Junel Fe 1/20 and Mood Swings: What Users Say

• Oli...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 1, 2021

For Birth Control "In the past 5 years, I have been on two different birth control pills. I decided to switch to Junel Fe because the other pill wasn’t helping with my period. This pill, however, was a huge mistake. I have been on it for a short time, but it has made me extremely depressed. I have never had mental health issues in the past, and as soon as I started taking this pill, I noticed huge mood swings. I cry all the time, and I am extremely emotional. I would not recommend this to anyone."

• ste...
• September 20, 2019

For Birth Control "PLEASE READ IF YOU ARE CONFLICTED. I’ve taken birth control before, and I remember my first pill was pretty high in dosage and made me crazy. I vowed I’d NEVER go back on birth control. However, I decided to give it another go 2 years later. My doctor prescribed me Junel, and honestly, I love it. I remember looking up this brand and becoming instantly terrified. I won’t lie, the first 30 days of this pill were bad. I was so nauseous, had breast pain, bloated, any symptom you can get, I got intensely. But after the 1st month, all my symptoms were gone. My period has never been skipped due to the pill. It comes the 3rd Friday of every month like clockwork (which was amazing since I’ve always had an irregular period). My periods are light to medium and last 2-3 days. This pill is amazing. I haven’t gained weight from the pill, haven’t missed a period, or had crazy mood swings. I was so scared to go on this pill, but I’m truly glad I did. If you just wait up the 30-60 days of awfulness, you won’t regret."

• Sta...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 22, 2020

For Birth Control "I have been using Junel Fe 1/20 for about 5 months. I started taking it to help with PMDD, endometriosis, and fibroids. It makes me exhausted during the day, and I've started having bad dreams that have progressively gotten worse, to the point that they are full-blown horror. I have also become progressively more emotional, with alternating rage and severe depression. I had the most terrifying nightmare I've ever had last night and woke up feeling like I was losing my mind, that there was no reason to live, and I couldn't shake the feelings of dread and impending doom. Thank goodness I know this is not right and I'm not crazy. After doing my research, I've found that I'm not alone. This happens more than science would like to admit. Although it eased my symptoms from fibroids and endometriosis, it caused side effects that most definitely outweighed any benefits (and it never helped the PMDD). I WILL NEVER TAKE THAT PILL AGAIN. NEVER, EVER, EVER."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 3, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been taking this pill, Junel Fe 1/20, for about 9 months. The first 3 months were the worst, with mood swings, depression, and anxiety. My body took 3 months to get into a groove, but after that, it's been smooth sailing. No weight gain, acne cleared up, light and painless periods, and no pregnancy scares. I would recommend! Don't let the negative reviews scare you. Everyone's body is different and will react differently depending on how you take care of your body."

• Tan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 13, 2021

For Birth Control "Started this birth control to help with cramps, bad lower back pain, and to regulate my period. First 3 months I had bad anxiety, mood swings, and my periods would start the week before the brown pills and then zero period during the brown pills. I was just about to switch pills and figured I'd give it 1 more month. Then, it all changed overnight. I no longer have any mood swings, and I think it actually has helped with any anxiety. I have no abdominal cramping, no lower back pain. I will still get hot flashes and night sweats right before my period starts though. This is the first pill that has lessened my period. Now if I wanted to, I would probably only have 1 full tampon day and then spot for 3 days. At this point, I am very happy that I stuck with it and hoping each month will continue to get better. I have now taken for 5 months."

• Jur...
• December 31, 2020

For Birth Control "I was previously on Microgestin for 5 years prior to this. The only reason for the switch is because Walmart doesn’t always carry the same generic. I didn’t realize it then, but realize now the awful side effects this caused me. ‘They’ say all generics are the same, but I don’t believe that for a second. Microgestin was great. Junel gave me regular yeast infections, lots of bloating and water retention, more acne, and did nothing to help my pre-menopausal symptoms (night sweats and hot flashes). It also made me way more emotional than I normally am. I hated this pill and wish I would have put two and two together more quickly."

• Ann...
• February 11, 2020

For Birth Control "I am a medical student, so I have studied OCPs and various side effects that are expected. But even my education couldn’t prepare me for the months of horror I experienced. I had sore nipples but knew it was my body adjusting to the increased estrogen, so I tolerated it. What I didn’t expect was this empty feeling unlike anything I’ve ever felt. Also, I felt irrational rage, and my mood was explosive. I felt like I was going crazy, little things would irritate me, and I would be emotional rather than cope. I thought it was stress from medical school, but I’ve always had stress and dealt with it. Prior to Junel, I was on Microgestin for 10+ years. I stopped Junel a month ago, I am back to feeling like myself. Junel is so dangerous. I am a happy, easy-going person with a lot going on for me in life, but it made me feel so worthless, and at those darkest moments, even suicidal, please avoid. I know everyone reacts differently, but if you read reviews, you can see a pattern."

