Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone and Depression: What Users Say

• Lau...
• July 3, 2020

For Birth Control "PLEASE READ IF YOU STRUGGLE WITH MENTAL HEALTH!! I was on Lo Lo for a little over a year and a half. Overall I didn’t have bloating or acne or irritability, which was great, however, I wouldn’t get my period for months at a time (wasn’t pregnant but definitely had a few scares when it wouldn’t come). It helped my cramping and PMS symptoms when I did get my period though, which was great. BUT DO NOT BE FOOLED! I struggle with depression, anxiety, and panic attacks, so I never connected the dots that this birth control made it worse. I didn’t realize Lo Lo was making me critically depressed up until the last month, I had MAJOR suicidal thoughts and immediately stopped taking it and within a couple of days, I didn’t have those thoughts or crippling depression. I would not recommend it in the slightest if you struggle with mental health to begin with, as I do. I am currently taking a different birth control pill, and I feel back to my normal self."

• Lau...
• July 3, 2020

For Birth Control "PLEASE READ IF YOU STRUGGLE WITH MENTAL HEALTH!! I was on Lo Lo for a little over a year and a half. Overall I didn’t have bloating or acne or irritability, which was great, however, I wouldn’t get my period for months at a time (wasn’t pregnant but definitely had a few scares when it wouldn’t come). It helped my cramping and PMS symptoms when I did get my period though, which was great. BUT DO NOT BE FOOLED! I struggle with depression, anxiety, and panic attacks, so I never connected the dots that this birth control made it worse. I didn’t realize Lo Lo was making me critically depressed up until the last month, I had MAJOR suicidal thoughts and immediately stopped taking it and within a couple of days, I didn’t have those thoughts or crippling depression. I would not recommend it in the slightest if you struggle with mental health to begin with, as I do. I am currently taking a different birth control pill, and I feel back to my normal self."

• Anonymous
• May 9, 2021

For Birth Control "If you’re taking this and feel like you’ve lost your mind, it’s not you, it’s this god-awful pill, I promise. Never in my life have I had any sort of anxiety/depression until I started this pill. Every month, I noticed my anxiety increasing, which eventually led to several panic attacks with disassociation that lasted for weeks. I came on here and realized it was these pills. I stopped a month and a half ago and finally have started to feel like myself again. I realize everyone’s body reacts differently to the pill, but please discontinue this at the first sign of any mental side effect, and do not keep going like I did. It got to the point where I felt suicidal just to escape how miserable I was feeling. Never in my life have I felt like this. I am hoping to save someone’s life by this review. If you’re feeling like I did, please stop this pill and know it WILL get better. Give your body time to rebound from these toxic hormones. This pill needs to be pulled off the market NOW."

• doe...
• June 3, 2021

For Birth Control "I got on this BC in March 2021 after my Nexplanon expired. I am a newlywed and even though my husband and I want to have children, I want to wait at least a year to have a baby. My PCP decided to put me on Junel so I can stop at any time. Symptoms the first couple of weeks were cramps, sore breasts, headaches, and fatigue. Today marks 3 months on this BC, and I will not continue taking them. The non-stop crying, panic attacks, anxiety, arguments with my spouse, sadness, and depression are out of hand. I lay in bed last night and wished I was dead. I have so many suicidal thoughts and felt like I was going through some tough times in my marriage, but after reading all these reviews and being able to relate to these other women, I realize I'm not crazy. I've been feeling so alone in my dark thoughts. I was scared I would end up in the hospital sooner than later. Listen to your body, please, and if any of this relates to you, please consult your doctor. YOU ARE NOT ALONE!"

• doe...
• June 3, 2021

For Birth Control "I got on this BC in March 2021 after my Nexplanon expired. I am a newlywed and even though my husband and I want to have children, I want to wait at least a year to have a baby. My PCP decided to put me on Junel so I can stop at any time. Symptoms the first couple of weeks were cramps, sore breasts, headaches, and fatigue. Today marks 3 months on this BC, and I will not continue taking them. The non-stop crying, panic attacks, anxiety, arguments with my spouse, sadness, and depression are out of hand. I lay in bed last night and wished I was dead. I have so many suicidal thoughts and felt like I was going through some tough times in my marriage, but after reading all these reviews and being able to relate to these other women, I realize I'm not crazy. I've been feeling so alone in my dark thoughts. I was scared I would end up in the hospital sooner than later. Listen to your body, please, and if any of this relates to you, please consult your doctor. YOU ARE NOT ALONE!"

