Kyleena and Depression: What Users Say

• Ada...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 22, 2019

For Birth Control "My experience with Kyleena has been absolutely AWFUL. I'm 20 years old, and I got my IUD in September of 2017. Sometimes my cramps are so bad that my legs go numb because I'm in so much pain. But the real kicker for me about Kyleena is that about 8 months after insertion, it has caused me to have UNBEARABLE anxiety and depression. I will jolt awake in the middle of the night not being able to breathe. It's caused me to have spiraling thoughts, fear about everything and completely not myself. This has continued to this day, and I still have crippling anxiety and cramps. I've been prescribed anxiety and depression medications to help, and I'm going to therapy and talking to my gynecologist, and I'm not getting any better or getting any help. I will wake up feeling so anxious, and then within an hour, I will start cramping so bad. They always coincide with each other. I am on the verge of getting it out. Has anyone else had this experience with Kyleena?"

• Anonymous
• January 30, 2021

"Kyleena is the BEST THING I EVER DID!! There are a ton of bad reviews but don’t let them scare you. I was on the pill for three years but they made me depressed, I gained weight, I’d get migraines, they made my acne worse AND my periods were TERRIBLE!! When I’d get my period before I had Kyleena, I would bleed for 7-10 days and it would be excruciating for the first 4 days. I wouldn’t be able to even move! So I switched to Kyleena. The migraines went away, after the first month, my skin cleared up, I lost weight, my mood was better and my first period was miraculous. I literally was only in pain for an hour. Period lasted about three days, was super light, and the weirdest part is is that even though I was still bleeding, THERE WAS NO PAIN!!! The procedure hurt a little but not quite as bad as I expected. I was not lightheaded, I felt totally fine, and the light cramps only lasted about a week. I’m so thrilled I finally found the perfect birth control. Sex is also wayyy better!"

• Mel...
• April 8, 2021

For Birth Control "I had my IUD for 1 year and 9 months. The good part is I did not get my period much, but of course I panic because I always think I’m pregnant lol. Anyways, while using Kyleena... my mood swings were crazy. I was super mean to my husband, I had severe depression and anxiety, and acne. I gained so much weight with it, and IT'S SO HARD TO LOSE WEIGHT WITH KYLEENA. Also, vaginal dryness was awful, I constantly had yeast infections, tears, lost so much hair... and my sex drive decreased. Overall, I did not like it, I got it removed today I just couldn’t handle it anymore."

• Coc...
• September 7, 2021

For Birth Control "I have seen a ton of 10-star reviews from girls who made the review a week after getting it inserted. Please give it more time until you leave a review because the side effects come in the long term. I had the Kyleena for 2 years, and at first, I convinced myself I loved it, but I was so wrong. The insertion was god-awful and inhumane. After insertion, I had my period for 90 days straight. A few months went by, and I loved the IUD, but then the real side effects started coming. I became extremely irritable, had terrible mood swings, and had suicidal thoughts. I became depressed, had horrible insomnia, had trouble concentrating, and really bad brain fog. I gained a lot of weight despite eating the same amount, and my boobs grew 2 sizes, and when I got the IUD, they deflated, and now look horrible. I got an ovarian cyst, had bacterial vaginosis, uterine spasms, and cramps so bad I would scream. The doctor cut my strings too short, so I had to pay $3000 out of pocket to get it surgically removed."

• P G...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 3, 2020

For Birth Control "I have been on Kyleena now for a year after being on Depo-Provera for 5 years. I have extremely painful periods, and I stayed on Depo because I was scared of the pain coming back (despite my horrible depression, weight gain, and acne). I made the switch to this IUD, and the only bad experience so far was insertion. My doctor suggested prescribing a pain reliever for before the appointment, but I was dumb and didn’t accept it. Ask your doctor for pain pills for those first couple of days, and enjoy your pain-free uterus! I also have lost almost 20 lbs of Depo-Provera weight as well! Not every experience is negative."

