Seasonique and Mood Swings: What Users Say

• Mal...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 10, 2019

For Birth Control "I've been on this pill since 2008. I've been period-free since 2009 - I skip the placebo week and move straight to the next pack. When I first started the pill, I had horrible side effects (mood swings, breakthrough bleeding), but these have all gone away. I used to have horrible cramps back when I was a teen, and that was the initial reason for going on the pill - I actually would go home sick due to the pain. Obviously not an issue now. Definitely would recommend if you want to be period-free. It may take a few months to get to that stage, but well worth it."

• Jen...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 10, 2019

For Birth Control "I took Seasonique for 7 years. I did get occasional breakthrough bleeding-maybe once a year; however, this was faint, a tiny amount of brown blood and not bothersome. This pill was wonderful for me in every way-no more crazy PMS mood swings, and very light periods, no cramping. I did not take it at the perfect time every day, and it did not lead to any problems. I only stopped taking it in August as we want to have a baby."

• Roy...
• October 31, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I've been on the pill for a little over a month, and I'm stopping. I'm extremely anemic, and I asked my doc for this to help with my periods. They were getting increasingly heavy and painful and making my anemia worse. I started taking the generic of this pill, and in 1 month, gained 10 pounds. Then I started spotting and got a full-blown period month 1. This period is heavier than normal and has zapped me of all my energy. It has lasted 7 days of constant normal to heavy bleeding that doesn't seem like it's going to stop. The blood is still fresh bright red, so it doesn't look like it's stopping soon. Also, this week of bleeding has made me extremely emotional. I almost quit my job! I feel very angry, irritated, annoyed, and depressed."

• Rai...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 8, 2012

"I've been on Seasonique for a little over 6 weeks. I was previously on Depo-Provera on and off for the last 8 years (used NuvaRing on the breaks from Depo), and I was on Depo for the last year non-stop. Seasonique is a lifesaver. On Depo, I had crazy mood swings, uncontrollable crying fits, and severe depression. Within 2 weeks of starting Seasonique, I was a normal person! I didn't realize that Depo had created those side effects. I just thought I was crazy, but Seasonique changed everything for me. My acne even subsided dramatically, and I'm finally losing ALL of the weight I gained on Depo. I really believe Seasonique saved me. I have recommended it to every female I know."

• San...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 10, 2017

For Birth Control "BEST THING EVER! If you are going on birth control, you might as well do extended cycle! You basically never get your period (so bye-bye cramps, bleeding, buying tampons, ruining underwear). Perhaps the best part is that there is no placebo pill! The week off still has estrogen, so you can say goodbye to mood swing side effects caused by the placebo that is a sugar pill. On this extended cycle, you don't get the same crazy side effects as you would when 1 week every month you don't take the hormone. It is a little expensive upfront because it is 3 months' worth of meds. So if you do the math, it should be 3 times as expensive as one script that you pick up 3 times in 3 months. But you basically never need tampons, so put it toward this!"

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

For Birth Control "My mood swings have never been so bad. I used to only get bad PMS about a week before my period. Now it’s all the time. Also, between the last couple of periods, I’ve been getting blood clots and constant dried blood, so I was pretty much on my period for 3 months. This is the worst birth control I’ve ever been on."

• bry...
• November 14, 2011

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have been on this pill for about a month, and on my second week, I am bloated, never hungry, have mood swings, and don't want to get out of bed in the mornings. Also, I started light bleeding, like when you are coming off your period."

• Anonymous
• July 11, 2009

For Birth Control "Fantastic experience. 9 months on Seasonique and never had breakthrough bleeding. Slight appetite increase, but no acne or crazy mood swings. My last 2 birth control pills gave me insane mood swings. My fiancé is thrilled with my choice in Seasonique."

• Anonymous
• January 25, 2012

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Since age 12, I had cramps that would literally make me throw up, bleeding that was so heavy it took 10-12 super tampons a day, and prolonged periods of up to a month. This medication was a lifesaver. My period is now light, few cramps, and very short. It helps with my problems. But of course, there are some things I don't particularly like. My sex drive is absolutely zero (my boyfriend doesn't appreciate that), and I'm more emotional than ever. Random crying outbreaks happen, and the feeling of raging."

