Ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone and Mood Swings: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Ald...
• November 3, 2016

For Birth Control "Most of the negative reviews on this pill didn't give it enough time to get used to. You have to remember that you're causing a disruption in your body's hormonal cycle, and that's going to cause slight discomfort on any pill. Also, birth control pills are different for everyone. Bad reviews don't mean that this pill won't be a perfect match for you. The first three months of this birth control were a little rough: mood swings and heavy periods. But by the fourth month, I stopped having periods altogether. I now haven't had a period for almost a year and experience no complications. My sex drive is normal, and I have gained no weight."

• Anonymous
• June 13, 2010

For Birth Control "I see a lot of bad comments about this birth control and have no idea why. This is because I have been on this pill for 2 years, and I love it. It made my boobs a whole cup size bigger, and I did not gain any weight. I have also noticed I have no more mood swings and barely have a period. It is very good, and I recommend it, also, it is cheap."

• Gir...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 26, 2019

For Birth Control "Three stars because I did not experience any mood swings, depression, or weight gain like I have in the past using other birth control. It did cut my lubrication and it was very painful to have sex. I honestly did not want to believe it was the birth control that was causing dryness, but once I stopped taking it, I realized it was."

• Kou...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 19, 2019

For Birth Control "This was my first time on birth control (Blisovi FE) and I am taking it for painful cramps. The first month I had no side effects besides a random week of spotting, which I heard was common. My period was shorter, lighter, and had limited cramping, which really saved my life. I no longer dread my period. I used to have to stay home from work because the cramps were so bad before this pill. During my second month, I had sore boobs, and that was it. I do have a bigger appetite, but no weight gain since my metabolism is pretty fast. No mood changes. This pill has worked really well for me so far as my first time on BC, but remember that everyone reacts differently :)"

• Sap...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 21, 2013

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I have been on Microgestin Fe 1.5/30 for 15 months. My doctor prescribed it when I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. My cycle would not stop for more than two days, then it would start again. As soon as I started the Microgestin, my cycle regulated the first week. After taking it for about a year, my periods are extremely light and very short. The side effects I have experienced are acne, oily skin, and terrible mood swings the week before my period begins. I get very angry and irritable for about two days the week prior to my period. In spite of these side effects, this pill has been great for me. I have lost 40 lbs with diet and exercise that I was unable to lose before taking this pill. I highly recommend giving it a try."

• Bru...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 11, 2020

For Birth Control "I started Lo Lo a month after a partial hysterectomy and cystectomy only to prevent more tumors. The first three months I had several side effects such as loss of appetite, acne, mood swings, and irregular bleeding. By my sixth month, my body adjusted well except I would get my period around the time I should be ovulating or the 2nd week of the pack for around 5 days. I stopped taking Lo Lo because of the irregular bleeding and because it did not help me prevent tumors. I have an 8 cm mass in my ovary. So, I will give Taytulla a chance. Praying all goes well. As with any medication, you have to allow time for your body to adjust. Be strong!"

• Lau...
• November 6, 2014

For Birth Control "This is the first BC I have been on and have been taking it for two years now. I have had no issues with it. While starting, I did have the normal spotting until my body was used to it. But after my first two periods, I was fine. I haven't experienced any mood swings or pain. If I miss my pill, I take it as soon as I can remember, and I am fine."

• Esh...
• January 14, 2015

For Birth Control "This is the best birth control. I had no side effects. Only switching due to high out-of-pocket cost. Experienced no weight gain, acne, mood swings, etc. If you can afford the out-of-pocket cost for this TIER 3 medication, then I definitely recommend it."

• Ale...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 5, 2022

For Birth Control "I started this medication 3 months ago. My doc switched me from a BCP I’ve been on for years with absolutely no issues. I was trying to be an easy patient, so I went along with the switch. I’ve had unbearable cramps since the first pill I took, to the point where they’re debilitating. I’ve also had insane mood swings and constant anxiety. I’ve had issues like this years ago, but the first 2 weeks on the meds, I was an absolute nightmare to everyone around me, and I still don’t like how I am. I’ve had to reach out to my other doc for anxiety medications because this drug has set me so far back. I’m switching back to my old BCP ASAP!"

• MMa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 22, 2019

For Birth Control "I have two teenage daughters on Taytulla, and they both really like it. No issues other than the initial adjustment of some spotting with the first pack, maybe a little more emotional for the first three packs, but nothing more than typical PMS. As a mom, I read all these reviews and got a little freaked out. I wanted people to know that this pill seems to work for them, and they will continue to take."

