Yasmin and diarrhea

This is a warning to those of you who are going off of Yasmin in an attempt to get pregnant! (along with a few other issues)

I was on Yasmin for almost 3 years, and I'd like to first say that I had SO many stomach issues since being on it that I had eventually been sent to a gastroenterologist by my GP. My gynecologist swore up and down that Yasmin could in no way be the reasoning for my stomach issues (nausea, motion sickness, diarrhea etc) however, I've recently gone off of Yasmin in an attempt to get pregnant. Here's where my huge problem comes into play... About a week and a half after going off of the pill I started having severe dizzy spells as well as fatigue. These symptoms persisted for the next 2 weeks or so and then about 4 days before I was supposed to get my period I started experiencing intense cramps. Of course my fiance and I were a little bit disappointed because this meant that those side effects meant we hadn't successfully conceived. So a few days go back, as does the usual Wednesday that I receive my period. So Thursday I decided to take a pregnancy test and to our complete and utter surprise it came out positive! We were so excited, as were our friends and families. So again, a few days go by (and I never got my period) and my cramps persisted night and day. Then I started experiencing sickness at night time when I tried to go to bed. We of course thought this was due to the pregnancy. Then Monday at about 4AM I woke up in complete and utter pain and went to the bathroom and came to find out I was bleeding. We completely panicked thinking I was miscarrying. I ended up spending that entire day in the hospital and later the next day we found out I was never pregnant. We had gone through a river of emotions within those 2 days and although we were very glad we hadn't miscarried, it was also devastating to realize we were not yet pregnant. False positives are very rare, and I'd have to say that they SUCK. So watch out girls, and make sure to go to the doctors for a blood test ASAP before getting too excited. Just wanted to let you all know.

As for us, we're going to keep on trying and hoping for the best. I of course never intend on going back on Yasmin as I've discovered I've been completely wasting my and my gastroenterologist's time due to this medication.

I have been taking Yasmin for two months and have severe chest pain, a pain under my breast, diarrhea, and feel lazy.

I started taking Yasmin 3 months ago due to a friend's recommendation to stop by other birth control (mercilon) and start Yasmin. The first to months were fine, but the last few weeks have been filled with EXTREME nausea. After days of filling the need to vomit, I actually considered the fact that I could be pregnant even though pretty impossible. Two weeks ago, I was telling a friend about my extreme nausea and her response, 'it's Yasmin.' Turns out she had exactly the same problems. I told another friend about my 'horrific BC experience' and she asked which pill so when I told her Yaz she responded she also had major problems. I've never heard of so many people with problems! Although I do have one friend who is on it and has no problems with Yasmin.
It's been two weeks since I've figured out my physical problems are related to Yasmin (oh, is anyone else experiencing diarrhea?). Unfortunately I've had to finish the pack and I'm so happy that I finally have.....sadly, I'm at home sick from work because of this stupid pill. I've been so nauseous today (the day I'm starting my period) that I couldn't go to work so I've been in bed sleeping for 5 of the last 24 hours trying to sleep off the feeling. I'm hoping and praying that tomorrow I'll be okay again and I won't ever fill this away again.
Thank you you listening.

I switched to Yasmin after searching for help with my severe PMDD, I asked my doctor about it, because of the commercials I had seen stating it would help severe pre-menstrual disorder, instead I have spent the past month with the same severe symptoms that I was trying to get rid of, but worse I was having them every day; and it was not even close to the time I was supposed to start my period.

The worse side effect was I was down right mean!!! To my boyfriend, my kids, and anyone who would get in my way. Completely irrational, did not care about anyone's feelings but my own. I have also gained 5 pounds since i started it, and have had diarrhea, and severe heart burn. And I have only been on it for a month and a half.

Wow ~ I am so happy that I came across this website tonight. I started taking Yasmin a year ago and I am calling my doctor's office tomorrow to get off this pill! I initially started my search on WebMD's symptom checker because I am so frustrated with never feeling right! When I came across all of these stories, it started to piece everything together and I couldn't believe that I never thought my problems could be caused by my birth control pill!! I am 29 years old and have always been a very healthy woman, which is why I have been so frustrated because I KNOW that something is not normal with the way I have been feeling ~ this is what I have been experiencing for the last year, with some of the symptoms getting worse over the last 6 months: constant waves of nausea (everyday!), heart palpitations, anxiety, diarrhea, gas, stomach problems, hot flashes, complete intolerance to the heat, dizziness, headaches, sore calves, sore breasts. I had told my doctor about the stomach issues, the nausea, the heart palpitations, and she actually prescribed Xanax because they were all symptoms of anxiety (which I couldn't believe that I had because I am in the best possible place in my life now!) ~ but that is beside the point. I am now starting to believe that anxiety should not be the diagnosis, but a symptom of being on Yasmin!! I hope I can update this posting in a few months with great news after I switch to something else!

II have had ibs diarrhea for the last 8 years (so practically the whole of my 20's) and it has been so bad for the last 6 years that I have hardly been able to carry on living a normal life. I suffered panic, anxiety, really violent mood swings, obsessive compulsive disorder and felt petrified about going anywhere. I stopped taking it in December 2007 and my diarrhea gradually improved week by week. I felt within 2 days like a cloud had been lifted and my moods felt so much better. The diarrhea has really improved and I have now been 2 months without a single episode, after 10 years of it everyday. I have spoken to a specialist at the hospital about the pill causing diarrhea and he had never heard of it.

