Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone and Mood Swings: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 13, 2013

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Birth Control "Whenever you start birth control, you're supposed to give it a three-month trial before you determine if it's garbage or not. The reason being is that your body is adjusting to the new birth control, and of course, you're going to experience breakout bleeding, common birth control side effects, and of course, being overly emotional. On the other hand, despite the breakout bleeding and the mood swings I get from time to time, I love Microgestin! It's a reliable birth control if used correctly, so if you're forgetful, forget the pill and find another form of birth control! Within the past nine months I've used it, I had lighter periods, didn't break out as much, and I didn't feel any weight gain. I recommend this product to anyone!"

• Ann...
• February 11, 2020

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Birth Control "I am a medical student, so I have studied OCPs and various side effects that are expected. But even my education couldn’t prepare me for the months of horror I experienced. I had sore nipples but knew it was my body adjusting to the increased estrogen, so I tolerated it. What I didn’t expect was this empty feeling unlike anything I’ve ever felt. Also, I felt irrational rage, and my mood was explosive. I felt like I was going crazy, little things would irritate me, and I would be emotional rather than cope. I thought it was stress from medical school, but I’ve always had stress and dealt with it. Prior to Junel, I was on Microgestin for 10+ years. I stopped Junel a month ago, I am back to feeling like myself. Junel is so dangerous. I am a happy, easy-going person with a lot going on for me in life, but it made me feel so worthless, and at those darkest moments, even suicidal, please avoid. I know everyone reacts differently, but if you read reviews, you can see a pattern."

• Han...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 19, 2020

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Birth Control "Don't take this unless you want problems. Junel will make you gain a lot of weight. I gained 45 pounds in 10 months (I was 140 pounds 1-2 months postpartum, so I was only 5 pounds overweight before starting Junel), more than likely caused me to have hypothyroidism, feeling tired all the time no matter the amount of sleep, dry hair, dry skin, mood swings, severe anxiety, migraines for days, random numbness of feet, weird 1-day periods with brown clots after the first 2 months, no sex drive at all, this makes me feel like I'm dying, just too many side effects."

• Jza...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 27, 2019

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Birth Control "I’ve been on this birth control for a little over a year now. I love it. The first three to four months, I had very bad mood swings and normal PMS, but after those months, I felt fine. Two side effects that I did notice are I never have a sex drive. Another is heavy discharge, but nothing too hard to handle. Other than that, the pill works great. I’ve used it for a whole year, taking it at 8 pm, and now I’ve changed to 12 pm. Still, I’ve never had a problem and have never been pregnant! I’ve also had my boyfriend finish inside many times, still not pregnant! :-)"

• Ken...
• May 9, 2014

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Birth Control "I have currently been on the pill for over a year. After my daughter, I tried the Depo shot, it made my periods stop and worked for a few months. But I became emotional and gained weight. For the last year or more, I have been using the Lo Loestrin pill, which is amazing. The positive thing about the pill is I have lost weight, my face has barely any to no breakouts, and best of all, NO period. The negative thing about the pill is I do feel more tired than usual (I am also going to school for nursing, work 36 hours, take care of the lawn/house, and have a 2-year-old), it could be my activity. Only $10 is covered by my insurance, which leaves me paying $82. My sex drive is balanced, I have not seen much change. Highly recommend this birth control."

• Rac...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 17, 2014

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Birth Control "I've been taking Lo Loestrin Fe for about 2.5 years now. The first few months were pretty rough, i.e., mood swings, weight gain, low sex drive. I was even nauseous and sometimes had two periods in one month. YES, I agree it can be tough to give this one a chance, but I'm glad I did. At this point, I have not had a period in months, and all side effects have mellowed. I do get normal PMS symptoms, light cramping, and body aches, just no bleeding. No more weight gain or mood swings. I'm glad I stuck it out because it has been the best birth control I've used."

• G98...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 2, 2021

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Birth Control "4 months in and I can't complain. I am on this for PCOS. My main thing is I would recommend taking a B complex. I saw that birth control depletes B vitamins, which can cause mood swings and depression. I've taken a B complex vitamin every day along with the birth control and haven't had any mood swings. Had spotting during my second month but was expecting that while adjusting. My acne didn't get better or worse and didn't gain any weight. Always eat a little something with the pill or you'll be nauseous."

• aro...
• October 1, 2014

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Birth Control "I tried several different birth control medicines before my doctor prescribed Minastrin 24 Fe. On other pills (particularly Viorele), I felt very emotional and uncomfortable. While taking Minastrin, I feel like myself and I have had no weight gain. Minastrin has caused me to stop getting my period, but my doctor says that this is completely normal."

