Yaz and Bleeding: What Users Say
Reviews for Yaz
- Anonymous
- June 15, 2009
For Birth Control "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."
- 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."
Frequently asked questions
- Mer...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- August 7, 2018
For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I've been taking Yaz for almost a year now, and I am very, very happy with it. I have pre-existing mental health diagnoses that were extremely exacerbated by PMDD. About 10 days before my period, I would become absolutely dead exhausted, severely depressed, with constant muscle and joint soreness, and terrible cramps and heavy bleeding during menstruation. All these symptoms are almost eliminated after taking Yaz. As an added 'plus,' most months I don't get my period AT ALL, which is a real blessing. The only thing I wish would work for me is the acne reduction... I still struggle with the cystic, hormonal acne, and Yaz doesn't seem to have helped that. STILL, if you struggle with PMDD, Yaz is definitely worth a try!"
- Anonymous
- January 10, 2010
For Acne "I have been taking Yaz for 8 months now and am very pleased with the results. I have not gained any weight, my acne cleared up completely, and my periods are shorter and lighter. The first three months, I did experience side effects: migraines, tiredness, breakthrough bleeding just the first month; but other than that, it was fine. I attribute those first three months to my body getting used to the hormones. At first, I was hesitant to try this birth control because of the horror stories I have read online, but I decided to try it anyway, and I am so happy that I did because it has been wonderful for me. I suggest anyone debating trying it out not be discouraged by the reviews because everybody's body is different."
Are you taking this medicine?
Your review helps others make informed decisions.- Fli...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- December 14, 2019
For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I thought it would be useful to share my experience of Yaz for PMDD. I found Yaz so helpful for my moods. Emotionally, it really did balance me out a lot. I felt in control of my life again. No more panic attacks, heavy bleeding, bloating, and no more week-long depression. It was great. For my acne, however, it really flared things up. I persisted through till nine months of taking it. But I decided the skin just wasn't improving, so I gave up hope that it would. Since stopping, my skin has cleared up beautifully. If you are similar to me, persevere for at least six months. But it may not work for you either. Keep looking for something that works for you."
- I...
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- October 7, 2020
"It’s been almost 2 years on the pill (Yaz). I started taking Yaz because of my period and acne. I would bleed so heavily I could never control it, horrible back pain and cramps. I also had acne so bad I hated going anywhere. After about 6 months to a year being on the pill, my acne cleared up, and I just was getting small pimples every once in a while. I gained weight in my butt, sides, and thighs. Now, being on the pill for 2 years, I have realized how much it has affected me emotionally. Every month at the end of my pack, I get very depressed and cry for reasons I can’t explain. The depression and crazy mood swings affected me, my parents, and my boyfriend. I’m not myself, and I’m not sure what to do. I feel like if I talk to my doctor about it, I’m gonna have to be taken off the pill, and what if my acne comes back and my period gets bad? At this point, I don’t care. I’m tired of not being me and feeling depressed. Any help?"
- Ema...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- September 3, 2020
For Birth Control "I was nervous starting Yaz for my endometriosis because of reviews I had read and my bad experiences with birth control when I was a teenager. During the first couple of weeks, I was very emotional - cried every day. After that, my emotions were more regular. I had very little appetite, I lost over 10 pounds in a month. My skin didn't change much. I would have stayed on Yaz because I didn't have any of the pain or symptoms that usually come with my period, but I started spotting about a month in, and I have been bleeding ever since. I start Yasmin this week, and I am very nervous for the transition."
- Nat...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- March 28, 2013
For Acne "Having been on Estelle-35 for nearly a year (which gave me the worst acne of my life, 10 times worse than it already was), I decided to change to Yaz. I'm in my third month of taking it, and I think I've broken out (4-6 spots at the same time) twice, whereas before I was getting 4-6 new spots per day. No initial breakouts. Only had one cyst in nearly three months. The only side effect was my fault - I didn't wait until my period to start taking them and had breakthrough bleeding for around three weeks. I haven't experienced any weight gain, headaches, etc. If you're deciding whether to try the pill for your acne, just do it. Seriously. It's done wonders for my confidence and anxiety, and I can actually look people in the eye now!"
- Kat...
- August 14, 2013
For Birth Control "I got on this birth control when it first came in 2006 when I was 16. I was on it up until I was 22. Switching was the biggest mistake ever. I LOVED this birth control. I never had any problems with it. Lighter and shorter periods, cleared up my skin, and no bloating or weight gain. The only downfall was I did get very emotional, but that was it, and maybe occasional breakthrough bleeding. Best of all, it worked for me. I am switching back to this birth control and can't wait."
- Sha...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- March 29, 2018
For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I took Yaz in college and never had any issues with anxiety, depression, and anger. Well, now I realize why.....I was on Yaz. Now in my thirties, I have struggled with PMDD for over five years. Finally decided to go back to Yaz to relieve my symptoms, and it's effective. My first month was easy, I felt a difference immediately. Now, on my second month, I have some bleeding and noticed my hormones are up and down towards the end of the pack. Looking forward to my third month, hopefully the light bleeding will stop."
- Ann...
