Generess Fe and Mood Swings: What Users Say

• Eri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 27, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm coming up on 5 months of taking Generess Fe. The first 3 months were kind of tough. I had breakouts and lots of extra anxiety/emotional sensitivity. I never gained weight - I've actually lost 10 pounds, and my boobs feel fuller. My sex drive was always very high even before birth control, and that certainly hasn't changed. After the first three months, it was like somebody flipped a switch and I felt like my normal self again. Moods were regulated, skin was clear. The only thing I do still notice is that I usually either don't have a period, or I have one that's so light that I can't even use a tampon. If it happens, it's usually brown, and it only lasts 2-3 days. This is hard for me to get used to, but I'm starting to really enjoy it!!"

• liz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 7, 2012

For Birth Control "On the medication for 8 weeks now. Terrible mood swings, bloated all the time, face constantly breaking out (after contraception, I'm taking it to clear my face), mild weight gain, very light periods - if any, SEVERE nausea and constipated since the day I started the medication. Symptoms were so bad, I thought I was pregnant for a while... took 4 pregnancy tests over 3 weeks' time to convince me it was just the severe side effects of birth control. I take no other medications on a consistent basis."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 7, 2013

For Birth Control "I finished up my first pack of Generess a week ago, and it's my first birth control pill. I know you're supposed to take it for three months before the side effects go away, but I couldn't resist reviewing. It's effective-I'm not pregnant and have regular sex. However, the side effects aren't great. The first week was okay, just some loose stool after Day 1. By the time I got halfway through the second week, I had (sometimes heavy) spotting that went on for 1.5 weeks straight. I'm not a fan of having sex while bleeding, so it was frustrating. Also, my moods swing like a pendulum. I'll go from happy to raging in ten seconds. My face breaks out more now, and I also find I'm eating a lot more than usual. The side effects are dwindling, though, so I'm happy!"

• Cyn...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 21, 2016

For Birth Control "I have been on this BC for around three years now. Going on Generess FE was an amazing decision, though adjustment was tough at first. I'm actually on the generic version now since they released it, but my benefits are still there. I previously would have insane mood swings in the week leading up to my period-I'm talking sporadic crying and feelings of anxiety. This went away when I started this medicine. My period lasts barely more than one or two days, and I don't need to buy more than the 'lite' tampons. Periods now are completely painless and barely more than a slight inconvenience. My skin is clearer than ever, and this has worked wonders for me. I'm not pregnant, and I've reaped all the benefits of this medicine!"

• mm3...
• August 22, 2014

For Birth Control "LOVE this birth control! First 3 months were pretty rough as my body adjusted, but now that I'm on my 5th pack, I feel 100% like myself! No acne, no weight gain, no mood swings, great energy, normal appetite, etc. Once your body adjusts to it, it's a great birth control option!"

• KBR...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 8, 2013

For Birth Control "I usually have irregular periods. I missed 2 months, so my doctor prescribed Generess Fe. It's cool that it's chewable, but taking this drug was not a pleasant experience. For one, my mood swings were incredibly out of whack. I was so depressed, angry, and irritable. I couldn't stand something like this having so much control over my emotions. I had serious bloating, and my breasts were super swollen, and I am already very busty, so this was not very comfortable. I had painful migraines. The worst part about it was the CRAZY LONG PERIODS! I've only completed 1 pack, and I got my period last month, but it's still going on, 15 days now! It's not really heavy, but it's more than just spotting. I stopped taking it."

• Lau...
• November 17, 2013

For Birth Control "I started taking Generess Fe 5 weeks ago. I bled for the entire first month. It just didn't stop. Then I developed a stronger sensitivity to dairy products than I ever had before. The past 3 days have been unbearable. I haven't been able to keep anything down, I started sweating and nearly fainted a few times. I've also thrown up 5 or more times. My mood swings have been really bad also. I have no idea if this does even help prevent pregnancy, as I needed a backup method for the first month. I'm stopping this and making an appointment to see my doctor. There's no way I can live with constant gas pains, nausea, and throwing up."