I am also really angry that this was not even listed as a side effect of this pill. Please if anyone out there if suffering with ibs d and can't work out what is going on - please try stopping this dreadful pill. My temper is better and the ocd that came out of nowhere has gone. I have been through hell with this pill and if it wasn't for reading an article on the internet about Yasmin, I wouldn't have stopped taking it. I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that Yasmin caused me to suffer diarrhea every day. I will never ever take another contraceptive pill in my life and from now on I don't care if i have period pain. 'm just so glad to be rid of it.

Hi, all. I'm 30 and have been taking Yasmin since Oct. 2006. Yesterday, I finally went to my OB/GYN and asked to take me off it. I can't believe it's taken me so long to realize it was the cause of my many health problems.

Like others have said, I've had many side effects but never connected any of them to Yasmin - until a friend was thinking about using it and told me she'd read it had bad side effects such as mood and GI problems. Once she said this, everything clicked.

Immediately after starting Yasmin, I started gaining weight and had terrible depression. Crying ALL the time. I thought both were because I had started a new job that was very stressful, and I've had struggled with depression my whole life. But this was severe enough that I've had thoughts of suicide and my actions really worried my husband. I asked my doctor to increase my Prozac dosage.

In June 2007, I started having migraines. The first one was so bad that my husband took me to the ER and had me get a CAT scan. It was clear, but the migraines have continued about once a month since then. I've been prescribed Maxalt for when they occur.

Also in 2007, I started having GI problems, especially bloating, cramps, heartburn, gas, and quick-onset diarrhea. The diarrhea got so bad, I'd have to leave parties, work, etc. One day, I didn't make it to the bathroom in time (thankfully, I was at home), was in tears, and my hubby said to see a GI doctor. I got the full workup, including a colonoscopy, which was clear.

In 2008, I started having Restless Legs Syndrome and extreme fatigue. It'd get tingles/pain in my calves when watching TV, in movies, on airplanes, and when asleep. I would sleep 12 hours and still be exhausted. I'd go to bed at 7 or 8 p.m. Finally, I had a sleep study in March 2008 and was diagnosed with RLS and was prescribed Klonopin.

This spring, I've had terrible sinus problems and headaches. I've had allergies before, but never this bad. My Allegra isn't working anymore. I have incredible post-nasal drip and sneezing. Go through Kleenex like crazy. My doctor prescribed Nasonex.

And finally, since Oct. 2006, I've gained about 60 pounds while on Yasmin. I chalked it up to stress from a new job and planning a wedding. Yes, I gained weight WHILE I was engaged. In the time between buying my wedding dress and my wedding, I gained so much weight that my dress had to be let out. I thought it was because of stress, not exercising and a poor diet - but now I realize it shouldn't have caused me to gain THAT much weight. I've continued to gain weight since I've been married.

Now that I put this all together, I realize I am on THREE NEW MEDICATIONS, increased my Prozac, had a colonoscopy, a sleep study, and a CAT scan, and gained 60 pounds ALL since I started Yasmin.

And aside from the medical problems and prescriptions, my lifestyle has changed and I use many over-the-counter drugs. Of course, I'm overweight. I use antacids about 5X a week for heartburn, simethicone about 3X a week for gas, Advil about 2X a week for headaches, sleep all the time, have unusually strong depression, still have diarrhea, and have terrible sinus/runny nose constantly.

I feel so stupid that I never connected the dots. And I realize as I'm typing this that I sound like a hypochondriac because of all my drugs and doctor visits! Most of all, I'm outraged, and truthfully, very sad, that I got married at a very heavy weight because of Yasmin.

I'll post again in a couple of weeks to let you know how I'm feeling off Yasmin. I pray it's much better. Thanks for this forum to share our experiences.

-Katie

Hi,
I have been on Yasmin for nearly two years and have noticed a change but had no clue what was causing it. I have been experiencing extreme fatigue, migraines (1-3 per week), as well as sudden and uncontrollable diarrhea. I did have a short period of time recently where I was off the pill all together and all of the side effects I previously mentioned subsided for that time, and resumed as soon as restarted. I have since quit taking Yasmin and want to let everyone know that its just a pain... literally!

Hi..I just went off Yaz last week after being on it for 18 mos for severe periods. I've had nausea,diarrhea, gained 20 lbs, sore and aching legs, and the worst lower back pain. I've been go a gastrointestinal specialist for a endoscopy and colonoscopy and everything came back normal. I've also had a CT, MRI and nerve blocks for my back but nothing helped. My daughter had a really bad reaction to the Mirena IUD and a light bulb went off that maybe the Yaz was responsible. I'm 46 and I feel like I'm 86. I literally manage to go to work (most days) and then am too sore and exhausted to do anything else except lay on my couch. It's been a week since my last pill and I have to say I feel worse today than ever. If it's the Pill, how long would it take to start feeling better? I had really hoped that this would be the answer. I used to be very fit and active and I can't believe that I might feel like this forever.

I've been on Yasmin for a very short time, my doctor prescribed it for my PCOS, I think I know why they say people lose weight while on it, because the abdominal pain and diarrhea are so bad I can't hardly eat. I am going to get through at least the first thirty days and see, but I have to pay out of pocket for this because of my insurance, and not sure it's worth it.

