Yaz and Cramps: What Users Say

• 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."

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

For Birth Control "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."

• Lif...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 31, 2017

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I used Ortho Tri-Cyclen-Lo from 16-18 years old. My periods were easy without any side effects. By mid-18 years old, I was experiencing painful and heavy periods, with strong emotional swings. My emotions became unpredictable, extremely reactive, and at times I experienced deep depression and strong suicidal thoughts - completely contrary to my personality and traits. My parents requested I leave university, until that night we read about Yaz studies. Yaz was the only birth control with proven study results showing Yaz helps to control PMDD, which described exactly what I was experiencing. Yaz was immediately successful. Three and a half years later, I am still on Yaz and graduating with a Neuroscience degree. P.S. Generic Yaz experience was unsuccessful. 03/31/17"

• mta...
• November 4, 2019

For Acne "I went on Yaz to help with my hormonal acne. The first month on Yaz made my skin flare up horribly, it was the most painful thing ever. Dealing with it was very hard, it was painful and just horrible to look at. After 3 months, my skin started to clear up like crazy! It used to be crazy bumpy with many pimples, and now my skin is very smooth with less than 4 active pimples, and I no longer am in pain. ACNE WILL GET SO MUCH WORSE BEFORE IT GETS BETTER. Please stick through it because I was one of those people who thought it wasn’t going to get better. Pros: skin eventually cleared up, weight stayed the same, my boobs grew a lot bigger (I went from a B to a C). I now have very light and short periods compared to before. I also barely get cramps anymore, and they aren’t very painful (they used to be horrible). It also is working as a contraceptive. Cons: my boobs were sore almost every day, but as the months went by, it now feels normal."

• 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."

• 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!"

• 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?"

• Umb...
• October 6, 2014

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I've been on Yaz for over 3 years now. It's the only birth control I've been on, and it's been amazing. I suffer from severe PMDD, and I was placed on it. So far, my PMDD is not fully gone, but it has helped my life tremendously. My period used to be 8 days long and extremely heavy. Now it's around 5 days and very light. I used to get severe cramping, and now I rarely cramp. I also had mild acne, and it's virtually gone now, except for the few I get right before my period. For physical issues from my period, it has been really successful, but for the emotional issues, it has helped mildly. I still get the panic, anger, and depression up to a week before my period, but it has calmed down. Also, no pregnancy scares at all or weight gain."

• Jan...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 4, 2019

For Birth Control "I can't believe there are so many negative comments about Yaz... I started taking it a year ago due to my very painful periods (I would throw up, couldn't eat, or go to school and work, and popping large doses of painkillers). These pills, Yaz, literally changed my life. I used to have awful PMS, and I would get really depressed a week before my period. Everything is gone now. The terrible moods, cramps, everything. I feel great, actually, I've never felt better. Only bad thing is I gained 6 kg since I started taking it, and I'm really afraid of those blood clots everyone's talking about. I don't ever want to stop taking this pill, but I'm afraid I'll have to due to its well-known side effects. But for now, I enjoy my life with Yaz"

• 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."

• Sam...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 4, 2020

For Birth Control "I’ve been on this birth control for about eight months, and I believe my acne is a lot clearer. It does make me quite emotional for no reason sometimes, and when I get my period, I get painful cramps, which I’ve never had before. I’ve also seemed to gain weight and dislike myself. But my boobs did go up a few sizes."

• Anonymous
• August 1, 2009

For Birth Control "I would rate this above 10 if I could. This is the best birth control I have ever taken. I suffer from PMDD, and my time of the month without Yaz, I feel like I could hurt people for no reason at all, just because I didn't like the way they looked at me or whatever. Anyways, Yaz has helped that out so much. My husband is so happy with the results. I have had no weight gain, no cramping, and only 3-day periods with very little bleeding, and the best part is no irritability or major mood swings."

• Anonymous
• November 7, 2009

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I highly recommend Yaz for anyone experiencing awful PMS/PMDD. I was on a generic pill, Lutera, for around 6 months, and each month my symptoms got worse and worse. The last week that I was on it was one of the worst weeks of my life: mood swings, roller coaster emotions, suicidal thoughts, and I begged my doctor to put in an IUD. She had me try Yaz, and I'm glad she did. For the first month, I cramped more than usual and my breasts were tender, but the change in my emotional level is amazing. I can actually function! This drug was life-changing for me."

• Bri...
• March 22, 2017

For Birth Control "I am almost 25 years old and have been taking Yaz or Beyaz for the past 4 years. I was diagnosed with endometriosis when I was 14 and have tried various other birth controls with no relief of my endometriosis. When my doctor prescribed Yaz, I was hesitant at first because of the commercials talking about blood clots but decided to try it anyway. Yaz and Beyaz have literally been lifesavers for me. I used to have cramps so bad I was unable to attend school or work. My periods would also be a full week long with heavy bleeding the entire time. Since getting on Yaz, I do still have some cramping, but it is manageable with Midol. My periods are now 3 days long, with only one day that's heavier. I don't have any complaints!"

• em0...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 16, 2014

For Birth Control "This was the first birth control pill I went on because I was having heavy periods and cramps, but also because I started having sex. Never really had too many problems, still had pretty heavy days for the first 2 out of 6, but at least they would come like clockwork. I did get super emotional for about 3 days a month, where almost anything would make me cry and where I would get the occasional extreme cramp. Overall, it worked pretty well for me, never got pregnant even though I had a ton of sex near the end (usually also had condoms) and managed to rarely miss a pill."

