Ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin and Mood Swings: What Users Say (Page 4)

• 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."

• Anonymous
• August 9, 2015

For Birth Control "I started taking Xulane when my insurance stopped covering Ortho Evra. The first month was fine, no side effects, irritation, or pregnancy scares or anything, but then the second month I started experiencing nausea, cramps, my period was late, and then I had the absolute worst depression and even started losing touch with reality. I thought I was going crazy, but since I stopped it, I've felt completely fine. Did prevent me from getting pregnant, but the mood swings were not worth it anymore, will have to move on to the pill."

• ver...
• June 26, 2015

For Birth Control "I could tell this patch wasn't for me after two months of being on it. I had every side effect you could think of: mood swings, depression, nausea, vomiting, stomach aches, chest pain, shortness of breath, headaches, tingling in my feet and hands, aching in my arms and legs. It got to the point where I was so concerned I had to go to the emergency room to make sure I didn't have any blood clots and that I wasn't in danger of having a stroke or heart attack. Turns out I was okay, but they took me off the patch immediately. I'm only 22, but I smoke, so I guess that could be why I had such a bad reaction to it. I'm disappointed it didn't work for me because the convenience of not having to take a pill every day was nice. Oh well."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 3, 2016

For Birth Control "I was on Xulane for about a year, and it seemed to work well for me. After deciding to go off of it in February to see if my bleeding had gone to normal, everything was thrown off. I've gotten my period about twice since then at very weird times, and that was only in the beginning. It is now July, and I haven't had a period since April, and I am not on any form of contraception. Not having a period would be nice and all, but I still experience PMS, mood swings, and extremely bad cramps; yet not bleeding at all. I guess this would be okay if you're not planning on getting pregnant soon after going off (I'm not considering that for quite a few years)."

• Yas...
• August 11, 2016

For Birth Control "I switched from the Nexplanon implant simply because I heard of a recall on it, and I couldn't take the constant dizziness and headaches. I used Ortho Evra before, and it was lovely, but this isn't at all. The first night, I felt like I couldn't sleep. With that being said, I was up for 3 days with absolutely no sleep, walking around like an insane person. Severe pain (hunger pangs) that I think contribute to the weight gain, nausea, and breast pain. I took it off. I tried it again, and the physical side effects have faded somewhat, but depression, anxiety, and mood swings are back in my life 10 times worse..."

• Mar...
• September 30, 2018

For Birth Control "I have mixed feelings about Xulane. It did wonders for me regarding my functionality while being on my period. I used to bleed very heavily, feel very dizzy and lightheaded, like I was going to pass out, vomit, and have awful cramps. That all went away when I started taking this. I also like how convenient it is. The patch stays on pretty well. But that is all I have to say that's good. It took about three months for my body to adjust, but I had excruciating headaches and spotting for two weeks straight at a time. The worst part of this is the awful mood swings I get. I don't feel like myself sometimes. I'll just be irrationally angry over the smallest things or have minor anxiety attacks. It killed my sex drive, which is the complete opposite of how I used to be, and it's starting to take a toll on my marriage. It all makes sense considering that the information packet that my pharmacy gave said that it contains more estrogen than certain pills."

• Bou...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 27, 2016

For Birth Control "My first time taking birth control, and I chose the patch. I was prescribed Xulane. I hate it. I already had a slight acne problem, it didn't improve it. It made my breasts tender all the time. I was spotting for a whole week, which was expected. The main issue from being on this patch was my mood swings. I felt depressed, sad, I was crying for no reason, and then I would be happy again. My boyfriend hates it because of my mood swings. I've been on it for 3 months, but not anymore."

• Mad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 30, 2018

For Birth Control "I’ve been on the Xulane patch for 2 1/2 months now, but I just took it off this morning. When placing the patch, whichever butt cheek I would put it on, that leg would go numb for about an hour. I was having crazy mood swings. And every 1st patch of the box would cause me to throw up for a few days. The Xulane patch is not for everyone."

• Lei...
• June 11, 2016

For Birth Control "When I started Xulane, I had many reactions. I experienced severe mood swings, and Xulane increased my depression and anxiety. I also experienced redness and itching at the application site, which stopped happening about a month later. I experience nausea, headaches, and severe cramping during times of suspected ovulation. My breasts increased in size, and veins are more prominent. They are also more tender. Sex drive has also decreased. My period comes at the expected time and sometimes lasts 4 days to 6. All in all, I like the idea of not having to remember an oral contraceptive every day! I change it three times a month and the fourth week I leave it off. All forms of birth control have their weak points, but I think Xulane works for me."

• Cri...
• September 15, 2016

For Birth Control "This is the first review I've ever written in my life. I say that to say, this is how horrible Xulane is, so bad that I had to write a review about it. I started the patch 3 weeks ago. I was very excited because I didn't have to take pills, which means you have to remember to take them every day. With the patch, you just have to wear/change them once a week. First week of using the patch, I noticed a difference in my body. I was very nauseous, migraines were almost every day, and loss of appetite. Second week, I was very, very emotional, I would cry for no reason along with being very moody. I'm literally nauseous every day now, I have vomited a few times. Long story short, I have pregnancy symptoms. STAY AWAY FROM THE PATCH!! It's horrible!"

