Ulipristal and Mood Swings: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• July 24, 2020

For Emergency Contraception "Wanted to share my story as I found comfort in all of yours. I had unprotected sex with my boyfriend and realized my Flo app said it was ovulation day! I absolutely panicked and took Ella 12 hours after, although I was still so worried as I read that if you have already ovulated, Ella won’t work. I’ve read up a lot about this and it actually has 2 other functions if used after ovulation: 1. Thickens cervical mucus to stop sperm from getting to the egg. 2. Makes it difficult for a fertilized egg to implant. Over the weeks, I had cramps, lots of discharge, and mood swings. I took a negative test at 16dpo (days after ovulation) and then eventually 10 days late, my period arrived! Also just a note to be careful with calculating ovulation dates. Websites like Clearblue gave me completely different dates. I know this tablet may have some side effects and isn’t good for anxiety, but at the end of the day, all these things are 100 times better than an unwanted pregnancy. Please trust the process even if you were around ovulation, it can still work!"

• Ano...
• January 13, 2020

For Emergency Contraception "I was in the same boat, reading reviews to help ease my mind after taking ella! I had unprotected sex and so the day after I took ella. My period was over 3 weeks late. I was very concerned and even took 2 pregnancy tests, both were negative. This pill really delays your period and makes it worse, sorry to tell you! I felt all the symptoms before my period started which made me paranoid. I was emotional, had tender breasts, and cramping. This pill worked but having to wait almost a month on whether or not I was pregnant was absolute torture. I was relieved when I got my period, but I had a heavier flow and I was cramping more than usual! This pill works, it just delays your period an extra 2-3 weeks!"

• juk...
• June 9, 2020

For Emergency Contraception "So I took Ella One after unprotected sex on March 24. I took it less than 24 hours after. The first week I was feeling really bloated, dizzy, however, it went away. On the 16th of April, I started spotting, and on the 19th I got my “period,” but it was so different than a blood period and not heavy at all. Around May 13, I started with period symptoms such as breast tenderness, dizziness, morning sickness, mood swings like normally, HOWEVER, it came 10 times stronger than ever in my life. I had those symptoms for the whole month. I was supposed to get my period on the 20th of May, and it was already 10 days late. I began feeling extremely bloated, and so I took three pregnancy tests. All negative, so I kind of felt relieved, but I was still feeling off. I stopped with the breast tenderness finally but was still feeling bloated and nauseous. I was sure I was pregnant until today! After 50 days, I finally got my period. Ella One works, but it also makes your cycle/hormones go crazy. Don't take it if you have anxiety."

• hel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 19, 2021

For Emergency Contraception "So I had UPS on the last day of ovulation. I was so scared of precum I went to the doctor's for the Ella pill. They ended up not having the pill, and they gave me the Plan B instead, but they told me it wasn’t going to work if I already ovulated. I ended up taking the Ella pill 4 days after UPS. I was so scared it wasn’t going to work. I started getting symptoms like cramps, mood swings, and I also had these noticeable blue-looking veins around my arms, breasts, and hands. I was so sure I was pregnant; I started crying a lot, not sleeping, not even eating. I also took a pregnancy test, but it came out negative. After reading all of these comments, I calmed down a bit. After 5 days, I got brownish discharge. I thought it was implantation bleeding, but no, I got my period the day after, 3 days early before my supposed cycle. THE PILL ACTUALLY WORKS; DON'T STRESS TOO MUCH BECAUSE IT ACTUALLY GIVES YOU SYMPTOMS JUST LIKE PREGNANCY! I learned my lesson. Stay protected, good luck :)"

• Aur...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 21, 2019

For Emergency Contraception "Let me share my experience with EllaOne. Well, my last period was March 28. 11 days later, my partner came inside me, and I took Ella the morning after. My next period came June 20. For almost 3 months, I thought I was gonna lose my mind, and I am a very savvy person. As for the symptoms, there were cramps all the time and mood changes. 2 clear blue digital tests were positive, and I prepared myself for an abortion. In spite of all, my period came, and I was never happier to see blood and feel pain! It works!! Good luck, ladies :***"

• Zee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 27, 2021

For Emergency Contraception "I took Ella one week prior to my period. Well, it messed up my cycle completely and caused unnecessary stress! I was quite bloated and had severe mood swings. I took 3-4 pregnancy tests, which were all negative. I finally got my period 3 weeks after my usual date, and I felt so relieved! For all of those who have missed their period for over 3 weeks, please don’t worry, this drug does work! :)"

