Levonorgestrel and Headaches: What Users Say

• Mir...
• April 1, 2009

For Birth Control "I have had my IUD for over a year now, and I think it's the best thing ever. When I first got it put in, I only bled for about a week with a little cramping. After that, nothing at all. I haven't had a period for about 8 months until I finally got one, and it's not bad at all. It's light, no cramping, no headache, nothing. I haven't gained weight, my acne is gone, and my moods are fine. I know all women are different, but I just hear all these horror stories, and I just wanted to tell my story, which is a good one. Hope it calms some of your fears."

• Aja...
• May 4, 2020

For Emergency Contraception "Sharing this because I couldn’t find any similar experiences online and hope this can help someone! I took Plan B about a week before my period was scheduled to come. *Note: I did not know Plan B is likely to be much less effective after ovulation - its primary function is to delay ovulation.* My first period came right on time, and I thought I was in the clear. Boy was I in for a ride. My cycle is usually around 25-26 days, and my cycle *after* my first period post-plan B was 44 days. So I took Plan B, had my first period on time, but my second period was almost 3 weeks late. During that time I experienced a whole array of symptoms: ice cold hands and feet, nausea, really horrible headaches, crazy moods and generally being very anxious. I’ve never experienced anything like it. Thankfully not pregnant - just know that Plan B throws your body totally out of whack and it may take a few cycles to return to normal."

• Anonymous
• September 25, 2019

For Emergency Contraception "I'm never one to write any types of reviews, but I felt like I needed to write one now since this was the only thing that kept me sane while I was waiting for my period. Firstly, just breathe, you're gonna be okay. I had unprotected sex on the night of 9/3, he didn't pull out, he completely finished in me. I am not on birth control. Not even an hour after, we ran out and bought Aftera (they were sold out of Plan B). Turns out my ovulation day was 9/4! I was going crazy because I did experience side effects like headaches, feeling very sleepy, and cramping. I was supposed to get my period on 9/18, and it came on 9/20!! Only 2 days late. Ladies, try not to freak yourselves out. I know it's hard, but this pill works!! The more you stress, the later your period could potentially be, so just try not to think about it because there's nothing you can do right now. Just remember there are so many other females going through the same exact thing. You're not alone, stay positive, and good luck to all of you!!"

