Yaz and weight gain

I've been on Yaz for about 2+ years now. I'm a healthy 23 year old. Recently I started breaking out in hives and itching all over constantly. After listing every possible allergy it could be, something brought my attention to the one everyday constant thing- Yaz. I went to read about allergic reactions to this medicine and noticed I have at least TEN side effects! Headaches daily as if on a schedule, intolerance to wearing contact lenses (of which I wore well before starting Yaz just fine), weight gain (I eat moderately but crave junk food even when i'm not hungry!), moodiness (yikes.. this one is really horrible.. I owe my friends and fiance a huge apology!) and irritability unlike anything I've ever known. I break at the smallest thing. I've been looking at changing methods for a few weeks now, but now I know it's making me go crazy, I'm stopping immediately! My fiance and I have discussed this and we both think it has to be done. I'm ready to get back to my old, sane self!!!!! Reading other users posts and the Yaz website has really confirmed my decision. I am sensitive to medicines and don't know why it's just now affecting my body. I'm ready to find something else, even it if means longer periods! Do your research before taking this drug!!

I started taking yaz last summer about 3 months before i got married. sex drive went down the toilet. absolutely none whatsoever. it also caused depression. and even caused me to get a syndrome that is terrible and marriage threatening! my periods were shorter which was nice. but i got more acne than before. weight gain was probably 5-10lbs in the 4 mos i took it. i would not recommend for anyone to take this pill!
it was absolutely terrible.

Almost everyone is affected differently by different types of birth control pills. They are not all the same, please talk with your doctor about what is best for you. Sometimes is DOES take a few tries with different pills to find the best one for YOU.
This is my personal experience with Yaz... I have been on it for 1 year and 1 month exactly. I am 22. I was on Ortho-Cyclen (not tri-cyclen mind you) for a full year previous to Yaz. My periods without birth control were usually very heavy and lasted a week plus a day or two without birth control. My doctor suggested birth control to help with those problem. Ortho-Cyclen helped somewhat shortening my periods to about 5-6 days and made them a "normal-like" flow. After taking it for a year, she suggested Yaz to me help make them even shorter and lighter. Well I switched immediately after the last pill of my Ortho-Cyclen and things proceeded very nicely since I had already been using a method to regulate my cycle.
Yaz has helped me tremendously, my periods are only 3-4 days now and much lighter. I start them after 2 days of placebo and usually have a little bleeding into the first 2 active pills of my next pack.
The only side effects I have noticed are;
1) Weight gain: (I have gained about 8 lbs on this pill) and I even get more exercise than I used to when I was on Ortho-Cyclen. I eat healthy as well.
2) Breast tenderness: I have more noticeable breast tenderness while taking this pill. (But it is not every single day)
3) Cramps: I get cramps now on the first day of bleeding, but they are well taken care of with an aspirin or ibuprofen.
4) Slight depression: I cannot directly link this to Yaz as I am not a professional. However, I do find that a week to a few days before my pill period, there may be a day or two when I find myself crying over some nonsensical thing. (I never noticed this with Ortho-Cyclen.)

Another thing I have noticed though, and it's pretty nice, while I have gained a little weight on this pill, I do not get bloating before/during my period as I used to before I started using birth control pills. And yes, I used to get bloated using Ortho-Cyclen. So I can say that I have to thank Yaz for this "desired effect."
Also, I never suffered from any bad acne problems before using birth control, just the occasional breakout before getting my period, and Yaz actually did away with even that little issue.

I know birth control pills affect everyone differently, this is what happened to me. I started taking Yaz in January after being on Yasmin for 6 years (I had severe abdominal pain on Ortho Tricyclin and Yasmin gave me immediate relief. I had PMDD the last 6 months I took Yasmin and asked to switch to Yaz after seeing commercials on it, other than that I had no problems being on Yasmin for 5 1/2 years). The second month of Yaz, my PMDD went away, I felt normal and loved being on Yaz. I haven't had any weight gain, have mild cramping about a week before my period starts and my period is about 4-5 days and I hardly get bloated but I get a severe headache the day my period starts. The last 3-4 months, I've noticed I've had no energy but still try to exercise, I feel so tired no matter how much sleep I get, at times I don't feel very alert and have to focus hard when driving, have bouts with feeling depressed, and occasional constipation. I didn't have any vaginal dryness but often felt like I didn't have the energy to have sex. I had a blood screening last month which came back normal, this month I noticed my hair seems thinner. I suspected Yaz was the problem then I knew for sure after I found this website. My OB/GYN called in a new prescription for Yasmin today, I'm hoping that will help again - at least until I see him in a couple months, and that the PMDD symptoms do not return.

