Yaz and Mood Swings: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 14, 2013

For Birth Control "At first, I really loved Yaz. There was little to no weight gain, it didn't make me have any mood swings. I've been taking it for 7 months, and for the last 4 months, I've noticed a decrease in sex drive, very, very little lubrication, and I haven't gotten my period for the last 3 months... which is a scary thing. On top of that, I started bleeding during intercourse. Each month, I went to the gyno to see what was wrong, I took a pregnancy test there each month, and every test came out negative. I got looked at and got other tests done, and everything came out negative and normal. I've now been very tired and irritable lately, and the doctors still don't seem to know exactly what's wrong, which is very stressful. I'm now switching to NuvaRing."

• Pix...
• April 13, 2017

For Birth Control "Best hormonal contraception I've tried. Originally used the cheap Levlen brand, which made me emotional and gain weight. Also tried Implanon, the arm implant, but continually spotted for a year before having it removed. Nurse prescribed Yaz for me after an unwanted pregnancy. It made my periods lighter and shorter, and not as painful; I have no side effects or mood swings; my skin is clearer, and I haven't added any weight because of it. I like that it has 24 active pills and I often skip periods. The only downside is the price - it's quite expensive in Australia."

• Loa...
• April 21, 2019

For Birth Control "Started Yaz about 6 months ago for endometriosis pain control. Right away, I became emotional, anxious, and depressed with super dark thoughts. My doctor told me that it takes about 3 months to level out your hormones. Two weeks ago, I started having side effects that I didn't even realize were because of the birth control until I started reading other reviews. I'm 29 years old, work out 5 days a week, skinny, etc. I've become constipated, bloated, gaining weight, hungry all the time, extremely exhausted, mood swings, angry at everyone and everything, depressed, anxious, obsessive bad thoughts, hot flashes and sweating, breakthrough bleeding, etc. I have my period every 3 months on this, but my first period after the 3 months is the heaviest period I've ever had in my life. Not to be graphic, but it was flowing out of me like an endless waterfall. Soaked through super tampons in 15-20 minutes. I'm miserable and would rather risk my endometriosis pain coming back than dealing with this. Not taking another day of this pill."

• Loa...
• April 21, 2019

For Birth Control "Started Yaz about 6 months ago for endometriosis pain control. Right away, I became emotional, anxious, and depressed with super dark thoughts. My doctor told me that it takes about 3 months to level out your hormones. Two weeks ago, I started having side effects that I didn't even realize were because of the birth control until I started reading other reviews. I'm 29 years old, work out 5 days a week, skinny, etc. I've become constipated, bloated, gaining weight, hungry all the time, extremely exhausted, mood swings, angry at everyone and everything, depressed, anxious, obsessive bad thoughts, hot flashes and sweating, breakthrough bleeding, etc. I have my period every 3 months on this, but my first period after the 3 months is the heaviest period I've ever had in my life. Not to be graphic, but it was flowing out of me like an endless waterfall. Soaked through super tampons in 15-20 minutes. I'm miserable and would rather risk my endometriosis pain coming back than dealing with this. Not taking another day of this pill."

• bou...
• September 14, 2016

For Acne "I started taking Yaz as my birth control in high school (I'm 25 now) to prevent getting pregnant and as treatment for my moderate acne. It is my holy grail. I used to get consistent breakouts on my forehead and chin, and since using Yaz, my acne has completely cleared up. My skin is literally beautiful to the point that my friends will comment on how good my skin is. Last year, I decided to give the non-hormonal IUD ParaGard a try because I didn't want the hassle of taking a pill every day. During that time (about 5 months) that I wasn't taking Yaz, my skin broke out terribly. I thought it would calm down after a couple of months once my body had adjusted, but it never did. I also started having much more dramatic mood swings during that time."

• Anonymous
• December 19, 2009

For Birth Control "I have been on Yaz for about three years now, and I love it. I have experienced a great decrease in my PMS. I was a monster before starting Yaz, and now I'm normal, with occasional periods having slight mood swings or cramps. My boobs have grown, and my acne has subsided. I get a few pimples every now and then, commonly when my period comes. I do get some bloating, but if I take something like Midol, then I have none. I'm able to know exactly when my period starts. I have only experienced one occurrence in 3 years of using Yaz, of spotting when not missing a pill. I haven't noticed any weight gain due to the pill. The only thing I am worried about is the scare of blood clotting lately."

• Ten...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 2, 2021

For Birth Control "In the beginning, the pill was just fine, couldn’t be more happy with it - cleared up my acne, basically had no side effects apart from bloating within the first month. 6 months in, I started getting crazy mood swings, happiest person alive to the saddest girl on earth. Some of my friends and family brought it up, I was so down most of the time in the last 2 months that whenever I was energetic and happy, I’ve been asked whether I consumed drugs to increase my mood. Mind you, I was never depressed prior to taking this pill. I am 7 months in now, and I will either stop birth control completely or swap to a new pill. I rate it a 6/10. It did prevent me from getting pregnant. It did clear up my skin. It helped control my periods and completely got rid of the cramps. All things considered, I virtually had no side effects. However, it made me feel miserable on too many occasions."

