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

• 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."

• Hay...
• August 16, 2016

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I switched to the NuvaRing from the pill several months ago. The plus side is no more having to remember to take the pill every day. The pill gave me bad body acne and cystic acne, which the NuvaRing cleared up. However, the NuvaRing gives me crazy mood swings every month like clockwork. My poor boyfriend will do something, and I snap and can't control my anger. I feel like it's the end of the world and cry excessively. I think this is the end of hormonal birth control for me. Would not recommend if the pill or another hormonal BC did not work with your hormones. Also, the pill and the NuvaRing give me horrible canker sores that I have to take prescription medicine for. Going to try the copper IUD next. Hope this helps anyone in their BC quest :)"

• 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."

• Jus...
• September 19, 2019

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I have been on the NuvaRing for three weeks today. I have a history of seizures, depression, and anxiety. I haven’t had a seizure in almost 12 years. My depression and anxiety were under control when I started. The last three weeks have been some of the lowest in my life. I ended up having a seizure a week ago, and my anxiety and depression are back in full force. I literally cry over everything and anything, have had the worst mood swings and emotional outbursts, and just feel overall awful about myself. I have experienced such heavy bleeding for the last three days with horrible blood clots (worse than I normally have each month). I have also had a feeling that I can only describe as “brain fog” since starting the ring. Today was my scheduled day to take the ring out, and I did, and I am not putting a new one in. I honestly feel so much better mentally, and this thing has only been out for an hour. My experience has been awful."

• 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."

• Jas...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 25, 2024

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I am having a great experience with EluRyng! I use it continuously for 28 days to get rid of my period, and within 3 months, my period was gone. No weight gain or mood swings. My acne cleared up as well. I used the Kylenna IUD before the EluRyng and had horrible side effects. My periods were irregular, horrible mood swings, and I had bad cramps. Since I switched, I have felt 100x better. It's easy to use and convenient to change every 28 days. It also comes in a pack of three, so I only have to go to the pharmacy every 3 months."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• JB1...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 2, 2023

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "Last year, I picked up my birth control, and the packaging looked different. When I looked more closely and saw this was a generic, I was shocked. My doctor had not prescribed it, nor had my insurance company alerted me to any change, but wanting to stay on my schedule, I tried it. This was an absolute mistake. Within days, I was having terrible burning and discharge. As most women do, I decided to power through. This wasn't a good idea because things only got worse. Then came the cramps, back pain, spotting, insane mood swings, and unbelievable weight gain. I gained about 10 lbs in about 6 weeks. That is not normal! Not to mention that all of the symptoms only got worse with time. I was suffering. I went to my gyno and found out that this was an allergic reaction. In addition, my psychiatrist and endocrinologist have all had problems with their patients and EluRyng. I've had to fight my insurance company to get Nuvaring covered."

• 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."

• Tay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 20, 2021

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I've been on the NuvaRing for two months and have experienced a variety of symptoms which led me to this page. Thankfully, I've had no nausea like others have mentioned. However, I've noticed I experience cold chills for the first week or two after inserting the ring, as well as night sweats. I also have experienced severe mood swings. The first month in, I also experienced a UTI, which I haven't experienced in years prior. I have had a minor increase in discharge, but that doesn't really bother me. However, there has definitely been a change to the smell, which I can only relate to the NuvaRing. I've done research on this particular birth control since starting it and feel this may be the last month I continue taking it. Blood clots aren't a regular occurrence with birth control, but they do occur, and as it turns out, the NuvaRing actually has a higher risk of clots versus oral birth control. As someone who has a family history with clots, this medication may not be for me."

• gor...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 23, 2019

Ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel for Birth Control "I’ve been on the NuvaRing birth control for two years now and officially had to take it out. When I first started this birth control, it was amazing! I took the generic pill before, and it made me crazy angry all the time. So it was nice to find a birth control with the generic symptoms but nothing extreme; until a few months ago. I’m not sure what has happened, but my legs are fatigued ALL THE TIME now, even when I don’t do any workouts. For the past five months, I have had a dull cramp around my stomach. If it wasn’t for my appendix already being removed, I would swear it feels like appendicitis; it hurts that bad. My mood swings are worse than ever now as well. I used to love this medicine, but I am done feeling like this all the time."