I've been taking Yaz for the past 5, almost 6 months. I was struggling with PMDD symptoms. There were times when, for a week or more, I would become incredibly depressed, full of rage and anger, I craved anything within chomping distance, and felt like the ugliest human being in the world. My periods were so painful, and I would bleed so much, that all of this just began to control my life. I was literally planning my life around this time during each month. The YAZ has really made a difference in helping solve a lot of these problems, but now I've new problems.

My husband and I have always been very sexually active. We try to make time for sex during the week if we can squeeze it in (we work different shifts), but whether we do or not, we always make up for it a lot on the weekends. However, now, I find myself with no interest. I even encourage him to just skip the foreplay and get down to the deed so I can get it over with. I dry up halfway through, become frustrated if he loses his erection (usually due to my personal lack of interest. I can't imagine that's very arousing. lol) because that just means we will have to work harder to get through this ordeal, and I don't want him kissing on me or doing much of anything to me while we are in the act. It's really damaging our relationship. We are 30 and 31 years old...way too young for this nonsense. I dare say I've even thought a time or two, "Why can't he just have an affair like every other husband and leave me alone?" Yeah, I don't mean that at all, but it's crossed my mind.

That's my biggest issue with it, well, that and the monthly cost. The other side affects I had were dry mouth, dry hair (?? - not sure if this is directly related), lower abdominal pain, mild weight gain, and a rash that broke out on my lower legs and left forearm. These are the CONS so far. I'll list my pro's, too, just to be fair.

PROS" Periods, while still very painful, last about 2 to 2.5 days. The painful part only the first day. The food cravings usually only a couple of days instead of a week or more. Mood swings, if any, are not as severe and are shorter in duration. I feel like a normal woman just having normal PMS mood swings now instead of mood swings you see in those crazy women on those Lifetime for Women movies or something. lol I also suffer from migraines, and these pills don't seem to have affected them one way or another. This is actually good enough for me because usually BCPs have caused them to worsen over time.

So there you have it. It's my own long, personal experience with YAZ.

Thank God for this Site!!!

Just wanted to add a recent post. I have all the same symptoms... fatigue, emotional roller coaster, dizziness, headaches, as well as feeling incredibly insecure. I want NOTHING to do with sex. TMI warning... My boyfriend and I used to have sex AT LEAST on a daily basis, now I cant stand to think about it. I am 25 and have played sports all my life. I even coach for a high school team. This BC is aweful. On top of not having enough energy to do ANYTHING, when I pushed myself to workout, there were absolutely NO results. This is a debilitating drug that has been branded with an incredible amount of false advertising. It seems the pro's that the company braggs about the most, couldn't be further from the truth.
So once again, if you don not want:
Dizziness
Eye sensitivity and pain
Extreme mood swings ( from throwing things to crying over commercials)
Severe cramping (even when not on your period)
Insecurity
Weight gain and inability to loose weight
Food craving
Migraines
Oily hair
acne
Fatigue
DO NOT TAKE YAZ!!!!!

Im 18, been on YAZ going on three months now. I was actually looking forward to a little weight gain, but haven't seen any. I got on the pill one for BC, which as far as my periods go is fine. But I also wanted to reduce the mood swings and lately it seems they haven't gotten much better. All of a sudden ill be in a great mood like I want to be, then the next ill be in a crabby mood for no reason. I also got in a car accident a few weeks ago (my fault) and have noticed that since I started the pills I haven't been as alert while driving. I always get side tracked and find myself slamming on the breaks and cutting people off, which was not the case before the pills. Does this have any relation to taking Yaz?

i have been on yaz for about 1 month now. i am a little scared to start my next pack. i have been feeling a little depressed and not much like myself. i figure i'm just in a rut right now. could it be from the pill? i feel tired and sad a lot. i go to the gym everyday and normally i'm pretty active. i just don't feel like me. i have tried the ring, loestrein, and the patch in the past and all of them gave me nausea and weight gain. so far i don't think i've gained any weight and i don't feel sick but the depression has got me curious. if anyone has experienced this please let me know. i don't know if i should stop the pill or not.

