Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Mrs...
• July 30, 2015

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I choose NuvaRing because if I went on the pill I would never take it because I am very forgetful, plus I've heard horror stories about other birth control. Anyway, I've been on the NuvaRing for about 4 months now, and I do the 4-week cycle, so I don't get periods. I noticed I have a little spotting around the 3rd week of having it in. I'm very moody with this birth control, and my libido is ALL THE WAY DOWN. I also get headaches here and there, those have to be my only side effect with it. My husband isn't a fan of it because he says he can feel it during intercourse. It has taken a toll on our marriage due to my low sex drive. Not sure if it's related to the product, but after reading a few reviews, I'm guessing it is. Considering changing."

• Ses...
• January 23, 2017

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I've had an almost entirely positive experience. It regulated my periods and made them short and light, cleared up my acne, and has effectively prevented pregnancy. Only two drawbacks have been frequent headaches and daily discharge (inconvenient, but not a huge deal). The monthly schedule is super convenient, and I've never had an issue with it falling out or my boyfriend feeling it. I'm trying out a new birth control to try and get the headaches under control, but if I don't respond well to it, I'm happy to go back to NuvaRing and Advil. I'd recommend it to anyone."

• Giv...
• October 6, 2015

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I was on the pill for about 2 years, and it became so hard keeping track if I had taken it or not. I had always heard great things about the NuvaRing, so I decided to try it. My favorite thing is knowing that it's just there and I don't have to take it every day. On the other hand, I have broken out what feels like everywhere, I've never had a problem with acne before. Also, the day after I put it in, I started getting really bad headaches, and I felt upset. I thought I was just stressed, so I kept the ring in. It continued to get worse, and it got to the point that if someone even walked by me, I would get angry. Yes, birth control is different for everyone, but I took it out two days ago, and I already feel so much better!"

• Jig...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 29, 2020

For Birth Control "I have been using NuvaRing for 16 years, and my pharmacy just switched me over to the generic recently. I didn't think anything of it because I'm a pharmacist, and most generics are OK, but I did question something that would be inserted in me being generic. I started getting headaches, being depressed, high anxiety, and what made me question taking it was my dizziness/nausea. After reading these reviews, I am sure it is the generic that caused all of these problems."

• Nin...
• November 13, 2014

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "This will be my third month on NuvaRing, and I am having really bad headaches and acne problems. I haven't gained any weight from the pill, but my acne issue has been worse since I have used the ring. But the ring is comfortable and very convenient, but I think the hormones are too much for my body."

• Dan...
• January 18, 2020

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I will say, the only good thing about the NuvaRing is that it has effectively prevented pregnancy. My fiancé and I don’t have a hard time getting pregnant, so I tried the IUD and my body rejected it. My OBGYN recommended the NuvaRing. I’ve been using it for 10 months and I am done. My depression has gotten worse, I had to start antidepressants. My anxiety is through the roof. I always have headaches, and I’m so angry all of the time. It’s either I’m mad or crying. I don’t like this feeling. I do not like the NuvaRing. I’m also sensitive to medications, and it could be the hormones, but still. Not a great experience."

• oli...
• March 21, 2017

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I was put on NuvaRing after trying several different pills that didn't work for me (weight gain, irritability, headaches), and the NuvaRing has been amazing! I did gain about 5-10 pounds, and my boobs got bigger, but it was worth it because I didn't have many other side effects. The first month I cramped a bit, but it gets better! To insert the ring, I take out the cotton from a tampon and put the NuvaRing in the tampon applicator and insert it that way, and it's so much easier than trying to manipulate the ring with your hands. I recommend the NuvaRing to all of my friends that are miserable on the pill."

• I...
• August 1, 2015

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I switched to NuvaRing because my weight gain with the pill was excessive. When I switched, the side effects were fine, the only difference was I had headaches more often, but it did help my weight problems. I felt better and had less water weight. However, I wouldn't suggest this for someone who has sex often. The doctors told me I could keep it in and I wouldn't feel it, and it wouldn't be a problem. Every time I had sex, it hurt, and my partner could feel it also. So I began taking it out each time, which was a pain. I was always worried I would forget to put it back in, and I ended up having to switch back to the pill."

