Lessina and Mood Swings: What Users Say

• Lyn...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 24, 2019

For Birth Control "DO NOT TAKE THESE PILLS! I used to take Lutera, and it was great for me, but the pharmacy ran out when it was time to refill, and they gave me Lessina. They said it was the same active ingredient. At first, I hesitated. I should've listened to my instinct. I have been having anxiety, mood swings, irritability, can't focus, even had to take off from work, and fatigue, insomnia. It's horrible! I'm so mad that the pharmacy gave me Lessina."

• Nat...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 28, 2019

For Birth Control "I started taking Lessina birth control pill a few years ago. I like the fact that my periods are a lot shorter and not as heavy. However, I caught myself experiencing terrible mood swings, and I always feel hungry and bloated. I started getting bipolar episodes, as others have shared on this site. I didn't realize that it was because of birth control. I am always at EDGE and dislike how I feel so antsy all the time. Recently, I noticed my hair has been thinning out, and I've been losing SO much! I got tested for thyroid and other things, and my results came back normal. I am not currently taking any medication, therefore, this must be the reason. I highly suggest trying other options. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone. It is upsetting being a woman in my early 30s and having thinning hair, anxiety, and irritability."

• see...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 16, 2019

For Ovarian Cysts "I was so nervous to give this a try after reading the reviews. I used to get a SUPER heavy period, usually lasting about 7-8 days. I'd need a tampon or pad for at least 3-4 of those days. Combined with ovarian cysts, I always had cramps. I've been on Lessina for 2 months now, the first period I got was 4 days and super light. I was SO HAPPY to see. Yes, the side effects at first do suck. I noticed I was VERY hungry, easily irritable, and had mood swings with some anxiety. After about 3-4 weeks, this finally subsided."

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

For Birth Control "I have been taking this birth control since June or July of 2020. This birth control hasn’t really done much to me. I think it may have made me a bit aggressive, but I was already aggressive at first. I didn’t gain weight, I actually lost some. This pill has made me somewhat emotional, but I do believe most pills do that. I have not tried any other types of birth control except this one, and I am happy with the results."

• Eri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 4, 2022

For Birth Control "I was super nervous about getting on birth control because of the horror stories and my previous experience from other pills. I spent a few months researching pills and asking friends what pill worked for them because I was going to start nursing school and did not want a surprise during that time. After nine years of not being on the pill and a lot of research, I took a chance with Lessina. I’ve been on it for five months, and I love it! The first two months, I was very emotional, but I’m sure it was from the pill trying to regulate. Month 3 period was the heaviest, but once again, I think it was from the pill regulating. I have gained weight, but since I’ve started nursing school, I haven’t been active and I eat crap every day, so I can’t blame the pill. I’m emotional at random times throughout the month, but that’s it. I don’t have severe mood swings, I’m not angry, I don’t get headaches, I’m not depressed…. I really think this pill is a great option."

• Eri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 4, 2022

For Birth Control "I was super nervous about getting on birth control because of the horror stories and my previous experience from other pills. I spent a few months researching pills and asking friends what pill worked for them because I was going to start nursing school and did not want a surprise during that time. After nine years of not being on the pill and a lot of research, I took a chance with Lessina. I’ve been on it for five months, and I love it! The first two months, I was very emotional, but I’m sure it was from the pill trying to regulate. Month 3 period was the heaviest, but once again, I think it was from the pill regulating. I have gained weight, but since I’ve started nursing school, I haven’t been active and I eat crap every day, so I can’t blame the pill. I’m emotional at random times throughout the month, but that’s it. I don’t have severe mood swings, I’m not angry, I don’t get headaches, I’m not depressed…. I really think this pill is a great option."

• Nes...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 1, 2018

For Birth Control "I have taken Lessina for only 2 months. I was so scared of trying it because of all the negative comments on it, but for me, I have no side effects whatsoever! I get emotional when I'm going through PMS, but that's 100% normal for me. I take mine before I go to bed (I work overnights), so at 9 am, if I do get nauseous, I don't feel it at all. I haven't gained weight, normal PMS acne, no crazy mood swings. It feels like I'm not taking anything at all! I give it a 9 because I'm not sure how effective it is yet, lol. But I'll find out soon, lol."

• Nes...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 1, 2018

For Birth Control "I have taken Lessina for only 2 months. I was so scared of trying it because of all the negative comments on it, but for me, I have no side effects whatsoever! I get emotional when I'm going through PMS, but that's 100% normal for me. I take mine before I go to bed (I work overnights), so at 9 am, if I do get nauseous, I don't feel it at all. I haven't gained weight, normal PMS acne, no crazy mood swings. It feels like I'm not taking anything at all! I give it a 9 because I'm not sure how effective it is yet, lol. But I'll find out soon, lol."

