Junel 1/20 and Mood Swings: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 26, 2020

For Birth Control "Don’t let the reviews scare you too much! I read through these before starting Junel, and I was TERRIFIED. However, I’ve been taking it for a few months, and so far it’s been pretty good! I am a little bit more emotional, but other than that, everything is basically normal. I was also super nervous that my stomach would hurt all the time, and I’d gain weight, but I actually lost weight, and I feel fine!"

• Kat...
• May 8, 2019

For Birth Control "I started taking Junel because I was on Lo LoEstrin and had horrible anxiety, mood swings, and was miserable. I took it for 5 years because it was the only birth control that didn’t make me super sick! I got on here to read the reviews and was horrified and almost didn’t take it. I'm SO GLAD I DECIDED TO TAKE IT ANYWAYS. I’m 22 years old, 5’5” tall, and about 110-115 pounds when I’m not on birth control. Now I’ve been on it for almost 2 months and have not gained any weight, my boobs may have gotten like half a size better. I’m 113lb in the morning and 115lb at night. On Lo Loestrin, I was a constant 120lb. My crazy moods are better. I don’t have acne like everyone says in their reviews (I take biotin every night and have been for months because my acne is pretty bad). I’m not a heavy bleeder, and this pill has worked great for me. I am literally the most sensitive person to anything hormonal, so if it can work for me, don’t be afraid to try it because of bad reviews!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 22, 2022

For Birth Control "I originally started out with Sprintec and could immediately see weight gain, swollen breasts, and severe mood changes. So I switched to Junel, and my breasts were no longer swollen, and I lost weight. My skin has been incredibly clear, very regular periods, light, and no cramps really… but this pill has affected me sexually. I am constantly having back-to-back UTIs, despite cleaning thoroughly after intercourse. And I no longer have a sex drive. The first year my bf and I were together, I was completely different, but since Junel, I have a hard time wanting to engage in ANY kind of sexual act. It has also put my emotions on blast. I am incredibly angry, I cannot control how I feel anymore. This pill seriously has damaged my mental and physical health. I know a lot of people have a great experience, so don’t let my review turn you away. But if you feel this way on this pill, know you aren’t alone. I thought I was crazy, but I am about to get off this pill."

• Ran...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 20, 2021

For Birth Control "Reading the reviews on Junel 1/20 before I started did put some anxiety into me, but personally speaking, I’m having a pretty good experience with it. For the first 3 months, I did experience some breakthrough bleeding, but this was expected as my body was adjusting to the hormones, and after that, everything has been great. My periods are lighter and shorter, I didn’t go through mood swings, no weight gain, no vaginal dryness, no acne, and (I’m not as active anymore), but no pregnancy as well. So pretty much whatever negative side effects there could have been, I thankfully didn’t get any."

• Moa...
• April 20, 2021

For Birth Control "I started Junel Fe 1/20 back in March. I had taken one other type of birth control about 4 years ago (the patch), which made me a complete lunatic! I almost jumped off a bridge! For years, I have always had extreme mood swings just before my period. I described my symptoms as each time I felt blue, suicidal, and enraged right before my period. I also told the doctors each time this happened I was ALWAYS on my cycle. The doctor suggested I may have PMDD. I was referred to see an OBGYN who suggested I'd take Junel Fe 1/20. I was horrified to start any sort of birth control because of my experience I had on the patch several years ago. I was given instructions to take it every day, skip the placebo pills (which start your period), and start the next pack. So ultimately, there are no breaks between the packs, I consistently take the pill every day! Pretty much, my OBGYN wants me to have no cycle so I can stop having the extreme mood swings right before I would have my cycle. I FEEL SO MUCH BETTER!"

• Moa...
• April 20, 2021

For Birth Control "I started Junel Fe 1/20 back in March. I had taken one other type of birth control about 4 years ago (the patch), which made me a complete lunatic! I almost jumped off a bridge! For years, I have always had extreme mood swings just before my period. I described my symptoms as each time I felt blue, suicidal, and enraged right before my period. I also told the doctors each time this happened I was ALWAYS on my cycle. The doctor suggested I may have PMDD. I was referred to see an OBGYN who suggested I'd take Junel Fe 1/20. I was horrified to start any sort of birth control because of my experience I had on the patch several years ago. I was given instructions to take it every day, skip the placebo pills (which start your period), and start the next pack. So ultimately, there are no breaks between the packs, I consistently take the pill every day! Pretty much, my OBGYN wants me to have no cycle so I can stop having the extreme mood swings right before I would have my cycle. I FEEL SO MUCH BETTER!"

• jiq...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 5, 2018

For Birth Control "I switched to Junel 1/20 recently from taking Tri Sprintec. And personally, I enjoy Junel 1/20 so much more. The only side effects I get are having a headache, feeling drowsy after 1 hour of taking it, loss of appetite, and a little mood swings. Yeah, these are side effects that many may be frightened of, but honestly, it's so much better than my side effects from taking Tri Sprintec. When I took Tri Sprintec, my side effects were depression, weight gain, breast growth, cramps, and constantly being in a bad mood."

