NuvaRing and dizziness

the day i take it out i start experiencing bloating so bad that i can't bear to wear underwear, cramps, back pain similar to early labor, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, constipation. i experience anxiety all the time on it. i have to figure out how to ease off of it, though, because the side effects are unbearable when the ring comes out. i just put a new on in to see if it would ease the symptoms.

I have been using the Nuvaring for about 3months. After my second child my doc put me on yaz and I was having really bad headaches and nausea. We thought it was b/c I was forgetting to take my pills so she put me on NR. My life has been a whirlwind since then. Migraine headaches once a week, extreme fatigue, extreme dizziness and nausea. I've had MRI's and catscans done and then they diagnosed me with Vertigo. I ended up going to therapy etc...Nothing works. After 3 months of being miserable I decided to take out the NR the day after it had been inserted because my symptoms were so bad. Sure enough, within hours I was feeling better. I will NEVER use this again!!

I was just put on the nuvaring and I am not so sure I like it. I suffer from mild depression, now that I am on this I am even more so... I am angry, agitated and yell at my kids often. I don't like this. I have also started to spot and feel crampy and bloated. My periods weren't bad before but is this a sign of bad times to come? I don't like feeling like this and my doctors says stay on it and to go on a antidepressant, not what I really want to do.

IN RESPONSE TO THE PREVIOUS POST:

STAND UP FOR FELLOW WOMEN

Because this is exactly the type of thing M.D.s will feed you as they're pushing pills. "I used it myself, it worked great for me... it must be something with your lifestyle change... it can't possibly be the hormones!"

Isn't it lovely, how even female doctors can so inadvertently seek to compartmentalize what should be a free-thinking, myriad of personalities and body types?

Here is my reply:

"you: "...I have not gained any weight...of course I diet & exercise about 5 days a week....do those of you who have experienced weight gain exercise regularly?..."

The NuvaRing does not cause weight gain. That's absurd. There's only one way to gain weight (as your self proclaimed fit self must agree) and that is to take in more calories than you burn.

But, the hormones in the NuvaRing, however, DO cause appetite change, and DO cause dizziness associated with these changes if the "food" (for lack of a better word) the hormones causes one to "crave" is not consumed. As you can imagine, this messes with a work out routine.

Which leads me to this, SWEETHEART... I DO exercise regularly. I'm a healthy size 6, 140 lbs, 5' 8" I am 21 years old and graduating from the University of Pittsburgh. I have helped my friends and family with diet and exercise plans since I made the goal to become fit (I was not a healthy weight in high school). I run a mile every week, and work out at the gym every other day with a trainer.

First of all, why are you even on the "side effects" page if you're so happy with the product? There are ongoing investigations as we speak concerning NuvaRing related stroke and death, and incident reports are on the rise. I have always been a stickler for healthy sex lives, hormonal birth control that works in conjunction with a woman's body, and safe sex practices. Let me just give you my two cents: I assure you, I am as in touch with my body as I am in touch with my inner self. And I will not hesitate to let you know... that I KNOW when something's off. NuvaRing was great for me for a while (we're talking a good 8 months... how long have you had yours?)... but then it took over my life. I am not young and naive, I am not unfit or unhealthy, I don't smoke or mess with drugs and rarely drink, I am a not mentally unstable, nor do I have any unmentioned medical conditions. I'm glad that the NuvaRing works for you, but to begin a post so cheeky as to assume that those of us who have posted here are unnecessarily blaming hormones for our own unhealthy lifestyles is infuriating. You think everyone here hasn't considered that it may be "something else"? Something eating at us?

you: "ALL birth control effects everyone differently. I'm not saying this for everyone, but sometimes a lot of people like to blame certain actions & physical changes on something & maybe this is the case...for some people. I've been on the pill before & I always got off it b/c of weight gain....well, it was b/c I wasn't eating properly or exercising. I liked to blame my mood swings on the pill as well, but once I thought about it, I still had those before & after taking the pill."

The above paragraph you have written may have redeemed the post, were it not for your still underhanded tone in relation to the "healthy lifestyle" aspect or - as it seems - "theme" of your post. And, yes, I too know and understand depression and anxiety as it has personally affected me through its looming presence in and around immediate family members. Hormones can affect seratonin reuptake and such and do very much affect the mood in many instances.