• Nic...
• February 18, 2013

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I've used the NuvaRing for 2 years before my husband and I decided to have a child. I have been on it now for a month. I absolutely love this form of birth control! Pros: no need to remember to take it every day. Easy to use. Just insert it and go. Have never gotten pregnant on it. I haven't had any issues with it coming out at all. Periods are less painful. Cons: low...very low sex drive, which is starting to become a slight issue. Headaches. I've been more tired lately than usual. There are more pros than cons, so I'm planning on sticking with it. So far, this is my favorite method, and I will not use any other kind!!! (Besides condoms)"

• Law...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 15, 2013

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I have been on NuvaRing for 4 months. My OB/GYN switched me from the patch to NuvaRing because I was getting estrogen-withdrawal migraines when I took the patch off. I use the ring for 4 weeks, then take it out for 4 days to minimize any headaches. At first, my headaches got worse -- I was having them when the ring was in and when it was out. The ring has a lower dose of estrogen than the patch (which is quite high), and my body was going through estrogen withdrawal. I also had a fair amount of breakthrough bleeding while the ring was in longer periods initially. However, after about 3 months of erratic headaches, things seem to be settling down. My periods are lighter (or non-existent), and the ring is very easy to use."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 21, 2012

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I only just started the NuvaRing about 1 month ago after getting my Mirena taken out. So far, I already thought I was pregnant because I had nausea and extreme salivation. Headaches, and oh my gosh, the back and stomach cramps were almost as bad as when I had labor pains with my son."

• Kan...
• January 8, 2021

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I had the worst reaction to EluRyng. It caused really bad nausea and headaches, but I figured it was just my hormones adjusting themselves. That was until my vagina completely swelled up, it was throbbing, I was getting shooting pains, and it was bright red. It was incredibly painful, and it began two weeks after taking it. I recently stopped, and now I feel so much better. Don't recommend whatsoever."

• Kan...
• January 8, 2021

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I had the worst reaction to EluRyng. It caused really bad nausea and headaches, but I figured it was just my hormones adjusting themselves. That was until my vagina completely swelled up, it was throbbing, I was getting shooting pains, and it was bright red. It was incredibly painful, and it began two weeks after taking it. I recently stopped, and now I feel so much better. Don't recommend whatsoever."

• Ros...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 15, 2017

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "The NuvaRing has been OK for me, with the exception of making me feel like I have a UTI on and off. It has dramatically increased vaginal discharge and causes some itchiness. I think this is what leads to the bladder irritation that feels like a UTI. I've also gotten some headaches and noticed some bloating around my abdomen. All in all, I am probably going off of the ring. I'm scared of any birth control at this point. They all have side effects."

• Mis...
• July 9, 2013

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "This is the first time I've ever had any problem on birth control. I've taken Depo-Provera for 3 years, did perfect on that, aside from finding out I have low bone density now. With NuvaRing 3 months in, I have had mood swings, headaches, weight gain, 142 lbs to 157 lbs. I'm very athletic, so this is ridiculous. I have had tender breasts, and to top that off, low sex drive and supposed breakthrough bleeding for two months straight."

• Coc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 11, 2017

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "Okay, so I used NV when I was a late teen with no complications whatsoever. I'm 32 years old now and just recently started back on it again after my c-section. This has been the worst birth control experience of my life. I've used it for 3 weeks and ended up with horrible headaches, extreme cramping in my stomach for a week now nonstop, feeling delusional, and very irritable with no sex drive whatsoever when before taking this I've always had a very high sex drive. I've been breastfeeding, and flow isn't all that good anymore, but worst of all, I have found myself so hard on myself and so depressed, and it's been beyond my control. Felt like I needed to seek help. After reading about side effects, I have figured out where the problem was coming from. No more NV for me."

• Chr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 26, 2013

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I had previously used NuvaRing with little side effects, had a child, and decided to use the NuvaRing again... big mistake. I had breakthrough bleeding all 3 weeks, headaches, anxiety, insane mood swings - felt like crying or got super angry at the drop of a hat, not sure if this is attributed to the NuvaRing but I lost about 12 lbs in a month. It also caused UTIs after having sex, something that my body previously got used to and wasn't a problem. Ultimately, it is easy to use, but it made me totally psycho, I felt relief within hours of removing the ring. No one in my family has ever seen me like that, and the mood swings, anxiety, and paranoia were so bad that it affected my 4-year-old."

• Aur...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 3, 2013

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I've been on and off birth control for over twenty years. I went back on two years ago to help with very heavy periods and tendonitis caused by low estrogen. I was still having breakthrough bleeding and periods every 19 days on strong pills, so I asked to be switched to the ring. I've been on the NuvaRing for two months now. I have not had any breakthrough bleeding. My period started two days after removing the ring and was very light. Unfortunately, the side effects are not great. Bad backache, abdominal tenderness, diarrhea, breakouts along my jaw, upper back, and hairline, vaginal irritation, headaches, occasional low-grade fever, abdominal pain after sex, lack of energy, lack of concentration, and I'm extremely cranky."

