Yaz and side effects and benefits

[kitlucky]

I was told that Yaz is a new birth control pill.  I am used to 7 days of placebo pills rather than only 4.  Is Yaz's concentration any different from the common birth control pills? Is it like saying just taking longer birth control pills?  What are the side effects?  What are the benefits?  Has FDA approved?  Where i can search more about Yaz?  Will it affect my future plan of having a healthy pregnancy?  Also, i was told if i do want to get pregnant, i should wait 6 months after taking the birth control pills.  is that true?

[torque]

I have not taken Yaz, but I found this website that might help you http://www.remedyfind.com/treatments/77/129/       It talks about patient ratings and shows the dosages of it. You can also check other pills to see their dosage as well. It has to be FDA approved or they wouldnt be able to sell it. With any pill there are risks for side effects. Just make sure you dont smoke, your blood pressure is good, and your weight is reasonable. These can be huge factors when it comes to what side effects you could have. Good luck! I hope this helped!!

[destinymeadow]

I am currently taking Yaz and getting ready to sart my 3rd week of it. It's a lower hormone dose than normal birth control pills. The reason there are only 4 placebo pills is to keep your hormone levels more consistent w/o a big drop like other pills. If you go to www.yaz-us.com you can get additional info from there. Hope that helps!!

[phoebes29]

I just started taking Yaz and have noticed a 10 lb weight gain in 3 weeks time. I know that some of this could be from Thanksgiving, but not all of it because I haven't eaten any more than usual. I don't eat much at all, so I'm thinking most of it is the Yaz. I was previously on Yasmin and was able to lose 45 lbs while on it. I don't think it will do this to everyone, but this is just my experience with it so far. I think I'm gonna go back to the doc and switch back to Yasmin. Good luck!

[eausti2]

I had the same thing with the Yaz. I was on Yasmin and switched to Yaz and promptly gained about 5 or more pounds. No problems at all with Yasmin, and I was on it for 5 or more years. I still work out like I did on Yasmin, and I've never eaten a lot, although, the Yaz does make me hungry all the time, and I can't seem to get rid of this bloating. I spot constantly and cramp. I have another friend that is the same way. However, one of my other friends switched from Yasmin to Yaz and she says nothing but great things.

[lindie0463]

I was taken Yaz for a week and had to stop taking because I was getting hot flashes, rapid heart beat, nausea and etc.  Maybe my body couldn't take it so now I am not taking anything so my body is going through these changes getting back to normal again. I read some harsh things about Yaz but it is all up to you.

[krjohan78]

I stopped taking Diane-35 (prescribed to me as contraception) about 2 weeks ago, when my period came (Nov28-Dec4).  For the past week, I experienced some breast soreness and tenderness.  Then, Dec12 I got some pretty uncomfortable cramping in my lower abdomen, and hasnt stopped for  3 days.  The pain is mild/moderate and sometimes seems to radiate to my lower back and down my thighs.  I went to the ER twice in the past two days.  The forst one said maybe its a side effect from stopping the pill, and the second did bloodwork and urinalysis and all was normal.  Tomorrow Im scheduled for an ultrasound of my lower abdomen to check for ovarian cysts.  I am scared. ALso experiencing gassiness and bloated feelings.   Please, has anyone had this?  Do you think its going off the pill, and if so how long til I am back to normal again? Or does it sound more like cysts?  The pain seems mostly to be in the center, below my navel, best described as rubber bands snapping or twisting. I appreciate any advice.  Thanks.

[jenifairy117]

I just started taking Yaz an since ive started ive had depression, anxiety, moodyness, spotting like all the time or every couple of weeks and had a lower sex drive. I also beleve it made me have vaginal dryness witch is causing more and more problems for me. I have never experienced these kind of problems with my other birth control pill. Yaz seems to be causing nothing but problems for me.

[Holly8]

Hi!  I started taking Yaz right after my period ended on a Sunday.
Three days later I notice that it was given me a headaches, weakness, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, dizziness n also it make your body feel really weird. I am 28 years old. If anyone is planning to take this pill ( Be careful ) I hated this pill, I never experienced any birth control pill like this one. The reason I wanted to try this pill was because it help with acne.
Wrong move.

Holly Kim Feb 10,2008
Las Vegas, NV

[Mswings]

I know that every person acts different on pills and all the side effects vary from person to person, but this pill wacked me out. I have never had any problems before and have been on a few different kinds. I am 39 yrs old and got back on the pill do to bad PMS. My Dr. recommended this one because of my age. I started having anxiety and then panic attacks when I was driving on the freeway, then they started to come in town too. I have always been very in control and dependant and then these panic attacks started. I just finished my 2nd pack of pills and that is the only thing that I have done different. The attacks came within the 1st wk or so of starting the pack.,so I have no idea how long before they go away. My OBYGN thinks that there is something more physcological going on with me but I am telling all who reads this that it is this PILL YAZ!!!!

[Mswings]

I just posted a message about the anxiety and panic attacks earlier, if anyone else has expierenced this please help me shed a light on all of this and contact me, thanks Tina in Clearwater, FL
***@****

[niki227]

It sounds like a lot of people who wrote here have had nothing but bad experiences with Yaz, so for those of you who do experience anxiety, depression, and extreme PMS (I did on other pills that i've been on for over 5 years) this pill really does help control that. I am not sure if it could trigger those things for people who don't have it, but its helped me. I have been on Yaz for four months, as with most pills I had a little nausea during the first month but it went away (it says that in the information pack for the pills). I have also not gained any weight, I eat healthy and get a normal amount of exercise. For anyone thinking that this pill will help them with very bad PMS and other side effects and consults with their doctor, I would at least try it for a couple months.  

[Jessilyn]

I was on yaz for a while..I didnt have any side effects..however it still scares me that they dont know if there are any long term effects of birth controls

[MARELLANO]

i agree about yaz giving us headaches anxiety and panic attacks same thing happened to me and i was refered to a psychologist ive been fine all my life and after a while of taking yaz i began experiencing all of these!

[KELL99]

I HAVE BEEN ON YAZ FOR TWO YEARS NOW AND I HAVE GAINED 40 POUNDS! I AM DOING WEIGHT WATCHER AND EXERCISING LIKE CRAZY AND CAN NOT TAKE THE WEIGHT OFF, MY DOCTOR SAYS IT IS NOT THE CULPRIT, I HAVE NEVER HAD A WEIGHT PROBLEM BEFORE, I AM CONSIDERING GOING OFF THIS PILL BUT DONT KNOW WHAT PILL TO SWITCH TO, I HAVE ENDRIOMETROIS AND NEED SOMETHING TO HELP WITH THE PAIN, ANYBODY HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS?

[Hayley723]

I'm just about to start yaz beacuse my dr. thinks either adenomyosis or endo, but she told me if yaz doesnt help the next step might be the depo provera shot I dont know much about it but that may be a possibility for you, or possibly even lupron depo she suggested, even though  I think you get many side effects from it. It's like a fake menopause! Well good luck lemme know how things works out!

[Andicat43]

I'm 27, 125 pounds... I started taking Yaz one month ago. I had to beg my doctor to give it to me. My periods were so heavy and I was carrying 10 pounds of water weight at all times. My fingers and face was swollen with water. My periods would last sometimes the entire month and were super heavy. I tried several different pills and nothing stopped it. Immediately when starting Yaz I stopped bleeding. I peed for like 4 days straight and lost all the water weight. I also get migraines with my period, and Yaz hasnt seemed to help them at all. The first 3 weeks I had horrid migraine.

The most noticable change though is that I am extremely emotional. I got angry for the first time in maybe 2 years? I never feel anger. I'm a buddhist very calm loving and patient... Since taking Yaz I feel like a crazy person. I have almost destroyed my wonderful amazing relationship by being overly emotional. Ive been anxious (never had anxiety before) and depressed and super emotional and inpatient about everything.

I still haven't decided what to do. It's only been one month and physically I feel better as far as not bleeding for months at a time and not holding water. I also feel like I have a normal amount of energy and the headaches that initially were there have subsided. I am horrified if I keep taking this pill though that i will lose my emotional calm and optimism. It's definitely not worth it especially what its been doing to my relationship and my spiritual practice.

Is there anyone that can offer any light to my situation? I love the way I feel physically, but emotionally I cannot do this much longer. Will it stop? Any thoughts would be great, thank you.

[Kim552]

I just started Yaz about two and a half weeks ago. I'm 18 years old and in good health, and I wanted to go on the pill to try to get regular periods. Thus far, my only problem has been that the bleeding hasn't stopped. The Sunday I started was the first day of my period, and I'm on day 12 now. I have gained a few pounds, but I've also eaten a lot more than usual and most of it's been junk food, so that's probably why. The fact that I havent stopped bleeding is kind of annoying, though.... how long did it take everyone else to stop?

