Lutera and Mood Swings: What Users Say

• Nan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 13, 2019

For Birth Control "This Lutera is the first birth control pill I've ever been on, so I can't compare my experience at all, but personally I love this pill. I gained no weight, maybe at the beginning I was a little bloated for a week or two, but it subsided naturally. The first month I had some very mild mood swings, such as getting overly upset about trivial things, however, I didn’t experience any serious depression or anxiety like how some others have expressed. I'm on my fourth pack now, and the spotting is finally going away gradually. At the beginning, it was really heavy, but now it's little to none. I experienced a little acne on my forehead and chin, but I started taking magnesium, and that went away almost entirely. This pill has not affected my sex drive at all either. (Also TMI possibly, but my partner and I have gotten a little reckless in the bedroom, and I can happily report my womb is still vacant, so it works very well in my opinion)"

• Hea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 27, 2016

For Birth Control "I started taking Lutera 3 months ago. I have to say, I was tremendously reluctant to try this birth control after reading some of the horrifying reviews. My main concern, if I'm being honest, was weight gain. I lost 60 pounds by eating healthy and exercising, but I am someone who gains weight rather quickly, so it was definitely a concern for me. Here's a little backstory: I've been on a few birth controls from ages 14-25. I initially began taking birth control to help with my cramps. I decided to take a break after being on it for 10 years. In the past year, I have been experiencing excruciating cramps to the point where I was vomiting and calling out of work. I'm a pain-tolerant person, but my cramps were unbearable on days 1 and 2. I went to my gyno, and she suggested I start birth control. Enter Lutera. The first week, I was feeling slightly nauseous when I would first take Lutera. I decided to eat a large snack or small meal with it, and that helped the nausea. I also noticed that I had awful mood swings for about 2 weeks. I would be laughing one minute and crying the next. I even called my gyno within the first week to see if I could switch birth controls, especially given the reviews I had read. She insisted that I stay on for at least one month, and if I still felt the same, we could switch it. I'm glad I listened. The nausea and mood swings went away. I have not experienced any weight gain. I've actually lost weight. As I mentioned before, I gain weight easily and fast, so I am always mindful of what I'm putting into my body. I haven't experienced weight gain, but I also try to eat well and exercise regularly (this is something we should all be doing anyway). I haven't experienced acne or depression or anxiety while on Lutera. My periods are shorter and much lighter (about 3-4 days vs. 6-7), and my cramps are not nearly as bad as they were. The only thing I've noticed on Lutera is that my breasts are pretty sensitive and my sex drive is slightly decreased, but no more than what I had experienced on other birth controls. I'm writing this review because I was one of the people who read these reviews and was scared and stressed to try Lutera. I'm glad that I listened to the medical professional who prescribed the birth control (I voiced my concerns ahead of time) instead of listening to reviews online. I will also add that every body is different, but I wanted to share my experience in hopes that it puts you at ease. I haven't experienced the symptoms that many people discuss in the negative reviews. Again, we are all different, so I can't speak for everyone. I would imagine that medical history and your daily habits would have an effect on any medication you take. I would give it a try for at least a month and make an informed decision then."

• new...
• November 9, 2009

For Birth Control "I started birth control for the 1st time a little over a month ago, and my doctor prescribed Lutera. So far, it's been a great pill for a 1st-time user. I was a little moody for the 1st week or 2 that I started taking the pill, but I'm also being treated for depression so I don't know that I can attribute my mood swings to anything in particular. My mood is definitely back to normal now, either way. The only lasting symptom I've noticed is a little tenderness/swelling in my breasts, which really doesn't bother me very much. All-in-all, I recommend Lutera for 1st-time users because I think low dose birth control is a great way to start. Also, I set my cell phone alarm to remind me to take it each day, and that really helps me remember!"

• and...
• July 29, 2011

For Birth Control "This pill is amazing. It is what I always wanted. I have been on it for only about a month, and I have already noticed rapid weight loss. My breasts have gotten bigger (B cup to C cup), my acne cleared up, and I actually seem much happier. I haven't had any spotting, tenderness, or mood swings, but I hear some people get those. I will most definitely stick with this pill, and I recommend it to anyone. It's truly AMAZING."

• Sam...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 5, 2014

For Birth Control "I've been on Lutera for about 4 years now, and it's been pretty good! No huge complaints at all here! My breasts definitely got bigger, but besides that, not much weight gain as others have mentioned. I do have mood swings ever since I started Lutera, but I mostly just cry easier when I'm PMSing, and that's it. As for effectiveness, it works great, and I pretty much have my period down to the hour at which I know it will start. If you take the pill as instructed, it works great!"

• Goi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 21, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve been on birth control for over 6 years. I started with the depo (did that for 2 years) and stopped because I was bleeding constantly. Then I had Skyla (IUD) (I had it for 3 1/2 years) and had no problems but had to get it removed because it wasn’t going to be effective anymore. I decided to give the pill a shot, and I started taking Vienva in April of this year. I did notice that I was more emotional, and my libido declined a bit. The company that provides me with birth control switched my pills to Lutera. I’ve been taking it for a little over two months and a half, and I feel like I’m going insane. I started having irrational dark thoughts, and I break down crying all the time. Also, my sex drive has had a huge decline. I’m a mess, I don’t feel like myself, and I can’t take it anymore. With all that said, I decided to stop taking the pill, yesterday was my last day, and I hope I feel back to normal soon. My mental health is more important."

