Ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel and Mood Swings: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Lor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 7, 2020

For Birth Control "I am in love with this birth control Alesse! It is the first one I have ever taken, and I went on it because I would get such bad acne all over my cheeks, especially around my period. There was never a time when my skin was clear, and when it was better, it would still have a bunch of scars until it would get horrible again. In the first week, my skin got a little better, there was a little bit of cramping and mood swings, but not too bad. In the second week, it was breaking out (but not nearly as bad as the worst it's been), and then in the 3rd week, almost perfect, just scars to heal up. I'm on just over a month, and my skin is literally perfect, just a couple of scars left to heal, and now they can actually heal because my face isn't going to have another huge breakout the next day anymore!"

• Hol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 7, 2012

For Birth Control "I like this medication! I was scared to try it because I read all of the bad reviews. I had been on Ortho Tri-Cyclen-Lo for about 4-5 years prior to trying Orsythia and had no problems, but wanted to switch because of the cost. No acne, no mood swings, no period changes. Well, I thought I'd do people who are considering switching pills a favor and give you hope - you'll probably be fine."

• mel...
• February 3, 2014

For Birth Control "Very good birth control. I've been with 4 different birth control brands before this one, different progesterone and levels of it as well. I did my research, and this is the birth control I picked, and it's been wonderful. I've been on this birth control for 9 months. No mood swings, hardly nauseous, light period, no weight gain or loss, it's been perfect."

• 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!"

• 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."

• 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."

• Cic...
• February 1, 2014

For Birth Control "I've been taking Alesse for 6 years. It's the only birth control I have ever used, and I love it. I've never had problems with it before. My periods are predictable, very light and regular. I don't experience mood swings or any major cramping on the pill either. It controlled my acne as well. I would suggest Alesse to every girl."

• 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."

• Cc1...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 5, 2018

For Birth Control "Last week I finished my first pack of Ashlyna and am now on my second. Don’t let these reviews scare you, I let them get to me and it made me so nervous to start this pill three months ago. Keep in mind most people write reviews when they have a bad experience. Yes, there were side effects at first. I had bad mood swings, nausea, dizziness, light spotting, and breakouts during the first couple of weeks, but that’s just the body adjusting to the new medication. I talked to my doctor and she said to try to finish out the pack. I’m so glad I did because when I started the second month, all those side effects pretty much disappeared and I didn’t see a period until I got to the sugar pills. If you just started this pill or are about to start, try giving it a few weeks for your body to adjust, don’t give up on it right away!"

• da9...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 1, 2012

For Birth Control "I am 20, have been using Alesse for about 2 years now. Good: no pregnancies, lighter, predictable periods with no cramping whatsoever (HUGE plus), no weight gain. Bad: I am completely insane on this pill, extreme mood swings, never happy, always in a lulled state of lazy depression, brought to tears by every and anything, constantly tired, no motivation, really low sex drive. Horrible: my skin is at a point where I don't even want to step outdoors and be seen by people! Worst breakouts I have ever had, and perpetual yeast infections. The yeast infections, laziness, and diminished sex drive basically erase the need for a birth control pill anyway. Very unhappy."

• Avi...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 29, 2014

For Birth Control "This birth control has been the best for me. I know that there are many mixed reviews about it, but it has never given me any trouble at all. I have also tried Lo Loestrin Fe, Trinessa (horrible vaginal irritation), and Ortho-Tri Cyclen, which all gave me various side effects. It just goes to show that everyone's bodies respond differently to different medicines. This birth control cleared up my acne, increased my cup size, and regulated my period. The only issue that I could complain of would be slight mood swings from time to time, but honestly that's it for me. I would highly suggest giving this birth control a try!"

• Mal...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 10, 2019

For Birth Control "I've been on this pill since 2008. I've been period-free since 2009 - I skip the placebo week and move straight to the next pack. When I first started the pill, I had horrible side effects (mood swings, breakthrough bleeding), but these have all gone away. I used to have horrible cramps back when I was a teen, and that was the initial reason for going on the pill - I actually would go home sick due to the pain. Obviously not an issue now. Definitely would recommend if you want to be period-free. It may take a few months to get to that stage, but well worth it."