• Man...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 16, 2019

For Birth Control "Do not take this birth control!!! I had been put on this birth control a couple of years ago, absolutely hated it, went to Planned Parenthood to change back to my other birth control, and Rite Aid lost my prescription for the good birth control and now I’ve been stuck with Lessina again for almost a year. I’ve had my period for about a month straight on Lessina, it does nothing for cramps, causes headaches, mood swings, terrible anxiety, please do not take Lessina, I couldn’t think of a worse birth control."

• Anonymous
• October 18, 2011

For Birth Control "I have previously tried Yaz, which I quit after becoming emotional. My doctor switched me to another brand (which worked fine-no emotional drawbacks) but had to switch me due to my student care card. Then I was switched to Lessina. I had never been so emotional and depressed in my entire life. Additionally, my skin became unmanageable, I started having massive headaches, I couldn't focus because of exhaustion (I slept 15 hours two days in a row and previously had a normal sleeping pattern), and I was so weak that getting out of bed became a task. I am now on a different birth control pill and am experiencing none of these symptoms."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 26, 2020

For Birth Control "Horrible. I have been spotting nonstop for 2 weeks now. Mood swings, crying spells, increased depression, sweating, weight gain, and bloating. I tried to stick it out for 2 months, but I am stopping this OCP ASAP."

• big...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 9, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve been taking Lessina for about 7 and a half weeks. Ever since I started it, I have had a non-stop period, currently heavy, which is so disappointing because the downsides are not worth it. My acne has greatly improved. I was previously diagnosed with anxiety and depression, and being on this medication has led me to become paranoid for no reason and has led me to develop really dark thoughts along with suffering severe depression and anxiety (I am medicated for depression and was fine before I started taking this pill). I have also experienced heavy mood swings and bipolar episodes."

• Niy...
• December 29, 2018

For Birth Control "At first (first month) taking this pill, it was not amazing. I had terrible mood swings and would have stress breaks in the classrooms of my school, then got kicked out. I’ve gained about 10 pounds on this pill, but it has gone to my hips and butt, so I’m loving it. In the first month getting wet was difficult, but I’m on my third month and it’s back to normal. Overall, even though the first two months on this birth control were an emotional roller coaster, I would recommend taking it. Remember, birth controls react differently to everyone’s body. Also, it is very effective in protecting you from pregnancy."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 3, 2017

For Birth Control "Literally the worst birth control ever. I was on Orsythia, and my pharmacy said this was the 'generic' version. My period was always regular, and my period came two weeks earlier this month. It also makes me break out and gained about five pounds. I have become very emotional and depressed, I was never like that. Now, I cry for everything. Do not recommend."

• Jun...
• February 23, 2021

For Birth Control "I have been on Lessina for about 3 months now. Before this, I was on Depo. This far, I have had a few side effects such as gaining weight, mood swings, and my first month I had the heaviest period I have ever experienced, which lasted almost 10 days. On a positive note, my acne has cleared a lot. And I have been able to successfully skip my periods like I’ve wanted, as well as having no babies! Everyone’s body is different."

• kan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 12, 2020

For Birth Control "I began taking Lessina last month, and I do not recommend! The first few weeks, I had a consistent headache. Secondly, my appetite largely increased. Then, I was very, very emotional! I am having breakdowns over everything that happened. My anxiety has been way worse, and so have my intrusive thoughts. I thought for sure I at least wouldn't have a bad period. Wrong! This has been the worst period I've had in years! Such heavy bleeding, nausea, which caused me to have a panic attack, chills, headaches, the whole nine yards. Please do not take this medicine."

• Ean...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 2, 2019

For Birth Control "Before taking Lessina birth control, I had really irregular periods. Not having my period for a couple of months, super heavy periods, and the worst cramps. Before taking Lessina, my period used to be 7-8 days. Now I bleed almost on time for 4-6 days, my periods are lighter after the second day, cramps aren't as awful. Although, my period still hasn't lined up with the 28 days. It's more of 30-45 days for me. It's better than missing it months at a time. One thing I'd complain about is I recently stopped taking my birth control (trying to get Nexplanon) and BOY OOOH BOOOY these mood swings. I'm catching myself being so miserable. It's been almost two weeks since I've stopped taking it. Not sure how badly it'll affect me and my periods. Wishing everyone luck."

• Anonymous
• January 31, 2012

For Birth Control "I had to switch to a new contraceptive after being on Depo for 5 years. Since I was used to having no periods on the Depo, my doctor okayed me to take only active pills and never take the placebos. After 4 months, I started getting breakthrough bleeding on and off for the next 6 weeks. It did its job since I am baby-free, but I couldn't keep taking it from all the random bleeding for almost 6 weeks. While on it, I had headaches for the first few weeks, but they subsided. I was definitely more emotional while on it the first couple of months, but that leveled out mostly. I still would cry easier, though. The good thing is that I did seem to have a little bit higher sex drive."

• ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 29, 2021

For Birth Control "My first month on Lessina, I had pretty consistent migraines, which I didn’t have before. After getting over that adjustment hurdle, it’s been great. I used to have really bad joint pain before and after my periods, but after starting Lessina, it’s been super mild, if not non-existent. It has also helped balance my mood. I used to have pretty bad mood swings, which have also subsided over the last few months. When I first started, I read the reviews, which freaked me out a little bit, but remember everyone is different! I have loved my time being on Lessina, and I wish you the best of luck finding something that works!"

• Ken...
• September 26, 2019

For Birth Control "I was on Lessina for about 6 or 7 months. At first, I was pretty content with this birth control. I have tried other brands, but most had no effect on the heaviness of my period, which is why I was taking the pill to begin with. One of the definite pros of this pill is that I had absolutely no acne at all. I’m 18 years old, and before starting on this pill, I had some acne, I rarely got acne while on this pill. If you are taking it for acne-related reasons, then I would suggest this pill. The downside is that it caused me to gain about 12 pounds within around 7 months. It may not seem like that much, but it really adds up for a teenager. My mood swings weren’t easy either, everything would set me off, and I was constantly angry. I’m switching to Junel birth control now. Given the reviews from it, I am somewhat nervous. Overall, this birth control mostly helped with my period, making it shorter but still pretty heavy."

• Ng1...
• October 5, 2018

For Birth Control "Initially wanted to go back on the pill because I experience pretty severe PMS symptoms within the 10 days or so leading up to my period that really prevent me from my normal, everyday functions due to a hormonal imbalance. Tried to stick it out for a little over 2 weeks but then couldn’t take it anymore. Was constantly tired, depressed, and anxious within the first few days. Experienced severe mood swings at the start of week 2, crying for no reason and then suddenly would get angry and snap. Had insane acne and cravings from the start that I couldn’t resist, leading to a solid 10 lb weight gain and painful blemishes, which only made the depression worse. Felt so self-conscious and didn’t have the motivation to work out, which is something I love to do daily, during the entirety of my experience. Needless to say, probably some of the worst weeks I’ve experienced in a while. Started to return back to normal within a few days of stopping."

• Ste...
• October 21, 2016

For Birth Control "I was advised to take this because it is the least hormonal birth control that works. I was horribly emotional with all the prior birth control pills, this one had no bad side effects, and periods were much lighter. Of course, I did gain the normal 5-10 lbs. (But that's always the case with birth control pills since they make your body think that you're pregnant). I truly believe that the bad reviews are people that had chronic issues with emotions or sinuses, etc., and just kind of placed blame or really made themselves believe that symptoms got worse when taking a new medication. I stopped taking it in February as my spouse and I are wanting a child. It is now nearing November (9 months) and I have not had a single spot or period since I stopped taking birth control."

• Ash...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 23, 2019

For Ovarian Cysts "Been on Lessina for a month and a half, skipped sugar pills to not have to deal with my extreme PMS, as advised by my doctor. I have been bleeding for three weeks! The heaviest and most clotting period I have ever had to deal with! I have had tender breasts and horrible mood swings. I am so anxious and tired. I could not tell you if it works for birth control, haven't been able to have sex since I have started this due to a prolonged period."

• Man...
• April 10, 2018

For Ovarian Cysts "I began taking this pill after my insurance company sent this medication to my pharmacy instead of my Luthera. When I first started this pill pack, I didn't notice anything yet, but at the end of the second week, I missed a pill and then had breakthrough bleeding for three weeks straight. I also began noticing severe mood swings and mood changes, breast swelling and tenderness, and pretty consistent bloating. I thought I would give it one more month to see if my body just needed to adjust, but all the symptoms remained throughout the next month, aside from spotting a little less frequently, but the mood swings got 10 times worse at the end of the month when I was on the inactive pill and my everyday anxiety increased substantially as well. I couldn't handle the side effects from this and simply had to have my pharmacy order me the Luthera."

• Man...
• April 10, 2018

For Ovarian Cysts "I began taking this pill after my insurance company sent this medication to my pharmacy instead of my Luthera. When I first started this pill pack, I didn't notice anything yet, but at the end of the second week, I missed a pill and then had breakthrough bleeding for three weeks straight. I also began noticing severe mood swings and mood changes, breast swelling and tenderness, and pretty consistent bloating. I thought I would give it one more month to see if my body just needed to adjust, but all the symptoms remained throughout the next month, aside from spotting a little less frequently, but the mood swings got 10 times worse at the end of the month when I was on the inactive pill and my everyday anxiety increased substantially as well. I couldn't handle the side effects from this and simply had to have my pharmacy order me the Luthera."