Skyla and Mood Swings: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Jaz...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 28, 2019

For Birth Control "I got Skyla inserted June 2016 after childbirth. It was better than Mirena. However, my experience was horrible, and I was dumb enough to listen to my doctor's advice, and I kept it in for 3 years. I experienced horrible mood swings, anxiety, I gained 35 lbs (I went from 180 lbs to 215 lbs within the first year), recurring BV/yeast infections, and cramping and bleeding between periods. Ladies, I don’t recommend it. I just removed it today, by the way... I never got pregnant, but I put my body through hell for 3 years to prevent pregnancy."

• gor...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 25, 2017

For Birth Control "I absolutely love my Skyla. Insertion was pretty uncomfortable, but was completely bearable. I spotted on and off for the first few months, which was annoying, but not a deal breaker. Finally, after about 6 months, my periods have leveled out and are regular again. I get very minimal cramping a few days before, and a light flow that lasts about 6 days. I have had no other negative side effects, and I LOVE not having to remember a pill every day! Plus, every other birth control I've tried has given me horrible mood swings, horribly tender breasts, and acne. I haven't experienced any of those with Skyla. I would highly recommend this and have already sung its praises to all my friends."

• Cfl...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 2, 2017

For Birth Control "My experience on Skyla was absolutely terrible. The 5 months I was on this device changed my personality and overall well-being completely. It started with cramps, stomach pains, and bloating. Then it started changing my mood, I was constantly moody, sad, and angry. My main issue was the recurrent UTIs. I have never had one before until I got the insertion, then I couldn't get them to go away. I was on 5 different antibiotics, and nothing worked. As soon as it cleared, it would come back days later. I couldn't even have sex anymore because it would hurt and give me another UTI. I was miserable 24/7. I got it removed about a month ago and have yet to have a UTI, and I am overall happier and more balanced. Never again will I use an IUD."

• Tay...
• May 11, 2017

For Birth Control "I had Skyla for exactly 1 year. Starting with how painful the insertion was, I had hoped things would get better. I didn't have a period 3 months into it, but still had crippling cramps and aches like I was on my period at any given time. I waited it out and ended up gaining over 30 lbs in the last year. I recently went to my family doctor and expressed that I wasn't happy with the weight gain, my mood swings (random crying, anger fits), and I said I wanted to take it out. So she took it out right then and there. Best decision I've made. Removal was a breeze."

• Anonymous
• June 30, 2017

For Birth Control "I am beyond happy that I made the switch. I was on the pill prior to my new IUD, and I had the worst PMS and mood swings imaginable. I always felt depressed and this constant dread that hovered over me. I was always hungry, I gained 15 lbs when I went on the pill. My gyno highly suggested the Skyla. I finally went through with it. Insertion pain was excruciating, I will not lie about that. But... it was worth it, at least for me. I had severe pain for the rest of the week with very light spotting. Cramps that would not go away, no matter how many pain killers I popped. But after the first week, it was smooth sailing. I feel better mentally, and my appetite has decreased dramatically. I feel zero pain or discomfort. Highly recommend the Skyla IUD!"

• ran...
• October 18, 2018

For Birth Control "I have had Skyla for 2 years. It’s the best decision I have ever made regarding birth control. Many reviews spoke about how horrible the pain is when inserted, which is 100% accurate. However, I experienced this kind of pain from my period, which was way worse than that 60 seconds of pain. If you don’t usually cramp with your periods, then you are in for a rude awakening when the IUD is first inserted. My doctor requires an ultrasound when inserting the IUD to properly place it (unlike some doctors who blindly put it inside you, which is so dangerous!!). I noticed when I stood on my feet more than 10 hours, I would get unbearable pains. I felt like throwing up because they were so bad. However, these pains stopped around 5 months. I've never had mood swings, weight gain, or an increase in acne!! My periods were very light at first, but now I can go months without a period or slightly spot for a week or two. I have no complaints as of today! The benefits definitely outweigh the cons!"

