Skip to main content

Levonorgestrel and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 2)

Brand names: Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, Plan B One-Step, Skyla, Julie, PostDay One-Step, My Choice, Take Action, My Way, Aftera, Option 2, Athentia Next, Morning After, Opcicon One-Step, New Day, Her Style, AfterPlan, EContra One-Step, AfterPill, Next Choice One Dose, Fallback Solo Curae SheWise Optionelle …show all brand names

Reviews for Levonorgestrel

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • She...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • December 15, 2020

For Birth Control "Soon after I had Mirena inserted, I began getting migraines and episodes of dizziness. I stuck it out since I was relieved to finally not have incredibly painful, heavy periods. Aside from developing some cystic acne and those occasional migraines/dizzy episodes, things were going relatively okay. Nine months later, I started to develop panic attacks and extreme anxiety. I have a dull headache every day. I am dizzy nearly all of the time, I have developed some facial hair, and my hair is falling out of my scalp. I have insomnia. This is incredibly frustrating to me as my GP keeps writing it off as 'general anxiety.' I did not have these issues before Mirena. I was previously incredibly active, adventurous, and enjoyed cycling, jogging, hiking. Now, I am afraid to do anything because of how dizzy I am and the intense anxiety I now experience. I just hope once I have this removed, I can return to my normal self. I haven't felt like 'me' in nearly a year, and it is getting really tough."

3 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
39 Report
  • Anonymous
  • January 20, 2010

For Birth Control "I first would like to thank all of you that posted comments. After reading them, I felt I'm not alone. It's not just happening to me, there is nothing wrong with me. I'm 34, with one child and had Mirena for 5 months. The insertion was almost painless and the first month was fine. Right now, I have gained 10 lbs, loss of sex drive, have headaches, back pain, insomnia, constipation, hair loss and general depression - OF COURSE that's going to cause to have mood swings. I'm waiting on an appointment to have it removed. ANOTHER IMPORTANT ASPECT is that I had suffered from postpartum depression after the birth of my child 4 years ago and honestly I was worried that these side effects (especially depression) were a sign that I was still not okay."

3 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
116 Report
  • hug...
  • June 5, 2014

For Emergency Contraception "Alright ladies.. This pill is a lifesaver! Me and my boyfriend had an incident when the condom broke. At the time, I was ovulating and I took the Plan B pill within 24 hours. I didn't have any symptoms for about a week, and then I got ALL of them. Tender breasts, abdominal pain, bloating, very weird stomach noises, bad headaches, and very tired. My biggest symptom was being worried though! I am only 16, and I am now not pregnant. This pill works miracles! One relieved lady right here. Good luck to all of you!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
80 Report

See also:

Frequently asked questions

  • rel...
  • January 15, 2014

For Emergency Contraception "Ladies, let me tell you this pill works! My boyfriend and I had the condom fail right during the middle of my cycle. I went to the pharmacy about 9 hours later and bought some. Right after I took it, I felt fatigued the whole first day. I did experience some other side effects as well, seeing as I have never been on any hormonal contraceptive. I had cramps for the full two weeks until I got my period, as well as breast tenderness. The week after I took the pill, I felt nauseous, had sore breasts, a sore back, cramps, and headaches. I thought I was pregnant and got really stressed out. I got my period right on time though, despite my stress. My best advice is to just relax and wait it out. Easier said than done, I know!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
75 Report
  • Anonymous
  • October 28, 2019

For Emergency Contraception "I had unprotected sex on 9/23 (fourth day of my period) and took Plan B about an hour later. I’ve taken the pill before closer to ovulation and have had pretty normal experiences. Something about taking it during my period this time really threw everything off, though. My next period was over a week late (38 days in this cycle), and up until then, I had so many signs that I was pregnant: sore breasts, white discharge, fatigue, headaches, etc. I took two pregnancy tests that both showed negative, but I was still paranoid - I’ve had protected sex since then and kept thinking, “maybe a different condom failed??” Finally, today my period started - 34 days after taking Plan B. If you’re reading reviews because you’re late or worried about the effectiveness, stop torturing yourself. Everything will be alright!!"