• AKR...
• November 22, 2016

For Birth Control "Nightmare! I was on the Xulane birth control patch for 2 full months. I have felt like a complete zombie with no energy at all. I can feel depression, anxiety, and mood swings getting worse. I'm starting to get headaches and nausea, which I have never experienced before. The patch doesn't stick very well on the skin. I've gotten rashes, and it's always itchy at the site. I'm giving up on birth control because the crippling mental side effects are not worth it. I'm going back to condoms forever. BEWARE, the mental/emotional side effects sneak up on you over time."

• Anonymous
• July 12, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been on Xulane for six months now, and I'm sticking with the patch. Before Xulane, I was taking the Depo shot, and I had my period for 3 months, it was horrible. On Xulane, I do get mood swings, and since I seem to be tired a lot. I've also gained some noticeable weight. These would be the only cons, besides that, I love the fact I only have to change the patch once a week, and my period always comes the week when the patch is not required. I've always got my period for nine days, now my period is only 5 days. I love it!"

• Wei...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 12, 2017

For Birth Control "Started/switched to the patch in Feb 2017 @ 229 lbs after giving the NuvaRing. Slight itching at patch site (buttocks), noticeable mood swings, and came off one time. Menstruation consistent, took patch off Sunday, the end of Week 3, and by Wednesday, the menstrual period arrived. No spotting in between. I started a weight loss program and lost 13 lbs in one month (June 2017). On Monday of Week 3, I started spotting (20 days post last period) and it was consistent at every use of the bathroom. Only a panty liner needed. Called GYN, said it's normal, weight loss triggers hormonal changes and to use the patch as usual. Week 4, no period, new patch cycle. Skin itching insanely! Patch site swelled up as if I was branded. Week 6, pregnant with #5! 200 lbs less effective, says label."

• Emy...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 6, 2018

For Birth Control "This is the worst thing I have done to my body. I have been on this patch for a year. The first few months I didn't notice any major side effects except for the itching. Then I started noticing that I was very irritated and anxious for no reason. Again, I didn't suspect that it was due to the patch. Now, a year into it, I realized it's all due to this stupid patch. I had never been like this. The mood swings and irritation got so severe that I was becoming a completely different person. Constantly tired and depressed. Stay away from this patch. I do not recommend it."

• 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."

• All...
• September 13, 2017

For Birth Control "Do not, I repeat, do not take this birth control. I read the bad reviews and figured it would not happen to me because I never have bad medical side effects. HOWEVER, I got sick to my stomach every time I put on a patch to the point of throwing up. I lost 10 pounds in 3 weeks due to this. I got severe mood swings and a lot of acne. Not worth it. I lasted 3 months and nothing changed."

• Ape...
• February 18, 2020

For Birth Control "I was on Xulane for 3 1/2 years. I had tubal ligation, and my surgery was only supposed to be a half hour, but it ended up being an hour and a half. My body was full of adhesions, so my doctor could not find my ovaries! I have been dealing with intestinal spasms ever since. Going on 10 months and still on medication to treat them. Xulane caused me weight gain, mood swings, and pain where the patch was. NOT A GOOD CHOICE!"

• 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!!"

• Che...
• March 28, 2018

For Birth Control "Before I explain my experience, let me first state that as long as you use this form of birth control correctly, it will work in preventing pregnancy. That being said, I did use this correctly for 4-5 months and did not fall pregnant once. I did, however, have some unanticipated side effects; after the first 2-4 weeks, I experienced extreme mood swings, more facial breakouts in between periods, an 8-10 pound weight gain/bloat (did not change my diet), my breasts were incredibly swollen, and as a result, I went up a full cup size, intermittent cramping, and the worst of all was the nausea-it was every morning and night. I felt like I was pregnant for the last 3-4 months while on this birth control. I understand that my reaction may differ from others' reactions, so don't let this one bad review keep you from trying it out. It works for many women, but I am not included in that group. I just took off the patch and anticipate going back to normal in the next 4-6 weeks. Good luck!"

• JJa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 10, 2019

For Birth Control "The Xulane patch unfortunately did not work for me. The first problem I had was the patch itself. Anytime you get in the pool or water, the top started to come off. Went and took another patch and had to pay $120 out of pocket. Very upset. The second problem I had was the side effects. I am naturally a very bubbly, outgoing person, but as I was taking this, I noticed extreme mood swings, depression, loss of sex drive, and awful anxiety. The third problem was two-week periods. I had many of these, and I didn’t appreciate it at all. The fourth problem was my periods were not worse, but also not any better. Don’t recommend this to anyone that swims or goes into the ocean. I'm switching to the Blisovi pill, and hopefully this works, but the patch definitely did not work for me."

• 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."

• Bri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 4, 2019

For Birth Control "This birth control has been great for me. I have been using it for about 3 months now. The only thing I've noticed is that sometimes I get mood swings. I haven't gotten nausea or thrown up due to the patch, but I have gotten normal period-like cramps when I first put it on or change it out. I also noticed the first month I seemed to get headaches frequently, but they weren't severe, and I could deal with them easily."

• Kay...
• May 31, 2017

For Birth Control "I have been using Xulane for about 2 to 3 months, maybe longer. I have not gotten pregnant, though my boyfriend is fixed. Next, I went back in to get checked, so there is a slim chance. I used the NuvaRing before, I liked it to a point, but it was uncomfortable to me and my boyfriend, so I switched to the patch. At first, it was fine, then after a month or less of using it, I noticed intense mood swings, like bipolar mood swings, wanting to go off on people for stupid little things, being straight up mean to my man and not caring, then feeling terrible after. I have no energy at all, always tired. I hate myself like this, it's not me. I'm going to stop this birth control. I hate these bad mood swings."

• 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 :)"