• Kat...
• July 27, 2015

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I've been on the ring for 4 years. I was on the patch before that, but I had an allergic reaction to the adhesive. I leave each ring in for 4 weeks without any gap weeks, so I don't have periods (though I take a gap week each year). I do still get moody, cramps, headaches, and sometimes spotting during the would-be PMS week. I have gained some weight since I started the ring, though I am not sure if this is because of the ring or just my eating habits (or if the ring causes my sweet tooth). I take it out for sex, it can be out for up to 3 hours a day. I have a short vagina, so the ring can be on my cervix and still be right at the opening, which can be annoying because I can feel it (not the ring's fault, just a note for others with this issue)."

• Ano...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 7, 2020

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I was using the NuvaRing for several months, and I was very pleased with it, I never had any side effects. One day, my insurance switched me for the generic EluRyng. It causes me vaginal itch during the first couple of days after insertion. I’ve been having morning headaches. My stomach feels bloated. I had mild depression and anxiety in the past, which was under control, but this medication set it off. For the last two cycles, one or two days after I removed the ring, I experienced a terrible headache that will not go away for a day. I’ve never had headaches like those before. At the same time, I’m experiencing weakness, palpitations, cold sweat, and lightheadedness the week the ring is out. I called the insurance, and the doctor needs to request approval to put me back on the NuvaRing. They said it shouldn’t be a problem. Looking forward to getting back on the brand."

• Ano...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 7, 2020

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I was using the NuvaRing for several months, and I was very pleased with it, I never had any side effects. One day, my insurance switched me for the generic EluRyng. It causes me vaginal itch during the first couple of days after insertion. I’ve been having morning headaches. My stomach feels bloated. I had mild depression and anxiety in the past, which was under control, but this medication set it off. For the last two cycles, one or two days after I removed the ring, I experienced a terrible headache that will not go away for a day. I’ve never had headaches like those before. At the same time, I’m experiencing weakness, palpitations, cold sweat, and lightheadedness the week the ring is out. I called the insurance, and the doctor needs to request approval to put me back on the NuvaRing. They said it shouldn’t be a problem. Looking forward to getting back on the brand."

• k30...
• January 2, 2019

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I’m 18 years old, and this is my first time being on any birth control. I went to PP in hopes of getting a non-hormonal IUD to find something to keep me protected without affecting my hormones, as I get very irritable and have tons of mood swings on/before my period. I was discouraged from the IUD and told I should try the NuvaRing. So far, in this ONE week, I'm facing extreme mood swings (I keep starting fights with my s.o. over nothing, and small things make me cry and feel extremely depressed and hopeless), headaches, more discharge/a yeast infection?, increase in appetite, and I haven't been feeling like leaving my room. The fact that it's only been a week makes me wonder if this is just the hormones readjusting or if the entire time of use will be like this. I'm not sure if I need to keep suffering through and doing a trial run for 3 months or just take it out now. Instead of helping my pre/during menstrual depression and irritability, it has just made it far worse and far more often."

• Sam...
• July 24, 2020

For Birth Control "Just like many women on here, I had been a NuvaRing user for 10+ years. My only side effect from that was my monthly headache, & I managed it. But this new ring? First, where was the communication that the rings were changing? This is our body, and no one gave us the heads up, barely a choice about this. That speaks volumes to what they think about women. Secondly, I’ve only worn this ring for 1 month. I’m awaiting my cycle now (5 days post-removal), & I know for many reasons my body is not responding the same as before. During this month, I have experienced fatigue, slight depression, major headaches, & usually when it’s time for my cycle, I usually have a higher sex drive. I haven't had any sexual desires this entire month. I’m concerned how this will affect me in the long run. I need to know who do we need to contact to make that switch back. It's too late in technology to be coming out with some BS type of birth control. This is more damaging than prevention."

• Bri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 17, 2015

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I already suffer from migraine headaches, and they stayed about the same, but when I first take the ring out, I automatically get a headache. And when I first put it in, I get a headache. The hormones, I guess. Other than that, I had swollen but non-tender breasts. No nausea. During intercourse, it came out once, but my partner is fine with it and pushed it back in. He says he doesn't feel it during intercourse, which is nice. I believe as long as your partner knows and is cool with it, you'll have a good experience with NuvaRing intercourse-wise. I would definitely recommend it to friends."

• Cdn...
• August 16, 2019

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I've been on the NuvaRing for almost exactly 4 years, and I love it. I was previously on the pill, which I had gotten for free from my university clinic, but I wasn't remembering to take it daily, let alone at the same time every day. When I started the pill, I remember feeling incredibly nauseous for about a week. I didn't have the same issue with the ring and felt little to no side effects. I've gained about 15 lbs over the past several years, however, I'm not sure if that's a result of lifestyle (work, stress, snacking) or it is the birth control. My periods now are always super light and last about 4 days in total, which is amazing. I did try to use them continuously for 2 months to skip a period, and when I took my ring out after those 2 months, I felt incredibly emotional, irritable, had headaches, and massive appetite. Using them back to back did not work for me, but as long as I take it out monthly, I have zero problems!"