Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Anonymous
• August 31, 2009

For Birth Control "I've been on NuvaRing for 3 months. I chose NuvaRing because I knew I couldn't be trusted with taking a pill every day but wanted birth control to help regulate my periods, ease mood swings, and clear skin. On NuvaRing, I still have mood swings, more headaches now, at times feel very tired, still have bad breakouts, and also an almost non-existent sex drive. I assumed all this was because I was home with 3 little kids until I noticed a pattern while on the NuvaRing. Three days after I take the ring out, I have a surge of sexual desire (also this is when my period starts, figures). I'm going to stick with it for another 2 months to see how it goes, meanwhile, I'm going to talk with my doctor again about better options."

• Mad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 3, 2016

For Birth Control "So I had tried the pill in college, which left me 30 lbs heavier. Fast forward 4 years, and I find myself trying to pick out a birth control that wouldn't cause such a dramatic weight gain. I tried Nuva per my OBGYN's suggestion. I really like how easy it is to use. I never had a problem inserting or removing, along with no problems during intercourse. My periods were also lighter. Nuva really worked with my schedule. The downfall is that my face broke out with cystic acne (which is extremely painful). My breasts hurt 24/7. I have no sex drive. I constantly feel like I have a UTI or something. My appetite is up and down, sometimes I feel sick for no reason. Also, I get 1-2 headaches a day since starting Nuva."

• 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."

• 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."

• Joa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 16, 2020

For Birth Control "I am a nurse and am confident I’ve never had depression during my life. On the contraceptive pill post having my kids, I had the 'black dog' within a month and immediately ceased it when I realized the link and felt better within days. Fast forward two years, and I’d say the ring has done the same thing, but also the levels of irritation I’ve felt have also felt heightened to anything I’ve experienced. I just took it out as I’ve had a difficult weekend and really do think this is the link. I’m 43 and have not felt like this before. It does 'its job,' but you need to look at what is happening to you carefully. Nil sex drive is also a thing for me that I think now may be linked. Definitely nausea that comes and goes and headaches. I’ve never been a person who uses Panadol, etc., and suddenly I’m needing it for headaches. I’m very hopeful I’ll feel better as this is all out of character for me."

• Jax...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 1, 2021

For Birth Control "After reading these comments, I feel justified. I’ve been feeling the absolute worst for the last 2 months without any obvious cause. I’ve spoken to my doctor about this mystery illness, gotten bloodwork done, all to no avail. After my insurance switched me to EluRyng from NuvaRing 2 months ago without telling me, I have literally wondered why I feel so bad. I have had a constant-and I do mean constant-headache every single day. I’ve had bouts of nausea and vomiting. I’ve lost 5 lbs this month. I’ve never been so fatigued in my life. My anxiety, which has been under control, has been off the charts, and I’m snapping at people for no reason. I’ve had absolutely no sex drive, which is unusual. And we hate to say it-but we shouldn’t-suicidal thoughts. This is the worst “medication” out there. And I really hope you read this BEFORE you also experience these symptoms and find yourself on Google because you think you’re wondering how to keep living."

• Nen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 9, 2020

For Birth Control "I was using NuvaRing for approximately a year when I was switched to EluRyng. I thought nothing of it, as generics are usually the same product with different labeling. A month later, I thought I was pregnant. I could not find the energy to do daily tasks, and my controlled depression became difficult to handle again. My breasts felt sore, I felt nauseous, and I got headaches easier than usual. And my period was way off. Two at-home pregnancy tests came back negative. But all of these symptoms weren't leaving, and I now have full-blown migraines every other day. Then I realized the only thing in my routine that changed is EluRyng. I started researching and found that all of my symptoms are side effects of EluRyng. I will be discussing this with my physician. This product gets a 1/10 for me because I didn't get pregnant, but with all the symptoms I experienced, I may as well have been."

