Microgestin Fe 1.5/30 and Mood Swings: What Users Say

• tan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 13, 2019

For Birth Control "I thought I was the only one experiencing such negative side effects on this birth control, but after reading all the reviews, it makes sense to me. I was only on Microgestin Fe 1.5/30 for about three months, but I was the most miserable I have ever been. I had constant mood swings and was always crying. I had low energy, no excitement for anything, and angry for no reason! I would have headaches almost every week. Everyone could tell something was wrong with me, and I thought I was going insane, but really it was the pill. It made my periods more painful, and my cramps were worse. I would stay away from this pill."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 11, 2020

For Birth Control "First few months, it was great. No mood swings, periods alright. But after the third month, I now have mood swings so horrible I have a difficult time controlling my emotional state. Crying, angry, anxious, depressed. For no reason at all. I’ll cry at nothing! Get stressed over nothing. Anxiety is so bad I can’t even enjoy life anymore. I’ve also had a rash all over my body, and my face has acne since I started this too! I've never had bad acne. I’m getting away from this right away. It’s downright dangerous and scary. Would not recommend."

• MCJ...
• March 5, 2017

For Birth Control "I took this pill for a year and 9 months as I was about to get married. Do NOT take this drug. I have never had so many health problems in my life until this drug was brought into my life. I gained 30 lbs. I am very health conscious. I've always been no heavier than 147 lbs. I'm a 5'5 dense athletic build. I lift weights, run, eat very little to no meat. I eat a gluten-free, dairy-free, pretty much vegan diet. I have NEVER been overweight. I don't have any pre-existing conditions or anything like that. It gave me acne, HORRIFIC mood swings. Bottom line, I've been off of it since 9/16. I had my period the month after, it skipped 3 months, and now I have a period that I've been bleeding with huge blood clots for 3 weeks. You have been warned."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 5, 2015

For Birth Control "Some personal background: I'm 22, no kids, 115 lbs, I work out 3x a week & eat moderately healthy, & my period has always been irregular. After 3 months of rarely using condoms & mainly relying on my bf's 'pull-out game,' I got tired of being paranoid every month about the possibility of being pregnant, so I decided to go on the pill. First month, it was great! No side effects. I loved it. 2nd month, bloated + boobs swelled/tender + constipation. 3rd, all same side effects from 2nd month + mental & emotional instability + gained 15 lbs. Although I never got pregnant & it regulated my period with perfect timing, I couldn't take it anymore! So I quit it after the end of my 3rd pack, & my body + mental health immediately went back to normal."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 5, 2015

For Birth Control "Some personal background: I'm 22, no kids, 115 lbs, I work out 3x a week & eat moderately healthy, & my period has always been irregular. After 3 months of rarely using condoms & mainly relying on my bf's 'pull-out game,' I got tired of being paranoid every month about the possibility of being pregnant, so I decided to go on the pill. First month, it was great! No side effects. I loved it. 2nd month, bloated + boobs swelled/tender + constipation. 3rd, all same side effects from 2nd month + mental & emotional instability + gained 15 lbs. Although I never got pregnant & it regulated my period with perfect timing, I couldn't take it anymore! So I quit it after the end of my 3rd pack, & my body + mental health immediately went back to normal."

• Piz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 26, 2019

For Birth Control "I am going on month 3 of this. I have gained 15 lbs, I am moody and unstable/irrational. I honestly was about to go to a doctor to get put on depression medication until I saw these reviews, because I’ve been through my fair share of stuff, and I have never felt this way in my life. I have no interest in things, and I have zero energy. I’m a registered nurse and am relatively healthy, but I am truly struggling to stay on top of a proper diet and exercise on this medicine. It’s crazy I go from being so nauseated I can hardly eat to binge eating enough for a family of 4. I’ve also never in my life had boobs, my husband can’t believe how big they are, but it’s not even like he’s enjoying them because they’re so sore I want to cry even when our dogs bump or hit them. I haven’t had bad skin since college (poor diet, dorm living, sleeping with makeup), and guess what? My skin is worse than it’s ever been before. I only have 1 week left on this, and it cannot come soon enough."

• Bam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 23, 2019

For Birth Control "I just finished my first pack of this birth control, and let me tell you, this has been the worst month of my life. The first week was fine until it was time for me to get my period. I expected some light cramping and bleeding, it being the first month. But I was way wrong. My bleeding is still going on, and my cramps lasted for days. Just uncomfortable enough so I couldn’t sleep. To add on top of that, my breasts have been sore every single day. My mood swings and anxiety levels have been unrealistically bad. I’m a happy and outgoing person, so this was extremely hard. Bloating and weight gain have made an appearance. I work out multiple times a week, and it really has done a number on my self-image and mental health. I have decided not to start another pack. I’m going to let my body reset and heal for a month or two before considering other birth control options."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 17, 2016

For Birth Control "My pharmacist put me on this when I had been on GILDESS 1.5/30 (21) ORAL for almost 2 years, and that was perfect. But now that I'm on Microgestin Fe 1.5/30, I'm having horrible headaches, major mood swings, and depression. I absolutely hate this pill, I would give it a negative rating if I could."