• GBa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 23, 2019

For Birth Control "Okay, so I wrote a review on this BC a while back giving it an 8, but I'm back again to give this a 2 and here's why. This has helped clean up my acne, it's helped regulate my period, and I'm not pregnant, that's why I'm giving it a 2. I'm also giving it a 2 because this BC has turned me into a maniac. Sorry if that sounds bad to anyone, but seriously, my emotional state has just gone off the railings. I literally cry EVERY DAY. A lot of the time it's for no reason. I've been getting really upset with my boyfriend over nothing half the time. I'm overdramatic, impulsive, irrational. I'm surprised my boyfriend hasn't dumped me yet. Last night I had a bad episode, and he told me he KNOWS it's this birth control and that I have to stop taking it because it's affecting my mental health and our relationship. When I say I cry every day, I'm not joking. Guys, please stay away from this pill, all I wanted was to regulate my period, not become a psycho."

• Ker...
• December 29, 2014

For Birth Control "I recently switched to this birth control and have nothing bad to say about it. I used to have cramps, bad acne, mood swings, and back pain. My mood swings, cramps, and acne went away! My period used to be 7 days and very heavy. It's 5 days and light! I couldn't be happier!"

• McK...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 26, 2023

For Birth Control "I tried this medication for 2 years, and the negative effects didn't start until about 6 months into taking it. I experienced irregular periods, with only one occurring every 3-5 months. Additionally, I suffered from terrible anxiety, irrational fears, chest pains, mood swings, and prolonged periods of agitation for no apparent reason. I completely lost interest in sex, had night terrors, and felt paranoid, especially regarding personal safety. I ended up making several visits to the emergency room, believing I was having a heart attack, only to be told it was just anxiety. My stomach was upset every day for over a year, starting from the time I woke up (6 AM) until around 2 PM. (I took my pill at night before bed.) These side effects affected all my personal relationships because I constantly avoided being around people. After being off the pill for over 3 weeks, I have finally started to feel more like myself. Week by week, I noticed significant improvements. My sex drive has returned, my mind feels clear, and I am genuinely happy again. I am no longer overwhelmed, and I have regained my patience while losing the constant irritation I used to feel. It's important to share your story and experiences."

• Nat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 8, 2020

For Birth Control "Ever since I started taking Junel Fe, I’ve been having mood swings, and I would get really irritated easily and emotional at times. It's only been a month, and I am going to stop taking it. I know I should give it more time to work, but I cannot deal with the dark thoughts. I’m anxious more and feel depressed. My mental health is more important than this."

• Nat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 8, 2020

For Birth Control "Ever since I started taking Junel Fe, I’ve been having mood swings, and I would get really irritated easily and emotional at times. It's only been a month, and I am going to stop taking it. I know I should give it more time to work, but I cannot deal with the dark thoughts. I’m anxious more and feel depressed. My mental health is more important than this."

• Han...
• February 15, 2019

For Birth Control "I was switched from Microgestin due to insurance (I was on that brand for a year and NEVER had any side effects). The second I started Junel, I turned into a different person. I'm just going to break down my symptoms by month: Month 1: nausea, two weeks of breakthrough bleeding, migraines, sore and swollen breasts. Month 2: bloating, spotting, headaches, bowel problems, increased appetite. Month 3: EXTREME anxiety and paranoia, worse bloating, mood swings, leg cramps, abdominal cramping. Month 4: lower back pain, uterine and stomach cramps, intense bloating, mood swings, even worse anxiety. Literally thought I was pregnant this month because I didn't have any bleeding whatsoever and because my stomach hurt constantly. Do not take this pill if you have anxiety or depression. It has made me stress about pregnancy more than when I was relying on the pullout method. The ONLY plus side is that my withdrawal bleeds are super light and my acne (sorta) cleared up. I hate this medication."

• Bos...
• October 29, 2014

For Birth Control "I have been on a variety of birth control pills for 15 years now, and Junel is by far the worst medication I have ever experienced. Immediately, I experienced severe mood swings and depression. I stayed on Junel for 2 months, but nothing ever improved. 3 years later, a new doctor accidentally prescribed Junel to me, and I decided to try it again. Again, immediate mood swings, depression, etc."

• Riy...
• November 11, 2019

For Birth Control "I feel compelled to write a review after my horrible experience with this drug, Junel Fe 1/20. I’ve taken it for a year and have just stopped. The first month, I was plagued with intense nausea and headaches, which subsided. After that, I started having severe anxiety, panic attacks, mood swings, crying spells, and chalked it up to several life changes (moving, wedding, etc.). However, my condition worsened, and I was at a therapist weekly who diagnosed me with depression. By this point, I felt like a shell of my former self and decided to stop taking the pill, as it’s the only medication I’m on. I’ve been off for 2 weeks and can see notable differences in my temperament and energy levels. I can’t wait for it to completely flush out so I can be myself again. Please don’t take this drug as long as I did if you face any of the above."

