Yasmin and moodiness

I have been taking Yasmin for about 7-8 months. I haven't really experienced any negative side effects. I did notice that my breast immediately got bigger, and I may have gained no more than 5 lbs. Lately I have been noticing that around my period I get extremely emotional and moody. I would say overall Yasmin has been great, my skin is clear and flawless, my breasts grew, and haven't gotten pregnant. I have noticed a decreased sex drive and moodiness.

I have been off Yasmin (Ocella) for just over 2 months. In most ways I am feeling much better. Less headaches, earaches moodiness and more energy then I had when on the pill. Since then I have been sent for many tests, ultrasound, hormones etc. I was diagnosed last night with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. My hormones are soo out of balance, and my doctor said it may be from taking the pill. I was on Yasmin for 6 years and am 31 years old and married. I can't believe this. I have always had a lot of pelvic plain but was never diagnosed with anything.

Thank god I found this site! My body has been going crazy ever since I started taking Yasmin two years ago and I didn't put two and two together until reading all of these postings and realizing the Yasmin might be the culprit.

I'm a healthy 31 y.o. who exercises regularly, doesn't smoke and has been on various oral contraceptives for the last decade without too many side effects beyond slight moodiness and minor weight gain. About two years ago I switched over to Yasmin. About two months ago I came across this site as I was researching hypertension which I had developed. I was confused and didn’t know what was causing it as I am healthy, unstressed and have a history of low blood pressure. But as soon as I found this site it all started coming together and I realized Yasmin had done much more than raise my blood pressure. I immediately went off the pill and almost right away many of my side effects went away. Here's what I've experienced since being on the pill:

-Weight Gain: Almost right away I gained ten pounds. I’ve effortlessly lost five of those pounds since going off the pill.
-Seborrheic Dermatitis: After a few months of being on Yasmin I developed a painful scalp condition called Seborrheic Dermatitis. Side effects of this are inflamed scalp, redness and most importantly, hair loss. The doctor said it is generally brought on by stress but on further research I saw that it is also caused by hormones, so it wasn’t a stretch for me to realize Yasmin might be the culprit once I saw this site. Over the last couple years I’ve been using all sorts of prescription shampoos to make the problem go away and nothing helped. But as soon as I went off the pill my scalp condition cleared in only a month without the use of shampoos.
-High Blood Pressure: Before I went on the pill my BP was about 100/70. During the time I took Yasmin my BP slowly climbed to above 140/90. Within two weeks of going off the pill my BP was back down to pre-Yasmin levels.
-Irregular Heart Beat: After about a year and a half of being on the pill I started to suffer from seriously irregular heart beat which went away immediately after I got off Yasmin.
-Hyperpigmentation: I know any birth control can cause this but none of them ever have until I went on Yasmin at which point it sprung up all over my face. I’m hoping the dermatologist can clear it up now that I’m off the pill.
-Tightness in Chest: Happened around same time as irregular heartbeat and is now gone.
-Anxiety: I’m not sure I can blame Yasmin for this one since going off Yasmin has not caused it to go away. But enough posters on this site mentioned it as a side effect and it wasn’t a problem for me pre-Yasmin, so I wanted to mention it.
-Irritability: I’m generally easy going and don’t let the little things bother me, but as soon as I went on Yasmin everything started to bug me. Now that I’m off Yasmin I’ve been in a much better mood.

If anyone is on this pill or thinking about going on it, I implore you not to. Too many risks especially since there are so many other pills out there that don’t have many side effects. I mean, there are close to 5,000 postings on this site, mostly against this pill while if you search the web there are almost no other pills that generate this kind of attention. That alone tells me something. I hope the makers of the pill pull it from the market immediately or doctors stop recommending it.

So i have been on Yasmin for over a year now and recently i have been really moody! To the point I miss the old me and i am putting relationships at risk. I ran out of the pill for 6 days last month and those 6 days i felt normal and it was refreshing! Do any of you happen to know why the pill would suddenly cause the moodiness! I really am no too moody... but recently its annoying! The only reason i want to stay on is b/c i like my skin and lite periods!

I think Yasmin is great. I understand, though, that not everyone is going to react the same way to a certain birth control pill. I have been on some that have made me pretty close to impossible to live with. I do, however, have a problem reading about all these so-called side effects of Yasmin that can be attributed to something else.

For one, Caffeine. Birth control slows the metabolism of caffeine in our bodies, making that one cup have a much stronger effect on our bodies. If you drink caffeine daily, look at the symptoms of too much caffeine, as that usually amount before Yasmin can now be an overdose for your body.

Symptoms of too much caffeine:
-Jitteriness
-Difficulty sleeping
-Headaches
-Anxiety
-Flushed face
-Nausea
-Accelerated heartbeat
-Increase Blood Pressure
Etc. (look up in google more if you want)

So if you experience any of those symptoms on Yasmin and drink caffeine of some kind, try cutting back first. It might not be the Yasmin. Any birth control will increase the effects of caffeine on your body. (Some possibly more than others)

Secondly, look at how much water you are drinking. Yasmin has a diuretic in it, causing our bodies to lose more water. Are you drinking enough to replenish what is lost?
Symptoms of dehydration include:
-dry mouth
-the eyes stop making tears
-sweating may stop
-muscle cramps
-nausea and vomiting
-lightheadedness (especially when standing).
-The body tries to maintain cardiac output (the amount of blood that is pumped by the heart to the body); and if the amount of fluid in the intravascular space is decreased, the body has to increase the heart rate, which causes blood vessels to constrict to maintain blood pressure.

Seriously, if you are thirsty, don't reach for the soda. Grab some water. It might be what you need.

So, again, I know, not every birth control will work the same for everyone, but at least look at what you are doing first to see if it's you or the birth control causing the problems. Don't blame Yasmin for giving you anxiety when it could easily just be the amount of coffee that you drink.

If you've cut back on caffeine (for more than one day now) and been drinking more water and you still have problems, switch, by all means. But make sure it's not something else first before blaming the birth control.

Having breathing problems since taking yaz?-- I have been reading all the postings on ladies having breathing problems. It has been maybe 7 years ago now, but I feel a necessity to share my story. I had been on Yaz for 2 months. I became short of breath to the point I could not walk across the room without having to sit down. My primary dr did an EKG and immediately had me rushed to the ER for test. I was sent to different specialist and over $10K in test were done within a week. By this time I WAS ON OXYGEN! They ran blood work, test on my heart, lungs and checked my legs for blood clots. I ask my GYN if it could be the Yaz. (the only med I was taking) and he said no- never heard of such. I took it upon myself to stop taking it and guess what!---I immediately was better. I turned my oxygen tanks in, doctor's never diagnosed me and I never heard from them again. I am 34 and have always been healthy with the exception of this incident which praise God was resolved "in time".
However, I would like to share that I now have a Mirena. The first 5 years was great, I had it replaced in May 08 and I believe this second one is not agreeing with me. I bled for 5 months, have a very heavy feeling in the bottom on my stomach, lower back pain, & fatigue. My appt is Jan 29th to have it removed. ******

I have been on Yasmin 31/2 months and Had no side effects it was great So we got home from our honeymoon and the moodiness and crying at absolutely nothing started, getting married there is a lot of change new house last name church etc. so i just thought it was that I have become SUPER EXHAUSTED and don't feel myself i went to the doctor because i thought my mono had come back i just turned 20 I don't know whats wrong, until i come on here and other web sites. it could be the Yasmin but im not sure, my husband has been so amazing I just want to feel myself again. if any of you have suggestions please tell me!! please. I have an appt with my gyno Monday to maybe switch but im not sure. let me know thank you!

