Skyla and Mood Swings: What Users Say

• Gem...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 22, 2020

For Birth Control "I am VERY pleasantly surprised at my Skyla IUD experience. I'm a small woman (5' 100 lbs) & previously partially expelled a Paragard IUD due to the small size of my uterus. I always wanted to avoid ANY sort of hormonal BC out of fear of side effects. When the Paragard was taken out, I decided to take a chance on Skyla (smallest IUD size, lowest hormone dosage). My next form of BC was going to be FAM, that's how much I wanted to avoid hormones. Well, after insertion (which felt awful, but that's not surprising), I've been GREAT. I felt virtually no cramps post-insertion. I've had zero hair loss, acne, or mood swings whatsoever (and trust me, I've been paying close attention). My first period post-Skyla was normal but with ~2 weeks of light brown spotting afterwards. I'm guessing this will diminish with time since the uterine lining will continue to thin. A recent ultrasound confirmed everything looks great. If things stay the way they are, I'd happily get another Skyla in 3 years. Yay!"

• ACE...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 17, 2018

For Birth Control "I’ve had Skyla inserted for a year now, and for the last couple of months, I’ve debated getting it taken out. I love how convenient and effective it is, but I feel like it’s slowly making me crazy. I already suffer with depression, but the mood swings I’ve had with Skyla are insane. I haven’t had any issues with spotting or cramps. I barely have a period at this point. My skin isn’t terrible, but I already have super oily skin, and this definitely hasn’t made it any better. But mood swings and the depression are definitely a major con, and I’d rather have my sanity back than leave it in. Anyone else suffer with crazy mood swings?"

• thi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 17, 2014

For Birth Control "I had my Skyla IUD inserted on 04 Sep 2014, so I am only commenting on my first month after having it inserted. I am a 33-year-old woman, no children, and hormonal birth control was no longer agreeing with my body (mood swings, heavy bleeding, large clots, periods lasting 2 weeks, etc.). My doctor and I agreed to the Skyla IUD (I had already done research). So far, so good. I haven't had any mood or sex drive changes and feel 100% better than I did on oral contraceptives. Out of pocket, my IUD would have cost $1400. My insurance covered 100% of it. Update: Month #4 and still no issues. No side effects. I keep track of everything so I know what to expect and when until my body fully adjusts."

• not...
• April 29, 2015

For Birth Control "I have had the Skyla IUD in me since October 2014. The insertion wasn't so bad, cramps for a day. Birth control pills were not agreeing with my body, and surprisingly, Skyla has been the best option for me. During the first two months, I had constant spotting and mood swings. So far, I have had no new side effects. I do spot a little bit during the days my periods are supposed to arrive (which isn't that often. Maybe like once per 4 months or more), and if I sit in a funny position, sometimes I can feel the IUD poke me. My boyfriend and I do not use condoms anymore and felt no need for them. I haven't had any pregnancy scares at all. Definitely recommend for younger girls who have never had children and don't plan to have any for the next while."

• mis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 14, 2016

For Birth Control "I have had Skyla for a month now. Personal experience is that I have random period-like cramps that only last a few minutes or so and occasional spotting, but nothing too serious. Period has always been regular, like clockwork. I got Skyla inserted while menstruating. Next period came right on time and my normal 4 days, but was so light I didn't even have to wear a tampon, just a thin pantyliner. Had some pretty ridiculous mood swings for the first week or two while adjusting to the hormones, but it seems to have leveled out now. Recently, dry skin on my face and my boobs are fuller and ache sometimes because of it, I guess. Sex drive through the roof. Hope this helps balance out the horror story reviews! Minor side effects, but worth it overall."

