Yaz and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 2)

• kay...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 7, 2023

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "Yaz literally saved my life. I'd been suffering from PMDD for several years without knowing, and after a lot of digging later, I discovered I might have it. I genuinely could not live the way I was anymore and was about to end my life. I was desperate for anything to make it so I could breathe again (I was so incredibly depressed and anxious I'd have panic attacks for hours every day, multiple times a day, and couldn't get out of bed to go to the bathroom. I couldn't stand in the shower without sobbing, etc., for 3 weeks straight each month. It was impossible to function. I tried this. It took about 2 months for me to start feeling alive. I have to be very rigid about taking this at the same time every day, if I am an hour or two off for 2 days in a row, all my symptoms come back in full swing and usually stay for at least a month straight, and there is nonstop bleeding/spotting. The only side effect I have experienced so far (it has been about 13 months) are minor headaches every once in a while. It saved me."

• Jil...
• March 12, 2021

For Acne "I took Yaz for a month, and it messed me up. I was getting headaches all the time, I cried at every little thing, my acne didn't improve at all, and my period never fully went away after my cycle should have been over. (Meaning I had my period and then spotted for the rest of the month.) Now that I'm off Yaz, I have horrible anxiety and panic attacks. I didn't have anxiety or panic attacks before taking the pill. I don't recommend this tiny pill, it is awful and will screw you up. I've had to have so much blood work and EKGs (testing my heart's rhythm) to see if it's a thyroid disorder or my body just adjusting after the pill. Don't do it, it's not worth all of the trouble."

• Sar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 27, 2018

For Acne "I’m 32 and I started taking Yaz 3 months ago for birth control and also for helping with pimples and PMS. I have just thrown the packet in the bin as these last three months have been the worst. Headaches, no help with pimples, it has actually made it 10 times worse. I went from a few pimples here and there to full acne around my chin and cheeks. I have felt a very dark cloud above me, and it was just getting worse. I had no passion for life, everything was a struggle. I hated who I was, and as a whole, I was broken and very lost! My periods were regular, though my vagina was so dry all the time, and I had no libido. My husband saw massive changes in me and became extremely concerned for my well-being. I was not motivated and wanted to sleep all the time. I’m only 2 days off it currently and just want to feel like me again. Please, if you are considering this pill, it’s just not worth trying it because if it doesn’t suit you, then you will be going through the worst few months of your life. Not a good idea."

• liz...
• July 26, 2009

For Birth Control "I took Yaz prior to my second pregnancy and absolutely loved it. No side effects, so I decided to go ahead and start back on it after I was done breastfeeding my second child. I have some other health conditions, so it has taken me 6 months to link the side effects to the pill. I have had horrible headaches that would grow into migraines, which is not good, especially with a 3-year-old and 1-year-old. I am beyond tired, I can sleep 20 hours a day if I didn't have children. I am beyond moody and irritable, which has had a huge impact on my relationship with my husband, children, family, and friends. I have not had a major decrease in sex drive but have had a dramatic change in vaginal dryness that would make times unbearable."

• Anonymous
• December 1, 2009

For Birth Control "I've been using Yaz for about 6 months now. Here's what I have experienced. I do have headaches. My sex drive has increased, believe it or not. My skin is clear. Also, before taking Yaz, I wouldn't have my period for 3 months. Then, when I did have it, it was unbearable. Now, my monthly cycles are very light, but the cramping is still the same. I believe Yaz has helped me tremendously."

• Ash...
• May 10, 2010

For Birth Control "Yaz gave me immediate bloating, gas from the day I started taking it. In addition, I had severe headaches and fatigue. My breasts grew a cup size, which was bad to me because they hurt all the time, and my boobs aren't small to begin with. I wanted to sleep all the time and was ready to be in bed by 7 pm every night. It made me lose my desire to exercise. On a positive note, it made me feel a lot less anxious than Loestrin 24 FE did. However, the cons outweighed the pros for me, and I started Loestrin 24 FE after and like it much better."

• Cla...
• February 11, 2021

For Birth Control "I started Yaz for my PMDD. First, it was pretty normal: nausea, headache, and sore boobs. Then the second week hit, and I completely lost my appetite, lost all sex drive, and felt awful mentally and emotionally. I would feel depressed and anxious right when I woke up and would have breakdowns every day in the middle of the day. Once nighttime came, I felt numb and lazy. My PMDD wasn’t good before getting on Yaz, but it was at least manageable. I felt like my reality changed, I didn’t feel normal. I didn’t get my period while on it. I called my doctor to see if these symptoms would persist, and she suggested I wait a couple of months because my symptoms were normal...but later that day, I had a panic attack and decided to get off ASAP. It’s been 3 days since I stopped (was on it for exactly two weeks), and I feel slight relief knowing it was the Yaz that made me feel so awful, but I still have the bad thoughts and anxiety, and my appetite isn’t back. Hoping I feel normal again soon."