• Emi...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 2, 2023

For Birth Control "Obviously, some of these symptoms could be related to other issues… but I firmly believe this pill is ruining my life. I’ve been on it for over a year now, and I have never in my life been more depressed, anxious, irritated, or exhausted. My skin has been so dry (and breaking out). I’ve gained a TON of weight. I have zero sex drive. I won’t get my period for 4 months, and then randomly I’ll get the worst one of my life that lasts 10 days, and I’m practically bedridden, and I am tired ALL THE TIME. My boyfriend literally calls me “sleepy bish” because I’m always so tired and moody and mean for NO REASON. I know everyone is different, but I felt I had to share in hopes it saves other ladies out there from the same miserable experience I had :("

• NYC...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 16, 2014

For Birth Control "I felt compelled to review this medication because of how scared I was when reading such scary recipes and side effects. I had tried taking Yasmin which made me gain weight, become increasingly moody and depressed and eventually stopped taking that. When it was time to start up again I was so nervous with Junel but I have nothing but good things to say. No weight gain, no acne, no moodiness, I have a very light, scheduled period, and it does what it's supposed to - prevents pregnancy. I've been on it about 2.5 years now. Love love it."

• Roa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 16, 2019

For Birth Control "*PLEASE READ* I never put reviews for medication I have been on, but I wanted to WARN all the girls who have to be put on this generic pill for some reason. I used to take Lo Loestrin, and it was amazing, however, my insurance stopped covering it, so I was given Larin Fe. WORST MISTAKE OF MY DAMN LIFE... At first, I didn't have any symptoms, but within a month, I've hit the darkest of spots in my life: insomnia, shakiness, HORRIBLE anxiety, breakouts (not severe), acid reflux, lack of appetite. Sadly, there was not a single day in that month where I felt normal, I was going crazy with mood swings, depression. I barely could leave my bed, I even had several panic attacks. I wish I could say a positive side to this drug, but THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING POSITIVE ABOUT THIS DRUG. Believe these negative reviews, please, and if you don't feel any side effects right now, the second you feel it, please switch to a different birth control. It won't get any better waiting."

• Ste...
• June 1, 2020

For Birth Control "I was extremely skeptical to start taking birth control. I have struggled with pretty severe anxiety, depression, mood swings, and suicidal tendencies for a long time. After reading many negative reviews of a variety of brands, I was very reluctant to try it. I've been taking Blisovi 24 Fe for a month now, and I am shocked by the results. I am the happiest and most even-tempered I have been in a very long time! I no longer have mood swings, I have not had any suicidal thoughts, and my depression and anxiety have slowly faded away. I have been prescribed actual anti-depression/anxiety meds in the past, which only made me worse, so I am so shocked that this pill actually helped me! I don't think there's any telling how you will react to the pill or a certain brand of it until you try it. But if you are scared to, don't be! I'm so happy I decided to push past my fears and give it a try! Worst comes to worst, you can just stop taking it."

• LDa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 24, 2021

For Birth Control "After being on Junel FE 1/20 for forever, I had to switch pharmacies. The new pharmacy gave me Aurovela (which is supposed to be an appropriate substitute) without even consulting me. DO NOT let them make this switch on you if you already have issues with anxiety and depression!!!"

• Tri...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 26, 2020

For Birth Control "LADIES. If you have had a bad pill experience, I hear you. Comments on how even if you’re having side effects like bad periods, migraines, weight gain, anxiety, or depression that “you haven’t been on it long enough to tell” need to stop. It absolutely isn’t ok to invalidate someone’s experience because they didn’t go through the 3 months of hell that is somehow a standard. If you’re having these side effects, they aren’t ok and your body is trying to clue you in. I was on birth control for 5 years, Lo Loestrin for over half of that. I thought the “good luck on not having your life ruined!” mentality was ok. Then the anxiety, depression, and ER visits hit. Nearly a year of my life was gone. It landed me on Prozac temporarily. I’ve never had mental health issues before in my life. I’m 5 months off the pill and am now feeling more like myself. My message is this: listen to your body. If something isn’t right, whether it be after a week or a year, it isn’t. Trust yourself."

• Lys...
• November 29, 2014

For Birth Control "If you're going to take this medication, I highly recommend you monitor your moods and be honest with yourself if you feel like you're out of control. I have been on this medication for two weeks and have the most tumultuous two weeks of my life. Hypersensitivity, crying spells, anger, depression, anxiety - I've been a crazy woman. It only just dawned on me that it has to be the medication. I wish I would have stopped taking it the minute the craziness started, it would have saved me a lot of tears and time!"