• Csm...
• March 10, 2020

For Birth Control "I have been on dozens of birth controls, pills/rings/patches, you name it. Whether it was depression, anxiety, an increase in aura migraines, or weight gain, I felt like Cinderella but having to search for my own damned glass slipper. Well, I got Kyleena about 1.5 years ago to help combat endo. The first month was unpleasant, but I stuck it out. Flash forward, I don't get a period (score!), hence my cramping has reduced substantially. It hasn't prevented the growth of some cysts, but without depression, anxiety, weight gain, or migraines? I'm a major winner. One downside is a little bit of acne around my jawline/chin occasionally. For 5 years of worry-free birth control? I’ll take it. Will it be the same for you looking for your glass slipper? Who's to say. Honestly, all our bodies are different, and what fits me is not a one-size-fits-all. I never write reviews, but I love this IUD. Do your research, but don’t let bad reviews discourage you. I almost did, and that would have been a big mistake."

• MLP...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 7, 2019

For Birth Control "I never write any reviews. I feel like I have to after 2 years of using Kyleena. The side effects are way too much for anyone to handle the pain. In the past, I have had gallstones, 17-hour labor, a 10-pound baby, and never had this much pain in my life. Also, the bleeding was out of control and spotting all month. No sex drive, depressed, an overwhelming sadness like life is not worth living, weight gain, acne, anger, thought I was pregnant, vomiting, breasts hurting, truly unstable. The doctors wanted to put me on antidepressants - no way! I should be happy: new wed, new home, new car. WHY DO I FEEL LIKE THIS??? I decided to remove Kyleena and put in a copper IUD. OMG, now life is great, periods are normal again, having amazing sex, no issues, feeling happy, feeling amazing. Everyone told me it was stress, and in my mind, NOPE... IT WAS MY KYLEENA IUD... no more hormone IUD ever again. Be careful, ladies."

• Pri...
• March 7, 2021

For Birth Control "PLEASE DO RESEARCH BEFORE GETTING THE KYLEENA IUD :( Getting this thing in is one of my biggest regrets! First off, it hurt SO BAD to get in... After insertion, I bled for almost 60 days straight!!!!! It was medium to light spotting EVERY SINGLE DAY! If that was not enough... I developed an ovarian cyst! Sometimes the pain would be so bad I would just cry... THEN I started going through - and still am going through till I get it removed - major insomnia, mood swings, and even depression. Oh, also not to mention I get constant yeast infections because of the IUD, and it constantly smells like fish (BV). Don’t forget the cystic acne either! Oh, and one more thing... the strings were cut too short, so they went back into my uterus, and now I have to get surgery to get it removed :) So thank you, Kyleena, for giving me depression, mood swings, cystic acne, an ovarian cyst, insomnia, constant bleeding for 60 days, and lost strings that now have to be surgically removed."

• Lei...
• April 6, 2021

For Birth Control "PLEASE READ THIS! I was so hopeful to get the Kyleena since I had a bad reaction to birth control pills! I originally wanted the Paragard, but my old doctor talked me into the Kyleena. Soon after it was inserted, I started getting side effects (mood swings, acne, hair loss, depression, insomnia, loss of appetite, but still being constantly bloated, etc.). I found a new doctor who is double board certified and extremely knowledgeable, and she explained that synthetic hormones (specifically BC pills) compromise the gut microbiome, which is responsible for almost our entire body’s function. As doctors say, “the gut is the second brain.” Unfortunately, medical findings take 10 years to hit medical school, so that is why only doctors who are constantly researching know modern info. The vagina actually has its own microbiome too! Since the synthetic hormones leak into the gut and bloodstream, this is why I had so many side effects."

• Ger...
• February 27, 2021

For Birth Control "I had the Kyleena for 2 years, this is my experience. I am a fit, healthy 25-year-old woman with a background in healthcare and no existing medical conditions or symptoms before Kyleena. The procedure for insertion I found to be okay. After, I had unbearable cramping for about 3 months and irregular bleeding. For the past 2 years, I have experienced increasing anxiety and depression. Uterine pain during sports such as rock climbing, skiing, kayaking, running, etc., that didn’t used to be painful. Additionally, I experienced decreased libido, pain during sex, recurrent yeast infections, vaginal dryness, nausea, headaches, back pain, insomnia, and my period stopped altogether. Two months ago, I got the Kyleena removed, I am aware of the placebo effect, etc. The removal was painless. The first 3 days after removal, I experienced extreme mood swings and heavy bleeding. But ever since then, I am happy to say I have had none of these side effects anymore and feel like myself."