I began taking Yasmin in July 2006. I had been on bcp for about 10 years at the time, mostly due to bad cramps and pms symptoms. Yasmin worked out well, but there was just one side effect, I would become extremely emotional right before my period. In October 2007 I went for my yearly check-up and mentioned this to my doctor. He switched me to Apri (Desogen) saying that this would be a better pill for that side effect. I began taking it that next month. Right away I had feelings of nausea and breast tenderness. Even though I felt like this I gave Apri a chance. In January 2008 I couldn't take feeling like this anymore and stopped taking it. In February I noticed my hair began falling out. I hadn't gotten a period this month either. I went to the doctor in March and she ran many blood tests. My estrogen came back extremely low (at a level of a menopausal woman). Instead of exploring any other options as to what to do, the doctor put me right back onto Yasmin, since now I went two months without a period. I figured that I would have to learn to live with a little moodiness before my period that Yasmin gave me. The doctor also made me believe that this would put an end to my hair loss...Nothing could have been further from the truth!!! I went back on Yasmin in March 2008 and what a HUGE difference than from the first time I was on it. Not only was I emotional now ALL the time, but I physically felt much worse. I had constant breast tenderness, acne (which even as an adolescent I never had), oily skin, and my hair was constantly falling out. Emotionally I was a wreck! I was constantly crying and very depressed! I began going from doctor to doctor, which is unlike me. I hate doctors and would only go for a serious illness. Now I was hoping that one of these doctors could give me an answer. But 6 months later and NO ANSWERS. The only thing that a few doctors said was that Yasmin was good for those with hair loss. So after reading many of the entries on this website and after much soul-searching...I am going off birth control for good!!! I have lost well over half of my hair, have practically pushed everyone that means anything to me away, and have personally hated myself! I have literally lost the past 6 months of my life! It is now time to see what my body is capable of on its own. I'm done putting this poison into my body and would tell anyone else to do the same. I always knew that there were side effects associated with any kind of medicine, but I could not have ever imagined that all of these side effects could have and would have happened to me. I felt like I had to write this after reading all of the other entries. Many of those entries gave me the courage to quit and I would be happy if this could help or inform even just 1 person! I would appreciate if there were anyone out there that had a similar experience to either post it or reply. Thank you.

My daughter has been on Yasmin for a year and a half - it was prescribed for irregular periods and spotty skin. She is 15 and has had a year of nausea, leg cramps, hair loss, headaches, elevated heart rate,fatigue , irritation,angry outbursts ,dehydration severe moodiness and depression and lately- uncontrolled crying for no reason. She also sees black dots after exercising. She has gone from a happy girl who loved exercise to a grumpy couch potato! The doctor diagnosed it as a viral infection and suspected glandular fever - she missed a lot of school!
Today she had a day from hell - fought with a teacher and cried for hours. She also takes Ritalin as she is ADD- so I thought it was that - I decided to look up Yasmin and am so glad I did! What a great website! She has just taken a multivitamin and mag.phos - NO MORE YASMIN!!! Any advice on what she can use for her skin? and irregular periods?
A million thanks
Caron

I was on Yasmin for 3 years, and just got off it a week ago. I tried 3 different birth control pills before Yasmin, but I cannot recommend any of them. The side effects of the first pill (three-phase pill) were more visible in a short period of time - weight gain, moodiness like crying or feeling edgy for no reason, BV, and decreased sex drive. Because it was not tolerable, after 3 months of this pill (I cannot remember the name), I switched to Min-Ovral. It was better in regards to weight and moods, but I had no sex drive. Also I had several yeast infections (following the initial episode after use of antibiotics to treat BV) after I had sex. After about 6 month of this, pill I tried Alesse but nothing changed. After 6 month of Alesse, I changed to Yasmin. The side effects include
(1) zero sex drive (affected relationship with my husband)
(2) yeast infections and bladder infections (never had either before)
(3) migraine (2-3 times a month, sometimes with nausea)
(4) anxiety (not severe)
(5) fatigue or low energy
Migraine was so bad that I was wasting my time just suffering from pain 2-3 times a month, 1-2 days each time, my husband suggested I should go off the pill. Now I've been off Yasmin for a week (2 weeks including a week between packs) and I've seen 'side effects' getting off the pill.
(1) feel like my head is going to explode - feel pressure in my head
(2) fatigue and sleepiness - can't concentrate
(3) weight gain 6 lb in a week!! while my diet or exercise did not change
(4) bloating especially on my lower stomach
I found this web site and had to post my experience, although it is still too early to tell. I think I will see a doctor if these side effects persist for a month, and will update the post here.
Thanks for reading, and I hope we will find a good solution somehow.

I've been on Yasmin for almost 3 years and have had no bad experiences except for a little constipation that cannot be cured by an apple a day. Prior to yasmin I tried Ortho Tri-Cyclen and Ortho-Low which both made me gain weight and become moody. I also tried the patch that made me gain a lot more weight and become extremely moody! tried the NuvaRing, and they you cannot feel it but I could and also felt really moody on it but couldn't tell with the weight since I had gained so much on the other stuff. My friend recommended Yasmin to me and since then I have loved it. You can't be on oral contraceptives and live a lazy lifestyle. You've got to be healthy and active. Exercise increases positive endorphines that will help you keep a healthy mood. When I went on Yasmin I lost 40 pounds of the weight that I gained from the other stuff. In addition some little acne I had cleared up. I have not experienced moodiness on Yasmin but again I eat healthy and exercise A LOT which I think helps tremendously.

My doctor did have me try taking "yaz" for 2 months and please DO NOT confuse the two. Yaz was completely horrible for me and my period became wacky. My OB explained that all women have hormonal changes throughout their whole life and that Yasmin may not be right for me forever but right now it seems to be the best choice. She said all women are different and some may experience it horribly.

So those of you reading all the negative posts below - please do not be scared of by it because you do not know what is good for your body by the basis of someone else experience.

If you do research on Yasmin as with any other drug you can see that there are something that you need to consider when deciding to go on this drug. Yasmin is also different because it uses potassium.

I started taking Yaz for about 3 months and couldn't tolerate the daily spotting and severely itchy skin from my knees to my ankles. I switched to Yasmin and though I don't have as much breakthrough bleeding, it still occurs daily a week BEFORE my real period. I have very little to no sex drive and I have to use Aveeno 24 hour anti itch lotion immediately after showering (I've lived in a desert climate for over 10 years now and have NEVER depended on anti itch lotion much less regular lotion since starting these pills). It was so bad a couple of nights that I took Benadryl to get through the night. After reading the posts from others, I'm thinking that I must have an allergy as I, too, have constant post-nasal drip in addition to the itching. I have also noticed more hair shedding but luckily for me, I have thick hair. The only benefit is I don't seem as moody as with other birth control pills and have kept my weight somewhat normal despite not exercising and overeating on the weekends. I am going to my PCP to change back to Ortho Novum although I dread the moodiness that comes with increased estrogen. Why can the drug companies come up with incredible drugs like Cialis but 30 years later, we still have @$#! for birth control pills?