• Ran...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 8, 2018

For Birth Control "I've had the Skyla for about a year and 8 months now. Everyone I spoke to who had an IUD said that the insertion was the most painful experience of their lives, so I was terrified going into my appointment. Fortunately, I didn't find it to be terribly painful at all, and I haven't had any kids. The cramps afterwards were pretty bad but stopped by the end of the night. It's a very convenient form of birth control, and I don't regret getting it, but it took about 6 months for my body to adjust. I experienced ridiculous mood swings during the adjustment, as well as intermittent cramps and irregular periods (my cycle was pretty regular before getting the Skyla). I spotted every day for the first month as well, very lightly though. Once I adjusted, however, I found my emotional PMS symptoms actually improved. Now I get pretty much regular, very light periods. Overall effective and convenient, and I'm happy with it now...but the adjustment was truly terrible for me, I must say."

• 22...
• September 28, 2015

For Birth Control "I got this IUD a week ago after much research and after several years of trying to be on birth control but hating the mood swings and forgetting to take it all the time. The insertion wasn't too bad. It didn't hurt so much as feel odd/uncomfortable, like a consistent cramp that lasted. I have pretty bad period cramps as it is, so it wasn't too bad for me. I was surprised at how quick it went overall. My whole appointment took 40 minutes, and 3/4 of that was waiting and signing the paperwork. I went back to work after and worked for 3 hours before heading home for the day. I felt tight and crampy, but it was bearable with Motrin. The next day and ever since, I've had very light spotting, but other than that felt great and perfectly normal!"

• Mae...
• October 11, 2017

For Birth Control "I've had Skyla for 5 months now. Insertion was nowhere near as painful as I expected, just felt like a sharp cramp. However, bad cramping started the next day and did not stop until I got my period a month later. My first two periods were very painful, but after that, very manageable. I never experience random cramping and very rarely experience random light bleeding. I can't feel it at all and notice no hormonal changes to my body, which is rare for me, as I am very sensitive to hormones. I had to come off the pill because I was constantly emotional, tired, and nauseous. I haven't gained any weight with Skyla either. I feel much more in control of my life with this IUD and would recommend it to anyone willing to stick the 1st month cramps out."

• sup...
• January 9, 2017

For Birth Control "I'm 21 years old and got the Skyla IUD put in four months ago. Worst pain I've ever felt. I don't get a period at all, but I randomly get crampy/moody. My doctor told me it wasn't supposed to affect my mood because the hormones only release throughout the uterus. I recently started researching common side effects (something I should have done before) and discovered that depression is common. I'm more depressed than I've ever been -- no appetite, often tired/lethargic, etc. Additionally, I have absolutely no interest in having sex. The past four months have been really rough. I'm looking to get this thing removed. :("

• NeN...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 24, 2016

For Birth Control "I got the Skyla about a year ago. I loved the idea of not having to buy expensive birth control. When it came to insertion, I had to insert it when I started my period. My doctor made me cough, and it felt like a horrible cramp. I've never had a kid, but I'll assume it was close to a contraction. I was crampy all that day and the next day. I spotted a lot, and my period eventually stopped coming within 6 months. I loved my Skyla, but after the 6 months, I started to become very angry and aggressive. I was sad and emotional. The Skyla affected my mood severely. I also had an increased sex drive. I wanted it more than my boyfriend, and nothing seemed to be enough. I have to get rid of the Skyla because of too much increase in my moods because of the hormones."

• NeN...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 24, 2016

For Birth Control "I got the Skyla about a year ago. I loved the idea of not having to buy expensive birth control. When it came to insertion, I had to insert it when I started my period. My doctor made me cough, and it felt like a horrible cramp. I've never had a kid, but I'll assume it was close to a contraction. I was crampy all that day and the next day. I spotted a lot, and my period eventually stopped coming within 6 months. I loved my Skyla, but after the 6 months, I started to become very angry and aggressive. I was sad and emotional. The Skyla affected my mood severely. I also had an increased sex drive. I wanted it more than my boyfriend, and nothing seemed to be enough. I have to get rid of the Skyla because of too much increase in my moods because of the hormones."

• cal...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 4, 2016

For Birth Control "I love Skyla. Since I got Skyla 10 months ago, I have never had to worry about being pregnant. My boyfriend and I have unprotected sex, and he doesn't pull out or anything 4-5 times a week, and I NEVER have to worry about the effectiveness. Getting Skyla inserted was nothing... I took a few Advils and a painkiller before insertion because I was so scared it was going to hurt, but it felt like mild discomfort and pressure for a few seconds. The worst part is the spotting. I spotted for about 2 months straight after I got it, and I still spot sometimes, but my periods are short and few and far between. I'm occasionally very emotional (once a month). I get random cramps sometimes, but it's not bad given how effective this is with hardly any side effects."