• Anonymous
• October 15, 2013

For Birth Control "I was on Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo for about 2.5 years and never realized that that was what was giving me the craziest mood swings. I went on Loestrin 24 Fe. At first, I was happy with it, then came the almost complete loss of sex drive. I also became very moody and snappy for no reason at all. My doctor called and said they were discontinuing my Loestrin and putting me on a 'chewable' pill. I was not happy about that at first. The pill tastes like a little mint, which I actually really like now. On top of that, I am in such a great mood, even when I probably shouldn't be. No mood swings, and my sex drive is back 100%! My breasts seem a tad fuller, but nothing crazy. Also, no weight gain. I love it!"

• Chr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 24, 2013

For Birth Control "I've been taking this medication for one week, two days now. I was scared to take it at first because I have never taken an oral contraceptive before. I was on the patch, and it was a nightmare. But this medication sits pretty well with me. I get a little nausea from time to time, but nothing major. Occasionally a headache and mild cramps. (These symptoms aren't normal for me, so that's how I know it's the medication). I've also had my period for as long as I've been taking it, but it's very light. Hopefully, my body will get used to it soon. Oh, and I haven't had any mood swings."

• Cry...
• October 27, 2013

For Birth Control "Was put on Generess Fe to regulate spotting I have had for 3 months (PCOS). Have been on it a month, and it has been a horrible experience. I was surprised to see all the great reviews since I am having such trouble. I am usually a very happy person and have been extremely depressed, emotional (crying outbursts at ridiculous things), and irritable. I've had headaches daily since Day 1. Spotting has gotten worse. Breasts are so tender and painful, and I have horrible low back cramps during the 3rd week. Praying this is just because I've been so long without a cycle (8 years and 1 month), and it's just shocking my body. Doctor says it could take 3-4 months to regulate. Not sure I can handle that but willing to try."

• moo...
• April 16, 2013

For Birth Control "My moods have been horrible. At first, I was extremely angry and temperamental. Now, depressed and do not want to be touched. I've been on it 5 weeks. Thought I was going crazy, then tonight, remembered that I changed birth control recently."

• Anonymous
• October 12, 2012

"I was on it for 7 months, and it was my first birth control. I loved it because it cleared up my skin, lighter periods last about 3-4 days, which is short for me because I used to get them for a whole week. I used to have terrible cramps, but Generess really helped with that. It definitely worked as a birth control. However, I became very depressed and agitated. I would get mad over little things, and I was sad all the time. Severe mood swings. So I stopped taking it, and now I'm on Sprintec. It's a lot cheaper, and I no longer experience mood swings, I'm a lot happier."

• mel...
• April 12, 2014

For Birth Control "I have been taking Generess FE for a year and three months, and it works great! No weight gain, no acne, no episodes of mood swings except period PM symptoms, but those are normal. I still have a period, but it's shorter and lighter. I do have cramps a lot, only on period though. There's no spotting or discharge for me. I've had a great experience with this pill and totally recommend it for those who are anemic like me, especially!"

• Anonymous
• November 13, 2012

For Birth Control "I have been on it for only two months now, and I absolutely LOVE it. I have been through complete hell with my periods. I get severe cramping and bloating for up to two weeks and have tried many different pills with NO luck. This is the first birth control that has reduced any cramping at all, and now I barely get cramps. Other pills made me extremely moody, but this one hasn't given me mood swings at all. I also had problems with spotting on other birth control pills, but not on this one. My periods are much lighter than before."

• Ale...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 14, 2013

For Birth Control "I have been on this medication for a year now. Originally, I was put on it to help decrease my terrible cramps and throbbing migraines. The first 6 months, it worked like a charm. The only side effects I had were mood swings, and after the first 3 months, I was able to control them. However, starting in January, my migraines started coming back, in February, debilitating cramps came back. At first, we thought it was because I had switched allergy medications, but found that not to be the case after switching back to my old one. I will be switching to another choice. However, it has been effective as a birth control and in shortening periods (mine to only 4 days)."

• Tip...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 29, 2013

For Birth Control "I was given two months of free samples of this medication to regulate my extremely heavy and long month-and-a-half cycle. I have only been taking it for 3 days, and immediately, nausea, headaches, and mood swings have hit me hard! But after two days of taking the pill, my period stopped. It is chewable, and I was afraid of that, but it has a really nice minty flavor. Hopefully, after about two weeks or so, the side effects will subside."

