Skyla and Mood Swings: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Hav...
• March 19, 2018

For Birth Control "I just got Skyla inserted today, and I was so nervous about the pain after reading reviews! Yes... it’s gonna hurt. It was definitely not as bad as I worked it up to be. It’s just like a period cramp but goes away quicker. I previously had the Depo and decided to switch due to weight gain and mood swings, so I’m hoping this is an improvement!"

• Llh...
• November 16, 2016

For Birth Control "When I had it inserted, it wasn't too bad. Some minor cramping and a few pinches and pokes, it was over. After, however, I felt nauseous and crampy the entire day. After about a week, I got my period (even though I wasn't due for another 2 weeks). The cramps, headaches, and mood swings were crazy and almost unbearable. I called my doctor to move up my follow-up checkup and talk about why my symptoms were so severe, even though I knew they weren't completely abnormal. A week before the appointment, my boyfriend and I were having sex, and he felt it half out of me with his finger. I called the doctor, and between my symptoms and the way it was positioned out of me, my body just rejected it. It was scary. Probably not something I would ever recommend."

• All...
• November 14, 2014

For Birth Control "Been on it for a little over 2 months. The first month was nonstop spotting and a lot of it, along with really bad cramps. Finally, it stopped and I got my first official period since getting the Skyla, along with serious period symptoms and a feeling of extreme exhaustion. Then, about a week and a half after the period, I began spotting again for the next 2 weeks. Now I have insane mood swings, gas, minor cramps, period symptoms. This birth control is obviously working because of the changes going on. It just comes at a cost."

• las...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 10, 2015

For Birth Control "A low-hormone IUD was recommended to me by my doctor because of my family history with breast cancer. I've recommended IUDs to my friends, and 3 of them have gone through with the procedure and are pleased with the simplicity of IUDs. There is a reason this method of birth control is one of the most effective! The first month or two, I had variable mood swings around the time of my period, but I stuck it out, and my hormones have since stabilized. No longer do I have to remember taking a pill or replacing a ring. My doctor said I can expect my period to 'normalize' around the 8th month. I am now in my 10th month, and my period is spotty, with maybe one day that requires using tampons."

• blo...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 4, 2016

For Birth Control "I've had Skyla for a year now. Insertion hurts, so take plenty of pain relievers before and after, make sure someone drives you home, and breathe deeply. Periods got shorter and lighter over time, be patient. Cramps get worse, so make ibuprofen your friend. I had the string cut too short, so I had to get an ultrasound to make sure it was in place. If you are sick of remembering to take a pill every day, have a long-term monogamous partner, and have nasty hormone side effects (I got migraines and crazy mood swings on the pill), Skyla is a great switch. Insurance covered everything except follow-up appointments. I may stick with this until I'm ready to have kids (in about 10 years)."

• Ann...
• March 14, 2017

For Birth Control "I had my Skyla put in January 20, 2017, and the process was extremely painful. I had to see two doctors before the second one got it in, and I cried the whole time. It was very intense cramping for the process and five hours after. I only had it one month because of the extremely bad mood swings and irritability. I was crying constantly and got mad about everything. My boyfriend could feel it every time we had sex, and it was uncomfortable, sometimes even painful. The removal was fast and only 30 seconds of cramping. By that evening, my mood was already back to normal. I hear it's great for a lot of people, I think I just didn't react well to the type of hormone and the intensity of it."

• Liz...
• March 31, 2017

For Birth Control "I'm 38 years old with no children. Just had Skyla inserted 3/24/17. I've been taking the pill for about 20 years and just grew tired of it, so I opted for the IUD. I have a pretty decent pain tolerance but took 2 Advil (and half a Xanax for nerves) beforehand as suggested. On a scale of 1-10 (10 being the worst pain), I would say this was about a 6, but it was not unbearable and only lasted about 30 seconds. I was able to drive myself home afterwards. So far, I've had light spotting and some mild cramps, both of which were expected. So far, so good, but time will tell as far as mood swings, weight gain, etc. It's worth not having to remember to take a pill every day. Everyone's experience is different, don't let the horror stories deter you!"

