Ortho Evra and Mood Swings: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 28, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been on the patch for about 4 months now, and I can honestly say that I love it. This is my first time being on BC, and I did a lot of research before picking one out. The first 3 months, I experienced some of the side effects: headaches, nausea, sore breasts, emotional as hell. But all that stopped in the 3rd month. I still get a little emotional, but that's just regular PMSing. Do not buy the generic brand, it sucks ass. It doesn't stick as well as the name brand, so I spend the $5 to get it. My skin gets a little irritated around the patch, but I have seriously dry skin, so that can play a factor. Overall, I'm loving it! My BF can relax a little because he doesn't have to worry about condoms anymore because this is more cost-efficient."

• Bri...
• May 29, 2017

For Birth Control "I started using Depo-Provera as my birth control, and I was on it for 2 years plus. I had no side effects until I gained so much weight the last year, I was 120 lbs, and now I'm at 150 lbs. I will never go back to it. So I switched to the patch, and same, I have no bad side effects yet. I've been on it for over a year, my weight has gone down, I'm down to 140 lbs, which is hard to lose weight for us girls. My breast size increased, my thighs and butt increased, good plus :) I've never had a problem with acne with either birth control. My mood swings are bad here and there. I love how my period is regular now, and I know when it's coming."

• p20...
• April 18, 2021

For Birth Control "I have had a difficult relationship with contraceptives in the past - on both the implant and the pill, I had consistent bleeding, in one case every single day for four months. I have been on the patch for over a month now and have just missed a period (hopefully meaning it's stopped permanently), had no mood swings, no acne, my hair has stopped shedding so much, and I've gone up a full cup size from 32C to 32D. I'd honestly say my breasts looked so much bigger within the first week. I'm a very cynical person as well and I can't even deny any of these pros. Got this on the NHS in the UK where contraceptives are completely free."

• kja...
• June 30, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been on Ortho Evra for 3 years now, previously, I was on the pill. I gained an additional 5 or so lbs when I switched over, but I think it's way worth it. My period is now regular, and my usual heavy flow significantly decreased. Recently, my pharmacy has started giving me the generic, don't do it. I have spotting all the time, pretty heavy. It's like having a regular period in between periods. For the first time last week, the spotting was really heavy, I'm switching back to the brand name. Other than that, no mood swings, no decrease in sex drive, no nausea/headaches/breast pain/etc. Great birth control!"

• Hou...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 30, 2015

For Birth Control "I know everyone has different reactions to different birth control, this does not work for me! I switched from the pill to this patch because I hate taking pills every day, and it's so much of a hassle. So I found that as soon as I started the patch, the first 3 days were extremely nauseous. Within the first week, my face and chest broke out crazy in deep cystic acne. I didn't have any acne before, and it caused libido (a major decrease in sex drive), as well as made me super emotional and just angry all the time. Therefore, I immediately switched back off of it due to too many unwanted side effects. I just bought the Nuvaring, I hear good things about it and that it's a very low dosage... Hopefully, not as many side effects involved."

• hap...
• June 9, 2011

For Birth Control "I've been on Ortho Evra for 2 months now. I love it. The first night I wore it, I had a panic attack. I ripped it off during the night, then started wearing a new patch the next day. Since then, no panic attacks, so I'm guessing it wasn't caused by the patch. My breasts were tender, but I got used to it, and I love how light my cramping and periods are. I get a pimple or two during the third week, and I am a lot more emotional, but that does not interfere with my personal life. It took some time getting used to wearing the patch, it fell off like three times. Overall, it's amazing."

• Anonymous
• June 21, 2011

For Birth Control "I've had really bad experiences with birth control in the past - the pill made me throw up on a daily basis, and the shot was just a nightmare. After the crazy mood swings, lethargy, two-month period, social anxiety, and weight gain I experienced with the shot, I was nervous about trying birth control again. But so far, I've had a good experience with the patch. The first month, I didn't have much of an appetite and often felt nauseous, but now that my body has adjusted, I only have a few minimal side effects. I crave junk food more, but that's easily managed with a bit of willpower or chocolate. My breasts have grown a bit, but after the shot shrunk them, that's not a bad thing. Thank goodness I found something that works."

• Sna...
• August 1, 2013

For Birth Control "I have been on the patch for almost 2 months, and I'm loving it! First of all, no baby, which is great! The first month was horrible, I had the worst mood swings, and I cried so much. I was so mean and kept on snapping at everyone. However, I got over it. I prefer to place the patch on either cheek of my buttocks because it hides it and also doesn't wrinkle and peel. However, it does itch at the site and when I remove it. My breasts have grown an entire cup size, which is not so great because I was a 36DD before the patch. I have noticed a slight weight gain, but I think that is from me consuming too much food when I have cravings. The patch works wonders, and my sex drive is great! Always in the mood."

