Ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate and Depression: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 15, 2020

For Birth Control "DO NOT TAKE THIS! I have been trying to figure out what was wrong with me for over a year. Never once did it occur that it was the birth control I am taking, but I finally came to the realization. I never had these issues prior to taking this pill. I have developed anxiety, depression, my joy for life is gone, I have absolutely no sex drive, it's like there is a dark cloud over me, I am unmotivated and tired, the list goes on. I'll take acne and painful periods any day over what I have experienced over these last few years because of this pill. I wish I had known this before I started. I was young and had no clue. Was very uninformed. I hope this helps someone else. Do not do it. It is not worth it at all!"

• Rit...
• June 1, 2020

For Birth Control "I’m 21 years old. I gained 15 pounds in 3 months while on Sprintec. My sex drive went way down to the point where I just wouldn’t enjoy sex anymore. I couldn’t naturally get wet anymore, so it was painful when we would have sex, so we had to start using lube. The worst thing was that it messed with me mentally. I would have the worst mood swings, and I was very depressed, irrational, and frustrated. My boyfriend is the one who talked to me and asked what was going on with me, and I just completely broke down crying trying to explain that I had no idea what was wrong with me and that I just didn’t feel like myself. He told me it could be my birth control, and just then it clicked in my head, like duh, of course it is. So, I immediately stopped taking it. This is 2 months later that I’m writing this, and I feel 100% better! I’ve lost 10 pounds, and I finally feel like myself again!"

• Liv...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 18, 2021

For Birth Control "I was so scared to start taking this pill because I came on here and read all the negative reviews. But what you have to remember is that everyone's body is different and will react differently on this medication. For me, I have not had any changes whatsoever. I am still completely the same person I was before I started taking Mono-Linyah. No mood swings, cravings, bleeding, depression, or anything negative like that. If you are about to start this medication and are worried after seeing all the terrible reviews, just remember I was scared to take it too and I couldn't be happier with it. I have nothing bad to say about it! Just remember everyone is different and if you have a negative reaction to it there are plenty of other options to try!"

• AF2...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 21, 2020

For Birth Control "I started this birth control, Sprintec, just under two months ago. This is my first one. I have two days left this month, and I’m quitting. I have a history of stomach issues, and my periods definitely aren’t fun either. I threw up the first night I started Sprintec. I have not been myself since I started it. My stomach hurts, and I’m nauseous every day. I have really bad headaches almost every day, if not every day. I can’t sleep. My emotions are awful. I feel so depressed and anxious. I struggle to find the motivation to do anything or even live. I wanted my periods to be less painful. Now I look forward to them every month because I feel better when I’m on it than when I take the pill for the other 21 days. I desperately just want to be myself again. I don’t even know who I am anymore. I’m sure this is different for everyone, but I just can’t handle it anymore."

• Ver...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 9, 2019

For Birth Control "DON'T READ THE REVIEWS!!!!! The pill works so differently for everyone’s body. I was on Loestrin Fe for around 6 months before I started Estarylla. On the Loestrin, I experienced awful depression that I didn’t even know was possible from birth control. In the first week of starting Estarylla, I felt 100 times better and still feel way happier. While on my first pill, I read the reviews on this website and started sobbing my eyes out, freaking out that Estarylla was going to be the death of me. The only bad thing I've experienced on this medication is extremely heavy irregular bleeding, but I realize it’s still the first month, so it should get better. Birth control works WAY differently on everyone’s body, so don’t let these reviews freak you out!!!!"

• Ell...
• February 4, 2021

For Birth Control "Reading these other reviews makes me question my experience with this birth control because I have anxiety and depression. However, I have struggled with this all my life, and I can't say for sure that Estarylla has impacted these things for me. I've taken this birth control for over two years, and I have a very high sex drive along with clear skin! My experience has been overwhelmingly positive, but I wish there was more education about the possible physical and mental side effects of these medications."

• Emm...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 27, 2020

For Birth Control "Tri-Lo-Estarylla was so, so awful. I really wanted this to work. I knew that there would be side effects, but I never expected them to be this bad. I can never predict when I am going to be bleeding. Due to the inconsistency of my bleeding, I believed I was pregnant at one point while taking this medication. However, the physical side effects were not even the worst part. I have never experienced constant anxiety or depression until taking these pills. I have experienced panic attacks while taking this pill that I have never had before. This medication has, quite frankly, ruined my mental health. I get stuck in cycles of anxiety and depression. I panic over the smallest things and generally feel as if I do not have any emotional stability in my life. If you are experiencing these mental health symptoms, please know that you are not alone. Contact your doctor and see if you can stop taking these pills. I hope that either another pill or another form of contraception will work for me."