Side Effects: Yaz -- daily breakthrough bleeding
Yasmin -- breakthrough bleeding 2-3xs a week
Both-- severely itchy lower legs, constant post nasal drip, hair loss, severely decreased libido, occasional leg cramping

my daughter is 16 takes Yasmin for severe periods and cramps, stomach pain, moodiness during her periods. She has just started complaining about headache that hurt really bad, not like migraine headaches, she already had a history of those and said that they feel different. I'm worried, has anyone experienced this?

Hi, I started Yaz about 2 weeks ago. I am already on Zoloft for minor depression and anxiety. Stared Yaz the sunday I started my period. First the moodiness started, then the headaches. I thought I was getting sick with a cold because I had razor blade pain in my throat that I ended up attributing to Reflux. Went to the doctor to get meds to treat that. The pain went away then I got a metallic taste that I couldn't get rid of. Went to the dentist and nothing was wrong with my fillings. I thought I was going crazy because then I had vaginal itching and odor. I wasn't have a full period but I never stopped bleeding from my period when I started the pack. After finding this website I stopped mid cycle. This has scared the crap out of me. I know I haven't been on it for long, but can anyone tell me if they have stopped in the middle of the pack and how long it took for your period to be on a normal schedule again.

I have been on this for 1 month. The first two weeks was fine then I started feeling bloated big time. I do exercises for my stomach and I know I have good core muscles and I can't hold my stomach in. I'm not working right now need to be looking for work but I have been waiting for the bleeding to stop and the bloating to disappear. I am getting off of this. All of the head problems people are having are due to the extra drug in Yaz that deals with moodiness. I have been on tons of different anti- everything and usually it takes at least 3 to 4 weeks to adjust to your brain. If not it's not for you. I am completely off of meds now because I took the steps to freedom in Christ in a book called Breaking the Bondage by Neil T Anderson. I took ortho tri-cyclene before years ago and it did great compared to this stuff. Taking something to help with moodiness just causes a person to be numb to their feelings. The feelings don't go anywhere the pile up and that's why you find yourself at times crying uncontrollably. The only way to heal these things is to face them and the only one that can take that pain from you is Jesus. I know I tried everything. Exercise and changes in your eating habits will help with period problems. Water water water will help with acne.

I took the Yasmin for 1 month and toward the end of the month (near my period) i had extreme premenstrual moodiness and depression. This was followed by a week of nausea, inability to eat, IBS, vomiting a few times and extreme tiredness and exhaustion.
I have stopped it for 3 days now and feel a little better already.
Cant wait to have this horrible pill out of my system.
Please pass this onto as many woman as you know. I was in the process of going to do anti depressants, as i know others have treated the symptoms too, even assuming pregnancy, hepatitis C or thyroid related illnesses.

Get of Yasmin, and see the benefits!

Well I thought I was crazy too! I have been taking Yasmin for 5 years now and I have been experiencing so many different side effects I thought it was just me getting older and my body was changing. I have noticed everything from major anxiety attacks, fatigue, depression, snapping uncontrollably and being on edge (I am not that kind of person) , skin dryness, discoloration after being in the sun, hair loss, ringing in my ears, I even went to the ear doctor because my husband thought I was going deaf. Also I have experienced such a bad experience with urinary tract infections as well as yiest infections which I feel is due to the Yasmin as well. I never had any of these ailments before taking this pill. About a month and a half ago I decided to cleanse my body of the pill wondering if this could be affecting me and I didn't realize how much it was until I started taking it again one month later within two days I noticed it unbelievably I felt so edgy and started snapping again immediatley. I notified my obgyn and told her what I thought she recommended taking B-6, I tried it and it didn't make a difference so I asked to switch to the YAZ which claims to help with moodiness, fatigue etc...after being on it for one month I think the effects are actually worse. I have decided to quit taking the pill all together. I can't believe people can be feeding this stuff to humans with all these side effects. I am so glad to have found this web site. Now I know I am not crazy!!! Best of luck to everyone.

I am 49 and my bad acne started to return and I started getting a receeding hairline. My OB put me on Yaz. The hair has continued to reced at an alarming rate - so it did not help with that. I still am breaking out alot, but I have since discovered a device called the ZitZapper which works really well (I wish it had been invented 30 years ago when I was at my worst). My skin has dried out alot which I really like. It's still oily in comparison to other peoples, but at least my eyeliner is not melting in 4 hours like it used to. I have no experienced any of the moodiness others complain of.

But I have gotten a yeast infection every other month and I am very dry. And my sex drive has never been lower. In fact, I have no sensation in the exterior tissues; I cannot acheive an orgasm, which I have never had problems with at all. The drospirenone in Yaz is derived from a "water pill" that gives men erectile disfunction, so the lowered libido is not a surprise.

I have lost weight (about 5 lbs); the pill makes your appetite diminish, especially if you drink alot of water. My breasts seem fuller but are not sore. In general I like the effect it has has on my body.

The first week of every month, I feel very tired but this only lasts the first week.

The package insert fot YAZ is clear that you should get tested for Potassium levels your first month. Your kidneys cannot process the minerals and be trying to clear other substances. The itching all over that I was feeling and others complain of - this is limited kidney function. A blood test will confirm this.The first month I was on Yaz I could not eat any high potassium foods without feeling sick. I ate a can of tuna and was sick for 2 days. I had a weird metallic taste in my mouth for the first 6 weeks. I can pretty much eat anything now without feeling sick.

I take fish oil daily to thin the blood to try to stave off clots.

I am going to try something else though to try to stop the hair loss.

