Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone and Mood Swings: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Jul...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 25, 2020

For Birth Control "I’m not great with keeping a specific time, but I always take this pill between 11:30 a.m. and 12 p.m. This pill should take about 3-6 months to regulate in your body. Within those months, it’s normal to feel some mood swings, slight changes in period, and/or weight gain, so don’t worry. Prior to this pill, my periods were 5-7 days tops. The first period while being on this pill lasted 2 weeks, the second lasted a week. From the third month moving forward, my periods last about 3-5 days tops with no ovulation. My period dates also shift a bit. I didn’t notice any mood swings until about the 6th month. To today, I sometimes feel sad or depressed, and I won’t know why. I also cry a lot easier now. It’s nothing I’m concerned over though, not too bad, and the mood swings are easy for me to quickly get over. Positive side effect: my breasts have gotten noticeably bigger. My boyfriend has also “finished” in me multiple times with no pregnancy outcome, so the pill has been doing its job. I’d recommend."

• Coc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 13, 2020

For Birth Control "Ladies, do not take this medication. The month I began this Lo Loestrin Fe pill, my life became a bit of a nightmare. The first month, I had spotting every other day, then a horrible yeast infection (my 1st one EVER) during my actual period in the fourth week. During the 2nd month, I had breakthrough bleeding every other day, a period the 2nd week, and another during the inactive week. My mood has been so high and low. I have no desire to have sex whatsoever. I honestly feel really crazy!!! No sleep, no eating, and an overall feeling of dread/failure/sadness. Almost finished with the 4th pack, and I lost count of how many blood-free days I've had because I've been bleeding ALL MONTH and not little droplets. I'm talking enough to wear a regular tampon. Officially done with this and going to just try the fertility awareness method because no BC seems compatible with my body :("

• Jez...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 21, 2014

For Birth Control "I've been on this BC for three and a half years now, and it's been amazing. I was on two other types of birth control before: NuvaRing and another oral pill that drove me crazy-nausea, crazy mood swings, cramps, heavy periods, the works. It made me never want to go on BC again, but I'm so glad I gave it a second chance. With Lo Loestrin Fe, I haven't had any period, cramps, backache, mood swings, decrease in sex drive, weight gain, or acne. The only problem I've had is that it seems to lessen my appetite, so I try to make sure I eat before taking it, otherwise, I forget. At first, I was concerned that I wasn't getting my period, but I talked to my doctor, and he said it was fine as long as I was comfortable with not having one."

• giv...
• July 10, 2014

For Birth Control "So far, I am extremely impressed! After beginning birth control on Reclipsen (the worst pill in the world), I began Gildess because my friend used it and claimed she actually lost weight! So I gave it a try. Weight loss did in fact occur. The junk food cravings that I had accumulated because of Reclipsen subsided quickly, and my appetite has gone way down. I only get hungry about once a day. My severe cystic back acne is gone. GONE. It just vanished with this pill. My face cleared up a little as well, and the overall texture of my skin is improved. Softer, smaller pores, clearer. NOW THE CONS: Nausea for the first three weeks, spotting for the first month. I'm a little more emotional, but it's controllable. I really do recommend this pill."

• Jam...
• September 13, 2014

For Birth Control "I've just recently started taking Minastrin. I haven't even made it through the first packet, and I'm noticing side effects. I've had severe back pain and mild mood swings. I want to cry all the time, and it's affecting my relationship. I get mad at my boyfriend for every single thing he does, and I was not like that at all before. I've been a very angry and depressed person since taking it."

• Kia...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 6, 2020

For Birth Control "I have been on this birth control, Junel Fe 1.5/30, for 3 months now. It is good at regulating my period and preventing pregnancy, however, I am extremely emotional and angry all the time, and I have gained weight. I cry more easily now, and I lose my temper pretty easily. I would say my acne has actually gotten worse, and my appetite has definitely increased. Sex drive, however, has not been affected. Do not recommend if you already suffer from anxiety/depression."

• San...
• June 28, 2019

For Birth Control "DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you do and experience side effects such as nausea, unstable moods, depression, low to NO sex drive, constantly fatigued, constant yeast issues, brain fog, and your Dr. tells you it has nothing to do with the birth control and recommends you stay on it, and also blames the side effects on something else and sends you for blood work after blood work, all while getting PERFECT results back. GET A DIFFERENT Dr. AND STOP TAKING THIS BIRTH CONTROL IMMEDIATELY. I stupidly trusted my Dr. for YEARS when she told me it was impossible these side effects are from this birth control. When I finally got the sense to just do the research myself, it was clear as day that this IS the reason I have been experiencing the side effects mentioned above to the point where it has been noticeable to my family and friends. I have stopped taking this birth control and cannot wait to see the improvements."