• Anonymous
• August 27, 2009

For Birth Control "Amazing... I was on YAZ, and it caused spotting and weight gain. After a year, they switched me to Portia, and I lost all the weight and haven't spotted since; also, my PMS is completely nonexistent now, and the killer mood swings I experienced on YAZ are gone too. I can't stop raving about how great Portia is; it made me feel like myself again."

• bnc...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 3, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I am shocked at how many bad reviews this BC has! I was on this pill for around 5 years and recently got off due to getting migraines with aura, and now am switching to an IUD because it has no estrogen. However, my time on this pill was great. Everyone’s body is different, but when I got put on this, I had little to no spotting-it was so nice only getting a period 4 times a year as someone who suffers from heavy bleeding and cramps. For people who are worried or experiencing spotting, give your body a chance to get used to it! You aren't bleeding for 3 months straight, so it’s normal to get a little bit of spotting as you are approaching the placebo week. The only cons I would give this BC are the fact that I did get migraines on it, it definitely made me a little more emotional (but any BC will), and I did notice a little thinning of my hair. However, I never got pregnant, my boobs grew a size, I didn’t gain any weight, and it improved my period significantly. Don’t believe the hype on this site!"

• 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 :)"

• Win...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 17, 2018

For Birth Control "I started Vienva birth control about 6 months ago due to a job change causing my insurance to switch me from Lessina to Vienva. I always look through this website for birth control reviews, and I have to say I was absolutely terrified that I had switched to Vienva. I completely understand that we all have different experiences, but I would like to share that I had absolutely no side effects with this medication. No acne, no weight gain - in fact, I’ve lost 10 pounds from exercise and eating better and do not feel this birth control has interfered with my weight loss, no mood swings, no change in sex drive, and most of all, not pregnant. My periods average 4-5 days, but I usually skip the placebo pills, starting the new pack right away. Give it a try and keep in mind everyone reacts differently."

• 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."

• Kat...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 3, 2018

For Birth Control "I have been on Alesse 21 for seven and a half years (about my entire sexual relationship with my now husband). It is the only birth control I have ever been on, and while it's done its job in preventing pregnancy (hardly ever missed a pill), I am coming off because of what it has done to my period. Over the last three to four years, it has become so light that sometimes my period consists of spotting for twelve hours! And last month, I didn't even get a period at all. Using tampons and sometimes even sex was becoming unbearably uncomfortable from the dryness, as well my sex drive diminished significantly. I haven't been off for even a full cycle yet, but I have yet to experience any adverse effects except for some bloating and mild mood swings. Has anyone else's period disappeared on Alesse or another form of BC? It was basically the straw that broke the camel's back for me."

• 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!"

• 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."

• Anonymous
• October 25, 2009

For Birth Control "It does the job, obviously, I haven't been pregnant. But I have mood swings like I've never had before. I get anxious and/or depressed. Most depressingly, my sex drive has all but disappeared. Sex is uncomfortable, sometimes painful, and I seem incapable of naturally lubricating. I used to be able to have sex every day if I wanted to and orgasm almost every time-not now."

• Kay...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 28, 2020

For Birth Control "I’m reading the comments, and everybody is different. I highly recommend. I was on Tri-Cyclen before, it made me super depressed. I could never gain any weight. Then my doctor switched me to Lo Seasonique. Everything went fine with that BC. Then my pharmacist/insurance changed it to Ashlyna. I gained the healthy weight I needed. No breakthrough bleeding unless I skip multiple pills. No depression, but slight mood swings, but hey, we’re girls, that happens every once in a while. Don’t let this comment discourage you. Try it for yourself! I LOVE THIS BC!"

• Jen...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 10, 2019

For Birth Control "I took Seasonique for 7 years. I did get occasional breakthrough bleeding-maybe once a year; however, this was faint, a tiny amount of brown blood and not bothersome. This pill was wonderful for me in every way-no more crazy PMS mood swings, and very light periods, no cramping. I did not take it at the perfect time every day, and it did not lead to any problems. I only stopped taking it in August as we want to have a baby."