NuvaRing and Mood Swings: What Users Say (Page 2)

• CLB...
• June 27, 2013

For Birth Control "I have been on the NuvaRing (NR) for about 6 months. Although it is extremely convenient, I have had the worst mood swings EVER. The mood swings overpower the convenience of the NR for me. I have also gained about 10-15 pounds, which is not normal for me at all (20 years old), low to really no sex drive, headaches, nausea. I know side effects are different for everyone, but I wanted to let someone else know my problems before they have to deal with them."

• Alm...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 23, 2017

For Birth Control "I have been on NuvaRing since I was 15, now I am 24, and I've only been on NuvaRing. I've enjoyed this product, BUT I can say it has changed my mood, and I have no sex drive. I've been with my boyfriend for 8 years, and I just get angry at him for no reason. For years, I thought I was mentally ill, but I have finally realized it's my NuvaRing. Most people who post on here have recently started using it, after almost 10 years of using this, I can say it's a love/hate relationship. Pros: It does its job! Cons: Mood swings, headaches, and no sex drive. I am looking into Nexplanon, but I'm scared to turn into a crazed fiend and put more strain on my relationship. I've been irregular all my life, so I don't know with a new BC."

• Nik...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 2, 2019

For Birth Control "I had a horrible experience with the NuvaRing. I developed debilitating anxiety and OCD while on it. It took a mental breakdown for me to evaluate what could possibly be the cause of my mental instability. Once I took the ring out, I was my old self again in 2 weeks. I still struggle with OCD, just not as severely. Unfortunately, however, I believe the NuvaRing did some permanent damage. What I hope for all of you reading is to remember to listen to your body! You know when something is wrong. Don't ignore it like I did until you go into crisis."

• Anonymous
• October 29, 2009

For Birth Control "A very simple birth control to use. I couldn't remember pills, so I was on the ring for almost 3 years (I'm now 29). My sex drive has been reduced to nothing, except late in my period, not coincidentally when the ring has been out the longest. My periods are short, only about 2 1/2 days of light flow, but the cramps start 2 days before that and last right up till I put the next ring in. Worst of all is the depression and mood swings. I have a great life, but when my husband asks what I want for lunch, that has been enough to reduce me to literal tears lately. Also, I've gained nearly 40 pounds despite being more active than ever. I just came back from the gyno and got a copper (non-hormonal IUD) inserted today."

• Tin...
• April 28, 2017

For Birth Control "I've been on NuvaRing for about 2 years now, and I recommend it to all my friends. I didn't experience any mood swings or weight gain. But my boobs went up a cup size. It's super easy to put in and take out, and I never forget to take it because it's already there! 3 weeks, and then out one week for a period, and then repeat. It sometimes falls out from sex, but you have 3 hours to put it back in. My boyfriend doesn't feel it at all. You should definitely try it. Nothing but great results for me."

• Car...
• May 29, 2016

For Birth Control "I started NuvaRing on 5/15/2016 and took it out 5/28/2016. I am 38 and have 3 children. I felt so depressed, emotional, and aggravated for the past week. I am extremely tired, have a headache, and just feel off. I'm nauseous and hungry at the same time. I don't know if it's in my head or if my body needs to adjust, but I am scared of going forward or symptoms worsening. What really made me nervous was my eyes felt like I had a fog over them, I took it out and flushed it down the toilet. 30 minutes later, my eyes were clear again. Maybe I was being paranoid, I don't know, but that wasn't for me. I'm getting my tubes tied."

• Anonymous
• February 20, 2020

For Birth Control "Within the first month, I had dramatic mood swings. After the first month, I started to notice that I did not smell normal. I went and told my healthcare provider, and they tested me for BV and a yeast infection, and both came back negative. Month two, I had prolonged bleeding. The smell got worse, so I went to my gynecologist and told her I was concerned. She told me that it takes three months to fully sync with my body, so I kept using it. I just finished my period, month three was at a networking event, and I caught whiffs of fish. I pointed it out to my coworker, and he responded, “Yeah, I smell it too, I’m trying to ignore it.” I left the event early, and once I was alone, it turned out it was me. I have not been sexually active and maintain self-hygiene, so I believe it is nothing other than how the NuvaRing is reacting with my body. I’ve taken it out and am no longer continuing with this birth control method."