• Geh...
• May 11, 2014

For Birth Control "I've been taking Lutera for about five months now. I've noticed that my mood swings have gotten terrible. I am prone to headaches, and I've gained quite a bit of weight that is nearly impossible to lose."

• Anonymous
• August 20, 2011

For Birth Control "I just want to first say that to all those people who reviewed it and complained - I came to look at these reviews and freaked out for a month over nothing. I've never been on birth control. I'm on my second pack, and I've had great results. The first month I spotted after two weeks, but once I finished my period and started the second pack, I haven't had any spotting since. I haven't gained any weight, and my skin has been flawless. My mood swings may have increased slightly, but overall I've been very, very satisfied with this birth control, and I hope it continues."

• Sou...
• September 28, 2010

For Birth Control "This is my 3rd month on Lutera. I took the pill to have better periods as well as for safer sex. Before the pill, my periods were horrible to the point where I would almost faint. I would vomit and be out of commission due to terrible cramps. However, Lutera made all of that go away. My periods last exactly 7 days, and they're easier to deal with. My flow ranges from heavy to light, but that's okay. My hair gained luster and length, and my breasts filled out (no complaining!). However, I recommend setting a cellphone alarm. I didn't at first, and I was a bit emotional coming off and on the pill. But that's only natural. The best starter pill."

• Sap...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 26, 2021

For Birth Control "I (23, 115 lbs., no kids) have been on Lutera since I was seventeen because it has been the only birth control pill that doesn't give me insane mood swings, heavy bleeding, and constant general discomfort. I was placed on this pill after going months having a continuous period on Yaz until I collapsed and lost consciousness from the fatigue and anemia I experienced. The only negative side effect I have had over the last six years on Lutera is occasional breast tenderness around my period. Aside from that, it has kept my skin clear, my hormones in check, and given me much more pleasant periods."

• Nik...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 14, 2019

For Birth Control "Lutera is the first birth control I ever tried, and I love it. Honestly, the reason I never went on BC before was because I was so afraid of weight gain. I’ve even had friends who’ve suffered from weight gain (I’m talking 10+ lbs) from birth control, as well as friends who aren’t able to lose weight from birth control even with diet and exercise. So, even after picking up the Lutera, I was reluctant to take it. But I figured that I’d try it, and if I hated it, I’d just finish out the month and stop it. All I can say is this has been the best thing ever! I broke out the first few days and noticed bloating for about a month, but my body adjusted, and I feel great. I was also a little more emotional the first week or so, but I have no weight gain, no mood swings, and no acne, on top of taking a lot of wording off my shoulders. I know that everyone’s body is different, so this might not be the one for everyone, but I would definitely recommend it!"

• Nik...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 14, 2019

For Birth Control "Lutera is the first birth control I ever tried, and I love it. Honestly, the reason I never went on BC before was because I was so afraid of weight gain. I’ve even had friends who’ve suffered from weight gain (I’m talking 10+ lbs) from birth control, as well as friends who aren’t able to lose weight from birth control even with diet and exercise. So, even after picking up the Lutera, I was reluctant to take it. But I figured that I’d try it, and if I hated it, I’d just finish out the month and stop it. All I can say is this has been the best thing ever! I broke out the first few days and noticed bloating for about a month, but my body adjusted, and I feel great. I was also a little more emotional the first week or so, but I have no weight gain, no mood swings, and no acne, on top of taking a lot of wording off my shoulders. I know that everyone’s body is different, so this might not be the one for everyone, but I would definitely recommend it!"

• And...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 19, 2014

For Birth Control "Took Lutera for 5 months, probably my worst birth control experience. Pros: Not pregnant! So, at least that part worked. Cons: my face exploded in acne. Other kinds I've tried controlled the acne very well, but this seemed to make my skin turn into a minefield of sore, red, under-the-skin pimples. I've been off it for almost 2 months, and my face is much better. Also, had terrible mood swings. I even hit my boyfriend with a shoe. :( I've felt much better and much more like myself since then. It gave me this strange, clear discharge all the time too, that is all gone now."

• Sar...
• April 27, 2014

For Birth Control "I've been on Lutera for close to two years. I have a very active sex life and it's always done its job and worked. But the last few months, I've been spotting the week before my period. Also, I've been having insane mood swings. I get upset over everything. I went to my doctor and switched birth controls."

• Chj...
• October 7, 2014

For Birth Control "I've been on it for 7 months now, and it has been a good experience. At first, I was scared to take it due to the possible side effects and weight gain! Only the first month I experienced mild headaches and morning sickness, but I think it was my body adjusting to it. No weight gain at all, which makes it great, my periods are regular, always on time, and cramps got better. The only thing I noticed is that I get emotional the first week of starting a new package, but it helps having a very comprehensive boyfriend. Other than that, the pill is great! I enjoy my sex better, without stressing about getting pregnant! I'll soon be getting my 8th and 9th package."

