I have been on the nuvaring for almost 3 years. The first year w...

You are wise to not ignore the warning signs. I, too, was on Nuvaring for a while with no problems and I was thrilled with it. When the symptoms hit they were sudden and severe. My depression was dark and deep and helpless. The digestive problems were like having a bad virus for two days at a time. It started at intervals of twice a month and then progressed until I was unable to even walk without weakness and dizziness for 4 days out of every week. I also had a low grade fever, debilitating nausea, no appetite and was losing weight rapidly. I was terrified that I had developed a cancer. My life shrunk to just me and the couch. I am a mother of 4 and I had been happy, energetic and motivated before the ring. I honestly believe that I would have died if I hadn't pulled the ring out. Most doctors were skeptical that it the was ring's fault, but they all admitted that I was in a serious health crisis.

I did have one doctor who saw everything clearly and she helped me to understand what was happening to me on a cellular level. I've got no idea why more doctors don't get it, but the ones who do understand the pharmacology of these drugs and how hormones interact with the body are worth gold.

The progestin in the ring had "down regulated" the estrogen receptors all over my body, most notably my brain and intestines, and the result was that these receptors were either weakened or killed off so that my body could no longer use the estrogen that was in my blood stream. I was even on supplemental estrogen at the time from patches. The symptoms are a sign of severe estrogen deprivation combined with the synthetic progestin plugging up the remaining estrogen receptors that estrogen is supposed to occupy. Bodies, especially young ones, need estrogen to work right. Sudden deprivation can, in us sensitive people, send our systems into shock.

For every one of us sensitive one, there are several others out there who have no problems with hormonal contraceptives. They are blessed with robustness and may not realize how lucky they are.

For me the symptoms, both mental and physical, took several weeks to subside. I made steady and gradual, but maddening slow improvement the whole time. I strongly advise you to get off the nuvaring. Be prepared for a slow recovery for yourself too. Hopefully, it will be much faster, but just don't be scared if it takes a while. I truly feel that if you stay on the nuvaring and ignore these obvious warning signs you will do more damage to your body.

If you have questions, don't hesitate to send me a private message. I have been through this and understand how it feels.