Levonorgestrel and Mood Swings: What Users Say (Page 3)

• 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."

• Hap...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 18, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have a 10 cm fibroid, which has been held responsible for sudden, large bleeds that I was having. These bleeds were unmanageable and could strike at any time, causing my clothes, shoes, and carpet to be soaked with blood. I had read about Mirena coils and hoped it would work for me. It was inserted by a gynecologist following a hysteroscopy to check that nothing else was untoward. Insertion was slightly uncomfortable, but I had no pain afterward. That was 6 months ago, and I have not had any further bleeding, no mood swings, and as I am probably peri-menopausal, no symptoms of menopause either. An added bonus is that I no longer have periods due to Mirena, so holidays are no longer ruined. It has saved my life."

• Jen...
• July 18, 2019

For Emergency Contraception "I promised myself I would write a positive review if it worked for me because the reviews here were a source of comfort for me. I took Plan B within 24 hours of unprotected sex, but made the mistake of searching the web about it and found that if you’re ovulating, it supposedly doesn’t work. I downloaded a fertility app, and the app suggested that my peak fertility day was the very night I had unprotected sex. I spent the next two weeks fully convincing myself I was pregnant. Apparently, pregnancy symptoms and Plan B symptoms are nearly identical. I experienced cramping, mood swings, and breast soreness. I also didn’t have any spotting (I took Plan B once before and spotted), so I immediately assumed that meant it didn’t work. Two weeks later, I took a pregnancy test that came out negative, and today (3 days after the test) I got my period right around schedule. I hope this comforts someone. Stop panicking, stop Googling your symptoms. Plan B works."

• Pau...
• September 24, 2019

For Emergency Contraception "I hope this helps, girls! I took Plan B for the first time, 6 days before ovulation, the beginning of my cycle. On 08/22, I had unprotected sex and took the pill 3 hours after that. No side effects, just felt tired and weird! A week after, I experienced sore boobs, cramps, mood swings, appetite changes, and even had a yeast infection. Then on 08/28, I started to spot, 7 days after the pill. Spotting was light, then it got a little more, I needed a pad! That lasted 4 days! Then I was fine, there was a white, thick, odorless discharge! Then a week went by, and on 09/07, I had these weird cramps and extreme bloating! It seemed like my ovulation day. Anyway, from that day, I felt weird and pregnant, with mood swings, emotional, and hungry all the time, with white and clear discharge! Anyway, on 09/17, my boobs were super sore, then cramping! I also felt nauseous, with a lot of cramping! My period was a week late! I spotted 2 days before my period, and my PERIOD IS HERE!!! 09/24, a week and a half late!!! Side effects suck! Don't stress, you will be fine!"

• 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."

• 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."

• Kgv...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 27, 2020

For Emergency Contraception "I took this pill at the beginning of Jan 2020. I got one period about 10 days after taking the pill. For this month of Feb, I am late on my period, but I keep spotting. This pill has given me breast soreness and every period symptom for weeks now, but still no period. Nausea and weakness, mood swings. Never experienced this with Plan B."

• Rel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 13, 2013

For Emergency Contraception "Had unprotected sex right in the middle of my cycle. Took this roughly 24 hours after having sex. I felt pretty emotional for a few days afterward. Not sure if that was from the pill or the situation I put myself in. Anyway, for about a week and a half, I felt nauseous, had cramps, was very tired, and had headaches. I also started spotting about 2 weeks after taking it. I thought I was starting my period. However, my actual period was delayed a couple of days. Very happy this product exists! I will not put myself in the situation to have to use it again, however."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 2, 2012

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Absolutely wonderful experience with my Mirenas - I'm now on number two! No periods, no mood swings, no lethargy, I just feel in great health. If you are wondering if the Mirena is for you, I recommend trying it. It seriously changed my life - I now have a life rather than being hostage to my hormones!"