I started taking yasmin at the beginning of the month suggested by my doctor for very irregular periods. I am 16 and have been irregular for 5 years and wanted a change. I also have very bad cramps or nausea when I am PMSing. I've never had any experience with a gyno and I didn't know what each kind was so I took her word for it. The first week or so I was nauseous before bed when I took it every day. Then 3 weeks later right before I was to start the "white pill" section I almos passed out in school. I was blacking out and shaking with a rapid heart beat and very dizzy. I went to the ER and the doctor said I just had "vertigo" and all tests were normal. After reading this and thinking I now have the stomach flu I have realized that Yazmin is the reason for all of this. I am glad that I'm not going crazy here. The past few days I've stopped talking it but I still have extreme anxiety (possibly caused by upcoming stress in school- i'm extremely busy and all over the place), dizzyness, shaking, nausea, diarrhea, vometing, random shakeyness and headaches. I hope this helps other women that have the same symptoms and are wondering what is going on- I know I was like that until I found this website.

I am so relieved to have found this site, like many of you I thought I was going crazy. I had just been to lunch and nearly cried because I didn’t’t like anything on the menu (and am usually fussy, but serious this is just being nutty). I have been taking Yasmine for just over a week and have been so depressed, tired, moody, my weight is out of control, but most of all just feeling like there is nothing to wake up for. I am usually full of life and driven to achieve, but recently I have not wanted to ever bother to get out of bed. I was going to wait until the end of the packet but now I am going off Yasmine ASAP.

i have been taking Yamine for about a month and a half, after being on a generic pill for a couple years. I didnt know if these symptons i was having was caused by yasmine, but now i think it may be. I have been getting lightheaded, blurry eyes, shakiness, hot flashes..almost like a panic attack, and i have become very dehydrated, even though i have been drinking alot of water. I even went to the doctors for these symptons and they still don't have an answer, so i think it may be yasmine.my newest sympton as of yesterday is chest pain. also i feel like my heart is beating fast all the time, and i feel fatigued way too often, which is causing me to eat more, becauase i am starving way to often, and if i don't eat i feel like i am going to collapse. Also my sex drive has gone to non-existant- is that common? I workout all the time, and eat pretty healthy, so i don't know what else these symptons could be coming from. Is anyone else experiencing these sympons?

I am so happy to have found this website. I started taking Yasmin 2 months ago and was only on it for 1 month. I began a round of Prednisone at the same time due to hurting my back. Well, while tapering off of the pred (going into my 3rd week of Yasmin) I had one night of NO SLEEP. In the morning my muscles were so tight and painful I could barely walk. My heart was racing, I was so dehydrated I could barely speak, my vision was blurry, I couldn't form sentences clearly my head was in such a fog and I had lost 5lbs literally overnight ( I am already extremely thin naturally, so this is not a good thing for me) I was skin and bones. My normally thick, shiny hair became dry, thin and brittle and my skin broke out horribly and I had painful diarrhea. This is just the physical symptoms. The mental symptoms were out of control. I was crying all the time, yelling at everyone and just being completely irrational. I truly thought I was dying. My doctor thought maybe I was having withdrawal from the pred. This continued for a week until I started researching about Yasmin. I immediately stopped taking it after reading the side effects people were having as they were the same as mine. Strangely, they were also the same as prednisone withdrawal, the only problem was that I was off the pred and still having symptoms. Over the following 2 weeks, they slowly got better. Then, it all started again for my next cycle just to a much lesser degree since I was off the BCP. This makes me certain that my symptoms were absolutely from the BCP and not the Pred. I am reaching the end of my period today and my weight has gone back up and I am again starting to feel better. I just hope next month will be normal again. The thing that makes me the most angry is that my doctor refuses to believe that any of it had to due with the BCP. I have been on plenty of BCP's and NEVER experienced anything like this. This stuff needs to be pulled from the shelves or doctors need to be more aware of it's potential side effects and quit discounting our intelligence. Thank you everyone for your posts.

Hey, im goin on my 5th month on Yasmin, and i've noticed i cry a lot and get frequent head aches.. is this normal? my thing that is worryin me as i have read from a few other's that there period were shorter, and some were longer.. mine used to be 3 days 4 max.. and now ill have it for 7-8 days,it's scary!! i just havent been myself while on these.. but if i stop ill get sick.. im on it bc i had uncontrolable bleeding so this stopped it.. but it makes me feel eh. im tired a lot and i can say that most likely i had IBS and this made this @ times worse.. i cant eat certain food and i feel sick a lot.. plz tell me has anyone else experienced any of this!!!

My experience with Yasmin was horrible. I originally was on it when I was 18, and it was great. No side effects whatsoever. I'm 23 now. I stopped taking it approximately 3 years ago. When my doctor recently prescribed it to me, I was excited because of the positive experience I had once had. WOW! I only took it for a week before I stopped completely. Everyday I woke up not only with a headache...I woke up with a severe migraine. I was nauseous constantly, eventually leading to either diarrhea or vomiting. I was completely lethargic. The worst side effect of them all had to have been my complete and total mood change. I was barking at my friends, co-workers, and boyfriend. They ALL noticed a change in my demeanor from Day 1. I'm not on any other type of medication, so there was no reaction to any other chemical in my body. I felt so sick, I even missed work for 3 out of those 7 days. Once I stopped taking it, my original symptoms have gone away completely. I am experiencing a little breakthough bleeding, but my headaches have stopped, no more nausea, and I'm back to my old self. I just wanted to share this with you so that I may help some other woman feel a little less crazy, as the other testimonials have done for me. Thanks!