• jon...
• March 2, 2020

For Birth Control "I am a healthy 20-year-old. I've only been on birth control for a little over a year now. Previous to Junel Fe 1.5/30, I was on Blisovi. But last time I went to get my prescription filled, they gave me Junel instead. I've just completed my second pack. In this second month, I've really been struggling, these past couple of weeks, I am nauseated every day, usually at night. I've lost my appetite completely, I rarely eat anymore. This is REALLY starting to worry me. I'm losing weight, my breast size has increased. I have terrible anxiousness, and I feel so in my head, depressed with scary dark thoughts (not like me at ALL). I also feel very detached/unemotional. TMI, I don't think I'm pregnant, but I've been having irregular periods, they come close to the middle of the pack instead of during the inactive pills. My periods are all dark blood (black and brown) and usually very clotted-looking. I'm not bashing this pill, I just don't think it's really agreeing with my body. I hope this helps someone!"

• HWo...
• February 17, 2021

For Birth Control "I was on Junel FE 1/20 for two years with no issues at all. My heavy periods were finally light, and I rarely got cramps. When COVID hit, Walgreens told me that this birth control was on backorder because the manufacturer was changing the formula. Transferred my script to Giant Eagle because they had a big supply. November 2020 rolls around, and I start having a period in the middle of the pill pack. It caused me so much anxiety and money because my doctor ordered all these tests to see why I was bleeding. Was becoming severely depressed with the darkest thoughts I have ever had in my life. I would cry for days for no reason. I felt so 'out of body.' After three months of on-and-off bleeding, horrible anxiety and depression, and a host of other symptoms, my husband made me go off this pill cold turkey. All my symptoms are now gone, and I feel so much better. This pill should be taken off the market for sure! Whatever they changed is messing with so many women."

• Aan...
• August 7, 2020

For Birth Control "If your doctor prescribes this to you, tell them you need a different one and do not take it! This birth control made me so depressed I felt life wasn't worth living. I would cry uncontrollably and for no reason, had anxiety worse than I ever have, and it made me physically sick. I had my son in April 2019, started taking this 6 weeks later. After 4 months of progressively getting worse and worse, I finally realized this was causing my debilitating depression. I started calling counselors and psychiatrists because I thought I was going insane. The same exact thing happened to a friend of mine and the same exact way, so I really don’t think it’s a coincidence. I read the reviews before I started taking but figured everyone reacts differently to different things. If you’re reading this, please don't take it, it can't hurt to just take a different one. I’m filing a complaint with the FDA in hopes it can be removed and hopefully save someone else’s sanity and maybe even possibly their life!!!"

• Pet...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 29, 2019

For Birth Control "My doctor decided to put me on this pill because I was basically having 2 periods a month taking Beyaz. I honestly knew nothing much about Lo Lo before taking it, but my doctor told me she had high hopes giving me this pill. So far, I’m halfway through my second pack and haven’t had any negative symptoms. I suffer from anxiety and depression, and neither of those have gotten worse since I’ve been taking this pill. I’m also super petite and work out daily, so weight gain is always a concern for me, and if anything, I’ve lost a couple of pounds since I’ve been on this pill. I wanted to share my experience because I do see there are a lot of negative reviews, and I wanted to share my positive one. The only reason I didn’t give this pill 10 stars is because I haven’t gotten my period since taking it, and although I love not having one, I am sexually active, so it makes me a little nervous. But all in all, so far, so good. I’m 26 for reference."

• Kay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 25, 2021

For Birth Control "Never realized until I got off of Aurovela that it had caused my severe depression (which I never had before). It also caused me to intensely dislike my boyfriend. I had no sex drive, and sex actually felt like a chore and just made me angry. Do not take Aurovela, it will change your life in the worst way possible."

• vme...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 19, 2021

For Birth Control "I am writing this because I almost lost my life to this drug. Junel Fe should NOT be prescribed to people with a history of any mental health issues. I have never had mental health issues so bad until I started it. I felt so insecure and physically ugly. I disassociated for almost two months, which if you know what dissociation is-it's terrifying. Crippling anxiety and depression to the point where I had to quit my job. Every month my anxiety got worse and nonstop panic attacks and feeling depressed even though I had never felt depressed. I became suicidal as well and was hospitalized for it. PLS DO NOT TAKE THIS, IT IS NOT WORTH THE LIVING NIGHTMARE IT PUT ME THROUGH."

