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

• 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."

• Ash...
• December 10, 2016

For Birth Control "I started using NR because oral contraceptives made me extremely nauseous, so my Dr. suggested skipping the GI tract altogether. I'm on birth control and also take metformin to help manage the symptoms of my PCOS. I had chronic sharp pains in my abdomen for years, and the NR has been the first thing to help. I can't explain how thankful I am to not feel like I'm being stabbed from the inside every day. That being said, NR has given me extreme mood swings and depression and also very low libido. I find myself not being able to feel any emotion but anger. I took the ring out because I would rather deal with the physical pain than the psychological pain. Back to the drawing board for me."

• 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."

• 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."

• Emi...
• September 20, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve had the NuvaRing for about a week now, and I haven't had any issues! It’s very low maintenance. I had been on the pill for about 6 months, and I was horrible at taking pills. I went to get an IUD, and I was in constant pain. The NuvaRing has definitely been a friend so far. I have noticed I have been more emotional. I do get irritated with how it’s falling out sometimes, and I can't get it back in the right place. I will be in the bathroom for like 30 minutes trying different ways to put it back in. They say when you can’t feel it, it’s in the right place. I can't feel it, but when I go in to check it, I can feel it immediately after putting my finger in. I’m so confused, shouldn’t it be further in? My husband couldn’t feel it during sex, but if he were to stick his finger in, he could feel it. I’m hanging in there and giving myself more time to get used to it."

• Ail...
• May 21, 2018

For Birth Control "If I could rate this a zero, I absolutely would. I’ve had the worst experience being on it. Severe mood change, depression, and anxiety. I never was able to put two and two together until recently due to the fact I had been off of it and felt a million times better, then got back on it a week ago. Immediately, the symptoms came back. The feeling when I was on it ruined my life, lost my job, eagerness to enjoy life, pushed family and friends away, hated who I was as a person. I’m not saying everyone will have this but, for me, I felt at my worst. On the positive side of things, since being off of this and going through a rough couple of years, it’s changed me for a better person, I no longer see things one way or the other, I see beauty in everyone and everything."

• Kat...
• March 13, 2013

For Birth Control "I'm 17, and I've been using NuvaRing for a little over a month. Aside from not being able to get as wet and some random mood swings, I think it's great! It's my first form of birth control, it's so simple. It has only fallen out once during sex, but other than that, no discomfort or problems on my part or my boyfriend's. No pregnancy scares. Also, I've noticed that my breasts have gotten bigger. No complaints there. I'd for sure recommend NuvaRing to others to try out."

• Run...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 31, 2015

For Birth Control "This is my third month using NuvaRing. I'm on the three-week cycle. It's very convenient, I don't have a consistent work schedule, so I never have to worry about missing the pill. HOWEVER, this thing makes me sweat SO bad at night. I keep my bedroom in the mid-60s while my side of the bed is closest to the vent, and I sleep nude. I will shower the night before and wake up covered in sweat and smell terrible! And that has NEVER been the case. I've been a very competitive athlete all my life, and even in my sweatiest games, I never had BO. I've also noticed extreme mood swings that third week it's in, intense vaginal irritation to say the very least, and no change to my acne, it's been bad for as long as I can remember."

• Car...
• November 22, 2016

For Birth Control "I started NuvaRing at 13 to regulate my heavy periods. I'm 23 now, still on it and love it. Here's the basics: -Never falls out, can't feel it at all (unless it's not put in right or if you have a wider/tilted uterus) -Husband is large and can't stand it, so I put it back in after intimacy. -If I forget/lose it, I just put a new one in for 3 more weeks (skip a period, whoop!) -I have never refrigerated mine, the teens don't need to see that in there lol -no cramps, bloating, acne, weight gain, etc. (I eat a lot so I'm not gonna blame my anti-baby meds for my own bad habits) -no mood swings, sex drive hasn't changed, periods are lighter/are over quicker than before. -no insurance? Forget it. These freaking things are $150 a pop."

• BOS...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 6, 2019

For Birth Control "I was using NuvaRing for about 3 months, and at first it was fine, but then I lost any and all sex drive. It was to the point where I was getting mad at my boyfriend because I wanted nothing to do with him in that way. My moods were all over the place, and I gained a few pounds, but nothing extreme. It is convenient to leave it in for three weeks, but it's a hassle taking it out before sex and remembering to put it back in within the time frame. Just wasn't a match for me. Your doctor won't tell you about sex drive loss because it is not that common, but definitely know it's possible! Hope it works for you."