- October 6, 2014
For Birth Control "I've been on Yaz since I was 23, and I'm 28 now. In the first month or so, I had mild side effects - felt a bit dizzy and had some breakthrough bleeding, but they subsided after a month or two. I have PMDD, and Yaz has been a Godsend in regulating my moods - instead of being out of control for 3 weeks, I only have PMDD for a little less than a week. It's definitely helped me, and I'd be a hot mess without it!"
- Boa...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- January 12, 2020
For Acne "I am 20 years old. I have taken this pill because of my acne. I stopped with Accutane (I didn’t have any acne at that moment) and immediately I started with the YAZ pill. The first month I had no breakouts or any pimples on my face. Starting in my second month, I did get a large breakout (like a lot of tiny whiteheads) only on my forehead and chin. Also, my period started. The acne was coming back in the second month, and starting in my third month, the breakout is still the same and a little bit worse than the second month. I am on my 2.5 month now taking YAZ, and I’m at my period now for 3 weeks non-stop. I don’t know when the bleeding stops and if anyone else had experience with the YAZ and having a 3-week-long period? I am praying my acne/breakouts will calm down when I start my fourth month. Thank you very much for responding to my review!"
- Hig...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- August 14, 2013
For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I have been on Yaz for 8 months now. The first 2 were a little rough with breakthrough bleeding or missed periods (which is so stressful), but I gave it a chance anyway. I had mild to severe acne that is very much clear now, other than a few scars. I have not gained weight, but my breasts are a full cup size bigger. My only issue with Yaz is that I never used to get PMS symptoms, now I feel angry, and the next second I want to cry for absolutely no reason. This only lasts a day or two, so I can deal with it."
- Loa...
- April 21, 2019
For Birth Control "Started Yaz about 6 months ago for endometriosis pain control. Right away, I became emotional, anxious, and depressed with super dark thoughts. My doctor told me that it takes about 3 months to level out your hormones. Two weeks ago, I started having side effects that I didn't even realize were because of the birth control until I started reading other reviews. I'm 29 years old, work out 5 days a week, skinny, etc. I've become constipated, bloated, gaining weight, hungry all the time, extremely exhausted, mood swings, angry at everyone and everything, depressed, anxious, obsessive bad thoughts, hot flashes and sweating, breakthrough bleeding, etc. I have my period every 3 months on this, but my first period after the 3 months is the heaviest period I've ever had in my life. Not to be graphic, but it was flowing out of me like an endless waterfall. Soaked through super tampons in 15-20 minutes. I'm miserable and would rather risk my endometriosis pain coming back than dealing with this. Not taking another day of this pill."
- Car...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- May 11, 2021
For Acne "I’m 23 and been on Yaz for 4 months. I went on it for acne, and my face is clearing up, but I am also on other acne medication. Other birth controls have caused me weight gain, depression, and mood swings. I have lost weight on Yaz, and my mood seems stable, which is good. My boobs have grown a ton, even with the weight loss, they’ve grown at least a cup size. (Disclaimer: I dieted and exercised to lose the weight, the medicine didn’t make me lose it.) The only negative side effect is that once I started my period, I have been bleeding/spotting for almost two months now. Hopefully, that will regulate with time. So far, it’s the best BC I’ve ever taken."
- san...
- February 2, 2021
"I'll share my experience. I have been on this pill for 3 months now, on my 3rd day of the 3rd pack. It definitely cleared up my skin in the very first month, and it's consistent to this day. Also, it has wiped the painful cramps. My boobs got a full cup bigger, and I did notice that my hips widened a bit, but no biggie. As a birth control, it's effective. On my 2nd pack, I bled for 5 days. However, on my 3rd pack now, I only experienced 2 days of bleeding. My 1st pack's on a Sunday, which is also the 1st day of my period, and on the 3rd pack, I started on the same day, and the bleeding came on the last placebo pill. I am alarmed as to why I only bled for 2 days. It has never happened to me. I'm consistent in taking the active pills at the same time each night. I never missed an active pill nor took one very late. I want to know if there's anyone who experienced the same thing? Does anyone here bleed for 2 or 3 days while on Yaz? I would really appreciate the feedback. Thank you!"
- Sav...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- June 9, 2023
For Birth Control "I was on Yaz for about 3 years after discovering I had PCOS and had a horrible experience with it. I’ve recently switched back to Ortho Tri-Cyclen, which I was on for about 10 years and never had a problem. From the beginning of my time taking Yaz, I had breakthrough bleeding, multiple chemical pregnancies, worsening depression and anxiety, and my migraines got progressively worse. I would bleed for 8 weeks or so, receive little to no help or direction from my gynecologist, and was told my body was just adjusting - even after the initial 3-month time that your body takes to regulate. Recently, I had another issue with bleeding for 8 weeks or so, and I was fed up, so I stopped taking it, and the bleeding immediately stopped. I don’t know why I had such an adverse reaction or why my doctor didn’t suggest something different all this time, but be careful and listen to your body if you plan to take this medication."
- Hex...