After reading some of you stories, it makes me realize the things I've been experiencing lately has to do with Yaz. The doctor in the beginning said this is the best bc pill ever! no weight gain nothing! RIGHT! I've been eating the same my whole life and I have put on at least 8 lbs. Worst of all, I think it has something to do with my sudden hair loss in the front of my hair! I've been on Yaz for almost 4 months now and am noticing these things. Has anyone else experienced these things mainly the hair problem???

I have been on Yaz for one month now and I had a heavier period than normal for the first month. I was on Loestrin 24 Fe for 2 or 3 years and I wonder if that has anything to do with it. I switched because Loestrin gave me extreme headaches, stomachaches, weight gain. Other than the heavier period everything on Yaz has been wonderful. Did anyone else have this problem and will it even out.

I have only been taking Yaz for about 2 weeks half and already decided that the side effects are not worth it. I've had significant weight gain, horrible migraines, severe bloating, mood swings, depression and my appetite has been very erratic - at times I'll be craving everything possible, and at other times I will feel nausea and can't eat. The only positive effect is that my breasts have grown significantly (which may just be due to the weight gain). It's been 2 days since I stopped taking Yaz but I'm still very bloated...hoping it won't take too long to leave my system! I know it's not good to start the pill and then stop taking it without giving it more time...but like I said before, I've decided that the the negative effects are just too much to deal with.

I was on YAZ for only 7 days before I felt suddenly and completely crazy! On the Yasmin site there are several women complaining about YAZ side effects and asking if anyone is interested in starting a lawsuit. I feel there is enough severity and consistency in the complaints to start one. I don't believe a medication should be on the market that causes so many so much distress. If I could just save one women and her family from what we've gone through I would be willing to put quite a bit effort into it. Please respond to me or one of the women on the Yasmin site if you too think your suffering was enough that no one else should have to go through it. I read the side effects very carefully as I always do but I don't remember any that warned you may lose emotional stability. I had no history of such severe, or unmanageable anxiety, depression... . Please help us take this drug off the market, Imagine how many other women are suffering but either not looking on this site or stopping to share their stories.

This is by far the worst pill I have ever taken. Before Yaz I was on Nordette, Ortho Tri cyclen and Alesse. I saw the commercials and got sucked into trying this pill. All I can say is proceed with caution. I ended up taking this pill for the unhappiness 8 months of my entire life. I had problems with other pills causing weight gain (Nordette, Ortho Tri cyclen) or acne (Alesse). However, those symptoms are mild compared to what Yaz inflicted on me.

I have always been described as happy go lucky and Yaz gave me extreme moodiness, panic attacks about my future and life, and major depression. I did have the best skin of my life and lost about 5 lbs but I was an emotional MESS! I would cry at the drop of a hat and find fault in everyone and everything. This symptom didn't start right away but each month I was on Yaz got worse. My friends coined my "alter ego" "she devil." I almost felt possessed at times on this pill. I finally realized it was the pill and not life causing these problems when 3 of my girlfriends had the same problems and got off and the problems went away.

Prior to having this experience I thought people tried to blame too much on the pill but my experience showed me just how much these can mess with your body. I switched back to Alesse 5 days ago and it's like I am a different person--even my skeptical boyfriend noticed the change. As for the acne, I am going to go to a dermatologist to address that. I will be happy to have a few zits as opposed to being a crazy woman.

Proceed with caution on this pill and watch your moods carefully. Just because you've been on it for a few months doesn't mean you're safe. The majority of my emotional disorder started about 5 months in. I do have some girlfriends that like this but most have found it to bring out "she devil".

I've been taking Yaz since about October or November. I rarely ever had even a headache before taking Yaz, and I noticed that I began having migranes almost every day if not every day after beginning to take Yaz. I never even would have imagined that it could have been my BCP but after reading all of these reviews and having almost all of the side effects that these other women are having, I've decided that I need to talk with my obgyn about changing contraceptives.

Since starting Yaz I've had the following:

-Migranes every day or every other day

-Violent Mood Swings

- Feelings of being overwhelmed

- Fellings of extreme anger and rage

-Joint pain in my knees and hips

- Decrease in Sex Drive

-Emotional spells ( crying for no reason, or being sad for no reason)

-Blurred Vision

-Weight Gain

-Increase in cup size

-Painful Acne

I'm 21 years old. There should be no decrease in my sex drive. Now don't get me wrong. Yaz has it's good points as well, but for the most part, my experience with it has been negative. The good part about it is that my periods are regular, whereas before they were all over the place.
I've started fights with my boyfriend, when no fight or argument should have happened, and I've become filled with rage and anger at family gatherings.
It works for some people but for myself and many others, I see, it's not been very pleasant to take.