• Anonymous
• May 22, 2008

For Birth Control "Very convenient. Most of the time, I don't even know it's there. I've experienced some emotional and physical side effects, mostly during the first day after I put a new ring in, but they started to subside after about 3 months' use. My boyfriend initially didn't want me to try NuvaRing, but it doesn't bother him now."

• Liv...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 7, 2020

For Birth Control "This is my second experience using NuvaRing, and it's just as good as the first. I have PCOS and am on antidepressants. It's easy to use, and I love that I can just set it and forget it. Pros: cleared up hormonal acne, shorter, lighter periods with significantly less cramping, balances my hormones, no intense cravings. Cons: severe breast tenderness the first few months of using (a week before removal through the week of insertion), hot flashes during the night the week that it's out, and mood swings. Honestly, after the breast tenderness subsided, I can deal with the other side effects after it's removed because, for me, the pros outweigh the cons."

• mtm...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 11, 2019

For Birth Control "I used to take BC pills years back and stopped because I kept forgetting to take it. Recently decided to try NuvaRing. The first month was bad. Had mood swings, migraines, and tension. During the second month, all that stopped, but I felt like I was getting a UTI. Then that feeling went away. I’m now on month 4 of NuvaRing and love it. I can insert and forget it instead of having to worry about taking a pill every day. Normally, my period is around 9 days long and heavy, but now is 4-5 days and light. Bloat decreased, haven’t gained significant weight. I’ve gained some, but it’s in the right places! My breasts are a little fuller, and my butt has more perk to it. I haven’t had issues with it coming out, whether it’s during sex, passing a BM, etc. The only issue I have is increased vaginal discharge. I hate that it gets on my panties! I just wear panty liners now. Other than that, I love it and won’t be switching to any other birth control anytime soon!"

• Bre...
• April 22, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been on the NuvaRing for about 6 years now. Never had any problems from beginning to now. I did have horrible cramps my first month using it when my period came, but after a few months, my body got used to it. I now only have a period that's about 3-5 days, and I enjoy how it spots right before I take the ring out, so I know it's time for my monthly cycle. It's easy to insert, and you don't have to think about having to take a pill every day. I did notice that when I had no health insurance, I went about a month without it; I had gotten my period, and it was horribly heavy with terrible cramps. But after restarting, everything got back to normal. I never noticed any weight gain or mood changes. My sex drive has stayed the same over all these years."

• Gab...
• July 16, 2019

For Birth Control "I used to use NuvaRing years ago and never had an issue with it. I loved that I didn't have to take a daily pill. Unlike other birth control, NuvaRing didn't make me nauseous or break out. I recently started using it again after about a 4-year break. Huge mistake. I have been on it for 2 months, and I had to take it out. I am normally just a happy person in general, I became so short-tempered and irritable. My fiancé saw me so emotional and anxious. I couldn't figure out what was wrong with my head and would snap at my son and fiancé over nothing. I gained 5 lbs in less than 2 months, am always hungry and super tired. I also started getting short of breath and had leg cramps that were absolutely crippling. I would wake up screaming from the cramps, and the next day my calves would feel bruised. I don't know if it's changed since I last used it, but I can't handle it. The effects were noticeable after just 2 days, so if you notice anything abnormal after you start taking it, don't ignore it."

• Meg...
• April 15, 2015

For Birth Control "I was using the NuvaRing for about a year and a half, maybe a little over. At first, I noticed a change in my attitude, as if it almost made me crazy, emotional, and snippy. I was excited to have my period shortened to a day a month with clear skin while also being protected from pregnancy, so the mood change wasn't a big deal. About 6-7 months after being on it, I started gaining weight with no diet change. Now looking back, I went from 153 to 198 lbs. Also, my sex drive decreased 100%! If it weren't for my boyfriend loving sex, sex probably wouldn't even cross my mind. Went off it last week with high hopes because the side effects aren't worth it after the convenience wears off."