When a class action lawsuit is filed, let me know....this drug should be taken of off the market immediately. We started all of this with an OB/GYN that prescribed this “miracle pill” and now have had to go not only to our primary doctor, but also a psychiatrist, gastrenologist, college campus counselors, psychologists, psychiatrist, and the campus medical doctors; All the while, accumulating enormous doctor bills. All the doctors say, "No, Yasmin won't cause those problems" (except the college campus doctors..wonder why? Hmm.. could it be that they are not in private practice?)....well, I beg to differ. Everyone needs to give this website to their doctor so the doctors can hear from the patients that have taken this drug, and not listen to the pharmaceutical companies that are pushing this drug to be the "miracle pill". Maybe if enough people complain and go to the media, we can get rid of this drug!
My daughter who is 18 was put on Yasmin because of irregular periods, hormonal imbalance, etc. We were told it was the new “miracle pill”. It will make you loose weight, regulate your periods, clear up acne, you name it, it will fix it. Yeah, right.
She started taking this pill in March 2007. She was off at college but called to tell me she was experiencing horrible headaches, behind the eyes. She complained about her stomach hurting, but we just figured it was the stress of freshman year at college. Then she said she got where she couldn’t eat when she went to a restaurant. When she came home in May for the summer, I noticed a total personality change. For example, she was always a neat freak, and now she wouldn’t clean her room. The first day when she drove home, she started crying she was so mad about the traffic. Yes, she has always had a little road rage, but this was ridiculous.
By June, not only could she not be in crowds, like at a restaurant, but now she is having full blown panic attacks and IBS. We called the OBGYN and they said, “Yasmin won’t cause this, go see your primary doctor”. I knew that the only thing that had changed with her was taking the YASMINE. I knew it had something to do with all of this so I “Googled Yasmin” and this website (http://www.medications.com/se/yasmin) was the first one I looked at. All of her symptoms matched everyone else’s! I am so glad we found this website, it explained everything and I had her to stop Yasmin immediately.
So we went to the primary doctor, explained about the Yasmin and how we thought it was the culprit of everything. Of course this doctor also says, “Yasmin won’t cause that”. We told him to look it up on the internet and see how there are over 3000 complaints on this drug, more than any of the other drugs on the market.
Besides the emotional problems she starting having, her pulse and blood pressure was sky high, so he puts her on medicine for that, and puts her on an anxiety medicine and sends her to a psychiatrist. She is very thirsty all the time, and develops IBS. She can’t eat without having pains in her stomach. So, now we’ve have gone from having just irregular periods, to all of the above, plus a psychiatrist.
The psychiatrist doubles her medicine (and puts her Pamine for the IBS) because the panic attacks are gone, but she still is having a lot of nervousness, anxiety, can’t sleep at night, crazy thoughts, worrying all the time, etc. A month later he changes her medicine again, to Effexor. The first 2 weeks, she does okay, but the packet doubles the strength after 2 weeks. It takes 4 weeks for it to take full effect. Right after she doubles this medicine, it is like her senses are on hyper-mode. She can taste everything that is in her food (chili powder, seasonings, etc…), taste the metal in water, and she can hear someone’s phone vibrating, in another room.
Then she goes back to college at the end of August 2007, and it’s horrible. The Effexor is having bad, bad side effects. We called the psychiatrist that she was using at home and he doubled the dose. That was the worse thing they could’ve done. The side effects were worse than ever. I had her to immediately go to a psychiatrist on campus. She told him the whole story and he believed her! Needless to say we switched doctors. He then lowered her dose back down to ½ a dose and hopefully can slowly get her off of all this medicine.
The newest thing she has developed is being hypoglycemic. The campus psychiatrist sent her to a campus medical doctor and he told her that they would get to the bottom of this. He tested her for everything under the sun. Low blood sugar is the only thing they found. But, she hasn’t taken the Yasmin since May. No telling what the results would have came back like if it was done at the time she was taking Yasmin.
Thank goodness she has counselors and doctors there at the campus that believes that Yasmin can cause all of these problems, and are working with her. From what I have read from the people that have used this medicine, although most doctors do not agree, Yasmin takes like 6 months to get out of your system. I think I am going to believe the testimonials of the people who take this medicine, over a doctor who prescribes it.
If everyone goes to the media, their doctors, the FDA, congressmen, and make them aware of these horrible effects, surely we can get this drug off of the market! Does anyone know a class action lawyer that would pursue this? For my child to have to go through all of this is ridiculous, not to mention costly. What do we know of the long term effects this drug will have if it is doing all of this when you first start taking it?
If you have the same concerns as me about this drug, and would be interested in looking into a class action lawsuit, please email: ****** I would be interested to see how many would want to pursue this.

Hello,

I read about how YAZ birth control pill affects the body and psych and I am now scared. This is my 2nd day of YAZ (I've never been on birth control pills ever and I am 27 years old), it's all new to me but after reading all these negative posts about Yaz I don't know what to do. Before the birth control pills, I was depressed, annoying, serious weight problems - 210 lbs :~~((, low energy, low libido, always tired, terrible migraines every 2nd day, ridiculously increased appetite and excessive hunger, hair where it shouldn't be, menstrual blood clots, excessive cramping etc
I have all these problems for 3 years now and now that the family doc. put me on YAZ birth control pill I am even more scared - mainly of more weight gain, it would be a tragedy for me, I am fat enough already and what's worse I can't lose the weight, exercise doesn't help, diet doesn't help, NOTHING. Will YAZ birth control pill worsen my already tragic condition? I just don't know what to do and what to believe ... I appreciate any advice or help you can give me ... Thank You to all!

I've been taking Yasmin about four years...and about a year ago, I kept remarking that I think Yasmin changed its formula because I experienced terrible water retention (at least 6 pounds every month) and psychotic mood swings two weeks before my period. Originally, I started taking Yasmin to restart my periods which I lost for 3 years, supposedly due to weight loss (I lost 40 pounds in four months). But after I gained 20 back, still no period. This is when I started taking Yasmin and within 30 days it gave me a period like clockwork. I was fine for a few years, though very reclusive, which I thought was my depression - I do have a history of it. Funny, while taking Yasmin, I attributed my moodiness to PMS not depression. Since February of 2007, I have gained 10 pounds and my breasts have increased a cup size. As a result, my gyno and my shrink decided I should take Yasmin straight through so I didn't get PMS, or a period for that matter. The only reason I'm not depressed anymore is because I take Wellbutrin and Clomipramine. So now I don't get the pychological symptoms anymore -- just the bloating, constipation, huge boobs (they were big before) and general annoyance. To think it could have been the Yasmin all along! When every doctor told me I was insane...getting older...body changing...bipolar! One I finish the last pill, I'm taking matters into my own hands and kicking Yasmin to the curb. I would seek a Dr.'s help, but I'm sick of them shrugging me off. I'll report back. *Fingers crossed.*

I'm so glad I googled side effects of Yasmin and found this site. All of the sudden my mood swings for the past almost YEAR make sense. I started out fine. The pill was great, and I haven't had to worry about acne at all. Of course I gained a few pounds, but not too much. However, I'm a pre medical student trying to study for the MCAT this summer. I've been SO tired and drained and majorly depressed that I just can't seem to concentrate. I feel like I'm always crying over the stupidest stuff (AKA: no reason at ALL), and my grades are starting to suffer. Hopefully now that I've read this, I can stop taking this pill and see an improvement. It's just not worth the depression. I'm 22 right now, and until recently had never had a suicidal thought. I was starting to panic, because I couldn't identify the cause of my depression. I'm a good student, have lots of friends, and have the most amazing boyfriend and family. Life is good, I shouldn't feel this bad. Now that I have a clue as to what this may be, I can fix it.

I also completely understand the decreased libido many report. If you think about it this way it makes total sense and none of are crazy! Yasmin increases serotonin in the body according to my research. SSRIs are a group of antidepressants that also increase serotonin in the body. SSRIs are NOTORIOUS for decreasing libido due to the increase in serotonin, so it makes sense Yasmin would also. For me this has been a troubling problem along with the others I mentioned. Interestingly I had increased depression and anxiety, but this couod be to the increased moodiness overall. I also agree with the palpitations and dizziness as I have these symptoms also from time to time. These could also be attributable to serotonin-mediated side effects.

I've been on Yasmin for just over a year and I cannot complain. I began taking it to relieve severe endometriosis symptoms, and it has truly been outstanding in that capacity. It has also cleared up the "beard" of acne that I had on my chin and around my mouth. During the first 2 months I had nausea, dizziness, and moodiness, but it has since gone and I have no complaints at this time. Just thought you might like to see a positive experience!

i started taking Yasmin around 2 months ago.
I havent really experienced any majorly horrid side effects, except for tender breasts which is driving me nuts, my boyfriend cant hug me without me flinching in pain!
there has been the slight weight gain and the headaches, but i didnt realize until today and after reading all the posts that my sudden and extreme moodiness is due to Yasmin.
Iv noticed recently that iv been snapping at my boyfriend over nothing, getting very irritated and upset with very little to get upset over and that my anger getting out of hand.
And its not the regular 'PMS' symptoms of irritability...its severe full blown mood problems...and theyr really starting to take their toll on my relationship with my boyfriend. I find it hard to justify why i snap, and shout and respond in a rude way to anything he says...because i dont know myself...i have no answer....
i guess i can at least attribute it to Yasmin....but still.....
I dont know if i should change pills or not, as yasmin has been the first iv tried...

