Yaz and Anxiety: What Users Say

• Sto...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 11, 2020

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I was quite sceptic before I started using Yaz pill especially because I read a lot of bad reviews. Also, risk of developing blood clot was concerning. It has been one month that I am on the pill, and I have to say I am so happy I found out about this pill. As someone who is suffering from PMDD, Yaz is a lifesaver! I had really bad symptoms before my period: depression, anger, anxiety - I would scream when talking to my family members, I felt so miserable, and I would have huge food cravings. Now, I feel much better, I feel in peace with myself!"

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

For Birth Control "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."

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

For Birth Control "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

For Birth Control "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."

• kel...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 15, 2020

For Acne "I've been using Yaz as a form of birth control but also for my moderate, persistent acne (tried everything in 5 years). I would say the first 3 months were terrible. My acne has never been worse, so be prepared. But now, I'm 7 months into it and my skin is the clearest it has been in years. I still have pimples, but they are really small and go away in a day, and it could also be because I'm eating really bad at the moment. The only negative thing is it has made me a bit more anxious and prone to crying. Even if my gynecologist says it's impossible, I've noticed that I'm way more sensitive than before. Even little things make me cry. But anyway, I suggest you try it if you don't want babies and acne. Just be patient, I know it can be tough the first months, but it's worth it! I also haven't noticed a gain in weight, and I guess it's because it is a low dosage pill. Good luck!"

• Eva...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 10, 2016

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I'm just simply amazed, and I hope this continues to work. I've only taken 2 doses of Yaz, and I went from constantly struggling with physical and emotional symptoms of PMDD and overall hormonal imbalancement to feeling much more at peace with myself. I feel light, and my body feels calm. I had anxiety, anger, I was hypersensitive and so negative - I felt it physically. I would physically shake from anger. I could feel my uterus contract and cramp up when I got hurt and was angry. My PMDD had started early just 3 days ago when my breasts just felt so heavy with cysts that were so painful - it hurt to just get out of bed. I could sleep all day. I was cranky and could not stand being touched by my BF. Constipation and lots of gas as well."

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

For Birth Control "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."

• Sha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 15, 2018

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "Taking Yaz for 6 months now, and it's been life-changing. The anger, depression, and anxiety have decreased tenfold. I am taking the brand and forking over that $$$ every month. Fearful to take the generic and go through the symptoms again. Anyone else have good experiences with the generic Yaz?"

• ECa...
• October 31, 2018

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "Around my 20s, I started having depression, rage, general apathy, and anxiety. It didn't occur to me for years that these symptoms were due to PMDD. I started taking Yaz at 36, and I'm now 43 and have just stopped taking it due to mineral deficiencies detected while checking my bloodwork for something else. Yaz was working for me. No more horrible mood swings, my relationship is better, my skin cleared up. It was great! Now, I have anxiety attacks, depression, it's much easier to gain weight, and I now have increased blood pressure, and my pulse is elevated at rest. Yaz literally saved my life for years, but now, I'm taking natural supplements for mood/mental health, thyroid, and mineral support. Your heart is nothing to play with. If you are taking this for acne only, then don't. Yaz was designed for women who suffer from PMDD; if you don't already have it, then this particular pill may cause symptoms of it. I use Proactiv, and it works like a champ. Good luck to all of you and be well."

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

For Birth Control "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!"

• Vic...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 19, 2019

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "Best thing ever. Lifesaver. Game changer. I tried other BC but had the worst PMS (PMDD) - heavy, painful periods, depression, anxiety, and acne, which would lead to skin infections/inflamed skin for 2-3 weeks; I was miserable all month. Once I began taking Yaz, it felt like a veil lifted. Horrible PMS became a thing of the past. Physically, my boobs maybe went up a cup, and my skin cleared up. My periods weren’t as heavy or painful. I didn’t have as much of a sex drive, but for me, being sane was worth the trade-off. For me, the brand name worked best. Hands down."