• ATa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 26, 2018

For Birth Control "I went off NuvaRing last year after struggling with crazy side effects for over 6 months, and I still think of the time on it in total horror. I was seduced by the ease of use and the convenience. The idea was great. What it did to my mental health was a horror. I wasn't myself; I had horrible mood swings. Even thoughts of sex revolted me. The loving touch of my partner made me want to throw up. I have never experienced similar states of my libido. Sex did not just seem disgusting; it was painful. Dry like a desert. I feel like I lost a year of an awesome sex life to NuvaRing. The week I went off it was a huge relief and a return to the senses, an end to the mental self-blaming hell, return of healthy emotions and desire. So, if you're wondering if NuvaRing is messing with your desire and mood - it is. Trust yourself and your body. Don't prolong this suffering; switch to something else."

• Car...
• October 19, 2013

For Birth Control "I have tried Loestrin Fe 24 & Ortho Tri-Cyclen, both to no avail. Mood swings, depression, weight gain *permanently* of 10 pounds each time. I was ready to give up. But my cousin working in an OBGYN office gave me four months of the NuvaRing as a trial. I CAN TELL YOU I'M IN LOVE! I lost 10 lbs the first month, my appetite was cut in half. My period was light, barely any cramping, & no spotting or ovary pains from my PCOS. These fantastic results continued into the 2nd and 3rd month, I continue to lose unwanted weight. My one complaint: the first 2 months of the ring I had slight vaginal pain, kinda like a yeast infection & an increase in discharge. But the side effects went away as my body adjusted after the 2nd month. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!"

• Its...
• March 2, 2020

For Birth Control "I would highly recommend because: 1. Regulated my period. I know exactly when it will arrive. 2. My period is not as heavy and only lasts an average of 4 days at most. 3. I NO LONGER CRAMP!! It's actually amazing. My cramps used to be extremely excruciating! Now I am CRAMP FREE! No other method has done that for me. 4. I don't really get a lot of the other PMS symptoms like sore breasts or nausea. I only notice that I get curvier, a bit more plump around the time before and during my period, which since I'm on the lighter side is kind of flattering haha. 5. I know it's not guaranteed to work every time, but so far I have not gotten pregnant and I only use this form of protection. Obviously stay safe though, don't risk it. Overall AMAZING product, you barely feel it in there, leave it in for 3 weeks and take it out, short period, minimal cramps, magic."

• Fri...
• January 17, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been using NuvaRing for 3 years now. I really enjoy how convenient it is, you only have to remember 2 days out of a month. My periods are literally non-existent, I do still get the friendly cramps to remind me I am not pregnant. And my mood swings are not nearly as bad as they were on other high-hormone pills. That being said, this pill did slowly eat away at my happiness. My outlook on everything was just BLAH. No interests, don’t want to hang out with friends, don’t want to do date nights with my boyfriend, no motivation to work out. It turned me into a zombie without realizing it. Eventually, it took away ALL of my libido. No interest in my partner AT ALL. I was disgusted even at him touching me. That is the reason I am off it currently. Looking back on it now, the little libido I ever did have while using NuvaRing was the week I took it out to have my period. It is a great form of birth control, just be aware of how it affects you. I hope this helps someone!"

• Kad...
• April 28, 2014

For Birth Control "I've been on NuvaRing for a year and a half, and I really like it. I had problems with mood swings and spotting with the pill, so a friend said to try the ring, and it's eliminated those problems for me. The downsides are decreased sex drive for one week of my cycle after my period, and for the first 6 months, I experienced dryness, but that went away. I really enjoy not taking a pill and feeling like myself, I am also more confident about the effectiveness. My boyfriend has felt the ring during intercourse 3 times since I have been using it. I'm very happy with the NuvaRing."