• mrs...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 4, 2019

For Birth Control "I took Yaz for 5 years (age 25 until now) and just stopped a month ago. PROS: didn't get pregnant, super clear skin, didn't gain weight, and didn't bloat (peed constantly due to the diuretic effect). CONS: my periods were heavier than before I went on the pill, I never had cramps before Yaz but got them during all 5 years on it, my hair started thinning to the point that my ponytail now is about 1/4 the size it was before I started Yaz, and my mood swings were unreal. I feel terrible for my husband, friends, and family for having to deal with me. I feel much better since being off the pill and am just hoping my hair grows back!"

• Car...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 11, 2021

For Acne "I’m 23 and been on Yaz for 4 months. I went on it for acne, and my face is clearing up, but I am also on other acne medication. Other birth controls have caused me weight gain, depression, and mood swings. I have lost weight on Yaz, and my mood seems stable, which is good. My boobs have grown a ton, even with the weight loss, they’ve grown at least a cup size. (Disclaimer: I dieted and exercised to lose the weight, the medicine didn’t make me lose it.) The only negative side effect is that once I started my period, I have been bleeding/spotting for almost two months now. Hopefully, that will regulate with time. So far, it’s the best BC I’ve ever taken."

• J25...
• July 16, 2009

For Birth Control "I have had horrible mood swings and have gained weight. I never know when or if I'm going to get my period, and my poor husband has had to deal with my mood swings. I was on Ortho-Tri-Cyclen-Lo for 2 years before this and never had a problem. I'm changing back."

• Kik...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 5, 2021

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I thought it would be useful to update you about my life on Yaz (see September 25). I decided to quit Yaz after my mood being greatly affected. I've always been an anxious person, but I believe this medication made me paranoid and extremely emotional. I would literally cry watching my toaster do its thing. My libido dropped off completely as well. This, for me, was a shame, since once the 3-month mark had arrived, I felt like everything had fallen into place: no acne, no mood swings, stability, weight was going down, etc. However, after month 5, everything shifted, and my body just seemed to not like it anymore. I was SO paranoid. I was even sure someone had installed cameras in my apartment, lol. Anyway, it’s a shame I couldn't continue in it because it did help a lot with the acne and the hair, but those really are minor when you compare it to not being able to leave your place."

• Kik...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 5, 2021

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I thought it would be useful to update you about my life on Yaz (see September 25). I decided to quit Yaz after my mood being greatly affected. I've always been an anxious person, but I believe this medication made me paranoid and extremely emotional. I would literally cry watching my toaster do its thing. My libido dropped off completely as well. This, for me, was a shame, since once the 3-month mark had arrived, I felt like everything had fallen into place: no acne, no mood swings, stability, weight was going down, etc. However, after month 5, everything shifted, and my body just seemed to not like it anymore. I was SO paranoid. I was even sure someone had installed cameras in my apartment, lol. Anyway, it’s a shame I couldn't continue in it because it did help a lot with the acne and the hair, but those really are minor when you compare it to not being able to leave your place."

• nin...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 20, 2012

For Birth Control "This was my first experience with birth control. From a physical side, it was great, lighter, shorter periods, and no side effects. But it turned me into a miserable, emotional mess. Almost ruined my relationship with my mood swings, neediness, and constant breakdowns. It took a long time for me to begin suspecting Yaz, and it was only when the pharmacy was out and gave me Yasmin instead that my suspicions were confirmed, I am 100% happier and more emotionally stable now."

• tul...
• June 25, 2009

For Birth Control "I've been taking Yaz for over a year now, and I'm proud to say I have nothing negative to say about it. Everything's been well, I've got lighter and shorter periods, which I love! No abnormal things happening like mood swings or hair loss like others are experiencing. I think it really just depends on the person whether this pill is right for you, no two girls are the same in that area. I recommend it."

• Anonymous
• August 9, 2017

For Acne "I switched to Yaz from Alesse because I heard it was better for acne. It did wonders for my skin, and only having a 4-day period was nice, too. However, I did notice that I was more emotional and had crazy mood swings. I found myself crying for no reason (not very good for my relationship either). I didn't gain any weight and had no other side effects. I only switched back to Alesse because my doctor expressed a concern about the blood clots possible with this birth control, otherwise, I wouldn't have switched. Good luck!!"

