Ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel and Mood Swings: What Users Say (Page 3)

• 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!"

• Ivy...
• March 31, 2015

For Birth Control "This has been my first form of birth control, and so far, so good! I researched reviews on this one, which freaked me out. Turns out, I had nothing to worry about. I haven't had any nausea, headaches, or mood changes. I have been on it for about 2 weeks, so things could change, but I like it a lot so far. Also, the type of hormones in this pill does provide the lowest chance of more serious side effects like blood clots. This was something that was nice to know since I was so worried about those chances (even though I had no reason to be). Everyone is different, but just give it a chance! It's not as bad as you think it might be, and if it is, you can always change pills! Hope this helps those who are worried about starting BC :)"

• Ave...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 9, 2021

For Birth Control "I've been on Vienva for a full month, and I instantly noticed a severe increase in emotional sensitivity. Before taking Vienva, I was in my best mental state after overcoming depression, but starting this pill made me feel like I lost all my progress. I am constantly crying throughout the day for no reason, and I'm taking things so personally. It's very unlike me at this point to be worrying so much over things that wouldn't usually affect me and having panic attacks every night. It's unbearable. Also having pretty gnarly headaches. Switching pills ASAP - do not recommend."

• San...
• July 11, 2019

For Birth Control "On Amethyst birth control, I spotted kinda a lot for the first 3 months. I have been on it for about 6 months now. I still have some spotting, but very minimal, hardly noticeable and only for a few days. Sometimes before, it would be over a week, but not more than 2. I haven't had any other physical symptoms, though, and no noticeable mental health changes (wasn't perfect before, but if anything has slightly improved because previously my periods caused bad mood swings and self-loathing). Honestly, I've had some positive physical changes - my butt and boobs have gotten bigger, but I haven't really gained any weight in my stomach or elsewhere, and my metabolism seems about the same so far."

• sun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 19, 2020

For Birth Control "I started Vienva in September 2019. For the first month, I expected constant mood swings affecting me almost solely at night and abdominal soreness. After my first 3 weeks and skipping the placebos, I fell into a depression that was not pre-existing. This cost me personal relationships. Other symptoms included cramping, loss of appetite, headaches (not to mention 14 days of breakthrough bleeding). I didn’t get pregnant, though."

• azn...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 15, 2014

For Birth Control "I've been on Alesse for 6 months without problems. I gained a cup size and maintained my weight. No mood swings. No spotting. Take note of the brand at your pharmacy, though! Oftentimes they prescribe you a generic brand even if your doctor wrote Alesse. I had noticed this and spoke to my pharmacist, and got the name brand."

• 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."

• Roy...
• October 31, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I've been on the pill for a little over a month, and I'm stopping. I'm extremely anemic, and I asked my doc for this to help with my periods. They were getting increasingly heavy and painful and making my anemia worse. I started taking the generic of this pill, and in 1 month, gained 10 pounds. Then I started spotting and got a full-blown period month 1. This period is heavier than normal and has zapped me of all my energy. It has lasted 7 days of constant normal to heavy bleeding that doesn't seem like it's going to stop. The blood is still fresh bright red, so it doesn't look like it's stopping soon. Also, this week of bleeding has made me extremely emotional. I almost quit my job! I feel very angry, irritated, annoyed, and depressed."

• Ros...
• March 4, 2015

For Birth Control "This made my skin look beautiful! Within 2 weeks, I had a noticeable improvement in my skin. Only issue was the severe mood swings it would give me (which is why I'm not on it). I would cry for no reason and would lash out at others. I noticed how upset I would get and did not like feeling that way."

• Swi...
• March 2, 2015

For Birth Control "This pill was the first kind of birth control my doctor recommended me. I was very nervous at first because she said it would help with my size and because I have had chronic episodes of anemia. I also had the fears of every girl: gaining weight, acne, mood swings, and the contraceptive failing. I've been on Chateal for a year now, and none of those things have occurred! I'm very happy with this pill and will renew my prescription."

• 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."

• San...
• July 1, 2020

For Birth Control "I have been through the nightmare that is birth control for the last 2 years. I have tried 6 different BCs and had horrible side effects from all of them, including bipolar depression, mood swings, weight gain, hair loss, loss of sex drive, and horrible cramping. I was put on VIENVA 3 months ago and was nervous because of negative reviews. All was going well, my sex drive was back up (I’m 26 and in a happy, loving, long-term relationship!), but I ended my period a week ago, and 3 days ago, I started having some slight spotting. On the 2nd day, I started bleeding HEAVILY, and here we are on the 3rd, and I am still bleeding! I have never in my life had breakthrough bleeding, but this is like I’m having a 2nd period! Horrible cramps, full-on 2nd period of the month! I will be switching. Again, everything else was amazing about this pill. It made me feel normal again, high sex drive, no side effects, until this third month when I’ve been excessively bleeding even after my period."

• car...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 19, 2023

For Birth Control "Woah. I got this bc from Pill Club and have to say something. If you have anxiety and depression, please seek another brand. I was finally in a good place, and this set me back so far. I felt so emotional and extremely lost during my time on this pill. It had negative impacts on my relationship, friendships, school, work, sleep, and basically everything. I couldn’t concentrate on school-which is not helpful as a nursing student-and felt unmotivated and exhausted all of the time. I know birth control is different for everyone, and that’s the mindset I had while reading these reviews originally, but PLEASE be careful and listen to these reviews because I relate to 99% of the negative ones."