So, if you are so certain that "some" of the women here blame their sorry unexercised asses on hormones, I will return the favor and say that perhaps it may be a good idea for YOU to look into cases of depression and anxiety as you are so SURE that the nervous system of your brain has not in any way been affected by hormones.

Thank you for placing the women here in such a pigeon hole! This is so easily a perfect example of something I'd hoped our society would work on... All of us are built differently, of different ages and gene pools... how can one expect a mass-produced commercial drug to work "as directed" to a world of unknowns?

It might be a good idea to examine your female conscience. But, I suppose that might be hard to do from the point of view of the interior of your ass."

I cannot disagree with these negative postings more. I absolutely love the nuvaring. I have not gained any weight...of course I diet & exercise about 5 days a week....do those of you who have experienced weight gain exercise regularly? I have also had an INCREASE in my sex drive...I have been with my fiance for 5 years, and for the past 3 of those, I have had no sex drive whatsoever. I got on the ring & bam, it's there with a vengence...the only problem with that is that we're getting married in 2 weeks & I wanted to make it special & stop having sex a couple of months before the wedding...but I just can't get enough of it. I have dealt with depression & anxiety my entire 27 years of life, so if the nuvaring is causing that...it's not any worse than normal. The only side effects I've had is the discharge, (which yes, is very annoying) and tender breasts...but I can deal with that. Although I have noticed that I cry a bit easier...but I was always a crier as well. I cry when I'm mad, sad, happy...always have, so nope...guess that's not from the ring either. ALL birth control effects everyone differently. I'm not saying this for everyone, but sometimes a lot of people like to blame certain actions & physical changes on something & maybe this is the case...for some people. I've been on the pill before & I always got off it b/c of weight gain....well, it was b/c I wasn't eating properly or exercising. I liked to blame my mood swings on the pill as well, but once I thought about it, I still had those before & after taking the pill. The only reason I quit the pill was b/c it did give me acne. Anyway, just my thoughts....& I wanted to post something positive for the ring.

Oh my HELL!

Here's my story...

Well, first of all I am SO happy to read all of these posts.

I have been on the NuvaRing for about 8 months now... At first, it was GREAT! I had no side effects, I could maintain my weight, even my skin cleared up... But I don't know what all the sudden triggered it but here goes the list...

Nausea
Heartburn
Diarrhea
Headaches
DIZZINESS - and this is scary people, especially for someone like me who's never experienced anything like it
light sensitivity
ANXIETY - this also freaked me out... I'm a singer, I do all kinds of stuff on stage, but I'm SCARED!? all the sudden??? this makes no sense!!!
loss of sex drive
mood swings
fatigue
dry mouth
sore joints
acne worse than when i was 18

And the thing is, it worked, WELL, for a long time. But now, I'm convinced. The NuvaRing is Satan... even if it seems to work in the beginning... don't be fooled... I won't use hormones ever again. Ever.

I'm going to be fitted for a diaphragm and that's that. I can't wait.

Thanks for all the support!

This is a weight of my shoulders.
I have been experiencing many of the symptoms that have been posted here and cannot begin to tell you what a relief it is that I'm not alone. I have been using the Nuvaring for 6 months. Some of the pros were convenience, larger breasts ( I went from a full C to a DD), and more lubrication. My side affects were extreme leg pain, excessive weight gain (about 30 pounds), increased appetite, fatigue, head aches, irritability, heart rate increase, dizziness, gas, bloating need I say more? Last night I took it out immediately because I finally put all the pieces together. It's amazing to know that I'm not alone in all of this. The weight gain was so fast that I have stretch marks that are extremely deep and I have belly fat for the first time in my life it has sprung right on my stomach. I'm only 19 so this is quit concerning for me... I went from 165 to 195. I have stayed around 165 for 5 years and the fact that I put on this thirty pounds was extremely concerning. I am grateful I know what's the issue, and hopefully with more energy and a decrease in appetite, I will be well on my way to my old self.

My profile: I'm 31. Asian. Never had BC before this. Have 1 5yr old son. The type of person that would 4get to take the pill if need to do so everyday. Been on Nuvaring for 6 months now.

