Kyleena and Depression: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Tif...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 6, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been on Kyleena for about 4 months, and I can say it has had me all over the place. I have 4 kids, which has definitely helped my cramping in a positive way. I decided to get on birth control after giving birth to my last son because I didn’t want to get my tubes tied based on what I have heard from women that have had their tubes tied. I heard that the cramps are really bad and blood flow will increase tremendously. I have tried several pills, and they would all make me sick. So my doctor wanted me to try the IUD, and she recommended the Kyleena. Insertion was okay, just cramping and spotting. Now I am having bad mood swings, I am depressed all the time, my anxiety is through the roof, I cry for no reason, I get really bad headaches, I have experienced dizziness, weight gain of 10 pounds, and spotting. I am trying to give it a year because I have to be on some form of birth control, but this IUD is giving me the blues."

• Arm...
• March 22, 2019

For Birth Control "20, no kids. 4 months in, and I ♡ my IUD. Insertion took about 15 min and was uncomfortable, but no worse than a pap smear. The only thing that hurt was when the OB injected the numbing agent. I went back to work afterwards. About 30 min later, I felt bloating but didn't need Tylenol. The bloating stopped after ~4 days, all of which I worked/went to the gym just fine. I spotted for 2 months. The 1st period I had was late and crampy, the 2nd I almost didn't notice. Months 3 and 4, no spotting/periods/cramping. Dream come true. My OB tucked the string up around my uterus so partners can't feel it. Even I have to search to find it, softened now by mucus. I bled after sex at first, but now I can have intercourse without bleeding. It didn't harm my libido or cause weight gain. Now that my periods stopped, there's virtually no acne or depression, which I usually had on my period. You aren't going to know how your body reacts until you try."

• NYC...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 12, 2019

For Birth Control "Mostly commenting about the insertion and recovery as I have had Kyleena for less than 1 week. Insertion: Not fun, but I would do it again if needed. It’s very brief (about 20 full seconds of real pain) then some cramping. I felt like I had been punched in the uterus afterward. Recovery: I had zero energy for about 24 hours following the insertion. Slept for most of the day and night. Cramping was minimal, period felt normal. More about me: - Average pain tolerance (I avoid waxing but can do it) - 25 y/o who has never been pregnant - Had Nexplanon for just over a year and removed it due to weight gain, mental health issues, acne, and spotting."

• Pai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 7, 2018

For Birth Control "After the insertion, I began to cramp really badly, and I put a heating pad on and was in bed all day. I had to call into work. Two weeks later, I made an appointment to get it out, my anxiety and depression were crazy high."

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

For Birth Control "I've had Kyleena inserted for only two months, and I've experienced a lot of the bad side effects, including fatigue (feeling sleepy constantly and lack of energy), weight gain, cravings, anxiety, and depression. Before Kyleena, I was very healthy and mostly emotionally grounded. I am in my early 30s, and I have previously used pills before, but they did not work well for me due to the level of hormones. When I went in for a consultation, I was told that the level of hormone in Kyleena is significantly less. I have been getting acne as well as depressive thoughts. Not recommended."

• Ash...
• December 21, 2018

For Birth Control "I am in the health care profession and would consider myself knowledgeable about IUDs. My doctor told me I couldn’t get the copper IUD because I hadn’t had kids yet. I wanted the Paragard because it has no hormone. With the Kyleena, I was hesitant because of the hormone levels, although low, still hormone. Soooo... It ended up being the scariest experience of my life. I began feeling very depressed, worsening anxiety, and began having feelings of fear. I expressed this to my doctor and it was blamed on my underlying anxiety. This is and was different... I know how to manage my underlying anxiety, but this feeling was bigger than me. I got it taken out after multiple consults and ultrasounds. I developed cysts, terrible left-sided abdominal pain, constant bloating, and discomfort. I decided to get it removed, and it was the best decision. I know it works for others, so if it does, awesome. But if not, and your doctor or anyone is trying to persuade you to keep it in... follow your gut!"

• Nan...
• February 15, 2020

For Birth Control "Since I can’t say everything that I want to say, I’ll make it short. 1. My depression got so bad that I had to get on depression medication and up my dosage. 2. I developed a horrible brain fog. 3. My periods became so painful, cramps and crying, and I just couldn’t deal with it. 4. Sex could be painful sometimes if my partner goes too deep. 5. I developed painful cystic acne on my face. 6. If I could go back, I would have never gotten it."

