Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel and Mood Swings: What Users Say (Page 4)

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

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel 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

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel 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."

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

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel 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."

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

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel 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."

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

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel 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."

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

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel 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."

• Anx...
• July 15, 2013

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel 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."

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

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel 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."

• Lei...
• November 5, 2019

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel 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."

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

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel 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

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel 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!"

• Ean...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 26, 2019

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I was on the NuvaRing for about 3 months and had horrible side effects. My doctor recommended the ring because of the low dose and how easy it is. For the first few weeks, I had random sharp pain in my uterus and my cervix. I had put on weight (I was 5'3" and 110 lbs) and my boobs went up 2 cup sizes in just 3 months on this medication. I had depression before the ring, but my episodes had been way less frequent than they used to be, and after going on the ring, I was constantly depressed and had no motivation or energy to do anything. Along with the depression came the anger and mood swings. I'm not an angry person, but while I was on the ring, I got so mad over the stupidest things and couldn't calm down for hours afterward. I also spotted the entire second month of using the ring. The only benefit to the ring is that I could skip my periods, and it made my skin clear up. Overall, I would never recommend this bc to anyone."

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

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel 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."

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

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel 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."

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

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel 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."

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

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel 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

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel 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!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 1, 2016

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "The NuvaRing is a great contraceptive if you don't like being yourself. My mood swings were unpredictable and nasty. It was very effective due to the fact that the ring started causing abrasions in my vagina, making it nearly impossible to have sex; it hurt so bad I was reduced to tears several times. I lost my sex drive almost completely, and seven months later, I am still struggling to get my sex drive back. In addition, my hair began falling out in a patch by my forehead. I would not recommend this to anyone. To me, it's not worth the risk of the side effects you could face."

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

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel 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."

• AC2...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 2, 2020

For Birth Control "I have used the brand name NuvaRing for over 12 years with zero complications. In Jan of 2020, my insurance started me on the generic. I can tell you it is not the same. I have had major mood swings and have gained 10 lbs, which is mostly in my abdomen. I look like I am in early pregnancy. I work out and eat clean, and the only change was going from name brand NuvaRing to generic."

• Mom...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 8, 2020

For Birth Control "So I have been on NuvaRing for about 7 years now, and I loved it. I was able to regulate my periods and have less, as they are very painful. Then this year, I was switched to the generic, and it is horrible. I always have this lingering sensation after I pee. There is a weird smell that I have noticed. My hair seems to shed more, and my mood swings are worse than before. I have begun to sweat more in private and underarms, to where my deodorant is not working. I am so disappointed in this generic, as I loved the NuvaRing and can't afford $20 a month for the name brand."

• Han...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 30, 2019

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I lasted a total of four days with my NuvaRing. Day 1: felt fine! I was a bit worried about the side effects, but overall I easily inserted it and even used my menstrual cup at the same time-no issues falling out or interference with my cup like I had expected. Couldn’t feel it once inside and went about my life. Day 2: felt mostly fine, nothing crazy to report-a little extra emotional, but that’s to be expected when adjusting to a new birth control. Day 3: crying, irrationally angry, anxious about everything. I started crying in the morning on the third day and didn’t really stop crying till I fell asleep that night. Day 4: I woke up and had about 30 minutes before I got so angry, I was worried for my safety and those around me because of how mad I was. I removed it so at least I know I won’t hurt myself or anyone else because of some piece of plastic inside me."

• Bba...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 2, 2019

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I used to love NuvaRing because I have irregular periods, and normal strength estrogen pills did not help to regulate them like the NuvaRing. Been on it for about two years now. I’m only deciding to stop it now because I’ve noticed my moods have been super crazy, and I’m normally not a very emotional person. My anxiety levels are up, and even though my life is pretty great right now, I still feel depressed. Possibly because this birth control lowers your sex drive like no other! I used to have such a high libido, and now it’s like it disappeared. I’m only 20! I’ve been with my SO for 3 years now and can definitely tell the difference from when we first started dating till now. I even did an experiment just taking it out for a week and then putting it back in for a few weeks and now taking it out again. My moods have calmed down, and my sex drive is back! Never getting this medication again unless I’m single, haha. A real relationship roller coaster with this."

• Ema...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 14, 2021

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I love the fact that I can’t get pregnant. I hate the fact that it’s made me gain weight, and I now go through mood swings like crazy, and it has awakened my long dormant depression again. I stopped taking it after college and just started it again. I’ve used it for about 8 years total because I can’t remember a pill every day."

• Sun...
• June 7, 2018

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "This ring was hell for me. Week 1: Excited to try a convenient form of birth control. For the first two weeks, I experienced mood swings but thought this would stabilize. I also had a surge of acne, which I normally do not have. Week 3-4: Acne went away, but mood swings continued. Week 5: same. Week 6, 7, and 8: horrible. I started bleeding heavily every day, heavier than a period, for three straight weeks. This was accompanied by cramping and an upset digestive system. Week 4: I passed a blot clot vaginally, which hasn’t happened since I had my daughter 3 years ago. By the end of the second month, I was physically exhausted from the blood loss and pain and an emotional mess from being unstable for 2 months straight. I took it out...and it’s like the sky became blue again, slowly I returned to my normal self. No birth control method is worth this type of hell. Done and done. Back to the pill."