Yaz and Depression: What Users Say (Page 2)

• 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!"

• 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."

• 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."

• Hel...
• April 10, 2019

For Birth Control "I was on this pill for 4 years before it started causing severe emotional problems. I was always a level-headed, even-keeled kind of person. Things didn’t really upset me much. But by my 4th year of taking Yaz, I was having weekly panic attacks, depression, obsessive and paranoid thoughts, and I had zero self-esteem. I ruined a few relationships because I was suspicious of the people in my life. I knew something was seriously wrong with me, but I had no idea it could be my pill. It wasn’t on my radar. Then I came across a forum of women going through the same thing, and they were taking Yaz. I stopped taking my pill for 3 months, and I felt great. It was like the clouds parted. I didn’t have a single panic attack in those 3 months! I had my Dr. switch me to a different generic brand, hoping that might help. Well, I could only stand to be on it for 1 week... I had 2 panic attacks in the span of that 1 week. Pills went in the trash, and I haven’t looked back."

• Hel...
• April 10, 2019

For Birth Control "I was on this pill for 4 years before it started causing severe emotional problems. I was always a level-headed, even-keeled kind of person. Things didn’t really upset me much. But by my 4th year of taking Yaz, I was having weekly panic attacks, depression, obsessive and paranoid thoughts, and I had zero self-esteem. I ruined a few relationships because I was suspicious of the people in my life. I knew something was seriously wrong with me, but I had no idea it could be my pill. It wasn’t on my radar. Then I came across a forum of women going through the same thing, and they were taking Yaz. I stopped taking my pill for 3 months, and I felt great. It was like the clouds parted. I didn’t have a single panic attack in those 3 months! I had my Dr. switch me to a different generic brand, hoping that might help. Well, I could only stand to be on it for 1 week... I had 2 panic attacks in the span of that 1 week. Pills went in the trash, and I haven’t looked back."

• 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."

• gui...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 10, 2012

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "This is my second day on Yaz. I have been on countless other birth control methods such as Marvelon, Tri-Cyclen Lo, Demulen, and most recently, Aviane. When I was on Marvelon, I never noticed anything while I was taking the pills side effect-wise, but my periods were unbearably heavy. On Tri-Cyclen, my period was light, but it never stopped for three months! On Demulen, I went into a deep depression that I am still getting over. And finally, on Aviane, it was great, but I gained about 40 lbs in the past year. I went on Yaz to help keep me upbeat and happy (coupled with my daily dose of Prozac) and to hopefully help me shed some weight and give me comfortable and short periods. So far, so good. High libido and no negative side effects except slight headache."

• Kan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 30, 2020

For Acne "I’ve been on Yaz for almost 2 months now. I was hoping it would clear my skin up and help me with my cystic acne, but I’m not sure. I usually get pimples 2 weeks before my period, so obviously I broke out the 2 weeks beforehand. But before that, I felt like my skin was getting a little better. I definitely am still getting breakouts, though. I’m getting my period tomorrow, and I got a few more pimples coming in, as well as this one pimple on my chin that will NOT go away. I haven’t noticed any weight gain or depression, but my boobs definitely got bigger, lol. I’m gonna do another update after month 3. I hope it will finally kick in, but I guess we will see:/"

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Mac...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 16, 2020

For Birth Control "I used Yaz for 10 years. I am in my 30s now, no serious health issues. I had no physical side effects besides sometimes my periods were shorter and only old period blood flowing (dark brown, which my gyn said was fine). The only serious side effect I had was a significant decrease in my libido/sex drive. I didn't notice it at first, but after years of being on it, I realized I didn't think about sex for months. I also was a bit moody or depressed, but I never realized it was the Yaz until I decided to stop taking BC for 3 months, and it was like night and day! I had more energy, and my sex drive skyrocketed! Worth a try though, as everyone's reactions will differ."