• Chr...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 13, 2014

For Birth Control "I honestly don't remember how long I've been using NuvaRing - at least 5 years or more. I could never remember to take the pills and didn't like what I heard about the shots. NuvaRing is so convenient, I mark the calendar so I know when to change it. I rarely have issues with it coming out, if it does, it's always during intercourse, and we make sure to find it so it can go back in! I am naturally a moody person, and I love food, so I can't say my mood swings or being overweight can be blamed on NuvaRing. If you want something convenient and you're comfortable with your body, give it a shot. My insurance covers 100%, otherwise, it can be expensive."

• Anx...
• July 15, 2013

For Birth Control "I tried the NuvaRing as a sample. Within two weeks, I had very bad mood swings. I was anxious and paranoid all the time. I got very nauseous and had bad headaches. It put me out of commission for a whole day because I felt so sick. I took it out that day, and within hours, I felt like I was back to myself. Of course, there were still hormones in my system, but the nausea and the severe headaches went away almost instantly. As far as the convenience, it was awesome to not have to remember to take a pill. I didn't feel it at all. If I didn't mind feeling like a lunatic all day, I would have definitely kept using it."

• Lit...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 8, 2021

For Birth Control "NuvaRing made me absolutely crazy. I could deal with spotting that lasted for almost two months and also got used to the breast tenderness, but the nausea was so extreme that I would spend the first day of the new ring vomiting as though I had a bad case of food poisoning. I completely lost my sex drive and was unable to get physically aroused (no self-lubrication at all). On top of that, NuvaRing caused terrible mood swings, I went from being depressed to being violently angry, and it truly made me feel crazy. The only time I felt fine was during the week that I took it out. It lasted three months and I would not recommend this to anyone, this thing almost cost me my relationship. 2/10, because I didn't get pregnant, so I guess it works in that regard. But I didn't really want to have sex anyway while I was on it, too busy puking and terrorizing my partner."

• Act...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 5, 2020

For Birth Control "My periods used to be seven days and are now 2/3. I don't bleed nearly as much, and I get it at the exact time and date every month. I use it perfectly and never worry about pregnancy. I'm so happy I switched from the pill to the ring! I am a little bit more emotional, but it was good for me since I didn't feel a lot before."

• TGr...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 21, 2017

For Birth Control "I started to notice a pattern that the day I would insert it, for the next 24 hours following insertion, I was incredibly nauseous, but I dealt with it. The reason I ultimately got off of it was because after 7 months of severe anxiety, mood swings, and angry outbursts with no explanation, I figured out that it could potentially be my NuvaRing. I'm a 23-year-old, active student/teacher. I lost all motivation to get through the day or go to the gym. I constantly picked fights with loved ones, and I was so hard on myself and my personal appearance. I turned into someone I wasn't. I was going to therapy 2 times a week for 4 months, trying to figure out what triggered my anxiety. I got off of NR once I put 2 and 2 together. Finally back to my normal self."

• Sam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 28, 2016

For Birth Control "I started using the NuvaRing in January 2016. At first, I thought of it as a worry-free BC where I don't have to worry about taking a pill at a specific time each day. However, as the months of me using it piled up, so did my mood changes, killer cramps from hell, and increased anxiety. I'm depressed all the time, anxious all the time, and I get mad at my boyfriend for no reason at all. He's asked me to see a counselor. That's how bad it's been. I also have a decrease in sex drive, vaginal dryness, and discomfort when having intercourse. I spoke to my gyno about my situation, and she suggested leaving the ring in for 4 weeks rather than 3. After reading all these reviews, I decided to take out my ring today, and I'm going back to my gyno tomorrow."

• Ema...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 1, 2015

For Birth Control "I originally got prescribed the NuvaRing because I had horrible menstrual problems, but I also now use it as actual birth control as well. It was strange to me at first because of the insertion, but now it's easier and nothing new. The only thing I'd have to say that I didn't like at first with this birth control was the nausea, dizziness, and mood swings I had within the first (about) three months. I still have mood swings sometimes, but I think it's just an age thing. I also have not gained any unwanted weight from using this contraceptive, which is a huge thing for me. Overall, I'd have to say I really like this birth control and would recommend it to anyone that can handle it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 16, 2019

For Birth Control "I was on the NuvaRing for about two months. I took it in hopes of clearing up some acne I had, first mistake. Well, after about a week, I was already feeling depressed, emotional, and easily angered. I had also gained weight, had sore breasts, and might I add, experienced no change in my skin (it was possibly worse). Not saying this won’t be for you, but it definitely wasn’t for me!"