I have been taking YAZ for about 4 months. I hate it. I am 23 and started taking yasmine when i was 17. Before that I had 2 week periods with very severe cramping. It would cause vomiting and diahreah. I stayed on yasmine for 4 years and I was extremely happy with it. When I was 21 I had a lyproscopy and was diagnosed with endometriosis. It is the cause for my severe cramping and heavy periods. I then was on a shot called lupron for 6 months then started lo estrin. Hated that, switched to YAZ. My symptoms include weight gain, acne (which i have never had) on my face and chest, severe breast tenderness (felt like my nipples were being pinched with clothes pins or something), extreme mood swings (i spend hours crying and being angry), so tired, depression, intermitent nausea, dehydration, fatigue etc. I also have not had a regular period since beginning. My last official period was in November, I then had some spotting and then I had no period for about 10 weeks. I tested over and over for pregnancy but I was not. I finally had a period and it was like i was 17 again. I am just miserable. The ONLY positive is that I gained a cup size!! I was a 34A now I'm a B! I asked my doctor for yasmine but she said she wanted me to try yaz because it has a lower estrogen dose which is favored for endo. I don't care, i would honestly take longer REGULAR periods instead of feeling crazy. I am going back to yasmine. I like my doctor but I will find a new one if she won't help me. YAZ and Lo estrin 24 were both horrible!

moody/depression, stomach pains, lack of energy, some weight gain, but lighter regular periods

Yaz has been driving me crazy. I keep having these mental break downs and before my period I hate myself and everyone around me and just walk around and cry to myself and stressing out. I've had times of extreme fatigue as well, but that may or may not be due to the pill. I lost weight first, then put some on and my chest grew, then gained again, but lost in my chest. There are other side effects that I also have a hard time to blame on Yaz, but even doctors have very little way of explaining them. It's a horrible roller coaster for me since I switched from Orthotricylen Lo in AUG2007. I am jealous of those who have had a successful experience with Yaz, however, I believe I am NOT one of them.

Ive been on Yaz for close to 4 months, I kept waiting for the side effects to go away...
my biggest gripe in the beginning was weight gain ( but then again i always feel like I'm gaining weight, and I'm also trying to quit smoking so that doesn't help).
Now i noticed that i have almost no sex drive, and even when my boyfriend manages to get me into bed, its almost impossible for me to have an orgasm. In the beginning this was not an issue.

Again, I'm not 100% sure if this is attributed to Yaz but from reading other posts, it seems like other women have the same experiences. I don't know whether to try a different type of pill or get off the pill altogether...

Ive been on Yaz since Oct 07.
--At first it was hell. I always got headaches b/c I have strabismus...but i got migraines. I work in a hospital so that was NOT fun at all.
Trying to do charts and all I saw was a blur, trying not to vomit due to the nausea (i get nausea with headaches), the lack of balance was also very attractive :).
--I also got a vaginal infection- I'm not sure if it was due to the pill, but I've never gotten it before. It went away after I had my period. I thought it was my period but after a while, i knew better.
--Also Ive been depressed, I don know if its due to the fast approaching one year anniversary of my nieces killing, or if that was the pill?

After all that mess is done with, I love the pill. It's just my body getting used to it. Ive never done BC before so this was an experience

I went to my OBGYN yesterday for a 4 month f/u on the pill and she was concerned about weight gain. well i LOST 8 lbs. I didn't expect that ha ha.

But the last month+ I've done really well. no migraines or anything!!! yayyyyy

I just finished taking my 3rd pack of pills. I loved Yaz my first 2 months. This month, I'm just not so sure. Ive had HORRIBLE acne when I usually don't even have acne at all. Maybe one pimple, thats it. This is terrible. Also, my mood swings are like a crazy person. One minute I'm fine, the next I'm breaking up with my boyfriend, then I love him more than anything, then I don't want to have contact with anyone who is living, then I'm lonely. Oh its bad... But my cramps are pretty much non-existent. Which is nice because off of Yaz, they are TERRIBLE!

I am here b/c I've been having crying spells with very light (at first no) periods. I've been on Yaz for about 4-5 months and I don't know if it's causing it. I've reviewed my life and don't really have any particular reason to be crying... great family, good life, good job, etc. so... why the crying. I'm here trying to find out if this might be a side effect. The good side? I'm not as irritable as I was before YAZ, while taking Ortho-tricyclen.