Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo and Moody: What Users Say

• MCS...
• February 7, 2019

For Birth Control "I was on Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo for 16 years. Never had any major problems or side effects. Just mild mood issues, like crying on sappy commercials. Lightened and shortened my period. I can't speak to its effects on acne because my skin has always been clear with the rare occasion of a small pimple. But now some evil insurance or pharma company has decided to stop manufacturing Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo, and I've been switched to Tri Lo Sprintec, and I'm terrified! The reviews I read were horrible! I model and can't afford any crazy breakouts!"

• btl...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 5, 2015

For Birth Control "I am on my third month of this birth control, and I am satisfied with it. The first week I took it, I would take the pill at night and then wake up in the morning with vomiting or nausea. The morning after I took the very first pill was the worst. This occurred the first few white pills of the second pack as well, however, it subsided after a few days. I noticed I was moodier than usual the first few weeks, but that went away. I'm glad I didn't stop taking it because now I don't even notice anything negative. I haven't gained weight, it hasn't helped my acne, but it hasn't hurt it either, so that's fine with me. My periods became lighter for fewer days and MUCH less painful. My cramps are so much better now. Most importantly, I'm not pregnant."

• Mc2...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 8, 2015

For Birth Control "A few friends recommended this brand and said it did not give them any side effects. I was sold on that alone. A couple of weeks in, I started to get horrible cystic acne on my chin. I am prone to breakouts and have heard Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo helps clear up skin...so I was confused about this side effect. Once the first cyst was gone, another one shortly came up. It was never-ending. Started my second pack. The same thing happened again with the cystic acne. I almost wanted to get off the pill because of it. But I loved that I did not have any other side effects. No weight gain, no moodiness, and my sex drive actually increased. Finally, halfway through my third pack, the cysts were gone. All in all, it's a great pill besides the cysts I got."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 9, 2014

For Birth Control "I am always crying and moody (my poor boyfriend). Sometimes, it is never that serious, and I would realize that the next day. I'm 21 and in college, and that is stressful enough. I have my sex drive still intact, but I am always hungry (I've always been this way but know it is out of control)! I eat everything in sight. This is becoming really expensive for me and my boyfriend. Other than that, I have regulated less painful periods, no bloating, and they are very on time. I like it because of the low hormone levels, but I am emotional."

• Esp...
• May 30, 2015

For Birth Control "I was on this pill for a little more than one year before I switched to an IUD (Mirena). Pros: -regular, short, predictable periods with little to no PMS -clear skin -went up a cup size (B to C). Cons: -increased vaginal discharge and odor -weight gain (20 lbs) with little to no change in diet/exercise -moodiness/days of low energy. I might have stayed on this pill because of the regular periods and clear acne, but the weight gain made me self-conscious, and a break from daily pills (with IUD) was appealing."

• OB-...
• August 23, 2011

For Birth Control "This pill does the job. I had been on it for 3 years, very sexually active and had never been pregnant. When I got married though (2 yrs ago), having a man there to notice every mood you are in and when things bother you made me realize what a complete mess I was when I was taking the pill. I would get ovarian cysts (in and out of the ER for them). I passed out a lot from nausea and dizziness. Headaches were chronic and I was super moody. My periods were pretty regular, but they were heavy and long. I broke out a lot and was super bloated when on it. ALL birth control pill side effects vary from person to person and their body types. So don't go off this alone, but at least give your body 3-4 months to adapt to the birth control pill and document daily how you are feeling."

• not...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 21, 2013

"I've been on this for about 6 months, and the first few months were great. I felt no difference after switching from a different pill. The last few months, on the other hand, have been terrible! I've been so moody (cry at the drop of a hat, always mad and irritated), and I've been having terrible cravings. I have also experienced in-between periods, spotting and general discomfort in my body."

• Anonymous
• June 16, 2010

For Birth Control "I have been using this pill for 3 years. I feel this pill helped clear up my acne. I have lighter periods, and my cramps are not as bad. I would recommend this pill for anyone who has a heavy flow and really bad cramps. Now my period only lasts a few days and hardly any pain. I do, however, get really emotional and moody! And have a decreased sex drive. I'm thinking about getting off of it because of my mood swings. Hope this helps."

• Anonymous
• August 17, 2010

For Birth Control "I had been on the pill for about 1 year. The first 3 months were pretty bad, experienced nausea and stomach pains. In the following months, my acne cleared, my period pains were less, and periods were shorter. I feel I retain water, and it shows I gained 10 lbs. I was more moody and worried about things that made me feel crazy. I just recently decided to stop using the pill. I want to get back to my normal self."

• Rac...
• March 23, 2017

For Birth Control "I've been on this birth control for almost 2 weeks now, and there have been no negative side effects: no moodiness, no pimples, no weight gain or loss, etc. I've also already noticed my skin slightly less pimply (although this might have to do with certain times of the month/hormones, we'll see). If anything, I've noticed my mood become more stable and happy. So far, so good!"

• Anonymous
• July 6, 2010

For Birth Control "I switched to Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo after my insurance changed and Yaz became too expensive. I have been on Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo for about 4 months, and it has cleared up my acne and been completely effective as birth control. I was moody and anxious for the first 2 months, but I feel like I am adjusting to the hormones! I did gain about 5 lbs, but have lost them with exercise and a healthy diet! I am 5'8, 125 lbs. Hope this is helpful!"

• lam...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 21, 2015

For Birth Control "I had never been on birth control before, so I was super nervous when I got married to start taking it. I read all the reviews, the horror stories, and success stories, and it seems to me everyone's body takes the pill differently. I have been on the pill for a year now. The first month was aggravating, I was very nauseous and had a lot of extra bleeding, but now my body is used to it and I feel no side effects. I take it at night before bed on a full stomach. My periods are regular (granted I have always had a regular period). My acne and weight have stayed the same. The only thing I feel is different is during that time of month I am even more moody. No pregnancy or pregnancy scares even with missing a few pills."