• Phi...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 12, 2019

For Birth Control "So, I've been taking Junel 1/20 for about a year now, I think. Before I started, I had regular but very, very heavy and excruciating periods that lasted 5-6 days every month. Junel completely took away my period, which at first I was happy about, but now I just don't feel it's right, especially because it's one of the first indicators if you become pregnant. Secondly, I've come to realize that I've been acting completely crazy and emotional about almost everything, and my boyfriend can attest to the fact that I was pretty cool and generally laid back right up until I started taking the pill. I'm planning to switch soon. That being said, Junel was also the very first pill I'd ever taken, so I cannot compare it to any other. Just thought I'd share my experience."

• Unh...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 26, 2019

For Birth Control "I originally started this pill in May of last year. I was on it for 2.5 months, and those first 2.5 months were awful. I’m normally a very confident and optimistic person, but those first two months I had terrible anxiety, panic attacks, horrible mood swings, which caused a breakup with my (then) boyfriend of a year, and irregular periods. I stopped and started taking them again around March or April of this year. Ever since then, my period is almost nonexistent as I rarely ever get one, forcing me to buy a lot of pregnancy tests out of fear (all came back negative). I have terrible acne and some sort of dermatitis around my nose that began appearing after a month or two of taking it, water weight (gain/lose 4 pounds) that fluctuates, and a decreased libido, which is a lot coming from a hormonal teen. I’m regular with taking my pill, occasionally being late by an hour, but usually am late (when it does happen) by 20 minutes or so. I’m switching."

• TTT...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 7, 2019

For Birth Control "I started this birth control about 3 months ago after being on the patch for about 2 months. The first month was fine, but then I became extremely emotional, lots of acne, crazy anxiety, and depression. I started to notice my insane weight gain. I was 5'4, 136 lbs, and my bra size was a 34B. Now I weigh 148 lbs and am a 36D. I've always had clear skin and been pretty fit, and I eat healthy and exercise regularly. Can't wait to get off of this birth control Wednesday."

• Lan...
• April 28, 2020

For Birth Control "Five months ago, I got on Junel to regulate my irregular, heavy periods, which never happened, and the last two months I was on it I had two very long breakthrough periods that lasted from 14 to 21 days. This was the first BC I had ever taken, so the hormones were something I was not used to but did adjust to. I noticed I was more emotional and would get upset about things more than ever, but eventually that passed. I did have more energy. I didn’t really gain weight, but I did notice that I would eat more than usual. As far as acne, I would get a pimple here and there but never bad breakouts. Junel did help decrease the pain in my cramps, it never shortened my period but it did make it lighter. It caused my boobs to always be tender all the time, it also decreased my libido. Overall, I don't hate Junel, it just didn’t really work out for me. The only reason I am being taken off of Junel is because of the breakthrough bleeding and was advised that isn’t normal for that to happen so often."

• Hia...
• February 27, 2018

For Birth Control "I always find myself coming back to this pill. I went off of it because I wanted to try the Kyleena IUD, and all my hair fell out. I got back on Junel 1/20, and my hair grew like weeds. Got off of it, hair shed. Got back on, hair grew like weeds. 8/10 because this pill does make me pretty emotional before my period, but it only lasts 2-3 days and is pretty light. Also noticed bleeding during intercourse after being on this pill (was checked by doctor, no STDs), probably from a thinning of the uterine wall. Cramps are mild, and acne flares up only during my period. I’ve only noticed a 5-pound fluctuation on the pill that I accredit to poor diet and exercise... overall, this has been my favorite birth control!"

• Man...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 28, 2018

For Birth Control "First time ever taking BC, and I was on this pill for 5 months. The only symptom I had for a while was being very emotional. I completely stopped having a period in the 3rd month, which I enjoyed. In the 4th month, I got really hot-tempered for about 2 weeks, then I mellowed out for a while. In the 5th month, I started having symptoms of depression... always crying for no reason, sleeping, and not eating. I stopped taking them because it was a struggle to be that depressed. I did NOT have any weight gain, acne problems, or libido decrease."

• BLa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 10, 2020

For Birth Control "Currently on this birth control, Junel 1/20, for about 4 months now and realized this birth control made my acne horrible. My jaw, my chin, and even worse, my cheeks all had a massive breakout. It was so bad to the point I felt I couldn't go anywhere anymore. I also found that this birth control made my boobs bigger, which I didn't mind, but the acne made me super sad. I also had mood swings and would get irritated easily. If this birth control works for you, that's great, but really sad that this birth control didn't work for me."