• Anonymous
• January 13, 2010

For Birth Control "I was on Lutera for 2 years until I switched 3 months ago to Aviane. I stopped taking Lutera because my pharmacy no longer carried it. I am going to find a pharmacy that does carry it. Every so often I would spot between periods on Lutera, but now that I've experienced the mood swings of Aviane, I don't mind a little spotting. I would recommend Lutera."

• J J...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 7, 2015

For Birth Control "I'm 19, and I started taking Lutera 4 months ago. It's been working pretty well for me, but I had a horrible period, mood swings, and nausea in the first month I took it. After that, my periods were light, and the only side effect that stuck around was some breast tenderness and mild cramping on the first day of my period. Also, it caused my breasts to grow larger, even though I weigh the same as when I started it. It's a great birth control pill once you get past the first few weeks."

• Liz...
• December 12, 2014

For Birth Control "I have been on Lutera for a few years now. I could not be happier with the results! I noticed after the first few packs my period was diminishing. After about 4 months, I had no period at all: no spotting, no bleeding, no PMS, no cramps, no mood swings. I took several pregnancy tests over the next few months because I was scared that I didn't get a period. But I was never pregnant! So after all this time, I'm still having no period and no PMS symptoms. I have to explain every time I go to the doctor why I can't put an answer on the question, 'When was the last date of your menstrual cycle?'"

• Jam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 28, 2016

For Birth Control "I am highly surprised at all the negative reviews of this pill. It's unfortunate that so many women have had a negative experience with this. As for me, this is by far one of the best birth control pills I have ever taken. I started taking this three months ago as a form of cycle control. I skipped the placebo pills for the last three months. Honestly, I haven't had any issues with mood swings, in fact, I felt happier, which is an interesting side effect. Normally, when I start a pill pack, the first three days are extremely nauseating. With this pill pack, I did not have any nausea. I also had an extremely high sex drive. Based on my experience, I would recommend them to a friend. Glad I didn't read the reviews first, or else I would've turned them down. Keep an open mind, everybody's body will react differently."

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 23, 2020

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I love Lutera!! So I switched to Lutera 3 months ago from Junel Fe 1.5/30, and Lutera was so much better! It was a change from a higher dose to a lower dose, so maybe my body reacts better to a lower dose, not sure, but Junel Fe gave me so many mood swings, cramps, and anxiety, which is not normal for me. I don’t usually experience mental health issues, so it was totally out of the normal for me, and it was horrible. Before Junel, I was on Tarina Fe 1/20, and that one gave me spotting all the time! The spotting was always brown. Very annoying. It defeated the purpose of me being on birth control because my main reason to be on it was to regulate my period. But after going from Tarina to Junel to Lutera, I’m happy to say I found a BC that reacts well with my body. I’m sticking with Lutera! The only side effect I have is tender breasts and some slight PMS. My period is regular, on point, and I’m not pregnant, so I recommend!"

• Aly...
• May 9, 2014

For Birth Control "I have only been on it for a little over a month. It's the first birth control I've been on, so I was new to side effects. I finally realized my mood swings are huge. I find myself very emotional and depressed, and minutes later I'm beyond happy. I do get headaches quite a bit, but it can be from something totally different. I feel like I've gained a little bit of weight, but I can't blame anything but myself. I don't think it's a horrible pill, it just affects me badly."

• Aly...
• May 9, 2014

For Birth Control "I have only been on it for a little over a month. It's the first birth control I've been on, so I was new to side effects. I finally realized my mood swings are huge. I find myself very emotional and depressed, and minutes later I'm beyond happy. I do get headaches quite a bit, but it can be from something totally different. I feel like I've gained a little bit of weight, but I can't blame anything but myself. I don't think it's a horrible pill, it just affects me badly."

• Car...
• September 21, 2015

For Birth Control "After being off BC for 8 years, I finally had to get back on. I've been on this BC for 2 months, no problems so far. I used to get severe cramps, but since taking Lutera, it's been all better. No weight gain, no mood swings, or no loss of sleep either. My skin has cleared up a bit as well. I used to break out before my time off the month, and now I don't. So far, so good, everybody is different. What might not work for me won't work for others."

• BBi...
• May 2, 2010

For Birth Control "I had been on Ortho-Cyclen for 5 years and had no problems with mood swings. I switched to Lutera after I had my daughter because, for some reason, my periods were becoming irregular. Since I have been taking Lutera, I have been an emotional wreck. I can't deal with normal life situations. I can't make a simple decision like what I'm going to have for dinner because I break down crying from the pressure. My poor fiancé has been having to deal with it all. I am switching to another pill."

• BBi...
• May 2, 2010

For Birth Control "I had been on Ortho-Cyclen for 5 years and had no problems with mood swings. I switched to Lutera after I had my daughter because, for some reason, my periods were becoming irregular. Since I have been taking Lutera, I have been an emotional wreck. I can't deal with normal life situations. I can't make a simple decision like what I'm going to have for dinner because I break down crying from the pressure. My poor fiancé has been having to deal with it all. I am switching to another pill."