• Att...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 31, 2024

For Emergency Contraception "For context, I’m a 17 y/o female. My boyfriend and I had unprotected intercourse (stupid of me, I know), so a day later I bought Plan B for the first time! I noticed Aftera was about $10 cheaper than the other brands, and as a broke high school student, obviously I went with the cheaper option. I took the pill about 28 hours after unprotected sex. The side effects were pretty bad but nothing unbearable. The first few hours my stomach was cramping like a mild period, I felt nauseous and light-headed. I felt much more dependent on my boyfriend, and some hours I’d feel numb towards him. I cried a lot, the pill gave me a lot of mood swings. Also, I had a LOT of white discharge, so don’t be paranoid if you have increased discharge! About 6 days after taking the pill, I got my period on time! Sometimes Plan B can make your period come later or earlier! This pill worked great for my first time, obviously, there would be side effects, but it prevented pregnancy, which is its main purpose!"

• Les...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 3, 2019

For Emergency Contraception "Okay, so I’ve been reading others' experiences for weeks, so I decided to share mine. So my last period started on Oct 28 and ended on Nov 1. I had unprotected sex on Nov 5, which was less than a week before I started ovulating. The guy ended up finishing in me, and I’m on no form of birth control. I took the pill about an hour after that happened. A week later, I started spotting, but it was somewhat heavy spotting. The following weeks, I experienced headaches, cramps on and off, increased appetite, sore breasts, increased discharge, and I became very emotional. In addition, my period was due on the 25th of Nov. I was convinced I was pregnant. This past week, I’ve had an increase in the intensity of cramps, and luckily my period came today (Dec 1), which is exactly a week from my expected period arrival date. My advice would be to be patient, keep track of your cycle, and take the pill as soon as possible. Hope this is helpful for someone."

• Ajd...
• July 27, 2019

For Emergency Contraception "I've used it twice. The first time was easy and I got my period a bit late, but it was still a success. However, this second time was different. I had unprotected sex on May 28, took the pill 45 min after, and my period was due two weeks from that day. No crazy side effects. Fast forward to the end of June, and I still had no sign of my period. I was extremely worried and my prayer mode was on. July approached, and my period was 3 weeks late! Still too scared to take a test because I was scared. But on July 3, I saw a sign of my period. Much different than my regular period, though. It was very dark red, almost brown, all 5 days. No period symptoms (headache, acne, bloating, cramps, mood swings), and it was a lighter flow. To be on the safe side of things, I decided to finally take the test, and I fortunately received a negative result. If you’re reading through these reviews right now, relax. Stress caused mine to be extremely late. So once I calmed down, I finally got it! I definitely do think this pill works."

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

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

• Sey...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 18, 2021

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "In Oct 2020, I had lost so much blood during my period that I had to have a blood transfusion (3.5 bags). Afterwards, my gyn-ob gave me birth control pills w/ estrogen to regulate my heavy periods. It made my blood pressure go through the roof. I also had swelling in my legs, feet, and ankles. So in March 2021, I decided to have the Mirena IUD inserted. I was still bleeding heavily when my gyn-ob inserted it. It was a bloody mess. Mind you, my vaginal area was sore from all the bulky tampons that I experienced such a stinging sensation. Now fast-forward to July 2021, I'm still experiencing heavy bleeding at times. I'm constantly having to wear panty liners. I get headaches and strange body aches monthly. I've gained weight in the back of my neck and belly. I once had clear skin but not anymore. I've been hiding behind a mask the entire time. My mood comes and goes. I'm contemplating removing the IUD. I was miserable before the IUD, and now I'm miserable with it. This dilemma has ruined my livelihood."

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

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

• Nes...
• December 9, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "So after 17 years of horrific monthly periods due to my endometriosis, I finally had enough. I have 'microscopic endometriosis', surgery won't help. So after everything, my specialist recommended an IUD. I was very skeptical because I have tried hormonal birth control in the past, and it made me really moody, with insane mood swings that cost me the love of my life. But after consulting with multiple doctors, they explained that the hormones are directly in the uterus and don't affect your moods. At first, I bled for like 2-3 months. It was awful. The pain was awful. But I stuck it out, it was my last option. I'm so thankful I did. After 6 months, periods stopped, pain stopped, and my life has been pain-free for 5 years. Love Mirena!!!"

