I loved it for years! I went on the NuvaRing in late 2005 and I ...

I loved it for years! I went on the NuvaRing in late 2005 and I recently discontinued the use of it (Jan 2009). I was suffering from 3 periods a month for years and no pill or even the Depo shot helped me. The NuvaRing cleared it up beautifully! I had regular and relatively pain-free periods and I could not have been happier. A few months ago I started experiencing some major PMS symptoms that I have never experienced before. I gained 15 pounds over the course of 5 months and by breasts were swollen to the point that my nipples were dry and cracking (and yes, 4 different pregnancy tests confirmed that I was NOT pregnant). I was going insane with mood swings and I just felt like a jittery crappy mess all the time. My body temperature also dropped a full degree on average from what it was a year ago and I am really sensitive to cold now. So, I discontinued the use of the Ring and started taking a vitamin regiment that I found other Ring users found useful (B-Complex, zinc, selenium, Evening primrose, and a multi-vitamin). I have not lost the weight yet, despite working out 3-4 times a week with weight-training and cardio. The doctors have told me to wait it out for a year. It bums me out, but it's worth it. I have been on hormones for 9 years and it is time to be natural again. Thanks for listening.