• rpv...
• October 9, 2018

For Birth Control "I've been taking this birth control for 3 months after fighting with my insurance about not wanting the generic because they are different, as we all know. I was approved OTCL, so I was stoked. Even though OTCL reviews are scary, I'm prone to anxiety and depression, and I had not ONE side effect from OTCL. Today, I am very upset because, according to pharmacists, the manufacturer has discontinued Ortho Tri-Cyclen LO? Why would the company do this? My insurance and I were paying for this, and this is the ONLY birth control that has zero side effects for me. I don't know what to do now. After doing extensive research on Tri Lo Sprintec, ALMOST ALL PEOPLE SWITCH BACK TO ORTHO TRI CYCLEN LO BECAUSE OF SIDE EFFECTS FROM TRI LO SPRINTEC OR ANOTHER OTCL GENERIC. I was told that generics have different binders in them (fillers such as sugar amount or other chemicals) that make the body absorb medication differently. PLEASE BRING BACK OTCL, I hope this is a false alarm and my BC will be back."

• Jan...
• February 26, 2020

For Ovarian Cysts "I am finding through more and more reading of reviews is that a lot of these higher estrogen, progestogen pills ruin lives. This pill absolutely destroyed my mental health. I had dark thoughts, I was aggressive and severely depressed. I gained back 10 pounds that I spent the last few months losing within the first month of this pill. I bled for three weeks straight and had super dry, itchy skin. Plus, it made sex unbearably painful, which I have never experienced before. I was practically manic depressive and extremely anxious with migraines and didn't have the energy. I do not recommend this at all, and I am really considering stopping birth control altogether as I am about to start Apri, and they say the same side effects happen. If you are trying this and have any symptoms, especially emotional and the weight, and pain down there from dryness and sex being unbearable, STOP ASAP and try something new. Please take care and don't ignore side effects."

• Ana...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 3, 2019

For Acne "I am never one to post reviews anywhere, but I just had to for this drug for anyone out there who is still battling with acne. I’m in my mid-20s and suffered from acne for almost 3 years. I’ve tried everything and spent $$$ just to get rid of it. Birth control pills were prescribed by my derma, but the first brand that he gave me (Alesse) made me depressed and way too emotional, so I had to ditch that one. Tried to switch to another one, but I’ve suffered way too many side effects and tried two more before I landed on Ortho Tri-Cyclen. I’m on my 3rd month of using it, and I have zero acne, not a whitehead on my face right now. I’ve had a breakout in my first month of using it, mostly around my chin and jaw area, but after that batch cleared up, I haven’t worried about acne anymore. Best one I’ve tried and will be on this pill for as long as I can!"

• Lil...
• June 7, 2016

For Birth Control "I have had absolutely no problems with Tri-Sprintec. I don't have any side effects at all. No weight gain, no mood swings, no depression, no anxiety, no nausea, same sex drive. (No increase in breast size either - I WISH I had that side effect!) I feel exactly the same taking this as I did not taking any birth control. The only difference is my periods are lighter and shorter, and my cramps are no longer severe. By the way, I was really scared to take this because of the negative reviews I read! But before you decide this is a bad pill, give it a try. Every woman's body is different, and your experience will just depend on your body!"

• Bug...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 28, 2020

For Birth Control "So I've been on this pill for 9 months. It's given me really bad mood swings, depression, etc. I almost feel manic depressive on it. The hormone levels change drastically throughout the pill pack, which is why you get mood swings. Look for a monophasic birth control instead - going off this drug now. It worked on the whole no-pregnancy bit, and my periods were very short and light. No acne either. But I'd rather not feel crazy."

• Cal...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 31, 2020

For Birth Control "I’ve been on this pill, Estarylla, for 3 years. It was the generic form, Ortho Tri-Cyclen. This pill has caused me severe depression, brain fog, a feeling like a heavy darkness over my life with suicidal thoughts, anger and aggression, and migraine headaches. I’ve had severe anxiety, constipation, and stomach pain. When I’m off for the 7-day placebo tablets, I feel the best, but then I start the new pack Sunday, and the cycle starts again until the end of the pack. This product should be discontinued. I did clear up my skin and prevent pregnancy, but it hasn’t been worth it."

• Lex...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 25, 2019

For Birth Control "It was my first time on birth control. I thought, okay, cool. I was trying to get my hormones in check more than anything else. WRONG. Since starting, I’ve had severe anxiety, racing heart, racing thoughts, disorientation, insomnia, thoughts of suicide, and pretty harsh depressive episodes. It’s been miserable. I haven’t seen anyone else really talking about this, but it’s been so extreme. It’s been miserable, I’ve had the constant “I’m going absolutely crazy” thought. But as soon as I stopped, it’s like I was back to normal. I know everyone is different, and maybe it’s just me, but I really can’t handle this pill."

• Lyn...
• August 14, 2014

For Birth Control "The pill started great until every time I take it I want to vomit all the time. Practically, had the experience of a pregnant woman. I gained weight, was expected, and had terrible headaches that don't go away for hours. Impossible to sleep without wanting to vomit. I've been having emotional problems, feeling depressed and crying without reason."

• CV ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 13, 2021

For Birth Control "Like many of the other ladies, I was on Femynor, and my pharmacy switched me to this because they were out. I noticed the change almost immediately, by day 4, I threw the pack away. My husband noticed that I was easily angered, was crying about everything, and seemed depressed. I had tried them about 2 years ago and had the same problem. Everybody is different, but I'm sharing my experience because the pharmacist made it seem as if I was crazy. You know your body!"