• Yay...
• February 11, 2019

For Birth Control "This is the first birth control that has truly worked for me. Over the years, I've tried four types of pill and a copper coil, and they were all terrible in their own special ways. The pills tended to decrease my sex drive to pretty much nothing and make me feel overwhelmed and miserable and like I wasn't myself anymore. The copper coil made my periods unbearably painful. I've had Skyla (or Jaydess) for a bit more than three months now, and it's been great. The downsides are that I have experienced quite a lot of spotting (although it seems to have stopped now!), a few painful cramps, and I think my moods have been a bit more up and down than before. But there are more upsides: I have, if anything, a higher sex drive than normal, and when I say my moods are more up and down, I mean in a manageable way as opposed to uncontrollably crying on the pill. I basically still feel like myself, which I never did on the pill. Oh, and also I'm not pregnant, so it's doing its fundamental job. Yay."

• col...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 30, 2016

For Birth Control "I tried pill after pill for 6 years, hated them all, whether it was bad skin or mood swings. Decided that I wanted to go as hormone-free as possible. As a 21-year-old, my doctor said that Skyla tended to have the best reviews from women my age. After reading all of the reviews, I was spooked, so I took a painkiller before. The doctor did not give me anything for anxiety or the pain. I ended up passing out twice during the insertion, and the next two days afterward were agonizing cramps. Thankful I had my boyfriend to take care of me. The rest of the first week was occasional sharp cramping. 6 weeks in, couldn't be happier! Appetite is smaller, skin is clearer, zero mood swings, high sex drive, normal periods. Well worth the initial pain."

• jun...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 16, 2019

For Birth Control "I had Skyla for 3 years and only had it removed because it was about to expire. I replaced it with Kyleena because it lasts for 5 years. In the past, I had tried both estrogen/progestin birth control pills as well as the mini pill (progestin only) and reacted horribly (bloating, mood swings, etc.), so I was really nervous about Skyla. I am very small (5’1”, 96 lbs) and sensitive to hormones, and with Skyla, I had few to no side effects. Overall, my experience was amazing! I actually lost weight (more so due to diet changes and a lot of running), and while I did have acne for months 3-6, that passed and now my skin is clear! Honestly, the only long-term side effect was menstrual cramping, which was tolerable. I have been with my SO for 2 years and we have never used additional protection, and there has never been a time when I have had to deal with pregnancy-scare jitters. Overall 10/10, don’t let the negative reviews scare you, Skyla offers freedom and spontaneity and is totally worth it!:)"

• Cri...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 16, 2021

For Birth Control "I started using Skyla 4 years ago after I took out my Nexplanon (which really didn't agree with me), and it’s been the best birth control for my body. Everyone’s body reacts differently, but this is a good option for women who haven’t had children. Insertion is painful, but Tylenol before and after helps. I don’t notice any symptoms other than really short periods and mild cramps. No acne or mood swings. Definitely recommend."

• Nic...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 1, 2020

For Birth Control "I've had my IUD for a year and a half. I wanted to keep it long enough for my body to adjust to the hormones, but it just isn't adjusting. My anxiety has increased drastically, and I have severe mood swings and no control of my emotions. I'm getting it removed because I want to be my rational, level-headed self again."

• ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 30, 2021

For Birth Control "I have had my Skyla IUD placed about a month and a half ago. With that being said, I want to warn you guys. The insertion wasn’t bad for me, it was just like a bad period cramp. I just want to warn everyone about the symptoms that I wasn’t told about that I have experienced. I have been losing my hair, very bad mood swings, bad back pain, and so, so much more."

• Gir...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 27, 2015

For Birth Control "I had no noticeable side effects at all. I did have some cramping the first month that was slight. I took some ibuprofen when it bothered me. I spotted for about 3 weeks and had one small period. Then my periods stopped. Once in a while, I get a little pink speck on toilet paper, none on my underwear. It is wonderful having birth control and not worrying about pills, periods, mood swings, or headaches. It is the best birth control ever! I also like the shorter commitment and the extra low hormone content. No weight gain. I love that it pretty much stopped my PMS completely. I notice a slight mood change once a month-ish, and it used to be really bad for me. It is a big improvement. I am 42, and I plan to stay on this until menopause."