• mik...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 3, 2021

For Acne "I’ve been taking Yaz for about a year, and I like it so much better than other birth control packs I’ve tried. With Yaz, the first 6 weeks were awful. The worst acne I have had in my life, so much of it was cystic or just extremely painful. From what I read, that’s normal for a lot of people, and I’m so thankful I stuck through it. My skin has never been clearer. My periods are normally extremely heavy, painful, 9 days, and I only have one or two days of moderate flow on Yaz. A major bonus. I did notice over the last five months that I have started to break out on my chin and neck, only on the placebo days of the pack, but skipping them fixed that issue. I’ve not had issues with mood or libido on Yaz, no spotting, headaches, really no other side effects. I recommend sticking through for a few months. I’ve seen a lot of reviews that said they stopped taking it after a month for that reason, so if you’re going to try it, try and commit to it."

• jan...
• May 6, 2016

For Birth Control "Worst pill ever. This pill has caused me to be extremely moody. My boobs have gone from a 34B to a 36C, and I'm tired all the time. I get headaches a lot. Would not recommend getting on this pill to anyone."

• Jen...
• June 3, 2017

For Birth Control "Yaz gave me horrible mood swings, depression, headache, sickness, leg cramps, hair loss, slow foggy brain, etc. I lost 1/4 of my hair. I'd feel so much headache to the point my brain became foggy when I tried to work. I couldn't read and think as fast as I could before I took the pill. It hurt my work performance and gave me horrible headaches and body cramps. My leg hurt really badly, possibly due to a blood clot. I quit it but got 5 big endometrial polyps while using Yaz although something else might have caused them. I had surgery to remove them a few months ago, and I have been sick and weak ever since, became anemic, and couldn't work for months. I get super dizzy from anemia at work now. My body isn't like it used to be."

• Yaz...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 27, 2020

For Birth Control "I’ve used this medication for about a year and a half, and lately, over the course of the last 6 months, I noticed I am insanely depressed. I have never been depressed and have no reason to be depressed. The depression, irritability, cramps, headaches, and aches come rushing in a day or two before my period is coming, then different symptoms subside. Usually, the cramps and headache go away, but I’m stuck with everything else the duration of my period, which is about 5-7 days. I thought this was just a part of life, but after a while, I don’t want to believe this has to be my life just because of a period every month for the next 10+ years. So I’m going to try something different. Everybody is different, but this was my experience. I didn’t have hair loss or weight gain/loss, nothing else was affected, just the things I mentioned above. I’d say try it, but if you start feeling depressed and moody, blame it on the Yaz."

• HGa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 3, 2018

For Acne "I am currently in my 6th month of taking Yaz, and if I'm honest, my acne has gotten worse. Worse than what it was prior to starting Yaz. I am so disappointed as I went on to Yaz with high hopes. I have cystic acne all around my chin and my forehead, not to mention my skin and hair are oilier than ever, which doesn't make sense as Yaz is supposed to decrease the body's oil production. I am at a point where I am about to seek help from a dermatologist. Aside from Yaz not having a single positive impact on my acne, it has been great otherwise. No nasty side effects such as weight gain, headaches, nausea, etc. I am willing to keep going with Yaz until the new year, but if no change is seen by January, I will be changing pills."

• 123...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 2, 2020

For Birth Control "This pill was absolutely awful! It was prescribed to stop my bloating, shorten my heavy periods, and make them less painful. The first month I had all of the secondary side effects listed. I was moody, irritable, exhausted no matter how much sleep I got, had debilitating cramps, was super bloated, my skin got worse, I had to pee at least once an hour if not more times, I had breast tenderness, my breasts got larger (even though I have worked out the entire time on the pill), and I had awful headaches (I never used to get headaches and I have one almost every day)! Since the sugar pills are only 4 days, my period didn’t even start until Sunday and lasted just as long as my normal period. It was awful! I am switching pills at the end of next week, and I do not recommend this to anyone!"

• ros...
• June 29, 2020

For Acne "I have been taking the generic for Yaz for exactly 10 days. I'm 3 days into my pack of pills. I cannot give an adequate or detailed review, but I did notice some initial side effects. I've been getting headaches and stomachaches, so much so they often leave me sleep-deprived. I also noticed my breasts are much fuller, with, from what I can tell, at least half a cup size. Are developments like this normal? As for acne-my skin previously always had hormonal breakouts. Nothing I could do would get rid of these super weird, cystic chin pimples. It would leave me cripplingly insecure because I took such good care of myself. I felt so alone, and still do about my acne. Where I was previously getting the worst bits of breakouts, my skin has become a little enraged by these new hormones. I believe it's purging because it's in conjunction with where I already experienced acne."

• mac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 8, 2022

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I've only taken it for a month so far, but I do notice a positive effect. My PMDD made me near suicidal, crying a lot, etc., to the point where I would just isolate myself from others to hide it. I didn't notice any of those problems this first month on this pill. I didn't even bloat or have oily skin like I used to. The first few days were weird, just adjusting to a new med. I got headaches for a couple of days. I've had consistently weird dreams and issues sleeping while on Yaz. I've had more of an appetite, but that may just be from going to the gym more recently. I didn't notice any real weight gain. If weird dreams are the price to pay for this drug, it's worth it. My mental health is definitely in my control now. I hope this drug continues working."