• HAa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 26, 2021

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I'm a forty-year-old, single queer woman. I take Yaz for PDD, not for actual birth control. The first month on Yaz was completely horrible, my face broke out and flushed red and hot every night before bed. I had constant breast tenderness for a month, along with spotting and cramping. My PMS felt out of control. But once I passed the 1.5-month mark, everything evened out, and my terrible PDD and heavy, painful periods disappeared. I wish I had given it a try earlier."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 21, 2020

For Birth Control "This Yaz pill was effective in that it prevented pregnancy, but that’s where the pros end. This pill caused me to have a major depressed mood, leading to suicidal thoughts and constant leg cramping that sent me to the ER."

• Anonymous
• December 19, 2009

For Birth Control "I have been on Yaz for about three years now, and I love it. I have experienced a great decrease in my PMS. I was a monster before starting Yaz, and now I'm normal, with occasional periods having slight mood swings or cramps. My boobs have grown, and my acne has subsided. I get a few pimples every now and then, commonly when my period comes. I do get some bloating, but if I take something like Midol, then I have none. I'm able to know exactly when my period starts. I have only experienced one occurrence in 3 years of using Yaz, of spotting when not missing a pill. I haven't noticed any weight gain due to the pill. The only thing I am worried about is the scare of blood clotting lately."

• Yaz...
• June 8, 2018

For Acne "Definitely would recommend to people with the same issues!!! I started 5 months ago. I used to have cystic acne all over my face, particularly cheeks and neck, with painful periods lasting a week (endo?). Acne wise: First 3 months, skin started getting worse. Everything was worth it though, as when the 3rd month ended and I started my 4th packet, my skin cleared up almost overnight. Still get a few pimples here and there, but nothing like I used to. Period wise: started my first pack on my period, resulted in a month-long period. Then skipped my period to see if that would end it, but it resulted in another month of having my period. The only reason why I rated this a 9 is because of this, but it is most likely my mistake or due to an underlying health condition. After the 2nd month, I didn't skip my period, and my periods after that have been 3 days long and have only needed a liner. Really light pain, nothing like before. No change in mood :)"

• Kay...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 4, 2019

For Acne "I've been taking Yaz for a year now, and it's extremely great. It worked wonders for me, cleared up my acne. The only problem I still have is that cramps have not been decreased, and it shortens my period sometimes. Other than that, it's great. I gained a couple of pounds, which is good because I was a little bit skinny (got booty and all these things now, lol). I would recommend this to anyone."

• mrs...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 4, 2019

For Birth Control "I took Yaz for 5 years (age 25 until now) and just stopped a month ago. PROS: didn't get pregnant, super clear skin, didn't gain weight, and didn't bloat (peed constantly due to the diuretic effect). CONS: my periods were heavier than before I went on the pill, I never had cramps before Yaz but got them during all 5 years on it, my hair started thinning to the point that my ponytail now is about 1/4 the size it was before I started Yaz, and my mood swings were unreal. I feel terrible for my husband, friends, and family for having to deal with me. I feel much better since being off the pill and am just hoping my hair grows back!"

• Ela...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 24, 2024

For Birth Control "I usually don't write reviews, but I thought I should as I read these before starting my first packet and found a lot of negative reviews which completely scared me. Although I know everyone's body is different, Yaz completely changed my life. I started taking Yaz as I was experiencing frequent breakouts and PMS leading up to my period, as well as terrible cramps and nausea during. For years, it was such a struggle for me, and it got to the point where I would be completely out of order for the first day or two of my period. No pain medication helped! I couldn't be any more thankful for Yaz as I no longer experience any of these symptoms. I find that my mood is much more stable throughout my cycle, and I hardly experience menstrual cramps anymore. Additionally, my skin has cleared up significantly. Although I have not tried other birth controls, I do not have any negative side effects to comment on."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 20, 2018

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "My period used to be 7 days, with 3 really heavy days where I would have to change a S+ tampon out every 4-5 hours and had cramps that would double me over and send me to the bathroom with diarrhea. My breasts would become sensitive and swell, and I would just feel generally disgusting. I only had 1 week/month to actually enjoy life without period-related issues. Now, the only time I cramp significantly is the first couple of days of it, but even then not much. I also might get a single pimple. My period averages 5 days, and a regular tampon is sufficient for at least 4 hours even on the heaviest day. It took about 4 months for my body to start getting used to it, and now it's been 7 months and I think I've fully adjusted. The only negative side effect that I've noticed is that I have to take it at exactly the same time every day or I'll spot until my next period. I may be able to take it an hour late once, but I once took it a couple of hours late 2 days in a row, and I spotted every day for the next 3 weeks."

• Anonymous
• April 28, 2010

For Birth Control "I've tried just about every birth control in the book. Depo was by far the worst with over 15 lbs weight gain in a year, horrible acne, and leg cramps. Loestrin24 wasn't far behind with chronic exhaustion, zero sex drive, and depression. Ortho wasn't bad, but I did experience weight gain (about 5 lbs in a year). Yaz is by far my favorite, and I can say that both before having my first child and after. Yaz stabilized my pre-menstrual mood swings. I think it actually increased my sex drive post-pregnancy. I've had no weight issues and no acne problems. I think all the commercials about Yaz's side effects are bogus - every birth control is going to show correlations with some disease or another. I'd recommend Yaz in a heartbeat."

• 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!"