Liletta and Mood Swings: What Users Say

• Hea...
• September 5, 2020

For Birth Control "I previously had the Mirena and loved it. My Gyn said they switched to Liletta and it would be the same experience. WRONG! I’ve gained 10+ lbs & am constantly bloated. I’m more active & have a better diet than I’ve ever had. My skin looks like I’m going through puberty. I’m emitting a smell that is god-awful. I have no energy, no libido, constant mood swings, reflux, nausea, and I just feel like an alien in my own body. I chalked it up to turning 30 this year coupled with the weirdness that COVID has brought, but in the back of my mind, I’ve known there is something wrong beyond that. I’m so glad I found this forum and know that these changes are caused by the IUD. I would rather manage periods than become a different person like I have been. Everyone is different but for me, there is a HUGE difference between the Mirena & Liletta IUD and I cannot wait to get this thing removed & get back to being myself."

• Che...
• November 14, 2016

For Birth Control "I guess most people only review when they have a bad experience. I personally love it. I had the copper IUD which gave me headaches and hurt like heck. Liletta does not give me headaches, and I don't feel it at all. No acne at all. No weight gain. Actually, I feel a bit slimmer, but I eat right and work out. Sex drive increased. The only possible negative may be mood swings, but I've always had an attitude."

• ali...
• February 24, 2020

For Birth Control "First, insertion was extremely painful. I am comparing it to a Paragard insertion about 10 years ago, a breeze. I had Paragard for 8 years with no issues, and do not have kids. I opted for Liletta last month. I've noticed such a dramatic shift in my mood and personality for the worse, as well as bloating and weight gain. What makes the side effects even more dramatic is that I have been working out really consistently (running 10 miles/week, yoga, strength), which would normally lift my spirits and mitigate any winter blues, but nope, I'll get off the treadmill and feel on the verge of tears for no reason. It's affecting my work and my relationship, I want it out asap. I've also been crampy and spotting for the entire month since it was inserted. I realize that part is meant to be normal, but it's like insult to injury taking all the other side effects into account. The pros are: I'm not pregnant. Worth it? Not at the cost of my relationship and mental health, and physical well-being."

• Hap...
• May 7, 2021

For Birth Control "I had the Liletta inserted shortly after my second child was born. While on Liletta, I did notice an extreme uptick in my sex drive, which has been great. But, like others, my anxiety was out of control, moods were up/down, there was an odd odor all the time. But the constant bleeding was what had me mostly concerned. I literally bled nonstop. It would be consistent for three weeks, wane off for two, back for a few days, away for another few days, etc. It was awful. I complained to my OB, and he chalked it off to "your body is getting used to it," etc. Finally, one and a half years after insertion, I’m two days post-removal (had a Mirena put in on Wednesday after getting the Liletta out), and I feel awesome. No pain, physically lighter. My jeans fit better-no bloating, my mood is incredibly brighter-no odor, and NO BLOOD! My experience with the Liletta was not a favorable one."

• Jay...
• November 2, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve had Liletta going on to a year, and it was the absolute biggest mistake I’ve ever made. As far as it “not getting me pregnant,” sure, it’s done its job, but the side effects are the absolute worst. I’ve never had acne in my life, and now I do. My periods seem to last forever. I never not have my period. I’m always spotting, it never fully goes away. MOST IMPORTANTLY, my mental health. I have experienced crucial mood swings, depression, and anxiety. I do not feel like myself AT ALL. One day I’m good, the next day I’m all over the place. One minute I’m fine, the next moment I’m crying or angry or upset over absolutely nothing. It feels like my body has been invaded, and I have zero control over how I feel. The mood swings are crucial, as well as the random depression and anxiety. I’d rather use condoms for the rest of my life than to feel how I feel."

• Meg...
• November 23, 2019

For Birth Control "I didn't want a birth control with hormones, as I’ve had issues with anxiety and depression my whole life and didn’t want that to worsen. I decided to get the Liletta, though, because I'd heard that the copper IUD (without hormones) tends to make periods worse. I will say that prior to Liletta, I was lucky with my periods because they only happened every few months, and they were usually light, and I never had issues with cramping. So I decided on the Liletta. I did bleed lightly for the first 90 days or so after, but it stopped entirely after that and very rarely spot here and there. It has not affected my anxiety or depression or acne. I do still mildly break out here and there, but I don’t blame my IUD for that. I never experience any side effects from it, but I do occasionally experience “shadow” period effects like cravings and mood swings when it’s around that time of month for me, but that’s about it. I’ve had no pregnancy scares and no issues so far."