• Anonymous
• March 9, 2010

For Birth Control "Taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo made me moody, depressed, and anxious. I had cramps a week before and a week after my period. I was like a different person. I have returned to Ortho Tri regular, and I am back to my normal self."

• Hdo...
• July 15, 2017

For Birth Control "First month on this, I had awful cramps. Following, I was very moody, and I'm normally very positive. Constantly fatigued and stressed. Gained a lot of weight on my stomach and hips, which pissed me off a lot more since I'm working out regularly and eating how I normally do, pretty healthily. Breasts grew bigger. Constantly feel bloated, and stomach area feels sensitive, but at the same time always hungry. I've decided to stop taking it and am going to search for another option. Simply not worth all the trouble."

• Anonymous
• January 6, 2011

For Birth Control "I was on Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo for about 5 years and switched to Loestrin (because of insurance purposes). As soon as I switched, I got horrible acne. Although Loestrin gave me lighter periods, I was crazy, moody, and overall a terrible, cranky person-haha. I gave it about 6 months to see if it would get better-it didn't, so I'm spending $75 a month for Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo again. Totally worth it."

• Mag...
• August 16, 2017

For Birth Control "I have been on this medication for about 2 years now, and I absolutely hate it. It worked very well the first couple of months (originally went on it for acne), but then it started going downhill. I gained an unbearable amount of weight on my stomach and hips. My moodiness is disastrous to the point where I can't have a normal conversation with people some days. I get extremely emotional, to the point where I cry over very small things. Not to mention, my appetite has spiked x100. I need to get off this ASAP. I don't recommend."

• Anonymous
• February 17, 2012

For Birth Control "I have been on Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo for about 9-10 years, other than when I got off of it to have my 3 children. I never had any weight gain, acne problems, and never had any heavy bleeding. I had a light period and occasional moodiness, but nothing out of the ordinary. BUT! I have noticed a SEVERE lack of sex drive!! As in no sex drive at all, nothing, notta, zero, zilch!! This is a great pill to take if you don't care to have a sex life and are not married."

• Anonymous
• June 10, 2010

"This product was very effective in preventing pregnancy and made my periods a lot lighter, but for me, it came with a lot of side effects. I was extremely moody, I wanted to break down and cry about even the littlest things. I was temperamental and got irritated easier than normal, and my period was extremely irregular. I was only on it for 3 months with these side effects being continuous the entire time, so my nurse practitioner decided to change my contraceptive to Levora. I'm 18, healthy, 5'4" and about 110 lbs. Hope this helps."

• kah...
• November 22, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been on this birth control for quite some time. I had many side effects such as weight gain, dizziness/lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting, severe onset of migraines and headaches, and moodiness. It was a great way to regulate my period and protect against pregnancy. I have been on it for 5 years. I stopped taking it for at least 6 months to a year, and all of the side effects were gone. However, I became active again and started taking it. I have been on it for more than 6 months now and have gained more weight, more headaches/migraines, more moodiness, increased dizziness and lightheadedness. It was a good way to start my periods regularly and to get them on track, but I can do without all of these side effects and being tired all the time."

• Aer...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 21, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been on this pill for exactly one year, and only up until this month have I had problems. Throughout the duration, I got more moody and felt more depressed the week before and two days into my period. I get excess yeast exactly one week after my period on the first week of my pill, and lately, I've been experiencing nausea. It's manageable, just very irritating. My doctor suggested I switch to 'Lolo,' but besides that, this pill was very easy, and the side effects didn't last long. They just gave me bad cramps instead of reducing it."

• Ele...
• January 14, 2017

For Birth Control "I love this pill. Before starting Ortho, I was on Junel Fe and had two periods per month. One on and off the active pill. With Ortho, I've had none of that nonsense, no weight gain, no additional moodiness, no loss of sex drive, and relatively good control over my acne. I only see flare-ups on the inactive pills. My only complaint would be that it didn't make my period lighter or decrease my symptoms. Overall, love it."

• kri...
• December 14, 2011

For Birth Control "I do not like this pill at all. I always have headaches. I'm moody and depressed. I'm on Zoloft for that, and it's not working. Since I've been on this birth control pill, my vagina always hurts, especially during and after sex, and I suffer from dryness. I'm 15, I shouldn't have that problem."

• Moo...
• January 11, 2012

For Birth Control "I switched from Loestrin 24 Fe to Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo after being on the former for over a year and a half and still not having predictable periods. Ortho has regulated my period, which was miraculous to me, especially since I also have a thyroid condition that makes it even more unpredictable, and I haven't had any breakthrough bleeding or spotting. One thing I did notice on Ortho, however, is a new moodiness I've never had before. I found myself crying over silly things and swinging in and out of depressed states daily, which is very scary to me because I am usually the 'guy' in my relationships without the emotional tendencies that most women have. I just hope it lessens, though, because otherwise, this birth control is great."

• Dan...
• June 21, 2016

For Birth Control "This pill was my 3rd try at birth control pills. From my last pill, this one decreased my severe headaches. But, after going off of the pill for a couple of months and going back to this, I felt like I went crazy during PMS week. I have never in my life experienced such severe depression and mood swings that I felt I was going crazy. I did have regular periods, but headaches came back full force, and I am moody always."

• Kat...
• June 25, 2010

For Birth Control "I've been on Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo for about a year now, and it has done its job on preventing pregnancy. It has not affected my weight and has not caused me any sickness. What it hasn't done, though, is help with breakouts on my face or my flow. And it has caused me to be moody and get upset easily. It has definitely lowered my sex drive."