• Jos...
• September 8, 2015

For Birth Control "Negative side effects: 1. Weight gain: I'm very petite, and I work out at least 4 times a week. I track my activity using a Fitbit, and while taking this BC, my activity was actually higher than the previous month. That being said, I still gained about 7 pounds. My appetite increased, but not enough to justify this weight gain. By my calculations, I should have been losing weight due to higher activity levels. Additionally, the weight gain only occurred around my midsection, and I felt bloated and uncomfortable. 2. Mood swings: I rarely cry, and when I do, it's for good reason. With this BC, I wanted to cry over everything. 3. Acne: My skin was clear before taking this, and now I have cystic acne all over my forehead and cheeks."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 26, 2025

For Birth Control "I have been on Nortrel for about 5 years. I am considering getting off the pill to let my body breathe and balance my hormones. Since starting the pill, I have noticed my hair has thinned a bit, mood swings/irritability, low libido, and I usually need a nap throughout the day (I know this is common with many BC pills). Also, over the past 5 years, my blood work has changed quite a bit negatively, and I can’t help but think the pill is contributing to it, as I eat a healthy diet and work out. This past year, I developed a benign tumor in my breast (a fibroadenoma), which my doctor said can be linked to hormonal birth control. I had to have surgery to get this removed and am using this as my sign to get off birth control in general. The pros of this pill are it cleared my acne, and I haven’t gotten pregnant. I am considering getting an Oura ring and seeing how it goes tracking ovulation naturally."

• Som...
• November 24, 2013

For Birth Control "I've been on Microgestin for 2 months now, and I'm loving it. It took me 2.5 years to find a hormonal birth control method that worked for me. While on a different pill, I was having problems with suicidal thoughts and depression, along with massive mood swings and breast tenderness. I was ready to quit hormonal birth control altogether, but decided to give this one a try first. I haven't been having any negative symptoms, I'm very, very happy to have found this. I only wish I could have found Microgestin sooner."

• Nei...
• September 2, 2014

For Birth Control "This is my first month of using this birth control. I haven't had a period yet. I'm broke out in bad acne, having mood swings and depression, which I don't like. I stay angry at everybody. I'm on my last week of the pill. I'll never take this pill again."

• ema...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 3, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve been taking Larin Fe 1/20 birth control for about 4-5 months. I have sex about 3-5 times a week, if not more, and I know it’s supposed to be very effective in preventing pregnancy. However, since I’ve been taking this one, it has been making me miss periods and scaring me, having me nervous that I’m pregnant. I haven’t had my period last month, and the month before I got my period for the first time since a month. Hopefully I get it this month. I also have been crazy emotional and depressed almost every day and HORRIBLE mood swings. I get aggravated over little things, then perfectly fine the next. But it is different for everyone."

• ema...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 3, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve been taking Larin Fe 1/20 birth control for about 4-5 months. I have sex about 3-5 times a week, if not more, and I know it’s supposed to be very effective in preventing pregnancy. However, since I’ve been taking this one, it has been making me miss periods and scaring me, having me nervous that I’m pregnant. I haven’t had my period last month, and the month before I got my period for the first time since a month. Hopefully I get it this month. I also have been crazy emotional and depressed almost every day and HORRIBLE mood swings. I get aggravated over little things, then perfectly fine the next. But it is different for everyone."

• McK...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 26, 2023

For Birth Control "I tried this medication for 2 years, and the negative effects didn't start until about 6 months into taking it. I experienced irregular periods, with only one occurring every 3-5 months. Additionally, I suffered from terrible anxiety, irrational fears, chest pains, mood swings, and prolonged periods of agitation for no apparent reason. I completely lost interest in sex, had night terrors, and felt paranoid, especially regarding personal safety. I ended up making several visits to the emergency room, believing I was having a heart attack, only to be told it was just anxiety. My stomach was upset every day for over a year, starting from the time I woke up (6 AM) until around 2 PM. (I took my pill at night before bed.) These side effects affected all my personal relationships because I constantly avoided being around people. After being off the pill for over 3 weeks, I have finally started to feel more like myself. Week by week, I noticed significant improvements. My sex drive has returned, my mind feels clear, and I am genuinely happy again. I am no longer overwhelmed, and I have regained my patience while losing the constant irritation I used to feel. It's important to share your story and experiences."