I am a 34 year old and have been taking Yaz for almost a year.

I had some minor side effects until this past month when everything came apart at the seams. I do not know if yaz is the culprit - but the number of women with the EXACT SAME SYMPTOMS as me listed here SCARES THE HELL OUT OF ME.

My "minor" sude effects were the following:

* No period for 5 months
* No sex drive (was not the case before taking Yaz)
* Panic attacks / anxiety (no history fo this. My doc has now put me on Zoloft.)
* Bloating / weight gain
* Brown blotches (like age spots) on one side of my face

This is NOTHING compared to the last month of my life. Basically my life has sucked for the last month. Roughly a month ago my symptoms started with a red rash on the left side of my face and pain in my left ear that led to a migraine that has not gone away at all. (The pain level goes between a 5 and 10, but never lower than a 5.) The rash went away in 2 days, but my ear still hurts today (a month later).

My vertigo began roughly 5 days after the onset of my rash and ear pain and has been non-stop since. I've taken phenergan, valium, etc. - but they are not working. I get spinning/dizzy every time my head moves (up, down, left, right) and with up and down eye movement. It seems like my migraine pain intensifies when my vertigo hits me. If I lie completely still - I have no vertigo - but my migraine is still there. To make matters worse, I have become very disoriented, like I am in a fog all of the time. I am only 34 years old and feel like I am losing my mind. I cannot remember simple words at times and have a tough time completing sentences.

All of these symptoms coincide exactly to the day I began a new packet of the birth control pill called YAZ (Yasmin). I had taken this brand of pill for a year, and though it has worked (not pregnant) I have had some minor side effects up until the last month. The biggest side effect is that I have not had any period at all for the last 5 months. I have also had anxiety (no past history) and have no sex drive (not my normal self.) I stopped taking the pill about a week ago - after reading literally thousands of people with the same side effects I am experiencing on a website called medications.com (My neurologist also told me to stop taking it.)

I am NOT having ringing in my ears or loss of hearing. I mention this because I know other ailments have these as symptoms.

I have already been seen by my dentist, physical therapist, ENT, 2 neurologists and a gyn. So far - they are not helping. I have even been hospitalized for 5 days and all they really did was try and dope me up to sleep and had me take a very potent anti-migraine drug called DHE that must be administered over a 36 hour period via IV. Guess what? It did not work.

The most scary thing is that even though I get severe vertigo any time I move my head (even to the point of waking me up while I sleep) - NOT A SINGLE DOCTOR EVEN MENTIONED I MIGHT HAVE BPPV ( BENIGN PAROXYSMAL POSITIONAL VERTIGO) and they did not test for it at all. They were all interested in treating my month-long migraine with anti-migraine drugs. They all swore up and down that my vertigo was related to my migraine. They also said my fogginess was because I was "tired and sick" and many migraine sufferers are that way.

After my husband and I searched the internet and found dozens of websites, we are pretty much convinced that I have BPPV. We are going to get in front of a vestibular specialist ASAP.

So you know, I have been through a CT scan, two different MRIs, basic blood work on my white cell counts, thyroid levels, potassium, etc.

They have ruled out a sinus infection, brain tumor, pituitary tumor, stroke, blood clots, etc. They have simply treated me with anti-migraine medication - and it has been worthless. I have taken Topomax, Frova and DHE (the drug mentioned above) and my migraine is still there. These drugs have not helped one bit. My neurologist swore that the DHE would do the trick. Guess what? He was wrong.

I discharged myself from the hospital yesterday and am now at home.

I just want my normal life back. I cannot drive, work, take care of my family, etc.

My two biggest questions are:

DOES ANYONE KNOW IF BPPV CAN CAUSE MY MIGRAINE? The reason I ask is that the doctors all think that the migraine is causing my vertigo. All along they have been treating my migraine (with zero success) and have been giving me valium and antivert to simply mask my vertigo (no success there either.) No one has tried to really diagnose and treat my vertigo. Is it possible if I get my vertigo fixed my migraines will disappear?

DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY INFORMATION ABOUT BIRTH CONTROL PILLLS CAUSING BPPV? I saw woman after woman on medications.com have the same symptoms of vertigo, migraines and brain fog while taking the birth control pill Yasmin. I also know that my avalanche of symptoms eerily coincided with my first pill from a new pack. If they are related, I am most interested in what to do to get my hormones back on track in an effort to stop my vertigo.

This is all driving me crazy. A month ago I was absolutely normal. Now I am 100% disabled. I just want my life back.

Please help!

I've been on Yasmin for nearly 5 months now and as of last month, all the major side effects started really kicking in: leg cramps, fatigue, moodiness, weight gain, irritability, depression, foggy thinking, breast enlargement, vaginal infections, etc. So my question is this: If a woman experiences side-effects with one pill, won't she experience them with any and all other pills? I would almost rather just go off of them altogether because I feel like even though the drugs vary from one to another, ultimately they have the same effect: to fill you with hormones to "trick" your body into thinking it's pregnant all the time (no ovulation) so that you won't get pregnant.

Any thoughts?

I posted a few reports on this site a few months ago and just thought to let you know how I feel after 10 months off Jasmin: well I feel great and back to my old self again.
Do not despair Ladies, if you want to go off Yasmin, please do it. Here is an account of what happened to me when I went off Yasmin:

1/ finished my last pill and waited for my periods.
First 2 months: periods came regularly/ SYMPTOMS OF VERTIGO AND GENERAL UNWELL FEELING WENT.

2/3rd and 4th months: horrible muscle pains with cramps, and very sore upper right arm: I went to see a physio who advised that I should carry on (even if I could hardly walk) walking once a day (10mns) and swimming for 20mns a week, and he also gave me a 'theraband' (elastic band) to exercise slowly my right arm. Although it gave me pain, I persisted and I did the swimming once a week and the walking once a day.
EAR CONGESTION : no improvement /
HEART MURMUR AND PALPITATIONS / no improvement

5th and 6th months: pains in my calves stopped but muscles were still weak, I carried on walking and swimming
EAR CONGESTION: SLIGHT IMPROVEMENT
HEART MURMUR AND PALPITATIONS/ NEARLY GONE

7th and 8th months: I started to gain more strenght and more stamina in my regular exercises.
EAR CONGESTION: NEARLY GONE
HEART MURMUR AND PALPITATION / GONE

9th and 10th months: BACK TO MY REAL STRENGHT AND I MANAGED TO CARRY A HEAVY RUCKSACK ON A WALKING HOLIDAY IN ANDALUCIA / Since I came back I've been really energetic! full of good humour and in an excellent mood.
I still do my regular exercises to keep my muscles in good shape.

So ladies, please do not despair, it will happen to you also!
And since I went off Yasmin, I have decided to leave my body alone and will never put it under drugs anymore.
Also, I have not seen one doctor since the end of June last year !! SO YASMIN IS THE CAUSE OF ALL YOUR TROUBLES AND PAINS.

BEST OF LUCK (DO NOT BE AFRAID OF SUFFERING AFTER YASMIN!)
Sylvia

Hello ladies,

I thank the organisers of this forum and all the ladies who have participated in discussion in regards to the concerns and problems they are facing with Yasmin.

I am a 26 yr old male whose girlfriend is currently on Yasmin and have taken the time to research a bit about this product with a serious concern not only to her health but to our relationship !