• lan...
• November 14, 2019

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I've been struggling to find a pill that works for me for ages. I get anxiety about getting side effects like weight gain and depression, as I have experienced them before on Levlin and Yasmin. The doc suggested Yaz due to its lower dose. I have had minimal side effects so far and feel pretty great on it, except that I have been bleeding for the past 2 months. Sometimes it's really light (spotting) and others not so much. I'm hoping that if I wait it out, my periods will become more regular. After hearing so many negative comments about Yaz, I asked my doc about the blood clots, and she said that all pills increase the risk of blood clots and that it's just because Yaz is a newer pill, it's getting more attention. Also, you are at a much, much higher risk of getting a blood clot if you are pregnant. Everyone's hormones are different, so if this pill works for you, then great, if not, then try another one."

• Cas...
• January 12, 2020

For Birth Control "I've only been on this for a few days, so I don't have much to say about it, but all I can say is I suffer from depression and anxiety and was on another brand of birth control and felt so, so depressed, it made it so much worse. My gyno switched me to this one, and in the matter of only 3 days of taking it, I can say I feel happier than I normally did without any type of bc. My bloating also stopped after switching to this one, the other one I was taking made me feel heavy, depressed, and tired. The only thing I've noticed about this one so far is my breasts are a little bigger, but I can't complain about that because I love that!"

• esn...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 18, 2019

For Birth Control "I started Yaz a year ago, and all was fine for the first few months, but I started getting so moody, so I decided to stop. Then, after 4 months, I started again, and it’s been the worst decision of my life. The only benefits are no pregnancy and less pain on my period. My mood swings have been crazy and unending, and my anxiety and depression are following me everywhere. I’m losing contact with myself, and I don't know who I am anymore because I feel so numb. I have lost interest in people I know I love, and I’ve become lazy. I have decided that I will stop today."

• Anonymous
• August 3, 2009

For Birth Control "I have been taking Yaz for 1 month. My doctor asked me to try it for a couple more, so my body can get used to it, but I would rather just stop right now. I'm tired all the time, depressed, no sex drive. I had horrible cramps, worse than when I was in high school, and bad migraines the week prior to my period. I cry at the drop of a hat, and I'm really anxious. I do not like it, but I will give it one more month. We'll see."

• Aly...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 30, 2019

For Birth Control "I am at month 7 of taking Yaz, and I've never been more anxious and depressed in my entire life (I'm 21). I've never had so many panic attacks and mood swings in a year. I had so many health problems this year, and I've been to the hospital so many times. Those things never happened to me before. The reason why I started this pill was to avoid pregnancy. Well, it worked, but my anxiety made me feel paranoid always about being pregnant because I was bloated all the time, and my periods were always changing. My anxiety made me lose too much weight and caused acid reflux, which left me with persistent nausea for months, and I got a lot of migraines, which recently began to be aura migraines. My mom said that I was not the same person anymore. My boyfriend is sad to see me like this, and I don't really see my friends anymore because of my social anxiety. I'm getting off this pill tonight. Don't ever use it, it's ruining lives."

• Aly...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 30, 2019

For Birth Control "I am at month 7 of taking Yaz, and I've never been more anxious and depressed in my entire life (I'm 21). I've never had so many panic attacks and mood swings in a year. I had so many health problems this year, and I've been to the hospital so many times. Those things never happened to me before. The reason why I started this pill was to avoid pregnancy. Well, it worked, but my anxiety made me feel paranoid always about being pregnant because I was bloated all the time, and my periods were always changing. My anxiety made me lose too much weight and caused acid reflux, which left me with persistent nausea for months, and I got a lot of migraines, which recently began to be aura migraines. My mom said that I was not the same person anymore. My boyfriend is sad to see me like this, and I don't really see my friends anymore because of my social anxiety. I'm getting off this pill tonight. Don't ever use it, it's ruining lives."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 9, 2020

"I wasn’t able to get my usual birth control, so I used Yaz and had a terrible experience. I got bad anxiety and depression, headaches, nausea, moodiness, and I gained several pounds around my lower belly in a matter of weeks. I would not recommend this birth control."