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
42 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

Your review helps others make informed decisions.
Write a review
  • HFa...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • December 16, 2019

For Birth Control "This IUD has caused so many health issues for me. I had this IUD and had rapid weight gain of 50 pounds. I have always been curvy but never overweight or unhealthy. I am now considered obese. My breast size that were DD are now an H. My breasts weigh a good 35-40 pounds. I now have shortness of breath because of my weight gain (especially in my chest area) and now have a belly (never had that before my IUD). I got awful headaches and now have reflux and possibly sleep apnea due to my rapid weight gain. I had two different doctors check everything that could cause weight gain, and the only thing they determined was my IUD (I had great lab work and no diabetes or thyroid issues). I have back fat now and fat around my neck and upper shoulders that I never had before. I went from being an hourglass figure to looking like the Mucinex guy. This IUD has completely changed me for the worse. I think it’s extremely unhealthy."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
41 Report
  • lan...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 19, 2019

For Emergency Contraception "Okay, so I had sex on the 16th of August. It was completely raw, he didn’t pull out or anything. I was scared that I was going to get pregnant, and I couldn’t get the pill until 32 hours later. I wasn’t ovulating, but I was about to, and sperm lasts 3-5 days in your system. So I got the pill like 32 hours later, and then after that, I had pregnancy symptoms. I missed my period, headaches, nausea, etc. My period was late by 12 days. I took a pregnancy test 3 days after I missed my period, and it came out negative. I took another one at the doctor, and it came out negative too. I was so relieved, but I was still scared because I didn’t get my period. The doctor told me Plan B makes you miss your period sometimes, and yesterday I got spotting. It started coming heavier, and it was my period!! This pill actually works, just STAY calm, everything will be okay!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
41 Report

More FAQ

  • Maz...
  • January 24, 2015

For Emergency Contraception "This pill saved my life! My boyfriend and I are 16 and have sex, we always use a condom, but one night we had an accident where the condom broke. We couldn't go out that night to get Plan B, but we went early the next morning (15 hours later). Since I still had to wait 2 weeks to get my period, I spent it stressing and feeling nervous. But sure enough, today I got my period a day early! I only had a headache and sleepiness for the first two days of the pill. But I'm relieved, and it was well worth the 50 dollars. Mistakes happen."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
62 Report
  • Oli...
  • December 14, 2019

For Emergency Contraception "I had an accident with my boyfriend on the exact day I was ovulating, according to my period tracker app, and literally drove to the drug store right after to buy Plan B. I took the pill within 20 minutes of the accident happening and immediately had cramping/pressure. I freaked out for 2 weeks straight, even took a few pregnancy tests because I was so scared it didn’t work. 2 weeks after taking it, I got really dizzy throughout the day and had a really bad headache, so my side effects came around 1.5 weeks after taking it, BUT it worked and I got my period on the exact day I was supposed to. Reading these comments helped me calm down, so I figured I would share my experience."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
38 Report
  • Ano...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 29, 2019

For Emergency Contraception "Plan B works, but it will screw with your mind. These user reviews kept me from going absolutely insane. Had sex on 8/13, almost positive I had ovulated that day-dumb, I know. My boyfriend is good at controlling himself and pulling out, but this time he made a mess with the cum after getting out. Took Plan B 4 hrs after and was nauseous with minor headaches, then exactly 1 week later (8/20) literally ALL the pregnancy symptoms hit me like a ton of bricks-spotting, cramps, mood swings, lower back pain, fatigue, nausea, headaches, food aversions/cravings, sore breasts, elevated temperature, etc. The spotting went away, but the other stuff went on 'til 8/27, the day my period was due. I about lost my mind of anxiety, but 8/28 I got a negative result on a pregnancy test and my period later in the day. The meds work, just don’t let the side effects get to you-they’re still better than getting pregnant. Stay off Google, read the reviews here and relax. Better yet, have safe sex."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
38 Report
  • Ano...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 29, 2019

For Emergency Contraception "Plan B works, but it will screw with your mind. These user reviews kept me from going absolutely insane. Had sex on 8/13, almost positive I had ovulated that day-dumb, I know. My boyfriend is good at controlling himself and pulling out, but this time he made a mess with the cum after getting out. Took Plan B 4 hrs after and was nauseous with minor headaches, then exactly 1 week later (8/20) literally ALL the pregnancy symptoms hit me like a ton of bricks-spotting, cramps, mood swings, lower back pain, fatigue, nausea, headaches, food aversions/cravings, sore breasts, elevated temperature, etc. The spotting went away, but the other stuff went on 'til 8/27, the day my period was due. I about lost my mind of anxiety, but 8/28 I got a negative result on a pregnancy test and my period later in the day. The meds work, just don’t let the side effects get to you-they’re still better than getting pregnant. Stay off Google, read the reviews here and relax. Better yet, have safe sex."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
38 Report
  • not...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 22, 2016