• KM5...
• June 6, 2017

For Emergency Contraception "Okay ladies, I have decided to share my experience with Plan B One-Step to hopefully help ease even just a few minds, because I know just how bad this situation sucks and how you are searching high and low for some honest feedback. No matter what I say here, you will still be freaking out for a while and overthinking every little thing you feel within your body. Just try your best to be positive and keep busy. Alright, so here goes the story: On Apr. 9, I had sex with a male partner and the condom broke. We didn't notice until the deed was done. Immediately, I thought 'OMG, we are screwed'. I had finished my last period on Apr. 4 (I was now dangerously close to ovulation). The next morning (approximately 6-7 hours later), we went to the pharmacy to get emergency contraception. I took the pill immediately WITH FOOD. The food part is very important. The pill can make you nauseous, and if you vomit soon after taking it, it obviously will not work. The pill contains very high levels of Levonorgestrel, a synthetic version of the hormone Progestin (aka the pregnancy hormone). When you become pregnant, your body produces high levels of Progestin, which prevents your ovaries from releasing an egg (because you wouldn't want your body to be ovulating while you are already pregnant). So, in a sense, the pill tricks your body into thinking it is pregnant and therefore your ovaries do not release an egg for the sperm that is now inside of you to fertilize. The effectiveness of this all comes down to timing. The pill's job is to temporarily stop ovulation, so if you have already ovulated, the chances of it working are lowered. This doesn't mean you are totally screwed! There isn't much conclusive evidence (that I have been able to find), but it is said that even shortly after ovulation, the pill can help prevent a newly fertilized egg from implanting in the uterine wall. It is important to follow the advice to take the pill within 72 hours of the incident because sperm can live inside of you for approximately 5 days, and the longer you let it go, the closer you get to ovulating, and the better chance those little suckers have of locating your egg! Back to the fact that the pill temporarily stops ovulation. This means that Plan B is NOT an abortion pill! So whether you are worried to take it because you are pro-life or you are thinking it will terminate an established pregnancy, it WILL NOT DO THIS! The pill's job is to take action before the sperm and egg ever meet. Now onto the stuff that will literally exhaust you... The side effects. I'm going to be honest here and tell you that looking up your side effects is going to make you think you are pregnant for sure. Almost every possible side effect of Plan B mimics the signs of pregnancy. You could experience: nausea, abdominal cramping, fatigue, headaches, dizziness, vomiting, and spotting. If you are concerned about any of these side effects, contact your doctor. They will be your best source of support through this. I experienced mild abdominal cramping (like period cramps) the next couple of days after taking the pill and 'spotting' about a week later. The spotting was what concerned me. When I read that you 'may experience some spotting', I thought a light little speck here and there, however for me, it was almost exactly like one of my periods. My periods are generally quite light (lucky, I know) and my 'spotting' was almost the exact same, just slightly lighter and lasted about 3-4 days. It started out fairly bright red and then by the last day turned to a darker red, almost brownish color. I later found out that this is quite normal. Throughout the duration of my worrisome experience, I took 3 home pregnancy tests to help ease my mind a bit. I took one 21 days after the incident, another 6 days later, and then one like 4 weeks after that (just because I was feeling particularly worried that day). All 3 read negative. This helped settle my mind somewhat. Also, a little info that may be a bit TMI, but about 2 weeks after taking the pill I got a yeast infection (see, TMI). On top of worrying about everything else, I now had a painful and embarrassing infection to add to my list! I was freaking out because I wasn't sure what it was at first (painful urination, labia painful to the touch). Upon +++ research on my own, I found out that this is another possible side effect of the pill. The increased hormones in the pill can cause your body to produce an excessive amount of natural yeast. The same thing can happen to women during pregnancy due to the same reason. So if this happens to you, it's uncommon but not unheard of. The biggest worry I had throughout this entire experience was when in the world was I going to get my period?! The pill can and probably will mess with your cycle. It definitely did for me! I'm not sure if it had anything to do with my size, but I'm thinking that it might have. I am fairly petite (115 lbs) and the pill is the same dosage for everyone. I ended up missing an entire period! Talk about going out of mind! Everywhere I read said that the pill could delay your period by a week or so, but nowhere could I find anything about it making you skip an entire period! Just as I was mustering up the plan to make a doctor's appointment, my period arrived! Exactly one month late. Again, I can't stress enough to talk to your doctor if something doesn't seem right! I really hope you found some kind of relief in reading this. There is no sure-shot way to know Plan B has worked unless you get a blood test from your doctor or are graced with your Aunt Flo so do your absolute best not to worry yourself sick. Remember, stress can have an effect on your cycle as well. I found it most helpful to confide what I was going through in one really good, trustworthy friend who helped bring me back to reality when my worry was spinning me out of control. I hope everything works out for you, and you share your experiences with others going through the same, terrifying experience. Good luck and think positive!"

• Ann...
• July 8, 2021

For Emergency Contraception "Let me just tell y'all that these past two months have been a roller coaster of a ride for me. So babe and I did the deed on May 22nd, the day after my period. Honestly, I don't know if he came in me or not, but to give me peace of mind, I went and bought Plan B on May 23rd, approximately 26-28 hours after the deed was done. I was beating myself up because I didn't use any contraceptive and I felt really silly. The day after I took the pill, I had a slight headache. Four days later, I began to have spotting. I spotted starting on May 28th and ended on June 3rd. My due date for my cycle was on June 14th. I have been bloated, nauseous, constipated, had headaches, felt fatigued, and been very moody. I began to stress and panic. My anxiety got the best of me and I went into depression. Honestly, if I had never found this website, I would be more of a mess than I am now. PLEASE. DON'T. GOOGLE. ANYTHING. Trust the pill. After 23 days, I finally got my period today on July 7th."

• Anonymous
• July 30, 2020

For Emergency Contraception "To the teenage girl reading this, YOU WILL BE okay. I said I’d write a review of this. It’s been the worst month of my life, but one day late my period came. I had spotting similar to implantation bleeding 5 days after taking the pill, and nausea, headaches, and had to pee. So basically every pregnancy symptom in the book. I had sex without a condom on the last day of my period, and he pulled out, so I probably shouldn’t have taken it, but I did. It honestly gave me so much anxiety and stuff, but just take a deep breath and let it do its thing. Try not to convince yourself you're pregnant because that makes it so much worse. You’ll get better."