We are suffering almost all of the above mentioned problems - and i say 'we' because i am going through a LOT here. It might be worth noting here that I only see my girlfriend on weekends.
Excessive moodiness - and when i say excessive i mean the type that was described by 'Nicole' and many others - the type that makes her want to crawl out of her skin, she gets very shaky as a result and complains that she has knots in her stomach at the end of it. These sessions have lasted up to 6 hours straight which was only yesterday evening. Being a who the type of person i am, i cant but feel responsible for her feeling this way, i keep blaming myself for something i may have said.
Anxious / panic attacks. She becomes totally unmanagable, often crying a LOT from feeling anxious for hours on end, to the point where she DOES want to crawl out of her skin as 'Nicole' put it. She gets shakey and dizzy all at the same time.

Cramping sensation in the legs

Tiredness - as put by 'Voicesi' "like pass-out tiredness". After a day long attempt to make her feel relaxed, being a kind gentlemen for an entire day, she would literally pass-out. Being a stereotypical male in this regard and I understand that us men have the ultimate weakness when it comes to the 'urge for sex' or our 'need to reproduce' but i hope to get intimate with my best friend, who ends up passing out. This leads me to another problem:
Loss of libido - Yet another problem faced by the many messages on this forum, namely by 'Christy', 'missy botto', 'missy' to name but a few. 'Tanna' has also complained about having no sex drive. No sex drive to the point where there is usually no physical contact whatsoever. I cant go near her sometimes which leads to further problems. she feels as though i'm afraid of her. I am very afraid of her! She cries, gets very anxious, would be shaking in the foetal position for hours. I would in return feel totally useless as I cant comfort her in any way. I feel helpless, she feels that she's all alone in this so i take it personally... I think its safe to say that these pills are 'from hell' as 'ML' put it.
I am tempted to throw away these pills to be the partner "who cant keep up" as 'christy' put it.
I believe she is doing physical damage to herself.
I dont deserve the way I am being treated and you ladies out there with these problems are hurting not only yourselves but quite possibly - and my case is a perfect example - others around you. Why ? all in the name of having unprotected sex, reduced periods, clear skin, controlled periods, or whatever reason it is ITS NOT WORTH IT !!

The only side effects I have noticed are moodiness and low iron levels. My mood changes constantly, and a Hallmark commercial is enough to make me cry. I don't feel depressed, and most of the time I am fine. My fiance and I get into arguments all the time over trivial things, and until now, I didn't want to blame it on hormones, but after reading others' posts, I definitely think Yasmin is the cause for it. I never used to be this sensitive over every little thing.

Regarding iron levels: Pre-Yasmin, my iron count was alway high. I regularly give blood, and had never had a problem until recently, and I have been told twice in the last few months that my iron count is too low to donate. I thought that it was because I wasn't getting enough iron-rich foods, and have even taked iron supplements occasionally to help with fatigue (I can't go to late movies anymore b/c I will fall asleep in the theater), but nothing seems to help.

I am getting married in May, and I am afraid if I go off of Yasmin now, it will mess with the regularity of my cycle, and I would rather not be on my period on my wedding day and on my honeymoon. I don't know if it would be better to wait it out (I have been planning on getting off birth control all together once we're married). Any advice?

Yet again..another day of moodiness and tears. I've been on Yamin for about 3 months and after reading all of these side effects from others...I'm done!

I have been stressed out, irritable, panicky and to the point of tears many times. Loss of sex drive completely! I'm going back to my other pill..Triquilar. I have never had mood swings or panick attacks like this ever before. But these past 3 months I've had tender breasts, major bloatness, moodiness and no sex drive. That's it..I'm not taking them tomorrow.

That's all ladies...thanks for the knowledge!

:)

I was put on Yasmin combined with Wellbutrin for PMDD ( pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder AKA really severe mood swings , depression and anxiety before my period) and for about a month it was great, no more moodiness and I was feeling much better...NOW after that first month I started breaking out in hives here and there with most of the issue being on or around my hands and feet, sometimes not just the hives but the palms of my hands and bottoms of my feet will become hot, red and swollen, not to mention INCREDIBLY itchy....I have been exhausted constantly, no appetite and blurry vision with some lightheadedness.....I have an appointment with a surgeon because my gallbladder needs to come out ( I have had gallstones for years but diet has controlled any issues with it) and has only been really bad since going on this....before I started taking it ( started taking it in May 2006)I was aware that the gallbladder problems were mentioned in the leaflet given and the doctor told me not to worry....also constantly having sinus issues and headaches, oh and forget about a sex drive too........I never considered that it could possibly be this until I started reading more about it, but I am getting tired feeling like yuk all the time, I have 5 children and I am 33 years old but I feel like I am 90.....anyone else experience the itchy hives thing?? Thanks in advance for any input ...

This site may have saved my life! I, too, experienced a nightmare due to Yasmin, and if it weren't for reading all of your stories and feeling your support, I'm not sure what would have happened. I don't know any of you, and yet you have all been so supportive to me! I watched myself go from an outgoing, friendly, mellow person to numb, anxious, and completely different person altogether. I began Yasmin in July 05 and in hindsight, I recognize how I slowly became a different person. Here are the side effects I experienced:

stomach trouble - nausea, diarrhea, nervous stomach, loss of appetite

dizziness

general weak feeling - especially in my legs

frequent urination/dehydration

extreme fatigue - I realized I hadn't gotten a good night's sleep in a year because I would always interrupt my sleep pattern because of having to go to the bathroom up to 4 times a night!

hair loss

dry mouth/extreme thirst

extreme moodiness - also numbness. I have always been a compassionate and caring individual and I found myself thinking that any emotional situations were stupid and that I was "above all that" touchy-feely stuff. NOT me, at all!

irrational thoughts/grim thoughts - in my research about Yasmin (and the Pill in general), I found that when your brain is lacking the appropriate levels of seratonin, you experience dark/grim thoughts about loved ones and yourself.

anxious panicky feelings

NO sex drive - and I had a very healthy sex drive prior

I simply attributed all the side effects to other sources, because I had no idea that a little pill could change a person so much. Then about 5 weeks ago (late July 06) I had my first panic/anxiety attack. I was convinced that I had snapped, and didn't even know what it was at first because I've never before struggled with anxiety/stress. It was one of the darkest, most frightening experiences of my life. I decided to google "Yasmin and anxiety" and found this site. I thank each of you for being honest about your experiences. I saw myself in many of your stories.

I quit Yasmin immediately, but then made the mistake of going back to another pill (Ortho-Cycen) that I had been on for 5 years previous to Yasmin. My Yasmin side effects weren't going away as quickly as I wanted them to, so I went to the doctor to make sure nothing else was wrong with me (I had thyroid tests, diabetes tests, etc.) She said that she was 99% sure that ALL of my symptoms were directly related to a hormone imbalance due to the pill. She said that even though I went on another pill that had been okay in the past, that my body had just reached a threshold and couldn't handle any more hormones. I have decided that I will never go back to a hormonal contraceptive method every again. It compromised my health and personality way too much! I'm working now to get my body its health back.

I've been off any form of BC for 2 full weeks now (after being on BC for 6 years straight) and I'm noticing a HUGE difference in my personality, my general health and wellbeing and my outlook on life already. I'm still not 100%, and understand that I won't be for awhile because my body needs time to sort itself out hormonally, but I do see a major improvement. I'm hoping that within 3 months I'll be completely back to normal. I have tried the vitamins that many of you have mentioned: I'm taking One-a-Day Womens, and supplements of B-complex, and one that includes calcium, magnesium and zinc. I've also tried Valerian (herbal remedy - I bought it in pill form), which I take when I feel an anxiety attack coming on, and it really helps! I feel calmer/better usually within a half hour.

