Balcoltra and Mood Swings: What Users Say

• hel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 13, 2020

For Birth Control "I’m on my second month of taking this BC. My gyno put me on it to help shrink an ovarian cyst I have that’s close to rupturing. So far, I have noticed somewhat of a decrease in cramps. Thank goodness because those cramps were the worst pains I’ve ever felt, and I would consider myself a person who has a very high pain tolerance :/ But on the other hand, I have been bleeding/spotting for about 3 1/2 weeks now after I had my full 6-day period. I’ve experienced abnormal mood swings, increased anxiety, worsened depression, and insane random crying sprees over the smallest things or just nothing really at all. At this point, I think the pain is a better option than how crazy this pill has made me feel."

• Ann...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 19, 2020

For Birth Control "This birth control, Balcoltra, sucks. I was off of BC for 2 years because the brand I was on (Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo) was discontinued. Pharmacy switched me to Lo Sprintec, and that also sucked, so I stopped altogether. Anyway, had a pregnancy scare and decided to give BC another chance. My OBGYN said this was a mild, low-dose BC and shouldn’t give me any side effects. WRONG. I threw up every day (took it before bed), had constant dizzy spells that rolled over to the next day, and the worst of all were mood swings. Not only did I almost break up with my boyfriend, but I cried and almost put my fist through a wall over a text message. Safe to say that only lasted 5 days before calling it quits. My suggestion? Don’t try it, I get everyone’s bodies work differently—which is why I ignored the reviews and tried it anyway. Boy, was I wrong. To put it simply—don’t do it. You’re welcome."

• Yaz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 8, 2020

For Birth Control "Horrible. Experienced terrible mood swings and increased depression and anxiety, plus cystic acne that I never experienced before this pill. I’ve also been constantly bleeding for the past 4 weeks because of it, wouldn’t recommend at all."

• Ban...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 4, 2020

For Birth Control "Balcoltra is the first birth control that I’ve ever been on. The first 2-3 months, I had really bad headaches and bad mood swings that would come after taking the pill at night, and I was about to call my doctor to switch off of it. The only other side effect symptoms that I’ve noticed are my breasts becoming tender, headaches every now and then, mood swings, and abdominal cramping. Over the months, it’s gotten a lot better, and I really can’t complain about Balcoltra. It’s helped my acne, and I still sometimes get those other symptoms, but it’s not often, so it’s bearable. It’s a lot better than I expected it to be."

• JTE...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 9, 2019

For Birth Control "Everyone's chemistry is different, and what works for one woman will not necessarily work for another. This is the third hormonal birth control I've tried, and the side effects have been the most manageable on this medication. First, it does what it claims it will do; I've been on it for about a year now and am not pregnant. ;) For me, the side effects have been mild, much milder than other BCs I've tried (generic patches and LO Loestrin FE). I do experience mood swings (generally irritability, sometimes lethargy) and bloating (which goes away during period week). Acne doesn't seem to be affected; it's slightly better than when I was taking nothing, but it does not keep my skin entirely clear. Periods are shorter than normal on this medication, and I don't experience cramping any more or less than typical."

• bir...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 2, 2019

For Birth Control "I switched to Balcoltra because I was experiencing breakthrough bleeding on Sprintec and Tri-Sprintec. At first, Balcoltra was great -- had NO breakthrough bleeding or side effects for the first 3 months. For some reason, at month 4, I started experiencing breakthrough bleeding again, as well as lots of gastrointestinal problems, bloating, mood swings, acne -- you name it. It was very frustrating, but my doc encouraged me to keep with it for a few more months. During these months, the pill was very inconsistent. Sometimes, I'd have a great month with no breakthrough bleeding and short periods. Others, I'd have every side effect in the book. I also gained about 5 pounds, but that could be for a number of reasons, even though I eat very healthily and work out 5 days a week. I've finally decided to switch off Balcoltra and try something else."

• Ell...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 29, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been on Balcoltra for around a year, and it really is one of the best birth controls I have been on. Previously, I was on Sprintec, and it caused me to be very depressed and have mood swings. Being on Balcoltra allowed my acne to heal up, and a very short, light period. The only downside with this pill is that I find if I take two in one day, I get violently sick to my stomach and vomit."

• Mad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 24, 2019

For Birth Control "I was encouraged to take this BC by my OBGYN to prevent breakthrough bleeding. The only positive things I can say about this pill are that it has prevented pregnancy and breakthrough bleeding. However, from the beginning, I noticed severe breast tenderness, cystic acne, stomach cramps, headaches, and, worst of all, mood swings. I’m currently home for the holidays, and my mother brought up the fact that something is off with me emotionally, which really opened my eyes. Everything in my life is going well, so I have no doubts it’s the birth control messing with my anxiety and depression. My doctor encouraged me to test it out for a few months, but I’m so miserable that I’m getting off of it immediately."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 12, 2022

For Birth Control "I started having heavier periods about a year ago, and they became very painful to the point where I would skip work or class. I was on ibuprofen to control the pain but got an ulcer from that, so then I was prescribed Balcoltra. I didn't even make it a week before I felt terrible. I felt tired all the time, and all I wanted to do was sleep, but I couldn't sleep. My doctor said to take the pill at night to sleep through the nauseousness, but regardless, I would wake up and vomit in the middle of the night. All of a sudden, I felt unmotivated, which was hard being in college. The worst part was I became very emotional and would just randomly cry. My brain felt foggy, and I knew this was the complete opposite of myself! I stopped after a week because I didn't want the side effects to get any worse."

• acn...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 11, 2019

For Birth Control "I switched to Balcoltra after Tri Lo Marzia when I began getting periods over 12 days long. 3 months in, my period is back to normal, and nothing else is. I am on birth control (BC) to help my acne, and I now have huge cystic breakouts when I've never had cystic acne before. Ever since starting the medication, I've had severe mood swings, which continued to get worse and spiraled into full-on depression. Like many other commenters, I tried very hard to believe it wasn't the birth control, but I have experienced nearly every side effect of this medication at this point. This was my fourth birth control I've tried, and I am officially done with BC altogether. Thanks for nothing!"

• Bro...
• April 23, 2022

For Birth Control "I switched to Balcoltra from Isibloom about 4 months ago. Since then, I’ve gained over 15 lbs, have had severe bloating, migraines, tender breasts, and horrible mood swings. Not to mention my acne is the worst it’s been since I was a teenager! It is awful! I’m on the verge of quitting birth control altogether because I’ve tried everything under the sun, and my OB said this was my last option! They said to finish my current pack and see if anything improves, but honestly, I would rather die than take it again."

• Lot...
• June 29, 2021

For Birth Control "Strong headaches the first 2 months. I NEVER get headaches. Random cramping here and there, easy to manage, no breakthrough bleeding. My period became longer and less painful, but the mood swings and cravings intensified. I started getting acne and bad scars, but I found that 10% benzoyl peroxide helps! I skip the bottom row of pills, so my period is sometimes longer and less noticeable bleeding."

• Hal...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 6, 2020

For Birth Control "I was put on Balcoltra a little over a year ago after having trouble with a huge cyst wrapping itself around my ovary - yes, it’s as painful as it sounds!!! It helped so much and also helped regulate my periods. I went from having awful cramps to barely any, and my flow was a lot lighter. About 8 months into taking it, I realized my mood was always really depressing while I would PMS. I was so sad all the time. I got put on medication for that, and it helped, but I’m not sure if Balcoltra was the problem. There have been some other women talking about their mood swings on it."