• Sor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 7, 2020

For Birth Control "I’ve been taking Junel Fe for almost 3 months now, and the only problem I’ve had was sore breasts. My period came the first month, but the second month I only bled the first day and spotted throughout the rest of the 7 days. I also had mood swings the first month, but after that, I was fine."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 25, 2017

For Birth Control "I have been on Junel for a little over 4 years now. I never had any mood swings or weight gain, and it cleared up my acne. I don't get my period ever, which I don't mind at all. Probably going to stay on Junel for a long time! I see a lot of bad reviews, but this is my honest opinion!"

• Gir...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 30, 2020

For Birth Control "I was on the medication for 4 months. In the beginning, my period was fine. As time went on, my period got lighter and lighter and was eventually 2 days long. Usually, I have a 4-day period, so this freaked me out. I also had yellow/brown discharge. I took pregnancy tests and had blood work done, and I'm not pregnant. I was very emotional from start to finish. I cried every week, nearly daily. My depression and anxiety was at its worst in a while. The only good thing it did for me was I guess lighten my periods (way too much) and clear up my acne perfectly."

• Cur...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 17, 2016

For Birth Control "I actually recently got off of Junel, and since being off, I realized I'm much happier, my sex drive has increased, I've been able to lose weight, and I'm not downright exhausted all the time. When I was still on it, I'd notice right before my period, I'd turn into a(n even more) psychotic, emotional wreck. I am also significantly less depressed now. I did not like the pill, and these are my personal experiences, but of course, everyone reacts differently to medication."

• NYC...
• February 8, 2017

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "DO NOT go near this pill... gave it a few months to kick in per my gyno, and I have no idea how she prescribed this horrible medication. I took it to regulate my period, and now instead of one, I get two a month every two weeks or actually whenever it feels like coming. It has made me EXTREMELY emotional, sad, and easily angered by things that are normally nothing. I also got crazy hungry more than the typical PMS'ing days before. I can't stress enough to stay away from this."

• Pla...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 16, 2013

For Birth Control "I started Junel Fe in the summer of 2011 after being on Tri Lo Sprintec in 2010 and breaking out in severe hives the size of my fist. My doctor wanted to give me something that was low in estrogen. I was on Junel from August of 2011 until April of 2013. During this time, my periods were regular down to the day of the week that I got them. However, my mood swings were TERRIBLE in the beginning. I mean, bipolar jubilant to depressed in minutes. But that ended, and it was perfect. I still had PMS and mild cramps, but nothing insane like the beginning. The reason I changed was because they said Junel was not being made anymore, and my pharmacy gave me Gildess instead. All in all, regular periods and no pregnancy gets an A."

• Ash...
• April 18, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been on this birth control for about 5 months, and I have no major complaints. I was on Lo Loestrin FE for 6 months prior, but unfortunately had to switch because it was too expensive. The only thing I've noticed is that I get very emotional over tiny things, unlike when I was on Lo Loestrin. My period is extremely regular. (Always comes on the first day of the placebo pill week, very light and only for about 3-4 days.) Also cleared up my skin big time, and no weight gain at all. (I've actually lost 7 pounds since being on BC and have had very little change in my eating patterns and physical activity.) Would've given it a 10 if it weren't for the mood swings."

• Bri...
• September 15, 2020

For Birth Control "I started Junel Fe four months ago and never had a period on the days I took the hormone-free iron pills. The first month I had lots of breakthrough bleeding and bled for two weeks, threw up almost every day, had headaches daily. The second month, I bled for four days, thought, ohhh yes! I can get used to this. A couple of weeks later, into the third month, I bled for two weeks again in mid-pack, my face broke out to the point of scarring, my thoughts have been awful. I’ve been anxious, and then going into the fourth month, I was emotionally unstable, crying, raging. I am a stepmom of four kids and a mom to a daughter of my own. I can’t be acting like this or bleeding to the point I think I’m bleeding out. I was supposed to start a pack Friday before Labor Day, and I didn’t. I’m not and won’t ever again. I don’t recommend it to anyone. Now hopefully, I won’t get knocked up, lol."

• Bri...
• January 20, 2016

For Birth Control "I think this pill is amazing. I went on it because I wanted something with lower estrogen that still prevented pregnancy, but less hormones (mood swings, breaking out, nausea) was horrid. I was on Sprintec for 3 years. With Junel Fe, I have maintained weight and have not seen a significant change in my body physiologically. Not pregnant... The only 'con' is that it's so low estrogen that I have not had a period in about a year... which may seem great, but not really knowing if you ever 'skip a period' to indicate if you're pregnant."

• Ala...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 23, 2019

For Birth Control "Honestly, never had a problem with Junel Fe 1/20. I have been on it for 4 years, never gained weight, cleared up my acne, and never gave me mood swings. I use it continuously (never have a period), and it has been great. Tbh, give it a shot and use it for longer than 3 months, and you'll be fine."