[Missy1983]

I have been on yaz for four months now, at first it was great, then I had severe migraines, extremely hungry all the time, constipation, irregular bleeding, spotting, and then it lead to  anxiety, to where I started having panic attacks. My doctor thinks it's something else, but I have never had any of these problems until I started this bc. I honestly feel it is YAZ.

This is the last pack I am using. If anyone has quit using yaz, any advice on what to expect would be greatly appreciated!

[nicole3321]

I am eighteen and I have been taking Yaz for about five months mainly to regulate my cycles. I have experienced a lot of bloating and i have gone in cup size from a C to a full D. I eat a healthy and walk ad run a lot. I just went off of Yaz ysterday. How lnog does it take for the bloating to go away and will my cup size ever go back to a C? Also, how long does it take for spotting to stop?

[cmac08]

I am on my third pack of Yaz. I have realized recently that I have been extremely angry recently and the only thing I can come up with is Yaz. Like pretty much everyone else I've had anxiety and weight gain, and I have the most intense appetite...it's miserable. I was on Estrostep and really liked it, but the price sky rocketed. Im going to my Dr. next week to talk about it and HOPEFULLY switch, and I'll let you know what she says.

[Hayley723]

How strong is estrostep?

[kristy1984]

estrostep has more estrogen and less progestin than yaz.  the estrogen increases each week, and the progestin remains constant.  the first week of pills there is 20mcg of ethinyl estradiol (estrogen), the second week there is 30mcg, and the third week there is 35mcg.  There is 1mg of norethindrone acetate (progestin) in all the pills.  

[Uhoh123]

I took Yasmin for 2 months and Yaz for 1 month.  I started having all kinds of issues such as yeast infections and constant itching and severe burning even when the infection was gone.  Within 2 weeks of starting this pill my energy level, motivation and spirit hit rock bottom.  I had never been so depressed in my life.  I think I cried for a couple weeks strait which didn't make any sense because things in my life were great at the time.  Being on this pill was a disaster for me and my relationship.  On the bright side, I lost my appetite and lost about 8 pounds in 3 months.

[krika_ra]

I've used to have severe headaches during the whole week of my period. Then, my doctor suggested me to change from Yasmin to Yaz, since once the period would be shorter, I could have fewer days of headaches.
Indeed, instead of 5 days, I have only 2 days of headache now, which has been a plus.
On the other hand, there are a couple of things bothering me... I've always had problems with weight and I gain weight very easily. However, in the past few months, my eating habits are much healthier and I feel as if I'm eating less. Even so, I gained about 8 pounds in 3 months (since I started taking it). So I was wondering if it could be it? I mean, I didn't expect to lose 8 pounds, but by what I'm eating and exercising I should have lost 1 or 2, no more than keeping the weight, but.... the weight gain was just too fast.
I'm also experiencing constipation and lots of gassiness and bloating. Again, I've had this before but then they stopped and came back now, after I started with Yaz.
Do you think it could be just a coincidence or it may be side effects? (by the way, I'm 33 and physically active)
Anyone who can help me I'd trully appreciate... I feel so disgusting everytime I look in the mirror!

[Hayley723]

I'm generally a thin person, but I've gained a little weight so far too. I'm also very bloated on this pill. I just hope it will start to level off the longer I'm on it!

[kristi78]

God yaz is so evil i have had severe insomnia for weeks i cant even sleep when i take tylenol pm this is so crazzy ..i waited longer when i got to the 4 placebo pills because it confused me butt still i shoudnt have insomnia ...is any one else going thru this...

[jenme]

I too have been taking Yaz for about 3 months & noticed a 10 lb. weight gain.  I had been on Yasmin for 2 years before that & did not notice this.  There is really not a good explanation for this weight except this pill. I still eat the same & exercise occasionally.  I normally weigh 115, so 10 lbs is a lot for me!  Has anyone found another alternative or did you go back to Yasmin?

[notcrazyafterall]

I took Yaz for a while a couple of years ago, around the time it came out. I was already having problems with aniexty and depression. At the same time I was taking Lexapro. I thought Yaz was great because it was the only pill that i had taken that didn't make me nauseous or cause headache. BUT after not being on any birth control or any Lexapro for the last six months I decided it was time to try thie pills again. I started taking Yaz again at the end of Febuary. I did notice swollen breasts and some spotting after i missed a couple pills. No big deal. Then I started to notice that I was becoming short of breath, light headed, very anxious, angry. I just overall felt like I was going crazy. It got the worst on March 19, 2008. I was having pains in my chest and shortness of breath that sent me to the emergency room. Of course there was nothing phisically wrong. I followed up with my Dr's office the next day. She wanted to do more heart tests. I didn't feel that wasn't necessary. Given my history of anxiety and depression. She advised that I start Lexapro again but I didn't because since I had already started spotting and had missed a few pills last week, I stopped my pack of Yaz early. I have noticed a complete mood change in just the past few days.  I have no idea what made me search for Yaz side effects this morning, but I am glad I did. I never related my symptoms to the pill until i started reading other people's comments. I was dumb founded by how many people are having the same side effects. I WAS supposed to start a new pack tomorrow. I don't think I will be. This pill is DANGEROUS!!!! I have an appointmnet with my Dr. on Monday and Yaz will be the main topic of discussion. I suggest if ANYONE is taking this pill and have these same side effects..STOP!  Before something serious happens.

[cmhills31]

I took Yaz for over a year and just recently stopped.  I experienced sever depression which got worse and worse each month.  I didn't notice it at first because it happened so gradually.  I also had a lot of things going on in my life at the time (studying for the bar exam, starting a new job etc) so i was contributing my moodiness to stress.  But after the things in my life calmed down i noticed the depression and moodiness were still there and getting worse and worse.  I talked to my doctor and she is taking me off the pill - i have been a pill continuous for ten years so she feels my body needs a break.  She did tell me that she has had other patients who have experienced extreme depression on Yaz.  I am really nervous about going off the pill since i have been on it so long but i am willing to try anything at this point.  I feel so out of control at times with the mood swings etc.

[Staceyinfo]

I just take regular mini pill Microgestin Fe 1/20 back to back. I have done that for years. No side effects, no nothing (and I have severe endometriosis if I don't do this). PLEASE don't let anyone talk you into Depo Provera shots. That stuff is evil incarnate. It will stop your sex drive, just make you feel like a sexless piece of nothing. Hey, they give it to men to stop their sex drive, so what is up with that?

I suggest just trying a regular mini dose birth control without the breaks in between. Some doctors have a heard time believing this is healthy for you, but in life before ours, women were pregnantly constantly, suckling babies, and they heardly ever had regular menstrual cycles. Just doing the mini pill back to back has saved my life, and I was a person always in the emergency room, writhing from pain, had severe migraines, depression, etc. Good luck all!

[psugirl]

I took Yaz for about a year and recently switched to seasonique because the side effects were so bad on Yaz.  I would cry for no reason, and be really moody, which isnt me at all.  I also got severe migranes, and was even perscribed Midrin for them because they would last days on end.  In addition, I NEVER had a problem with my weight until I took Yaz.  The food cravings were ridiculous and I gained over 15 pounds!  This is while I was working out 40 minutes a day, and eating very healthy. I have been off Yaz for about 2 weeks and have already lost 3 pounds AND I dont feel hungry all the time anymore.  It's amazing how much better I feel already - I wish I stopped taking this pill a lot sooner.

[brickhouse700]

Sorry but you're all crackin me up!
I think I am suffering from ALL of the same symptoms......weight gain (10 lbs so far....husband says I'm getting fat!  Almost made me cry), boobs jumping 2 CUP SIZES (husband doesn't mind but damn they HURT, not to mention I have to buy new bras!), irritability, very sluggish, tired, then can't sleep when I need/want to, hungry, angry.....yeah, I know it's the YAZ.  The doc says, "It's the perfect pill...no side effects, it will help keep you from getting pregnant!"
I specifically asked if I'd get fat and if I would go nutty and NO.  I am freaking out!  My clothes don't fit.  I can't even lie on my stomach cuz my boobs hurt and I can't even allow my husband to touch them.  It's like I AM pregnant!  WTF?
Really, I'm so tired and am working right now just crackin up at your posts.  It's not funny but I'm so tired and just can't get pregnant due to work rules (military deployment) so I need some relief and some weight loss!!!!

[Hayley723]

I've been on for a month and I am the most miserable person, I feel like I'm living in someone elses body. I have no patience, and am so angry all the time, and very bloated, my boobs hurt under my arm pits, and I have a lot of rage...like i said I have no patience for anything and Im more emotional!! Ugh, I thought it would be he perfect pill too!

[charlene10]

All of my friends have been raving about yaz, so i switched from ortho-lo. Big mistake. I have never felt this miserable or depressed. I cry at the drop of a hat, I am moody, edgy and unhappy. I am a usually up beat person too, and I cannot wait to get off of this pill. I noticed about a 7 lb weight gain and  i workout 5-6 days a week. I am very unhappy and I dont know which pill to switch to b.c i need a low dose hormone.ANY suggestions?

