Yaz for Birth Control User Reviews

• Ryr...
• May 5, 2020

"I actually sought out user reviews to see if anyone else was benefiting as much as I am from this medication. I have bounced between Yaz and Lo Loestrin since I was 14 or 15. I am 22 now. I have absolutely nothing bad to say about Yaz besides the spotting. The spotting can be annoying and as a teenager, I became anemic because of it. However, at 22 years old and with a much healthier diet, Yaz has been absolutely amazing. Lo Loestrin made me quite angry/have mood swings and would make me lose my breast tissue if I lost weight. On Yaz, my boobs have stayed despite dropping 15 lbs while taking it. I don't have angry mood swings when I take Yaz. My skin gets insanely clear when I take Yaz. My hair grows faster and thicker when I take Yaz (compared to Lo Loestrin). My sex drive is extremely high when I am on Yaz. I actually experience a lower sex drive when taking Lo Loestrin."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 17, 2020

"I've been on Yaz for 7 years starting when I went to college. I had been struggling with acne and excess hair. My periods at this time were a good 8 days of bleeding. When I started taking Yaz... nothing negative happened. My acne slowly got better and my body hair decreased. My periods also decreased to around 5 days and were generally less crampy, and I lost less blood. Literally no bad side effects. You can also skip or move your periods if you are going on vacation. The only reason I'm looking into switching to an IUD is because it's less work than taking a pill every day. A lot of these reviews are bad because of selection bias. I'm sure there are tons of stories like mine, but because they are so mundane, people don't share them."

• lan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 17, 2021

"Honestly, I was quite scared to start taking the birth control pill for the first time after reading so many bad reviews and hearing all these horror stories about it. But I have to say, although I've only been on it for 2 months, I've had almost no side effects at all. Only on the first few days I was a bit nauseous and my breasts were tender, but besides that, it's been smooth sailing. No emotional changes, no weight gain, nothing. So don't let bad reviews about it get to you and give it a try, everybody has a different reaction to it."

• bel...
• August 16, 2009

"I just want to say thank you to all those who took time to write positive things about Yaz. I did a lot of research before taking the pill and frankly, it scared me. So many complaints and horror stories. The most important thing to remember is that we all react to substances/hormones in different ways. I'm 35 and haven't taken the pill since I was 20. I am on my 4th pack of Yaz and am very pleased. I had a little spotting in the first two months and stomach discomfort, especially when I forget a pill. Aside from that, I've lost weight and stay slim even when not active, my breasts have gone up a full size which I love. My sex drive is fine, if not greater, no change in moods. Good luck to all."

• Ano...
• February 27, 2020

"Please be careful with this pill. It has ruined my life. I was on it for just over a week, and it has caused me to have a psychotic break. I have never had issues with mental health, just a little anxiety but nothing I needed help for, it’s just common things like crowds. Did I say the wrong thing in that conversation? And so on. But now I am having intrusive thoughts, more panic attacks than I can count, and I am the lowest I have ever felt in my life. I have gone from a happy, loving person looking forward to her wedding in 10 weeks, to someone who doesn’t even know who I am anymore. PLEASE BE CAREFUL!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 6, 2020

"I’ve taken this Yaz pill for about 2 months, and I’m going off of it now. The anxiety and depression that came with this were not worth it. Sometimes, it came at the end of the pack, but I had terrible emotional problems all month long. I would cry for no reason, have multiple panic attacks a day, and have way too many self-deprecating thoughts. I’ve never had problems with periods before (no mood swings, cramps, bloating), but after starting this, I’ve experienced all of those. It’s been difficult to find a birth control pill that doesn’t come with emotional problems warranting antidepressants. I don’t know if I’ll ever find one."

• kay...
• July 16, 2013

"I have been on Yaz for 3 and a half years, and I have not had any issues. I have regular periods. I have no weird side effects. I fluctuate in weight by 5 pounds now off and on. I read all of the scary lawsuits against Yaz, talked to my doctors, and the lawsuits failed to mention the other issues that girls had other than just the common factor that they were taking Yaz. PLEASE DON'T BE SCARED OF IT. I was, and it's a stress you don't need. I have been fine, and many others have too."

• Vic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 5, 2020

"I'm 25, haven't had an actual period in years (was on an IUD called Mirena). It was working fantastically for 7 years, then came the expiration date. My desire to search for a new method of birth control began. Considering how long I'd been on the IUD, I figured let's try something new. BIGGEST MISTAKE OF MY LIFE, it has been HORRIBLE finding a birth control that would fit my body, and Yaz was NO exception. I have been taking the pill for two months. Side effects came gradually, things you'd assume: breast tenderness, cramping, bloating, lower back sensitivity. But there was something much more sinister bubbling up, so slowly I didn't even notice, until I became a completely different woman. I have never been more depressed. Low energy, irritability, general feeling of discomfort, hopelessness, EMOTIONAL, crying all the time. Do your research, but based on my experience, RUN."

