Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel and Mood Swings: What Users Say (Page 5)

• 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."

• Ali...
• October 27, 2019

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I started NuvaRing 3/4 months ago, and at first I loved it. It’s extremely convenient since I would always forget to take my pill. The following month, I bled for 3 weeks straight, not just spotting but constant heavy bleeding. My Dr. told me to keep the ring out for a few days and put it back in. The bleeding stopped, but I noticed I had a decrease in my appetite, my boobs are always sore, and I’ve become extremely tired and emotional. I’ve lost 10 pounds in 4 months because I can’t seem to eat, and I’m consistently nauseous. I do not recommend this birth control for everybody. Some people it seems to work for, but for me personally, it’s not worth the side effects. I wanted to add two months ago, I had chest pain and numbness in my arm and hand. I went to the ER and nothing was wrong. Occasionally I get the chest pains still. I also wake up with a sore jaw and ear pain. I noticed a few other people have these symptoms too. None of this started until after I started using NuvaRing."

• Klo...
• August 31, 2017

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I have been on the NuvaRing for exactly a year, and I have stopped it for good. It is definitely very convenient, however, I developed severe mood swings and anxiousness while on this form of birth control. I am a very positive, motivated person with absolutely no history of anxiety or depression. After being on this, I would catch myself crying for absolutely no reason, especially while drinking alcohol! I also lost about 10-15 pounds. I am about to start 'Lolo,' which is advertised as a lower dosage. Pros: lost weight, regulated acne, low maintenance. Cons: increased anxiety and emotions."

• Yor...
• March 22, 2018

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I was afraid of trying NuvaRing after reading the reviews, but it’s worked really well for me. It’s been 6 months now, and I’m less depressed/anxious, and my hormones are more stable. I’m using it for endometriosis. The oral pills I tried gave me horrible acid reflux. I had a bad reaction (hair loss) to LoLoestrin, horrible mood swings on Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo, got seriously depressed on Apri. I don’t have headaches or circulation problems with NuvaRing, but prior to taking BC, I had trouble with my blood not clotting fast enough. My only complaints with NuvaRing are: 1. Issues with it fitting/staying in place the first week, I guess it’s too rigid and too long (awkward), and 2. I’ve experienced breakthrough bleeding for weeks at a time when I try to skip my period (doctor’s instructions for dealing with my endo). Overall, the steady dose of hormones has made mood swings much less of a problem. And there’s no alarm on my phone anymore to remind me to take my BC pill."

• Gna...
• March 21, 2016

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "Finishing up my first month with the NuvaRing. Maybe I'm being too quick to judge, but so far my experience has only been great. I haven't had any weight/appetite gain, mood swings, or massive fatigue. I believe it has slowed down the rate at which my super annoying few stray chin hairs grow in (seriously, I used to have to pluck like 6-7 coarse hairs out of my chin every other day for the last 4 years). It hasn't decreased my sex drive... If anything, it's increased it. I have had tender breasts since inserting it, but I'm actually a big fan of that feeling. My boobs are noticeably bigger, and it makes me feel really sexy. It hasn't fallen out, and I've had plenty of vigorous sex with my partner. I certainly hope things stay this way. Try it."

• dpa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 8, 2013

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "Switching to NuvaRing was an awesome decision, and I would never go back to other birth control methods. I experienced no weight gain (people blame their birth control for that way too often), my skin was fine, no mood swings, no side effects whatsoever. You can't feel it when you're having sex, and it's relatively easy to put it in and to remove it. You don't feel it once it's in. The only downfall is it is pretty expensive (with my insurance, $90/month), but there's a 50% off coupon that the company offers, so it makes it much easier to afford. I love this birth control and would recommend it to anyone who asked."

• 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."

• JJa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 2, 2019

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "Worst experience - would not recommend NuvaRing to anyone! I’m 31 y/o and haven’t been on BC for about 15 years. This seemed like a great option, but it was the worst. I was so extremely bloated it looked like I was 9 months pregnant. I was only on the ring for 7 days before I had to take it out. Made me incredibly emotional, moody, irritable, crampy, and did I mention bloated!? After having it out for a few hours, I started to mentally feel better, but 15 hours later, I still look crazy, crazy bloated, and my stomach is in a ton of pain. If you retain water or gain weight, this will be a nightmare for you."

• 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."