[SallyW57]

I just threw last 5 days of Yaz in trash. This was 2nd month. Lots of headaches, migraines, flashing floaters and unbelieveable anxiety and panic attacks. My skin looks great, I've lost 9 lbs. My heavy periods are almost non-existent. But I can't live on valium and my other choice is zoloft. I'm 50 and I just wanted help with perimenopause. Guess I'll go to plan B. Menopause can't be that far away - right ;-}? Good luck!

[sugacakes39]

I am researching Yaz and i can't help but notice the benefits and the side effects that everyone is talking about. I've had problems with my acne for several years. I am 18 and thinking about Yaz as my last resort. I read all these forums and it's making me not want to take it. Any Comments---i could sure use the help! Thanks

[Hayley723]

I've been on for a month and trying to stick it out for at least 3 months like they say, but so far I've been sooo miserable, and have no patience for anything or anyone and my husband keeps telling me how mean I am now! I don't even feel normal anymore, it's like someone took over my body~I hate it!! BUT~everyone reacts differently!

[ppalencia]

I have been on this oill for exactly one month. I have never tolerated any pill before, but this was supposed to be different.  My doctor suggested trying it out for a couple of monts to see if it would help dissolve some of the MANY fybroids (small, but many) that I have.  Well, I decided to give it a try...and this is my story:
Before I started I was already spotting, cramping and feeling very bloated. But that is supposed to be normal when you have what I have.  The first week on the pill, I thought I was somewhat out of breath at times. I didn't think much of it, since I had been feeling less energetic than usual. However, it only got worse and worse. By the second week, I was feeling extremely tired, some nausea, hungry all the, anxious, mood swings, and my energy level was going down. The third week was a tough one. I found myself feeling very tired, dizzy, nauseous, depressed, zero energy, not wanting to leave my bed in the morning and struggling to make it through the day. I want to be a good mom (have two kids) and a good wife, but this strage thing has taken over me and I am miserable.  I just want to feel good, be able to work out and loose the pounds I've put on, play with my kids, be happy!!! I know deep in my heart this is not something that a Psychologist can help me with. It is something in my body. Something in my system is off!!!

[julesinpa]

I can't say I feel anything but relief having just read all these posts about Yaz.  I am on the verge of having myself committed to the hospital because I have become so suddenly crazy!!  Anxiety, panic, mood swings, insomnia, nausea.  My poor family is miserable.  The post by "ppalencia" has described my experience almost exactly.  I actually saw my p.c.p. to suggest that maybe I had developed post-partum depression.  Even so, everything has gotten worse on Yaz.  I can't wait till this pill leaves my system.  It's like being too drunk and trying to wish away the last couple drinks but you just have to wait until your body processes them out.  Thank God for the internet.  I have hope now I"m not crazy!

[timenlv]

I  have been on Yaz for a month now, and can hardly keep awake. I've been gaining weight, have frequent mood swings, bloating whether I eat or not, gas.... But what really has affected me thus far is the tiredness I have experienced with Yaz. Do any of these symptoms go away after taking it for a few months or is this it?? Oh and regarding acne....I am 38 and my face and chest looks like that of a teens - it's disgusting!

[roxygrl1600]

I'm 24 yrs old. I have been on yaz for about 5 months now. I was taking yasmin for years and never had a problem. I switched to yaz because its was popular so I always got a bunch a free samples. At first I noticed a huge range of emotions take over me like one week prior to my period and while I was on it. I was so angry and frustrated. I could cry all the time and was very very irritable. I go to my Dr tomorrow for my check up and  I am switching asap. I get these horrible headaches now. I feel so tired when I'm on my period like I could just sleep all day. It doesn't help my cramps, blotting, fatigue or anything for that matter. As I'm writing I'm having a bad migraine. I hope next month I will feel better once this **** is out of my system. I hate those stupid commercials about yaz. I just laugh like sure whatever! I think me and my husband will greatly appreciate a different pill. He has been tolerating me through this. I feel bad but its like I cant help it. Oh yeah..I'm always hungry. I try not to eat to much. And while I was on yasmin I lost 45 lbs. I switched and never thought about it until now but I have been stuck at my weight since I switched and cant lose weight. I'm not gaining but not losing for sure despite my good efforts. So good luck to you all. I hope you switch for those who are having my problems too.

[rsc84]

I was origanally on a generic type of birth control when i first got married called apri.  i liked that and felt great emotionally but i felt like a fat cow all the time.  i went to the doctor and she recommended yaz so im like ok what do i have to loose.  i have been on yaz for a year and a half now and yes the weight gain was gone but there are a whole lot of other side effects such as EXTREME irratabilitly that has not stopped since i started to take it, i think that you just learn to cope with it but it is very annoying because i alway have to monitor if my reaction is reasonable or not and usually it is not.  which is even more frustrating.  as of late too i have been severally depressed.  SOOO that is my experience with this.  Next week however i am stopping the pill and using LADY COMP which is a computer that shows you when you ovulate,  huge in the uk, my cousin has been on it for a year loves it and hasnt gotten pregnant.  the best part is NO SIDE EFFECTS.  that is what i am happy about.  good luck to all

[stefhope23]

I've been on Yaz for a month now and i love it. Yes i do have those little side effects with it like, headaches and some nausea and nervousness. But my PMS is extremly under control now and my skin has cleared up tremendously. I went from a pill similar to Ortho Tricyclin (high hormone) to Yaz which is a lesser hormone and it's done wonderful things for me. The Ortho Tricyclin on put me through major mood swings and i couldn't kick the last few pounds after having my daughter and my skin was horrible. Since i've switched all that has gone completely away. I can handle the little effects of this pill when the bigger things are being fixed and my hormone balance in back on track. I think everyone will have different effects with this depending on how much hormones your body needs. If you have bad effects with this maybe its still too much or you need more. Hope my input helps put some of you new users at peace...it will be ok! it may just be the first initial month for you.

[bri928]

I just started Yaz a few weeks ago and I love it. About 6 months ago I went to Aviane and had to stop after 3 days because I had severe depression at all times- it was the worst week of my life. I just thought birth control wasn't for me. I started to have hormonal imbalance problems a few months ago and had really horrific PMS 2 months in a row. The feelings I had were very similiar to those when I was on Aviane. To help with the hormones and to get my PMS a little more on track, as well as for the birth control itself, I went on Yaz. I have to say I haven't felt happier emotionally for a long time.
Birth control side effects are a touchy subject... no matter how many bad things you read about something, you won't know until you try. The Aviane was a nightmare for me... but maybe it works for somebody else. Yaz works for me... but it won't work for everyone.

[bean0]

So iv been taking yaz for  almost a year now. the 6 months i loved it yaz regulated my period. it was hard wheni would first start my emotions would go a bit out of wak i would get a bit of nausea if i took the pill in the AM.  This past 6 months i have been experiancing severe depresion and anxioty. i tend to cry uncontrolably i get sad about everything. iv experianced dryness in my v zone severe yeast infections and the itching and burning continues even when its gone.  

[CinciTuckyMom]

Tomorrow I am going back to my reproductive endocrinologist whom I haven't seen for almost three years now.  Long story short:
2000 - Diagnosed with PCOS, put on Glucophage to remove cysts and hopefully get pregnant.  2003 - First child born.  2005 - Second and last child born at age 40.  2006 - Went on Yasmin but changed a year later due to an insane amount of bleeding.  2007 - Went on Yaz instead and bleeding was much better but libido decreased tremendously and seven months later, had a HUGE anxiety attack while out of town for a conference.  My GP put me on Lexapro, felt good for about 3 months, and then we stepped me off of it because I assumed it was ennvironmental stressors and not linked to Yaz.  Two months later, another huge anxiety attack.  Now I really think it is the Yaz.  I have no idea what "normal" is for me anymore and so it is back to the RepEndo to see what he says.  I'll post again and let you know what he says.

[ashima1]

Last year, my doctor put me on Yaz. I took it for 1 month, and decided to stop taking it because I was experiencing severe mood swings: uncontrollable crying, constant saddness, panic, suicide thoughts, etc. My boyfriend got so worried about me that he swears I should never be on the pill again. I didn't even pay attention to my weight, as I hated myself anyway! It was rough.
In comparison, I was on the patch for two years back in 2003, and if the patch had any impact on my emotions, it was a positive one as I experienced less mood swing around the time of my period. I stopped the patch because numerous negative news came out and I got nervous.