• Em1...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 16, 2022

For Birth Control "I never thought I’d leave a review for a drug, but Yaz was a lifesaver for me. I began taking it at 19 years old after several miserable experiences with other hormonal birth controls (HBCs) that left me seriously emotional and depressed. Immediately after starting Yaz, I felt normal again and enjoyed clear skin, even hormones, steady weight, and light/no periods for a decade. At 29, I was ready to start a family, so I stopped taking Yaz - my cycle immediately went back to normal, and I became pregnant right away, giving birth 9 months later to a healthy baby girl. Birth control pills are so different for every person, and there’s no one-size-fits-all, but I highly recommend giving Yaz a try if you’re in the process of searching for your perfect fit - it worked for me!"

• Sto...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 1, 2021

For Birth Control "I started taking this pill when I was 14 to help regulate my periods and to be prepared when becoming sexually active. Fast forward to now, I’m 24, and have quit taking it altogether due to severe depression and anxiety. Reflecting back, I didn’t have any depression or anxiety symptoms prior to starting this medication. I read recently (within the past few years) that this birth control in particular can make depression and anxiety worse or start it up - so I quit taking it for a while as a trial run and felt TREMENDOUSLY better. I was happy again and didn’t have mood swings like I’ve had for years (I’m also on antidepressants and anxiolytics if that tells you anything). After a few months, I restarted it, and the same depressive and anxious episodes returned. I’m not sure if every birth control does this, but I do not recommend this one for the sole fact of maintaining mental sanity (depression, anxiety, intrusive thoughts)."

• Lil...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 10, 2020

For Birth Control "Been using Yaz for the past 3 years, I think. My periods became lighter, shorter, and my face cleared. But, every month before my period, I get really emotional and depressed. Will be looking for a replacement."

• yaz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 1, 2021

For Acne "I switched from a different birth control to Yaz in hopes it would help with my acne. I gave Yaz a little over 2 months before I just completely stopped taking it. It was awful. My acne was so much worse than it had ever been, especially my hormonal acne. It made my skin extremely dry, lotion and Vaseline couldn’t even fix it. I was told to wait until 3 months for 'magically clear skin,' but didn’t think just waiting a few more weeks would make any difference. I was extremely emotional and cried most days for no reason, when I’m typically not a crier. It basically just put my body extremely out of whack. I’ve been on multiple different birth controls before, and this was by far the worst, I personally wouldn’t recommend, but everyone does react differently, and I do have friends who like Yaz."

• Myy...
• March 16, 2017

For Birth Control "I've been on Yaz for about 3 weeks now, and I am an emotional wreck, but all birth controls that I have been on have had me like this. My face is clearing up, I think, and my hair is growing, but my emotions get the best of me. I feel like a crazy person, crying one minute and fine the next. I get upset over the smallest things, and I hate it. Also, my sex drive is super low. This sucks, honestly."

• Sep...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 30, 2020

For Birth Control "Decided to try Yaz after having bad side effects on Levlen. I have been on this pill not even a month, and my mood swings are absolutely insane. I have very intrusive thoughts, and I go from happy to sad to furious with absolutely no cause. I’m at the end of my pack now, and I have stopped it completely. Safe to say I’m staying off contraceptive pills, as the side effects just aren’t worth it. Not only that, it’s $93 for a pack of 3, no thanks!"

• Lal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 1, 2019

For Birth Control "Taking this birth control was the most awful decision I made. It made me very emotional, I cried every night and had disturbing thoughts. I couldn’t eat and barely had any energy to get out of bed. I was waiting because it says that this is normal for the first three months, but things got worse. I started having skin rashes, and my hair started thinning (a lot). That’s when I decided to stop taking this medication. Please be careful with this birth control, in my opinion, it is not safe, or at least not for everyone."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 3, 2012

For Menstrual Disorders "I am 16 years old and have been taking Yaz for four months now to lighten my period and help with PMS. It has really helped me. It took my body the first few months to get used to it (I had mild breakouts, mood swings, tender breasts, and little if no change in period flow or PMS), but after about two months, it has worked quite well. My periods are lighter, I rarely get cramps, and when I do, they are very mild, and it has also made my skin softer and clearer. I don't get as moody or as emotional either. I would say the only downfall is that I crave food a lot, but that might have nothing to do with Yaz, and besides, I don't think my weight has changed more than a pound. Good experience so far."

• Kat...
• February 7, 2017

For Birth Control "I've had nothing but positive experiences since I started taking Yaz in 2009. Clear skin, light or no periods, and of course, no babies. I haven't had any negative side effects like weight gain or mood swings."

• Boo...
• May 9, 2012

For Birth Control "I was on Yasmin for some 9 years and just moved onto Yaz 4 months ago. I loved Yaz for the first month, however, I am now finding that I have TERRIBLE mood swings... VERY emotional... cry for no apparent reason and get very angry! I've also found that I have zero sex drive. The only time I have one is when I am on the sugar pills... for the rest of the month I just feel numb! Hasn't anyone else had a similar experience? I'm thinking of trying the Merina Coil... any ideas? Thanks :)"