Hi, I have been on yasmin since September of 2006. During the past month and a half or so I have had nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and now the latest, leg cramps. I am just wondering if this could be due to taking Yasmin. I am 21 and in relatively healthy condition. I just want to feel healthy again...

heart palpataions, tachacardia, aggressive mood swings

I have been on Yaz for over 2 and 1/2 months, and during this time I have been bloated, gassy, pain in my stomach, vomiting, diarhea, headaches, etc. I have been to the ER once and they said they couldn't find anything wrong. I get well, put some weight back on, and just when I'm better I get all those symptoms again. The only thing that has changed in my life is the addition of Yaz. My son and husband are not getting sick, so its nothing anyone can catch. All my doctor can tell me is to take Nexium. I've never had an acid problem in my life. So today I took matters into my own hands and I've stopped taking the Nexium and the Yaz. I'll update later with how I'm feeling. Thanks for all the posts validating my concerns on Yaz.

"Stuck Between a Rock and a Hard Place" 04/04/07
Thank you for all of your shares! Has anyone experienced Diarrhea as a result of taking Yasmin 28? I have been on it for 4/5 years. I started taking it because my GYN diagnosed me with endometriosis and my periods were heavy and sooo very painful. So, at first it was a relief; my periods didn't last as long, were not as heavy and the cramps were lessened. HOWEVER, ever since I have been on the Yasmin, I have been certainly very moody, and I have had moderate to severe tummy pains a lot of the time, and spontaneous bowel movements including diarrhea! I have tried every medication from anti-spasmadic meds to anti-anxiety meds to homeopathic remedies and probiotics. I was diagnosed with IBS many years ago but the symptoms grew soooo much worse ever since I started the Yasmin!! After being on Yasmin, it was as if my whole gastro system broke down; I have seeked help & testing from gastroenterologists since I developed ulcers due to h-pylori bacteria, diverticulosis of the intestines, gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining)and I even developed a hiatal hernia and have to take prevacid daily ever since I started taking Yasmin! I eat healthy, I am 33 years old, I don't drink or do drugs and I don't smoke. I swear I am beginning to think all of this may have been caused by the Yasmin since none of it was occurring before I started taking the Yasmin 4.5 years ago!? I think I want to get off of it now, but I am afraid to take any other birth control due to suffering from more side effects. Although I do want to have children with my boyfriend when we get married in a few years, I am in fear of getting pregnant now if I get off the Yasmin. I don't even know if the rythym method truly works. Help?!

Hi everyone,

An update for you about my magnesium. I went to a kidney specialist yesterday (my doctor thought I might have kidney issues because my magnesium level was not increasing even with supplements). He was perplexed as to why I was there and basically told me that my magnesium levels were not low enough to be considered for any kidney problem (YAY!!!). He also said that he wasn't convinced that my heart palpitations were caused by my magnesium levels. He asked a little bit about my history and when I told him I was off of Yasmin, he said "GOOD. Find another form of birth control. I won't let my wife take any oral contraceptive". We continued our conversation and I thanked him, expressing how good it was to hear that from a doctor, since most of my friends think I'm paranoid. He repeated the warning to not take oral contraceptives and we ended the visit.

SO, basically I think my heart palpitations have been Yasmin/Orthocyclene related all along. I will wait to see how my body feels in a few months. Also, he said my magnesium levels seemed fine to him and they won't increase with oral supplements because it's very badly obsorbed, and if anything I would get diarrhea instead. (don't want that....)

I'll keep you posted... on the road to better health, I can feel it already! I'm so excited to get that validation from a doctor!

My first month on yasmin, i bled the entire month through. i was terrified.i was moody and sensitive and i NEVER get pms. i lost half a stone in 2 weeks. i couldn't tell if that was because of the diuretic effect of the pills (water loss) or because it gave me IBS and i was getting alot of diarrhea.

For the past couple of months I have been having the worst diarrhea that lasts for like 3 days at a time about 3-4 times a month..i have been really tired and very cranky..i also have been fighting with my boyfriend because i havent been wanting to have sex for many months..after reading all of your posts I have finally realized thats its probaly been the Yasmin. I have been on it for about 5 months..thank you all for your posts..does anyone have any recommendations for a birth control?

So glad I found this site and that I am not nuts! I tried Yasmin in the past and I felt so crazy that I stopped it right away, but I was dumb enough to think that I should perhaps try it again (left over samples when I was out of pills). I have been taking it for only a couple of weeks and I feel awful! I have lost 4 pounds, my mouth is dry, my throat hurts, my lips are cracked, I have sores in my mouth. I am always nauseated, have no appetitite, and have diarrhea. And to me, the worst part is I feel like I'm losing it! I'll be fine one minute and the next I feel like screaming at people! I am stopping now midpack, I saw my Dr. yesterday and got a new prescription! I'm sorry for everyone who has experienced this stuff!

I too am having great problems on Yasmin. The fist week my moods was great and I though wow this is going to work for me! Then I started getting realy bad night sweats and yuck sweaty feet all the time then, my breasts started to hurt all the time like I was pregnant. The worst then came... it was like I had the flu 24/7 I had diareah none stop...sick all the time. The heart thing that so many of you are going through scares me to no end! I have a heart pelpatation too. I'm going off it today after reading all this. No way! I would rather have heavy periods.
THanks
Heather