• Anonymous
• March 1, 2021

For Birth Control "A few days after getting it inserted, I experienced the worst sharp pains on my side. The pains only lasted for a couple of days. I've experienced mood swings, depression, low sex drive, and acne. My biggest side effect has been excessive weight gain. I have gained 17 lbs, and every week I seem to gain more. I actively go to the gym and watch what I eat. I even started taking supplements to assist with losing weight, and nothing works. I recently went to get an InBody test done that checks your BMI and all other measurements, and I learned that the amount of fat around my organs is twice what it's supposed to be. While consulting with the nutritionist, he told me it is because of a hormone imbalance. Women produce testosterone, and my levels are down because of bad hormones, which is why I'm having trouble with losing weight. All this time I've been struggling, my body has been getting worse. Quick to say I'm getting my Skyla out tomorrow in hopes that I can get my body healthy again."

• amx...
• February 26, 2016

For Birth Control "I've had Skyla for 4 months and decided it's not for me. The insertion was the most painful experience of my life. The painful cramps I got with insertion pretty much lasted for a week. The second week of cramps weren't as bad, but they were still awful, only 800 mg Ibuprofen helped. It caused my periods to stop, tired all the time, some mood swings, acne, and cramps. Worst part were the cramps/the cystic acne, as time went by, these worsened. Removal was quick and practically painless, other than a short cramp."

• Mom...
• July 7, 2015

For Birth Control "I got the Skyla IUD inserted in March 2015. No pain whatsoever, just felt like period cramps, nothing to cry about. But then again, I've had 3 vaginal deliveries, so guess I can't feel pain. So far with Skyla, my hair is falling out, mood swings, weight gain. I've been reading around on Skyla because I'm getting scared reading everything about Mirena. Everyone's body is different. So far it's worked for me."

• All...
• January 11, 2017

For Birth Control "I got the Skyla IUD about 3 months ago, and there are definitely pros and cons. The insertion was painful for maybe a minute, then I had constant cramping for about a week, but nothing ibuprofen and a heating pad couldn't take care of. I had spotting for about a month (until after my first period with Skyla). My boyfriend and I have not had any problems with it during sex so far. For the last few weeks, I have been experiencing major fluctuations with my moods. I'm not 100% sure if it's related to the IUD, but it's been awful with a lot of crying randomly over dumb things and going from angry to happy and vice versa in a split second. I'm hoping this will resolve and go away soon!"

• 23 ...
• October 19, 2015

For Birth Control "I got the Skyla inserted three weeks before I got married (virgin until then). Putting in Skyla was fast, but easily the most painful experience of my entire life. It sounds like someone is shooting a rubber band gun, and it feels like someone has shot your uterus. The cramps were the worst cramps I have had in my entire life-I couldn't focus, I was in tears-really the most painful experience ever. The cramping pain and bleeding didn't stop for about two months, and periods are still extremely painful. I have bad mood swings, I get depressed all the time, and my libido is definitely decreased. My husband can also feel the wires sometimes, and it's painful to him. I'm not pregnant, so it works... but I'm not sure it's worth the side effects."

• Cee...
• January 22, 2016

For Birth Control "The procedure is a fleeting moment compared to how long you keep it in! I've been on Skyla for about 8 months. I'll keep it simple. My periods have gotten inconsistently messed up, from spotting to nasty thick stuff and for sometimes - for weeks at a time. My partner can feel it during intercourse, so that's a bit annoying for him. The biggest issue, hands down, is how bad this thing has made my PMS symptoms. Not just physically but mentally. The mood swings are awful - considering early removal."