• Tb0...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 16, 2017

For Birth Control "I had my Skyla put in May 2015. I have had it almost two years and can say that it was the best choice I could have made. When I first got it, I did experience a lot of pain, for at least a month, I had very bad cramps and mood swings. Two years later, I don't even know it's there. I would very strongly recommend!"

• ari...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 16, 2016

For Birth Control "Absolutely horrid. Had this for over 2 years and could not take it anymore. Hair loss, weight gain, acne, depression, mood swings, dry skin, bloating, no sex drive. The list goes on. After going on Skyla, I got horrible stretch marks all over my butt, thighs, boobs, and hips. I am 20 years old, 5'10" and weigh 136 pounds. WTF! I want to cry just thinking about birth control. I will never take birth control again. Look into charting and temperature reading. Been off Skyla for a little over a month now and I already feel better, have lost some weight/bloating, hair stopped falling out. Maybe it works for some women, but it's not even worth the risk in my opinion."

• nia...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 18, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve been on Skyla for slightly under a year. Insertion was painful, and the cramps afterwards were pretty intense. Within the first couple of months, my roommate (sister) as well as my boyfriend noticed my extreme mood swings. I was on either side of the extreme, super happy or super upset/mad/sad, and never in between. I’ve always been an emotional person, so I never looked too much into it. Well, almost a year later, I’ve watched my anxiety get worse. I’ve started having anxiety attacks and mental breakdowns on a weekly basis, sometimes for no reason at all. Although Skyla does help me prevent an unwanted pregnancy, I believe it has impacted my mental health substantially and should be taken into consideration if you’ve dealt or are dealing with anxiety and depression. I am scheduled to have mine removed."

• Eri...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 29, 2020

For Birth Control "I started out with the Skyla IUD in 2018 for endometriosis, and it worked fine except pain during sex. My period disappeared a month after insertion. Then I got it out because I started to get reoccurring bacterial vaginosis, which I found out was from the strings being too long and rubbing. My doc recommended I try the Liletta, which I had for a few months and then had removed because I could feel it poking my uterus when walking. I decided to give Skyla one more try, but this go-round I have gained 40 lbs in a year with the same diet and exercise I was doing before. The anxiety, depression, food cravings, bloating, gas, and mood swings are horrible, and sex hurts. I’m getting this one out next week, and I’ll just deal with the heavy periods and track my basal temp to avoid pregnancy."

• Ang...
• October 4, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm a 23-year-old female with no children. So far, I had my Skyla for 6 weeks. One of the best decisions of my life! The insertion was painless during my period, and I have a low tolerance for pain, but I did take ibuprofen and Tylenol at least 30 minutes before the procedure. I did experience deep cramps for an hour, and my period vanished. I do spot on occasion, nothing a thin panty liner can't take care of...but I did notice I was very emotional this week than usual...I'm not a crier, but I found myself shedding tears 4 out of 7 days this week, and my sex drive is through the roof sometimes, and sometimes it's very low (I've always had a low sex drive), plus I've been sleeping a lot this week. I have my 6-week check-up this week, so wish me luck!"

• haz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 14, 2016

For Birth Control "I did not think the insertion was painful. I took 800 mg of ibuprofen beforehand and chugged a beer before I went in, didn't feel a thing. Some spotting afterwards, nothing much. Been in for 5 months and no issues yet. I get some pain in my right ovary. I think it's when I would be having my period, but I don't get them anymore. Just mood swings, sore breasts, and ovary pain, but no bleeding."

• Tin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 18, 2015

For Birth Control "I am 24 and have no kids. I have had Skyla in for 4 months now. I took an Aleve an hour before the IUD was inserted and had some pain right after the insertion for 5 seconds. Afterwards, I had two days of cramps and spotting, but nothing unbearable. Since that day, I have had no issues. I have more intense cramps around the time of my period, but my period lasts less than 3 days. The second month, I missed my period altogether, which made me nervous, but my doctor said it was normal, and I had my period the following month. I have no spotting between periods. I also do not have any mood swings, depression, or weight gain, which were side effects for me with oral birth control pills and the NuvaRing. I would definitely recommend Skyla."

