Ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel and Depression: What Users Say

• Kar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 18, 2020

For Birth Control "I'm on my 3rd pack of Lutera, and I haven't gotten pregnant, but I suffer from anxiety and depression, and these pills have absolutely increased that by 10. My sex drive has plummeted, and I’m unmotivated to the extent that I stay in my bed several days in a row. I’ve also been experiencing a lot of abnormal bleeding. Keep in mind that it is only my third month, and everyone is different. The pill does the job of me not getting pregnant, but I am more concerned about my mental health at this point."

• Lor...
• September 29, 2014

For Birth Control "When I first began birth control years ago, they put me on one that made me so moody, depressed, killed my libido, and changed my personality, it felt. I went back to my doctor and tried several different pills, and eventually, I tried Alesse since it was low dose and I didn't have any negative side effects! I was always regular, but I have always had bad cramps. This cut them back and made my periods short. I didn't get any unusual acne or weight gain. If anything, I lost weight. And it not only increased my libido, but it made my orgasms very strong and last longer. I don't know if anyone else has experienced this, but I just loved it! I got off it after my divorce, but I will never use any other pill again. I've tried too many, and this one is for me."

• Fre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 15, 2021

For Birth Control "I am going to leave an unbiased review that will be factual without any bias because it's unfair to base it off of only personal feelings, which will look very scary. I was on this for two months, this may or may not cause your feelings of negativity to skyrocket. It did escalate my depression. It did make me more cranky and moody. It will make you cramp a bit. A bit of spotting, which is normal. These are the side effects I have experienced. If it sounds scary, then try a different brand, but other than that, you can just try to make yourself stronger mentally. I personally don't think it's the end of the world taking it. As for the effectiveness, it has not gotten me pregnant. It is doing an amazing job at doing what you want it to do, which is protect you from pregnancy. A lot of people overlook and fail to acknowledge its effectiveness."

• Etn...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 23, 2018

For Birth Control "I've been off birth control for almost 6 years, I couldn't find one that suited me and didn't make me a bloated, crazy person. I had tried Yaz, Yasmin, Tricicyclen Lo, and so many others. The only one I had not tried was the mini pills or Alesse. Very hesitant because last time, I bled for weeks, I was depressed, anxious, vomiting a lot, dizzy, and felt like garbage. It took almost a year to get used to Yasmin, and even then, I felt awful. I'm on the generic version Alesyna, and I've had ZERO side effects. I was worried about my sex drive declining and gaining weight, as well as depression being on it, but none of that has happened. If anything, my sex drive is higher than usual, my periods are lighter and shorter, I overall feel extremely happy all the time. No mood swings. I was terrified by all the bad reviews, but like my doc said, every body is different, and you just have to keep trying 'til you find one that works for you."

• Emm...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 8, 2019

For Birth Control "Aviane is by far the best birth control I’ve tried! I was using Tri-Cyclen, and that was the worst time of my life. I was horribly depressed, moody, ovarian cysts would rupture and send me to the E.R., my acne was bad, gained 25 pounds, and my hair was falling out in giant clumps. It made me afraid to try birth control again. My doctor suggested Aviane because it’s very low dose and would better suit my body. Best decision ever. I have perfect skin, keep losing weight, NO MOOD SWINGS, plus I won’t get pregnant. It’s the best birth control out there."

• Sha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 19, 2020

For Birth Control "I have been on two previously prescribed birth control pills, and it’s insane how terribly this Vienva birth control pill has treated me. I honestly began to think everything was my fault when, after actually researching the drug, I saw that other women were having my problem. I have been spotting for six months straight, and I am currently on a two-week period. I cannot describe the frustration and depression I am feeling right now. Intense migraines to the point where I can’t even open my eyes, depression, back pain, crazy emotions, insomnia. Oh yeah, and couldn’t even have a sex life due to the constant spotting. If by miracle I stopped for a week, I would get heavy spotting - light period for weeks after. This pill has taken away my happiness and confidence. I am in the process of being prescribed yet another, and I hope all goes well."

• len...
• September 4, 2018

For Birth Control "I was so afraid of taking birth control again after having so many bad experiences with other ones, but I am so happy I gave this one a chance. Previous pills I was on, Kariva, Sprintec, Orthotricyclen-ALL made me gain weight; super moody and always depressed. This pill works for me, honestly. I have zero side effects, no weight gain, my skin is so clear it freaks me out. The only side effect is my breasts grew from an A to a full B. They're still growing; I'm a little concerned, but hey, free boob job essentially! So girls, if you had a bad reaction to the pills I mentioned above, maybe give this one a try!"

• Add...
• April 12, 2019

For Birth Control "Been on Levora contraceptive pill for 3 years! Beginning, it was rough—spotted for a while and was very emotional and a bit depressed. However, once that period passed and my body was used to the hormones, my skin cleared completely. I lost probably 10 lbs. Period went from 4 to 5 days long to 3 days exactly! Changed my life :)"

• PIL...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 26, 2023

For Birth Control "When I started taking this pill, my life went downhill. I was on it for 2 months and bled for 2 months straight. Within the first week of taking it, I was so bloated and gained so much weight to the point where I couldn’t fit into any of my pants. It caused numerous mental health issues, and I thought I was going crazy. I couldn’t control my emotions, and I was extremely irritable. All of these problems went away as soon as I stopped taking this pill. Do not take it or have your children on it."