• MJC...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 10, 2021

For Birth Control "I've had the Liletta for a few months now, I've been reading through the reviews on this website, and I can honestly say I have not experienced the things that most of these people are experiencing. It has helped with my mood swings and anxiety. I have not gotten pregnant with it yet."

• lja...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 10, 2019

For Birth Control "I had Liletta inserted 5 weeks ago by my gynecologist. She had me come while I was on my period for easier insertion. The insertion was painful, but the pain was over as soon as she was done. I bled lightly a few days after and then spotted last week during my period. Overall, I like it, but I have noticed more mood changes than usual. As long as they don’t get worse, I will definitely keep this for the whole 3 years! No weight gain, but I eat healthy and work out anyway. I was very nervous about the side effects, but everyone’s body is different, so you can’t rely on any reviews to tell you how your body will react!"

• Mom...
• April 2, 2021

For Birth Control "Had this Liletta IUD put in January 2020 because of irregular and heavy periods. The insertion was not bad. I experienced cramps for a day or two. But the spotting that followed was unreal. It lasted about 5 months accompanied by my regular, irregular periods. Additionally, I have gained 15 pounds, which is frustrating considering that I have maintained a consistent weight my whole adult life (except pregnancy) due to following a strict exercise and diet regimen. My sex drive is also completely gone and has been replaced with headaches, mood swings, anxiety, and depression. I am grateful to have found this website to learn this is not all in my head and others have experienced the same side effects. It’s not worth it anymore and I will be having the IUD removed shortly."

• Pay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 13, 2020

For Birth Control "I would never recommend the Liletta to anyone. I gained 20-30 pounds in the first couple of months after insertion and have had the worst time getting rid of the weight, even after removal. While on Liletta, my moods were drastically changed. I experienced sad, dark, and depressing thoughts. Normally being rather optimistic, I knew something was very different about my mood. I experienced an unpleasant, strong vaginal odor all of the time, which was embarrassing. Just every terrible side effect imaginable. Just a week or two after removal, most side effects are gone... except this pesky extra weight. DON’T DO IT, LADIES! Love your lady parts and don’t feed it poison!"

• Fay...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 18, 2018

For Birth Control "I have had Liletta for the past 1 year and 7 months, and nothing seems normal anymore. I have gained 30 lbs despite eating clean and working out, absolutely no sex drive at all, sex is very uncomfortable, and the bleeding after sex is very scary. I get my periods anytime, sometimes twice a month, it’s very heavy and lasts anywhere from 6 to 12 days. I have become a different person, always very moody, angry, very depressed, and just don’t want to leave my bed. I’ve never felt this way in my 40 years! I’ve discussed this with my gynecologist, an ultrasound shows the IUD is displaced and needs to be pulled out ASAP! My fibroids have increased in growth and size, and my MD is quite concerned. I will have it pulled out on Monday 11/19. I'm hoping things will get better after this."

• Sam...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 22, 2024

For Heavy Menstrual Bleeding "I have had this for a year. Before the IUD, I was diagnosed with menorrhagia and had one (small) fibroid. I used to plan my life around my period; wore a large menstrual cup, extra-long pad, and period panties (and still leak). I modified my diet and took iron supplements that did not work. I experienced extreme fatigue, irritability, depression, anxiety, migraines, and severe PMS. Insertion was painful. I bled for 10 days with painful cramps. My first cycle was awful, and for 3 months had strangely painful random cramps and spotting. After that, my periods got lighter and now I just wear pantiliners. In 5 months, PMS symptoms were gone. No more depression, night sweats, or raging mood swings. In 8 months, I no longer experienced debilitating fatigue, so I started exercising on a daily basis. I am now in the best shape of my life at the age of 37, no longer anemic, and have lost 25 lbs. My body fat has gone from 32% to 24%. Even my thin hair is growing back! I am SO GLAD I got this IUD!"

