Loestrin 21 1/20 and Mood Swings: What Users Say

• Jan...
• August 4, 2018

For Birth Control "This is a fantastic pill (Loestrin 21 1/20). I was originally on Microgynon, and it gave me mood swings, headache, and a bloated feeling. Since I switched to Loestrin 21, all that has gone, and I now feel like myself again. My periods are light, I had 2 days of very light, hardly any spotting and took them back to back, 2 packs, no problems. Definitely found the right one for me. You all should go for it!!"

• Rar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 28, 2015

For Birth Control "This is the first pill that I've tried, which I've liked being on; I've had no acne, my periods are more manageable, with mood swings GREATLY reduced (a blessing). My breasts also grew, which I was pleased about, as I'm usually a B cup. I had a little soreness from that but not a huge amount. The only downside is weight gain. I've put on a couple of pounds and cannot seem to shift it, which is very unusual for me. I'm eating 1,500 calories per day and have a varied, healthy diet, but I still seem to be maintaining or even gaining weight, which is a little depressing. I'm not sure I will give up on it just yet, though, as it's great in all other respects."

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

"I’ve only been on this for about 2 weeks, but already my breast size has grown a cup, but I've thinned out overall. It’s honestly helped me with binge eating. I have really light cramps every day (almost not even noticeable). I had a miscarriage about 2 months before starting this, and my hormones were super imbalanced. Loestrin has definitely balanced them out again. No more crazy mood swings, freaking out on my boyfriend for no reason. I haven’t had any acne or anything negative to happen yet. I would rate this a 10, but I’ve only been on it for a couple of weeks, so things could change."

• ksh...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 23, 2014

For Birth Control "I did not have a good experience on Loestrin. Breakouts got worse, had bad mood swings, and breakthrough bleeding. However, I was only on it for a month and a week, so this might not be a fair evaluation. Couldn't stand the side effects, though, so had to get off of it."

• Not...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 1, 2019

For Birth Control "I was on this birth control pill for about 4 months, and it was just not for me. I had terrible mood swings, which were affecting my relationship, started having dark thoughts and was sinking into depression. I lost my appetite completely. It may work for some, but I guess just not for me."

• Can...
• November 9, 2019

For Birth Control "I went on this pill after trying Reclipsen/Apri, which made me unbelievably sad and had awful mood swings. This pill, so far, has been great except that I have breakthrough bleeding all the time, even taking the pill on the DOT every day. I believe it is just my body getting used to the low dose, but it is awful. I have yet to notice any awful depression symptoms, though!"

• Den...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 2, 2019

For Birth Control "I switched off the patch to this pill because I was spotting frequently throughout my cycle. Within the first month, I noticed some mild mood swings, second month, I couldn’t believe I was battling with extremely dark thoughts. The third month, my mood swings increased. I couldn’t recognize myself anymore. I can only attribute this to this pill. I’ve discontinued it."

• Abc...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 14, 2019

For Birth Control "I've been on this pill for 5 years. I went on it for birth control. It's great for preventing pregnancy and for setting your periods in a routine - you know when you're due to come on and can plan holidays, etc. around it... But for the past year or so, I've been experiencing really bad mood swings, dark thoughts, and it's causing relationship problems. I'm constantly up and down, I don't know when my mood will change... I've decided to stop taking the pill now and will consult my doctor. My periods are also a lot more painful now, even though the pill is supposed to prevent discomfort and pain during periods (that's how it was sold to me anyway). Overall, for the first few years, this pill was perfect, but since I hit the 3-4 year mark... it has caused me nothing but problems. As I'm in the UK, this is prescribed for free on the NHS as it's for birth control."

• sue...
• September 24, 2009

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "Helps cut down on mood swings and hot flashes. Higher dose pills may make symptoms worse."

• Anonymous
• November 1, 2010

For Birth Control "On for one month, my typically high-patience and calm mood changed to constant irrational mood swings, irritability, and mild depression."