Hope this helps.
I am never

[Yasmeen]

This is my second week taking Yaz, first week was fine but this second week is horrible. I have extreme nauseous, tired, headache, extreme appetite, depressed, angry and anxious for no reason. I consider myself a happy go lucky person, but since taking Yaz, i am a different person. I have no desire to do anything, constantly obsessing and worrying about anything and everything. My doc did tell me about the side effects, but how long are the side effects going to last? I read the thread here, only a couple of ladies here mentioned that the side effects went away after few weeks or a couple of months, most of the ladies here quit Yaz after a month.
I dont think i can stand another week.

[Jules85]

Since I started taking this I haven't stopped spotting - it's been nine days. Is this abnormal? How long did it take you ladies to stop spotting after starting YAZ? I'm tempted to stop taking it if this doesn't let up soon.

[msspider]

I just started taking Yaz almost 2 weeks ago and I am feeling so bad, I felt ok the first week and this second week I feel like I have had the flu all week, I usually go to the gym almost everyday and I haven't even been able to get out of my pajamas this week, I had to have my husband come home from work to help me with my 2 year old because I felt so nausea, tired, weak, angry, body aches severely, hot flashes and chills, I hadn't been on birth control for almost a year and decided to get back on it because my PMS was so bad, my Dr. suggested Yaz for the PMS and such, big mistake I think, I have had headaches, cramping, constipation, and the worst of all insomia, I have had a horrible time sleeping since I have been on Yaz, I think I will stop taking it, I would rather have the PMS for a couple days than months of  flu symtoms!  

[mbongo]

My college age daughter started taking Yaz to help with PMS symptoms in Aug 2006.  The first 2 months were ok, but then she noiced that her legs were sensitive when they were touched.  For months she never associated this with Yaz.  Then she started noticing weight gain and an enormous appetite.  In the spring she noticed that she felt emotional all of the time and never wanted to go out with her friends like she used to. By May 2007, she was experiencing heart palpitations (she had to have an EKG!) and had managed to gain ~10 pounds on her 98 lb frame. Her breasts had gained a cup size and she now had stretch marks on her thighs and hips.  All of this was worse than the PMS!!  Even though the Drs. wouldn't admit that the heart palpitations were due to the pill- we know they were.  She stopped taking the pill in June and without dieting; her weight went back down to 98 lbs., the palpitations disappeared, her emotions calmed down and the sensitivity on her legs were almost gone by Aug 2007.  What an experience!! I would not recommend this pill for anyone- the side effects aren't worth it.  My daughter started taking Magnesium glycinate 600 mg per day and tried to get 1000 mg of Calcium per day and this had done wonders for her PMS symptoms.  The research that we did showed that alot of PMS symptoms are due to low magnesium and calcium levels.  Natural is always better than medications!!  

[maw92]

My daughter has also been taking Yaz. Until recelty we didnt put the probelms she was having together with Yaz. Like most of these post here, she has had severe probelms with this BC. Heart rate going up, leg probelms, nausea,migranies.( All of these syptoms (symptoms) she has never had UNtil YAZ!) She even had the Ambulance called on her for not being able to breath, and they said she was having a panic attack.
All i can say is if you are on this and dont have probelms you are one of the lucky ones. Again thank goodness for internet, other wise we would be going out of our minds trying to figure out what was wrong with her, not to mention all the test they ran with nothing wrong also.

[jenme]

I just wanted to add to my post...Not only did I gain 10 lbs. in 3-4 months, but I went to see dr. about other possible reasons for weight (thyroid, etc.) & my cholesterol was 315!!!  They immediately put me on a diet & exercise plan.  It has been hard to lose the 10 lbs. even doing that!  I have also noticed the new growth in my big toenails is very different from the old growth of toenail.  Almost like it is lower to my skin & old growth is raised up more.  Don't know if this is related, but I thought I would mention it.  Cholesterol is related I believe!

[ergmg]

I have been using Yaz for a little over 1 year now and until now everything was great. I took it initially for acne control and birth control. A little spotting here and there but no big deal. Just this month I have started to get very anxious and moody. I really thought I was going crazy. We have been having financial dificulties and had 2 roberies so I thought that was causing it but today I just had an attack and I felt like I was going to loose it, it's like my nerves are shot, my hands were shaking it was terrible. It is causing me marital problems as well as my husband and I constantly fight now and I have very low libido (I have to forse myself). I don't think anything is funny anymore and I have just turned into a grouch. It's good to know that it might be the Yaz and not that I am loosing my mind.

[stacr83]

I was using Yasmin for several years in college and I loved it. I lost probably 10lbs in the first 8 months. I never had a problem taking it, but I switched for some other personal reasons that now I regret. When I switched I was put on estro-step which I have now taken for about 3 years. I havent really had anything great happen or anything horrible on estro-step, but I was happier on Yasmin than this. When I went to the doctor last week I told her I wanted to go back on the yasmin, but she told me to try the Yaz because it is a low dose. I just started my period and I should be starting my new pack this coming sunday and Im not to sure if I want to start Yaz after reading some of these stories. Can someone help me decide if I should start these pills or not?

[Hayley723]

Everyone's body reacts differently, but I have been on many different kinds of pills, and the yaz is definitely not similar to the other low dose pills I was on and had no issues with. After this month I'm not taking Yaz anymore. I never gain weight and I'm a healthy eater and I've been gaining weight, 3lbs. w/in the first 2 months, then 2 more lbs. in the next month and I'm very, very bloated. On my body the weight shows, I'm not very tall. I also feel so much rage in general but especially the week before my period I could just kill someone. I hate these pills and have only heard awful stories from other people and tried to give them a chance, but the pills suck!

[shannonwooten]

I didn't take it for long... only about 2-3 weeks (Got a shot of penicillin since I had strep, which knocks out BC for 10 days... never continued...)
I hear that yaz is suppose to help with acne.... Well, I never really had a problem with acne, besides maybe a blemish or two right before the start of my period... but when I started taking Yaz, I broke out. I also spotted the whole time I was on it.

I wish you luck... everyone is so different.

[Danana]

OK- I've been on Yaz for 3 weeks, have only been able to sleep every other night, having crying jags, gained 10 lbs, headaches, breast pain, and panic attacks. I don't normally have these problems, I wanted to start the pill for physical PMS symptoms & acne. Of course, my OB said I must have depression but I know it's the pill. It's different for everyone.

[embug]

(I take birth control to help with my moods. I have tried several different kinds in the past 10 years) Reading these comments has blown my mind! I happen to be the exact opposite of most everybody. Yaz seemed to completely cure my pms/pmdd episodes, along with the urge drink alcohol, over eat- i actually LOST weight- it kept my skin clear... however i bled for practically 8 months straight and refused (for that reason) to take it any longer. Since I've been off, I'm back to drinking everyday, quit my job (AGAIN- since the last time I went off), my face is broken out, i feel anxious, yet creative again.... I guess this is the real me and i better learn to deal, because i'm not wearing a pad for the rest of my life.    

[BrandyLynn31]

I am on my fourth pack of Yaz pills and just this month had a little spotting during ovulation time.  The only other symptom I have noticed is breast tenderness.  I have had bouts of aniety/depression in the past.  I haven't noticed any anxiety since starting this pill.  I started this pill for birth control, pms, and adult acne.  I have noticed an improvment in all these areas.  I really needed to get my hormones back on track.  
I take the pill before going to bed so I haven't experienced any nausea.  I hope this helps.  I have been happy using this pill so far.  There seems to be a lot of bad experiences written but like one lady said, it will affect everyone differently.
I took Yasmin a few years ago and I feel like that pill gave me more anxiety attacks and depression.  I also bled alot.  I stopped taking this pill after a few weeks because I felt like it pushed me over the edge.  I had reservations about starting Yaz because I was afraid of the same thing happening again but like I said so far so good.  No real big complaints.
Thank you

[godessm2]

I am finishing up my 6th month on Yaz, and I just called my doctor. It's time to switch especially after reading all of your side effects. Finally it all makes sense! I have been extremely tired. But can't get enough food in my mouth. Gained at least 10 pounds and the bloating and gas it no fun also. At first I spotted for two weeks the first two months I took Yaz then I had no period at all. Yes it helped my cramps and back aches. But I'll gladly take some advil instead, and I'd rather have a period instead of not fitting into my clothes, I go to the gym 3 times a week, so after reading your info I understand the weighted gain. I also have noticed the anxiety more and more with each month.Good luck girls. Not the pill for everyone!

[Lilmissmovie]

I am so happy to read I am not alone in this! Since I began Yaz over a year ago I have been gaining so much weight -- at least 10-20 pouds. At first I used to get y-infections every month, and now it is every few months! I get bloated and uncomfortable. But the worst symptom by far is the mood swings. One minute I am fine and the next minute I want to punch someone. I get so angry, upset, irritated, and emotional- I hate it! I am never like this. I also get extremely lethargic and tired, all I want to do is lay on the couch and do nothing...I'm usually pretty active and excited, but this pill has turned me into someone I am not- almost like a monster.