• CHE...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 12, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been on Seasonique (generic Camrese) for almost 9 years! This drug is great. I got on it when it was new to the market. I take it at night and NEVER miss a dose. I've never had any spotting between periods, and sometimes I skip 2 quarters, meaning I have 2 periods a year. Even my OBGYN can't believe it's still working, she says many women's bodies just won't let them stay on this drug for long. Until I'm ready to start a family, Seasonique is the birth control for me. No more heavy periods, cramps, mood swings, or missed work. I also save on feminine products, when I do have a period, it's light and usually 2 days. My advice: give it a try, take it at the same time every day (I have 2 alarms). Hopefully, it will work for you too!"

• Lad...
• January 28, 2011

For Endometriosis "I took Seasonique for only two weeks, but I quit because of the severe and immediate mood changes I experienced while on it. I have an anxiety disorder, and when I started taking Seasonique, I started feeling more irritated/anxious. After that, my mood plummeted into a depression. I felt like crying or screaming all the time. I also developed acne, breast tenderness, and extreme bloating. When I stopped the pill, I started a period even though I had a period two weeks prior. When I stopped taking Seasonique, my mood improved. I have taken the pill before and never had this reaction. I am now going to get the Mirena IUD to treat my endometriosis/adenomyosis."

• Anonymous
• December 5, 2009

For Birth Control "I have only just begun taking Seasonique, but boy, is it effective. But who could get pregnant when your mood swings are off the charts and you have absolutely no sex drive, and even if I tried to be interested, it wouldn't be worth it because it's too dry. Seriously... my boyfriend and I hate it. Trying to wait it out and see if there is any improvement."

• Nin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 1, 2022

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I started this drug because I have painful cramps and pretty heavy periods, and also I have symptoms of PMDD. On the first month, my boobs got a bit swollen and tender, and I had less depression, which was cool. The 2nd month was cool, other than occasional spotting. Then on the 3rd month, I made the mistake of forgetting my daily pill, and my period started, and it’s been happening for about 7 days so far, and there’s no sign of it stopping. The cramps are bearable, though, my flow isn’t as heavy either, but I still have some depressive symptoms and mood swings, but it’s not as bad as before I took this drug. I don’t think it’s terrible, though, and I would take it again since it did reduce my cramps."

• Cry...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 5, 2017

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "My GP recommended Seasonique because I was anemic and experiencing very heavy blood flow each month. In the year that I took this medication, I felt depressed and even suicidal at the beginning; gained weight as expected and had a hard time losing weight while on it. At the end of the first 3 months, the flow was heavy for 8 days! I kept with it in spite of menstrual cramps, higher appetite, heavy bleeding when I had my period, and really annoying mood swings. After one year, I decided to stop because it's easier to take iron supplements than take this pill. With 2 children and at peri-menopause age, I wouldn't recommend this product to any woman at any stage of life. Too unpredictable and not worth the unseen side effects."

• Blo...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 3, 2017

For Birth Control "I've been on this BC for a little over a year now. The first few packs were awesome! No mood swings, no breakthrough bleeding, period always on time, smooth sailing. My last two packs have been a nightmare. I'm moody, I'm getting breakthrough bleeding often, and it actually scares me because I always think something is wrong if I'm bleeding and it's not time for my period. My period was over a week late on my last pack. My period isn't due to come for another 3 weeks now, but I'm currently bleeding. Not happy. Will definitely be seeing my doctor about a new pill. Maybe my body has decided it's not strong enough anymore."

• Anonymous
• June 20, 2011

For Endometriosis "My doctor prescribed this birth control to help ease the side effects of endometriosis. She leaned towards this one because Seasonique should mean fewer periods and fewer periods should mean less endometriosis pain. This medication was a total failure for me. I know different people have different reactions to medications, but my experience was not a positive one. I bled off and on very frequently and cramped. I had very bad headaches at times (unusual for me). I was extremely emotional and moody (also unusual for me) and stayed bloated a good majority of the time. I was on it for four and a half months and could not take it anymore. Also, very pricey."