I read thru the post here and was intimidated, but I have to say it's working out better than I thought. I didn't notice any serious side effects like blood clot, dizziness or weight gain. Though, I noticed now I have shorter and shorter period duration as the month passes. Now, it's just 1.5-2d where it used to last me 6d: 3 heavy, 3 light.

Another side effect is a decrease in sex drive and being dry... but since my husband is aware of that he help me be stimulated and give more fore-play time. Also, we make sure to stock up on lubricant.

Overall, I can compromise with the side effects that we observed so far, therefore it's not a big deal. The relief of having to worry about unexpected pregnancy is certainly outweight the little inconvenient side-effect that Nuvaring has on me.

Hello,
I've posted on this site before and wanted to give some updates. I had been on the Ring for 1.5 years and took my last one out in February. I feel much better. Some of my symptoms included:

Pain and discomfort in legs
Extreme fatigue
Coldness all the time
Loss in libido
Pain during sex
Dryness
Dizziness etc.

So, my boyfriend and I have been looking into other options and I wanted something nonhormonal because I don't think there's a hormonal BC out there without negatives effects.

Anyway, we went to the gynec at Planned Parenthood and it was so frustrating. Both the nurse and the doctor kept telling me that my symptoms were not related to the Ring and when I mentioned this site, the doctor said that on the Internet people can and will write anything.

I didn't understand why she was defending the NuvaRing and not validating my feelings. I don't think I'm ignorant or naive and I don't think any of you are either. If we did not have these effects prior to or after the NuvaRing, then it's safe to make the connection.

While I know sometimes people can make faulty causations, I don't think we're wrong on this one. Just because my doctor has not had any patients complain about these problems doesn't mean they don't exist.

I agree with the previous comment. Hormonal BC is dangerous even though everyone reacts differently, it doesn't mean it's completely safely.

My boyfriend are doing the condom and spermicide thing right now to give my body a break until we find a new method. My doctor recommended an IUD which I'm looking into. Please email me if you have experience with this.

I do feel better being NuvaRing free but I think it will be awhile until I'm back to normal. I can't wait to get my period. I hope the best for all of you.

I was on NuvaRing since 2003 due to non stop bleeding. My doctor at the time figured since this b/c worked, to use it for the 4 weeks rather than 3. I too started to have the dizziness, panic attacks, breast lactation, feeling of bewilderment, weight gain, lack of sex drive and the list goes on. I did not attribute any of this to the NuvaRing until last month. What made me put two and two together was not only this website but the fact that I noticed I felt better while I was on my period. Also, a cousin of mine as well as a co-worker suffered the same problems while on NuvaRing, they too have gotten off.

I had a copper wire IUD, but after having an ectopic pregnancy, likely caused by it, I had it removed. I tried condoms for a short while, but they are so inconvenient, so I went to the NuvaRing. I put in the NuvaRing and felt fine the first day, but by day two I started experiencing pain behind my knees, dizziness, headache, pain in my eyes, spaciness, nausea, lack of appetite, and weakness throughout my body. I didn't have any mood swings, in fact I felt quite good, mentally. However, by day three I couldn’t stand the headache and dizziness and took out the NuvaRing. I was skeptical in the first place to use a hormonal birth control, and this confirmed it. If any one has a suggestion for a non-hormonal birth control form that is convenient and safe, let me know.

I have been on this nr for 1 month now. this is my period week. I haven't gotten it yet which kinda worries me but I have all the signs of it coming. I have had nausea, headaches an dizziness and increased discharge but nothing to big.NO SPOTTING! the only thing is when I took the nr out I noticed yesterday that my discharge smelled a little different than usual, but today its better. I didn't think I have been irritable except last week which was my PMS week. it hasn't killed my sex drive. it is about the same. I have noticed my boobs getting a little bigger. my boyfriend has only felt the nr one time so thats great.Ii like the idea of only 1 thing every 3 weeks. hopefully these symptoms will go away except for the boob thing. I have had cramps but nothing I couldn't handle with a ill Advil.