• Lua...
• December 16, 2019

For Birth Control "I've had this fitted 11 days ago. Nobody tells you this, but we're not lab rats. Without a proper hormonal screening, this should not be inserted. It's absolutely bad having it fixed. Side effects: painful acne all over my neck, back, and face. Thrush that won't go away. Cramps. I haven't even had the courage to have sex, my drive went from horny rabbit to absolutely gone. I feel like I'm losing my mind - crying 5 times a day at least. Migraines, headaches, anxiety over the roof. Not being able to be myself though, having terrible mood swings and feeling depressed to the point where I isolate myself from everyone and feel like I'm a stupid experiment due to this product. I'm having it removed and will probably use non-hormonal contraception. This has been the worst thing I've done to myself in 30 years."

• AKa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 21, 2021

For Birth Control "I highly recommend not getting this IUD, as I have had an incredibly horrible experience. I took 2 Advil prior to the insertion, and the pain was bearable. I bled for about a month straight after, which is what I expected. Exactly one month after getting my IUD was when everything went downhill. One month in, I developed severe anxiety and depression. I couldn’t go a day without having an anxiety or panic attack. It got so bad to the point that I couldn’t drive my car or go out to eat. Not only was I struggling with anxiety, but I didn’t feel myself. I had horrible brain fog and felt mentally off. I am convinced that my IUD caused this. I got it removed about 2 months ago after having it in for only 4 months. I am finally starting to feel more and more like myself. Please, please do your research before getting this put in your body."

• Jus...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 29, 2020

For Birth Control "I have had Kyleena for 6 months now. At first, I thought it was great aside from the terrible pain at insertion. The pain was breathtaking, and I thought I might faint. The severe pain lasted a few minutes, with minor cramping for days after. I decided to get Kyleena due to heavy periods and terrible cramps. My iron levels stayed low, and I would feel very faint at times. Kyleena has really helped the pain and bleeding. My periods are very light, with mild cramps. I plan to have Kyleena removed due to mood swings, weight gain, and vaginal infections, which I've never had before. I feel depressed and angry most days, which is not normal for me at all. The Kyleena IUD might be great for some women, but it's just not working out for me. I hope this helps someone."

• Lau...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 26, 2021

For Birth Control "This IUD changed my life. I've had it for about 5 months already, and it has completely changed my life. I was on birth control pills for a year and a half due to painful periods and wanted a safe method of birth control to have sex with my long-term boyfriend. The main reason I chose the IUD is because I have very intense mood swings and what feels like terrible depression. My mental health was terrible. The insertion pain was about an 8 out of 10 but lasted only one minute. Not even two months after getting it inserted, my mental health improved drastically and made me very happy, into the person I am today. I am so happy with the Kyleena IUD, and I am very, very happy with it. If you're hesitating about getting the IUD because of the pain, it's SO INCREDIBLY WORTH IT. I get bad period cramps for one day during my period and then no more pain for the rest of my period. It DOES WONDERS for mental health!"

• Med...
• November 18, 2019

For Birth Control "In med school, I learned IUDs were so great-reliable, easy, can't be felt once it's in, covered by insurance, and 'locally acting.' I switched roles and got to be the patient. It has been the worst medical experience of my life. In just 10 days of having Kyleena, I was in the deepest depression of my life with extreme tearfulness that was interrupting work. I have lost at least 25% of my hair. I have gained 10 pounds, bled every day, have extreme cramping, bloating, back pain, and breast pain. This device needs to be recalled and taken off the market. It is obviously not locally acting to have all these side effects. After 7 days, I told my doctor the symptoms. She recommended I start anti-depressants, which is bad practice to mask all the symptoms with more drugs with their own side effects. I would also need pain meds, muscle relaxers, diuretics (for bloating), hair growth medication, acne medication. My advice to every patient is not to get this implanted!"