• fja...
• July 24, 2013

For Birth Control "After being on the pill for 7 years, I switched to NuvaRing in January. I did not have any issues with headaches, feeling nauseous, or differences in my appetite. However, after the first month or so, my sex drive was completely gone. Every time my boyfriend and I would try to have sex, it would be very painful, or I would get no pleasure from it. I just switched back to the pill but really wish that NuvaRing would have worked out for me because otherwise I totally love how easy it was to use every month."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 21, 2014

For Birth Control "I started using the NuvaRing in early December 2013, and I stopped using it after my month trial was up. I had a few side effects: weight gain (with no change in diet), headaches, no sex drive, and periods that started a week early. I was on the pill for a year and a half with none of these side effects. The NuvaRing just isn't for me."

• Ama...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 30, 2020

For Birth Control "I’ve been using NuvaRing for years, then was forced to switch to this generic version the past couple of months. Let me tell you, avoid it at all costs. I’ve had mood swings x100, spotting the whole time, horrible cramps and headaches. I’ve never had such mixed, dramatic moods in my life. I’ll be blessed if I don’t ruin any relationships I have with anyone. I’m thankful for reviews that are very similar, I feel less crazy, but this generic version is BAD. To top it off, my birthday is next week, no big deal *EYE ROLL*"

• Jul...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 20, 2013

For Birth Control "I started using this product after my 1st child was born at age 19. At first, I was a bit nervous about the side effects and all, but after a few months of using it, I was relieved at how awesome it worked. I had no side effects, no weight gain, my periods were regular, except that my partner was able to feel it, which was no problem. Anyhow, I'm going on 4 years of using the NuvaRing, and I've started to get many side effects, from many headaches to low sex drive and a lot of breast tenderness. I'm really disappointed in having to change my birth control because it was so easy to use, and I never had a problem with it at all."

• Mis...
• May 27, 2015

For Birth Control "I was on the pill for 4 years, and I had extreme anxiety and headaches. I switched to NuvaRing and feel great. A lot less headaches, no anxiety. I haven't gained any weight that I've noticed, my sex drive is still very high. I might be a little more snippy, and I have had issues with yeast infections. It's only been two months, so I'm gonna keep watching my weight and will update shortly."

• nax...
• July 11, 2015

For Birth Control "Overall, I've had quite a wonderful experience with NuvaRing. It's very easy to use, and it's very effective. It's perfect for those who are incredibly busy or have an unstable lifestyle (college students, brides-to-be, constantly changing work schedule), and I've had very minor side effects. Let's start with the positives, though - regular periods that are very light, almost perfect skin except when on the period, no hair loss, no mood changes, and no weight gain. It's also very simple to get off the ring and switch to another birth control or completely stop birth control altogether. The two side effects that I've experienced are low libido, and I get headaches a lot easier. I can also feel the ring during sex, but that's an easy fix."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 9, 2019

For Birth Control "Hadn't been on birth control since my IUD was removed 11 years ago. I've been on the NuvaRing for 3 months now, and already been to the ER for chest pain, MRI for headaches, and waiting 3 months for a GI appointment. EKG results were fine, so they suggested it was my esophagus. Never had so much abdominal discomfort in my life. I've gained over 20 lbs, and no matter what or how much I eat, I feel like I'm going to explode and I burp like crazy. Can't take a brisk walk, much less run anymore. Coincidence or not, my body changed from one day to another, and it was around the same time I started on this."

• Ang...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 4, 2019

For Birth Control "I literally just started NuvaRing 24 hours ago, and I'm already having morning sickness, a slight headache, and vomiting violently. I told my husband, but guys don't understand. I have to take it out. I'm not going to put my body through months of discomfort. It is not worth it, we have been doing well with the natural birth control method. Ladies, listen to your bodies."

• dun...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 15, 2014

For Birth Control "I was really excited about getting back on birth control, as I have had negative experiences with the pill. After less than 24 hours, I could tell a huge change in the way I felt, overall. I had a pounding headache, I felt like I had not slept in three days, and I wanted to eat everything in sight. I tried to stick it out, but after a week, I gave up and decided to take it out. All of the symptoms vanished within 2-3 days."

• DoN...
• July 17, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been using this for three months, and I'm finally taking this emotional draining mister out this next cycle. I was so excited to use this at first, but as each month went by, I felt more and more depressed and miserable. My libido went down incredibly low, to the point where the thought of even having sex would just give me headaches. I was never like this, and I've become an emotional beast using this, and it has affected the relationship I'm currently in. I don't recommend this, although it has amazing perks and it's convenient, it's not worth destroying you as a person and possibly your relationship and own overall happiness."