Well, I thought that I was really enjoying the NR until yesterday, there was a Lawyer from NY in the hotel that I work with a women. They were discussing a case against the new stop smoking drug and he said something about the Nuva Ring. I tuned in to hear that he has had cases over the NR as well as the patch. I thought that my dizziness was just because I hadn't ate anything in a while. I haven't gained weight. I have actually went down a pant size but I am really lazy and I do like to sleep a lot more now. I get dizzy and head aches. Sometimes I get the burning sensations like I am breast feeding. I have horrible mood swings. I feel really bad because I am so mean to my husband and kids. I get cramps and back pain. and I have no sex drive. Yeast infections and discharge. I feel like you name it I have the symptoms. I thought that I was going to have to have my blood sugar levels because the dizziness is getting so bad! I am about to call my DR.

Hello! I have been diagnosed with chronic daily migraines. Yes, a migraine everyday for 5 months straight. Next comes swelling of fingers, hands, arms, legs, ankles and feet with major pain for the last 5 weeks. I have gone to the neurologist, ob-gyn & family Dr. I had 4 Dr/ER visits of testing to see what the problem could be. Tested for heart failure, liver disease, kidney failure/disease, lung, lupus, ms, chest x-ray, ekg and a brain CT scan...all to be negative THANK GOD! All of my Dr's including the ER staff said....hmmmm I think its the NUVARING! After some research my symptoms matched the nuvaring side effects exactly...the part that says...if you have any of these...then call the Dr. immediately. It has been approx a week and 1/2 of the removal of the Nuvaring and the headaches are no longer everyday or a "10" in rating. I was so busy typing that I forgot to mention that I match quite a few of your symptons as well...like no sex drive, depression, nausea, dizziness etc. I'm not sure about what happened and if my symptoms will go away without the nuvaring. I can say that it is worth a try. I also want to tell you all that no, you are not crazy and please listen to your body. Nuvaring came along when I really needed to regulate my periods...so I know the feeling of being relieved, but I wish I had taken a break from a 3 year run with the "Nuvaring". Please take care!

I suffer from Endometriosis that alone is a horrible disease. I'm lso severly Anemic, with that alone my Gyn advised me to try the Nuvaring, Yes it has stopped my period. That part is Great ! I've had it for about 3 months.. once my third week came along where I rest for a week. I havent I'd place another sot hat I wont Menstrate. This time around, I've rested due to My husband and I wanting to concieve. The side effects have been the worst feeling ever !!!!!! I've had to miss about 1 week from work. I will never use or recommend this to anyone. I haven't been able to drive due to the DIZZINESS!!!

Been on Nuva Ring for about 1.5 years...just now starting to realize the potentially bad effects its having on me. 3 months ago i started having wierd issues going on with my body. Nervousness, shakes, racing heart, trouble breathing, FATIGUE, constant "floating" feeling/dizziness. I am in good/normal shape, exercise about 2 days a week, but have had no energy. I went to a dr and had some blood tests done. My Thyroid numbers came back unusually high. My Dr recommended an Endocronologist to check out the possibility of Hyperthyroidism (the Thyroid controls the metabolism and hormones in your body). Went to the Endocronologist and am waiting for test results to get back. She said that it is a big possiblity that Nuva Ring could be the cause but wanted me to do further blood tests. I am being opened minded to what the real reason to my symptoms are, but i know that putting any extra hormones in your body has an effect on you, regardless. I took the ring out about 45 min ago and i'm hoping for no bad side effects...cant be worse than what i've already had. I have a boyfriend and he was totally ok with it (encouraged me to take out the ring to see if it helps)....he doesn't like the thought of using condoms, but its a small price to pay to see if birth control with hormones (NR) are causing all these horrible symptoms. I'm going to look for other non-hormonal contraceptives to use!

Had been put on nuva ring as i get migranes from the pill and enormous breasts, i cant take the injections for the same reason so nuva ring being such a low dose seemed ok, but i only lasted i month i had a period the whole time my boobs went up at least one whole size, along with headaches, dizziness, terrible skin and nausea. i wonder has anyone had success with the coil or iud and which one as hormones do not agree with me and condoms are not an option for my boyfriend.

I tried the NR for 3 months like my doctor told me to. She painted this pretty picture of how it was so easy, and that's the birth control she takes, blah, blah. After reading the other comments I see some of the same things I experienced. Like sleeplessness. I have not really seen any other comments of digestive problems, but I'm sure it's because of the ring. It seems like the week before I'm supposed to take the ring out
I begin having digestive issues, throwing up, diahrea, nausea, dizziness. Pregnant symptoms. I got off the ring and got on a low dose pill. I can't have digestive issues every month for a whole week. I would rather set my alarm and remember to take the pill everyday. Also, the ring cost $50 and the pill $15.