For Emergency Contraception "My boyfriend and I had unprotected sex around 11:30 p.m. on 12/3, and I was due to ovulate on 12/5. He claimed that he completely pulled out before he ejaculated, but I wasn't completely convinced. The next day, around 7:30 p.m. (20 hours after the act), I took a Plan B One-Step. Since I was so early in my cycle, I knew I would have to wait a while to see if it worked. I did not experience any symptoms until about a week later, when I started having sore boobs, headaches, and light brown spotting that lasted a couple of days. I was due for my period on 12/21, and it came a day early on 12/20. For everyone out there worrying: STOP! If you took it within the suggested time frame, it WILL work! Relax and let the pill do its job :)"

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
47 Report
  • Ste...
  • August 25, 2020

For Birth Control "I’ve had constant side effects since I first went on it. The first 6 months I was going to tough it out as doctors told me it would go away, but it did not. I had insane cramping (like contractions) on the daily or at random, causing me to constantly need to bring Advil everywhere I go. I had extreme fatigue (naturally I’m very energetic), I had a hard time working out as I would get really sore quick/not have the energy. I would get dizzy spells, headaches/migraines, sweats as well, plus insane PMS that was uncontrollable and hard to predict. What was the most striking was how much weight I gained that I couldn’t lose when I was on a strict diet + working out daily, which was extremely discouraging. This has been reoccurring for the time I’ve been on it. Also, I had uncomfortable intercourse, I would either bleed or get cramping after. I’ve been on the pill, and this experience was 50 times worse. You just don't know who is going to suit the IUD, 3/4 of my friends who have it had a horrible experience."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
32 Report
  • 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."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
25 Report
  • Cee...
  • July 7, 2016

For Emergency Contraception "I didn't see enough ovulation Plan B stories, so I thought I would share my experience. After the deed was done, I noticed the condom was broken. I checked to see if I was ovulating (which I was). I got upset and made my boyfriend drive to the nearest pharmacy and pick up Plan B. I took it within 2 hours of the condom breaking. It thickened my cervical mucus and kind of expelled the leftover semen. The next 2 weeks were filled with cramping, nausea, headaches, breast tenderness, and anxiety. The cramps felt like implantation cramps (one side and sharp). Also turned out to be NOT PREGNANT :)"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
44 Report
  • The...
  • February 27, 2017

For Emergency Contraception "So my boyfriend and I had sex around 12:30 am. He didn't have a condom, and he asked me if I was ovulating/fertile, and my dumb ass said no, so he ended up finishing inside of me for the first time ever. I went to the bathroom right away and checked my period tracker app, and it was the day I was ovulating. I FREAKED OUT, I was so scared. I'm not on any kind of birth control! So the next morning, 8 hours later, we went to Walgreens, and he bought me the Plan B pill. The next 2 weeks, I had symptoms: nausea, headaches, cramping in my left lower abdomen, and sore breasts. I was terrified and kept thinking it was pregnancy symptoms! Anyway, it was the longest two weeks of my life, and I ended up getting my period the day I was supposed to. :) Don't freak out, it works!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
41 Report
  • Not...
  • December 4, 2014

For Emergency Contraception "I had unprotected sex the day before ovulation. I wasn't aware at that time I was extremely fertile. I took Plan B within 6 hours after intercourse. I can't lie, I absolutely knew I was pregnant! I had all the symptoms. I was nauseated, had headaches, swollen breasts, and cramped daily. I was so ecstatic to see my period come on the same day it was expected! Birth control pills will be started today! Thanks, Plan B!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
56 Report
  • KPa...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • November 7, 2019

