Yaz and Mood Swings: What Users Say

• pau...
• July 2, 2020

For Acne "I’m writing this review because I drove myself crazy reading reviews basically every single night when I first started taking Yaz, and I’d love to help out whoever might be doing the same. I always had relatively clear skin, but a few months ago, I started getting hormonal cystic pimples. So I decided to go on Yaz. The first month was a little hard, I’m not gonna lie. I felt “down” most of the time, and I also broke out a whole lot in the first month, which didn’t help my mental state at all. But I remained confident that Yaz would clear up my skin. As soon as I started my second pack, things fell into place. My mood swings are gone, I don't cry every day, and for the first time in my life, I can say I have 150% clear skin and no problematic skin. I've lost more than 15 lbs, my boobs went from 34B to 34D, and I'm healthier than ever. All this to say: things might get worse before they get better, but in the long run, it DID pay off for me, and I hope it will for you too."

• Ryr...
• May 5, 2020

For Birth Control "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 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."

• 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."

• Pmd...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 24, 2019

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I started taking Yaz at age 17 to deal with PMDD and cystic acne that only popped up the week before my period but would always need steroid injections and then scar for months. It dealt with my PMDD like nothing has before or since taking it. I no longer felt like a prisoner to my emotions or on a rollercoaster from hormones! My skin looked like porcelain. However, it does have side effects. After 5 years, I started noticing some hair thinning. I go to the bathroom more often on this than I do off it. My periods were light or non-existent to the point I thought, 'how could this be healthy?' After 10 years, I decided my body needed a break so I went off it. Well, in the last year, my skin has ruined itself with cysts and my moods before my period range from homicidal maniac to so severely sad and depressed that puppy food commercials make me cry. I am going back on Yaz next week. You have to decide if the side effects are worth it for you. For me, I can't live like this anymore."

• 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"

• 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."

• Bos...
• November 11, 2015

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I am 21 and have been taking the pill since the age of 16. Two years ago, I began to take Yaz after severe mood swings, depression, and overwhelming sadness and anger due to PMDD. Yaz has been a lifesaver for me! I don't have cramps, my period lasts 3 days at most and is very light (not even enough to warrant the use of a tampon), and my skin is perfectly clear, with the exception of 2 pimples a month around menstruation. But the absolute best part is my mood! I became ME again, a happy, easy-going person who doesn't pick fights with her boyfriend over burnt spaghetti noodles ;)"

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

For Birth Control "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

For Birth Control "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."

• Haf...
• July 20, 2016

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!"

• MRG...
• August 17, 2010

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I suffered with PMDD for over 20 years. This included bad acne, terrible mood swings, recurring infections such as bladder and yeast, having to be bedridden the entire week prior to my period, terrible joint pain, and water retention. I had seen all types of doctors, given tests for diabetes to STDs- as they couldn't figure out what was ailing me. I had doctors recommend Prozac and large amounts of Ibuprofen... none of this helped. It was by luck, my doctor was not available and I saw a different physician that prescribed Yaz. I can honestly say this medicine has CHANGED MY LIFE. I feel like a new person and spent 20 years in pain. Thank you Yaz for giving me my life back- I LOVE THIS MEDICATION AND MY NEW LIFE!"

• ana...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 29, 2019

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I began using Yaz 7 months ago on my mother and sister's recommendation (my sister also suffers from PMDD and has been taking Yaz for years). For the first few months, I saw a drastic improvement: my mood was better, my skin cleared up, my boobs got bigger, etc. However, I have recently decided to come off Yaz as I was starting to experience negative side effects, mainly the worsening of my mood. I was suffering from immense mood swings and a lot of the time feeling very depressed. My periods were becoming irregular (for example, coming before I had begun the sugar pills), and I also started suffering from severe headaches every day. Now, every experience is different as my sister has had no trouble for years, so I think it is worth a try, however, I strongly suggest you keep some sort of record of all the symptoms you are feeling and keep an eye out as it took me a while to realize things were going downhill again."

• Anonymous
• June 24, 2011

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I had horrible PMDD that lasted 2 weeks every month that translates into half of my life. During PMDD, I suffered from depression, fatigue, and mood swings. I was a completely different person. It interfered with my work, and I was calling in sick at least every other month. I am convinced my boss thought I was faking illness because of the frequency of calling in sick, and I never 'sounded' sick. Anyway, thanks to Yaz, my life has changed so much for the better. Sometimes I will have a little PMS mood swing, but nothing like before. My energy and moods stay consistent through the month now. It is wonderful to feel back in control of my emotions. Thanks, Yaz."

• Emz...
• April 29, 2021

For Acne "My doctor put me on Yaz for post-pill acne and said to try it for 3 months and see how I liked it. It made my skin terrible for the first 2 months. Extreme purging of acne on my chin and jaw. It also made me very emotional. I was so close to stopping taking it, but I wanted to remain hopeful after the 3-month period that things would get better, so I suffered through the purging. I’m just about to start month 4, and I have had no acne for the last 2 weeks, and my skin is almost perfect. I’m stuck with some post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from the purging, but concealer can cover it up while my vitamin C serum does its thing. My face feels so soft and completely clear as of right now, and my period is so light with minimal cramping. My insurance covers almost the entire cost of it, so I’ll stick with it for a while and see if it keeps my skin clear! Definitely worth a try if you’re willing to go through the purging for a while, first month or two."

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

For Birth Control "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."

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

For Birth Control "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!"

• 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."

• 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."

• bmi...
• October 3, 2020

For Acne "Just ended the second pack of Yaz. Starting month 3, hoping to see good results with skin as they say to wait out a full 3 months. Since I got my Mirena IUD taken out 4 months ago, my acne went from nothing at all to everywhere, especially terrible on my chest! It is just so hard on my confidence when it is on the chest. Hoping this month I'll see it start clearing up. The first month on it I was no joke crying every day, so, so emotional. I probably haven't cried in a year until I got on Yaz (Nikki generic). But that subsided, and I felt stable again on month 2. Everything is temporary when hormones are trying to rebalance themselves, remember that. Still a bit emotional, but better for sure. Also had hot flashes for 2 months every day... haven't experienced them in a week though! Other side effects I have are bigger boobs, I'll take it! Also, I've lost 10 lbs on it. Most say they see weight gain with BC pills, but it's crazy how differently birth control affects everyone."

• acn...
• April 22, 2009

For Acne "I am thankful to Yaz. Within a few days, it cleared up my skin just as I hoped, but I did not expect it to work so fast. My chest has gotten a lot bigger, but other than that, I have not gained any weight. I seem to have lost my appetite as well, which makes it easier to make healthier food choices. Also, I seem to have more mood swings and am a little more depressed."

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

For Birth Control "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

For Birth Control "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!"

• spe...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 26, 2016

For Acne "I have struggled with acne since I was fifteen, and nothing I would take or use helped it ever, and I did not want to take Accutane. My doctor suggested I take birth control to help clear my skin, and this has made my skin completely clear, and I'm very glad. I did break out worse for the first three months, but then my skin was completely clear. I did not gain weight, in fact, I lost two pounds at first, and it did make my boobs bigger, and they were sore at first, but nothing terrible. The only problem I have is that it does make me really emotional the week before or the week after my period, but nothing extreme, just irritability, sometimes crying at random things."