• ano...
• November 17, 2016

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I started using the NuvaRing right after my wedding about two months ago. I was looking for a better alternative than the pill. But since then, my moods have drastically changed. I feel like I'm always angry, and I can't even stand my husband sometimes. My husband and friends tell me they've noticed a huge change in my mood. I have very little tolerance and will go from 0 to 100 real quick!! I'll cry over anything, and I just can't stand myself sometimes. I have not gained any weight, and it has not affected intercourse, but it may cost me my relationship. Definitely switching back to the pill. My friends are also on the Ring and have no complaints, so it may depend."

• ano...
• November 17, 2016

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I started using the NuvaRing right after my wedding about two months ago. I was looking for a better alternative than the pill. But since then, my moods have drastically changed. I feel like I'm always angry, and I can't even stand my husband sometimes. My husband and friends tell me they've noticed a huge change in my mood. I have very little tolerance and will go from 0 to 100 real quick!! I'll cry over anything, and I just can't stand myself sometimes. I have not gained any weight, and it has not affected intercourse, but it may cost me my relationship. Definitely switching back to the pill. My friends are also on the Ring and have no complaints, so it may depend."

• Ama...
• January 26, 2013

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I was on NuvaRing for a little over a year and finally took it out because it caused too many negative symptoms that I tried to ignore because it was an easy and reliable birth control method. I constantly had hard, cystic bumps on the jawline, which would flare up twice a month, moodiness, random stabbing pain in my abdomen. When I finally gave it up, it was because it was preventing pregnancy, but sex was pretty pointless while on it because I had so much vaginal irritation, and it was making me emotional because I could not enjoy it at all. I've been off NuvaRing for two months now, and these symptoms are gone, so I know they were linked. My skin is clearing up, and the irritation is gone."

• 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."

• Mor...
• April 5, 2017

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I've been on the NuvaRing for almost 4 years with very few issues. I've never had a pregnancy scare, but have had a few issues with bleeding/spotting in between periods, especially if I leave the ring in for 4 weeks and try to skip my period. Now I follow the 28-day cycle (leave it in for 3 weeks, take it out for 1 week, then put a new one in) and have no issues. I have never had issues with mood swings, weight gain, etc. If you pay attention and use the ring in the way that's best for your body (leaving it in and skipping your period or taking it out and having your period), you shouldn't have any issues."

• Anonymous
• February 2, 2011

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "NuvaRing seemed like the perfect option for me. I'm a college student, so life can be crazy, and I never know where I'm going to be at what time of day. I used to like to take the pill. The first month wasn't too bad, but after that, I started noticing some serious changes. I started feeling tired almost all the time, even after 9 hours of sleep. My sex drive decreased to nothing. If I wasn't wanting to have sex, then what's the point of taking birth control and paying so much for it every month? I started having really bad effects on my emotions. I would go from being happy to sad within a second. It was nothing for me to randomly start tearing up for no reason. I never had this problem on the pill. I'm switching back."

• Iam...
• July 4, 2015

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "So, I was so excited to try out the NuvaRing. I have the mind of a goldfish, so remembering a pill every day would be a struggle. When I put it in, I felt no different. But the next few nights, I've never been more sick. And for the first 2 weeks, I was like a bunny in heat. I've become lazy, unmotivated, emotional, and had no confidence at all. I've read a couple of reviews, so I tried to stick it out for a month. Today, I finally took it out and had an overwhelming emotional breakdown. I was mean and cried for no reason and felt depressed. This is not who I am. I've had this thing out for about 8 hours, and I'm finally starting to feel better. I think I'm just going to try abstinence for my birth control method."

• 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!"

• Chi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 6, 2015

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "This birth control sucks. And I mean suckas. If you already have mood swings, anxiety, and/or a history of depression, please search for other options because this thing will intensify what you have like no other. I've never been on BC prior to this, and I did mention to the doctor if it'll make your mood swings worse, and she assured me it wouldn't. Complete opposite. I feel like I already struggled with some depression and mood swings, but being on this just takes it to a whole other level. The suicidal thoughts come when I'm most anxious, it just flat-out sucks, man. And the worst part is that I never asked to be on this bull, I only need it so I can have a normal period, and this is what I get? Life is hard enough as is. Just stay away from it."

• Jil...
• May 13, 2019

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "So I've been on the NuvaRing for 2 months now going on 3. I was on Junel Fe before this and was complaining of severe bloating, weight gain, erratic mood swings, almost complete loss of sex drive, and boy did I eat like a man! I was begging for something different and was nervous to try this, but I finally did it, and I feel like a new woman! I lost about 8 pounds almost immediately due to my back to normal appetite and my loss of water weight. My bloating has been consolidated to only my period week, which I might add I did not get a normal period cycle until trying this. I was a little emotional to start off with it, but it quickly subsided along with the very mild nausea. I didn't get any vaginal infections or irritation, but I do prefer to take it out during sex because I feel it moving around. I also like that I don't have to take a pill every day. My only complaint is that I am very sleepy all the time. I'm not sure if that's a side effect of this or just me, but I will look into it."

