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

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 18, 2020

For Birth Control "I was on NuvaRing for about 7 years. 6 months ago, I was informed my insurance no longer pays for NuvaRing, and I was given this generic brand. So far, it’s been horrible. I, for one, started with NuvaRing because it’s so easy to deal with, and it literally got rid of my acne. Since using the generic brand, I get random headaches, mood swings, and guess what? Now I got cystic acne. Ugh, my face looks horrible. I haven’t had acne this bad since I was 16, and I’m 23 now. I called the insurance, and sure enough, they won’t cover the actual NuvaRing. Now I’m making a doctor’s appointment to find a new birth control. I guess I’ll be doing the pill."

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

For Birth Control "I started using this product when I became serious with my boyfriend. I'm very scatterbrained, so using it has been amazing in regards to never worrying about missing a pill. I can just leave it in and not worry. After being on it for only 3 months, I noticed an extreme weight gain, loss of sex drive, virtually no vaginal fluid, breast tenderness, anxiety, and severe mood swings. But I stayed on it, hoping it would pass. It hasn't. 2 years later, I'm only on it for convenience. I'm switching this week."

• Mor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 17, 2021

For Birth Control "I switched from an IUD to the ring, and I really wish I hadn't. I've been on this ring since April of 2021, and it's now July. I can safely say this birth control is the worst birth control for me. I asked for Nuvaring because I remember really liking it when I tried it about 6 years ago. They gave me this generic, and I've never disliked a BC as intensely as I do this one. My breasts are always sore. Constantly so. I have one mood now, and it's always bad. I'm either depressed and not talking and kind of in a weird zombie state, or I'm just in a general low mood. I have no sex drive anymore. I actually get mad if my boyfriend suggests it, and that's not like me. I've also developed vision issues, terrible back pain, and dark spots on my face that only started after I began taking this medication. I wish I had never touched this, and I'm looking forward to getting another IUD. Last time I'll put synthetic hormones in my body."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 7, 2020

"I was on NuvaRing for years to regulate hormones and skip periods due to iron deficiency anemia. I’ve received iron infusions for years, but was able to regulate blood loss and space out my infusions for longer periods of time than normal while on NuvaRing. A few months ago, I was switched to EluRyng because insurance would no longer cover the brand unless deemed medically necessary. Since the switch to generic, I’ve had constant bleeding and spotting, cramps that feel like contractions, I’ve passed blood clots the size of an orange mid-cycle, had severe mood swings, heart palpitations to the point I had a heart monitor for a week, which showed PVCs, over 100 per day, fatigue to the point of tears, and constant hopelessness. I fight with my husband for no reason, and I’m so on edge my children don’t want to be around me. I don’t blame them. I don’t want to be around me either. This is the worst thing I have ever been on. Don’t do it!!"

• Fol...
• July 19, 2016

For Birth Control "I absolutely love the NuvaRing and have been using it for one year. I did notice slight mood changes at first, but my moodiness eventually went away. My doctor taught me a great tip for inserting it. If you use a tampon applicator (minus the tampon and replace with the ring) to insert, it works great! It has never fallen out during sex. However, it has to be the plastic kind. Definitely noticed an improvement in my skin as well!"

• Eri...
• September 1, 2019

For Birth Control "I am 33 and have been on NuvaRing for 3-4 years. There are some positives and negatives which I will list: Positives: - Clear skin: I have always struggled with acne, and my skin became very clear. - Light periods and no cramping. - Convenience, and you don't have to remember to take a pill every day. - Easy to use. - Effective in prevention of pregnancy. Negatives: - Highly increased appetite: I have gained 30 lbs in 3 years (start weight was 140, now 170). - No sex drive: Sex became miserable to endure because I had no interest in it. - Increase in mood swings, aggravation, depression, anxiety, and laziness. - Headaches: Occur very frequently and sometimes lasted for 2-4 days. - Sharp random pains in cervix. - Increase in discharge. I have been off the NuvaRing now for a little over a month, and I feel like my personality is back to normal. I feel like myself again. I have lost weight (6 lbs in one month, and I notice I’m not as hungry and don’t have severe cravings anymore)."

