NuvaRing and Depression: What Users Say (Page 5)

• zo1...
• April 7, 2016

For Birth Control "Pros: insert once a month & forget about it. Cons: little to no sex drive, anxiety, mood swings, anger, depression, dryness, burning during and after sex, bloating, slight weight gain near stomach. I've been on and off of NuvaRing since 2011. And it wasn't until this last time that I realized that it is what's causing or at least helping all of these negative things. I've now been on it for 10 months straight, and I am taking it out tonight and saying good riddance. I love the idea of NuvaRing, but the side effects made my life/my boyfriend just a little bit more miserable than it needs to be. But I also know it really does work for some people, just not for me!"

• Tay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 25, 2018

For Birth Control "I started Depo in March of 2016, decided to try out NuvaRing because of the ease, and I felt like I would be in control of my body. I started NuvaRing in November of 2017, and nothing extremely noticeable went wrong. The months passed, and I started to notice my hair was thinning, but I didn’t think much of it. February of 2018 is when everything went TERRIBLE. Insomnia, anxiety, depression. I was a MAD WOMAN, I just couldn’t pinpoint my change in emotions to NuvaRing. One morning in June, I woke up and could literally not stop crying for no reason, something instantly snapped, and I snatched the NuvaRing out that day. Suddenly, my mood changed for the better. Here I am in August, and my mood swings are awful the week of my period. It feels like I’m on NuvaRing all over again. Hopefully, my hormones balance out, and I’m not stuck feeling like this the rest of my life."

• dis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 12, 2018

For Birth Control "I have been using the NuvaRing for about 2 weeks, roughly. It has caused me stomach aches in the beginning, followed by headaches. As it's coming up to the date where I'm supposed to take it out, I'm feeling menstrual cramps, mood swings, anxiety/panic attacks, and waves of depression. I do not feel like myself. I can't sleep, and I can't eat properly. I was recommended to use this medication because I was diagnosed with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome). I am 24 years old, I have never been on birth control till now. I will be making an appointment with my doctor about this, it's actually really bad."

• Jen...
• May 5, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been on NuvaRing one month so far. I love it! No weight gain yet, my skin is staying clear, increased sex drive a lot. I feel a bit sad, but I've felt like this since the birth of my son 6 weeks ago. Overall, I would recommend this to any woman looking for birth control."

• Thi...
• November 11, 2018

For Birth Control "Horrible depression, no motivation, horrible, horrible anger. The second I started on NuvaRing (for endometriosis), I had terrible diarrhea EVERY single day. I stopped for 2 months and had no stomach issues, and I felt like myself again. I went back on NuvaRing to give it another try and had instant diarrhea that I couldn’t eat anything throughout the day until I was done with my day to prepare to be in the bathroom ALL night long. Don't like this birth control."

• cat...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 24, 2021

For Birth Control "Was on NuvaRing for more than 3 years. First year it was perfect (after 3-month adjustment period when I had spotting). No other side effects. I used it to skip my period (left in for 4 weeks instead of 3, which is safe). Only had to remember it 1x/month. The second 2-3 years I was on it, my depression and anxiety got worse (not caused by NuvaRing but exaggerated by it). I had no sex drive. It started to cause some dryness and irritation, which made sex uncomfortable. I gained 15-20 pounds, and my boobs went up a cup size and were very sore all the time. I couldn’t lose weight no matter what I did, and I’m naturally very active and eat well. I stayed on it for a while after this because my initial experience with it was so good. Then one day I had a ring break inside of me (only in week 2), it caused a lot of pain. I went to the doctor thinking I had a UTI. At this point, I decided it was time to stop, the side effects were worse than the benefits for me."

• Anonymous
• June 6, 2018

For Birth Control "I've been on NuvaRing for 3 months, and it's been the worst decision I have ever made. I'm removing it today. Since I started NuvaRing, I get strong headaches, nausea, dizziness, depression, anger, dizziness."

• nuv...
• December 19, 2017

For Birth Control "AWFUL. Google excessive bleeding on NuvaRing. This isn't spotting. This is MONTHS of bleeding. Very effective BC since I haven't had sex since I've used it. Instead I'm depressed, anemic, and in extreme pain. 'Go see a physician' - took 6 weeks to get in. Removal can cause you to bleed for several more WEEKS. This is the worst product ever to make it to market. How could this be approved? Any side effect like this on ANYTHING other than women's health would have been rejected."

