Levlen and Mood Swings: What Users Say

• eee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 30, 2017

For Birth Control "I'm 18, and this is my first hormonal contraceptive I've tried. I was pretty scared at first about all the negative side effects. I did experience some intense mood swings and feeling nauseous at night in the first two weeks, but I trusted it would go away, and it did. I'm on my fourth month of taking it now, and I'm pretty sure I'm fully used to it. My periods are super regular, libido is fine, no dryness, no migraines or weight gain. However, I haven't seen a difference in acne, lighter or shorter periods, or period pain, but those aren't problems I needed fixed anyway. Pretty happy! Don't be scared by the side effects, if you go into it with a positive mindset, you'll be right... and it's super worth it once your body gets used to it :)"

• Anonymous
• September 29, 2020

For Birth Control "I came to the web to see if anyone else was experiencing what I was after taking this pill, and wow!! Ok, I'm not going crazy. Firstly, I've only been taking the pill for two weeks, and I've noticed constant bleeding, but after research, I have found that that is quite normal. So I'm OK with that. But I'm sitting here, 26 years old, with cystic acne, mood swings of a 13-year-old, constant drowsiness, weight gain, and headaches. This pill, according to my GP, was supposed to minimize pimples and stabilize my cycle. I won't be putting another pill into my body. The worst ever!"

• Lol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 5, 2017

For Birth Control "Moodiness increased, sex drive lowered to the point where I didn't want anything to do with my partner, extremely emotional, painful periods, and depressed. I've been off for about a month and feel so much better."

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

For Endometriosis "Levlen is the worst thing that ever happened to me! I was on Norimin-1, but as a result of COVID, they were unable to import the ingredients for it. My doctor then switched me to Levlen... worst thing ever. After 3 weeks of use, I had severe hormonal acne all along my jawline. The pressure from the acne hurts my face (I’ve never ever had any issues with my skin). I thought this may be just because of a hormonal change from trying a new pill. After 3 months, it became worse and worse. Never have I had severe headaches, but daily I now have severe headaches that come out of nowhere. I have severe depression now from this pill, my mood swings are absolutely insane."

• Pai...
• March 25, 2021

For Birth Control "Trigger warning: suicide ideation. I've had painful periods all my life and decided to go on the pill after meeting my partner for birth control reasons. The pain did reduce, but I gained a lot of weight, and it affected my mood and gave me depression. After experiencing ongoing suicide ideation, I quit my job at a pharmacy I worked at due to fear of stealing medication and overdosing on it. After stopping the pill, my mental health returned to better levels almost immediately (3 days)."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 13, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve been using Levlan for the last 4 months. I don’t recommend this pill at all. Previously, I was on Estelle with no problems. Dr. changed me. I know everyone is different and their hormones and bodies act differently, but I’ve never had any problems with any medication before. I’ve always had relatively great skin, especially on my face! A few weeks after on Levlan, my cheeks, chin, and forehead have been covered in tiny lumps and almost cyst-like pimples since! I’m 24 years old and have never had acne. I’ve also been having crazy mood swings or been upset/depressed, and I don’t even know why. I’ve never been like this before, and I’ll never use Levlan again. I’ve been back on Estelle for 1 week, and my face is already 3x better. Hope this helps!!"

• You...
• March 27, 2019

For Birth Control "I started this when I was 16. I was terrified hearing all the side effects. The doctor I had said I could skip my first period. (But after going to another doctor, it is highly not recommended to do that, apparently). The second month I had breakthrough bleeding that turned into a 21-day period. This time I was the angriest, nastiest person. I went to the doctors at 12 days and said to wait longer to see if it would stop. Then on the 20th day, I went back as it hadn't stopped, and he put me on 30 ED. This stopped my period almost immediately. Throughout this month that I stayed on Levlen 30, I had severe depression. It was very, very bad. I changed back to 20 ED. I haven’t skipped a period yet as I’m too scared to, but I would 100% recommend. I have been very sexually active in this time, and I have not had a pregnancy scare. I don’t use condoms as I trust my pill. I have had no side effects on this one other than slight mood swings and a little bit more emotional. No weight gain. This pill is very, very good towards me."