• Jus...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 3, 2020

For Birth Control "I have issues with hormones any time I have been pregnant or been on birth control. I get every bad side effect possible. I was hopeful for this one. I had it in for a month and had severe headaches, cystic acne (literally all over my face & no wash would make it go away), constantly felt light-headed/dizzy, nauseous, zero sex drive, horrible mood swings, my period lasted 12 days and I was constantly bleeding, horrible stomach pains randomly when I moved certain ways. This medication made my anxiety & depression worse. So bad that I couldn’t be around my 4-year-old son because I’d get so anxious I'd have a panic attack. One day at three weeks of having it in, I had such a bad panic attack over literally nothing. I had to lay down in a dark room with a fan on me. I got so worked up I passed out. Do your research. There are a lot of harmful things that can happen when being on the Mirena IUD that they don’t tell you at the doctor. Do your research!"

• lca...
• April 12, 2021

For Emergency Contraception "After reading EVERY single review on this website, I made sure to write one myself if Plan B worked. I had my period on Feb 6th for 6 days that ended on the 11th. I had unprotected sex Feb 13th. My boyfriend didn't finish in me, but it was the first time we didn't use a condom at all (I'm not on birth control). On Feb 14th, we went unprotected again, but for a few minutes until we put a condom on. I decided to take Plan B on the 15th. The only symptom was a horrible headache. A week later, I started spotting for about 4 days with cramps. After this, I didn't get my next period for 43 DAYS! I think because I don't use birth control and the excessive stress caused my body to go whack. During this time, I took 5 pregnancy tests, all negative. I continued to have sex throughout, just more safe. My advice is to stay OFF the internet and try to be calm. Another thing, everyone's body is different, so don't worry if your experience is different from others. You're going to be okay!"

• Col...
• June 29, 2020

For Emergency Contraception "I am so thankful I am not pregnant and it did the job, but this pill seriously messed up my cycle and had me so anxious for about two months. I wasn’t due to get my period for another two weeks at the time I took the pill. Six days later, I started bleeding, and it lasted about four days. The first two days it was maybe enough to fill tampons, but the other days it was very light, like only there when I wiped. Fast forward to when my period was scheduled to come - still no period. I ended up getting my period ten days late, but I could have sworn I was pregnant. I had been having creamy white discharge for about two weeks and had been feeling bloated with cramps and headaches - this NEVER happens to me! My period is here now, but it’s significantly lighter than it normally is. I have taken Plan B once before in the past, and I never had any problems at all. Ladies, please spend the extra $10, or even better, get on regular birth control! Also, stay off Google to stay sane."

• Ano...
• October 14, 2019

For Emergency Contraception "Okay, I promised myself that I would do a review once I started my period to calm some of you ladies who are freaking right now. I took the pill probably about 45 minutes after unprotected sex. A week later I started spotting, so of course, I was freaking out thinking it wasn’t my period. It was very light spotting, but my cramps were AWFUL! I was shaking, they were so bad. The bleeding lasted 5 days, so I was hoping it was my period. A few days later, I experienced every pregnancy symptom in the book.. headaches, nausea, exhaustion, sore boobs/nipples, weight gain, cravings. You name it! It felt like the most stressful few months of my life.. this month I was 6 days late on my period and FINALLY started! This pill does have side effects for some people! Not all.. but! If you take it before 72 hours, I promise it works! You’ll be okay, I promise.❤️"

• jbu...
• July 28, 2014

For Emergency Contraception "I took this approximately 48 hours after unprotected sex while I was ovulating. I felt fine after taking the pill. A few days before my period was due, I experienced major mood swings, bloating, cramps, and sore breasts. These symptoms lasted for the few days before I was due, and then the symptoms stopped on the actual day I was due. But no period. Needless to say, I was freaking out! (This is why I am writing this to help others from freaking) -- I was supposed to start on a Friday. Then Saturday rolls around, then Sunday and no period... Just really, really sore breasts on Sunday. That Monday evening, I finally started and had breast tenderness, cramps, headache, tiredness... But at least I started - 3 (longest days of my life) days late."

• Dou...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 25, 2021

For Emergency Contraception "I want to share my experience with this drug. I had sex on ovulation day (day 13 of cycle) but the condom broke and he finished inside me. I panicked because I was not using any regular contraceptive pill, IUD, or anything, and coming from a religious family, getting pregnant without marriage would be a disaster! So I took Plan B after 1 hour. I had mild cramps and a headache only after a few hours... then I developed panic attacks, but it could be from me being so anxious. Days after, my breasts were swollen, and I was very moody. I also had a mild headache. On day 18, I had major panic disorders, became very moody, and had crying spells. My breasts became sensitive and hurt a little. Of course, I went through depression thinking of what might happen if I got pregnant. However, I started having PMS like usual. On day 26, I had my period :)))))) Ladies, believe in this pill. It works. I know it causes a lot of anxiety, and this is normal. It's effective even after ovulation. Relax and let the pill do the job."