I had to stop taking Yasmin after six weeks (a pack and a half). I had been on Ortho 777 for about 20 years was experiencing severe PMS symptoms for 14 days per month. So, the doc switched me to Yasmin. I had severe diarrhea for the entire six weeks and lost eight pounds that I didn't need to lose. I looked and felt so very ill. I had no appetite and was nauseated all of the time. By the last few days, I was experiencing panic attacks at night. I was extremely dehydrated, my skin was dry and lips were chapped. By the second pack of pills, the veins in my lower left leg began to pop out, and I was experiencing a warm sensation along the side of my shin--not warm to the touch, but warm from the inside out. After one final night of violent diarrhea and anxiety, I threw out the pills. After the first pack I phoned the doc's office and the nurse told me that it usually takes two to three months for a woman's body to adjust to a new pill. But these side effects were much too much to handle. Now that I've been off of them for a few days, my appetite is back, BMs coming back to normal, and I feel like a fog has been lifted from my brain. Not sure if it was the drug itself or the dehydration, but I was so listless and out of it. I'm coming back to my normal self, and I am very grateful for it. No more artificial hormones for me; my body needs to heal. Old fashioned condoms, spermicide, and hope that my 42-year-old ovaries are petering out.

Whoa, I see I'm not alone. I'm so sorry you are going through such horrible stuff, ladies. And although I would never wish these side effects on my worst enemy, it's comforting to know that I'm not alone. :-) (I know you know what I mean.)

And this confirms what I had been suspecting for months now - that Yasmin b/c pill I've been taking for over a year is the culprit!!

My side effects since taking Yasmin have been:

severe anxiety attacks
frayed nerves
mood swings / easily irritated
*extreme* upper abdominal bloating
weight gain
baaaad diarrhea
gas
nausea
loss of appetite (but bad cravings for junk at odd times)
vaginal dryness
decreased libido

I'm going off the pill as of TODAY.

i took it for only 3 days and ate nothing..so much anxiety and diarrhea! then i came to this site and was overwhelmed with everybodys responses!!! i was so moody and angry and so not myself..i discontiuned use as of this past tuesday

does anyone know how long it'll take to get out of my system? it was only 3 pills but still--the changes were very noticeable

HI everyone especially Tiffany,
You sound just like me. I was on it for 3 yrs. and the last 6 months were the worst. I didn't know that I was sooo sick b/c of the pill until I stopped it of course. Tiffany, your symptoms are what I went through the last 6 months I was on it. I went to so many Dr's until I found this post.

I too went to the e.r b/c I almost passed out while shopping. I was nauseaus, had diarrhea, severe anxiety, I would have to pull my car over and sit for a while. The last week I was on it, I had 6 panic attacks in one day. Horrible depressive thoughts, and I'm soo not that type, It was so absurd, by this time I was so used to them I could try to control them a bit.

I thought I had food poisoning at least 8 times in one month, b/c I woke up vomiting and the other for no reason. (now I know it was the b.c) but at that time I didn't.

I really feel great now. I've been off for 4 months had 3 normal periods, (or what I should call yamin periods) and now I am almost 2 weeks late. I can only imagine it's on it's way. If you see from some of my previous posts, I have all of the signs, but who knows.

There are still times where I will have a slight leg pain, or slight slight numbing, but I know why it's happening and it is totally livable and I"m just happy to be here. By now I'm sure the Dr's would have had me all dopped up on some form of drug.

Thank goodness for this post. Just remember we were putting a drug in our bodies for so many years. Me only Yasmin for 3 yrs but I've been on some form of b.c since I was a teen.

So keep your head up and when you feel like shi* read these posts. I read very less frequently now, (however due to my lateness I've been checking every day) but when I first stopped taking it I checked and posted every day. It's really great encouragement no matter what stage of recovery we are in!
Oh yeah one more thing, my fatique got so bad I would fall asleep at 7 p.m and sleep until 8 am and still have a hard time getting up however, it was a very restless hot sweating sleep.

Thanks to everyone,
Hill

I began taking Yasmin 4 years ago, about 7 months after I had my first baby. My ob-gyn suggested Yasmin because of it's ability to prevent water weight gain, and since I had just gained 10 pounds postpartum with Depo-Provera (very scary drugi ndeed!!), I agreed to try Yasmin. I was 30 at the time and had been on BCPs since I was 18, so I didn't think Yasmin would be any different. (Wrong!) Because I was a new mom, I attributed my negative side effects (lethargy, awakening to go pee every night, dark circles under my eyes that prompted people to ask me if I felt ok all the time because I looked worn out, depression, not feeling at all like my normal self, waist/hips/thigh size expanded, hair trigger temper, or crying easily, feeling as though I was in a dazed state or sometimes about to explode, increase in blood pressure, massive hair loss during showering, increased thirst, and problems with severe incapacitating diarrhea along with a resulting weight loss of 10 pounds in less than 2 days, and or vomiting periodically, low potassium levels for which I was prescribed potassium supplements, and anxiety) to motherhood. Unfortunately, I could not find any info on these side effects until recently, so I thought I would just have to live with my problems and hope I would get better. Then, I saw on a website that Yasmin was on a list of drugs that should be banned by the FDA, and I searched for negative side effects, and found this website. That day in March 2006 I threw out my remaining pack of Yasmin, and I'm happy to report 3 months later that I am feeling so much better! I now sleep through the night, my blood pressure has returned to normal. I am anxiety-free. My vomiting /diarrhea has resolved much in part to daily yogurt consumption. But the best part is that I'm no longer angry (bitchy) at everyone and everything and I don't cry like a pregnant woman would. I can concentrate and I don't have spaced out feelings. My hair loss has returned to normal. I recognize the person looking out from a mirror as me now. Last but not least, I have lost 3 inches so far from my waist and 3 pounds of weight. Yay! What is truly scary about this drug is how it effects the kidneys and adrenal glands in a negative manner. I do hope I haven't done any irreversible damage to my organs. Yasmin is toxic and should be banned by the FDA. As someone who works in a medical laboratory setting, I wonder how the drug was approved in the first place. I guess as usual, women don't get the repect of the pharma industry. We have to fight for our rights for safe birth control methods. I am currently using the PG/53 fertility tester as my birth control and so far have been pleased with it. Thanks for allowing me to share my story!