• thi...
• February 10, 2017

For Birth Control "NOT WORTH THE LITERAL MIGRAINE YOU GET!!! AND I DON'T PAY ANYTHING FOR IT!!!!! Worst BC I have EVER experienced! Terrible mood swings, horrendous weight gain (because if I don't eat every hour, I get sick, shake, and headaches - even after switching to taking the pill at night AND eating healthy alternatives - fruit, veggies, hell even crackers). How is it I actually LOSE weight (5-10 lbs) when I start my period? Oh, because I'm not taking this Godforsaken pill. You're better off being pregnant with how sick this awful BC will make you and how much weight you will put on. At least then you will have an excuse to look like a heifer. I have been on this for 3 months as I wanted to give my body time to adjust to it, and it's been consistent. AWFUL"

• Blu...
• March 7, 2012

For Birth Control "I have been on this dosage for about 6 months. 2 positives: 1. I didn't get pregnant. 2. Very light periods lasting 2-3 days. Negatives: I get bad cramps (I didn't get any while on the Depo-Provera shot or before birth control). I get mild acne the last 2 weeks of the month. Mood swings that I never experienced before. Tender breasts. And worst of all, my sex drive died! When I do force myself to be with my boyfriend, I'm too dry to enjoy it. My boyfriend and I are not happy. I will be starting Microgestin Fe 1/20 next week."

• Ann...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 3, 2017

For Birth Control "I started this birth control back in January of 2016. I needed to take birth control because I just started a new relationship. Anyway, when I first took Microgestin 1/20 and after a few months of taking it (about 6 months), I went to my doctor, and she gave me 1.5/30. The reason why I went to my doctor is that my periods were not regular with the 1/20. I would get my period sometimes, and my emotions were out of control. My doctor recommended 1.5/30. My first few months of 1.5/30 were good. I was more emotional, easily frustrated, moody, etc. That's to be expected though. Now I am a year in with the birth control, and I can say that everything is going good so far. Periods are regular, and no baby!"

• Cit...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 30, 2019

For Birth Control "I was on the lower dose of this and had spotting, which is why I was prescribed this higher dose. I still had spotting and am now on a different pill that has been working so much better. On this pill, I did feel a bit sad, had a lot of mood swings, and had a lot of bloating that completely went down once I stopped this pill. I also had no change in my acne. I wouldn't really recommend this pill. A pharmacist told me that this is an older generation pill and that there are newer pills on the market that don't cause these side effects, and I have found that to be true!"

• Gio...
• May 11, 2016

For Birth Control "After years of trying different birth controls, I finally hit the jackpot with this one. I'm 32 years old, and I definitely went through my share of experiences with other birth controls, but this one has been the best one thus far. No side effects for me, no nausea, no mood swings, and loss of libido. Weight loss? I actually lost around 10 lbs the first couple of months I started this birth control, and a couple of people I knew who were taking the same medication told me they had the same response. Glad I finally found the right one for me."

• Lyd...
• October 31, 2016

For Birth Control "About two months ago, I had to switch from LoLestrin Fe to Microgestin due to my insurance and pharmacy. Since starting Microgestin, I've noticed insane bloating, nausea, and weird discharge. While on LoLestrin, my periods consisted of spotting and average side effects, nothing too serious, but after one month of Micro, I got my period and it was heavy, and the cramping was so painful I had to leave my class. I've also noticed I've developed bad depression and my mood swings are very intense. My anxiety is bad and my sex drive is very low, if not nonexistent anymore. It helped with my acne, but I'm a lot more paranoid about getting pregnant than I was on LoLestrin. I'm going to be talking to my doctor about possibly getting the shot."

• Niv...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 6, 2018

For Birth Control "I was prescribed Microgestin 1.5/30 (no breaks or placebos) after Trinessa stopped working for my severe period pain/heavy bleeding. The first month, I had cramps every single day with no period the entire month. Month 2 came along with a period that lasted 21 days with mild cramps. I contemplated stopping the pill, but I didn’t know if it would make things better or worse. I was also extremely fatigued and emotional/depressed. Now I’m in month 3, my breasts are super tender every day, mainly in the mornings, and I’m only a B cup. I haven’t gotten another period, but I experienced very light spotting from skipping a pill for just one day — I ended up doubling up the following day. I have no acne, but I also never had acne, no weight gain, and no headaches out of my norm. So I’m going to continue to give this brand more time to see how my body responds in the upcoming months."

• I...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 18, 2017

For Birth Control "I started using Microgestin because Aygestin and Ethinyl Estradiol just wasn't working. For the first couple of months, everything was good. Around month 5, I slowly started to have mood swings. Sometimes I cried for the smallest things. Then I started to get depressed. Not too long ago, I noticed certain pants started to feel a little tight when I put them on. I completely have NO SEX DRIVE. My boyfriend doesn't understand what I'm going through. I'm just about done with this medication."