• Sca...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 13, 2022

For Emergency Contraception "I would like to share my story, maybe I can help someone freaked out like I was. Took Ella within 12 hours of UPS, right before or on the day of my ovulation. I was scared it wouldn't work. First symptom was the complete lack of any mucus. Then, a few days later, ovary cramps, uterus cramps... on and off. I was sure I had implantation. Again, a few days later, tender breasts, nipples, pain in my thighs, feeling bloated, etc. Read everything on the internet, panicked like hell. Then yet a few days later, nausea. By this time, I was going crazy, sure I was pregnant (in a fairly new relationship...). My cervix was way up and soft, creamy mucus appeared. Other symptoms kind of subsided, mood swings, breast tenderness, and backache remained. Took a test a day before the expected period, negative. Then it came on the day it was supposed to. I've never felt more relief in my life! It was a bit shorter than usual, but quite heavy, so I hope I am good. Test today also negative. Will check once more to be sure."

• Jes...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 17, 2021

For Emergency Contraception "I used this as a requirement to get an IUD since I had UPS 4 days prior. It delayed my period so badly, I was stressing out so much. My period came 58 days into my cycle with about 2 weeks of back pain, breast pain, cramps, and mood swings. I do not want to go through this again. I really freaked myself out when Google said anything past 7 days was bad news. I was way too nervous to take a pregnancy test, too. If you take this, you will be fine! Your period will come."

• Sar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 8, 2019

For Emergency Contraception "I found this page when I was stressing out, so I wanted to share my experience too. I took this emergency contraceptive pill, Ella, within 13 hours of the accident. According to my period app, it was during my ovulation days. I didn't get any symptoms after taking the pill, I didn't get my period on time. My periods are always on time! When I was 7 days late, I went to buy 2 pregnancy tests to be sure if I was pregnant. As soon as I got home from the pharmacy, I tested negative. 12 days later, I tested again, and I got the same results. I was getting all the symptoms of a pregnant woman: tired, lower back pain, tender breasts, off food, and crazy mood swings! I was so stressed out! Finally, day 14! I got my period! What a relief! This pill works, but it messes your cycle up! I would only recommend using this pill for emergencies! The stress and the symptoms are not worth it! Good luck, guys!"

• ann...
• December 24, 2018

For Emergency Contraception "Worked for me. Had sex with my boyfriend during my 11th day (fertile time). My cycle is 28/29 days long. The condom broke, so everything leaked inside of me. Shocked, called our gynecologist, he told me to have ella one as soon as possible. And I took it within 3 hours of intercourse. So I went to my ob/gyn tomorrow morning, and he saw I wasn't ovulating. 2nd week - stabbing pain in my left ovary (where the ovulation was supposed to occur), back pain, anxiety, huge mood swings, pressure in my lower abdomen, bloating, peeing all the time. I never have these symptoms during PMS, so of course, I thought I was pregnant. 3rd week: same symptoms. The expected period date came and no period. Just a ton of this white/yellow mucus. Then all of a sudden, a week after my expected period date, today, period came. I was so happy I started to cry. Stress delays it even further, and there was lots of it. Stay away from it because it really messes up your cycle."

• Cut...
• June 9, 2020

For Emergency Contraception "I feel the need to share my experience as I was panicked two weeks ago, and I have read all the reviews on this site. It was my ovulation day (I had egg white mucus 2-3 days before that, which indicates that ovulation is here or coming), and the condom broke, and he finished inside me. I took the Ella pill 2 hours after the contraception (the quickest I could as we waited for pharmacies to be open). I had terrible lower abdominal pain, panic attacks, and mood swings. I am so thankful I got my period 1 day quicker than it should have come! I will not say you should not be anxious, as anxiety is a factor that can help you prevent unwanted pregnancy (yes, many don't believe it, but I believe it). Lastly, be always sure that the condom is used correctly, check it every 10-20 minutes during intercourse, I know it's hard to, but be careful!"

• Cry...
• October 11, 2018

For Emergency Contraception "Ella One does work!! Before taking ella, I did take plan B two weeks before that. Two days later, after my period had just ended (Aug 27th), I had unprotected sex again that had lasted only 10 seconds, and since I was afraid of pre-cum, 40 hours later, I took Ella. I’m usually very cautious of what I do. But sometimes, you make mistakes that you totally regret. I wasn’t supposed to get my period until Sep. 17. During those 3 weeks, I had experienced diarrhea, bloating, stomach pain, mood swings, couldn’t sleep, and the week I was supposed to get my period, I had brown, bright red, white discharges all week. I also had a clear, watery discharge. I took a pregnancy test at the clinic on the day I was supposed to get my period, and it came back negative. Until Oct 9, so 4 weeks after missing my period, it finally came. But the pills definitely had worked, but it may delay your period for a few weeks and make you feel as if you were pregnant."