I was on Yasmin for 17 days, when I decided the side effects were too annoying to continue. My breasts grew almost an entire cup size and hurt badly. I was feeling weepy for no reason. I had occasional leg cramps and stomach cramps/diarrhea. I am on a minimal dose of prozac for depression, so birth control is always tricky with my mood. I just felt in a fog. Sexual libido was nill. I went off of it exactly one week ago. But I still feel weepy for no reason at least once a day. And I still feel overly tired. My libido seems to be coming back, but just not the same yet. Prozac is another possible hinderance on this, but I have been on it for a few years and it never had this effect before.
Has anyone else who went off of Yasmin had continuing side effects/ withdrawal symptoms? I just want to go back to feeling like me again. I suppose it will take maybe one cycle for my hormones to balance out again? Thanks for any input.

I have been on Yasmin for 2.5 months now. I have a long list of symptoms as many of you do.

From the very first week of starting the pill I felt weepy, and would cry at the most insignificant things. Now I'm constantly feeling depressed and lethargic, I have no energy to keep in contact with friends or family. At first I blamed it on the holidays, I had an increased appetite and gained weight, and since I was feeling fat and bloated I thought perhaps that was the cause of my low mood. I have lost all interest in my hobbies which normally excited me.

But the week during my period when I wasn't taking the pill, my appetite would return to normal, and my head felt clear and I had renewed energy. I kept thinking that perhaps my body was adjusting to the new pill but once I started the pill again, I was back to feeling depressed and overeating.

I started having to wear my glasses while at my computer, I normally only wear them to see things at a distance. The vision in my right eye has become blurred in just 2 months.

My breasts are extremely sore all the time, so much so that I recently thought I was pregnant. (but Im not)

I started having digestive issues, with diarrhea-- sudden rushes to the bathroom before even finishing a meal. My stomach made awful gurgling (digestive) noises all the time and I have increased gas.

Also, embarrassingly enough, I have increased levels of earwax.. I never had a problem with it before but feel as though I am now constantly cleaning out my ears.

I have 2 weeks left of my 3rd month of pills but I think I am just going to stop cold turkey tomorrow. I can't take this anymore and I'm extremely happy to have found this website. For 2 months I thought I was going crazy.. Im so very relieved..

Please help. I've been on Yasmin for several years. Just recently I've been diagnosed with high blood pressure. I also have diarrhea and rapid pulse. I have severe head aches when on the "white pills". I have a tingling feeling in my left hand (I thought this was carpal tunal) but after reading this sight I beginning to doubt that. Can anyone relate or am I just paranoid?

I have been on yasmin for about 8 months. I have had a hard year and I associated my depression, anxiety, IBS, and insomnia to that. When I first went on yasmin my mom who is an RN advised me there were no serious long term side effects related to yasmin. When I had my first anxiety attach it was after being on Yasmin for 1 month. I never though it could be related to my B/C. I have developed IBS, which causes horrible cramping, gas, diarrhea, and anxiety over "where the next bathroom is." This has really ruinned my life and has cause me to give up everything I enjoy. Please if anyone else has had stomach trouble please let me know, I will go off asap!!!

I'm so happy i'm not alone....So happy....!
I have depression,and anxiety and panic,all together...I started this pill a month ago...It's been a horror,a nightmare!
Sometimes i feel i'm gonna die,i can't sleep,i'm shaking like a leaf.Head aches,vomiting,and dizziness.I'm so disoriented sometimes.Today is my sixth day of the second month.I almost called 911.I know it's sound pathetic,but i can't go on like this.I will quit.Because that's not a life...
Before i was on Diane-35,but my doctor changed to YASMINE.
I really don't know why...
These are my symptoms and i have many moore...
Moodswings,chest pain,insomnia,sweating,abdominal pain,diarrhea,my heart race,...etc.I didn't go out from the house since 2 weeks.I don't know how i'm gonna feel ,that's my bigest fear,but i don't wanba take this pill anymore...

Thanks for EVERYBODY

I am on my third cycle of Yasmin and I have PCOS.

I have lost my appetite most of the time; my libido is ok; though I do see a slight decrease. My problems seem to be fatigue; no energy, and I am starting to see a slow rise in anxiety.

I have 2 kids and the fatigue and overall blah feeling is really killing my days here. By midday I just want to nap! Mid-cycle last month I had boughts of diarrhea after 1/3 of a glass of wine. So I tried a mixed drink instead with fruit juice and the same thing happened. Horrific abdominal pain came within the hour of the drink. I haven't touched it since. Has this happened to anyone else?

I REALLY do not want to take bcps of any kind but my dh will not consent to a vasectomy. I don't know how much more I can do this with Yasmin.

Just wondered if I was alone; obviously not by reading some of these posts.

Thanks-
Denise

Been on Yasmin for almost 1 month. I can't seem to get enough sleep. I lay in bed 'til 11, toss & turn all night - up at 5:30 to go to work. Is this Yasmin or just me?!?!? I am tired all the time now. Have been bloated & diarrhea & can't lose weight - that doesn't make sense to me! Was on Micronor while breast feeding, then started taking Yasmin. I have three children & I can't go on much longer feeling so tired. Actually took a pregnancy test because I have all the pregnancy symptoms - feel sick if I don't eat, extremely tired, somewhat moody (& I'm on Zoloft which is supposed to take care of that). HHHHEEEELLLLPPPP!!!!