I'm glad there is this site!
I started NuvaRing a month ago after having an abortion and feel like i've been going crazy.
All the side effects the ladies have mentioned i've experienced.
Dizziness, nausea, no sex drive, severe fluid retention in my legs, bloated, angry, really depressed, vagueness and really tired. I'm only 22 and apart from those symptoms i'm healthy. Its hard to concentrate at work and especially hard to exercise because of the pain in my legs.
I'd like to be on contraception.
Can anyone recommend a type of the pill that doesn't aggravate fluid retention especially? That's been the most unbearable out of all the symptoms. I feel like i'm pregnant again!
Any suggestions would be most appreciated.

I've been alright while using Nuvaring but every time I try to get off Nuvaring, which I've been on for over 3 years, I experience something that feels like hormone withdrawal - nausea, dizziness, headaches, crying spells - for no reason at all. At first they feel like pregnancy symptoms but each time I've taken a test and not been pregnant. There's something really strange about this drug that makes me terrified of getting off it.

I started the NuvaRing 2 days ago and since reading this site I have just run to the bathroom and swiped the thing out as fast as I could.
I did not really want to go to another form of hormonal birth control as I have had some severe side effects in the past on the Pill (Loette 28), which I took for seven years. I had no idea that all the symptoms I was having had anything to do with the Pill until I decided to stop taking it about 8 months ago. Since then, I have been a new person, according to my boyfriend. I no longer feel depressed, sad, anxious, or have severe nausea and vomiting. It's sad to think that for seven years I was doing so much damage to my body and my mind because of this.
The one other thing I noticed being off the Pill was an increase in yeast and vaginal infections. I have also been having abnormal PAP smears and have since discovered that I have mild dysplaysia.
So I went to the doctor and he told me that if I go back on the Pill or the NuvaRing, he thinks it might help the yeast infections. I was really skeptical and have been putting it off for months, but finally, I inserted it 2 days ago. The very first day I was having symptoms: Severe headaches (I NEVER get headaches!), nausea, depression, and the worst heart palpitations and dizziness I have ever felt!! I felt weird, like something was taking control of my body. Anyway, after trying to eat something last night and feeling queasy throughout the meal and then vomiting for the first time in 8 months, I am convinced that this is not me!!! It is the NUVARING!!!
Two days was enough for me- I am not going to wait it out this time. I want to be hormone free! If you really think about it, how can putting your body in a constant state of pregnancy be healthy?? We are not made for that. It is completely unnatural!!! We are inevitably playing with fire here.
My advice to any women out there? Seriously watch for ALL symptoms you are having with the Ring or any Pill and if there are any that are similar to this site, then please try and go off it and see what you feel. You may feel like a different person, like I did!!
Good Luck

PLEASE RESPOND TO THIS POST IF YOU HAD THIS SYMPTOM!!!

I started the nuva ring a week ago and for the last two days I have had the craziest vertigo/dizziness in my life. Seriously, Dr's can't seem to tell me what it is- and I'm wondering if it's the ring... just respond with a "yes"

It's nice to know that I'm not the only one that has been having side effects with the Nuvaring. My doctor put me on it to help with my Periods. I was going 4-5 months without a period and then getting a major one. I have been on the Nuvaring now for like 2 1/2 months. I have no sexual drive (poor hubby); depression; dizziness (no fainting though); major stomach pains/cramps; minor headaches and just feeling majorly crappy. As of right now on Wednesday I will have my Period for two weeks straight. I can't deal with this. I am calling the doctor either tomorrow or Wednesday and saying I would rather go back to the way I was then feel the way I do now. I am just oh so glad that I am not alone. Thanks for sharing your stories.

so i've been using NR for about 7 months now and up until this point I really didn't think much of it....I've recently (the past 3 weeks) began feeling nausea, dizziness, close to fainting, gas, slight cramps, breast tenderness, chest aches, constipation....all signs of pregnancy..its too soon to tell if i am or not, but regardless ...if i am..the ring didn't work because i did everything right...and if i'm not....then thats bad...i shouldn't be living my life feeling like this..