• Aly...
• August 14, 2016

For Birth Control "I got on Skyla when I was 18 after I had a miscarriage back in December of 2015. Insertion hurt like crazy, as if you were having period cramps that would make you want to double over in pain and go to the hospital. After having it inserted, I started gaining weight, I was constantly depressed, I would want to eat more, periods would last for two weeks at one time minimal. It felt like I was on a constant period with all these mood swings. It's now August of 2016, and the pain is ten times worse, I go to the hospital about the situation and they tell me I'm a month pregnant. I do not recommend Skyla to anybody."

• Pea...
• April 14, 2018

For Birth Control "Positives: sexual freedom and easy insert. Negatives: HORRIBLE acne, mood swings, periods lasting 10-20 days per cycle and spotting in between periods. I only lasted 6 and a half months on this IUD :( This is just my personal experience with this medication, other people experience it differently. The acne affected my self-esteem, and my mood swings made me feel vulnerable because I would be content one minute and the next minute I would feel sad, irritable, or anxious. I've had the IUD removed for 2 weeks, and my face is already clearing up (no new pimples), and my mood is stable. Thank God! My doctor told me that the symptoms would get better in 6 months, unfortunately, they consistently got worse over the months, and I couldn't put up with it anymore. I hope other women's experiences are better than mine."

• Nan...
• November 30, 2018

For Birth Control "The worst side effect I have had from my Skyla is terrible acne. I am 28 years old with acne like a teenager. I kept thinking it was stress causing my acne. I tried almost everything to get rid of my acne. I tried Proactiv, over-the-counter face washes, Spironolactone, Curology, etc. Nothing cured it. Then I thought it was my diet. I changed my diet. That didn’t work either. Finally, two years after inserting my IUD, I had a hormone test done, and my progesterone levels were high. The doctor told me they were high due to my IUD, and the progesterone caused my acne. Another side effect is my mood swings. They are crazy!! Just like the acne, at the beginning I blamed stress or that I was overwhelmed. But after realizing that in any situation I get continuous mood swings and I’m not PMSing, I knew it had to be my IUD. After much consideration, my husband decided to get a vasectomy so that I could remove my IUD!! The Skyla did its job, I didn’t get pregnant, but the acne alone was not worth it."

• Can...
• November 25, 2019

For Birth Control "Had Skyla inserted in Nov of 2016. Overall, I've had a very pleasant experience. I've had a Mirena before, so I knew what to expect with regard to insertion. Just felt some minor poking and prodding - I guess you can say I have a fairly high pain tolerance? I did experience some slight spotting afterward, but that was to be expected. The first 2 years were amazing, and I had no side effects whatsoever, except for lighter periods (but I consider this a pro). For the last year, though, there was a drastic change - I began feeling depressed, was very emotional, very tired and fatigued, and had an increase in bloating. I also saw a decline in my sex drive, periods were irregular (every 2-3 months), and an ovarian cyst formed. I will say that it has been a rough year for me both mentally and physically, so that probably exemplified those side effects. Nonetheless, Skyla did its job, and I would definitely recommend - 3 years of birth control with no major issues or side effects!"

• C-P...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 12, 2016

For Birth Control "Well, I got Skyla in September 2016. I'm 24, and I have a child. It wasn't painful going in for, but I bled for a few days afterward. My period was normal at first (I normally see bleeding for 3 to 4 days), but 2 months in, I saw my period for 5 days. I have gained about 25 lbs and counting. I'm 5'8" and I was 125 lbs, I've always been skinny no matter what I ate. Skyla changed all that. I've started working out and changed my diet and still can't lose any weight. Also, at the 6-month mark, my period changed again, now I spot and have an extremely light flow for over a week, which is annoying. Throughout this entire process, I've also experienced a lot of headaches, cramps (even when I'm not seeing my period), and mood swings. Giving it a year."

• Hah...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 1, 2016

For Birth Control "So I've had the IUD inserted sometime in November, a little before Thanksgiving, and I've had serious, serious bleeding and lots of bad cramping, days where I'm not even able to get out of bed! Can't remember when was the last time I didn't run to the store for women's necessities (pads, tampons)... debating whether to make an appointment with my OB/GYN to get it removed! And I can't forget to mention the nausea, bad temper, mood swings, and tears. I hope this BC works for some of you girls! Good luck."