• Mig...
• November 4, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been taking Microgestin Fe 1.5/30 for almost 6 months now for the sole purpose of birth control. While it has never failed me in regard to contraception, it has given me crazy mood swings, sharp cramps, and intense sudden headaches that sometimes become migraines. I'm talking migraines so bad that I have to close my eyes and crawl to get anywhere I need to go, if I can even move at all. It has been an emotional and painful 6-month trial, and I'm done with this contraceptive."

• Pha...
• January 8, 2017

For Birth Control "I was put on this birth control when Gildess was recalled. Gildess was perfect for me, so I hoped that the change wouldn't be as different, but I was wrong. Granted, this pill did a good job in preventing pregnancy, and there was no breakthrough bleeding. I experienced mood swings about a week into taking this pill and honestly did not recognize myself. I never understood depression caused by the pill because I never experienced it, but this pill literally made my life hell. I was so moody, crying at the smallest things, and my sex drive was gone. I also had no desire to eat because of the constant nausea and abdominal pain. Avoid this pill, the side effects are not worth it. Currently waiting to be switched to brand Loestrin Fe."

• Bea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 6, 2019

For Birth Control "Not worth it for me with the side effects. Constant headaches, mood swings, and depression, heavy bleeding and clots from half dollar to golf ball in size, accompanied by painful cramps. Made me feel wiped out and killed my sex drive. My doctor put me on a lower dose birth control pill, but I’ve still had constant bleeding and clots for the past two weeks."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 29, 2020

For Birth Control "I was on Lo Loestrin Fe 1/10, but unfortunately lost my job/health insurance, so I was stuck with generic Microgestin 1.5/30 in the meantime. I loved Lo Lo and barely experienced any side effects on that, so I was heartbroken to have to switch. Had pretty much every symptom in the book within the first month of Microgestin... acne flared up, EXTREMELY bloated and gassy - felt like it took forever for food to digest, also felt like I had an extra layer of fat/water retention in my abdomen area, and omg the mood swings!! Awful... I was beyond irritable and wanted to cry all the time. Had really bad cramping the first couple of weeks too... like cramping comparable to PMS. This is a pretty big jump in hormone dosage compared to what I’m used to, and I don’t think I’ll be taking another month of this, it’s not worth it in my opinion, even short term. I’ll probably just wait until I have insurance again to go back on Lo Lo."

• sgh...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 8, 2016

For Birth Control "After being on Depo and two different pills, my gynecologist decided to have me try this one to see if my side effects would be less severe. I mainly got on this because my bf and I wanted to stop using condoms ;) I started this only two months ago (September 2015), and it started out pretty good; no side effects. By October, my bf and I noticed that my boobs were swollen (he enjoyed that), and I am now having painful cramps every other week. Now that it's November, I notice that my sex drive has decreased a little, I have terrible mood swings, and I'm lethargic most of the time :( But overall, the pill is very effective; my bf has not 'pulled out' since I started, and still no pregnancy! Totally worth it if you can handle the changes."

• Bau...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 25, 2017

For Acne "I've never had to fight with acne in my life, because, fortunately, I was blessed with good skin. I started getting large amounts of deep-set acne all over my chin and neck once I started this birth control. Also had about two weeks of breakthrough bleeding each cycle, as well as severe mood swings. Would not recommend to anyone."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 13, 2016

For Birth Control "I was on Microgestin Fe 1/20 for around 10 months due to migraines. I was constantly having breakthrough bleeding, mood swings, horrible anxiety, which I had never had before, and my acne had come back. I switched to Glidess Fe 1.5/30 because it was free through my insurance, and all of my symptoms cleared up. After going back to school, where I do not have my normal pharmacy, I got put on Microgestin Fe 1.5/30 because they do not carry Glidess. My doctor did not clear this, but the pharmacist told me that I should have no problems. WRONG! My anxiety came back full swing, and that is not helpful being a college nursing student. I am constantly tired and I am eating like crazy. I am switching back to my old medication ASAP."

• Lex...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 5, 2021

For Birth Control "I’m switching to Azurette, not sure it will help. I’ve been depressed, weight gain, and have the worst mood swings. I can’t control my mood. I cry about everything, and something so little can set me off. I don’t feel like myself anymore. I hope this works, because if not, I might just stop."

• Car...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 26, 2019

For Birth Control "Overall, this was not the birth control for me. I am super active and always felt really good about my body. I’m 18 years old, and Microgestin Fe 1.5/30 was my first BC. I gained weight, broke out, experienced horrible mood swings (I honestly cried all the time), and my periods felt worse than before. I was on this pill for 5 months, and it was not great. I felt so sad, and the mood swings were causing me to ruin relationships with those around me. I’ve been taking Taytulla for 4 months now, and I have been having a great experience with it. I know everyone’s body reacts differently, but I just thought I should share my experience with this pill. My new gyno also said this was too high of a dosage for me and I should’ve never been put on this BC."