• wor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 5, 2019

For Birth Control "Being in nursing school, I decided to try BC. I read the reviews but thought I would be fine. I took it in January and had no symptoms, but then noticed I was having severe anxiety. I had already been in nursing school for a semester before taking it and never experienced this amount of anxiety. I have always been an anxious person but never to the point of needing meds for it. I had to drop out of nursing school and get on anti-anxiety meds (still on them). I stopped taking the BC after 2 months. It got so bad that I developed OCD anxiety, and I have the worst intrusive thoughts that make me feel like I’m capable of doing horrible things, which causes more anxiety and depression. The depression isn’t as bad anymore since stopping, but it was so bad that I felt no emotion. I wasn’t excited anymore. It has been 4 months, and I still don’t feel 100%, but I’m a lot better. I have never written a review before but felt like I needed to speak out. Please do not even try it!"

• mpa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 9, 2021

For Birth Control "Started this pill at the end of 2020, so it’s been about 4 months. I don’t really notice any side effects of it. Before I started it, I used to have bad depressive episodes, and I still do, but somehow I think it lessens once I took it. Period cramps used to be really painful for me before, but now it’s pretty much nonexistent. The first month or so was me adjusting, so I still felt some cramps, not anymore. My flow is also much lighter and lasts for a less amount of days. It used to last 7 days, now it’s about 3-4 days. I also don’t notice weight gain or more acne breakouts that are abnormal. I’m glad it works out for me. Remember it’s different for everyone."

• Car...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 13, 2021

For Birth Control "Only pill I’ve ever been on. I have been taking it since November 2017. 4+ years on it, and I can say I love it! My skin type went from combination to normal, and it helped to clear it up significantly. In terms of my period, it kept my already regular period regular and even shortened it by a day or two. In terms of mood/anxiety… the pill stabilized my mood tenfold. I definitely have had depressive episodes the past 4 years, but I wouldn’t blame this pill for it. With my sex drive, it’s been great. For me, that’s really dependent on my mental state, so that’s that. For weight gain/loss — I have maintained the same weight since, and I never saw big physical changes except maybe in my chest size. Find a pill that works for you! You’re doing the right thing looking up reviews and trying things out. My friends have changed multiple types, and I’ve stayed on the one. Every body’s different! I liked this because my body does, and it’s low estrogen levels. Good luck! XO"

• ano...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 16, 2021

For Birth Control "So I’ve been on this drug, Vienva, for a couple of years. My pharmacy automatically switched me to this from Lutera. Pros: no weight gain, periods are regular, and I’m not pregnant. Cons: cystic acne, depression, horrible anxiety, and constipation. I’m going on a new birth control soon and crossing my fingers it won’t be worse than this one. I feel like this birth control will benefit you physically but definitely not mentally. I find it very sad how doctors do not discuss the mental impact these medications could have before prescribing them :("

• Bea...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 16, 2018

For Birth Control "I have been on Levlen since I was 18 (I am now 24) and have realized how depressed and anxious this tablet has made me in the last 2-3 years, especially the last 6 months. It has gotten so much worse. I literally have no sex drive and feel really lazy and have no energy. I have constant migraines and dizziness, and I honestly think all of these things are related to this pill. I have decided to try and change my pill to a different one and see how I go, and already 3 days after not being on Levlen (period week), I feel amazing!"

• aej...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 21, 2021

"IDK who needs to hear this, but this BC is the reason you’re not feeling like yourself. I have been taking Larissia for 8 months. At first, I was only experiencing painful, constant headaches and increased appetite, but as time went on, the side effects worsened, and TBH, I was in denial and didn’t want to switch because my periods are so light and only last 3 days. But it’s not worth how fatigued, angry, uncontrollable, depressed, anxious, and emotional I feel. I have been falling out with the people closest to me for no reason. My sex drive decreased, the headaches are so painful my vision gets blurry, and with all this, I have a child to care for. So, I’m here to warn you: pay close attention to your body. If you feel even slightly different, immediately stop taking it because it will get worse. Avoid this BC at all costs!!"

• Nor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 24, 2013

For Birth Control "I never write reviews, but I decided to share my experience with everyone on this birth control. I was so freaked out when I got this birth control because I saw all of these horrible reviews: depression, weight gain, etc. I have had nothing but an amazing experience on this. I have been happier, my weight is finally staying in one range and not fluctuating, I even lost a few pounds (nothing serious, but it did not make me gain). It has really been amazing, and I think that if the reviews scare you, just try it. You can always switch. I was terrified, but everyone has a different body and reacts differently. You never know, this might be the best thing for you."