• Yik...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 9, 2019

For Birth Control "I got the Kyleena about two months ago. I was really positive and hopeful about it as I’m not ready to have children and wanted to be as safe as possible. Let me tell you though, I hate this thing. The cramps have not gotten better, I get them almost daily and have not stopped bleeding since I got it inserted. I had a foul vaginal odor and discharge until I took boric acid to clear it up, but it just came back after a couple of weeks. The cramps are intense. I’ve had bad cramps since I started my period, but these are something else. Extra-strength Tylenol doesn’t help at all. I also have been extremely depressed lately. It’s normal for me to get a little moody before my period, but this has been lasting for about a month. I really wanted this to work out, but it wasn’t for me at all."

• tay...
• August 22, 2019

For Birth Control "I got Kyleena almost 6 months ago. The first month was a little rough - spotting, mood swings, crying a lot, and feeling sad for no reason, and some terrible cramps that were debilitating. Months 2 and 3 were all great with very few side effects. Around month 4, I started getting super sad for no reason at all. I would break down in tears and feel absolutely awful for weeks at a time. Then suddenly it went away, and I felt like my old cheery self again. On month 5, it happened again but 10x worse. I broke down, cried every day for a week, couldn't work, couldn't function at all. I was absolutely miserable. I felt like I was going insane. I just got my IUD removed a few hours ago, and I'm glad I did it. I was going to wait to see if I adjusted, but honestly, it wasn't worth it. Some people can't adapt to having hormones inside them, approx 5% of women have these problems. So for the 95% that it works for - great! But Kyleena isn't for everyone. I'm on the road to recovery now."

• Cai...
• April 14, 2019

For Birth Control "I was on Kyleena birth control for one month. I’m 18 and have been on the pill, and I also have been on Nexplanon. I switched from Nexplanon to Kyleena because I gained 40 pounds with Nexplanon and thought, since Kyleena has lower hormones, it would be a better option. I was so, so, so wrong. About 3 weeks after insertion, I started getting severe panic attacks, anxiety, and depression, which I’ve never had. Spiraling irrational thoughts, extreme fear of literally anything and everything. I had it removed 3 days ago and feel a lot better but not completely myself again. I’m praying that soon all the hormones will be out of my body and I will be back to normal again. I’d much rather be pregnant than ever have the symptoms that I had again."

• Kay...
• January 29, 2019

For Birth Control "So I have had the Kyleena in for about a year now. I’m 23 years old, never had kids, and this was the first birth control I’ve ever been on. Before I got the IUD, I had the most awful cramps. While the IUD has helped tremendously with my cramps and periods, I have an appointment to get it taken out this afternoon. About 6 months in, I started feeling depressed all the time without an explanation. I’ve been having scary thoughts and strong feelings of fear. I have always been known to be so positive and happy all the time. I also would get anxiety at random times, which I have NEVER had before the IUD. I just haven’t felt like myself in a long time, and at first, I didn’t know why, but I strongly believe it’s the IUD, after other reviews I’ve read of girls feeling the exact same way. This is not for everyone! I tried justifying the way I was feeling for so long but have come to the conclusion that the IUD is not worth the complete change of personality I have experienced."

• Pin...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 17, 2022

For Birth Control "I got Kyleena shortly after I had my daughter so that I could take the time to enjoy her before we decided to have another baby. Since I went through labor, apparently the insertion of Kyleena isn’t as painful, which was my experience. Slight discomfort from what I could remember. I got it put in in 2019 and was still breastfeeding. I lost a bit of weight due to breastfeeding and got down to around 105 lbs, I have now gotten up to 145-150 lbs and am so uncomfortable. I take my daughter for long walks, go on 3-5 mile runs, work out here and there, go to the zoo, easy hikes with my daughter and my dog, and I just keep gaining weight. I’m even on a prescription stimulant for ADHD, and I’m STILL gaining weight! Oh, and there are days that I’m so tired and depressed I seriously can’t get out of my PJs and don’t want to get out of bed! My hair is brittle and falling out, and I have tons of brain fog. I have had it removed a few days ago and am hoping these things resolve themselves."

• Jes...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 16, 2018

For Birth Control "I was really excited to try the IUD since I had been on the pill for 5 years. Insertion was painful and uncomfortable, but I felt fine a day after that. I bled and spotted for 3 months after insertion and now get my period once a month. I had high hopes for it, but I became depressed, started getting frequent headaches, developed acne, and experienced really bad PMS symptoms. I've been on it for 6 months and did not realize this form of contraception has a significantly higher risk of developing depression compared to other types. It contributes to mood swings and symptoms of depression. I am not usually prone to depression or anxiety, and it has been through the roof since I got it. I used to never cry, and now I cry over everything for no reason. This is just my experience, and everybody is different."