• mei...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 31, 2016

"Girls, it really depends on your body type and how you process the hormones intake. I am using Yaz, and it's my first time ever using birth control pills. When I read the reviews here, it made me scared and insecure. Why? Because of all the 'NEVER TAKE THIS PILL', 'IT DOESN'T WORK', 'IT IS HORRIBLE' comments. You never know how it is going to work for someone else. In my experience, Yaz has been great since the beginning: no cramps, no PMS, no headache, no nausea (use it before you sleep or with a full stomach), nothing except for a little bloating in the first week and breast tenderness. Hope it works for you too."

• JB3...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 1, 2013

"I've been experimenting with different brands of birth control for 15 years. I took every pill under the sun, including the shot but always suffered terrible side effects from nausea and vomiting, to crazy mood swings, depression, anxiety and weight gain. Yaz is the ONLY pill I've been able to tolerate. I have very minimal side effects (some breast tenderness, occasional spotting). My skin looks great, I have more energy, I haven't gained a single pound, my periods are light, I still have a sex drive, and my emotions are not all over the place. I get that everyone is different and what works for some may be a nightmare for others, but if you've not been able to tolerate any other brands I'd give Yaz a try."

• kla...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 26, 2020

"Seriously, beware of this birth control. I was on Yaz for about two years, and the negative side effects of this pill are never-ending. This birth control caused me to go into a deep depression for the entire duration I was on it. I was on and off anti-depressants trying to combat the negative effects and ultimately got to the point where I was completely anti-social and so anxious/depressed that I was skin and bones. It even got to the point where I was having suicidal thoughts on a regular basis. Once my doctor determined these all may have been side effects of Yaz (not sure why it took so long for my doctor to realize this, but that's another conversation), I stopped taking it, and within 24 hours, nearly all of the negative side effects were gone. Crazy! Long story short, this birth control literally ruined my life for two years. I highly recommend avoiding this unless there is some specific circumstance that causes this birth control to be your only option."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 1, 2020

"I have been on Yaz for 2 weeks, and it completely changed my mood. I went on it to clear up my cystic acne due to my period. My skin has cleared up, but my mental health has severely deteriorated. I am extremely emotional and angry and have random outbursts, which I have never experienced before. I do not even recognize myself, and I am stopping this pill immediately."

• Anonymous
• May 14, 2009

"I've been taking Yaz for 3 months now, and I absolutely love it. I've lost weight without trying, and my periods have greatly decreased in heaviness and severity. I have not experienced any of the bad side effects like depression or tiredness, I wake up happy and ready to go. The only difference I've noticed that is not so great is that the first day of taking the placebo pill, I tend to be emotional, but that usually clears up by the second day. Also, if I miss a pill, I usually have stomach pain until I take it, which is actually a nice reminder to take it. I love Yaz though and cannot say enough good things about it."

• Sps...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 18, 2022

"I have been taking Yaz for almost 10 months now, and it has been the best pill I have ever been on. I am taking it for hormone replacement as well as acne issues. During the first month of taking the pill, my skin went through a horrible purge, which lasted about three weeks. After that was over, my skin began to improve daily. I rarely get breakouts now (occasionally a single pimple), my hair is so thick and healthy, and my sleeping has improved immensely. I have found my moods have been really stable whilst on this pill and have had zero issues with spotting. I have lost about 12 kg since I commenced this pill, and that was during lockdown and with minimal additional exercise. I highly recommend this pill if you need to regulate your hormones and want to improve your skin, hair, and lose some weight in the process!"

• Ail...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 7, 2024

"I took this pill for 1 year. My experience was very good - overall - my PMDD was almost nonexistent. I would barely bloat or feel my period coming. I had no period pain or cramps (which were really bad) and although I've never suffered from acne, my skin was flawless! However, without any sort of diet change or continuing to be very active (5 days a week), I gained around 25 lbs while on this pill. I really liked how good I was feeling emotionally, but the weight gain was making me miserable, so I decided to stop. I have been off the pill for about 7-8 months now and I can safely say I have returned to my usual weight. However, while on the pill, my breasts grew from an A cup (nothing) to a full C cup and they have decided not to go anywhere. I know everyone's experience is different, but I've been on other hormonal birth control before and none have caused me to gain weight like this pill. I also experienced hair thinning, but I've noticed that has reversed back to normal now. Hope this helps any of you!"

• gee...
• June 7, 2017

"I was on Yaz for about 6 months. A couple of weeks ago, I was finding it hard to breathe and having chest pains. To my complete surprise, doctors found I had multiple blood clots in both my lungs blocking almost my entire airway and admitted me into the hospital straight away. I am a healthy 23-year-old, and doctors said they have never seen a PE (pulmonary embolism) as bad as mine. Tests came back confirming that the clots were caused by my Yaz pill. They told me that had I waited a couple more days, I could have dropped down dead without any warning. Very scary to know the pill can cause this much damage to the body. I don't know how they are still producing and selling this pill. After my near-death experience, I will NEVER recommend this pill."