It's started to affect my friendships and relationships. I have to get off it!

Any advice to which pill to switch to?? I need one with low estrogen levels.  

[Gina30]

Hey Girls,

I just started taking Yaz 3 months ago.  I don't normally respond to internet sites, but since I am experiencing such high anxiety I feel the need to voice my opinion. Yaz is making me become very anti social.  I feel so bloated and fat. The side effects are making me depressed.  I usually feel sexy and skinny. I just missed a very important company party because I did not have anything to wear. But, the strange thing is I have tons of clothes in my closet and just went shopping for 8 hours. The thing is no matter how perfect the outfit is I'm still going to feel unattractive because this pill is making believe that I'm fat and ugly.  And not to be conceited I am a very attractive female. So, I refuse to take this pill and advise all of you to stop and notify your doctor of the negative side affects. Lets save other girls from falling in to depression. Thank You!! Stop the cycle!!

[shpgrl1231]

I have been taking Yaz for about four months now... I had been on Seasonal for several years but stopped due to always spotting at the end of the last month before I got my period. Spotting was nothing compared to what Yaz has done... I will feel completely fine and then out of no where its like I am on the verge of a nervous break down. I feel depressed for no reason (there isn't anything wrong in my life at the moment) and I experience anxiety from time to time. I have never felt depressed, I am a very positive person. I have a huge sex drive and when I first began the pill I hardy wanted to engage in sex. This isnt bad anymore, thank goodness. Another thing I find very strange is that I feel the urge to cry for no reason at all, and out of no where.... I am switching pills asap!

[madison77]

I've been on Yaz for only eight days and have not only noticed breast tenderness, which I've never had as a premenstural symptom, but also have had very low energy and experienced a severe onset depression, feeling extremely low and emotional.  I exercise daily, weigh 120 lbs; however, concerned that this BC pill will casue weight gain, after what I've read here.  I am seriously considering switching pills.  

Does anyone have a preferred pill that they think has the least likely chance of causing weight gain and maintaining one's sanity?

Thanks!

[Jaclyn17]

I am 17 and I just started taking this 2 weeks ago. I have been having very bad headaches and I have been losing weight because I hav'nt been eating much. What do I do?

Any Advice

[marymoose]

I originally started taking yaz to control my acne and regulate my periods.  I've been taking it for 8 months and I loved it at first because my acne disappeared, my periods became normal and my boobs got bigger, but now i'm starting to notice the side effects.  I want to stop taking it, but my main worry is if acne will come back.  Has anybody quit yaz and have their acne return??  
Thanks!

[dawgfan85]

i am 45 years old..............took ortho novum back in the day..from age 18 till i decided to start having kids at the age of 33........loved the pill...was off for several years, then sister had breast cancer so obgyn would not let me be on it till Yaz......low dose pill with less risk, supposedly.  i think this is going to be my last month.....have been on it for 6 months and have had EXTREME ophthalmic migraines (floaters), have completely skipped periods (freaking me out), have been very gassy and bloated, and have gained 20 pounds!!!  Huge increase in appetite!  I do not recommend this at all!  BEWARE

[cakes1107]

I have been taking Yaz for about 3 months and being 32 and having endometrosis I have been on the pills for years. The last two I was one was Seasonal & Seasonique which I stopped taking due to thew cost of my insurance. Since taking yaz I still cramp pretty bad but I have NEVER had a problem with acne in my life except the occasional pre-period pimple. Now I have broken out soooo bad that my back is covered and had them all over my face. These were not just the little pimple that comes up and gone two days later these are the swollen ones that hurt and have huge knots under them. I do believe it is because of Yaz and after today I will be off of them and hoping that I will be able to get rid of this acne that I suddely have.

[ucigirl84]

I have been on YAZ for about six months and have just had my OB take me off of it.  I was told the side effects would only last a month.  Six months later I have had drastic changes in my personality, depression, apathy, lower sex drive, constant hunger, swelling, headaches, vision problems and chest pain, dizziness, fatigue, naseua, weight gain, paranoia and just a general feeling of being off.  I didn't feel like myself.  I documented all this in a journal and finally got to a point where I couldn't take it anymore.  I have recently gone off the pill and am finally starting to feel like myself again.  I don't know if I will try another birth control pill but I do know I will never take YAZ again and I will not recommend it to anyone!

[oupiphi]

Yaz = SPAZ!!

:(

I have been taking Yaz for only 2 weeks and noticed a tingling sensation in my left hand.. what does this mean?  I have taken Ortho TriCyclen for years and my OB/GYN gave me some samples of Yaz to help combat migraines.  I have noticed that I have been very irritable and my breasts are tender and my vision at night is horrible.  I cannot brush my teeth without getting sick  (I have taken 2 pregnancy tests because I experienced the same symptoms when I was pregnant with my daughter 2 years ago..)  My migraines have moved from above my eyes to behind my eyes and Imitrex is no longer working!  All pregnancy tests are negative and I know that the booklet says that this can happen, but my goodness!  No thank you.  I will be switching back to my TriCylcen immediately!

[lz1203]

Hi, this is the first time I have ever posted on a forum like this and the reason I am is because I am very thankful that I have found similar stories like mine since being on Yaz birth control. I started taking it 3 months ago to help with acne and within a month or so of taking it I started experiencing anxiety like never before...at first I thought it was because I was experiencing alot of stress in school but I've been done with school for about 2 weeks now and my anxiety has gotten WORSE...to the point where I experienced 2 panic attacks and I never have had these before...I was flying home from a vacation yesterday and I have flown MANY times before this and I had 2 panic attacks on the plane...something that scared me to death and the reason I am attributing it to this pill is because I have never been this anxious before in my life. I haven't experienced very many of the other side effects people have talked about except bouts of depression and trouble sleeping, the anxiety is the big thing and I'm calling my doctor in the morning to talk about getting off this pill...usually I do not take the time to share something like this but I felt like I should to let people know you are not alone, and I'm thankful to hear that my feelings about this pill might be accurate..now I'm just scared the acne will come back but I figure there has got to be other alternatives because I am a nervous wreck. NOT WORTH IT...

[stsummer]

i too just stopped taking Yaz.  i have not been on birth control in 7 years but decided to give Yaz a try to help with acne and pms problems.  i am 28 yrs old and my husband and children could not understand what happened to their mother.  the first week i did not experience very bad side effects the usual nausea headache stuff.  then the second week very bad moodiness, depression, anxiety.  friday night i was rushed to the ER due to a severe panic attack.  i thought i was going to die.  i have never had anything so awful happen to me.  now that i have read others comments everything is adding up.  i was suffering severe side effects due to Yaz.  the ER dr. told me to keep taking but i will never put Yaz in my system again.  i have now started spotting and i can't wait for Yaz to be out of my body.

[toniya]

I have only been on yaz for two days to regulate my periods because I have not been getting my periods regularly. I had my first panic attack the first day of the pill (have not had a panic attack in a long time) and I felt angry. The second day I felt sick, dizzy and extremely angry. I almost started to cry at work and felt like I was losing it and going to have a breakdown. I called my doctor and left a message with his nurse. I'm on wellbutrin as well.  On the YAZ pamphlet it says to talk to your doctor before taking this medicine if you have had depression. What does my obgyn know about depression??? I also have mitro-valve prolapse and it also states if you have heart valve problems not to take this pill. All I know how I felt in just two days is miserable. Will this go away or just get worse???  

[delacoeur]

I'm 22 and getting married in two weeks...if my fiance still wants to marry the crazy person I've become.  I started on Yaz a month and a half ago just for simple birth control and I haven't had any physical side effects (which, reading the rest of these posts, makes me feel pretty lucky).  No weight gain, no bloating, although it didn't help with PMS symptoms as much as I'd hoped it would. :) But I've been living with extreme anxiety and depression since--so bad that I've contemplated suicide before I realized what I was doing (remember that I'm engaged and have my whole life ahead of me and am usually an optimist). I've also been exhausted, unable to get up and play with my kindergartners or do as much in the evenings as I used to.
I'm afraid of switching to another birth control because of the possibility of worse physical side effects--I just lost 45 pounds and can't handle it if I gain it back--but I can't continue on emotionally the way I am. My relationship with my fiance is strained because I'm miserable and irritable, my job is threatened by my exhaustion. Please, someone tell me whether these symptoms might possibly get better after the three-month mark, whether I should test if for another month and a half or if you think I should switch now. I would really appreciate some real-life experience of someone getting better rather than worse, just so I can have some hope! :) Thank you for your feedback.

[Hayley723]

I'm having the same issues with it. My gyn just switched me to loestrin fe and said it might make these side effects better, but no change yet, I;m still miserable. I hear ya, and this pill **** sucks!!!