• Sun...
• June 6, 2016

For Birth Control "I have been on the patch for a month now. I absolutely love it! I have tried the pill and was having the worst headaches of my life, and I was already on the lowest dosage. I gave up on the pill after 3 months. I have finished my first month and have experienced no weight gain, mood swings, depression, or headaches. The only side effects I have experienced are that my breasts have grown slightly and become slightly tender before I get my period, and I have a little bit more cramping when on my period. Besides these side effects, I honestly feel like I'm on no birth control. The only negative I would say is that the patch can begin to peel, which is easily fixable with cushion tape. I have PCOS and the patch has been the best option for me!"

• spr...
• July 9, 2013

For Birth Control "I'm just about to start my 5th month on the patch, and now that my body's gotten used to it, I can honestly say that I love it! I felt completely normal the first month. The second month, however, I experienced mild itching around the patch, extreme mood swings during the 'off period,' and heavy spotting for 4 weeks while wearing the patch. After the second month, I was back to normal. No itching, no baby, no huge detrimental side effects except that I increased a cup size, acne is mild/did not change on the patch, no more spotting in between periods, and no mood swings. Overall, I would recommend the patch. Easy to use, put it on my butt and forget about it for a week. LOVE it."

• Kfi...
• November 4, 2013

For Birth Control "Although I love that I only need to change my patch once a week instead of taking a pill every day, I HATE the patch. I've been on it for 3 months and took my last patch off for good today. I've gained more than 25 pounds! I'm constantly hungry no matter what or how often I eat (I normally have great self-control). Also, I have had ongoing cramping through my entire cycle. My periods are not any shorter, lighter, or less painful. My acne has gotten worse. I have sudden and fierce mood swings and am more emotional than I was when I was pregnant. The only good thing I can say about it is I haven't gotten pregnant, and even then, I haven't had sex since starting it, so that doesn't even count in my book. Hate it."

• Bek...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 17, 2019

For Birth Control "I’m 21 years old, and I started Ortho Evra pill 2 months ago. It works really well. I have no side effects, I mean, being a bit moody or emotional is normal for me. I do get it naturally around period time. I’m on a 3-week batch, 5-day break cycle, and it works really great. I do recommend it for young girls who don’t want any surgery, etc., contraception, and get upset stomach (if taking pills and such)."

• Luc...
• November 24, 2017

For Birth Control "I have been on the Evra patch for a year now, no specific mood swings, no spotting, normal periods of 7 days, period only starts on the 3rd day after removing the patch and overlaps by 3 days! Breasts have grown, I might say a cup size. Some of the periods I had very bad back pain, some I don't even feel (so I don't think it's anything to do with the patch). I have not gained much weight, and I think it's nothing to do with the patch. If I eat like a pig, I get fat, and if I cut down on carbs, I slim down."

• Fin...
• June 27, 2013

For Birth Control "I'm 19, and this is my first time using birth control. I chose the Ortho Evra patch. I started the patch just over a month ago on the first day of my period. My period was extended and lasted 2 weeks straight, then I had a lot of spotting. On the 4th week (off patch), I got my period, cramps and all, and by this point, I thought the bleeding would never end! I was extremely emotional and cried almost every day and would constantly ask myself, 'What is wrong with me?' Now that over a month has passed, everything seems back to normal. Larger breasts is a definite pro! I don't feel the need to cry now, and everything is good. Enjoying the patch now!"

• 199...
• November 2, 2013

For Birth Control "This was my first time being on birth control. The first few days were fine, I started it on a Monday, but on Friday morning I was throwing up. After that day, I was always nauseous and had insane mood swings. I'd crave something, then once I got it, the smell of it made me wanna puke. The only thing I was really able to eat was crackers and soup. The second Monday after I changed my patch... that night I had weird dreams, and I kept waking up feeling sick. I couldn't take it anymore, in the middle of that night, I took that patch right off. I don't know if it's due to the fact that I'm tiny, 104 pounds, and at the time I wasn't eating a lot. But I'm not even gonna try it again, nausea is not fun at all. Anyway, I'm on the pill now, could be happier."