I want to thank you all for posting your experiences. You have each made a difference in my life, and I hope I can do the same for someone too. I didn't even consider adding my experience to this site until I realized how much you all helped me. You are all in my thoughts as we each attempt to leave this awful pill in the dust! Take care, and again, thank you!

I started taking Yasmin 5 months ago after a leg swelling that I thought was caused by another BC. For the past 3 weeks or so I have been experiencing itchiness like mad right before or after my period. I am getting married in less than two months and my fiance thinks there is something wrong with me because I have absolutely no sex drive whatsoever. He was very worried that I didn't want to marry him anymore. I knew that wasn't the case, but couldn't stand seeing him worrying so much. So, today I did some searches and found this information. It all makes since, moodiness, itching, lack of sex drive. This little pill has been making me crazy at a time that I should be the happiest. I am going to the OB in a couple weeks and getting off these crazy pills.

Hey-lo,

I have been on Yasmin for almost a month now, and the side-effects at the beginning were almost unbearable - dizziness, leg aches and moodiness, plus my skin, which was always acne-prone, broke out something fierce.

As the weeks wore on, all these seemed to subside somewhat. There's no more physical soreness and the dizzy spells are gone. Still a little on the mean side - hoping that will work itself out.

I am hoping, since you who frequent seem so kind, someone might respond to a rather... interesting if not disturbing side-effect I've noticed since starting my period. This is my first menstration since going on the pill, so I can only assume it's related... my menstral blood has an extremely strong, extremely unpleasant odor. It's almost fish-like. Really, it's disgusting and I'm a little worried about it. Has anyone had a similar change?

Other than that, I must say that this period is a cause for celebration. Ever since I was twelve, my menstration has been painful - writhing in my bed, crying and screaming, the pain was so intense. It's kind of a given that I would call in sick to work/stay home from school one day out of the month (my "bad day"). But this month, on the day I usually would have been dead on the bed, I was up, I went to work, it all went smoothly. This is not to say I still didn't feel fatigued and irritable, but the fact that I was able to function was amazing.

I hope it's always like this.

- Elfie

It's been a year since I discontinued taking Yasmin. To recap, my problems with Yasmin were heavy, extended periods (longer than 7 days); moodiness/irritability; hemmorhaging; extensive bleeding (2 1/2 months); hair loss. I discontinued the Yasmin during the 2 1/2 month bleeding cycle. It took another month and a shot of Depo-Provera to stop the bleeding. Even then, my next period lasted 2 1/2 weeks. Before Yasmin, I had regular but heavy periods. At least I knew what to expect!

Since then, my periods are somewhat better. They last only 5 - 7 days now, but they are still somewhat irregular. Sometimes they'll come every 4 - 5 weeks, sometimes after 3 weeks or as long as 6 weeks. The cramps are the worst tho! I had a relatively "normal" period in July that started on the 14th and stopped on the 20th. It's now Aug 6th and I'm on day 2 of another period, only 2 1/2 weeks later. I'm not cramping per se, but I have a feeling of pressure in my lower abdomen and shooting pains down my right leg. Oh joy! My hair has started to grow back in, but it's all coming in silver-grey. Ah well, that's what Ms. Clairol is for.

I'd like to thank the makers of Yasmin as well as the medical "professionals" who push this "hell in a pill" on the unsuspecting public in order to get kickbacks as well as "perks". Thank you for screwing up my reproductive system. Thank you for causing me even more pain than I was already in. Thank you for ignoring my calls for help when I consistently and constantly told you that something didn't feel right when I was on this concoction. Thank you for continuing to lie to the general public when you say there are very few side effects with this pill. Will it take someone dying from this pill for you to acknowledge that it bad medicine? Lord knows I came close to it!

I began taking Yasmin one year ago and took my last pill 2 days ago. I noticed several bad side effects, blurry vision, significant weight gain, heart palpitations, anxiety, severe moodiness, anger, and cramping.

I am so glad I found this page. I have been fighting severe fatigue and depression for the last couple months.(The exact amount of time I have been on this pill!)
I called my gyno and told him about the moodiness, he suggested I take prozac a week before and during my period.
It did not work at all!
I am seeing my gyno tomorrow to switch pills. Does anyone have any suggestions which one to go with?

Thank you Thank you Thank you for this site.
I was prescribed Yasmin by my GYN to help with the tiny bit of post period acne and also long and painful periods. She made it sound like the most wonderful and easy pill on the market! I was on ortho tri a few years ago and experienced a little nausea and a significant amount of weight gain. But nothing compared to what hell I just went thru.
First off, I have battled thru depression for much of my young and adult life. (I have been off meds for a year and have felt awesome). My gyn said that Yasmin is great for helping with PMS and getting thru the hormonal moodiness.
I started taking the pill on the 1st day of my period as instructed. I have been bleeding and cramping ever since. (2 weeks now as I write this). Normally I suffer for 2-3 days of heavy bleeding and debilitating cramps, NEVER more than 6 days! Also, I have cystic like pimples all around my eyebrows and T zone. (NOTE: Leave these alone, If you cannot see a doctor for treatment, crush up an aspirin and add a drop of water so you get a paste like consistency. Apply and leave on until it dries and falls off. Drink plenty of H20. Women's one a day vitamins may help too. ) I work in body/skincare. You can imagine how crappy it feels at work to suggest a face care regime to someone when you have pimples all over!!!!
I've experienced sore throat (which I thought were just allergies at first), tiredness, fogginess, stomach upset like a flu, constant nausea, and my feet are swollen up like little balloons! 90% of my depression symptoms have come back.
yesterday I felt so ill I had to leave work, I called my GYN and she said that these will go away as I get thru each pack, just give it a few months. I was tremoring, crying, nauseous to the point of vomiting, had a tingling in my hands-- I COULD NOT KEEP IT TOGETHER!!!!! I had my first panic attack in a year. It was by far one of the worst. And Im supposed to wait months to see IF the side effects will go away? Um, ok.
I immediately went to my primary care doctor who was surprised that I was prescribed this pill, it isn't tolerated well by many people and to stop taking it! She suggested that I try ortho tri lo- but i don't know if I will ever try another pill again.
When you ladies are feeling blue, go and talk to some one, hug your cat, call your mom. There is always hope and help!
I hope you all are feeling better soon! :) K

I did not have the moodiness I had wiht other pills; but I did suffer from really aggravating itchiness and I swear I have had horrible toothaches since I started on this pill. I have no idea if their is any relation. Has anyone ever heard of this??

Hi all,
I switched to yasmin from ortho tri-cyclin lo about 2 months ago. I was on the ortho for 6 months, and i couldn't handle the moodiness anymore. My skin also still broke out when i had my period because of the cycling dose of hormones. My moodiness on Yasmin has not improved and has gotten even worse lately, also, I have been having chronic heartburn and stabbing chest pain ever since I started. I really don't know what to do, I need to be on birth control, but I really don't want to have to use condoms, and my periods are so bad untreated that all of the mood swings are almost worth it. Has anyone who's had problems with Yasmin found a hormone that doesn't completely turn them into a man-eating psycho bitch? because i feel like i hate myself and have completely ceased to feel anything but anger and depression. Someone please respond... I know I'm not experiencing some of the horrible things i've read on this site, but I am miserable and lost all the same. Please help me

Thu, 18 May 2006 18:00:07 -0500 - #6524

Side Effects of Yasmin
I am so glad to have found this site! It is somewhat comforting to know that I am not alone in my battle with the bad effects of Yasmin.