• Was...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 18, 2017

For Birth Control "I had high hopes for this birth control. Heard a lot of great things... And then I tried it myself. 17 days is all I have lasted. Today is Day 17. I'm 37. I already have issues with depression and acne and have heard good things from others who had normally suffered from these things and that the ring changed their life. Well, Day 17 and I can't stop crying. I've been beyond depressed in weird stages. I've had a headache that has lasted over a week. And I have a handful of new cystic acne in weird places beyond my face. Placement was fine and I rarely felt it. Can't wear tampons with it. Not weird during sex either, except I haven't had an orgasm for two weeks! And this is my experience... Good luck, I know everyone is different...."

• Chi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 3, 2015

For Birth Control "I don't like it! Bad depression, bad temper, bad cramps, sensitive breasts, weight gain, tired, and not in the mood for anything. The only reason I'm doing this is to regulate my periods, and it's the only thing that's working."

• Car...
• February 16, 2018

For Birth Control "Soooo, this is the second time on this for me... first time I was on it for almost 4 years. Was off for about 3 years and was on the pill. I just put one in Sunday, took it out tonight. My body has been used to no hormones for over 6 months, and I noticed all negative side effects this go around. Severe anxiety, instant mood swing, crying for no reasons, depression, and basically a dark cloud. No more for me."

• Lay...
• August 14, 2017

For Birth Control "Used it for years when I was a teenager, never had problems. Went off it for a few years, felt like it was important to give the hormones a break/let my body reset, balance itself out. Went back on it (I'm 26 now). Only been back on it for a little over 6 months -- this 2nd time around hasn't been so awesome. Makes my periods lighter/shorter/less crampy, which is convenient, but I'm tired of the dryness/itching/discharge. My vagina is some level of irritated/inflamed/bothered, pretty much 24/7. Sex drive lower, and some anxiety/nervousness/depression (though it's hard to tell if it's 100% because of the ring). Headaches/nausea, can't have sex without lube. Nice to be able to have unprotected sex, but only if you can enjoy it. Not ovulating is weird."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 27, 2017

For Birth Control "Personally, I LOVE NuvaRing. I hated the pill, I could never remember to take it. With the ring, I leave it in 3 weeks or 3 weeks and 2 days, take it out for 4 days, allow myself to spot to make sure I'm still good, and put it back in. The doctor told me I didn't even need to do that. I can leave it in for 4 weeks because I didn't need my cycle regulated, I just didn't want the menstrual cycle or pains, lol. I can pick and choose if or when I want a cycle - I love that freedom. Hardly felt it at all. It has only come out during sex twice. Great concept. CONS: 1st time putting it in, disaster, lol. Even now, after 5 years of being on it, I have slight trouble here and there putting it in because I'm dry. Sex drive decreased. Angry ALL THE TIME, it seems like. Depression spells. Issues with my contacts."

• Ale...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 28, 2018

For Birth Control "NuvaRing was very easy to insert and never fell out. But I've never been more depressed in my life. I was already a little depressed due to extra stress and life events, but I've never been suicidal. It also took away my sex drive within the first day. I have friends who love it, but it's not for me. It also made my panic attacks more intense, more frequent, and longer in duration. Took it out after only 2 weeks."

• Ean...
• December 1, 2016

For Birth Control "Has anyone on here tried NuvaRing and had an extremely poor experience? I was looking for new BC, and my doctor recommended NuvaRing. NEVER AGAIN. EVER. I have only had it in for two days and have felt very nauseous, extremely tired, dizzy, angry, depressed, and have had a terrible headache and cramping. I've been so dizzy, and my stomach has hurt so bad I couldn't even get out of bed. As soon as I put it in, I immediately felt different and in the most awful way. I just took it out, and I'm throwing the rest away. Like I said, never again. I've heard some people have great experiences with it, but that certainly wasn't mine. I just want to feel normal again and hopefully will soon. Anyone else experience symptoms like this while using it?"

• Roc...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 2, 2019

For Birth Control "Reading these reviews seriously is making me wonder. I was basically forced by my mom to get on birth control when I was 14, and that’s when 'the teenage years' come out and depression is a thing and such. I am now about to turn 20 and still taking the same birth control, and I’ve been emotional, depressed, and my sex drive is non-existent. I always thought it was just me as a person. Never have I thought it was my birth control... now I have to sit down and have a serious talk with my mother and myself."

• Fai...
• March 18, 2017

For Birth Control "I was put on the NuvaRing for a dual purpose: birth control and ensuring I have a cycle since I normally don't (PCOS). The first few months were okay. I noticed a little lethargy and some mood swings, but not bad. However, by about month 6, I had two yeast infections that I couldn't cure. I also noticed that I was quicker to anger and mildly depressed. I started having migraines and sharp pains in my abdomen. A complete loss of libido hit me about month 7, and that's when I decided to quit. I left it out for 2 months, decided to give it another try. I went into the deepest, darkest depression of my life. I went to see my therapist, and upon finding out I was on the ring, she said it's known to cause it. I took it out, and in one day I felt tons better. Never again!!"