• Anonymous
• October 22, 2019

For Birth Control "This birth control Junel Fe 24 is great, especially for first-timers!! It is really low in progesterone (which is why, sadly, after 3 years of being on it, I have to switch to a higher one due to getting too used to the strength and bleeding more than once a month). BUT my first few years on it, I had a really good experience with Junel Fe. I had a super light period that lasted anywhere from 2-5 days, and I had no cramps or migraines ever. I did not notice any weight gain, and despite other reviews, I think my sex drive was really, really good. In my first year, I did have a lot of discharge, which was kinda annoying, but that is something that became less in my third year (I think it had to do with my reason up above). My only 'con' with this birth control is that emotionally I did notice I was pretty sensitive to silly things (I found a reason to cry about almost anything, ahah), but this was not anything major, and I wish I could continue this birth control if it weren't for the low mg of progesterone :("

• Nat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 8, 2020

For Birth Control "Ever since I started taking Junel Fe, I’ve been having mood swings, and I would get really irritated easily and emotional at times. It's only been a month, and I am going to stop taking it. I know I should give it more time to work, but I cannot deal with the dark thoughts. I’m anxious more and feel depressed. My mental health is more important than this."

• Nat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 8, 2020

For Birth Control "Ever since I started taking Junel Fe, I’ve been having mood swings, and I would get really irritated easily and emotional at times. It's only been a month, and I am going to stop taking it. I know I should give it more time to work, but I cannot deal with the dark thoughts. I’m anxious more and feel depressed. My mental health is more important than this."

• Pep...
• September 5, 2019

For Birth Control "My experience with this pill was horrible. The first month was fine besides some nausea and minor weight gain (mostly in breasts). By the second pack, I was an emotional wreck. All my underlying depression and PTSD came back tenfold. I cry all the time, and I never used to cry. My anxiety is horrible-and it had been under control before I started this pill. I started taking it because I have PCOS and hadn’t had a period in 10 months. I will say it did regulate my cycle, and I haven’t had any skin issues, cramps, or migraines... but wow, nothing would make this pill worth it."

• Ken...
• July 17, 2014

For Birth Control "So the first time I was on the pill, I was put on Beyaz. Beyaz made me gain about 15 lbs. It made me crazy with mood swings. I got off of it within 6 months. After that, I would go back and forth on whether to get back on birth control. So about a month and a half ago, I decided to go to the doctor for a check-up. I told my doctor about my experience with Beyaz. He told me that he had the perfect birth control for me, Lo Loestrin Fe. I was scared to take it, but it was worth a shot. If anything, this birth control has made my weight stick. I have had NO mood swings. No weight gain. The only symptoms I've had were going from a C cup to a D cup and breast tenderness near my period, which is overall normal for me. This is the best birth control by far."

• Moa...
• April 20, 2021

For Birth Control "I started Junel Fe 1/20 back in March. I had taken one other type of birth control about 4 years ago (the patch), which made me a complete lunatic! I almost jumped off a bridge! For years, I have always had extreme mood swings just before my period. I described my symptoms as each time I felt blue, suicidal, and enraged right before my period. I also told the doctors each time this happened I was ALWAYS on my cycle. The doctor suggested I may have PMDD. I was referred to see an OBGYN who suggested I'd take Junel Fe 1/20. I was horrified to start any sort of birth control because of my experience I had on the patch several years ago. I was given instructions to take it every day, skip the placebo pills (which start your period), and start the next pack. So ultimately, there are no breaks between the packs, I consistently take the pill every day! Pretty much, my OBGYN wants me to have no cycle so I can stop having the extreme mood swings right before I would have my cycle. I FEEL SO MUCH BETTER!"

• Moa...
• April 20, 2021

For Birth Control "I started Junel Fe 1/20 back in March. I had taken one other type of birth control about 4 years ago (the patch), which made me a complete lunatic! I almost jumped off a bridge! For years, I have always had extreme mood swings just before my period. I described my symptoms as each time I felt blue, suicidal, and enraged right before my period. I also told the doctors each time this happened I was ALWAYS on my cycle. The doctor suggested I may have PMDD. I was referred to see an OBGYN who suggested I'd take Junel Fe 1/20. I was horrified to start any sort of birth control because of my experience I had on the patch several years ago. I was given instructions to take it every day, skip the placebo pills (which start your period), and start the next pack. So ultimately, there are no breaks between the packs, I consistently take the pill every day! Pretty much, my OBGYN wants me to have no cycle so I can stop having the extreme mood swings right before I would have my cycle. I FEEL SO MUCH BETTER!"

• Ley...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 26, 2019

For Birth Control "Okay, so this is my experience with Nortrel 1/35. (Meaning my body reacts differently than yours on this birth control.) So I got on this BC because of the Depo. I was bleeding nonstop for 5 months. My gyno prescribed me this since it was a high dose and was sure my bleeding would stop. It definitely worked as it should. I stopped bleeding, and I get my period at the end of the month. My period now only lasts 3/4 days instead of 7/8 from before I took any type of birth control. Now the cons of this: my mood is horrible. I cry for any little thing, everything bothers me. It even affected my relationship. If you’re currently depressed and have anxiety, I do not recommend it. I have never felt so low about myself. It’s emotionally and mentally exhausting."