• boo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 5, 2013

For Birth Control "I waited 1 month to write this review. Hopefully, things will stay the same. First of all, I read quite a few reviews before I took this pill. Let me tell you, I was terrified. I paid more attention to the bad reviews because with my luck I would suffer from every bad side effect of this pill. My main concern was weight gain and mood swings. I broke out but took control of it by going on Proactiv. It's working, but I have to make sure to wash morning and night. No falling asleep will make up. My breasts were tender for the first couple of weeks, actually, it was quite painful. No weight gain. My appetite has actually decreased. I had bad PMS episodes, and that's when I gained weight. This pill seems to help with that. Overall, I am happy."

• 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."

• Pha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 5, 2013

For Birth Control "I have tried many different kinds of birth control and had been off for about a year and a half when I started up on Chateal. I am in my third week of the pill and have experienced extreme fatigue, mood swings, as well as breast tenderness/shooting pain, and constipation. I am hoping these things will smooth over, but these are the worst initial side effects I've experienced with an oral contraceptive. So far, not so good."

• hel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 13, 2020

For Birth Control "I’m on my second month of taking this BC. My gyno put me on it to help shrink an ovarian cyst I have that’s close to rupturing. So far, I have noticed somewhat of a decrease in cramps. Thank goodness because those cramps were the worst pains I’ve ever felt, and I would consider myself a person who has a very high pain tolerance :/ But on the other hand, I have been bleeding/spotting for about 3 1/2 weeks now after I had my full 6-day period. I’ve experienced abnormal mood swings, increased anxiety, worsened depression, and insane random crying sprees over the smallest things or just nothing really at all. At this point, I think the pain is a better option than how crazy this pill has made me feel."

• Gyp...
• May 27, 2013

For Birth Control "I've been on Aviane for 3 months now, and I must say I have absolutely no complaints, no weight gain, no mood swings, no dryness, and on the positive side, my moderate acne flares have greatly reduced, my face is less oily, and I have just about 2 new breakouts when on the placebo pills, unlike having a full-blown breakout during my periods. I am very happy with this pill."

• May...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 28, 2020

For Birth Control "First BC I’ve ever loved! Positives: • no added weight gain. I am smaller framed. • didn’t change my sex drive • haven’t gotten pregnant with my partner, and he always finishes inside • no positive or negative effect on skin • periods come at the same time every month. I was so irregular before • shaves a day to two days off of my previous 7-day cycle. Negatives/side effects • experienced some nausea when I first began taking it. 30 mins after taking the pill, I noticed I would get a little hot and nauseated. But after a while, I no longer experienced that. • I’m a little more emotional. Doesn’t take much to get the waterworks going. • I feel slightly more fatigued and will sleep more. I combat this with eating small pieces of raw young ginger to spice myself awake. Overall, it’s been great for me. I’ve been taking it for almost 2 years. Previously, I tried the depo shot, which was so bad and made me bleed nonstop for months."

• 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."

• Sue...
• December 1, 2013

For Birth Control "I have been on this birth control since June. I haven't had any problems. My period comes like clockwork, no scares, no hair loss, no weight gain, no mood swings. I was on a different birth control where I had my period every three months, and I prefer this one, just because I can keep track of everything! I recommend it."

• Ree...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 27, 2017

For Birth Control "Before I started it, I was mortified of it based on all these terrible reviews. Within 2-3 weeks, women were complaining about hair falling out, suicidal thoughts, nausea, mood swings, heavy bleeding, and so forth. I'm going on 7 weeks and haven't had not one of those symptoms, with a slight exception of the nausea. I get nauseous probably once every few days. The sensation lasts for about a minute and it's gone. I can't even pinpoint that the BC is the culprit. My experience with Chateal has been a breeze so far, and I hope it stays that way. So don't let these negative reviews steer you the wrong way. Everyone is different, and it clearly works great for many, not all, but many. Most importantly, I'm not pregnant!!!!"

• mom...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 11, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been on many different kinds of birth control, and Larissia was by far the absolute worst. The first three months on this birth control, I had intense sharp cramps that would be quick and scattered throughout the day and then would last hours in the middle of the night. They were so bad that I would cry and could never fall asleep. I wanted to get off it, but my doctor said to wait a couple more months. So I did, and after three months, they went away. But more symptoms came: migraines, boob tenderness 24/7, and back pain. I had extreme mood swings, and when I say extreme, I mean it. I would go from being happy to angry to manic to extremely depressed. I would cry over nothing. My boyfriend would see me cry on the couch for hours at a time, and there was nothing he could say to stop me. Also, I have developed a sensitivity to light, and when it is really bad, it will make me pass out. I'm finally getting off this garbage and getting a copper IUD. Don't take this, please. Save yourself."

• Jun...
• April 5, 2013

For Birth Control "The only positive thing about Alesse is that it does its job at preventing pregnancy. I've been on Alesse since January, and it has noticeably affected my mood. Before Alesse, I was always calm, cool, collected, and just easygoing, but now I get upset over things that never bothered me before. I'm sensitive to almost everything now. I thought it was me, but after reading the reviews and talking to my doctor, it's definitely Alesse that's causing me to be this way. It's causing me to overreact and do rash things, which is not in my nature. It's ruining my relationship with my boyfriend. And it's also causing me to be mean at work towards my coworkers. After I finish my last pack, I'm going to switch to a different pill."