I put the NR in on Monday and have had severe dizziness, tiredness, head rushes and cramps. I took it out and won't be using it again.

I just started the Nuvaring 4 days ago. For the first two days I was wicked paranoid and believed my boyfriend was cheating on me. I didn't think much of the paranoia at first as I have had similar problems with other birth control products.

Now however, I have woken up the past two days with a crippling migraine, extreme dizziness and shortness of breath. I can't even walk up a flight of stairs without getting dizzy and winded. I keep in pretty good shape but the past four days I have felt like total crap. In addition, I have been having intestinal troubles with everything that I eat and my hunger has actually decreased. I have to force myself to eat and then I feel nauseated afterwards.

I don't know if this is from the Nuvaring or if it's psychosomatic, but after reading all the testimonials here I am wondering if I should just take myself off of the ring. It's only been a few days so hopefully it won't cause any major side effects.

I recently got off nuvaring due to finances, after reading these posts I have realized the pains I have had the last four months were probably from the nuvaring, I have had migranes and dizziness and blurriness. But since coming off nuvaring I have suffered a hard pain near my left overy, I also have a rash on my tummy. The pain is all day and gets worse here and there. A cousin told me she had to have her overy removed from a tumor she had because of Nuvaring, yet she has to stay on Nuvaring because she doesn't want to lost the other one.

I am 31 years old - I was on the pill (4 different ones) for 14 years. I decided to stop last year and start using a diaphragm. It was great - even lost 5 pounds! My doctor asked if I had ever considered using NUVA Ring b/c fertility can return quickly when stopped - I gave it a shot. First mistake was to go back on horomones....but, the side effects of NUVA Ring were horrible. After 4 months, I removed it. I had severe headaches, nausea, weight gain of 5 pounds (and I work out 6 times a week), dizziness, extreme lower back pain, acne, facial puffiness and terrible moodiness. How about the total lack of sex drive too? It was so bad that I removed it mid-cycle. It's back to the diaphragm for me - it's a little messy but well worth it - especially to go horomone free!

Please read if you are on the ring, or are thinking about it. I am a 20 year old who has previously been on the pill and the patch, and have now been on the ring for about a week. First of all, please remember that ALL hormonal birth control methods will give you side effects such as mood swings (yes - that includes crying for no reason and getting angry at people), nausea, headaches, body aches, cramping, dizziness, and weight gain or loss. No, doctors are not quote "trying to kill you" they tell you about all of these side effects on their websites and medication information pamphlets. They also tell you, if you ever bothered to read them, that most of those side effects subside after 3 months of proper use. Most of you, it seems, won't even attempt to wait that long - so why talk poorly about a product if you won't see how your body reacts to in long term, it won't kill you. Like I said I have been on the ring for a week. After having it in for only 6 hours I did have crying fits, I did feel like I was going to puke, my appetite has been lessened, I have headaches, when I stand up from sitting for a while, I get dizzy, I snap at my parents, and my friends. Remember, there is a drug inside you changing your body's chemistry. You are going to feel different, if you don't want the birth control or menstrual regulation, then don't bother taking the drug in the first place. You will get side effects from all hormones, and the degree of side effects change from person to person. I won't lie, I called my doctor after 2 days saying I didn't think I could handle it, I was contemplating a IUD. But she said that if I could, I should try to stick it out, the side effects would slowly, and gradually lessen. After 8 days I have already noticed a change. The ring is comfortable after a few days of figuring out the correct placement. The discharge increase is a little annoying, but nothing a thin panty-liner can't soak up. I haven't had sex yet, but remember if it is uncomfortable for you - you can take it out for up to 3 hours. I think the ring is a great option, and worth a try if you wouldn't freak out right away when your body starts reacting to the changes!! Good luck.

I have been using Nuvaring for about 4 months and am experiencing dizziness at times, accompanied by mood swings, breast tenderness, and headaches (starting low in my neck and seemingly progressing into migraines). I have also experienced a decrease in my desire for intimacy. I am 25 years old and have tried many types of b.c. pills already. I'm very frustrated at how my body reacts to each type of contraceptive I try.