• Lav...
• January 30, 2021

For Birth Control "I was originally prescribed Junel Fe 1/20 birth control due to my very painful cramps, bleeding, and after finding out I have anemia. The first month, there was spotting for a couple of weeks, but then it went away. The cramps and bleeding definitely got better. This felt like a relief, and I thought I was on track to making my life better. Unfortunately, halfway through my 5th month, I decided to stop taking these pills. I was experiencing very severe anxiety and depression. I normally am a pretty anxious person, but I typically deal with it in my own ways. However, this was the worst of my life. I felt suicidal. I was worried about everything. I had a panic attack. I couldn't sleep well. My family and co-workers were noticing a change in my behavior and mood. It wasn't good. After I stopped taking them, a few days later, I noticed I felt a lot more level-headed and less anxious. I really hope that others don't have to go through what I went through. I'm hoping this review might help someone out there."

• Oli...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 1, 2021

For Birth Control "In the past 5 years, I have been on two different birth control pills. I decided to switch to Junel Fe because the other pill wasn’t helping with my period. This pill, however, was a huge mistake. I have been on it for a short time, but it has made me extremely depressed. I have never had mental health issues in the past, and as soon as I started taking this pill, I noticed huge mood swings. I cry all the time, and I am extremely emotional. I would not recommend this to anyone."

• Cat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 10, 2021

For Birth Control "I thought I was losing my mind until I saw this! I was diagnosed as clinically depressed and referred to a suicide hotline yesterday, no lie. I’m not suicidal, but I’ve been depressed, more depressed than I have ever been in my life the past few months. I’ve become detached, emotionless, and have lost all empathy. I cry all the time and hate being in the same room as myself. I’ve been bleeding for 4 months, and I have no sex drive at all. I didn’t research Junel Fe 1/20 and depression before now because it wasn’t listed as a side effect. My boyfriend just suggested that I look into the pill as a “leave no stone unturned” thing, and voila. I’m not crazy. I’m flushing this stuff right now."

• rea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 7, 2020

For Birth Control "Junel Fe 1/20 has been absolutely awful for me. The first few weeks, I felt mostly okay, my sex drive was normal, and I felt a little more emotional than normal, but nothing too extreme. Then I had the most intense body aches I’d ever experienced. I was unable to move from my bed for almost a week. No position was comfortable, nothing helped, and I just cried all day. I experienced a lot of breakthrough bleeding, and my breasts became incredibly sensitive and sore and have stayed like that the entire time I’ve been on the pill. The second month in, I started experiencing intense panic attacks and OCD-like symptoms as well as severe depression. This has lasted through the third and fourth months, and I haven’t gone a day without weeping or having a panic attack in two months. My appetite has been gone for about a month now too. Zero sex drive, lots of dryness. Overall, it’s been absolutely awful, and I would not recommend it at all. I’ve never been so mentally unstable in my life."

• Wor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 17, 2022

For Birth Control "**DO NOT TAKE THIS PILL** If you have any underlying mental health issues/anxiety or anything, I do not recommend this pill at all. I have pretty mild anxiety, I don’t take anything for it, but I do not suffer from depression. I took Lo Lo, and immediately, the first day of taking it, I got depression symptoms. By day 2 and 3, I had suicidal thoughts, and I have NEVER in my life been suicidal. Literally, nothing was wrong, but I was uncontrollably sobbing every day and having suicidal thoughts. It was the most messed-up feeling, like I couldn’t even function anymore. It took me 4 days to realize it was the Lo Lo, so I stopped, and I am finally feeling better. I could not believe how awful the symptoms were, so I had to leave a review to let anyone considering Lo Lo know what it can do to your mental health."

• Col...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 30, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve been reading a lot of these reviews and, unfortunately, have read that most people have really bad experiences with this birth control. Personally, this is the first birth control I have taken that hasn’t completely ruined my life. My boobs have gotten bigger, I’m finally filling out, my acne is clearing up, and I haven’t had any nausea or depression. Strangely, while most reviewers have noticed a decrease in sex drive, mine has increased, and vaginal dryness is not a thing for me. I think it is safe to say that this form of birth control is not for everyone, but it is worth a shot."

• Mer...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 14, 2021

For Birth Control "DO NOT TAKE THIS PILL. This is my first ever drug review. I was on this pill for only 9 days. This pill gave me severe anxiety and intrusive thoughts that I am still dealing with almost a month after, although they’ve gotten a little better. This was the worst pill I’ve ever taken in my life. I had fatigue, heavy chest, random pains in my body, severe depression, I could not think or form a thought, anxiety, and fear. And I developed scary intrusive thoughts I never had before. My libido left, and I also experienced dryness I never had before. Only in 9 days! It was awful! Quit this pill and do not take it. Most of the side effects have left, but I’m still having the fear and OCD and I’m scared it screwed me up permanently."