• mar...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 6, 2020

For Birth Control "Honestly, Junel FE 1.5/30 is the best birth control I've ever had! No side effects. I’ve been taking this BC for about 4 years now, and it’s great! My boyfriend always finishes in me, and I am not pregnant! Haha, I love it! Before Junel 1.5/30, I had Microgestin 1.5/30, and it was horrible! I would get horrible pimples, and I would get mood swings, and I was miserable! I would just be so sad with these pills, I hated them! Switching to Junel was the best thing ever! I have not taken any other birth control because I love this one so much!"

• 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."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 5, 2020

For Birth Control "I was prescribed Larin Fe after my insurance no longer covered Lo Loestrin Fe (which I absolutely loved). I have been on Larin for about 2 months now, and it is absolutely awful. My mood swings have been vicious, I have always been a calm person, but being on Larin, I have been angry all the time and incredibly irritable and frustrated."

• Anonymous
• September 1, 2009

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I just wanted to say that I love this birth control. Besides helping me with my cysts, it has given zero side effects. I tried Yaz before this one, and I felt like a monster! It gave me horrible mood swings, migraines, and I gained weight! Will never get off this Loestrin Fe 24. Remember that everyone's body reacts differently to the hormones in these contraceptives! Try it out before you decide on one, if you get a side effect, move on to a new one! Oh, and one thing, with this pill, I had breakthrough bleeding the first month only, and you MUST be very specific with the timing with this pill, and I get my period for 2 days only (which is also a plus)."

• Sta...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 22, 2020

For Birth Control "I have been using Junel Fe 1/20 for about 5 months. I started taking it to help with PMDD, endometriosis, and fibroids. It makes me exhausted during the day, and I've started having bad dreams that have progressively gotten worse, to the point that they are full-blown horror. I have also become progressively more emotional, with alternating rage and severe depression. I had the most terrifying nightmare I've ever had last night and woke up feeling like I was losing my mind, that there was no reason to live, and I couldn't shake the feelings of dread and impending doom. Thank goodness I know this is not right and I'm not crazy. After doing my research, I've found that I'm not alone. This happens more than science would like to admit. Although it eased my symptoms from fibroids and endometriosis, it caused side effects that most definitely outweighed any benefits (and it never helped the PMDD). I WILL NEVER TAKE THAT PILL AGAIN. NEVER, EVER, EVER."

• Kat...
• March 1, 2021

For Birth Control "I've been on this birth control on and off for about 2+ years to help regulate my period. My period has been irregular from day one. I thought that I was the only woman experiencing severe mood swings, dark DARK thoughts, anxiety, anger, nightmares, etc., but after reading a lot of the reviews, I now feel validated in the way that I was feeling. I initially thought that the symptoms I listed above were coming from the stress and uncertainty of COVID and the huge shift in everyday life, but after trial and error, I've found that it's definitely the birth control. Being off of the birth control for a week or two has completely brought me back to myself, and I haven't had any of the negative symptoms. I don't normally do reviews but wanted to share my experience and let you know that if you are experiencing these symptoms, that you are NOT crazy-it's the birth control, stop taking it and ask for an alternative."

• jdo...
• December 29, 2020

For Birth Control "This is hands down the worst birth control I have ever used. My mood swings are so awful, and I feel like I’m PMSing 24/7. I am horribly bloated and cramping all the time. I can’t stop eating either, and when I finally do stop, I am nauseous as anything. I never used to be moody, and ever since I started taking this pill, I am so irritable and always feel like crying. I want my Junel back!!"

• CKN...
• March 28, 2013

For Birth Control "I have been taking this for a year. I switched from another birth control pill, which I was on for 10 years. Since the switch, my period has been non-existent. I have always been regular, but not with this pill. At first, I was very nervous each month, even taking pregnancy tests. Other than the irregularity, this pill has very little side effects. It has helped with mood swings I was having on my old pill. I have not gained weight, and my skin seems clearer. I saw my gyno today, and she said the Lo Loestrin Fe has the smallest amount of estrogen, so it makes the uterus so thin it just doesn't bleed. She says it is perfectly healthy and normal, so I am okay with that. I just know the week I go on vacation, I will get a period!"

• A R...
• May 10, 2014

For Birth Control "I have been taking these pills for the past two months. Usually, I'm a very rational person, but after taking them, I have extreme mood swings, and minor disagreements turn into week-long fights. I stopped taking them last night due to it almost ending my relationship. No pill should be able to cause such a drastic difference in personality. I also have irregular bleeding between periods, but hey, at least I'm not pregnant."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 3, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been taking this pill, Junel Fe 1/20, for about 9 months. The first 3 months were the worst, with mood swings, depression, and anxiety. My body took 3 months to get into a groove, but after that, it's been smooth sailing. No weight gain, acne cleared up, light and painless periods, and no pregnancy scares. I would recommend! Don't let the negative reviews scare you. Everyone's body is different and will react differently depending on how you take care of your body."