• All...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 22, 2014

For Birth Control "I have been on NuvaRing for one year now. Overall, I like it. My experience is as follows: I heard that I could bleed irregularly at first. The entire first month was a very long, miserable period. I heard that it could make me emotional. Boy, was that an understatement. Granted, I was going through a tough time in my relationship; the hormone changes ultimately forced the demise of it. I was borderline suicidal for the second month of using NuvaRing. Luckily, month 3 I was almost back to the right levels of hormones, and my period was coming 3 days after I took the ring out. The last few months have been weird because it comes 4 or so days after removing it. Perk: Insurance covered it and saved me all $108 it cost each month!"

• Ano...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 22, 2022

For Birth Control "I was in tears last week reading all of these comments. I used Nuvaring for 7 years with no issues. In July 2020, I was switched to EluRyng. Never had issues with my period while using it, so didn't connect the issues I've had for over 2 years now to the generic version being different. I shared with a friend last week that I think I'm already in perimenopause at 35 because there's no explanation for all the symptoms I have and all my tests come back normal. I've gained 25 pounds in the last couple of years, and no matter how hard I work out or cut calories, nothing works. I've had the worst extreme fatigue, migraines for days, crazy anxiety, heart palpitations, ZERO libido, leg cramps at night, insomnia, horrible mood swings, depression, dark self-harm thoughts, fogginess, and my vision has changed significantly 3 times in the last year and a half. I took my ring out 8 days ago and already have so much more energy. Getting the hubby snipped and done with this poison!!"

• cic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 24, 2021

For Birth Control "Awful product. My side effects included: yeast infection, vaginal irritation, painful heavy bleeding (6 weeks), acne on my jawline and ears, anxiety/panic attacks, nausea/vomiting, extreme breast tenderness, insomnia, insane mood swings, self-harm, and depression so severe I almost had to check into inpatient psych care. My relationship almost ended because I went fully nuts. I didn't experience a single positive emotion the entire time I was on this BC. The FDA should take this off the market. DON'T put this in your body."

• 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."

• Al ...
• August 28, 2016

For Birth Control "I LOVE THE RING!!! Ladies, I seriously recommend the ring to anyone and everyone. The ring has given so much freedom in college, and it's amazing. I've been on it for a year and have had zero side effects. ZERO weight gain, no acne (in fact, my skin is clearer than it was before being on the NuvaRing), no mood swings, no decrease in sex drive, etc. Five of my friends have tried the ring as well, and they love it too!! You can't feel it once inserted, and it stays in place during sex and won't move until you take it out. It's super easy to put in as well! It has helped make my period super manageable, and I have no PMS. I used to suffer from painful periods, and now I don't have to worry about any of that. It's great! Give it a try!"

• 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."

• RWa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 28, 2020

For Birth Control "I got EluRyng as a substitute for my usual NuvaRing because my pharmacy didn’t have any name-brand. Honestly, so much worse than NuvaRing. I thought they would be somewhat comparable, but EluRyng gave me acne, I was always feeling nauseous, got really bad mood swings, and always had to take it out during sex. Instead of being flexible like NuvaRing, this ring is hard and hurts a lot during sex! I do not recommend unless this is your last resort. Other than the side effects, though, it seems to be as effective as the NuvaRing."

• 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."

• Ann...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 24, 2020

For Birth Control "I was not informed by my insurance about the switch from brand NuvaRing to generic EluRyng. The switch happened in July 2020, and I didn’t think anything of it at first. It’s now the end of November, and I am never touching this trash again. EluRyng NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. In July, leading into August, I began to have rolling vertigo migraines. I didn’t think anything of it at first as I’ve been prone to migraines in the past, and as a teacher, I’m in front of a screen all day, so I wrote it off as a new work from home (WFH) issue. I should have listened to my body. In the months to follow, I began to have painful periods, mood swings, and breast tenderness. End of October and leading into November, I had the heaviest period of my life that is just now coming to an end. I began to think about the factors affecting this change, and everything pointed to one factor: EluRyng. This “medication” is absolute worst. I’m working with my insurance and doctor to get put back on the brand name."

• 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!"

• Col...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 18, 2020

For Birth Control "I have been on Nuvaring for 10+ years. Never any issues. I was switched to the generic (EluRyng), and I have had nothing but issues. Bloating is my #1 complaint but also constipation, mood swings, nausea. At one point, I thought I was pregnant. I will pay full price for Nuvaring if that's what it comes down to. My body can't handle EluRyng!!"

• 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."