• You...
• March 27, 2019

For Birth Control "I started this when I was 16. I was terrified hearing all the side effects. The doctor I had said I could skip my first period. (But after going to another doctor, it is highly not recommended to do that, apparently). The second month I had breakthrough bleeding that turned into a 21-day period. This time I was the angriest, nastiest person. I went to the doctors at 12 days and said to wait longer to see if it would stop. Then on the 20th day, I went back as it hadn't stopped, and he put me on 30 ED. This stopped my period almost immediately. Throughout this month that I stayed on Levlen 30, I had severe depression. It was very, very bad. I changed back to 20 ED. I haven’t skipped a period yet as I’m too scared to, but I would 100% recommend. I have been very sexually active in this time, and I have not had a pregnancy scare. I don’t use condoms as I trust my pill. I have had no side effects on this one other than slight mood swings and a little bit more emotional. No weight gain. This pill is very, very good towards me."

• sac...
• April 20, 2016

For Birth Control "I switched to Levlen after being on Brenda for 3 years. Levlen was such a terrible choice! I got horrible skin and had dryness issues often. My period cramps were unbearable to the point of not being able to walk, and my mood swings became uncontrollable. I've just moved back onto Brenda recently, and these problems are already starting to go away!"

• Ell...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 16, 2018

For Birth Control "I started the pill 4 and a half months ago as my first hormonal contraception, and I was prescribed Levlen. I was a little nervous, but I only ever experienced slight side effects, and by the end of that pill packet, my body had gotten used to it and I felt fine. However, when I went to get my repeats, they didn't have Levlen in stock, so I was given Lenest 30, a generic version, which I was assured would be no different. Since I started that one 2 weeks ago, I've been emotionally unstable and basically a mess. I can't wait to go back to Levlen when I'm done with these."

• Anonymous
• August 12, 2015

For Birth Control "I was on Portia when I started birth control and was on it for years and never had any problems until I switched to Levlen due to insurance changes. Ever since I started this brand, I have gained 27 pounds, had drastic mood swings right before/while I am on my period, and night sweats. The periods are getting more painful as time goes by. I didn't realize all these things I've been experiencing could be related to the birth control until I looked up reviews and saw similar complaints. I made a doctor's appointment for later this week, and I really hope to switch off of Levlen. All the side effects are too unbearable to not notice after 6 months of putting up with them!"

• 123...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 11, 2021

For Birth Control "I’ve been on Levlen ED for 3 years, the first pill my friend ever prescribed me. Ever since I started, my mood swings have been horrid, I gained weight and have not been able to get it off regardless of the calorie deficit or training I do. I was able to eat so much beforehand, and I’m consuming less now... I developed symptoms of anxiety and depression, and I recently went back to my doctor after multiple breakdowns in the past year and decided: no, it has to be the pill. I was told that Levlen ED is the worst for mood swings and negative mental health effects... glad I was informed now. Would not recommend, yes, it helped my skin, periods (used to get horrendous 10-day heavy bleeds with cramps that left me lifeless), contraceptive use, and that’s about it."

• Ali...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 3, 2022

For Birth Control "I've had a wonderful experience on Levlen 20/100. I moved to this pill about 5 years ago from a higher dose because I didn't want to be taking more hormones than necessary. I will eventually want to wean off birth control. I originally went on a higher dose pill for acne as a teenager. My skin is perfect on Levlen during times when I'm also cutting back on sugar, drinking plenty of water, and getting enough sleep. I'll get a couple of pimples mainly on my chin if I'm not watching my diet/sleep/water intake. My period is maybe 2 days - I actually stopped using menstrual products because I found my period was so light it barely needed anything. I occasionally get slight cramps for a couple of hours on the day, but otherwise, I don't even think about my period. No mood swings as far as I can tell (although I've been on birth control for 10 years, so I don't know what it would be like without any BC). My experience is likely influenced by the fact that I am quite fit and do a lot of exercise."

• Hay...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 19, 2022

For Birth Control "I have been on Levlen for around 2 years, and this pill is NO GOOD!! It’s taken me till now to figure it out, but I had side effects from the start. - Weight gain and inability to lose any weight, even with diet and exercise. - Mood swings were relentless, I felt angry all the time. - Low sex drive - Anxiety - Fatigue - Brain fog - Headaches - Bloating"

• Anonymous
• January 2, 2021

For Endometriosis "My GP prescribed Levlen to control my abdominal pain. I have nearly finished the first month, and rather than stopping my period, it seems to have had the opposite effect - never-ending period. I had some nausea initially, but this has substantially reduced. In addition to my normal period pain, I have experienced unusual mood changes (anger, anxiety, flat affect). Further, it seems to have caused a flare in my lupus symptoms (joint and muscle pain). Overall, it feels like my batteries have been drained. I know this works for some people, but I personally regret taking it."

