a bad mood this entire month. Yasmin really helped with my mood swings. I highly recommend Yasmin."

• Haf...
• July 20, 2016

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I've been on Yaz for 7 months now, and I am extremely happy with it. I was always a ravenous, aching, emotional mess before my period. It was hard for me to function when I was in uni since I could skip classes and lie in bed and cry. I couldn't do that when I started working, though. Yaz now makes me a functional human being every day of the month, and even gave me clear skin and an increase in appetite as add-on rewards! The adjustment period was shitty for me because I breakthrough bled my way through my first three months on Yaz, had really bad mood swings that came without notice, and then had a two-week long period. After that period, though, my body has accepted Yaz as its own, and my life is stellar!"

• Avo...
• December 18, 2019

For Birth Control "I started Yasmin 3 months into my happy, healthy relationship. I was never a jealous, insecure person, and I had hardly even experienced severe anxiety before. The first 4 months of this pill, my skin cleared up, I was happy with how it made my body look, and it didn’t affect my mood at all. Another 3 months on, and it was the worst experience of my life. I’ve never felt so low, depressed, insecure, I thought my boyfriend was constantly cheating on me or didn’t love me. I took it out on him, and it really damaged my relationship for a while!! I lost contact with my friends and only ever wanted to be in bed, away from everyone. I felt like I was watching my life go by in a routine I couldn’t get out of. I felt constantly bored and sad and cried constantly!! The worst thing is I never even clocked that it was the pill, so I was convinced I was going crazy!! I came off the pill, and even though I’m better than I was... I haven’t felt the same since. AVOID THIS PILL!!"

• Ann...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 18, 2020

For Birth Control "My doctor recommended this birth control to regulate my period. I was on this for about 3 months, I gained 10+ pounds from this birth control and cried nearly every day about the smallest things. I was so emotional and depressed. I have taken about 5 other birth controls in the past, and they have never given me any side effects like this. I strongly do not recommend."