• Sik...
• May 17, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve had Skyla for 4 years total now. Insertion the first time was very painful, but the removal and the second implant were bearable. Since I’ve been on it, I’ve had 2 periods total, with some spotting and cramping. It’s so nice not having to worry about a period! But it has led to several infections, cramping, and crazy mood swings and anxiety. It’s hard to handle at times, especially since I’ve got the second implanted. I also get sharp pains when exercising or tensing my abdominal muscles too tightly. I would not recommend it if you have daily anxiety or depression already."

• Noo...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 4, 2019

For Birth Control "So, I didn’t get pregnant on Skyla birth control, and I lost 20 pounds while on it, but I did want to leave this review because it’s important to know. Everything was great with insertion, and I loved being skinny, but all of those wonderful things that the pill fixes (your acne, PMS/PMDD, cramps, etc.) the IUD won't help now. Honestly, because I was on the pill from 16 to 26, I thought those things were teenager problems that disappeared. Turns out the localized hormones are great for pregnancy and weight loss, but not so good for hormonal problems that I had all along but were being treated by my pill."

• Nik...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 25, 2016

For Birth Control "I've had Skyla for about 5 months and have mixed feelings about it. The insertion wasn't that big of a deal (uncomfortable but tolerable), but it's the side effects I've been having issues with. First of all, I bled every day for the first two months along with horrible cramps. It's gotten better since, but I still spot a lot. I'm a person who has always had strong reactions to hormonal bc, and I am starting to notice mood swings and an overall more sad mood than normal. I don't know if this is bc of Skyla, but it probably is because it's not like me to feel like this. I also have lost about 15 pounds and know I have an ovarian cyst, which I never had before. I'm considering getting it out even though it's nice to not take a daily pill."

• Ell...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 15, 2018

For Birth Control "I’ve been really happy with my Skyla IUD! I’ve tried the shot and the pill and hated the side effects from both (weight gain, mood swings, acne, cramps). I got my Skyla inserted in the middle of October this year. The initial insertion was definitely painful, but once it was in, I didn’t have any pain, just a little soreness. Immediately after I left my appointment, I went grocery shopping and then went to work since the pain was so mild. The first month, I was definitely moodier than normal and had spotting, but everything seems to have balanced out now that it’s mid-December. I’m not moody anymore, only cramping one day out of the whole month, and I’ve actually lost weight since getting my IUD. I think it really depends on your doctor who does the insertion how painful it will be, do your research on your provider and find someone you trust :)"

• bll...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 27, 2017

For Birth Control "I had mine in for two months. I got the worst acne and cramps of my life. It did what it said it would do, though... protect me against pregnancy. I took it out still, though, because the mood swings and acne were horrible. I was on my period for a month, and it made me very depressed."

• So ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 2, 2018

For Birth Control "So I hope someone can help me. I got my Skyla in November 2017 after having one for 10 years. My old IUD was great, I had my cycle and was doing great with my weight. So I got married and waited to have a child in about 2 years, so my doctor recommended Skyla. So here is when my torture begins. I haven't had a period since then, I spot for days, maybe a week or more, and sometimes none for a month. However, every month I feel like I am pregnant. I get cravings, my breasts get tender, I am lightheaded, and my mood is all over the place. Most months I take a pregnancy test just to make sure I am good. Then the crazy part is I am just blowing up like a balloon. My belly went from small to me looking like I am 6 months pregnant, and it seems to get worse every month. I am trying to get it out, but my doctor keeps telling me it's just trying to adjust to my body. How much longer do I need to adjust? Oh, since this IUD, I have gained 30 pounds in 5 months. I am going crazy."

• Jen...
• June 6, 2017

For Birth Control "I got Skyla inserted April 10th, just after my period ended. My period before BC lasted around 6-8 days with pretty heavy bleeding and clots. I had pretty bad cramps, bloating, and PMS during the first couple of days, and then it would taper off and I'd feel 100% normal. Skyla: Insertion sucked. Point blank: it depends on your pain tolerance. I have a moderate-low pain tolerance to internal pain (external pain, however, I have a high threshold). Overall, I don't have bad mood swings, cramps are better, my period now is lighter but longer (11 days on first one, 9 days currently), and I have no spotting between periods even at only 2 months in. It's effective. I really enjoy it! My body adjusted quickly!"