• Abc...
• November 9, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been on many different pills, two different IUDs, the Depo shot, and then the ring. The ring, by far, was the worst. I had side effects with all forms of birth control, usually to do with unusual bleeding or inconsistent periods. The NuvaRing was the only birth control I could find that controlled my periods. Unfortunately, it also caused acne, weight gain, despite feeling nauseous all the time and having no appetite. No sex drive, and I was so anxious and emotional that I thought I was going crazy. I was on the ring for almost two years, with all of these side effects, which I did not realize were being caused by it. When I finally realized this may be why this is happening, I took it out, and I feel so much better now."

• wis...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 26, 2019

For Birth Control "I’m 24 and have been on NuvaRing for 3 years. Today will be my last day. I have always loved this form of birth control, but I’m starting to notice the mental health issues it’s causing in me. I have never had such severe mood swings and depression in my life. I cry almost every day, and every time I get close to removing the ring for period week, I get these emotional crashes. My mental health is being compromised, and it’s not worth it. If you’re an emotional person like me, I wouldn’t recommend this."

• Anonymous
• May 14, 2016

For Birth Control "I have been on the NuvaRing for about two months, and while I know it takes a few months for your body to get acclimated, this has been a nightmare. I have tried a variety of different forms of birth control, and none have given me more symptoms than this. My sex drive has always been above average, and since being on this birth control, I have had zero desire to have sex, and when I do, it takes quite a bit of foreplay to get me only barely wet. On top of that, my mood swings are insane. I have been more angry in these last two months than in my whole 25 years of life. While it is great for convenience, I would not recommend this certain type of birth control to anyone."

• nuv...
• August 13, 2009

For Birth Control "It seems that a lot of the people describing their experience with the NuvaRing are of the younger generation. I'm 31 and have been using the ring for the last 4 months after being on Ortho Tri-Cyclen for years. Within the first 2 weeks of inserting the ring, my body went through changes as if I were in puberty all over again. My breasts swelled and became annoyingly sensitive, my face broke out with acne, and I gained weight over two months' time. On top of all of this, I've been overly emotional and tired. The convenience of the ring is nice, but definitely not worth all the side effects for me."

• Emm...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 11, 2016

For Birth Control "I am 23 and have been on NuvaRing for 6 years. This birth control was a lifesaver. I originally went on this because I had severe migraines due to hormones, and this by far was the best choice for me because there are no hormonal spikes. Also, I only get my period four times a year. I still get migraines once in a blue moon, but they're not nearly as severe as they once were. I did not experience any mood swings or weight gain, and I loved the fact that I was always in complete control of it, there was never any guessing if it fell out or moved like the IUDs. I highly recommend this product to anyone who has an unpredictable schedule and might forget to take a pill and anyone who might be plagued with severe migraines due to hormones."

• San...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 20, 2019

For Birth Control "Bloating, mood swings, anxiety, depression, no sex drive, made me dislike being intimate. I want to, but I can't make myself initiate sex with this birth control. It's so hard. I've never had this problem with any other birth control. I get sad too, out of nowhere, no reason, randomly. I like the ease of taking it, but it's not right for me. I gained weight, I like myself even less now. Thanks a lot, NuvaRing. It is still not as bad as Paragard, though."

• Not...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 21, 2017

For Birth Control "Inserting and retrieving the NuvaRing takes some getting used to, but after a few tries, you'll get the hang of it. The side effects, however, were so overwhelming I stopped using the NuvaRing after 2 months. The positives were I didn't have to think about it every day, and normally I have acne, but on NuvaRing, I didn't experience breakouts. The negatives were my mood. I was irritable, depressed, and cranky after about a week on the ring. Generally, I'm mild-tempered, sweet, and forgiving. Not on NuvaRing. I was overly emotional; crying, yelling, grumpy, annoyed. It was affecting my quality of life, so I removed it. I've been off of it for over a week now and feel like my goofy, playful self again. I'll never go back. It's not worth it."