• Lan...
• November 3, 2019

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I started taking Yaz as my PMDD symptoms were getting unmanageable. For 1 week before my period, I would become depressed, irritable, fatigued (to the point of needing to nap during the day), and very emotional. I also had cystic acne and would get severe period pain. The first month on Yaz, I felt great. I had no emotional symptoms the week before my period, and my skin started to clear, and my period only lasted 4 days and caused me no problems. Almost immediately after starting my second month, I started to become depressed, irritable, and incredibly fatigued, as well as getting headaches daily. It took me a couple of weeks to realize that it was likely the pill, so I stopped taking it, and within 48 hours, I felt completely normal again. I know it works for some people, but it really didn't work for me."

• Ivz...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 9, 2019

For Birth Control "I don't normally post reviews, but have recently needed to come off Yaz, and looking at alternative options has made me realize how few people write reviews about positive experiences! I should preface that the only reason I came off Yaz was because my amazing doctor from the UK informed me they don't prescribe Yaz for longer than a few months and only for acne and PMDD because it has a higher risk of blood clots than other pills. That aside, I had previously used another pill that made me moody and depressed, dulled my emotions and libido, and (in hindsight) potentially caused an eating disorder. I have taken Yaz for a few years, and it has been such a dream. My periods got much lighter, my mood and libido were unchanged, I didn't gain or lose weight, and of course, it did the job of preventing pregnancy. Very happy with this pill and anxious for what the next one will be like for me! * 9/10 because it is much more expensive than other pills!"

• Eli...
• March 8, 2020

For Birth Control "I started Yaz about 5 to 6 years ago, when I was 18. It worked really well for me, my breasts grew at least a cup and a half, my skin got a lot clearer, but my sex drive dropped. I don't think I even realized how much. Then for the last four months or so, I started spotting in between periods-a lot. Until one day I got my period, and it just didn't go away. I had it for one whole month. That's when I went to a doctor, and he told me this was relatively normal after having taken it for so many years. He told me to stop for one to two months and then start again. Well, I'm now three weeks into Yaz for the second time in my life, my skin is clearing up again, my boobs are growing again, but I'm super depressed and emotional for no reason. My first period was over ten days, and I'm spotting every day since then. I'm wondering if this is just the beginning of the pill and that it's normal-I will see a doctor this week and decide what to do about it."

• wee...
• March 18, 2009

For Birth Control "I've been on it for 6 months. I've become moody, depressed, and I would cry over anything. My boyfriend hates it, and so do I. I'm tired, irritable, and want to be in my solitude a lot. It has put a strain on my life and my relationship. I am switching to a new birth control soon."

• 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."

• 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."

• Can...
• October 10, 2014

For Birth Control "Made me vomit up to three times a day on random days. Up to the third month. Gave me horrible nightmares every night, not one missed, starting last month. Love working out, don't have the energy to do it anymore. Sleep way too much, 13 hours or more a day with naps. Depression before I went to sleep, sometimes I would cry my eyeballs out. Did not gain weight on it, and I have the most amazing skin you can think of and a period for only two days. Let's weigh this out here, NO. Can't do it. Switching to mini pills!"

• 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."

• Lan...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 15, 2020

For Birth Control "I live in Korea, and had to switch from my Ortho Tri-Cyclen in the US to Yaz here in Korea. I went to a doctor to talk about it, and she suggested Yaz as it was fairly close to what I had been taking in the States. I got it for 6 months, and now that I'm nearing the end, I am thinking more seriously about finding something else. The biggest side effect for me is the decrease in my libido. I went from desiring intimacy with my fiancé almost every day to never, within a month of starting Yaz. It was an extreme loss of sexual desire that I am 100% sure was due to Yaz. I also gained a few pounds and have not been able to lose it. I did start to notice more extreme mood shifts towards the end of each cycle as well. Feeling depressed, fatigue, and anxiety every 4 weeks is tough on me. I am nervous about switching to something else because I have only ever taken Ortho Tri-Cyclen pills, but Yaz is just not for me in the long run."