• Man...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 8, 2019

For Acne "So I’ve been on Yaz for nearly a year now. The reason why I started Yaz was because of adult acne. I’m 26 and was having bad acne around the chin area. I read these reviews and gave it a try. It took 4 months, but my skin has COMPLETELY cleared up. It’s amazing, my skin is so perfect now, absolutely zero acne. However, the last few months I have had anxiety and panic attacks, but I don’t know if it’s related to Yaz. But for someone suffering with acne, it can be so depressing and painful and expensive if you’ve tried everything and nothing works. I give this a 10/10 for clearing acne!"

• Lil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 10, 2019

For Birth Control "Was prescribed Yaz to regulate my period and control acne. From day one, I turned into a different person - crazy mood swings, fits of anger and rage that had me so mad at my boyfriend, extreme depression that left me crying all night, no energy, and I had anxiety attacks that basically paralyzed me on the floor, unable to open my hands. So basically, the worst 18 days of my life. Cold turkey stop, despite the doctor telling me to finish the pack. Sorry, I value my sanity, job, and relationship way too much. Only positive - cleared up my hormonal acne. Not even close to worth it."

• Tak...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 1, 2021

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I've been on a birth control journey for four years now, and after having issues with previous birth control methods, my doctor decided to have me try Yaz. At first, I was excited because my doctor had also told me that I probably have PMDD, and Yaz is supposed to help with that (as well as my hormonal acne flare-ups). The first few months were okay, however, in month 6 of taking Yaz, I essentially had a mental breakdown like I've never had before. Then, in month 7, I had two breakdowns, two weeks apart. At that point, I decided to quit taking my birth control altogether and see if it helped. It's been two months now since I haven't taken ANY birth control, and the difference to me is night and day. Only time will tell if I can truly attribute my breakdowns to Yaz, but I just feel so much more 'normal' off of it. My anxiety has gone down, I don't feel so depressed/suicidal, and I feel more social. I'm hoping I can eventually find a method that will finally work for me."

• bec...
• August 9, 2017

For Birth Control "I was on this medication for one month and have never felt worse in my entire life. Before taking this pill, I was an energetic and positive person. Now I am exhausted all the time and hit a wall at 4:00 every day. My confidence has plummeted, and I am experiencing extreme mood swings, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. I have never experienced anxiety prior to taking this birth control, and I have had multiple intense panic attacks within the past month. Other side effects have been increased heart rate, tight chest, trouble breathing, and chronic headaches. I was put on Yaz for my acne, and it did help in some sense, but it is not worth feeling like crap 24/7."

• Jor...
• December 30, 2019

For Birth Control "This medication did help me with hormonal acne and the severity of my period. However, after seeing so many people suffering with the anxiety and depression from it, I think I might be the same. I’ve had to go on antidepressants because none of my doctors think it’s related to the birth control."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 22, 2016

For Birth Control "Worst pill. Went on it for around 5 months, and it made my life a living hell. Almost immediately, I experienced an annoying, impossible-to-get-rid-of weight gain. Went from a B cup to a D/DD cup, depending on the time of the month. I also experienced some serious bloating around my stomach and could not get rid of it. Around the same time, I also became incredibly moody. As the months went on, this only got worse. Along with my moodiness, I became anxious, depressed, and found that my libido had disappeared completely. Ultimately, I felt as if I had become a different person completely and decided to toss my remaining packs. While my weight and mood went back to normal, my libido took forever to reappear, and I still feel it's not the same."

• Fra...
• May 11, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been using Yaz for almost two months, and I won't be continuing with this pill. Almost immediately after I changed from Qlaira to Yaz, I noticed my anxiety levels rising. I'm not one to constantly worry and have always had this joy for life, but not since taking Yaz. I don't even feel like waking up and doing what I love. My sex drive is very, very, very low, and I'm very dry down there. I'm very moody and fight with my fiancé on a daily basis. My breasts have gone up an entire cup size, and they are really tender. I have severe abdominal pains and nausea. I cannot wait to start a different pill."