• Anonymous
• January 11, 2016

For Birth Control "This is my first experience with BC given to me after many years of complaining of heavy periods and a diagnosis of anemia. It took some adjusting, but I now have a 4-day period with only one heavy day instead of 8 days. Downside: mood swings, and they're constantly raising the price. My $25 program expired, and they're not offering it anymore. I paid $120 yesterday for a one-month pack. Keep asking for generic, but my doctor says there is none and told me to do all the research for a better one. Isn't that her job???"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 12, 2012

For Birth Control "I only took this medication for 2 weeks. I noticed significant weight gain in that short amount of time. I also experienced crazy mood swings and depression. I was crying over nothing and at the drop of a hat. I stopped taking it and asked my gynecologist for a different pill. I then started Beyaz and didn't experience any of these side effects at all."

• Anonymous
• November 3, 2015

For Birth Control "I did not like Generess. It made my periods very regular (but heavy) and did prevent pregnancy well, but it made me break out like crazy and gain weight. I've never had a real acne problem until I got on this pill at 20. I've been on it for 4 months and have had non-stop cystic acne. This acne has been not only on my face, but also on my neck, chest, back, and butt. This pill also made me gain 8 lbs, and I have not changed eating habits at all. This pill has also caused me to have ridiculous mood swings and be a cranky, moody, slightly bitchy person. Would not recommend."

• Cha...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 30, 2013

For Birth Control "My doctor put me on Generess Fe after I had tried Loestrin 24 and Lo-Ovral. I was impressed that a lower dose pill worked for me. The first 5 or 6 months I experienced some spotting mid-month, but it wasn't unbearable and eventually subsided. My periods became very regular and light. They still last a full week, but are light enough that it doesn't hinder me. I experience very little cramping and mood change. I feel hungry a lot, and my libido could be better. However, after having a miserable experience with NuvaRing, I am calling my doctor and going back on Generess Fe. By far, this has been my favorite birth control pill."

• Big...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 9, 2013

For Birth Control "On this about 3 weeks so far. I have had some moodier days than usual, no reason (Dr. did forewarn me). For some reason, where my body temp was always a bit higher than normal, now I'm cold quite a bit. Energy level is low, hopefully, it will improve with the New Year workout. Breasts are a bit larger."

• Ell...
• April 16, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been on this birth control for a little over three years. I started taking it after painful periods. I probably have gained 15 pounds since I started taking it, but I'm also 3 years older and glad I don't look like a teenager anymore. In the beginning, I took the brown placebos, but I stopped and just go from one pack to the next without taking them, so I haven't had a period for awhile. I'll have my mood swings sometimes, but I had those before being on BC. Other than that, I love it."

• Ash...
• July 17, 2013

For Birth Control "I've been taking this pill for about a month and a half now. I've gotten 3 periods within these past couple of weeks! It's very uncomfortable. Also, I've been very emotional, like the other girl said, all 'cry baby like.' My mood swings are crazy. I've gained 5 pounds. But I am baby-free."

• Ash...
• July 17, 2013

For Birth Control "I've been taking this pill for about a month and a half now. I've gotten 3 periods within these past couple of weeks! It's very uncomfortable. Also, I've been very emotional, like the other girl said, all 'cry baby like.' My mood swings are crazy. I've gained 5 pounds. But I am baby-free."

• unf...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 3, 2015

For Birth Control "I was on Generess Fe for almost a year. PROS: I like the pouch it comes in and the slightly minty taste. I liked that it regulated my period as I am one who sadly suffers from PCOS. CONS: made me very moody/emotional; increased hair growth around chest and stomach areas; increased appetite and weight gain. It was my first BCP, and I was too scared to switch over to another pill because I figured I'd rather learn to deal with the mood swings than risk a different BCP with worse side effects. I don't recommend doing that. I think it's good to give a pill a couple of months' shot to allow the body to get used to it, but after that, if you have really clear negative effects, then switch to another."