[ashley7982144]

I currently STOPPED taking Yaz.  I was on it for almost 8 months.  The side effects were crazy.  First it started out with this horrible cramping...unbareable cramping.  I thought something was really wrong with my body.  My sex drive went way down, and I had depression and anger management issues.  The anger management was my biggest problem with taking Yaz.  I was starting to think i might have bipolar disorder, until I stopped taking Yaz and everything is back to normal again.  I feel great, with no depression, anxiety or anger issues.  I recently had a non hormonal IUD put in, and I think its the best decision I have ever made.  I've had that for about two months now.

[VCASILLAS]

I AM JUST FINISHING UP MY FIRST PACK OF YAZ AND I PERSOANLLY LOVE IT! I HAVE LOST PROBABLY 10 POUNDS. IT TOTALLY HELPS YOU LOSE ANY WATER WEIGHT! YOU WILL NOT HAVE ANY BLOATING! I NORMALLY HAVE BAD HEADACHES AND THOSE SEEM TO HAVE GONE AWAY. MY ONLY PROBLEM WAS MY BREAST SWELLED UP PRETTY BIG AND WERE VERY SORE FOR ABOUT A WEEK AND I GET VERY REALISTIC DREAMS!! BUT OTHER THAN THAT I LOVE IT! AND SO FAR I DONT EVEN GET A PERIOD WITH YAZ THE SAME WAY I DIDNT WITH THE DEPO. SO I THINK ANYONE THAT LIKED DEPO BUT DOESNT WANT TO GAIN WEIGHT OR HAVE THE LONG TERM EFFECTS OF DEPO THEY SHOULD GIVE YAZ A CHANCE. AND THERES SO MANY OPTIONS OUT THERE THAT IF YOU NOTICE ANY BAD SIDE EFFECT AFTER A WEEK JUST GO AND SWITCH IT!!!

[VCASILLAS]

I FORGOT TO ADD THAT IT ALSO CLEARED MY SKIN WITH THE FIRST TWO WEEKS!!! EVEN THE BREAKOUTS ON MY BACK ARE GONE. SO I LOVE YAZ ! AND SUGGEST GIVING IT A TRY!

[SindeeLee]

I am 39 years old and in peri-menopause.  I had been taking ortho tricycline and wanted a change after almost a year.  With the onset of the changes in hormones and onset of several menopausal symptoms, my doctor agreed to switch me to YAZ.  What a disaster!!  I began at 138 lbs in the beginning of March.  The first month was great! Then, huge "underground" zits...almost acne like skin issues.  Severe constipation, severe nightsweats, loss of sex drive, dryness, sleeplessnes and bloating so incredible, that it looks like I am 6 months pregnant.  I haven't had a period since February!  I thought I may be pregnant but several tests show negative.  All symptoms are similar to pregnancy!!  I hate this pill!! My doctor finally switched me back to my original.  Today, I am a bloated 150 lbs and miserable!!!
Don't do it

[lisa197397]

I started taking Yaz the first day of my period.  I really didn't experienced nausea, but that subsided within 2 weeks.  I have had constant bleeding for almost 3 weeks, I'm very moody, always tired and starving.  I didn't feel like this before starting the pill.

[coconut128]

I just started taking yaz last week, never had good luck with any birth conrtol pills, So far horrible shooting head, light sensitivity, flashes,floaters, also gaining weight, i heard good things about yaz and my dr. said that side effects usually mild and only last 3 months. Has anyone been on it long term and saw the side effects go away? Did anyone elses have the visual changes

[Mahaganee]

I used to be on Yaz...before that i was on Yasmin which is the sister birth control to Yaz. Yasmin is a slightly higher dose then Yaz and is supposed to not be as hard on the body as far as side effects. Yaz did its job for about 2 months before it just stopped working. I got my period basically every two weeks and it lasted for two weeks--talk about torture. Along with the prolonged bleeding I cramped terribly; I was always tired and absolutely had to switch. It definitely didnt work for me.

[Ltl1der7]

I am now switching back to Mircette after trying Yaz out for almost a year now.  At first, Yaz was great, I had lost 4 pounds but I'm tiny to begin with.  I'm 25, 5'2 and have never been over 115lbs.  I'm very active and am a ballet teacher, so I'm constantly working out.  I had become very emotional and angry but I thought that was normal because I had just switched pills.  I have now realized that this pill has made me extremely depressed.  I have had horrible highs and lows, can't sleep at night and had to go get Ambien to actually sleep through the night.  Since taking Yaz, I have had numerous anxiety attacks.  Also, about 6 months later of taking Yaz, I have now gained about 12 lbs. and I still work out every day.  I also have had the whole appetite growing which isn't normal, my bloating has gotten worse, I have more headaches and migraines...  I also feel as if I need to be checked in to a mental hospital because I just haven't been happy and this is suppose to be the happiest time of my life.  I'm planning my wedding and I've been so depressed that I've considered calling off the wedding...  which we've been engaged for 2 years because he is in the US Marine Corps.  He has made me so happy but Yaz has put a damper on me.

I do not recommend Yaz.

[greenkalit]

Subject: Boobs for sale!

I just started YAZ, and I'm in the 3rd week. I have a love hate relationship with it. At first I loved it, my emotions leveled out, I was not longer constantly hungry (emotional eater), I literally felt great for the first time in a long time. (Work 2 jobs, merger at one resulted in new job).

BOOBS: My boobs however, are huge! Ok, they were big to begin with (full C) now, they're pushing a full D. I'm 5'2, I gained 13 lbs, and that's alot for someone my height, but all my clothes still fit, so it may just be my boobs!

EMOTIONS: Yes, I too, am planning a wedding (boobs now don't fit in the dress anymore). I've had strange emotional workings too... like if what I'm really doing is capturing him and conquering him. Bizarre, but better than they were.

FOOD: I can't eat more that about 300 cals or I get really bad nausea.  So I just eat really small meals now, and I feel better.

[yasminsurvivor]

Reading all of the posts here is very scary. My life has been seriously affected by taking yasmin for four years. If I only knew back then what I know now. Please consider the long term effects of taking any birth control pill, not just yasmin or yaz. They primarily work by putting your ovaries to sleep. The pill shuts down your own natural production of hormones and replaces them with lab manufactured hormones. Yasmin caused me to develop B12 deficiency, extreme anxiety, food intolerances, low libido and many more problems. All along I just persevered with the pill because I thought it was just my body trying to adjust. Now of course I know it was my body trying to fight the terrible changes been forced on it. After a lot of specialist fertility treatment and readjustment I am recovering. But please think about this before you take any artificial hormones. Do not trust the word of a doctor who has never taken any pill. The usual medical advice is to try the pill for 3 months before asking to be switched. Is this how long it takes a woman's body to accept the hormones or how long it takes the body to give up trying to tell the woman something?  It may be very politically uncorrect to express my opinion that all hormonal contraception should be banned. But after many years of research and personal experience, that is the conclusion I have come to. Nobody yet knows what the long term effect of all the women who are now in their twenties and thirties taking the pill will be. Perhaps the effects will not become obvious until us women are in our fifties or sixties. I am a member of a forum called yasmin survivors. I probably cannot post links so if any body is interested, just google yasmin survivors and it should take you to the forum where you can read of other women's horrific side effects with yasmin and other birth control pills.
I hate to think of any other women going through the terrible long term side effects that hormonal contraception can cause. For any woman taking yasmin or other bcp for skin problems etc, please consider that if you are having those problems, then it is because you have a hormonal imbalance. It will not be fixed by adding in a hormone (Artificial estrogen or progestegin) that is completely different to your own. It is much easier fixed by using a natural progesterone cream to increase the bodies level naturally. Diet and avoidance of food that you are intolerant to can also help immensely. I know this to be true because I have been there myself.
yasmin survivor

[MrsGibbs777]

I cannot believe what I am reading.....I thought this was suppose to be that 'perfect pill' in helping me to deal with my extreme pms symptoms each month.  This is my second cycle on Yaz.  The first cycle, I experienced bloating, fatigue, headaches, spotting, and anxiety.  I am on my second cycle (mid-cycle) and this morning I woke up with break through bleeding.  I think this is my actual period!  This is not your typical light spotting.  I am so angry right now. I stepped on the scale and noticed I've GAINED two lbs....Now I am in the process of losing weight. I had lost 31 lbs recently.  I weighed myself just two days ago.....so this increase occurred in just the past few days.I am very bloated and my back is aching (which is typical for me during my periods). I cannot believe that my period has started again midcyle....Two periods in a month??? Come ON.  At least I didn't have a pay for this ****.  I got two free samples.  I am throwing them out today.  No need to delay and be miserable.  I am going to prevent pregnancy naturally because this is causing too many problems....and before trying this, I tried Mirena which caused severe SEVERE problems.    

[bride2b]

I switched to Yaz in Nov07 primarily to help clear up my skin.  That part of the pill was great, but after a few months I started gaining weight.  Now I'm 12 lbs heavier than I was when I ordered my wedding dress.  I went off Yaz a month ago and am hoping to drop that weight before my Sept wedding.  Anyone have any experience on how long it took to get back to normal once you stop taking Yaz?