• Hon...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 10, 2023

For Birth Control "So I have had 3 IUDs in my life-no kids. This was my first time on the Kyleena. Insertion was fine, no issues. I had a period my entire time on the Kyleena. My periods have always been somewhat irregular, and Kyleena sorta regulated them a bit, but the side effects that came along long-term were not worth it in my opinion. Probably after a year or so of having it, my mood swings were insane. Every emotion I felt was intensified. It caused me to become depressed. I would have suicidal thoughts ONLY ON MY PERIOD. My period cramps got really bad, I had multiple UTIs, bacterial vaginosis, and yeast infections. At one point, I had BV and a UTI at once, and the back-to-back antibiotics caused me to get hemorrhoids. My eyelashes started falling out a lot, the vaginal dryness I experienced was horrible. Like I said, I've had 3 IUDs and never experienced these symptoms before. At first, I didn't connect them all to Kyleena, but after doing some research, I figured it out. Please do your research."

• jus...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 2, 2022

For Birth Control "Please read. Insertion wasn’t bad, it was uncomfortable but not painful. Then I bled lightly for about 2 months, and once the two months were over, I didn’t have a period for 6-8 months. The first year of having it, I struggled so heavily with depression and anxiety. I felt, more often than not, that I was absolutely crazy. I would have intense mood swings and suicidal thoughts. It never occurred to me at the time that my Kyleena could have triggered it. I am 21 now, and I’m living the life I have always pictured in my head, yet I have major mood swings, and around the time that my period comes, I actually feel mentally insane. My thoughts race, they get very dark, and the moods I get in take a huge toll on my relationship. I am not someone who usually writes reviews, but if I can help some girl decide NOT to do this and save her the mental agony that comes along with Kyleena, then so be it. Currently planning to get it removed."

• Ano...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 6, 2019

For Birth Control "Insertion felt like a little pressure and pinch. I have a high pain tolerance, so it didn’t feel like much. Light bleeding after. Then everything was okay up until my first real period on it. I had the most miserable cramps. Every single day. I’m talking contractions for cramps that would last the whole day. It was so bad that I could not get out of bed. This lasted for 3 months straight. I also had a heavy period for those 3 months as well. I talked to my gyno, and she said I have to give 6 months for my body to get used to it. Here I am 8 months in; I’ve gained 20 lbs, losing chunks of hair, have horrible acne covering my back, neck, and chin. I have depression. On top of a week prior to my period starting, I experience contraction-like cramps. I have a period for 10 days and spot for a few days after, and then I’m good for a week, then I’m back on my period again. Having this IUD is a nuisance more than a benefit."

• Lai...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 21, 2019

For Birth Control "Had Skyla IUD for 3 years, the insertion was an awful experience, and my strings got sucked up into my uterus, but overall no complaints on the side effects. When it came time to take out my Skyla, my GYN suggested Kyleena because it's 5 years. I got it in July 2019. Inserting it was very painful. I felt fine for the first few months until suddenly I started getting these awful migraines (never has been an issue for me before). They did a head CT, and I guess I have a pituitary microadenoma? I'm not sure if this was caused by the IUD or not, but it's one massive coincidence. Like others have mentioned, the emotional turmoil this IUD sends you through is not worth it. My depression and anxiety are the worst they've been in years. Mood swings are bad. Irregular bleeding and painful/crampy sex at times. I'm scheduling to get it removed, and I've only had this for a few months. Of note, I am very sensitive to medications, but I figured I'd share this."

• kat...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 15, 2019

For Birth Control "I got Kyleena placed in January. The insertion wasn't nearly as bad as I had expected, for me, it felt like a big menstrual cramp on each side while being placed. I did not bleed afterwards, and I could not tell anything was different. My periods have increasingly become lighter, and I never have any spotting in between periods. While I enjoy Kyleena because I have no physical symptoms, my emotions have been all over the place. I feel like I am moody much of the time, my anxiety is through the roof, and I have lost much of my motivation to be active. I've always been slightly anxious, but it has significantly escalated. I am currently trying to decide if I want to try a medication to ease my anxiety or if I should just get it removed."

