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

• Gab...
• July 16, 2019

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel 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."

• Mis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 18, 2021

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "Honestly, I feel like I got lucky. Maybe it has something to do with me having no prior experience with the NuvaRing. This is my first birth control method, and I'm using the generic. So far, I have only experienced some mild nausea and mood swings, both of which are tolerable. After the first month, my period came in right when I expected it, and there was no spotting at all before the period whatsoever. I can't be too mad, granted it cost me nothing, and it works. But I'm sorry to hear about other women's negative experiences with the NR generic."

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

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel 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*"

• Meg...
• April 15, 2015

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel 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

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel 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

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel 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

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel 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

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel 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

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel 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

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel 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

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel 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

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel 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

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel 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

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel 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

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel 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

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel 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

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel 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

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel 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

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel 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

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel 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."

• CSa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 13, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Went on NuvaRing at the beginning of this year, after being on Skyla. I had used NuvaRing before and didn't have a ton of issues, switched to IUD because I wanted to try not having to switch things out or take pills. Since the switch to brand, things were going fine and dandy. Then my insurance forced a switch to generic. Well, now I have absolutely terrible periods! The first period after the switch went two weeks! With cramps and mood swings the entire time. Then I got a break for a week and a half, and it's back. I am done. I took it out because my natural cycle is probably less chaotic than this."

• kks...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 21, 2016

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "After hearing a lot of good things about NuvaRing, I've decided to give it a try. At first, I have to say I absolutely loved it. No side effects, easy to use, and helped with period pain. Now I am 4 months in and I lost my appetite (which all in all is not a bad thing), I have terrible mood swings, and got extremely teary and depressed. I cry approximately 70% of the day. I constantly feel very sad and poorly, lost my enthusiasm for life, and feel worthless and hopeless. The last time I felt this way was 16 years ago when I was on the pill. I stopped it immediately after I realized I was capable of harming myself. I've only today stopped NuvaRing, and hopefully will start feeling better soon."

• Ash...
• December 10, 2016

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel 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."

• Han...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 24, 2019

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I was on the pill for 8 years and went off it for 2 years for a natural lifestyle - holy cow, I didn't realize while on that pill how depressed I was and had zero sex drive! Now being 25 and single, I thought I would be more responsible and try the NuvaRing to ease my mind. Being very in-tuned with my body, I knew after 1 month this was NOT for me. I’m very active and eat healthy, so within 1 month I gained 10 lbs, got extremely bloated, was always constipated, and I began feeling extremely unmotivated. My appetite was through the ROOF! The mood swings were severe too, and after just a month I knew I couldn’t put myself through this. I took the NuvaRing out last night and already feel happier 24 hours later. I would rather rely on condoms/my cycle than jeopardize my happiness and health. This forum helped me so much knowing I’m not the only one that had these symptoms. Listen to your body, ladies!"

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

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel 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."