• GGa...
• December 31, 2020

For Birth Control "Had the IUD inserted in March 2018. It wasn’t terribly painful. Even though my cervix had a crazy pinching sensation, I didn’t experience the wooziness or the fainting, which is ironic because I have POTS disease. I had level 8 cramps for a few weeks and was spotting and having irregular heavy flows on and off for the first 6 months. I sort of stopped spotting, but my irregular periods just lasted longer (2-3 weeks) and went 2-3 weeks waiting for my next irregular period. I gained weight, had hair loss, got acne on my face, scalp, neck, shoulders, back, chest, and randomly on my stomach. Went to a dermatologist, cycled through many products, stopped using scented anything and oil-based products. Nothing helps. My libido slowly decreased to zero. Mood swings. I am unmotivated to do anything; sports, exercise, cook (yet increased appetite), etc. I can no longer say this is worth it. I’m hoping my body can get some relief from all these side effects once I do."

• 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."

• Coo...
• January 29, 2013

For Birth Control "I had Mirena for a year. Insertion was a small pinch and not bad at all. I spotted the whole time I had it in, experienced more headaches, lower back aches, and cramping. The spotting wasn't really a lot, but I always had to wear a liner. My sex drive was low, and I would get panic attacks and have horrible mood swings. I also gained like 15 lbs. I had it taken out today, so I am hoping I feel better. My husband is happy I am getting it out, he said I just wasn't the same with it."

• Ath...
• January 19, 2020

For Emergency Contraception "What a roller coaster this has been. I took Plan B November 25th, 2 hours after an accident. 5 days later, I started bleeding, at first, I thought it was a super early period, then implantation bleeding. Then I read that it happens, so I called to make sure, and they assured me that it happens to some women. I felt weird the whole month of December... light cramps, mood swings. My period was supposed to come mid-December, but my period is ALWAYS very late, so when my period skipped a month, I was stressed but not really surprised. I took six urine pregnancy tests and one blood pregnancy test. I took the blood pregnancy test 46 days after intercourse happened, everything came back negative. The last few days, I started having cramps, more pimples than usual, and huge mood swings. Today, I finally got my period. So Plan B worked for me."

• 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."

• aca...
• January 2, 2012

For Birth Control "I'm 25 years old with no children, and I have Mirena. I absolutely love it. The pill gave me acne, weight gain, mood swings, and nausea. The NuvaRing gave me blood clots. Mirena has been a dream. Insertion was no worse than a bad period cramp (again, I've never had kids, and it didn't hurt that bad), and I spotted for a few days. No biggie. I've had oily skin and acne my whole life but am able to control it. Mirena has made it no worse at all. I work out every day and have even been losing weight. So, Mirena has not made me gain weight. I just want to be a positive voice out there for Mirena. Before I got it, I read message boards, and it almost discouraged me from getting it. Thankfully it didn't because it's been the best birth control ever."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 2, 2024

For Emergency Contraception "First off, don’t panic! It works. I know it’s easier said than done because if you found this page, that means you’ve found Google and have already been going a little crazy but trust me, it works. I’m a 20F w/ irregular periods for some background. My boyfriend and I had sex on the 25th of May (2 am) and I had just finished my period a week prior and was in my fertile window. First time and no protection. He pulled out before he came, but I wasn’t too sure as I didn’t see it. I panicked! That same day I got Plan B around 6 pm as I had to travel and couldn’t get it right after (about 15 hours later). Initially, I went to bed fine and the next day (May 26th) I found myself extremely nauseous. About 2 days later I was spotting and pretty moody, then on the 31st I noticed I was cramping. Now it’s the 1st and my period arrived 2 weeks early. It works love! You got this. Don’t forget to pray. You’re okay!!"

• miz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 6, 2019

For Emergency Contraception "We were having sex and the condom broke, so we went to go get Plan B within 30 minutes after. I had some spotting a week later, and my period started 2 weeks early. My mood swings were bad, and I was bloated for about a month, but I took a pregnancy test, and it came out negative, so I’m not complaining—DON'T STRESS, IT’LL BE OKAY."