Ortho Cyclen and Mood Swings: What Users Say

• Flo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 8, 2016

For Birth Control "I am 21 years old and was on Cyclen for 3 months when I was diagnosed with blood clots in my lungs (pulmonary embolism). I have since been informed that this birth control put me at a greater risk due to its higher levels of estrogen. Luckily, they were caught in time, and I am currently being treated for them. My symptoms started out as an aching/stabbing pain in my mid/upper back that was worse when I ate. Then, a few days later, my breathing started to feel rather heavy. I was also coughing and burping a bit. I also had a bunch of other side effects during the course of taking this pill, including breast pain, headaches, nausea, and major mood swings! I don't normally write reviews, but I would feel horrible if this happened to anyone else!"

• Chr...
• July 28, 2016

For Birth Control "First off, let me say that this birth control was effective in preventing pregnancy for me, despite many negative side effects I experienced taking this pill. I was prescribed Ortho Cyclen to lessen period cramps, abnormal bleeding, and to prevent pregnancy. I can say the mood swings involved with this pill were miserable to deal with. I felt depressed or angry 99% of the time on this pill, but I wanted to give it a long enough time to see if my hormones would regulate. Not only was I sad, irritable, and experienced low libido, but I felt restless and nauseated from the hormones. I would not recommend this pill to anyone, and that is my humble and honest opinion."

• Han...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 4, 2017

For Birth Control "I just started my 5th pack of Ortho Cyclen. I have never taken any other birth control pills prior to this one, so I don't really have anything to compare it to, but this one has worked well for me. My boyfriend and I are sexually active and do not want any children, so I decided to take the pill. My first couple of months on it, I did feel a little different - kind of anxious and more mood swings, but that went away as I continued to take the pill and my body adjusted. The positive aspects I have noticed are it protects against pregnancy, is easy to swallow, makes your skin very healthy looking (my skin is glowing after a few months of taking), and makes my periods much, much lighter than they were before starting on birth control."

• Liz...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 17, 2016

For Birth Control "I was on this for about 4 years. I decided to finally get off because my mood swings were getting worse. This pill caused me to become severely depressed and developed extreme social anxiety. It was effective as a birth control, but the side effects aren't worth it. I've been off it for a few months and feel so much better! Not depressed anymore, and anxiety is finally getting better. Be mindful of your moods if you do decide to try this."

• Sta...
• October 21, 2015

For Birth Control "I have currently been on Ortho Cyclen for a few months now and am going back to my doctor soon to see if I can be prescribed something else. The good for me: very effective when taken correctly, and light periods with bearable cramping. The bad for me: terrible mood swings, bloating, very low libido, and nausea. If I didn't take this pill before bed and after a meal, I'd be sick to my stomach. I have experienced bloating, but haven't gained any weight. The low sex drive I have experienced on this has been very bad. Overall, it's free through my insurance and didn't get me pregnant, but the negative side effects are not worth it anymore!!"

• HAL...
• October 28, 2014

For Endometriosis "I have only been on this for a few weeks after switching from Lo Loestrin. So far, no mood changes, which has been great because that was one of my biggest issues! No cramping or abnormal bleeding. So far, I am extremely pleased with Ortho Cyclen."

• col...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 8, 2018

For Birth Control "I LOVED this birth control! I was on it for 5 months before my doctor switched me to a cheaper alternative. My acne was nonexistent after about 3 weeks! My boobs grew from a 32A to a 34B in just a month, without weight gain in other regions of my body! I didn't experience mood swings, depression, anxiety, migraines, or anything of the sort. My period went from slightly heavy and lasting 7-8 days to being super light for 4-5. My normal cramping on the first day still happened, but that happened prior to my use of this medication. I can't say enough good things about this product, and I wish I could go back on it again!"

• AAB...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 26, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I started this pill last week as I have PCOS and horrible, irregular periods. I haven't been on birth control for over 6 years, which I believe was YAZ. I did not have these horrible side effects on. Every day since starting the pill, I have been nauseous and light-headed. About 3 days into my first week, I have had an increase in appetite and bad headaches that even Excedrin Migraine would not get rid of and has been consistent every day. I am tired every day, but I'm not able to get a good night's sleep. Oh, also, I feel like I'm on an emotional roller coaster... I'm almost tempted to stop taking the BC and just put up with the irregular periods."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 25, 2017

For Birth Control "Been taking this pill for quite a few years, and never had any sort of problems on it. About a year ago, looks like they changed their inactive ingredients dramatically, adding many new chemicals to the mix, including something called titanium dioxide. With this new 'formula,' I noticed extreme weight loss (especially on face, boobs, and butt), anxiety, mood swings, and just general malaise (all probably from the new preservatives they added in there). I really wish they hadn't changed it and would reduce the amount of preservatives/chemicals they have now added to it. Gonna change to something else at next dr's appointment. And to anyone thinking of trying this new 'Cyclen,' I would say DON'T. Horrible experience."

• LLU...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 18, 2017

For Birth Control "Prescribed after experiencing breakthrough bleeding on another oral contraceptive. I gave it a fair go - 4 or 5 months, and I can't seem to get adjusted. Mood swings are more severe, experienced a 10 lb weight gain, feeling considerably more anxious, extreme breast tenderness, among feeling nauseated a week prior to period start date. Of course, everyone experiences this differently, but that's my story. Will be discontinuing this on month end."

• Dee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 1, 2018

For Birth Control "First birth control I was on was the mini pill due to intense migraines. This pill was okay, gained a few pounds, and started having mood swings along with a somewhat irregular period, quit because of the low success rate of the pill. Was then put on Orsythia. That was hell on earth. Had a period every 7-10 days that lasted 7-10 days. Constantly cramped. When pretty much insane. Then was put on Ortho Cyclen. I’m very happy. No weight gain, skin looks amazing, regular period. My only issues with the pill are my cramps during my period seem to have intensified, and I fall into a depression during my period. Overall, best BC I’ve tried."

• Vic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 12, 2018

For Birth Control "Started taking this 2 months before I got married. We waited to have sex until we were married. Four months into it, I felt like I was going crazy and didn’t know why. Super emotional and anxious. Not like me at all. A friend suggested it may be the birth control. Sure enough, I got off of it and felt like myself again. Hormones can affect mood significantly, so know your body!"