• Dis...
• May 28, 2016

For Birth Control "IUD is good at preventing pregnancy. The side effects of this IUD have been awful. I have been on it for 4 months. I am 110 lbs, 5'4'', healthy, and I used to have heavy periods that lasted about a week. In the first month, I was bleeding heavily for more than 2 weeks, I also had brown discharge. I had cramps that occurred randomly throughout the month that were comparable to getting my IUD inserted, but they were very short, whereas before getting this IUD, during the first 2-3 days of my period, I would have constant dull pain. Bleeding calmed down after, and now at 4 months, my period lasts more than a week. I get light spotting for 3-4 days, then bleeding for 4-5, then brown discharge for several days. I still have bad cramps and am emotional."

• Eli...
• March 23, 2017

For Birth Control "Got Skyla two months ago. Insertion was super painful but quick. I was able to drive and go back to work after with minor discomfort. Since insertion, no serious cramping, but the spotting is nonstop. So annoying. It's not enough for a pad, but it will ruin your undies. I'm not sexually active at the moment, so I didn't have to worry about that, but your man will probably be grossed out for a while because the constant blood and discharge smells. I never feel fresh, which is enough of a side effect to be turning me off. I'm hoping this subsides as I hear it does after about 3 months. I will say that my mood swings seem WAY better. I've always struggled with acne, so that hasn't improved but hasn't significantly worsened, so that seems like a wash."

• All...
• September 27, 2016

For Birth Control "Overall, I would say it's had a positive impact on my life. Depends on what's important to you. Insertion was terrible, and I dread when I have to have it removed or insert a new device. I would not have sex for maybe 2 weeks. I've had Skyla for almost 1 year now. My sex drive is back to normal, which is great, and I never worry about taking my pill. My period is almost non-existent. Occasional spotting, but never the menstrual cycle like I used to experience. When I was on the pill, I was always hungry, no energy, and insane mood swings. For the most part, that has subsided. Worst part of the device would be acne and cramping. At times I am in a constant state of cramps. Also, never had issues with my skin, and now I have regular breakouts."

• D N...
• August 20, 2016

For Birth Control "This is absolutely the worst decision I've ever made. I've had Skyla for 3 weeks now and I've had an impeccable amount of side effects. My mood swings are ridiculous and I've cried almost every night for the past 2 weeks, and I hardly ever cry. I've also had immense pain in my hips and back since I got it, and they do not go away even after taking Norco (I had reconstructive ankle surgery 2 days post insertion), and that doesn't even touch the pain. I'm emotionally and physically drained. My parents are annoyed with my constant pain. My boyfriend feels completely terrible for me. Not to mention, insertion hurt like no other. I couldn't even sit down afterward. I go to my OB Monday to get it removed. I'm beyond done."

• Ken...
• March 24, 2018

For Birth Control "Picking out the right birth control was hard for me. I had an EXTREMELY heavy flow for an athlete (girls, I'm talking changing a super plus tampon every 2 hrs for 4-5 days). Not only has my period almost ceased completely (maybe 2 regular tampons a day for 2 days), but I'm also not pregnant! Some things to expect are: - Cramping. The first month was brutal for cramping, but it got better and gives me no issues now. - Bleeding. For the first 2 months, I had to wear either a tampon or pads every day because I kept bleeding. - Spotting. After the first 2 months, I spotted for the next 2 months intermittently. - Discharge changes. I always had discharge that was clear/white, but now (8 months later) I still have reddish/brown discharge. - Period cessation. Most people stop having periods around month 3, but mine didn't stop until about month 8. What I DIDN'T experience: - Weight gain - Emotional changes - Acne."