• Eem...
• February 6, 2019

For Emergency Contraception "Just wanted to give an update. Unprotected sex on 21st Nov early morning, forgot to take mini pill. Took this guy on the same day within 12 hours. Suffered crazy symptoms like cramps, fatigue, insomnia, major mood swings. Was losing my mind. Felt so pregnant. All negative tests, got a light period on 18th Dec, 10 days late. A week later I got a proper period. Still suffering the side effects, last two cycles have been long. This pill works, but I would never take it again, the side effects were too much. Stay protected, girls x."

• nic...
• May 12, 2019

For Emergency Contraception "I have NEVER written a review, but I felt like I needed to. The condom broke, and I was prescribed Ella the next day as an emergency pill. I took a pregnancy test when my period was 16 days overdue - it was negative & got my period that night. This pill WILL mess up your ENTIRE BODY. My breasts have been sore for 3 weeks. Usually, my breasts hurt for 5-7 days, but it stops when my period starts. Acne! I RARELY break out except before my period. I've been breaking out over my brows. No amount of spot treatment is helping. My cheeks look discolored. My chin has painful pimples. This never happened with the non-prescription. Since I took the pill, I'm feeling nausea, fatigue, and BAD cramps. My period has been so heavy I've had to change super tampons every 2 hours. It has also affected my mood (snappy, sad, depressed). You WILL think you're pregnant. I definitely thought I was. So overall with Ella, the job got done - I'm not pregnant. But if you can, you should 100% go with the non-prescription version so you don't go through this."

• Lov...
• August 16, 2019

For Emergency Contraception "Well, when I was feeling sad and anxious, I was doing some research and came on this review site, and I saw the comments, and they really helped me, so I’m leaving mine. So, I had my encounter on July 29th when I got with my ex, and it didn’t end well. Needless to say, I ended up taking ellaOne 24 hours after the encounter. That same day, I felt fine after I took it. Two weeks later, I started getting bad headaches and feeling nauseous, and I had mood swings. A couple of days after the second week, I felt better. Today, August 16th, I decided to get two pregnancy tests. They came back negative, confirming I’m not pregnant. Although I still haven’t had my period yet. I’m happy to know I’m not pregnant. My period is now 4 days late, and it’s been 18 days since I’ve taken ellaOne. I feel better again, I still haven’t received my period yet."

• Sug...
• January 20, 2019

For Emergency Contraception "So I took Ella, one 30mg, on the 26th of Dec since I wasn't sure if I was fertile or not. My cycles vary from 30 to 32 days. I took it 8 to 9 hours after the deed. It was my first time taking MAP. After 2 hours, I felt light cramps and there was a slimy discharge, same as when one is ovulating. Two days after, I felt lightheadedness, anxiousness (well, got more really, really anxious about pregnancy) combined with mood swings. Two weeks after, I took the pregnancy test (10.01.19) negative. I took another one on (12.01.19) 5 days before my period, also negative, then took again on the 17.01.19 since I got spotting and was afraid it might be implantation bleeding, it too was negative. On the 18.01.19, finally, my period came. It was just 2 days delayed from the expected time. Thank goodness that I don't have heavy bleeding or any painful cramps during my period. It came to a point that I doubted if the pill had worked, but somehow it did. Now I learned my lesson: practice protected sex. Hahaha!!"

• Ell...
• August 22, 2024

For Emergency Contraception "All girls struggling out there - believe in this pill. I took EllaOne after 40 hours from UPS. I was 4 days before ovulation in a fertile window, which freaked me out. After taking the pill, I had no side effects, my period came 4 days late. I made 1 pregnancy test, which was negative. I was never on birth control, and my period is always on time. I was craving junk food, had back pain, and mood swings. But these are usual symptoms before my period. So in general, this pill was really gentle for me. I know that it’s a huge stress to wait for the period, but please be patient and don’t make yourself stress more."

• Ann...
• September 24, 2017

For Emergency Contraception "I took Ella One approximately 8-9 hours after unprotected sex. It was around the time I was meant to ovulate, so naturally, I was very concerned. There were no significant side effects in my case, only mood swings in the first day or two (can't say whether this was the pill or just me!). My period, however, arrived a few days late (4-5 days), so I took a pregnancy test in the meantime, and it was negative. All in all, I fully recommend Ella One as a convenient and highly effective solution in emergencies."