• jpa...
• April 8, 2016

For Birth Control "As far as birth control... never got pregnant. That is the only plus. Horrible cramps, heavy bleeding, soaking through tampons in an hour or less, passing of large clots, headaches. Looking forward to switching off to a different BCP."

• Que...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 11, 2021

For Acne "I have had acne since my teenage years, and I am now 38 years old. Yes, I can't believe I will be having this problem 'til I'm almost 40! I have tried everything from topical treatment, diamond peel, and Accutane. Accutane was the best, but my acne came back after 2 years, as my new dermatologist said my previous derm did not give me the right dosage. I don't want to go back to the medication, as I know the side effects of this in the long run. That's why I decided to just go with the 'contraceptive pill' route. I'm on my first pack of Yaz. Side effect: mild headaches during the afternoon, and it cleared my face in week 1, then it's worse now in week 2 going into week 3. Same as with others in here, I'm gonna hold on to it and believe in it that it will take 3 months of taking it before you see 100% results. Fingers crossed. I'll write a review again after I finish my 3 months. Good luck, everyone!"

• and...
• January 9, 2015

For Acne "I wish this was around back when I was in high school! I have struggled with acne for my whole teen/adult life. I have taken Yaz on and off for 8 years now, and my skin never looks better than when I'm on Yaz. The doc took me off last year because I was getting headaches, and she was concerned the estrogen in the pill was causing it, but after a year on the mini pill with the same frequency of headaches and the added terribleness of deep cystic acne, I am happily back on Yaz and already seeing an improvement in my skin. Only complaint (mainly from my husband) is a slightly lowered sex drive."

• Anonymous
• October 7, 2009

For Acne "I started using Yaz 3 months ago. Yes, it has helped my horrific acne, but along with that come other side effects. My breasts have gotten larger, and I have lost weight (gained from quitting smoking). But I'm extremely tired in the morning, nauseated, feel like vomiting, headaches that turn into migraines, and lack of sex drive. I'm waiting till the end of this cycle to decide which side of the fence I want to be."

• Anonymous
• February 16, 2021

For Birth Control "I started taking it to regulate my period a year ago, and it has been a rollercoaster of a year. About 5 months after taking it, my mood swings started to get really bad, I always had headaches, my cramps were bad, and I started to have symptoms of anxiety and depression. I used to be so full of energy and always happy, now my mood swings are 24/7 and I have 0 energy whatsoever. Definitely going to switch birth control pills. I don't recommend Yaz."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 20, 2022

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I did have stubborn acne and hair loss for years, and I was diagnosed with PCOS, but never considered OCP as my period was 'regular.' When it became irregular for 2 months, I considered Yaz, and this is a lifesaver for me. It improved my skin, reduced my hair loss, my period became lighter, and that severe chronic pain is gone (which, to my doctor seemed to be endometriosis, as the pill improved my chronic abdominal pain). I didn't know that I have PMDD, but after reading, I knew it. I will get severely depressed and suicidal in a cyclical way and have zero energy, but now I am much better. I know it has risks, but what I was going through was disabling. For side effects: I had spotting for a whole month, then it improved to a few light spots, I had headache, nausea, and breast pain for a month, then all improved, so you have to wait and see how your body reacts to it."

• Lea...
• February 20, 2016

For Birth Control "I have been on Yaz for 6 months and have mixed feelings. It does its job by not getting me pregnant, and my periods are finally regular. However, I have never been more tired in my life. I can barely stay awake past 8:30 pm. I get some pretty intense headaches as well. My weight tends to fluctuate too. I was lucky to not have acne, so I can't speak on that, but hopefully I can figure out how to get rid of the headaches and weird emotional attacks where I cry for no reason."

• SCh...
• October 13, 2017

For Birth Control "I’m almost done with my second month of Yaz, and it has been really tough. I was put on birth control for PCOS as a way to regulate my hormones and period. Both months, about three weeks into the pack, I get headaches, nausea, upper stomach cramps, exhaustion, throwing up, extremely sensitive breasts, horrible uterine cramps, sporadic facial hair growth (I have facial hair due to PCOS, and I was hoping Yaz would reduce it, but it seems to make it grow faster during certain times of the month), and a terrible liquid yellow diarrhea (TMI, I know). I’m trying to stick it out, but honestly, I don’t even know if this pill is helping with my hormones, but we’ll see."

• Anonymous
• June 10, 2009

For Birth Control "I've been taking Yaz for about 5 months, and lately I've been having headaches. I don't know if these are tension headaches or if the pill is one of the causes. Also, I skipped a day in week 3, and I spotted for 2 weeks up until my cycle."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 31, 2019

For Birth Control "Yaz is great. No more heavy periods, cramps, headaches. Before Yaz, I had frequent headaches, and now I haven't had one in 3 months. The only disadvantage is monthly spotting, before or after the period."