• ECM...
• February 1, 2016

For Birth Control "I had Skyla inserted in August 2015 after being on the pill off and on for four years. The insertion was the most painful experience. I cramped and bled lightly for almost two weeks after the insertion and had mild paranoia from it. During my first period, I had very sharp, very centralized cramps that lasted only for a few minutes but happened once a day for the first three days. I would always spot two weeks before my period as well. My periods did become slightly lighter. I noticed during my second month that my sex drive was gone, and my husband noticed as well. I also started feeling depressed during the fourth month and noticed mood swings and weight gain. I've gained 10 pounds with no change to my lifestyle. I'm having it removed tomorrow."

• Do...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 31, 2016

For Birth Control "Got Skyla around 4 months ago (pills made me really emotional). Didn't read the horror stories but knew in general what I'm getting myself into. As everyone else, I was told there would be spotting and cramps, but they would stop. Well, for some they do and for me... they didn't. I was able to walk home after insertion, but my husband took me back to my provider after 3 hours of screaming in pain. They sent me back to drink a glass of wine. Spent the month after either taking painkillers or drinking wine in bed because the cramps made me unable to stand or walk. After 4 months, I'm still randomly getting severe cramps that force me to lie down. Could be that I have a small cervix, but I'm considering having my Skyla removed."

• Moo...
• September 14, 2016

For Birth Control "First off, I want to say that the insertion of the birth control wasn't bad. There was severe cramping about an hour after it was inserted for the first time. The thing that I hate most about the birth control is I cramp all the time, even when I'm not on my period. I have a period all the time, sometimes it's heavy, sometimes it's spotting. The absolute worst thing about this birth control is the mood swings I can't control. I have severe mood swings, sometimes I cry for days. Depression, I now have low self-esteem and get angry very quickly. This birth control completely changed who I am."

• Jay...
• January 16, 2019

For Birth Control "I just got my Skyla removed after a full three years of having it, and I wanted to wait all the way until removal to write a review. All I can say is this was such a good decision, and I have never regretted getting it put in! For me, the insertion process was very bearable, and I would rate it a 7/10. Over the course of the 3 years, my moderate-to-heavy periods were reduced to spotting, which was usually a dark brown discharge rather than bright red blood/lining. I did have pretty heavy mood swings 2 days per month, but they were regular, so I knew how to monitor and alleviate them. Removal was fine, too, and felt like a general pap smear. I did get Kyleena inserted today, immediately after the Skyla removal, because Kyleena is the same hormones and dosages but just lasts 5 years instead of 3. Overall, I am so happy with Skyla, but even my roommate had a very different experience on it, so it is still a very variable drug woman-to-woman."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 10, 2016

For Birth Control "I had Skyla removed a week ago after having it for about 5 months, and I'm very happy I did. After being on it for 5 months, I was still experiencing irregular bleeding (probably 20 days out of the month) and pain during and after sex. More importantly, I had noticed changes in my mood (more anxious and overall down). Once I had it removed, I started feeling normal again and have been feeling great since. I got a normal period the day after having it removed that lasted 5 days and haven't bled at all since. I know that I have always been very sensitive to hormones, so Skyla might be fine for some people, but I definitely noticed a difference in myself despite the fact that it is a very low dose of hormones."

• ANi...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 26, 2018

For Birth Control "I got my first Skyla (my first ever BC) a little over 3 years ago. Took some Advil before insertion to help with pain, and yes, it was painful, but nothing like the debilitating cramps I’d get with my heavy periods every month. I spotted every day for the first 30 days. My periods got lighter right away, and the pain was minimal. Even though they were still consistent (I’ve always been consistent), my periods now lasted 3-5 days longer! That was weird. That lasted throughout my entire 3 years. I got my new one inserted this past summer, and now my periods are even lighter and shorter. Must just take me a long time to adjust. I haven’t noticed any weight gain or mood swings directly related to Skyla; it actually helped clear up my acne on my chest and shoulders (but that has since had a resurgence for some unknown reason). It used to be way worse without Skyla. Overall, I highly recommend it, but of course, talk to your doctor and decide what’s best for you."