[Nikki27965]

I am 29 y.o. healthy, athletic runner and and previous Yasmin and Yaz user.  I've tried Nordette, OrthoTriCyclen, and Alesse before finding my perfect pill Yasmin.  I had been on Yasmin happily for 6 years at 5'7 120-125lbs.  My sex drive was awesome and I was a fun person who enjoyed life.  
My gyno recommended in September 2007 to change to Yaz which has half the amount of estrogen as Yasmin- quite a change although he said the two were "the same and Yasmin was phasing out."  Nope just another Dr. influenced by pharmaceutical companies giving out free samples encouraging their patients to switch.  We all know how hard it is to find a pill that works with our individual bodies.  Mistake!  This was the worst bc pill I have ever taken!  
So from September to January 2008 I got very depressed,I didn't want to go out or be with friends,had spotting, pain during sex, I had no desire to run or exercise!,extreme tiredness, got daily headaches, my eyes dried up so I could no longer tolerate my contacts and had to wear glasses all day, had no sex drive at all to masturbate or to be with my hot boyfriend,gained 5 lbs(mainly just felt like I was all puffy and always carrying water),vaginal irritation and dryness(so uncomfortable and difficult to explain to boyfriend during sex), hair loss...I thought I was going crazy and living in another body.  I thought I was going through an early menopause!
I went to another Dr. end of January who tested my blood for everything possible.  He gave me a lengthy interview.  It was embarassing to explain all my symptoms because I felt like he would think I was crazy.   He actually spent an hour with me talking.  Before I left that day he wrote me a script to go back to Yasmin.  I went back to normal finally and can't thank this doctor enough!  FYI all my blood work was normal. Changing the mcg of estrogen dramatically WILL affect you even 15mcg!  
Please everyone don't wait 5 months to get off a pill that is changing your personalityand/or life-it isn't worth it!!  Find a good doctor who will listen and won't prescribe whatever fad pill to you.  Everyone is different.  Thanks for all the posts I feel like I wasn't the only one!!

[Joanne77]

I have been taking Yaz for over a year and I didn't blame the pill for how I am feeling until now. My periods have been vey irregular. Some months I wouldn't get it other months I would get it when starting a new pack. I have no sex drive and I am very moody. I didn't get a peroid for 3 months then I got one for 2 weeks. Now I got it again when I started a new pack and I have had a period for 3 1/2 weeks. I am due to start a new pack soon and I don't know what to do. Has anyone had problems with their periods like this???

[Rach870]

I have been on Yaz for 8 months and am changing to Reclipsen tomarow.  I have had Major heart palpatations and shoertness of breath since I started yaz, I thought I was going to have a heart attack I had an EKG and it came back normal.  My period came early for the first 3 months and STOPED on the 4th month I have not had a period for 4 months now.  I am very short with my 5 and 2 year olds and have NO sex drive at all.  I am very happy to see that I am not the only one.
I hope this new pill wil help with all these problems.

[team77]

Can anyone tell me how long it took to get the side effects of YAZ out of your system?  Like when did the panic attacks/anxiety/headaches stop?  Any information will be most helpful as I am currently going through all of those symptoms and feel like I am going to have  stroke or heart attack!  Any ideas on how to get it out of your system quicker?  I took my last pill on Sunday June 1st.  Thanks!


All I can say is:   DO NOT TAKE YAZ!!!!!   Here is my story:
I have unexplained infertility; 4 miscarriages over 4 years; very sad about it and used food for comfort; gained weight.  In Jan 2008, we took back over our lives from infertility and I started working out, getting back in shape, etc.  However, every month when my period came, I couldn't work out- hurt too much.  Then it took another week to get back  motivated again to work out so I was getting no where.  At annual appt in April with gyn. asked to go back on pill so I would not have this problem and could cont. to loose weight/work out.  I asked for my old pill, but my gyn suggested YAZ.

Felt funny the first week I took it.  MD said it would go away.  Light period first month and LOVED it.  Then second week of second month started spotting.  Two weeks ago woke up from sleeping with heart POUNDING out of my chest couldn't catch breath.  I have had 3 ER visits with normal EKG's due to these "attacks".  Heart rate 150bpm blood pressure 130/90 or higher. (my normal is 110/70)     It is so bad I am now on zanax and a heart monitor.  I am now seeing a cardiologist.  I am 37 years old and have never been sick before other than normal colds/flu once a year and the unexplained infertility.  I am having severe headaches (never had a headache before), hurting in my neck/heart/back/lungs.  It is really, really, BAD.  The ER thinks I am just CRAZY.  They can find nothing wrong.  The ER MD did tell me to stop taking YAZ IMMEDIATELY.  The nurse (under the table) told me that YAZ is causing all kinds of problems and it could be mine.  I am being tested for all kinds of heart problems now.  

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE for your posts!  I now am hopeful that all of my problems are YAZ and that I will live.  I just wish I had researched it before taking it.  Thanks again to everyone!  

[yasminsurvivor]

Hi. You are most probably correct in thinking that yaz is causing your problems. For me yasmin caused the most irrational anxiety, panic attacks, temporary infertility, B12 deficiency, melasma, weight gain amd many more problems. Stop taking it. The medical profession appear to be finally realising that both of those pills are causing serious problems for women. Probably related to the new progestegen used called Drosperinone. Although to be honest I have come to the conclusion that no hormonal pill is ok. Seen as their purpose is to put our ovaries to sleep and replace our natural hormones with artificial hormones, it is no wonder so many women have problems.
I too had many trips to the emergency department to see why my heart would not beat at a normal rate. Eventually I was prescribed Xanax to try and control the anxiety attacks. But as soon as I stopped taking the Yasmin the anxiety lessened.
I am a member of a forum where all of the women on it have had experiences like you have had. Most of them have either taken yaz or yasmin. Please visit and read some of the posts to help you realise that you are not the only one suffering from this. If you google yasmin survivors you will locate our forum which is called createforum.com/yasminsideeffec.
Personally for me the anxiety took some time to stop. But I was taking Yasmin for 4 years. So it had a lot of time to do damage.
I have found that a really good multivitamin and a careful diet as in no caffeine, no gluten products and regular exercise has helped enormously.
Wish you the best of luck in recovery
yasminsurvivor

[harvickfan]

I've been on Yaz since last Oct. I am scared of bc because I've had problems in the past, but this one sounded amazing.  But since I've started taking it, on the white pill days, I might start my period on the 3rd or 4th pill and not stop for 6 days, other months I bleed for 2 weeks.  I'm also hungry a lot, and even though I don't give into my hunger, I haven't lost any of my pregnacy weight.  I take sleeping pills to sleep. I'm always moody, I have chest pains sometimes and I feel anxious a lot, I also have headaches, depression, low sex drive, and I notice I sweat a lot more.  I'm calling my doctor to see what can be done, I can't live like this anymore.   Thank you to all of your comments, they helped me to see I'm not crazy!

[annconstant]

I'm a 45 year old, mother of two young boys.  I have been taking Yaz for one year.  The first few months, Yaz did not cause negative side effects for me; however in the past six months, I have become a different person.  I'm generally easy going, but I've begun to yell and have bouts of rage.  I recently have been experiencing high anxiety and am having heart palpitations.  There is nothing else but Yaz that I can blame for these conditions, as I don't take any other medication and have never felt like this previously.  My EKG was normal, but I don't feel normal.  I will be switching birth control pills (or methods) immediately.  Thank you to all who have written about your experiences; now I know I'm not alone - and not crazy!

[pawsit]

I started Yaz a few weeks ago. Since I'm already an extremely anxious, moody person, I haven't noticed a change. I've lost about 10lbs, but then again I'm watching what I eat very carefully. My skin still has minor breakouts as usual too. Nothing out of the ordinary yet.

A few days ago what I thought was just normal discharge turned into a full blown yeast infection. I haven't had one of those in years. It's one of the main side effects of Yaz I wasn't looking forward too. Or maybe it was caused by the extreme humidity and the fact I wear jeans around all day. I sweat like an SOB down there.

My sex drive is a bit above normal lately. I just can't get enough. The boyfriend certainly ain't complaining.

The few days I've taken my pills late I have spotted very lightly. Now that I'm taking them on time, no spotting.

I guess I like it so far. I'm not crossing my fingers though. Well as long as things go well on Yaz, I'm getting Implanon this fall. I hate taking a pill every day.