• Mic...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 11, 2019

For Birth Control "I am so happy with this pill. I have been on it for around 2 years now, and it has made a huge difference for me. I have probably tried around 5 different types before this, and all came with side effects (acne, mood swings, depression, etc.). The last pill I was on (Microgestin) literally made me insane, I was depressed and crying every day for months. I thought it was just me until someone mentioned it could be my bc. Immediately when I switched, I felt my depression lift and have had no mood swings or depression! My sex drive is even back (it was very dead before). I picked this one specifically and asked for it because it has one of the lowest amounts of estrogen compared to almost any other pill (thus fewer side effects). If anyone is having insurance problems, ask for Amethyst (it is the brand name for Lybrel) because some companies will only pay for brand name or vice versa. So if it’s not free, try switching to generic or brand name! Hope this helped!"

• H B...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 5, 2020

For Birth Control "I took Sronyx for 3 months. I quickly became very anxious and depressed. For three weeks, I cried every day. I didn't feel like myself. I was very sensitive in general. My drive was pretty much gone. I also gained a slight amount of weight. However, my skin was pretty clear. Immediately after I stopped taking it, I felt a lot better. I'm extremely nervous to take anything new now because of how terrible I felt on this."

• hey...
• February 2, 2014

For Birth Control "Taking this pill was an awful experience. Everything was going fine until right around the time that I started the second month of it, and since then, I have had nasty breakthrough bleeding ever since then! (Not to mention the breast soreness, leg cramps, and depression.) I'm finishing the pill this week, and it hasn't gotten any better or worse. So basically, I've had my period for 8 weeks straight."

• Dan...
• April 24, 2021

For Birth Control "I have been taking this birth control since I was 15. I needed another form of BC when I was taking Accutane. I stayed on it because I obviously became sexually active and didn’t want to get pregnant yet. I am now 27 and dealing with a lot of problems in my relationship. No sex drive, I have constant headaches, I am overly emotional (which I originally thought was just me), crazy mood swings before and after my cycle, depression, anxiety. I am going to stop taking it to see if my side effects go away because I don’t want my relationship to fall apart. I have gone to numerous doctors for my depression, mood swings, etc., and none of them have ever mentioned that it could be my birth control. That’s incredible to me. My one positive about Sronyx is that in the 12.5 years of taking it, I have not gotten pregnant or had any pregnancy scares."

• Kit...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 25, 2021

For Birth Control "I was switched to this birth control to help regulate my periods and help with breakthrough bleeding I’ve had with another pill. I haven’t been on this pill for a week, and for the first few days, I kept telling myself that I need to continue this birth control at least 3 months because maybe my mood will level out. It has not. I have become extremely depressed and unmotivated. I was not struggling with depression before the pill, and I was generally in a happy mood. However, I did suffer from depression in my early teen years. I have been on this pill for 5 days, and I am already having suicidal thoughts. Because of this, I have decided to quit taking the pills. There is no reason I should have bad thoughts about myself and my body and my existence this much from one pill. It has also made me lose my appetite, and I cannot sleep."

• Ema...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 22, 2020

For Birth Control "I’ve been taking this birth control Alesse-28 for over 3 years now. I was fine for the first year, but then after that, I was so moody and irritable, always sad and depressed, and very emotional. I have no energy at all, and I’m always tired. Another thing is that for some reason I get really bad leg cramps and am always constipated. Something else that I have experienced is weight gain, ovaries always hurt, and painful intercourse. Another awful side effect is that I have ZERO sex drive and vaginal dryness! One good thing about this birth control is that it cleared up all my acne, but other than that, it’s definitely not worth the side effects."

• Ema...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 22, 2020

For Birth Control "I’ve been taking this birth control Alesse-28 for over 3 years now. I was fine for the first year, but then after that, I was so moody and irritable, always sad and depressed, and very emotional. I have no energy at all, and I’m always tired. Another thing is that for some reason I get really bad leg cramps and am always constipated. Something else that I have experienced is weight gain, ovaries always hurt, and painful intercourse. Another awful side effect is that I have ZERO sex drive and vaginal dryness! One good thing about this birth control is that it cleared up all my acne, but other than that, it’s definitely not worth the side effects."

• Anonymous
• February 6, 2020

For Birth Control "I don’t remember when Kaiser changed from Levora brand of birth control pills to Portia. But I know that since I started these pills, my life has sucked. Awful weight gain, I don’t eat bad at all and exercise 3-4 times a week. I have never had bad acne, now I get it on my forehead and chin all the time?? I feel depressed, not motivated to do anything, just want to sleep. I have really bad headaches, which is another thing I never really had prior to these pills. I am changing ASAP, and please, girl, for your sake, you should too!"

• bel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 23, 2020

For Birth Control "So I have really bad anxiety and depression, and I told my doctor this and told her I didn’t want a birth control that would make it worse, and she put me on this birth control. I looked up all the reviews, and everyone is saying it made them depressed, but I decided to try it anyway because I know medicine works differently on everyone. So I started the medicine, and it made my depression and anxiety so bad I started getting suicidal and self-harm thoughts, which I haven’t had in a while. I also have completely no sex drive, and when I orgasm, it was only small. I only took the medicine for 2 weeks, and then I stopped it. I’ve been bleeding and spotting, and I’m not on my period, and I’ve been off of it for over a week. I don’t recommend you take this if you have mental health problems."