For Birth Control "I had a Mirena for 5.5 years. The last 2 months have been devastating with a Mirena crash after removal. I also had anxiety and gut issues for 5 years. These Mirena side effects gradually developed, so I didn’t link it, and doctors dismissed it (my gut is fine now after removal!). Two weeks after removal, the crash hit. I'm overwhelmed with anxiety, depression, brain fog, headaches, and sore throat. I can't function. I think my body has stopped making progesterone (in the brain, adrenals, and ovaries) because I have had the artificial form from Mirena for 5+ years. It’s not localized hormone and isn't metabolized the same. When it’s removed, your body is thrown into a severe imbalance that takes months to rectify. I’m still healing and feel frustrated that 5 years of anxiety and gut issues could also have been avoided. These issues aren’t rare, and it’s affecting a large percentage of women. I hope this warns people or gives comfort to those going through it. I’m gradually getting better with acupuncture and naturopathy to balance my hormones, but it’s been real hard."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
30 Report
  • ave...
  • January 6, 2021

For Emergency Contraception "Girls, girls, girls. Plan B works. Period. Point. Blank. When I took Plan B my first time, I literally felt so alone and clueless, and these reviews gave me comfort-so here's my own... So, midnight of Nov 21st, I had unprotected sex and was not able to get to a Walgreens until Nov 23. I have heard everyone's body responds to the pill differently, and for me, I had it BAD. I had hot/cold flashes, EXTREME fatigue (I'm talking sleeping until 12 pm every day), bloating, back pains... Literally, nothing could convince me I wasn’t pregnant. Exactly 4 days later, I experienced a mini period that lasted just around 5 days. I DID NOT get a period at all in December (started to have mini panic attacks), then FINALLY, on Jan 4th, I got my period!!! P.S. I usually never get PMS or symptoms, and if I do, it's tolerable-but my period after Plan B gave me cramps, headaches, heavy bleeding-but hey, that's the price you pay for being a woman. Abstinence is key, my friends. Abstinence is key."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
24 Report
  • Red...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 3, 2021

For Emergency Contraception "It works even after you took after ovulation! I took it within 4 hours, though, so take it ASAP. Side effects are really bad. Sore boobs, nauseous, headache, chill/shiver during sleep, cramp, back pain - I went through all these, and it was really, really bad. But the period came on the exact date that the app predicted!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
24 Report
  • Lau...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 18, 2014

For Emergency Contraception "It works. However, 30 minutes after I took it, I had very sharp cramps. I started my period 2 weeks later, and it was the worst period ever. It was extremely heavy and long, I had horrible headaches and cramps, and it made my period look like real blood, like I had been cut or something. I wouldn't recommend using it often. That being said, yes, it does work, but I hope I don't ever have to use it again."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
48 Report
  • Eas...
  • January 13, 2014

For Emergency Contraception "My girlfriend has taken this product three different times. The first time, she had withdrawal bleeding for a week, two days after use. The other two times, she didn't bleed at all but suffered from extreme nausea, bloating, headaches, etc. This product truly works, as two-thirds of the times we had to use it were the most fertile times of her cycle. Recommend this product to anyone."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
48 Report
  • AE1...
  • January 30, 2017

For Emergency Contraception "I spent a lot of time Googling about this and never found anything that put my mind at ease, so I wanna share my experiences! I'm 21 years old, and I had sex with my ex, and being the paranoid person that I am, freaked out and took Plan B 38 hours after. I got everything from nausea, breast tenderness, and headaches, it was awful! At first! I got brownish discharge a week after taking it. Then, 3 weeks later, which is today, Jan 30th, I got my period after being 2 days late. Point is, don't worry! Plan B works very well, but it will put your body through a huge mind distortion to the point where you'll think you're pregnant, but you're not! It's insane. I lost much sleep over it and stressed myself out over nothing. I hope this helps."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
36 Report
  • xxx...
  • October 17, 2019

For Emergency Contraception "Another success story I hope might ease your mind! I'm a naive 18-year-old who had unprotected sex with her ex-boyfriend. He did not finish inside of me, but pre-cum is very much capable, so I took Plan B 48 hours after the fact. Felt completely normal after taking it, but was going crazy with the Google searches and crying over the 'what ifs' (don't do this!). A week after taking it, I bled dark brown blood lightly for 3 days on and off. Two weeks after taking it, I started to get bad headaches every day. Three weeks after taking it, the cramping kicked in, and I was starting to worry a ton again. Now it's been 4 weeks, and I've gotten my period a week before expected! Biggest relief ever. Trust the process, don't overthink, and maybe even say a few prayers (:"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
27 Report
  • 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."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
27 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

Your review helps others make informed decisions.
Write a review
Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.