• DEB...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 7, 2020

For Birth Control "I got Kyleena back in July 2019. It was a painful insert with cramps all the time. I thought it was normal. My periods were awesome and would last 3 days max and very light. Recently, for the past month, I thought I had urine infections due to my smell, painful urination, awful urine smell. I was drinking a lot of water. On 2/5/20, I was asleep, and a super sharp pain woke me around 12:30 a.m. I went to the restroom and tried to walk out the pain, but it was just constant. My husband took me to the ER, and I got tested for a urine infection (clear), then blood work (good), pregnancy (negative), ultrasound (inflammation in my pelvic area). I had to get the IUD Kyleena out immediately, work excused for 2 days. My stomach is super swollen, and it looks like I'm about to give birth. My legs are cramping, I feel depressed most of the time, I have some cramping on and off. I've been prescribed an antibiotic for 14 days and ibuprofen. I think I will be going back again to see what else is wrong now."

• Bec...
• October 9, 2019

For Birth Control "I got Kyleena inserted as a form of BC and to lessen painful menses. The first go at insertion was very painful, and the doctor wasn't able to place it. The second time I went to get it inserted, they gave me a dilation medicine beforehand, and it went in like magic. If you have never given birth, I would recommend asking for this medicine to help with insertion (softens cervix). After 3 months of use, I have decided to remove it. It did help lighten my periods significantly/prevented pregnancy (I'd rate that a 10/10), but everything else I dealt with was not worth keeping it. I spotted every day, had mild pelvic pain, my orgasms/sexual pleasure dulled, and my worst symptom was my mental health. It made me feel depressed, and I didn't feel like myself anymore. Every day my mood has been up and down. It didn't work for me unfortunately because I guess I am very sensitive to hormones. I do think this is a great form of BC otherwise. I would recommend trying it if you are considering it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 21, 2021

For Birth Control "I’ve had the Kyleena for 3.5 years. For me, it hurts like anything getting put in. I had to ask my mom for a pain pill, which says a lot because I don’t even take aspirin normally. I immediately stopped getting a period, which has been great, but my weight has continued to climb (not saying it’s entirely due to the IUD, of course), and it’s damn near impossible to lose weight with it. My skin is still clear but very oily, and I lose a lot of hair in the shower. I had a hair loss problem with Nexplanon as well, so I definitely attribute that to the Kyleena. After 3 years, I suddenly started having cramps at random for weeks at a time and spotting frequently-still no periods. The depression has also gotten much worse over the years, it’s a struggle. I’m contemplating having it removed now that the side effects are suddenly ramping up. Overall, it was nice to begin with and has gone downhill as the years pass."

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

For Birth Control "WORST. EXPERIENCE. Awful insertion pain, and I have VERY high pain tolerance, left me in bed for 2 days. I work on my feet. If I work more than 5 hours, severe cramping. Can’t wear skinny jeans for more than 7 hours. Work time in skinny jeans? 3 hours. 3 months in-weight gain after starting a healthy diet and regular exercise. I’ve had 3 yeast infections in 4 months, which I’ve never had before. Month 2-severe depression, which I’ve never experienced before. Had contraction-like cramping the other day that sent me to the ER. I thought it was coming out, but it was in place. Doc said it’s probably worsening my normal cramping pain, and I need to follow up with a doc to be examined more thoroughly. Sooooo $1,800.00 for 15 lb weight gain, worsening acne, depression, the fact I can’t wear my favorite jeans, and this cramping? Yeah. This sucker is COMING OUT, the mind ease of not being pregnant is not worth it."

• Gga...
• June 8, 2019

For Birth Control "I have had Kyleena for about 6 months now. I loved the concept of something I didn’t have to remember to take once a day. BUT I developed severe anxiety and depression. So unlike me and came out of nowhere with no life changes. Cramping increased, and I had 2 periods a month! It was a pain in the butt. I had it removed today and hope things go back to normal!"

• Mee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 1, 2019

For Birth Control "I am debating getting Kyleena removed. I am 26 years old. I got Kyleena in October 2018. Three months in - I have severe constipation, and I cannot help but believe it is from Kyleena. I had to go to the emergency room, it was so bad. I was full of poop right up to my rib cage. I had to get it pumped out with hydro colon therapy, but two weeks later and basically only eating raw fruit and vegetables - the severe constipation is back. The past three months, I have had bloating, constipation, extreme cramps, and gas unlike I have ever had before (it basically just comes out as a bunch of air). Because of all of this, I do not feel like myself, and it has made me depressed. I find my sex drive has been lower because I have become self-conscious about my body. These are things I have never experienced before. I give Kyleena a 5 because it is effective in preventing pregnancy, which is my ultimate goal - but at the risk of no longer feeling like myself? I am unsure if it is worth it."