• sdu...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 17, 2023

"I remember reading all kinds of mixed reviews before starting this pill and was kind of worried. I have taken many brands of birth control pills in the past, but I always experienced spotting, and I was fed up. My doctor put me on Yaz, and it changed my entire life… for the worst. Although the spotting and the physical side effects went away, the negative change it had on my mood and my personality was awful. I suffered from anxiety and depression my entire life, but it was always manageable. After starting the pill, I experienced SEVERE anxiety and depression. My mood was always bad, I was always upset and anxious, I would have random outbursts over absolutely nothing. I was an emotional wreck, and I couldn’t control myself at all. I’ve been off of it for 6 days now, and I’m back to my normal self again."

• sar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 10, 2019

"I started using Yaz to treat my PCOS and excess facial hair growth. I always felt depressed, but I kind of dealt with it, it wasn't that bad until I started taking this pill. First, I was crying every night for no reason. I had terrible headaches (something that never happened to me before), and my anxiety and depression are at their highest. I'm having really dark thoughts, and I'm so scared because I think I will hurt myself or my family. And don't get me started on obsessive thoughts, they make me hate myself. Do not take this pill for any reason!"

• Joa...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 10, 2014

"I was taking Yaz for almost 7 years, and I loved it! My weight never changed, my skin was beautiful, normal sex drive, no cramps, 3-4 days periods. In 2013, I saw some weird spots on my face, after the consultation with a doc, it turned out to be melasma (nothing dangerous, but it doesn't look good). One of the most common causes is oral birth control. It wasn't the Yaz, just birth control with a higher amount of progestin. I switched to Mirena, and that was the worst decision ever! Acne, mood changes, gained 20 pounds in 3 weeks. I'm going back on the pill this month, and we will see how it goes, I will post about it in about 6 months."

• Anonymous
• August 16, 2010

"Best birth control ever. Curbs my appetite so much. I went off Yaz for 2 months and actually gained weight and was hungry 24/7. I have no negative side effects at all, and I never feel hungry. I have so much energy, and my mood is more stable. Yaz is perfect for me."

• Gis...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 26, 2020

"I have been taking Yaz for about a year now. My skin has cleared, and my periods often skip for months at a time, and when they do come, they are just spotting (I wanted to take Yaz to regulate my period). Over the past 6 months, near the end of my packet has been something I dread, I become very emotional and depressed. I often have a hard time getting out of bed, feeling unmotivated, and have many self-deprecating thoughts. It honestly scares me. When I am not nearing the end of my pack, I am myself, bubbly and energetic, and constantly moving. I will be looking for a replacement and want anyone thinking about taking Yaz to be aware of any mood changes. While there are some positive replies here, there are many negative ones, and make sure you are using something that is truly benefiting you more than hurting you. Wishing everyone the best!"

• Anonymous
• June 15, 2009

"I'm 32 and never took any birth control pills. I was on the fence about taking Yaz due to negative responses. I love this birth control and I'm glad I took it. I only experienced light bleeding during the 1st month of taking the pill. When I finished the 1st pack, the bleeding stopped. I noticed I was emotional when I took the first placebo pill, but when I took the 2nd, I was back to normal. My doctor put me on the pill due to irregular periods, and when they came on, they would be extremely heavy. I missed work some days due to this. Well, when I got my period while taking Yaz, it came on when taking the placebo pills and was light, NO CRAMPS, very short. My skin looks great, I wake up happy as can be, no emotional issues, sex drive up."

• JOK...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 20, 2019

"This birth control pill Yaz has made me not recognize who I am. I was such a fun, outgoing, lovable person. I've been taking it for two months now, and it has almost ruined my relationship with my boyfriend. These past two months, I have cried, been annoyed (at anything), and lashed out at everyone around me. It has made me feel like I have no control over my body or my personality, I was once so proud of. I started taking it just to regulate my period, and all it has done is make me feel like garbage about my (usually confident) self, deleted my sex drive, made me aggressive, given me two UTIs, and dampened my mood completely."

• Sha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 23, 2019

"I've gotten into a serious relationship this past year, and I opted to get birth control. I have had the Xulane birth control patches and the generic Yaz, Gianvi. Xulane gave me every side effect possible-mood swings, nausea, and headache, and Gianvi made me have mood swings. I asked my pharmacist to give me the non-generic version, and I finally got Yaz. I've had zero side effects, no mood swings, no weight gain, and glowing skin! If you're hesitant to try because of previous bad reviews, give it a shot! I am the person who has every possible bad side effect of every drug, and I highly recommend it!"

• PMS...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 2, 2015

"Yaz has been a complete lifesaver. I used to suffer with heavy bleeding and cramps that had me bedridden. I've been on Yaz since 16, and I don't regret it at all. I have absolutely no side effects, and there are no complications with my health either. If you're a first-timer, Yaz is the way to go."