• Chi...
• July 25, 2019

For Emergency Contraception "I took Ella one about 4 hours after unprotected sex during my fertile window. 2 days after taking Ella one, I started feeling cramps in my lower abdomen and lower back. I also had a bit of white discharge. Basically, I felt like I was going on my period. But I didn’t. My last period was on the 22nd of June, and my menstrual app indicated that my next menstrual cycle would be on the 20th of July. However, it didn’t happen on that date, so I took 2 pregnancy tests, and they were negative. However, I had a couple of pregnancy symptoms such as nausea, bloating, mood swings, tender breasts, and feeling dizzy. I got a bit worried even though my pregnancy tests were negative. However, my period finally came 3 days later with absolutely no pain or discomfort. My periods since I had a c-section twice have always been heavy, painful, and long for up to 7 days. Overall, Ella one worked for me. It can be scary waiting for your period, but just give it a bit more time."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 4, 2024

For Emergency Contraception "Girls, I understand exactly how you feel right now. I am here for all the things you can expect. You can trust this pill, it is very effective and has worked for me. However, I don’t recommend taking it as long as it is your only last choice. I had UPS on July 13, which is the 14th of my cycle. After 72 hours, I took Ellaone as I was in my fertile window. I had Levonorgestrel before, so I was expecting my period to come shortly. Turns out Ellaone had suspicious symptoms on my body. I first experienced heavy headaches, insomnia, temperature rise, and ongoing cramps. I was convinced that the bad things would be gone soon. But here comes the worst part, a week later, I had insane mood swings when I felt demotivated, anxious, and depressed, even crying for sleepless nights. Sore boobs and cramps have continued. Until August 3rd (5 days later than regular), I got my period. Yes, it works, but I’ll say never again. It gives you effects that actually feel like pregnancy and panicked you badly."

• dew...
• August 9, 2024

For Emergency Contraception "I had ups on cycle day 10 and took the pill 8 hours afterward. I felt nauseous that day and started experiencing extreme mood swings by CD15. I had the tiniest bit of spotting on CD21 around predicted ovulation, after which I got heavy abdominal pain (mostly one-sided) CD24-31, making me assume the worst. After it stopped, I had bloating until CD38 when I got my period, only 3 days later than predicted. It had more clots and strings and lasted a day longer than usual. Abdominal pain stopped two days after my period ended. Tips: Ladies, please take a PT two weeks after the incident to ease your anxiety and please stop going through online forums! PTs are definite 3 weeks onwards. Track your period. Ask friends for support and their experiences - you're not alone, dear. Go to a doctor if you are too anxious. Irregular period patterns are normal after the pill. I know you are distressed but trust me (and other amazing women here), if you took it ASAP and prior to ovulation you are good."

• Nin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 4, 2023

For Emergency Contraception "Had unprotected sex (UPS) on 4/21, and took Ella on 4/25 (it says you can take it up to 5 days after UPS). Got my period 6 days earlier than expected, and I don't even know if this is my period at all or just some kind of bleeding caused by this pill. Also, much heavier and more PMS-like symptoms. It's day 7, and I'm still bleeding. Not as much as days 3-4-5, but still. Should be getting my 'normal' period about this time, so I'm super confused now. I think Ella got the job done, but I don't think I'll ever take this pill ever again. The physical and emotional side effects are just horrible."

• Len...
• October 12, 2019

For Emergency Contraception "I took Ellaone 32 hours after having sexual relations. I had all symptoms, and I was scared to get pregnant. My period came two weeks after the expected date. My mood changed a lot, and I still feel the symptoms of this pill. Staying calm is the main solution in this kind of situation. Reading a lot on the internet does not help. Anyway, stay calm, the period will come :)"

• Pam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 13, 2019

For Emergency Contraception "Am currently reading the reviews, but am hell stressed up because I think I am pregnant. I took Ella 2 days after unprotected sex, and I am currently spotting, having nausea, headache, mood swings, plus I am even imagining I can feel the baby turning in my tummy ('sounds silly'). I have all the side effects of a pregnant woman, and I am wishing I never had sex. Anyway, this site gives me hope of waiting, hope I won't be failed."

• Gre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 26, 2019

For Emergency Contraception "During intercourse, the condom split. My partner and I have a young baby already. Due to the weekend, I had to wait 24 hours to get EllaOne. I spoke to a pharmacist who explained the risks and that it was the best one for our situation. After taking it, I felt fine, a bit crampy and hormonal. Within a week, I was bloated and emotional. Due for my period today (17 days after taking it), but no signs of a period showing as I had a spare test, took it... positive! Did not expect a positive result as I do not feel pregnant! I’m so in shock that it didn’t work for us."