• nob...
• December 6, 2018

For Birth Control "I had my Liletta inserted a little over 2 months ago. I’m 20, healthy BMI, and had it inserted a day or two before the start of my period. I went to Planned Parenthood, and I was SO anxious beforehand knowing that it causes a lot of pain, but it was nothing more than a slight pinch and super quick! I had some slight bleeding the day of but didn’t experience my normal period and haven’t since. I bled for maybe 3 full weeks after (more like spotting, nothing awful, maybe 2 days of a normal actual period), had some back and breast pain for a few days, my belly button also randomly cramped up a couple of times but just in the first 3 days, and ever since I’ve been fine. I’ve experienced no weight gain or acne (I’ve always struggled with acne and don’t exercise), sometimes have random pelvic pain that only lasts a few seconds and then will disappear for a few weeks. I MAY have experienced some mood changes, but that might be stress. Will update if anything changes, but so far it’s been great!"

• Lei...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 16, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve had Liletta for about 1 year. This week, I’m finally getting it removed! NEGATIVES: 1. WEIGHT GAIN! Before I got this IUD, I had lost 60 lbs. I finally felt the best about myself that I ever had. BUT after getting this IUD-despite zero changes in my diet/exercise-I’ve gained almost 50 lbs. 2. ACNE! I have never had acne... until I got Liletta. I’ve now developed cystic acne all over my cheeks and in random spots on my face. 3. MOOD! I’ve always been super joyful and generally very happy-until I got this IUD. I cried randomly every other day the first 6 months that I had this IUD. Now, I get irritated VERY easily, and my anxiety has reached an all-time high. I can’t express how much this IUD has harmed my mental health. 4. PERIODS! I never used to get cramps, but now I get very painful ones all the time. Also, my periods used to only last 3 days, but now they last 7+ days. The only POSITIVE that I can think of is that I didn’t get pregnant!"

• Lai...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 2, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve had Liletta for almost two years. I had twins, and the thought of having another child was unnerving. My doctor convinced me to get an IUD and said Liletta was the best option. I bled for six months straight, have blurred vision, horrible weight gain which won’t budge despite diet changes and 2.5-3 mile runs every day, bacterial infections, acne all over my chin/jawline plus my shoulders and back, horrible mood swings, and back pain so bad I can’t even get out of bed some days. My doctor kept insisting I keep it in, and against better judgment I listened. But after two years, I will be getting it removed in two days, and I’m praying everything changes for the better."

• Yag...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 26, 2020

For Birth Control "Date of insertion: December 9, 2019, review date January 26, 2020. I got my IUD after I had my second baby, the insertion was not unbearable, I felt cramps the whole time. Shortly after the insertion, I started to break out in cold sweats and nearly fainted, it really scared me. From the first week of insertion, my anxiety was through the roof. I bled for about three weeks, then haven’t bled since. Since getting this birth control, I have had mood swings, depression, and really bad anxiety. I have never felt this low in my life. On top of that, my hair has been falling out in clumps, I can’t brush my hair or even wash it without chunks of hair coming out. I really wanted this to work for me. I plan on getting it removed if the side effects have not leveled out by the third month. While I have lost weight since, I still look very bloated all the time, even more so than right after I had my baby, my stomach went down and now is big again. This has really messed with my mental health and self-confidence."

• Nic...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 1, 2022

For Birth Control "I got Liletta in Sept 2019 and had it removed 9/28/22. Over those 3 years, I gained 30 lbs, had no energy, outrageous mood swings, unpredictable periods, and had a non-existent sex drive. It’s been 3 days since having it removed, and the biggest thing I’ve noticed is that I’m not so drained all the time. I mean, I used to run to the grocery store and would have to leave before I was done because I’d need a nap. Now, I’m going through the day every day, and I don’t feel like I’m constantly tired or exhausted. Also, I’ve already lost 3.5 lbs. I’m not eating differently or working out more. The only thing that’s different is getting the IUD removed. Time will tell with the other symptoms, but I’m amazed at the progress I’ve had in just 3 short days."

• Bre...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 4, 2023

For Birth Control "In 2021, I had a baby and was so scared to get pregnant again that I got an IUD for the first time ever. I’ve only ever taken the pill with no issues. My pregnancy was horrible, and I had high blood pressure, so my OB wanted me to try the IUD. It’s been 2 years of mood swings, depression, dizziness, cramps, high anxiety, and a 40+ weight gain. No matter how much I work out or eat healthily, I can’t shed the weight. I always feel bloated, and I spot or have a light period two times a month. I’m getting it taken out ASAP, it is horrible, and I’ll never suggest someone get it. Yes, it's great and effective for not getting pregnant, but I’ll take my chances so I can lose weight and feel better."