Here is my story:

Infertility for the first three years of my marriage. Got pregnant and miscarried at 14 weeks. Have had lots of mid cycle pain in my lower left abdominal area since I started college (so for over 10 years now). Had 3 large fibroids removed from the outside of my uterus. Decided to go on the Pill in Sept 2005 to see if it would help with my mid cycle pain. My OB prescribed Yasmin. At first things were great...lighter periods, more dependable period schedule, etc. Then in Feb 2006 I had my first panick attack. I couldn't sleep, I had dizziness, nausea, vomiting. Then my period came and everything went back to normal. Then in April 2006, another panick attack. Severe nausea, severe dizziness, severe brain fogginess, etc. Things are so bad that it is now mid May and I am still recuperating. Lots of unexplained and uncontrolled crying and feelings of despair. My OB suggested that I see a psychiatrist. I know that I am not really depressed. I know it's just that my hormones, which were already imbalanced before, are now really whacked out because of Yasmin.

Here are my symptoms:

Extreme moodiness
Extreme fatigue
Mental cloudiness
Nausea
Dizziness
Weepiness

Just not feeling like myself

I am going to see a new OB at the end of the month because we switched insurance companies. I am asking for a regular PAP and for a hormone level test to see where I am at. I have also done a lot of research online and am going to ask for my thyroid level to be checked. I have also contacted a nutritionist who specifies in dealing with endometriosis (I also have this) through diet and natural remedies to help rebalance my body's hormone levels and to clean out my organs from bad junk.

I have a 15 month old who is very mobile and a busy Stay At Home Mom lifestyle so being completely drained of energy and feeling like my brain is not connected to my body is completely interrupting my life.

For anyone thinking of starting Yasmin or any other scientifically created medicine, please do your research before taking anything. If it's not completely from nature, how can we expect it to act/react with our bodies naturally without causing a host of other problems now and in the future? Take care of your body now, stay off Yasmin.

I also stopped taking Yasmin about 3 weeks ago mid cycle. I immediately got my period about 3 days after stopping the pill (which would be a week earlier than normal). Now I am having feelings that my period will come again just two weeks after my last one. How long until I start to feel better and get back to my regular natural cycle?

Thanks,
Sandra

Hi all,
I have had very similar experiences to all of you. My obgyn also spoke so highly of Yasmin and I trusted her so I decided to go on it. I probably used it for 7-8 months in total. I stopped using it about a year ago. The first month was horrible. I felt like a 30 year old woman in a 90 year old body. I had been walking to local shops less than 1/4 mile from our house but couldn't even climb up the stairs in the house to the second floor anymore. I had the eye twitches that someone else described. I had only one normal period within the last year. The others I induced with a natural progesterone cream I bought at the health food store.

When I was on it, I noticed heart palpitations, hair loss, eye twitching, heat flashes and extreme cold hands. Sometimes, I could not get warm at all. I had trouble sleeping, couldn 't get to the gym, complete moodiness. The first few months after stopping I gradually started coming back to myself. After 7 months, I did get a normal period as I said but have not had one since then.

I am really concerned about how this has affected my fertility. I am 31 years old, have been trying to following my cycles with BBT and checking for ovulatory mucous and nothing. It is really depressing.

Luckily, after a few months of being off of Yasmin, my hair loss stopped. The frist few months though, it came out in clumps. I went to my obgyn and she said my scalp looked fine (but it was like I had severe dandruff and falling out so badly). Needless to say, I never went back to her.

I also started seeing a naturopath who has been great. I am taking lots of vitamins and nature herbs to try to regulate my cycles.

Has anyone else had a complete loss of getting their period and were able to get it back naturally? If so, I would appreciate hearing your story. This is driving me crazy.

Thanks for your time and hope everyone gets through this soon!

I am so glad I came across this site. I took Yasmin for two months, and I thought everything was fine. I went to my doctor today and my blood pressure has jumped from being completely normal to 140/110. This worries me a lot. Has anyone else had a jump like this, discontinued use of the pill and had their blood pressure go back to normal? I dont want to have high blood pressure long-term just because I picked the wrong birth control!!! I was reading through some of the other posts and realized that some things I was going through I attributed to other things but now think that Yasmin might have been responsible. Sweating profusely, especially at night, dizziness, headaches, moodiness, depression, suicidal thoughts, all kinds of bad stuff!

I'm really glad that I found this site and see that others have had problems too. Now I just wonder if other BCPs will do the same thing.

Hello, everyone. I am new to Yasmin and have only been taking it for 2 weeks. I am coming off of a 4 year break from BCP's and decided to try Yasmin on my OB's recommendation due to excessive moodiness/irritability with other BCP's that I've tried. In the past, I didn't have any other side effects from any of the other pills that I've tried (such as spotting, break through bleeding, bloating, etc.) In the 2 short weeks that I've been taking Yasmin I have had enough weird side effects to prompt me to go online and do some research, which led me to this site. I have had (sorry for the TMI) brown discharge for 12 straight days and today I have blood spotting. I also noticed that I have been extremely fatigued for the last week. Tonight I feel a dull pain in my left side and am bloated and feel "full", as if I've eaten a huge amount of food. I'm not even going to finish this pack. Thank you to everyone for your experiences.

I started taking Yasmin just over a month ago because my former bcp was giving me a lot of breast tenderness. There have been some things that are better...less moodiness during pms. BUT, I found that I was much more emotional when I was actually on my period. And, for the past several days I have had little to no appetite and constipation. Has anyone else had those symptoms?

I just went off of Jasmine which I was on for 3 months, and used like the pill seasonale where you don't get a period for three months. I hated the side effects of depression, weight loss, moodiness, etc... I went off of it and got a period within a day, but now my period was due five days ago, and I have not gotten it. I am not pregnant, nor do I feel like I am going to get a period. Has anyone else skipped a period while on this? I am a 42 year old healthy woman. Thanks.

Tried Yasmin for one week, 3 days into experienced extreme moodiness , depression and stabbing head pains.Stopped taking it right away- A week later still have break threw bleeding- that almost seems to be getting worse. When will this end?? I couldn't even imagine taking this for months, What a horrible experience.

Hi... I have had problems with facial hair growth since getting on Yasmin. I was wondering if anyone else has had this problem. I have also experienced moodiness and weight gain.
Thanks for your help!

I discovered this site on Monday and stopped taking Yasmin on Tuesday. I've been on the pill for four years and had asked my doctor multiple times if my depression, anxiety and moodiness could be related to the pill. You know the answer. I felt such a sense of relief after reading everyone's experiences. I too am an upbeat person although I have a strong tendency to worry but it was never to the point of not getting out of bed, crying over very silly things and just know excitement about living life. With a new boyfriend and a new job, I thought I was just going through some MAJOR adjustments although in hindsight it's ridiculous to have lived feeling that crappy for so long. The side effects definitely got worse after the first year and that's when my libido started to tank as well.

It's only been a few days and I'm so elated to think that I'm going to get MY LIFE BACK that I'm optimistic the side effects many have mentioned in trying to get off Yasmin will not effect me. I will endure because anything's got to be better than how it's been. Thank you all very much!!!