• Fai...
• March 18, 2017

For Birth Control "I was put on the NuvaRing for a dual purpose: birth control and ensuring I have a cycle since I normally don't (PCOS). The first few months were okay. I noticed a little lethargy and some mood swings, but not bad. However, by about month 6, I had two yeast infections that I couldn't cure. I also noticed that I was quicker to anger and mildly depressed. I started having migraines and sharp pains in my abdomen. A complete loss of libido hit me about month 7, and that's when I decided to quit. I left it out for 2 months, decided to give it another try. I went into the deepest, darkest depression of my life. I went to see my therapist, and upon finding out I was on the ring, she said it's known to cause it. I took it out, and in one day I felt tons better. Never again!!"

• Jul...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 15, 2019

For Birth Control "I wouldn’t recommend NuvaRing for anyone with a history of depression. I chose this birth control after my non-hormonal IUD went through my uterus. I tried a few hormonal birth controls after this, and they all made me very irritable and sad. I ended up becoming pregnant during this time. Fast forward to now. I was looking for something easy postpartum and chose this. After 3 full weeks, I’ve been crying constantly, depressed, nauseous, and completely dysfunctional sexually. I was so happy before starting this and am glad I’m aware enough to know this caused my issues. Skip this if any of those things apply to you."

• Jul...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 15, 2019

For Birth Control "I wouldn’t recommend NuvaRing for anyone with a history of depression. I chose this birth control after my non-hormonal IUD went through my uterus. I tried a few hormonal birth controls after this, and they all made me very irritable and sad. I ended up becoming pregnant during this time. Fast forward to now. I was looking for something easy postpartum and chose this. After 3 full weeks, I’ve been crying constantly, depressed, nauseous, and completely dysfunctional sexually. I was so happy before starting this and am glad I’m aware enough to know this caused my issues. Skip this if any of those things apply to you."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 9, 2019

For Birth Control "This is my third month on the NuvaRing. And I have GI issues already, and I’m always feeling bloated. Once I had the ring inserted within the first week, I have had TERRIBLE mood swings. I am depressed, anxious, irritable, you name it, I feel it. While it’s in, I feel fine and my mood is better, but sometimes there's just a switch that turns back on the mood swings, and it’s awful. But I hope after the third month things will get better!"

• Lov...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 15, 2017

For Birth Control "I originally started taking this years ago and couldn't make it through the first two months due to the side effects. Mood swings, depression, low sex drive, etc. I decided to try this again after four months of being married to my husband. The first month was terrible. I was sick to my stomach every single day. I didn't want to get out of bed and was almost in a state of depression. Month two has been better as far as nausea, but I have no sex drive. It's already put a strain on my marriage. I'm emotional, anything can make me cry, and I continue to have frequent mood swings. I took it out a couple of days ago because it was time, and I doubt that I'll put it back in. I'm a newlywed, and I'm supposed to be having lots of sex and be happy!"

• Sid...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 20, 2016

For Birth Control "The only good thing about NuvaRing was its ease of use. Everything else about it was a nightmare! I had horrible mood swings, and it made my anxiety and depression so much worse. I would lash out at people for no reason, and I had one night where I was so emotionally distraught that I physically could not stop crying! It also made me very nauseous and threw up quite a lot. Needless to say, I'm back on the pill now, and I have no side effects."

• Bpj...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 14, 2019

For Birth Control "Since my teenage years, I used regular birth control pills, but I found the three that I tried made me really depressed. I would stay accurate and take them always on time for a while, but then I'd start to slack, so I went off of them completely as I couldn't decide what other birth control to use. This year, I decided to try the NuvaRing, and it has been the best choice, I wish I had chosen it sooner. I've been on it for three months, and I have had no bad mood changes or depression episodes, no migraines or nausea. I put it in, had a better three periods since being on this, and to be honest, if anything, I think it has made my mood better and regulates your hormones better with its slow release of hormones. I would highly recommend trying this if you're looking for a good birth control, it has been so easy to use, like you almost forget you even have it in!!"

• Man...
• December 1, 2018

For Birth Control "I used the NuvaRing for four years. It took me that long to figure out what caused my problems, such as: attacks of crying for no reason (2-4 hours on end), anxiety, depression, fatigue, rage, severe mood swings, difficulty in breathing, headaches, migraines. Eventually it became too much, I had to go on sick leave due to severe cognitive impairment. I wasn't able to follow simple instructions or engage in conversation. I suffered from memory loss, and I will probably never be the same again. Four years have passed since I stopped using the NuvaRing, and I still struggle. Shopping for groceries demands several hours of planning, and my attention span is 25 minutes long. Whenever there's a social event, I'm looking forward to a migraine soon after it ends."