• kyl...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 3, 2024

For Birth Control "So to start the review off. I actually just had mine removed today after almost having it for one year. I have been on every birth control you can think of since I was 16: the pill, the patch, the ring, now this IUD. I will say the IUD did help give me shorter periods and not as painful ones, but the mental side effects were horrible. Made me antisocial, gave me low self-esteem, anxiety and rumination of thoughts, brain fog, my memory became worse and worse, lack of motivation. Ladies, listen to your body. If you notice that you’re having these emotions or thoughts, know that it’s more than likely your IUD and you’re not crazy. Everybody’s experience is different, but when they say it’s localized, it’s not, you will more than likely over time still have the depression and anxiety. I was even on an SSRI prior, and it still didn’t help. Weight gain is pretty common, which is what I got. The moment I removed my IUD, the head tension I had immediately alleviated."

• kyl...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 3, 2024

For Birth Control "So to start the review off. I actually just had mine removed today after almost having it for one year. I have been on every birth control you can think of since I was 16: the pill, the patch, the ring, now this IUD. I will say the IUD did help give me shorter periods and not as painful ones, but the mental side effects were horrible. Made me antisocial, gave me low self-esteem, anxiety and rumination of thoughts, brain fog, my memory became worse and worse, lack of motivation. Ladies, listen to your body. If you notice that you’re having these emotions or thoughts, know that it’s more than likely your IUD and you’re not crazy. Everybody’s experience is different, but when they say it’s localized, it’s not, you will more than likely over time still have the depression and anxiety. I was even on an SSRI prior, and it still didn’t help. Weight gain is pretty common, which is what I got. The moment I removed my IUD, the head tension I had immediately alleviated."

• iud...
• December 28, 2020

For Birth Control "Overview: Got Kyleena in June of 2019. Kyleena insertion was horrendous. The 5 seconds that your OB is in your cervix, it's an utter nightmare. I fainted on the table and had to Uber home. Cramps for me lasted about 2-3 days after, and I didn't have any odd bleeding/spotting. PROS - light bleeding/spotting for period - low maintenance, never have to remember to take anything. CONS - lowered my libido IMMENSELY - intense cramps during periods - cramps/pain during sex if inserted deep enough - unbelievable depression, horrible - concentrated acne on my cheeks - 8-10 pounds of weight gain. After 1.5 years of giving the benefit of the doubt to this IUD... I'm getting it removed tomorrow. Everyone's bodies are different, but if you've ever had an inkling of acne or depression in your past, do not take this. Excited as anything to get this removed tomorrow."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 6, 2021

For Birth Control "Been on the Kyleena for 1.5 years now, and I absolutely don't want to have it anymore. Insertion was okay, it hurt bad for about a week or so, but was happy I had it as it is low maintenance. Although it caused so many mood swings that were unbearable. Still have my period, and they are irregular. Occasional acne will appear as usual before my period. The thing I can’t deal with the most is the mood change though. If you have a history of depression or anything mood-altering, then don’t try this unless you are prepared to feel depressed for the duration of it."

• Mom...
• October 20, 2019

For Birth Control "I just wanted to share my experience with Kyleena. I had it placed around the last week of September, and I’ve scheduled an appointment to have it removed Monday 8/21. I wouldn’t say I’ve had this birth control long enough to see any positive results, and I hate to leave only negative, so I will say that placement was only slightly uncomfortable for me. Somehow, I got lucky and was on my period during placement. Now, I’ve developed awful acne and not simple acne. This is boils. All over my back, my neck, and some places on my face. I’ve never been one to have headaches, and now they’re daily. I also have developed dizziness and a “fog” brain. My breasts hurt on and off, my boyfriend said the string was sharp, so I checked myself, and yes! I’ve developed night sweats! And not to mention my anxiety, depression, and anger issues are out of this world. I snap so easily!! Thank goodness I’m having it removed in two days."