- January 16, 2021
For Birth Control "This is month 2 of Yaz. One year ago, I was on Yaz for roughly 9 months, and I had experienced heavy breakthrough bleeding, very painful cramps, and at one point, it got so bad I felt I had miscarried. I hadn't, but the blood was pouring out of me in gushes, far worse than my regular heavy period. After a while, it leveled out, and I stopped getting my period even on my 'off' days. My blood tests were normal, and so was my ultrasound. After a while, I went off them to try and get pregnant, but I never did. Periods came back the same as before, and I decided to try Yaz again. So back to month 2 now of Yaz, and I'm still on my period. It has not stopped since before I went on Yaz. (Total 4 months on period) Painful cramping has started again. I'm exhausted all the time, moody, in pain, and I'm going to talk to my doctor about switching BC. Cannot keep living like this, especially since my bleeding won't stop. Horrible pain makes me want to cry and sleep all day. 1/10, stay away from Yaz."
- Noe...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- February 18, 2021
For Acne "I've been on Yaz for about 5 months now and am going onto my 6th month. I have been on my period for a month now, with very heavy bleeding, and my acne is getting worse. I originally got on this birth control to help my acne, and it's done nothing but make my acne 10 times worse than what it already was. My hormonal acne has never been this bad. When I called to get my birth control switched, they told me no and to wait the 6 months to see if anything changes, but they told me that my acne was only going to take 3 months to clear up."
- Mad...
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- March 8, 2016
For Birth Control "Heavy bleeding and intense cramping were my primary concerns for starting birth control, and since I still bled heavily on my first pill, I was switched to Yaz. The good is that the mild acne I did have is now non-existent, no more cramps, and my cycle is the lightest it's ever been. I can actually *want* to do more than stay in bed during my cycle. The bad is the random spotting. Theoretically, it's caused by not taking the pill at the same time every day, but I keep a pretty tight schedule, so it sucks. The mood swings are also discouraging. I feel myself getting mad or either sad about literally anything more often now. I've also picked up about 10 lbs despite the same eating habits and activity level."
- Fat...
- June 20, 2016
For Birth Control "I've been on Yaz for 3 months. The heavy bleeding, agony, and cramps have all stopped, plus the cravings. Although I feel very low and depressed. I seem to be overly sensitive and raw all the time. It's becoming harder to contain myself around loved ones as I am so emotional and seem to snap at everything and everyone. I would seriously recommend whether this is the right option if you suffer from mental health issues or you are prone to it. I generally do feel anxious without the pill, although I have been feeling depressed recently, and it's dreadful."
- Yuc...
- Taken for 5 to 10 years
- October 18, 2018
For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I went on Yaz for 4 years starting from the age of 14, then switched off because of mid-cycle bleeding. I went on Tri Cyclen Lo for a couple of years, took a break from the pill for a couple of years, then went back on Yaz this February. I now understand why I was chronically depressed and suicidal during my teenage years, and why it coincidentally 'went away' when I switched pills. I gradually got worse and worse this time around, and I turned into a nightmare for my workplace, school, and my family. Uncontrollable crying spells all day, considering actually following through with suicide, and utter exhaustion/sleeping all day. I went off two weeks ago, and everyone noticed the difference. I'm happy again without the slightest hint of depression. This drug is frightening, even some celebrities have pinned their suicidal/depressive episodes on Yaz. Oh, and FYI, it doesn't even clear up your skin the way they market it as. My skin cleared up beautifully once I was off it."
- Dis...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- September 26, 2018
For Birth Control "Last year, I had to start the pill due to an irregular menstrual cycle. My gynecologist recommended I take this brand for 6 months. I was always the happiest and brightest person. I would be the one to cheer people up and make their day. This pill gave me depression. It took away my identity. I was on it for 4 months, and I would have extreme mood swings every single day. I had to stop taking it due to severe spotting for the last 2 months of it. I would bleed every day and a heavy amount too. I gained so much weight (10-15 pounds) and was very bloated. My appetite was amplified to the max. There wasn’t a single moment when I didn’t have food in my mouth. I tried to stay on Yaz, but it was an absolute disaster. I didn’t realize why these awful changes were happening to me. After I got off of it due to heavy spotting, I realized my mood improved. This pill ruined my life. I still have depression, and I resent this brand for giving it to me."
- gui...
- March 27, 2013
For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I loved this pill. I was taking it for PMDD as well as very painful and heavy periods. I took it for about three months with no side effects except my breasts grew a full cup size and were incredibly sensitive. Then on my fourth month, I had breakthrough bleeding the whole month! I wish this hadn't happened as I was really happy with Yaz. My doctor just switched me to Yasmin, so we will see!"
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For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I've been on Yaz for 7 months now, and I am extremely happy with it. I was always a ravenous, aching, emotional mess before my period. It was hard for me to function when I was in uni since I could skip classes and lie in bed and cry. I couldn't do that when I started working, though. Yaz now makes me a functional human being every day of the month, and even gave me clear skin and an increase in appetite as add-on rewards! The adjustment period was shitty for me because I breakthrough bled my way through my first three months on Yaz, had really bad mood swings that came without notice, and then had a two-week long period. After that period, though, my body has accepted Yaz as its own, and my life is stellar!"