Nuvaring and hormonal birth control side effects?

[Anonymous]

Hi,

I used to have really bad menstrual cramps so I got put on nuvaring to alleviate them. I have been on it for 2 months and it has done a good job virtually eliminating my cramps.

For the past 2 weeks, I have been very depressed and moody. My friends noticed I have not been acting like myself. I was wondering if mood swings and depression are nuvaring side effects?

Also, do side effects from hormonal birth control ware off eventually or should I stop using it immediately? Have you or anyone you know experience side effects with nuvaring or hormonal birth control? How should I cope with it?

I'm planning on seeing my doctor this week but wanted to ask to get some input first.

Thanks

[kaylaS91]

Yes, the mood swings and depression you're experiencing could certainly be resulting from the Nuva ring. Symptoms like that could occur any time hormonal birth control is used. I know that many are told that the ring is exempt from this because it administers a low dosage of hormones, and does so locally versus via your whole system, but that's not true. Everyone handles external hormones differently, and for some, even a small amount is enough.

Side effects from birth control are supposed to 'wear off' over time, They say to wait till you've been on it for 3 months, the trial period, to give your body adequate time to adjust. If some of the symptoms still stick around, then you can choose to wait a bit longer in hopes of them simply needing a bit longer to fade away, or to try a completely new method.

I have experienced very similar side effects when I tried the ring. I was a bit fatigued, definitely super moody. Especially with my boyfriend. I ended up ditching the ring after just 2 months because the moodiness got so bad that it was either remaining on it, or end things with him.

[Asker]

Alright. Thats probably it. I didn't think those were side effects because of the low dosage and everything.

I might wait 3 months since I'm already at 2. Not sure though because the moodyness is pretty bad.

Thanks you so much for the help. You're response was very helpful!

[kaylaS91]

no problem and best of luck. :)

[Asker]

Thanks :)