• Syd...
• July 27, 2015

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Menstrual Disorders "Ladies, please realize you are putting synthetic chemicals into your body. It is completely normal to have side effects, your body won't regulate the pill until after about 3-4 months of consistent pill taking. I have been on Microgestin for about 2-3 years, and it lightened my period, helped my cramps, and helped my mood swings. However, the success of the pill depends on how it reacts with your body. Give these pills a chance (3-4 months), otherwise you won't find one that works. You can't expect it to work within a month."

• Ver...
• July 10, 2010

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Birth Control "I was very scared about all the side effects of birth control. However, I recently got married, and we had used abstinence during our year and a half of dating, and I needed a birth control for after we got married, and this is what I was given. I am going on my fourth month now and have experienced none of the side effects. I eat healthy and live an active lifestyle and don't ever work out, and I haven't gained any weight. I had mood swings before I got on any birth control, usually right before my period, and that is kind of the regular for me even with this pill. My skin is a lot clearer. My boobs did get bigger for a little while there. My periods are either light or nonexistent. I take this pill every night at 10 so I don't experience nausea as I'm asleep."

• Ray...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 10, 2019

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Birth Control "I've been on Microgestin Fe 1/20 for about 3 years. I've tried many other brands or generics like Junel Fe 1/20, which is a form of Microgestin. But Junel made me gain weight and get depressed. Microgestin, however, has never given me any problems at all. I start and finish my period on the exact same days every month. My periods are so light and so manageable. I've had no problem with weight gain or mood swings with this pill. I am so sad to see this pill go on back order. I highly recommend. This is the only pill I have completely loved and not had any problems on. I am a 20-year-old girl and in college, so it's very important I'm on a good pill that doesn't get in the way of my mental health for my studies. I love this pill and am sad to see it go."

• GBa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 23, 2019

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Birth Control "Okay, so I wrote a review on this BC a while back giving it an 8, but I'm back again to give this a 2 and here's why. This has helped clean up my acne, it's helped regulate my period, and I'm not pregnant, that's why I'm giving it a 2. I'm also giving it a 2 because this BC has turned me into a maniac. Sorry if that sounds bad to anyone, but seriously, my emotional state has just gone off the railings. I literally cry EVERY DAY. A lot of the time it's for no reason. I've been getting really upset with my boyfriend over nothing half the time. I'm overdramatic, impulsive, irrational. I'm surprised my boyfriend hasn't dumped me yet. Last night I had a bad episode, and he told me he KNOWS it's this birth control and that I have to stop taking it because it's affecting my mental health and our relationship. When I say I cry every day, I'm not joking. Guys, please stay away from this pill, all I wanted was to regulate my period, not become a psycho."

• Anonymous
• July 24, 2020

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone "I was in Lo Loestrin for years but switched to Blisovi 24 Fe. I have been on this pill for about 2 months now. I’ve been having terrible headaches, nausea/vomiting, and my mood has been all over the place. I have anxiety, and as soon as I started this pill, I have seen it heighten incredibly. My anxiety is terrible now. My mood swings are almost as bad as the anxiety. I become angry and upset so quickly, and I’ve never been like this in my life. I feel insane and emotional. I’m so happy to know that I am not alone, I read all the reviews on this site because it makes me feel less crazy. I’m definitely getting off of this. Also, my face is starting to break out in places I’ve never broken out before (my chin + around my mouth). Please discuss other options with your gyno before switching to this birth control!!!"

• AUN...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 25, 2018

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Birth Control "I've been taking this pill for years. I have never had a problem. No mood swings, no pregnancies, no long heavy periods, no nothing. I feel great. I have short light periods. I was surprised to see so many negative reviews. Everyone needs to keep in mind everyone's body is different and responds to things differently."

• Meg...
• May 4, 2015

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Birth Control "Lolo is the first birth control that's been right for me. I tried Seasonale and Marvelon and spotted nonstop, gained 10 lbs in a year, and experienced acne, which I'm lucky to rarely have. Lolo cleared my skin, I never spotted after taking it. I am very good at taking it at exactly the same time every day. My periods are 2-3 days and very light. This month, I didn't even have a period, this is normal with Lolo. I've taken the 10 lbs off, haven't had any breakouts or mood swings either. Lolo was recommended by my doctor as my periods were heavy, long, and painful. Not anymore. Highly recommended to anyone else with those issues."

• Ker...
• December 29, 2014

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Birth Control "I recently switched to this birth control and have nothing bad to say about it. I used to have cramps, bad acne, mood swings, and back pain. My mood swings, cramps, and acne went away! My period used to be 7 days and very heavy. It's 5 days and light! I couldn't be happier!"