• Fan...
• January 5, 2014

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I tried NuvaRing in Oct 2012 and stopped it in July 2013 because of mood swings and bloating. I decided to try a pill and got severe anxiety attacks. Went back on the NuvaRing in Sept 2013 and all was fine for the first 2 months, but month 3 I got my mood swings back and I am so irritable that any tiny thing annoys me. Sadly, I stopped it because I can't take the anger from it, and I know it is the NuvaRing because I've only been angry while on it. It's too bad because it actually helped my anxiety, and it was so convenient. Going to try a chewable pill next."

• ani...
• April 25, 2016

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "No one is the same, and NuvaRing obviously works for some, but it did not for me. I'm on my third month and just took it out for good. It put me in a permanent funk... and by that, I mean constantly paranoid or sad, and I would also be upset with my boyfriend over nothing. I hadn't been on BC at all for about two years before. Without birth control, I do get PMS the week before my period, which was toned down by the ring, but it feels like it just spread it out to a more mild PMS the whole time (terrible!). My sex drive was noticeably diminished to the point where I didn't even want to have sex sometimes (and that NEVER happens, lol). Overall, good for acne and regulating the period, but not worth the emotional instability and sex drive effects."

• Swe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 26, 2018

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I was on NuvaRing years ago, and while my husband (then boyfriend) didn't say anything, he later told me it made me 'crazy.' I didn’t remember that. All I recalled was that my adult acne cleared up and I didn’t get the brown upper lip I got from other BC. I went back on it recently for 3 months, and the only pros were: no pregnancy and I skipped my honeymoon period. I was a newlywed, and I was supposed to be happy as ever, instead, I was clinically depressed. I had mood swings. I craved sweets constantly with no self-control. I’m usually a health nut and a gym junkie. I was weak and tired. I got home and would climb in bed when I used to hit the gym. I hadn't worked out since I started the BC due to utter exhaustion. Since I quit, I’ve got energy and I’ve regained control of my appetite. I think everybody reacts differently to meds. Give it a try, but be advised of possible side effects. Don’t just live dragging through life when there are other BC options."

• Lmh...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 30, 2020

For Birth Control "I am so glad to have found this post/feed. My period has been so irregular/not happening, along with the depressive symptoms. I also experienced the itchiness, took countless pregnancy tests, dealt with bloating and mood swings. Unfortunately, my insurance will not cover the original ring, which was great for me. I guess no more birth control for me. Is there a place to report medicines? Because this is terrible."

• Sta...
• August 8, 2019

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I've been on NuvaRing for two months now for my adenomyosis and the awful PMS I get a week before my period (tired, cramps, leg pain, mood swings). It was awful. Well, being on this thing isn't better, it's worse. I can't stop bleeding, and I'm too afraid to take it out because I don't want to bleed more. I've never had cramps this bad. I feel like I can't walk. I spent all day Tuesday in bed crying. I'm a teacher, and I don't know how I'm going to get up in front of the kids and talk to them when I feel like such a mess. The pain is unbearable. My doctor could care less and was like, “It's normal, give it more time.” I hate the ring, I hate that I'm having so much pain and bleeding with no signs of it ending. I look like I've gained 20 lbs from bloating. I think I'd rather live in my personal hell prior to the ring than this."

• Klo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 17, 2023

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I started the ring 2 weeks ago, hoping to regulate my period. My emotions started running high immediately, but work has been stressful, so I assumed it was that. Last week, out of nowhere, I had suicidal images popping into my head. But still, I thought maybe it was a fluke. We had a beach vacation coming up, so I’d have an opportunity to recharge. But everything continued to spiral even at the beach. Yesterday, on a beach walk alone, the suicidal thoughts began again, and they were relentless. I got back to our villa and broke down, telling my husband immediately because I was that scared. I’m an upbeat person who probably does internalize her stresses, but I’m relentlessly positive (without NuvaRing). This morning, I was trying to figure out what was different... NuvaRing. With research and reviews shared here, I realized this has been the acute cause and I’m not actually going crazy. The ring is in the trash now. I’m so glad I figured it out before something horrible happened."