I just switched from Nuvaring to Yasmin last month. I completely messed up because I was supposed to start Yasmin on the Sunday after my period. I didn't have the prescription yet so I had to start it on the following Friday. I got my period on July 30th 2005, started Yasmin on August 5th and have been so sick!!!!! Vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, just sick as hell! Every morning. I'm at work, just sick, nauseous, headache.....I took a pregnancy test. It came out negative. I called my doctor's office because I have never had side effects of birth control before! They told me my body is adjusting. I know my body and know that this is not what is going on. Being this sick for two weeks is unbearable. I work full-time and go to grad school full-time. What do I do?!!!!!!!

I have severe stomach issues...cramping...diarrhea...I hate it...I am one month and almost two weeks into taking it.
I hope it goes away. I feel sicky all the time...I even switched taking the pill right before I go to bed...I am still sicky.
I hope this goes away!

Hi!

Wow! I had no idea there were so many women out there with Yasmin-caused problems! Here I thought I had a great way to regulate my cycle, and the more I'm on it, the more I'm wondering if it's the cause of my problems.

I started Yasmin about 2 years ago, and after about a year, I found if I skipped a day and had to double-up the next, my mood would completely shift, and I'd feel over-emotional. Other than that, I didn't experience many problems- I loved having a reliable cycle for once. I went off it to try Ortho Trycyclene-lo, and my body did not like it at all. Spotting, weird moods, just not fun. Went back on Yasmin and thought things were back to normal. Months later, and I find myself waking up in the middle of the night, feeling extremely hot- like it was eminating from my stomach, and I'd feel overwhelmingly nauseated- where I felt like I had to vomit, but couldn't- had diarrhea (I have a sensitive stomach), and wound up lying on the cold, tile floor. If I went back to bed, I felt dizzy and anxious, so I wanted to stay close to the bathroom in case I got sick. It would usually pass after a couple hours, but I hate that feeling! I'm starting to notice a pattern that happens at the end of my period/end of placebo time- usually the second-to-last day of my cycle and the first day or so of my new one. I just feel so run-down and blah. It seemed worse when I had a cold and was taking cold meds- felt really nauseated- probably a bad combo with hormones.

Just went to the MD today to get some bloodwork done. I hate feeling so run down- it's like I'm wearing a metal vest that's weighing me down. I feel a little depressed, but it's not as bad as some of the stories I've been reading. So sorry to hear how bad it can get for some of you! My mother once had a cold that turned into bronchitis, and lingered for a couple months- left her with anxiety. I don't want it to come to that, so I've made an appointment with my gyno to get me on a new pill. My MD said Yasmin is obviously not for me, and to get off it A.S.A.P.

Has anyone had luck with the patch? I figure it doesn't have to pass through my stomach, so perhaps won't make me feel as nauseated? I'd hate to have to go back to a life before the pill, when I had no idea when my period would come, if it did (affected by stress), and suffering pms. Now it seems like I've got POST-PMS. Does anyone feel that?

The more I talked to my MD, she said Yasmin must be the popular drug, and gynos are pushing it, because 10 women in her office are taking it. She said some women take low-dose anti-depressants during the placebo/period time to help get them through to their next cycle. Aren't birth control pills supposed to alleviate women from these problems?

My best goes out to all the gals out there who are suffering from Yasmin. It's good to know it's not just me.

Hi all,
Just an update as I have written in before. I took my last Yasmin pill on Febrary 22nd this year and am slowly getting back to my baseline. While on Yasmin I experienced severe anxiety, panic attacks, depression, irrational thoughts along with physical side effects like nausea, vomiting, dizzy spells, diarrhea, leg pains, joint aches, overwhelming fatigue, and weight gain. It has been a rough ride and I still deal with anxiety, irrational thoughts, and depression. The anxiety particularly hits at ovulation (midcycle) and the mood swings and depression hit in conjunction with the anxiety just before my period. It has been so hard going though this knowing I have not been myself--I was not this way before Yasmin. I seem to be more prone to anxiety now and I am scared to take medication of any kind now. I am so freaked out about having a bad reaction like I did to Yasmin. Fortunately, each month seems to be just a bit better, but it is a slow process. The physical symptoms are much better, but shaking the psychological ones seems to be taking much longer. I cannot wait 'till the day I feel 100% me again--I'm counting on it happening by the 6 month mark hopefully. Good luck to all you in Yasmin recovery out there. Best wishes.

This is my first month on Yasmin and I am trying to decide whether to stop immediately or if I am just not giving it enough time. I am a 33 year old mother of three and have been off the pill for about 4 years. I have taken Ortho Novum and Ortho Tri-Cyclen in the past. I started Yasmin on the 1st day of my period as per the instructions, I am now on day 14 and still bleeding. My periods usually last about a week. I am also having diarrhea almost every day. Did anyone else have a similar start with Yasmin?

Thanks - AT

SIDE EFFECTS I have noticed: Severe headache 1x per month right before I start period, sporadic heart palpations and the one thing that made me log in to this site: seeing shimmery/glimmery spots and/or lines in my eyes. It seemed to go away after about 1hr, but it still concerns me.