• E71...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 10, 2013

For Birth Control "NuvaRing is very convenient to use, but after 3 years, I am finally getting off of it. I get major mood swings, anxiety, depression, leg cramps, and not interested in sex. At first, I did not think it was the NuvaRing causing this, but after reading reviews, I can relate to a lot of women! It was very convenient, but I will be changing to another method."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 3, 2013

For Birth Control "This was the first form of birth control I took. I was on it for about 5 years. It's a fantastic form of birth control; you only have to remember to take it out every 3 weeks, no mood swings, no weight gain (I actually lost 20 pounds while using the ring from switching to a healthy lifestyle), and my boyfriend doesn't feel it during sex. I recently switched to an oral contraceptive, only because the ring was costing me $60 a month. If cost isn't an issue, I highly recommend trying it."

• Ccg...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 5, 2019

For Birth Control "I started to use NuvaRing in June, everything seemed fine, nothing hurt. It’s really low maintenance, and my partner was okay with it during sex as well. I never took out my NuvaRing on the 3rd week just because I hated my period, so I would keep it on for 4 weeks and then just change it. I did notice my mood swings get worse. Anyways, fast forward into 3 months of having it, and then all of a sudden, I started to spot/breakthrough, and I was like, okay, maybe this will last about a week. Well, NOPE. I’ve been spotting for almost 3 months straight, and I’m so tired and overwhelmed already."

• Jus...
• September 19, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been on the NuvaRing for three weeks today. I have a history of seizures, depression, and anxiety. I haven’t had a seizure in almost 12 years. My depression and anxiety were under control when I started. The last three weeks have been some of the lowest in my life. I ended up having a seizure a week ago, and my anxiety and depression are back in full force. I literally cry over everything and anything, have had the worst mood swings and emotional outbursts, and just feel overall awful about myself. I have experienced such heavy bleeding for the last three days with horrible blood clots (worse than I normally have each month). I have also had a feeling that I can only describe as “brain fog” since starting the ring. Today was my scheduled day to take the ring out, and I did, and I am not putting a new one in. I honestly feel so much better mentally, and this thing has only been out for an hour. My experience has been awful."

• Lei...
• November 5, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been on the NuvaRing for about 2.5 months at this point. The first month was fine, but my boyfriend and I couldn't have sex because I was in so much pain, even a slight touch to my vagina set me into shooting pain. Once I hit the 2-month mark, the pain started to subside, and we are able to have sex again, but not often because if there is too much irritation to the area, I will be in pain again. The side effects I have noticed are lack of sleep and overall exhaustion, decreased hunger, constant nausea, cramping most of the month, acne, weight gain, bloating, and mood swings. I have also noticed that my discharge has become three times more prominent and that it has a different odor from anything I have ever smelled before (gross). I have been very sad the last month, and I am keeping track of all these side effects. However, if they do not subside or stop within another 2 months, I will be going off of it."

• Lov...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 25, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been on NuvaRing for years and years, and I love it! The hormonal dosage in NuvaRing is absolutely perfect for me, and I don't get mood swings or anything of the sort like when I was on oral contraceptives. For some reason, in the middle of my NuvaRing experience, I tried Marvelon, and I was an emotional wreck, I'd cry over anything and everything and ate so much each day. It's nice to try different birth controls for a month or two to get the feel for what hormonal dosage you need and if you can remember to do a daily pill or not. Good luck on your birth control journey!"

• Lov...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 25, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been on NuvaRing for years and years, and I love it! The hormonal dosage in NuvaRing is absolutely perfect for me, and I don't get mood swings or anything of the sort like when I was on oral contraceptives. For some reason, in the middle of my NuvaRing experience, I tried Marvelon, and I was an emotional wreck, I'd cry over anything and everything and ate so much each day. It's nice to try different birth controls for a month or two to get the feel for what hormonal dosage you need and if you can remember to do a daily pill or not. Good luck on your birth control journey!"