• 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."

• Pan...
• August 1, 2019

For Emergency Contraception "I’ve taken My Choice 3 times and each time it worked. My boyfriend came inside me around Wednesday 3 pm while I was ovulating on my most fertile day. The next day (Thursday) around 10 am, so about 19 hours later, I took a My Choice pill with some water. Later, I started googling and got scared because everybody was saying how it won't work if you're already ovulating, which is a lie. The only bad thing about it were the side effects. My breasts hurt for days, they were so sore, and my cramps were unbearable, they lasted for about a week straight. Also, my legs were hurting the first couple of days, and I had a bad headache. The symptoms are similar to early pregnancy symptoms, so I would advise not to google anything, just wait the 2 weeks out and try to keep yourself busy. But emergency contraception definitely works even when you're ovulating! Just take it as soon as possible! I took 4 pregnancy tests, they all came out negative, and I started my period today, so I'm happy!"

• Kad...
• April 6, 2020

For Emergency Contraception "I had unprotected sex on the 22nd of March, 2 days after my fertile window had started. So I took “Take Action” an hour after the incident. At first, everything was fine, and we had unprotected sex two times within the next 2 hours. The next few days, I started experiencing dizziness, back pain, heavy discharge, and headaches. Emotionally, I had anxiety attacks, depression, and suicidal thoughts. I am pro-life, and more than once, I considered abortion if I was pregnant. The day before I got my period, I had a severe panic attack. It was one of the worst attacks ever, with nausea and a rapid heartbeat. That night, I began having severe period cramps. I was discharging brown and hints of red very slowly. The next day, that kept on happening, but towards the night, it turned into blood. So I got my period, it works, but just get birth control or use a condom. I don’t care about the physical side effects, but the deterioration of mental health is not worth it."

• Ano...
• July 25, 2020

For Emergency Contraception "Long story short, I had unprotected intercourse with someone I knew I did not want a kid by. He came inside of me one day into my fertile window, three days before ovulation. I was scared out of my mind, and the Plan B symptoms didn’t help: achy boobs and headaches. Happy to say, though, three days late, I have my period, so don’t worry, it works. Just read the reviews to keep you calm and stay away from Google. I’m also about ten pounds over the weight limit, and I took it twelve hours after intercourse."

• Ang...
• June 6, 2021

For Emergency Contraception "I just want to ease everyone’s minds that have taken the Plan B while ovulating. I took the Plan B pill and took an ovulation test, and it showed 2 lines on it. So yes, I was ovulating. If you would Google it, it says it does NOT work while ovulating. It did work for me while ovulating, and the condom broke once after he finished, and then the next day he decided not to wear one. So girls, just give it some time to let the medicine do its thing. I ended up feeling some really bad PMS symptoms, though. I felt dizzy, hot flashes, fatigued, tired even if you did absolutely nothing, and some mild cramps. I experienced no breakthrough bleeding or any spotting. My period came only 1 day later than it should have. But while writing this on my period, I am super tired, have a headache, and I’m cramping in the front and on my lower back. This is the worst period I’ve had, but I’d rate a bad period over a baby for right now."

• Lex...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 4, 2020

For Emergency Contraception "I had unprotected sex, took an ovulation test the next day, and it was super positive. I took Plan B during the LH surge, and it worked! I got my period two weeks and two days later, right on time!! I spent days reading reviews on here, and I wanted to share my experience to ease other women’s minds :) I couldn’t give it a 10 because the side effects were rough. I was nauseous for a week, and the PMS was bad - I had muscle aches and a bad headache, which have mostly subsided. Good luck! Breathe."

• Mas...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 22, 2014

For Emergency Contraception "I had sex during the ovulation period. I was so paranoid that I decided to take Plan B. I took Plan B like 30 hours later. Well, let me tell you, let this be your last resort. I experienced so many pregnancy symptoms throughout this whole ordeal, I was freaking out so bad until my period came. I felt very sick. I had sore breasts, headaches, fatigue, horrible cramping, and the worst diarrhea. I felt depressed after taking this. The hormones are crazy and will make you feel insane. Not everyone has the same side effects though, so maybe it will be different for you."