• Mis...
• July 15, 2013

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Birth Control "This is my first time taking birth control pills. I am on my second pack, and I have not had my period since I started. I have bad cramping and bloating to the point where it feels like my period wants to come on but won't. I have very bad mood swings, which is affecting my relationship, breast tenderness. I take a pregnancy test every month because I have pregnancy symptoms. My sex drive is really low, but the pill works very well preventing pregnancy. I never really had an acne problem until I started taking these pills. I have not gained any weight, but I have not lost any either, and I work out a lot. I will be going to my doctor to talk about changing to something else."

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

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Birth Control "I started this Aurovela Fe 1/20 birth control the beginning of November, and it was fine until like December 20-something. I wasn’t able to sleep, had major headaches, started to feel really down, and think so negatively. I have random breakdowns multiple times a day, just crying, and have been having to sleep with my mom to keep me comforted. I am just now stopping this pill, hoping it helps, and just to take care of my mental health by exercising, keeping up with my skincare because it caused a lot of breakouts, and focusing on my relationships with others. Please don’t get this birth control! It really changed my life and made me a different person. I’m not the happy person I once was, but hoping to get back to it."

• Bel...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 14, 2021

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "This has helped a ton with fatigue, mood swings, and hot flashes. Hasn’t caused weight gain. It has worked a lot better than the estrogen-only replacement therapy that I was previously on. I highly recommend trying for perimenopause symptoms or menopause symptoms."

• BNC...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 1, 2020

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Birth Control "I was hesitant to start this pill, Lo Loestrin Fe, because I had never taken any before and read many negative reviews online. However, I have been on the pill for a month and have had a pretty good experience so far. The only side effects I’ve had have been some spotting and occasional mood swings (but rare! And nothing unmanageable). Best of luck to everyone thinking about trying it and a reminder that everyone’s experience is unique!"

• Tif...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 19, 2019

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Birth Control "This stuff is the worst. I was put on it to prevent ovarian cysts. But my hair is falling out, my acne is horrible, I have anxiety, insomnia, mood swings, crying spells, and dark thoughts. I’d rather just have cyst ruptures, honestly, and they’re so painful. :( Be careful what you put in your body, ladies. I’d advise you to avoid this BC at all costs."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 18, 2023

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Birth Control "Please do not take this birth control. I have always maintained a healthy weight. In less than a year on this pill, I gained over 20 pounds. My mood swings are awful, and I get a lot of anxiety. My self-esteem and confidence have been so low that I never want to leave the house. I also had a lot of swelling and pain in my ankle and leg, which was most likely a blood clot. I feel like I have experienced every single negative side effect. Please avoid this pill, it has changed me so much."

• Rya...
• July 11, 2013

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Birth Control "I've been on this pill for around 11 months, and for the most part, I find it good. I started off using it just to regulate my period, not knowing that it would just go away after the first few months. I'm sexually active, and I find that it does decrease my sex drive. It was very frightening when I stopped having my period, and I did gain weight, but I take pregnancy tests periodically (just as a precaution). I still have period symptoms at the end of the pack, but I haven't had one in 7 months. The worst thing I find about this pack is that it makes me more emotional and increases my headaches."

• 4kc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 3, 2020

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Birth Control "I started this birth control 5 months ago after Demulen was discontinued, which I was on for about 4 years and loved. I have not had a period since I started taking Lolo. I would prefer to have a period for 3 days just for the reassurance, but I'm not complaining too much. I have experienced no weight gain, no mood swings, but maybe a slightly lower libido. Overall, I think it is pretty good!"

• Ven...
• June 23, 2019

Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone for Birth Control "I switched from Tarina Fe to Microgestin after starting to see a new doctor. This doctor told me the two brands were generics of each other, i.e., comparable. I had zero problem on Tarina for multiple years. This new pill gave me severe side effects. I was on it for 5 months and started having side effects immediately. I was always bloated, gained weight, broke out, had drastic mood changes, abdominal pain, no periods, and consistent yeast infections, which was new to me. Finally, I just couldn’t handle it anymore, I stopped taking it. I had stabbing pain in my uterus for about a week while detoxing from the pill. It’s been 5 months off, and my body has had a tough time readjusting. My periods are still inconsistent, and my hormones are trying to balance themselves out. My mom had issues on this pill too, severe headaches that were a sign of a near stroke. Thank goodness she went to the doctor just in time and got off the pill and is feeling better now. I do not recommend this pill to anyone."