• may...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 26, 2021

For Birth Control "I started this pill back in September to regulate my period. I seem to have more cons than pros when it comes to this BC. I have definitely experienced depression and mood swings while taking it. During my placebo week, I feel the best I possibly can be. Just whenever I'm taking the pill, I find myself never in a good mood. I also never experienced cramping until I started taking these pills. I'm definitely considering switching my BC or coming off of it completely because I'm sick of not feeling like myself."

• Nan...
• October 9, 2018

For Birth Control "I started taking Junel in April of 2017, so it's been a little over a year. I'm 26, 5'5, 135 lbs. Not gonna lie, for the first 5 months I was totally fine and happy with the pill. I didn't see acne, didn't gain too much weight (2 lbs at most). Then... I gained 25+ pounds in the last year. And 2-3 days before my period, I become this complete witch, and I'm so emotional and cry over everything and anything. I have never in my life had these types of symptoms before my period. I'm going to my gyno today to change my pill to something lower. I didn't realize that the weight gain and episodes were from my birth control until it just hit me a month ago and I started to research it. Now I guess I gotta do some trial and error with new pills, but what sucks is my side effects didn't kick in until months later. Now that I read reviews with other women having the same emotions and weight gain... it all makes sense. Makes me feel a little better that I'm not actually crazy lol."

• and...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 1, 2022

For Birth Control "Have been taking Junel 1/20 for about 7 years. I initially started taking it to help with my irregular periods and acne. It was a godsend! My periods are regular and only last three days now. I didn't have weight gain or any other side effects. I did experience mood swings and irritability for the first three to four months, but powered through. I spoke to my doctor about it, and she explained that it's normal as your body gets used to it. Highly recommend!"

• Jan...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 1, 2021

For Birth Control "This pill is terrible. Do not use this pill. This was the second pill I was put on because my insurance company stopped covering the old one. I was on this pill for 15 months, during which time I had super heavy periods every other week, horrible mood swings, and ridiculously painful cramps. Furthermore, if I took the pill at night, I woke up nauseous in the morning. Save yourself the trouble. If I could rate it zero stars, I absolutely would."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 20, 2022

For Birth Control "I was taking this for acne and to help reduce migraines. It did make my migraines more mild and I think it did help some with my acne, but the side effects were too much for me. I did have one positive side effect, which was that my focus was much improved in the weeks I was actually taking the pill (also my sex drive was higher, but I am not sexually active, so that's neutral for me). However, I noticed higher blood pressure, decreased focus during the off week, terrible sleep quality, nausea, awful mood swings (would cry at literally anything), and one time I just spewed vomit randomly, and I think that was also a side effect. But my worst side effect was that for the entire two months I was on Junel, I never once felt hungry and often felt repulsed by the idea of eating. I do not have a history of an eating disorder, so I really don't track when I eat, but I was just having snacks when I got super shaky or dizzy. I rarely could force myself to actually eat a meal. I think it could work for someone else, it just really messed with my functioning."

• Jam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 9, 2021

For Birth Control "I was on the generic form of Junel 1/20 (norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol) for 6 months. I did not take it continuously and had a 7-day break after 21 active days. I, unfortunately, had too many side effects, and after 6 months needed to switch. My side effects included acne/rash, bloating 24/7, weight gain of 10 lbs, mood swings with depressive episodes, lack of sex drive, lack of energy, and breakthrough bleeding every other week lasting about a week (2 weeks out of 4 a month). The breakthrough bleeding was the last straw. 2 positives were no pregnancy scares and my bleeding was so light that I needed only liners or light tampons. This pill caused me to have a dark brown discharge for half of the month. I switched to Tri-Estarylla and so far no issues with this pill."

• Nik...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 20, 2018

For Birth Control "If there was an option to give 0/10, I would. I’ve been on Minastrin for years, but it costs me about $50 a month due to my insurance coverage, so I decided to switch to Junel 1/20. I had zero issues with Minastrin. So there I was, day 3 of Junel 1/20. I had to leave work because I was throwing up, even laying in bed, I’m nauseous. So sure, I might be saving money by taking Junel, BUT I was crying due to my mood from this awful, awful birth control, and I was throwing up at work, just talking made me want to vomit. I called my gyno in tears, and thankfully, they switched my prescription back and called my pharmacy. Never, ever, EVER, EVEERRRRR take this awful medication. Made me cancel a date I was looking forward to. Sure, instead of paying $50 for BC, I only paid $6.35. And no wonder. I wouldn’t have even paid a dollar for this garbage!!!! Awful. Just awful."

• Joj...
• August 2, 2018

For Birth Control "I have been taking this pill for 10 months. It has hardly done anything for my cramps. They've gotten progressively worse throughout the months, and my period lasts for 6 days. I've had many mood swings, increased anxiety, and even depression. I still get breast tenderness, and I've also experienced a lack of appetite. I would not recommend this pill, especially if you are looking for something to help with cramps."