• Kay...
• August 12, 2010

For Birth Control "It hasn't made me sick or caused acne. I went to the doctor's twice from a urinary tract infection since I've been on it. I've been taking it for a month now, and my mood has changed severely. I have no interest in sex at all, I get dry, and I have no intention of wanting to do it. I feel stressed and depressed, and I've never been like that. I feel bad for my boyfriend, and it's been ruining our love life. I'm calling my doctor to switch as soon as she is available. When they say birth control doesn't affect your mood, they are wrong! Read the other reviews."

• kyg...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 1, 2019

For Birth Control "My experience with Tri-Sprintec has been wonderful! I've been on it for over a year now and have never had any major complications. I switched to Tri-Sprintec from Trinessa due to my insurance, but needless to say, they both worked well for me. I lost nearly 30 pounds, and it decreased my appetite, my skin is finally clear, with occasional breakouts when my period is about to start. As far as sex goes, with me being on the pill, my boyfriend and I don't use protection, and it's kept me baby-free! The only thing negative I have to say is when my body was adjusting to it after I just got it, I was so moody and depressed, and my libido (sex drive) was low for the first month or so. Overall rating for me is 10/10! But keep in mind, everyone's body is different, so your experience may be different!"

• Con...
• December 1, 2014

For Birth Control "The positive I had on this medication was having great, clear skin. But the negatives very heavily outweigh the positives. I've been on this for a month and a half and already have to stop taking it. I get constant headaches, my mood swings are off the wall (affecting my boyfriend and I's relationship), nausea, difficulty concentrating, irrational thoughts, and depression. Switching off of this immediately. If you are prone to depression, DO NOT take this pill!"

• Ash...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 3, 2013

For Birth Control "I love this birth control. I've been on it for almost five months. I've been on two other pills before. They made me have severe mood swings and horrible depression, so my doctor put me on this one. I love it. My breasts have gotten bigger as well, which is a HUGE plus for me. Also, the only thing I use is these pills, no condoms or anything else, and I have a very active sex life, and I haven't gotten pregnant, so it is doing a great job. It has given me a higher sex drive too. I have two problems with it, but the pros outweigh the negatives. Firstly, I get nausea when I start a new pack. It usually lasts 3-4 days. It also gives me heavy periods. Though, they only last 3-4 days."

• Leo...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 9, 2020

For Birth Control "I have been on Sprintec for about 3-4 years. Overall, there's definitely pros and cons for me personally. I was young when I started taking it, and it helped so much with cystic acne. It's done what it's supposed to as far as preventing pregnancy. But as I've gotten older and the longer I've taken it, I feel like I'm dealing with PMS or even PMDD (a more severe form of PMS) for more than half the month. It's terrible... The mood swings are terrible, weight change, fluid retention, acne (not cystic, but acne and dryness of skin), prone to yeast infections after periods, terrible fatigue, and I feel depressed and angry. All this with caring well for my health and my skin. Keep in mind this is my personal experience up to date!"

• Eri...
• July 26, 2020

For Birth Control "Tri-Lo-Mili is the worst thing you will ever take. I miss my old self. This pill has made me lash out at loved ones, depressed, emotional, anxious, the list goes on. It made me completely dry down there, and it made me break out into a rash. I have been itching all over my body for a month now. I’ve been on the pill for two months, and I tried to stick it out and see if the symptoms would go away, but no. I will be getting off this immediately. First time on birth control and the last time."

• Mae...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 10, 2021

For Birth Control "I started Mili 2 weeks ago after my previous pill was discontinued, and my emotions have been all over the place. Anxious, depressed, just super emotional. It just clicked today to do my research after crying again for something minor! Needless to say, today will be the last day I take this medication."

• wiu...
• February 16, 2014

For Birth Control "I used to take Tri-Sprintec, but my pharmacy switched me to Tri-Previfem. I have been on it for about a year, and at first, it was alright, but after a few months, I noticed things were starting to change. I started feeling depressed, developing anxiety, and I noticed my libido was declining. I didn't really think much of it, but now it is getting worse and worse. I have been having anxiety attacks, which I never had before taking this. I have been more depressed than ever before. And don't even get me started on my libido. I am only 21, and I never want to have sex anymore. I have been with my boyfriend for 5 years, and I used to always want to do it. Now, it seems like I have to force myself to do anything, and I shouldn't have to do that."

• Kka...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 16, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I’ve been on birth control pills for the last 10 years and never once experienced breakthrough bleeding until switching to Estarylla 3 months ago (I had been using Spintec for the majority). I’m now on my 9th week of nonstop bleeding. My mood swings and depression haven’t been this bad in years. I’m going to my doctor next week to talk about getting a different kind of birth control altogether (probably an IUD) because this experience has been rather traumatic for both my body and mental health. Please stay away from this brand of birth control pills."