• Not...
• June 5, 2017

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I'm 38 years old and perimenopausal. I started this pill to regulate my horrific bleeding and cramping. The first two months were awesome, but since that time I have been bleeding for six weeks straight. My doctor advised that I skip the sugar pills and try a couple more weeks of the second pack and see if my cycle regulates. Into the second week of the second pack and I'm still currently bleeding and cramping and am stopping this medication today. Also, I gained 10 pounds, feel 'blue,' randomly cry for no reason, and have had extreme mood swings. I would not recommend Seasonique or any generic equivalent of this drug. My next step is an ablation procedure. : ("

• Anonymous
• January 1, 2011

For Endometriosis "I have been taking Seasonique for 2 months to stop the continual cramping from endometriosis and the heavy period. The first month and a half, I didn't have a period, but I have been bleeding for 2 weeks straight, this is my 15th day of bleeding and horrible cramping. I did have energy at first, and that was nice, along with the almost non-existent cramping until I started bleeding. I had sex last night, and it hurt. I have also experienced hot flashes (the doctor said that this isn't because of this birth control), and I am 36. I have had heart palpitations, weight gain, anxiety, and major mood swings at times."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 9, 2012

For Birth Control "I have been taking Seasonique pretty much since it first came out about 7 years ago, and I've never had any spotting or negative side effects at all. My period usually starts the Friday after I start the inactive pills and is completely over within 3 days. I have always had awful cramps and mood swings, and the Seasonique doesn't help much with those, but it's not so bad when it's only 4 times a year. Overall, this pill is amazing. It used to be pretty expensive, but now it's only $20 with my insurance. Split over 3 months, that is really cheap!"

• Cry...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 10, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve been on Seasonique for about nine months. I just started my 4th pack. I was originally on the shot, but it made me extremely depressed after getting it once, so I took a 5-month break and started Seasonique. I rarely have mood swings, I don’t get acne or headaches, and haven’t gained any weight. This birth control was perfect for me until I started bleeding for 3 months straight. I don’t bleed a lot, I could pass by just wearing liners all day, but it stops for maybe a week when I start a new pack, and I start it again out of nowhere. If I didn’t bleed so constantly, this would be the perfect birth control for me. When I am on my “period pills,” I only bleed for about 4 days and get a little cramp here and there, but it’s nothing compared to how they used to be. Debating if I should wait to finish my last pack or just try to get a new one."

• Sea...
• April 10, 2010

"I have been taking Seasonique for 2 months now. The symptoms I noticed within the first month were increased appetite and weight gain (approx. 5 lbs) and mood swings, mainly crying excessively. During the middle of the second month, I felt severe abdominal discomfort that felt like period cramps with nausea, and the next morning I noticed spotting, which has continued for 2 weeks so far. I find this very inconvenient as it has lasted longer than a normal period. Also, my complexion has been getting progressively worse, and I have been feeling stressed and overwhelmed more easily. I am going to continue through the last month and switch if I don't notice any improvement."

• red...
• April 25, 2015

For Birth Control "I am 38 years old. I have been on this pill for the last three years on and off. I was good in the beginning, but after a year, everything is not good. I have bad mood swings, headaches, and now my period comes before I even start the last month. I figured I would continue to try it, but I cannot anymore. With severe pains and excessive bleeding to the point I have had to go home from work, I wear Depend undergarments at night because I use three packs of overnight pads in the space of a week. I have never had problems this bad until lately. I am already anemic as is and cannot continue with this pill. One good thing is I have never gotten pregnant on it."

• Anonymous
• December 6, 2009

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "This medication is absolutely awesome! I had been taking Ortho-Tri-Cyclen for years and had continuously suffered from breakthrough bleeding. I have tried other birth control medications, but nothing helped until I decided to try Seasonique. It is a miracle drug, no more mood swings or abnormal bleeding. This pill is a lifesaver!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 22, 2016

For Birth Control "I had the worst experience with this BC. I started to take it after I had my daughter. I thought this is great, a period every 4 months! Negative, this was horrible. When I did get my period, I was in a lot of pain. I had mood swings, depression, gained about 40 pounds, and had constant discharge. I wouldn't recommend this to my worst enemy."

• Cas...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 25, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve been on this birth control, Seasonique, for 10 days and wanted birth control since I used to have anemia. My period normally lasts 7 days, but I STILL have my period, and it just seems like it’ll not stop. I’ve stopped taking this pill because I’d rather have my period than not knowing when my period will end since I am regular. I also noticed my heart rate beating extremely fast, which caused rapid breathing. I also experienced mood changes and feel a lot more emotional, which I normally am not. I’ve stopped taking this as I don’t see it being worth it in the long term."