• hap...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 26, 2015

For Birth Control "I LOVE the patch!! I was on the pill for a long time (about 3-4 years) and tried 4 different ones. They mainly made me sick to my stomach or have crazy mood swings/aggression. In college, I found it harder to take the pill on time and wanted to try different, more permanent birth controls. I tried NuvaRing with no success (unfortunately, it would move around too much and be quite uncomfortable), and the shot for 6 months (which made me horribly depressed and was the first birth control to cause weight gain for me). Then, I came across the patch!! It is amazing. I lost some weight, my breasts grew a bit (a side effect I didn't want), and no mood swings! No nausea and no appetite fluctuations. If anything, I'd say it curbed my appetite."

• Anonymous
• March 12, 2012

For Birth Control "I've been on it for a month, and I am thinking of changing. I have had headaches so bad they make me want to cry 24/7. I also have been nauseous almost every single day after being on it for a week. I have been extremely emotional and had times when I feel very shaky. The fact that this puts off a lot more hormones than other birth control is the reason it is causing me to have these reactions, I think."

• Fay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 14, 2018

For Birth Control "I've been on the patch for 3 weeks now, as soon as I started using it, I felt a difference. I researched the patch before I went to get on it, but I didn't know I'd have so many side effects and for so long. For 3 weeks straight, I've been feeling like I'm on my period, sort of horrible constant body cramping, very irritable. Nausea and dizziness, also very sore breasts. I've been sleeping so much after taking this and still feel tired, I've been sleeping about 12 hours almost every day. I've also noticed a bit of weight gain too. And I've been having mood swings, feeling depressed and unmotivated, I've been staying in bed mostly. I've only tried the pill and the patch. I'm forgetful about taking a pill every day, that's why I changed to the patch. I don't want to try anything else, but I've been thinking about the depo shot. Maybe I should just wait and see if all the side effects will go away, it doesn't really seem worth it to me."

• Cay...
• March 19, 2012

For Birth Control "My experience on Ortho Evra was not a pleasant one. My main symptoms were bad nausea, painful soreness in my breasts, and terrible mood swings. I've been on the patch for almost 3 years now. I thought that it was great because of the efficient one time a week system. But I didn't realize how 60% more estrogen than every other birth control could affect your body."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 24, 2015

For Birth Control "I am having a great time with the patch. I was on the ring for around 6 months (at age 15) and had continuous breakthrough bleeding. Since my switch to the patch, that's cleared up. I've been on it for almost a year, and I haven't experienced any nausea or headaches. I have gained around 10 pounds, and I cry and get emotional more now. The patch can look a little nasty, but that's fine. And SUPER SHORT PERIODS!! One 3-4 days now!!"

• D17...
• April 16, 2013

For Birth Control "I used the patch a couple of years ago and do not remember the side effects I am having now. I am nauseous, my breasts are swollen and sore, and I am retaining water. My moods are through the roof, and I hope this levels out soon."

• Yup...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 4, 2019

For Birth Control "I’m on my third week of Ortho Evra at the moment. I've had a slight period-like experience throughout and also brown discharge. My breasts are tender and have mood changes (although that already happens). I’m not worried though because at the end of the day I know my body is getting used to it, so sure I may be a bit all over the place, but who isn’t? Personally, I think it has more advantages than disadvantages, and the only reason I have rated it lower is because I haven’t been on it long enough to give it a proper review. Hope this helps :)"

• Gee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 19, 2021

For Birth Control "So far I’ve used it for 2 months. I’ve had a few new spots since I hardly break out, but I have been stressed lately, so who knows if it’s because of the patch. My boobs also grew, I’m not sure how much since I only wear bralettes which come sized XS/S. I also noticed I’ve become much more emotional, and my sex drive has skyrocketed."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 13, 2012

For Birth Control "I've only been on my first month of this patch. But I hope my review will still help. I usually put it on my butt cheek and alternate sides each week. The first week was fine, the skin around it after taking it off was kind of irritating, but that was no big deal. The second week, nothing unusual happened, my sex drive increased, but I would wake up in the middle of the night for some reason. The third week was the worst week, though. I had mood swings, light cramps, and anxiety. This fourth week, it'll be my off week, I hope my period comes normally (since I have been having an abnormal cycle for the past 2 years). So far, I am satisfied with Ortho Evra. I am usually forgetful, changing it every week is very convenient!"

• kim...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 3, 2013

For Birth Control "I chose this as my first form of birth control when I was 16. I'm now 20. While it was effective and efficient for me, my hormones were through the roof. I was very emotional and cried a lot. I would recommend this for someone who does okay on high-dose birth control. I cried and begged for my doc to switch me to a low-dose birth control and ended up on the pill. I'm terrible at taking it, but still no baby, thankfully."