• Drr...
• May 16, 2021

For Birth Control "Two years ago after my second pregnancy, I got the Kyleena, and honestly, the process of putting it in was horrible. But more horrible are the side effects that I have had to experience: anxiety, constant tachycardia, depression, nervousness, tiredness, little desire to do things. I felt so bad that I made an appointment with my primary doctor. I asked him about what I was feeling, and he sent some studies, including the thyroid, and everything went well. He sent me to the gynecologist because, after investigation, we came to the conclusion that it was Kyleena. I went to the gynecologist and I talked to her about my side effects, and she very relaxed told me that they were NORMAL! And I told her, depression, anxiety, urge to cry, fatigue, were they normal? When I went the first day, you did not tell me about those side effects. I have lived almost two horrible years, and it is normal? On Thursday, May 13, 2021, I got it taken out, and from that first day I felt calmer. I did not feel that it accelerated in a more relaxed."

• rac...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 25, 2022

For Birth Control "The first 2 months with this were pretty good. I noticed some mood changes, but nothing crazy. Then, with what seemed like all of a sudden, I experienced extreme depression, apathy, exhaustion, slight cramping, more acne, mood swings, diminished sex drive, you name it. I have also noticed I have either gained weight or am holding weight due to the stress this IUD is causing my body. I have scheduled to get it removed ASAP, as these side effects are so severe they have impacted my ability to do the things I love. I honestly do not think that this would happen to everyone, but be cautious that it could, and if you notice you're not feeling like yourself, it could be the Kyleena. As for comfort, though, I have had no issues. If I wasn't having the hormonal side effects, I wouldn't have noticed it."

• Ele...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 24, 2018

For Birth Control "I got my Kyleena on 23rd April 2018, so almost exactly 6 months ago. The pill for me: depression, weight gain, migraines made worse, low sex drive, emotional, paranoid, anxious. The Kyleena first 5 months all becoming less frequent with time: cramps, headaches, emotional, bad skin for about 2 weeks. Now: occasional cramping, possibly period related. Period is just very light spotting now. Mood, weight, and sex drive have been unaffected. The Kyleena IUD is quite an investment, but so far it's been worth it. I had a few months of mild discomfort and now don't have to worry about contraception for 4 and a half more years! I'd recommend anyone who has it to wait 6 or 7 months for symptoms to calm down."

• Rit...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 13, 2022

For Birth Control "I am giving Kyleena a 10 solely because this says 'effectiveness.' Yes, it is effective in the sense that I haven't gotten pregnant over the time it has been in. HOWEVER, the side effects I have been having, and not even realizing they could be related. Good Lord, the side effects!! They have been getting worse! I've had the IUD for a few months shy of 3 years. I removed it today. I can't bear to have it another second! After coming here and seeing that I AM NOT ALONE! I've been thinking I'm going crazy. I've had some anxiety in my life, but wow! The mental side effects have almost destroyed my marriage and damn near killed me! If this is working for you, I'm glad, but please watch out and listen to yourself! If you feel any type of way that you haven't before this, please talk to someone!! I have never had cramps like this! Dizziness, depression, anxiety, mood swings, crying spells, irritability, headaches, nausea, tiredness, back pain-the list goes on."

• Man...
• July 5, 2018

For Birth Control "I got the Kyleena IUD 3 days ago and it honestly was not as bad as so many of these reviews made it out to be. I wouldn't consider myself to have a high pain tolerance, and I felt like it was essentially what everyone says - a decent amount of pressure and two intense period cramps that each last for like maybe 10 seconds each (if that). It went by super quickly! I almost canceled my appointment because I was so nervous, but I'm so glad I didn't. All BCP that I've tried have either given me depression or made me super anxious/angry all the time, so I'm hopeful that this won't happen with Kyleena. As far as recovery goes, I'd say the first day I just felt like I had a bad period, the second day I got a lot better, but still felt crampy, and now I just have this full/bloated feeling with super mild cramps. I will update this post as time goes on!"

• Lex...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 14, 2022

For Birth Control "I had the Kyleena inserted in 2017 and had it removed this week at the 5-year mark. Positives: There's truly no substitute for the peace of mind and level of protection IUDs provide. My periods have been lighter. Negatives: I had an extraordinarily painful insertion and recovery process, experiencing a couple of months of cramps, abdominal pain, and leg numbness, all of which have continued on and off for 5 years. My sex drive dropped sharply around the 2-year mark, and sex has been intensely painful since insertion. I began getting hormonal acne and developed bloating and IBS-like symptoms that have disrupted my schedule and daily life. My pre-IUD painful periods and PMS symptoms changed to something closer to PMDD around the 4-year mark, including intrusive thoughts of suicide, hopelessness, and paranoia. Earlier this year I went to the ER with a partially ruptured complex ovarian cyst, which took a little over two months to resolve, and I believe I have another on the same side."