My acne has actually cleared up. I am 34 yrs. My weight has remained the same. I have used these pills for about 7/8 months. I noticed at beginning I would get moody for about a week every cycle, but after noticing correlation, I planned and expected it and have overcome it.

NO fatigue, gas, diarrhea, breakthru bleading, bloatedness but I will say my joints are achy. I have started taking glucosamine sulfate and it's helped a lot! MY EYES ARE SO DRY IN THE MORNING! and perhaps my sex drive is a little down, but that could be due to other stresses. Overall this pill is okay.

I just started taking Yasmin two months ago....OH MY GOD! I thought there was something really wrong with me. It scared me. I have never taken BCP before. I never knew that there could be side effects like this. I belong to Kaiser and the doctor prescribed it to me, telling me that it eases the bloating. i thought that would be good. ....I was very wrong.

I am not typically a moody person. I am very organized and can usually plan my work week and my personal like in a very, very practical way. I have found that for the past two months I cry at little things, I am anxious, nervous and I have most of these symptoms -dry mouth, moodiness, peeing, insomnia, panic attacks, diarrhea, spotting, vomiting, cramping, gaining weight, tender breasts, HUGE breasts, and eating like crazy.

I find myself up at 4am. I am dead tired at 11am- all sorts of odd things. I have cramping as well.

I also have brown discharge for two weeks before my period begins. I thought something was really wrong. My doctor could tell me nothing. She told me "come in and try another one." I am not sure if I want to. The doctors seem to just prescribe what is popular. I am worried. Any recommendations on something new?

I have stopped taking Yasmin.

I am a 41 year old nurse who has been put on Yasmin a few days ago for terrible cramps and PMS problems by a doctor from a world reknowned teaching hospital. My periods cause me to lose 3 days from terrible cramps and a couple of days from the PMS (depression beforehand). I was so excited to hear about this pill that I began taking it on day 1 of my period. I am prescribed to take it 30 days monthly, to stop my periods completely. I am on this site because the past day and a half has been a virtual gas brigade! I have not stopped diarrhea and gas that closely mimics colon problems. I am glad I found this site.
I must keep in mind that NO MATTER what BCP I take I will experience side effects, that is inevitable. I too will be more influenced by the words of the other women who are experiencing negative effects. I want to be positive about things because I have come to the end of the road in terms of solutions for my dysmennorrhea which is just getting worse as the years go by. I want to believe that this may be my solution. If after 3 months trial I am still experiencing this nasty gas and diarrhea and leg cramps I will certainly discontinue use and move on to some other option.
Thank you all for your input and remember sometimes the power of suggestion is not a good thing.

I realized the problems I've been having started when I switched BCP from Ortho Tricyclen to Yasmin. Since I switched pills, I've noticed myself becoming incredibly fatigued, until now (after about six months) I can barely get through a workday. I'm depressed, forgetful, and nervous and have no sex drive. I get diarrhea and cramping that hits less than an hour after almost every meal. And I'm steadily gaining weight. I never had any of these problems with the Ortho. It may turn out that the Yasmin isn't the problem at all, but after reading what everyone else has said, it seems like a pretty good place to start.

I am 26 and finishing up my second month of Yasmin. I have never been on BC before and no other daily medication in all my life. And up until now I have been in fine health.

I thought I might be suffering from some ailment but after reading these posts I know now that I can attribute my symptoms to Yasmin.

I am highly sensative emotionally (never was before), crying over spilled milk and the like.

I can barely eat because I get nauseas so quickly and then I have to make a dash for the bathroom due to severe stomach cramping followed by diarrhea.

I've vomited twice in the last 2 weeks (once at work!) and that breaks my 5 year sans vomit record.

I have lost weight and am fatigued constantly.

I will be sure to inform my OB/GYN about every side effect. I hope this information was helpful. I am truly grateful I found this board.

I am so relieved that I came across this website. I am on my second month of Yasmin and am experiencing most of the symptoms that the other testimonials posted. I have been at my lowest point in my life for no reason. I have been crying, having the most bizarre mood swings, and extremely meloncoly. This is not like me. I am usually a very enthusiastic and uplifting person. Along with the emotional stress this pill has caused, I have been having intense stomach pains and diarrhea on a regular basis. My mother and boyfriend have been so worried about me because of my abnormal behavior. I just called my mom and BF as well as my doctor and therapist. I am not crazy and feel terrible that I had so many people worried about me. I am not sure if quitting the pill in the middle of the cycle will be the best bet. I am now terribly worried about birth control and how it will effect my emotional, physical and mental health. Thank you all for sharing and hope everything works out.

Hi everyone, I have been taking Yasmin for about 6 months...I am glad I found these postings...I also have many of these side effects listed here, gas, bloating, dizziness, nausea, severe stomach pains and diarrhea, migrains, I feel like sometimes I am in a total fog...I called Dr. of course they say this pill won't cause the stomach symptoms, but I know I never had this problem before I started taking Yasmin, The only positive thing out of it is I lost about 15 lbs....honestly I would rather weigh 1000 lbs than feel like this!...I am switching to Alesse this weekend hopefully will feel better!...Good Luck All!!!

Wow. After reading these entries I am almost certain what I am feeling is the Yasmin affecting my body. I just went on this pill a week ago. Since then I thought I have had the flu. I have had diarrhea and extreme fatigue. I am constantly dizzy and nauseous. I just had a baby and I have to say I felt like I was pregnant again, though it would have to have been immaculate conception. My husband insists I wait another week, but I don't think I can take this any longer. I just do not feel like myself.