• Ann...
• January 15, 2019

For Birth Control "I've had Skyla for about 2 years now. The insertion was easy, but I'm someone who has a very high pain tolerance. The cramps afterward were no fun but thankfully subsided within a few days. Everything about this IUD is great except the toll it has taken on my mental health. I never used to be emotional around the time of my period, but with Skyla I'm a wreck every month, and my periods are light but last 2 weeks. I cry all the time when I'm on my period, and my moods are like a roller coaster. I had to up my antidepressant dose after getting this IUD just to feel somewhat normal again. It certainly gets the job done, but sometimes I feel like it's not worth the emotional damage. It is, however, a nice estrogen-free option if you're someone who suffers from migraines like myself. After leaving the pill for Skyla, my migraines decreased substantially, so there are a lot of pros and cons."

• All...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 1, 2017

For Birth Control "I've had my IUD for about 2 months, and I love it. The only negative thing for myself is the spotting. I'm 21 and do not have children. This is also my first form of birth control. I had Skyla inserted on the 5th day of my period, and the pain was very minimal. I did cramp slightly, but I was able to drive myself home. A few days after insertion, I had a slight breakout, which is odd for me because I generally have very clear skin, but my skin went back to normal a couple of days later. I have noticed some slight mood swings, but nothing too extreme. I also have been spotting a lot, but I know it's normal and will probably stop within the next few months. My boyfriend says he can't feel it either. I definitely recommend this IUD."

• Jes...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 11, 2016

For Birth Control "I am 23. I have had the Skyla now for the 2nd time. Every birth control is different for everyone, but my experience was amazing. Yes, the first 6 weeks you cramp like a regular period, and getting it put in sucks. All in all, though, it's not going to end your life like some people are posting that they passed out. That's probably from overwhelming yourself. I would recommend this birth control to anyone that doesn't want to take the pill every day, has bad periods, mood swings, a bad ache, and doesn't want to have children. It stays local, so you don't have the crazy hormone change like the pill and the arm insert gives you since it has to go through your whole body. The Skyla is right there, ready to fight!"

• b-l...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 8, 2015

For Birth Control "Getting the Skyla inserted hurt like crazy. The first few weeks I had very bad cramping, but after my first period with it in, the cramping went away. During the weeks of the cramping, I was also very emotional. But now I feel fine. During intercourse, I do feel it a little, and so does my partner, but we were able to find a new position that works, so it isn't uncomfortable. I get cramping around my periods, but nothing that is bad, the best part is that my periods are so much lighter! Other than those negativities, it was by far the best decision I ever made. No weight gain, not having to worry about taking a pill every day. And it lasts three years! Don't forget, everybody is different."

• sav...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 4, 2016

For Birth Control "I chose Skyla over the pills because I have a horrible memory and I would forget to take one every night around the same time. Skyla's insertion isn't as bad as I read about it. I was terrified because of what online said about it. The insertion is about 10 seconds long of period cramps on steroids. I took two 800 mg of Advil beforehand, like my gyno suggested. I had cramps the first few days, spotting since I want to say October 3, 2016, to mid-November. My periods have been a day or two long with minimal to barely any blood. Highly recommended. No cramps, no headaches, tiny mood swings, a little acne, but nothing a face wash can't fix. I have had a loss of appetite, though, not sure if it is the Skyla, though."

• Kri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 15, 2019

For Birth Control "I had Skyla in for 4 months, and it was horrific. It did not hurt to have it inserted, but my pelvic cramping has been so severe! I had to take Ibuprofen around the clock for 4 months straight, including for my wedding and my honeymoon. I also had horrible vaginal dryness and bad mood swings. My periods lasted about 7 days and were very light. I was having such bad cramps I would wake up in the middle of the night in horrible pain, I threw up 3 times because of how horrible the pain was. I had a vaginal ultrasound done to ensure it was in the correct area (which it was). I finally had it removed today, and I feel amazing!"