• Bri...
• September 10, 2021

For Birth Control "Mood swings, cyst-like acne, weight gain, and on top of this, I bled for 3 weeks straight while taking the active pills. My boobs have doubled in size and are so sore all the time. I would NOT recommend this pill, it has done nothing but make me an emotional mess. I have been off Levlen for 2 days now and hoping I start to feel like myself again soon."

• Imo...
• January 11, 2022

For Birth Control "I went to my doctor and asked to be moved from the bar to the pill. All I asked was that nothing would affect my weight and skin, as after 2 years I had finally lost weight and my skin was clear for the first time ever for about a month. After I started taking it, my skin broke out the worst it ever has. No weight gain though, except for my boobs, and I find it can make my moods 10 times worse. Definitely do your research and tell your doctor if you’re not comfortable with a certain pill."

• Ale...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 25, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Have been a month on Levlen, and it is the worst pill I have ever taken. I started off my journey with some pretty common pills like Yaz. Other than slight nausea and headache, they weren’t bad at all. Levlen instead gave me the worst water retention and weight gain, worst mood swings, and worst migraines ever! I couldn’t recognize myself... Please don’t take this if you’re a young woman, it is too strong!"

• Con...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 3, 2020

For Birth Control "Started this Levlen last August, and as of writing this review, I’ve been using it for about 7 months. It did take about 2 months for me to settle into it, which killed my libido, and my bleeding was abnormal (spotting, super long periods of 7+ days, unpredictable period starting days), but probably since November it’s been well. My periods come exactly when the pack says it should (though very heavy the first 2 days), and my libido is back to normal. I’ve had no issues with mood swings, though that might be attributed to my other meds. I also take Lovan (an SSRI), so my libido for the combination of these two is pretty good."

• ram...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 15, 2018

For Birth Control "I have been on Levlen for 2 months now. Months ago, I was on Yaz, and it went terribly after 2 weeks, with painful breakouts, mood swings, feelings of depression, panic attacks, and random bouts of anger. Levlen has been amazing. None of the side effects I once experienced, and my skin has cleared up! Plus, I'm not pregnant! I would recommend Levlen if you're unsure which pill to try, as it's a good price."

• ano...
• September 20, 2018

For Birth Control "As most women, I had an adjustment period of getting used to the hormones that lasted about 2 weeks to 1 month, and that just entailed some nausea, cramping, headaches, mood swings. Sort of 'PMS' type symptoms in a way, but I found it tolerable. It was the perfect pill, aside from the fact it gave me horrible acne! I had to stop after just over 6 months of use because my self-esteem from my skin was taking a real beating. My skin was never perfection before going on this pill, but it definitely was not acne level, and as soon as I started on Levlen, my skin erupted. Not just a few pimples here and there either... All over my cheeks and chin. Absolutely no doubt if you go back and look at photos, you can see my skin progressively worsening over the time of me taking this BC. Everyone's body is different though, and I have some friends that take Levlen and are perfectly fine! Best of luck to anyone starting it, just listen to your body and go in with an open mind :)"

• tee...
• May 8, 2018

For Birth Control "I've been on it for a few days now. I can really tell the difference in my moods. It is a good pill, and my first time on any sort of pill. I haven't had a breakout but have been having mood swings. The first 2 days I felt dehydrated and sick, but it's gone now."

• Cro...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 7, 2018

For Birth Control "I've become a walking mood swing, doesn't help my cramps and gives me extreme back pain during my period, which I didn't have before."

• Lev...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 14, 2022

For Ovarian Cysts "Positives: no period and bigger boobs for a month. Negatives: severe depression, mood swings, panic attacks, cystic acne, fatigue, weight gain leading to an eating disorder. VERY BAD."

• ecr...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 14, 2022

For Birth Control "Complete spiral into depression and unstable moods. Constant dread and anxiety."