• Cc3...
• February 24, 2019

For Birth Control "Acne non-stop, mood swings that are ruining my life. I don't even know who I am anymore. I've gained 40 pounds in less than 7 months. I barely eat and I'm very active. Always have been about the same size, but I'm now bigger than I was 8 months pregnant with a baby on my hip. Lots of anxiety. I can't figure it out. Going to have it removed ASAP. I'm scared. But other than that, not pregnancies and eventually stopped having periods altogether."

• Ale...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 21, 2019

For Birth Control "Cons 1. My mood is horrible, I've been so angry and volatile that I have been in fights. 2. I gained 40 pounds. I weighed 145 lb and now I rest at 186 lb. I have drastically changed my diet and exercise to be very healthy. I count calories, work out every day, eat healthy food. I can't lose it. 3. I have a period every 2 weeks. Light, but it lasts 5-7 days sometimes. I am barely ever NOT bleeding. 4. Today I began bleeding VERY heavily, very suddenly. No reason for it. (This is why I started researching and the reason I found this thread). 5. My acne is not the worst it's ever been, but it is the most consistent. I have a routine I use every day, I have medicated acne cream, and I still get deep and painful cystic acne every day. Pros 1. I'm not pregnant? 2. My boobs are big. I want to get it removed, but due to my insurance not being active and the fact that it's $200 out of pocket to get it removed, I guess I'll live with it until my new insurance kicks in."

• Do...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 13, 2022

For Birth Control "Inserted after second pregnancy. I requested Mirena but was told Liletta was as effective and better. Well, I experienced virtually no sex drive, horrible mood swings, and gained 15 pounds all in 10 months. I have now been off it for 3 months and finally have my sex drive back. Still battling getting rid of the weight gained."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 4, 2017

For Birth Control "I'm 24, previously taking oral contraceptives for 9 years. I'm giving this 5 because it is effective in the most basic sense. I no longer worry about getting pregnant or taking pills, and my periods are regular and very light. However, I am one year in and planning to get it removed because of the side effects. First, the insertion was incredibly painful for me, followed by excruciating cramps. The first 6 months were radical mood swings, acne, weight gain, and cramping that gradually stabilized. I'm a year in now, though, and I'm finding it hard to work off the weight. I'm still very emotional, my skin is bad (possibly unrelated, but my eczema has come back), low sex drive. I gave it a chance, but I'd rather take pills/use condoms and be happy."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 4, 2017

For Birth Control "I'm 24, previously taking oral contraceptives for 9 years. I'm giving this 5 because it is effective in the most basic sense. I no longer worry about getting pregnant or taking pills, and my periods are regular and very light. However, I am one year in and planning to get it removed because of the side effects. First, the insertion was incredibly painful for me, followed by excruciating cramps. The first 6 months were radical mood swings, acne, weight gain, and cramping that gradually stabilized. I'm a year in now, though, and I'm finding it hard to work off the weight. I'm still very emotional, my skin is bad (possibly unrelated, but my eczema has come back), low sex drive. I gave it a chance, but I'd rather take pills/use condoms and be happy."

• Vic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 10, 2021

For Birth Control "I had my IUD inserted during my cesarean. Yes, I was told it could come out of place more easily because of the uterus and childbirth. During my postpartum visit, my OB couldn’t find my strings, so I had an ultrasound to check placement-everything was okay with that, thankfully. My sex drive is almost nonexistent, which would be great to prevent pregnancy, lol, but not for my partner. The bleeding-I’ve had two cycles, I believe, in almost 4 months postpartum. I did have some constant mid-cycle bleeding, but it seems to have leveled out. It definitely affects my moods-like I’m not a crier at all, but I could easily cry over some situations. I am easily irritated and get flustered. When I did ask my provider about my moods and bleeding, it was made to seem it’s “not enough hormone,” something like that, but it’s 100% noticeable changes. This time next year, I plan to have it removed."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 3, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve had my Liletta in for about 8 months. I’m loving it! It hurt a bit during insertion, and I had cramps for a few weeks after, but it was nothing unbearable. No weight gain, no acne problems... it’s been great overall. The only reason it’s not a 10 is because I still get spotting every few days, which is a bit annoying. Overall, I love it. I’ve tried Depo Provera and birth control pills, which caused my breasts to ache and chronic mood swings. I 100% would recommend Liletta. I got it for free at Planned Parenthood too."