• Ano...
• May 4, 2020

For Emergency Contraception "Sooo... I told myself I would write a review once I got my period, so here I am. My bf and I had unprotected sex on April 16, one day before my ovulation day, April 17... I know, dumb. He said he might’ve cum in me, so for precaution, we decided to take a Plan B. With all the COVID going on, our local Walmart closes at 8 now, so we have to wait until the next morning. We had to settle for the Take Action pill because Plan B was sold out everywhere. So I took the pill and waited. I had anxiety because who wouldn’t? I also had all the side effects: headache, nausea, dizziness, it was horrible. I wasn’t supposed to get my period until May 2, so I was letting time do its thing, and I was being patient. Well, long story short, my period came one day late. It works as long as you take it ASAP, all the side effects suck, but it works. Don’t freak out because I didn’t when I started reading some of the bad reviews."

• ANO...
• January 6, 2021

For Emergency Contraception "Ladies. I literally thought I was pregnant. I took the pill on the 21st of Nov, we were unprotected and weren’t sure if he pulled out quick enough. I took it within an hour. A day later, I felt nauseous, had a headache, and experienced breast tenderness. I felt that for 2 weeks, and then I had withdrawal bleeding, which I low-key mixed up for implantation bleeding. After that, I had every symptom from frequent urination to my ovaries feeling weird, with so much pressure and my nipples darkening, all of it. Even a lot of discharge. I was too scared to take a pregnancy test, so I figured I would just wait it out, and today, Jan 6, I finally got my period!!! This is my second time taking Plan B, and definitely an experience. I will never put myself through this again. Ladies, please be safe and get on birth control if this is a recurring thing. God bless!!!"

• Emi...
• June 3, 2020

For Emergency Contraception "Okay, so I also said I was going to write a review if everything went well! I had sex on April 18th around 8 a.m., not to mention my period ended on the 15th of that month. The condom slipped off, so we weren’t sure if cum got inside of me. That day, I got the Take Action pill and took it at 11:45 p.m. I started spotting on the 25th until the 27th, it was slimy, and I had a bunch of clots. I was kinda scared because I started to Google stuff up, and it was a sign of pregnancy, so please don’t Google stuff! I had cramps, and I would get disgusted after I ate most of the time. Also, sometimes headaches. I also started to get really watery discharge. My period was 18 days late! I took a bunch of pregnancy tests from Clear Blue and 1st Response, so I wasn’t sure if the tests were just wrong, I was so paranoid. My period came on May 28th and ended on June 2nd. I also don’t recommend this pill. I've taken Plan B, and it never did this to me, making my period so late!"

• Rae...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 3, 2020

For Birth Control "I chose Kyleena because I wanted an extremely effective, low-maintenance, long-lasting, and hormone-low form of birth control. So far, my experience has been incredible. While the insertion was uncomfortable, I took ample pain meds and drank plenty of water, which really helped. The only pain I have experienced is abnormal and unpredictable cramping and some headaches. I have barely bled, but there has been a lot of discharge. I have not gotten any acne-the hormones have seemed to help my skin! I have had some bloating, but nothing too extreme. I gained maybe a pound, if any weight at all. Neither my partner nor I have felt the IUD during sex. I am still experiencing a very, very light period. Overall, I am very happy with my choice and encourage anyone who is considering Kyleena to get it."

• Tha...
• February 25, 2021

For Emergency Contraception "I spent hours and days reading and re-reading everyone’s experience with this pill, and here goes mine. I had unprotected sex with my boyfriend on my ovulation day (according to several period trackers). I took the pill 5-6 hours after we did it. The reviews say it’s useless if you have already begun ovulating, but I took it anyway. THEN I started reading about how the pill isn’t as effective if you’re overweight. I’m 5’3”, 220 lbs, so that scared me. I didn’t have any spotting after taking it, but I had severe headaches and nausea the same day. My period finally came 5 days late, and I was scared because I never had any cramps, breast tenderness, or any symptoms of anything the days before my period came. I still took a pregnancy test even though I’m bleeding. It’s negative. Take the pill, ladies, and STAY OFF the internet! Lesson learned. Getting on birth control, but most importantly, staying celibate until there is a ring on my finger. Hope this helped someone!"

• Anonymous
• April 2, 2021

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had Mirena in January 2021 for heavy bleeding. I’m still bleeding. Most of the first 50 days of bleeding was light. Then I had about a week of no bleeding and thought, oh, maybe this thing is going to work. Nope, I am bleeding again, but heavier and with clots. Bad headaches from it too, I think. I scheduled to have an ablation. Has anyone else tried that? I feel like I’m going to end up having a hysterectomy. I’m definitely not liking Mirena."