• BCa...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 2, 2014

For Birth Control "Birth control pills make me extremely nauseous, and the shot made me gain a ton of weight and caused bad acne, so the only method I can use consistently is the NuvaRing. It keeps my skin clear, is easy to use, doesn't bother my husband during sex, and it grew my breasts a cup size. Unfortunately, NuvaRing makes me so tired that I gained weight due to inactivity since all I want to do is sleep. I suspect it has caused anxiety and depression (although I can't be sure), and it gives me a terrible headache and nausea the first three days I put a new ring in. It dulls my sex drive a bit, but nothing major. I will probably stick with this method for a while unless something better comes around."

• Emi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 18, 2021

For Birth Control "I switched back to the other generic NuvaRing (made by Prasco), and I am back to normal. I had to get an override from my insurance company and had to make a bunch of calls, but it's been well worth it. I had one month of misery on the EluRyng (anxiety, itchy arms and legs, headaches, etc.). I am so glad I read everyone's posts and reached out to my doctor. I really thought that all generics were the same, but I was clearly wrong."

• Mim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 28, 2023

For Birth Control "If this would let me give it a zero out of 10, I would! Recently had a hard time getting NuvaRing approved, despite being on it for years. So, I gave this EluRyng a try because I was forced to. I and this thing only lasted 8-9 days. Let me just say that I’ve had the worst migraines, insomnia, fatigue, delirium, and mood swings. The worst was the headaches and migraines for me. It felt like my brain was in knots, definitely fog brain too. No exaggeration, I took it out and felt normal again within 12 hours. This is not it for me. I need my OB/GYN to work a little harder on getting my approval. I refuse to go back on this."

• ban...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 23, 2019

For Birth Control "(21 yr old) I've had the NuvaRing in for almost a year now, and I'm taking it out. The first few months I loved it because I had minimal side effects, so I thought my body needed some time to adjust, but it's gotten worse. I'm moodier, have low motivation, ZERO sex drive (I used to have such a high sex drive, now sex is repulsive). Constant debilitating cramps and bloating, headaches, chest pain, depression, and anxiety. I've also gained about 10 lbs recently, despite eating the same. The heavy discharge I can handle with some pantiliners, but sometimes there's a strong, horrible scent. I've always had heavy periods and cramping (lasting 7-8 days), but now it lasts about 14 days. I've never been able to skip my period on this because I bleed when the ring is still in, it just gets heavier on the day I'm supposed to take it out. I liked the ease, but it's taken a toll on my body, mental health, and life. I wish I had taken it out sooner."

• 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."

• Cas...
• June 4, 2016

For Birth Control "I found the NuvaRing to be a hassle. Two weeks after insertion of the NuvaRing, I had to take it out! The first week, I started experiencing nausea, headaches, cramps, noticeable excessive vaginal lubrication, and desensitivity around my lady parts. These symptoms followed into week two and started getting worse. I couldn't tell if the NuvaRing was affecting my mood or not due to mental health issues I already have, I didn't know if I was just having a bad few weeks of depression (which is normal for me) or if maybe the NuvaRing was causing me to feel bad. I also found the NuvaRing hard to insert, as it felt like it was always going to come out, and I had to keep putting it back in place. I would not recommend it. Just wasn't for me."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 26, 2022

For Birth Control "Worst birth control EVER!! I was on the NuvaRing for years and have had no problems, I loved it! This thing is crap. I’m constantly spotting. My periods were super regular and always lasted 4 days. Now I will be on my period for weeks, then I spot randomly when I’m not. It’s sometimes painful to have sex. I have legit had such bad anxiety and depression! One night I broke down and told my husband I was suicidal!! Horrible headaches, feeling nauseous and tired all the time. I have thought multiple times I’m prego because of the side effects I was having. HORRIBLE birth control, I would rather use condoms than deal with this rubbish. Do NOT use this. It honestly should be recalled."