• Han...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 6, 2020

For Birth Control "I only started taking Blisovi Fe 1/20 three weeks ago, and I have cried at least twice every day since. I am an emotional wreck, and it’s ruining my relationship. Maybe that’s how it’s an effective form of birth control, it just makes you so emotional and depressed that your partner doesn’t want anything to do with you. I advise against it. Oh, but I did gain 10 lbs and big boobs out of it!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 15, 2016

For Birth Control "I feel like because there aren't many positive posts on here, I should share one. I got on this pill because of recurring ovarian cysts and also to relieve some menstrual pain during periods. I'm on the third month, and I have had no negative side effects. The only thing was I had black, disgusting discharge for about a week at the beginning, but it stopped. However, I noticed that if I don't take the pill at the same time every day or relatively close to the same time, I begin having that discharge again. However, I have not experienced any mood swings, weight gain, or any other negative side effects. Every pill affects every woman differently, so please don't get freaked out by negative reviews like I did, actually, don't even read them."

• Tan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 13, 2021

For Birth Control "Started this birth control to help with cramps, bad lower back pain, and to regulate my period. First 3 months I had bad anxiety, mood swings, and my periods would start the week before the brown pills and then zero period during the brown pills. I was just about to switch pills and figured I'd give it 1 more month. Then, it all changed overnight. I no longer have any mood swings, and I think it actually has helped with any anxiety. I have no abdominal cramping, no lower back pain. I will still get hot flashes and night sweats right before my period starts though. This is the first pill that has lessened my period. Now if I wanted to, I would probably only have 1 full tampon day and then spot for 3 days. At this point, I am very happy that I stuck with it and hoping each month will continue to get better. I have now taken for 5 months."

• 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."

• Lea...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 26, 2025

For Birth Control "I was so nervous to try hormonal birth control because of all the negative talk around them. I believe that many people do have negative experiences and it's important to listen to your body and side effects, but this was the first birth control I was given, and my doctor told me to just give it a shot. The first month was a bit crazy with my body adjusting and I had a crazy period the first off-pill week, but after that, everything was just fine. I have no bad side effects, and I just take packs back to back now because I don't bleed on the off weeks anymore anyways. My skin is clear and I'm just consistent. No spotting, no mood changes, libido changes, or weight gain. The only side effect, besides no pregnancy, I got is nice skin and no periods, which I love. So glad my doctor told me to just try it. I've been on it for around three years and plan to continue on it until I'm ready to have kids in five or so years."

• all...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 22, 2014

For Birth Control "I never had a bad experience with this pill. I freaked out when I first started taking it because I didn't have a period. But I fell in love with it. I don't have periods. I don't get any weight gain or mood swings. I have been on this pill for about 4 years now. It does take a bit for you both to get used to a pill. So don't hate it. It will take a month to a few. I haven't had any problems with it."

• Jur...
• December 31, 2020

For Birth Control "I was previously on Microgestin for 5 years prior to this. The only reason for the switch is because Walmart doesn’t always carry the same generic. I didn’t realize it then, but realize now the awful side effects this caused me. ‘They’ say all generics are the same, but I don’t believe that for a second. Microgestin was great. Junel gave me regular yeast infections, lots of bloating and water retention, more acne, and did nothing to help my pre-menopausal symptoms (night sweats and hot flashes). It also made me way more emotional than I normally am. I hated this pill and wish I would have put two and two together more quickly."

• Han...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 13, 2018

For Birth Control "PLEASE DO NOT TAKE THIS PILL, I'M BEGGING YOU!! I've been on it for a year now. I used to be this extremely happy girl 24/7 until I got on this pill. I got on it a couple of months after I got with my boyfriend. Before I was on it, my boyfriend and I had a good relationship, I was always laughing and etc. Well, I got on this pill, and all of a sudden, I was a different person. It took me this long to finally realize that it was the Blisovi, and I only did because a friend of mine mentioned it could be my birth control. So, I looked up reviews, and pretty much I was having what everyone else went through. I’m always depressed, I constantly yell at my boyfriend over the littlest things, I’m extremely emotional over the littlest things, anger got worse, anxiety is terrible, I have no sex drive anymore, I’ve only bled 4 out of 12 months while being on this pill. When I did bleed, it was blood clots or either brownish-reddish color, it wasn’t normal. PLEASE DON'T TAKE BLISOVI!!"