[lilbum26]

Hi everyone!  It is nice to see other people out here that are having the same problems as me!!!  I have been on YAZ, for almost a year and have just recently started experiencing some issues.  I have had a lot of aniexty and panic attacks over stupid things recently, which are the reasons that prompted me to go out and look for things like this.  I have had some mild depression as well, along with heart palpitations, and racing heart beat.  I noticed this more when I wake up from taking a nap.  I have also been quite crazy, getting annoyed over stupid things starting fights over stupid things with my boyfriend.  I had seriously convinced myself that I am starting to go crazy.  I have heard from a few other people that I know that they have experienced some of the same issues.  Another thing, my sex drive is out the door, I could care less, and if I did care I have such a hard time with dryness its almost pointless to even try.  I am going off this pill starting today and I am not going to take any for awhile and try to get whatever this pill has done to my body out!  I don't recommend this to anyone! What frustrates me about the doctors is if you bring these to their attention instead of addressing them they just want to switch you to something else.  I think I am going to hold steady and refuse any birth control until I feel like I am back to normal.  Anyone, recently stop that knows how long that takes??

[team77]

Just thought I would update everyone on my situation and my post earlier.  I ended up being admitted to the hospital on Sunday June 8th.  I went to the ER with the same symptoms of not being able to breath, pain in heart, weakness, etc.  Of course they thought it was a panic attack until they saw me stand and my heart rate went to 170bpm doing nothing and my oxygen level dropped from 100 to 73 multiple times. My heart racing was so bad I couldn't function.  It was worse after sleeping all night.   I returned home Saturday June 14th.  The MD's wanted to d/c me on Tuesday with absolutely no diagnosis.  My family fought for me and we ended up finding out where the heart palpatations were coming from:   A SHUT DOWN ADRENAL GLAND.  All of my heart tests came back normal and fine.  I insisted on seeing an endocrine specialist and getting all the thyroid tests recommended on this site and other sites (free T4, T3, T4) and all hormone gland tests.  The MD's were not happy; however, in the end, they did find the problem.  My A&A test came back positive and one of the test showed something abnormal about my adrenal gland.  They tested my adrenal gland and basically it was not functioning at all.  They did a cortisol test and it came back further proving that my adrenal gland was not functioning at all.  There is a second test they have to run, but it is testing for the same drug that is found in YAZ, so the endocrine specialist said we had to wait 6 weeks to finish the adrenal test to allow the drospirenone to get out of my body.  From what I understand, the adrenal gland is sending false signals to my heart making it race out of control when I am at rest.  It is not doing its job when I try to move around and do simple things like brush my teeth or try to get dressed.  I had labs done at my annual visit to my gyn and all of them were normal before YAZ, so even thought the MD's will not come out and admit it, I KNOW that YAZ shut down my adrenal gland and is causing all of my heart problems.  I am having to live on beta-blockers until i can get into an endocrinologist which will be at least 4 months.  I am out of work for who knows how long.  I am hopeful that when I can get my adrenal gland functioning properly again, I will be off the beta-blockers and healthy again.  Please, please do not take this drug.  I cringe everytime I see a TV add for it.  God Bless You all for taking the time to post your information on this site.  It allowed me to request the right information while I was in the the hospital and find out what was wrong, rather than just the MD's giving me meds to mask my symptoms and sending me home.  The Yasmin survivor site it absolutely AWESOME!  THANK YOU yasminsurvivor for sending me to that site.    

Based on the fact I cannot have the second part of my adrenal test for 6 weeks, I am thinking it will take at least that long for the drugs to get out of my system.  They also want me to have at least 2 periods before the test.  I hope this helps someone else to get back to health.  God Bless you all!  -Windy

[yasminsurvivor]

I am so glad you have been able to get to the bottom of what is wrong. Well done for insisting on the correct tests. There are lots of good articles on the yasmin survivor site about adrenal fatigue, but I don't know if this is the same thing as a complete shut down of the adrenal gland. You must have been very scared. It seems to be a very common side effect of this awful pill that it causes adrenal problems.
Keep us posted on how you are doing. I wish you the best of luck.
yasminsurvivor

[xangelakayx]

I just wrote a long comment about my experience with Yaz and it erased! I will be sure to type it up again soon. Dont feel like doing it right now. BUT i do want to say this. I am on buspar (anxiety medicine) lamictal (mood swing and depression medicine) and have the prescription for zoloft (anti-depressant) this is all because I started taking Yaz and soon my mood went out of whack and I had no clue why. I didnt stop and put two and two together and see that it started happening a month after i started taking the pill. Since i am taking so many other medications now (that my dr. is confused on why they arent working well) it will be harder for me to get off of the yaz. Wish me luck because this has been a long roller coaster ride of depression moodiness and anxiety. I wouldnt suggest yaz to my worst enemy!!!

[JillyGirl]

Hi everybody! I want to thank all you lovely ladies for posting your comments. I was going into my fourth month of Yaz and had switched from Ortho-Tri-Cyclen Lo. I have been experiencing SEVERE Depression and Anxiety and like so many others, have wanted to cry all the time and have woke up every morning with sad thoughts and feeling the overwhelming feeling of wanting to just die and not knowing why. It has been so severe that it has been hard to function at work (even though I work in a gym and workout several times per week) and I have had zero sex drive for my precious and understanding fiancee (and he is a hottie and this is so not normal). It was ok the first month I started it(my skin did clear and I felt less bloated) but the DEPRESSION has gotten steadily worse and the last month has been unbearable to the point of not having a will to live (LITERALLY). And like so many of you, I am a very upbeat and successful person and have a lot to live for in life but this pill was taking away all my desire for living! PLEASE, DON'T TAKE THIS PILL IF IT STARTS CAUSING THESE HORRIBLE THOUGHTS LIKE IT HAS FOR ME. I am flushing these toxins down the toilet and getting off them and can't wait until they are fully out of my system and I can enjoy life as I have before and start planning for our beautiful wedding. Good Luck Ladies and remember there is hope, you just have to find out how to get it again:)

[xangelakayx]

I am going through the exact same thing. I lived with my boyfriend we wanted to move forward with our lives together and I had ZERO sexdrive too. I was like WTF because that is soo not like me! Also the depression was soo bad but I didnt realize it till 9 months later (because i thought i was just naturally crazy). I stop taking the pills in TWO days.. That feels like forever and a day away. I hate going to work. I am soo behind on my bills that I have to work double this week to catch up. I was sitting at my psychiatrist yesterday (yea thats where this pill has landed me) and I told him WHY am I having thoughts of suicide if i KNOW i would never do that but the thoughts wont go away!! I was supposed to go into work today but when I was getting ready for work I just started crying and couldnt do it. Knowing that this pill has completely pushed me over the edge I dread taking them at night. Like tonight I was like I cant believe I am having to put this into my body!! I am glad that the end of my pack is in two days instead of 15! But for me my loving boyfriend just couldnt hang in there and didnt understand because i am taking every pill in the world and he lost hope of me getting better. We are still friends and if things turn around (which i pray they do) we are talking about trying it again! I like reading these posts knowing other people are going through the same thing. It keeps me positive.

**This part is to anyone and everyone!!! Once I stop taking the pill how long does it take to get out of my system. Anyone have a estimate of time on that?? If so let me know because I dont know how much longer i can hang in there. I literally want to drive my car off a bridge. I even told my mom and that she was soo  upset.**

[yasminsurvivor]

Hi to all
xangelakayx
I totally understand how terrible you feel at the moment. But please believe me that this terrible anxiety will go away almost as soon as you stop taking this pill.
It will be like the difference between day and night. Most probably the reason you are having such terrible anxiety is because Yaz/Yasmin tends to make your own natural progesterone level very low. Low progesterone causes bad anxiety. Also something to consider is that your B vitamins may have been depleted while on Yasmin. I found that a good quality multi-vitamin helped a lot with anxiety and other problems caused by yasmin. Beware though that too much vitamin B can worsen anxiety.
Do continue to share with someone close to you how badly you feel. It is very hard for us women to know how much our personalities have changed while on this pill. Sometimes only the people who know us very well will be the only ones to realise.
I am a member of a forum that has many great women who have all been through what you are going through now. Even just to read some of their experiences may help.
I cannot post links so if you want to visit, log on to
createforum (dot) com / yasminsideeffec
Or google yasmin survivors forum.
I wish you and all on here the best of luck. There is light at the other end of the tunnel. It just takes a while to get the yasmin/yaz out of your system.
yasminsurvivor

[paris73]

I was recently put on Yaz for my PMDD and all I can say it is one of the worst side effects I have had from a medication. I instantly started having headaches, nausea, hot flashes and light headed. I started having spotting after a few days and vomitting. My doctor totally ignored me when I reported these conditions to him and said that I might be coming down with a flu or something. Now, for the past two days I have stopped this pill and I am having heavy bleeding it is really the worse. I even felt like I was going to pass out and hit my brand new car on the side of the road. I also missed work. I hope it works for some of you but be careful. I wish that they would research these medications a little better instead of making money of us.

[xangelakayx]

This is my second day off the pill. Of course I still have all the problems I have had the past nine months BUT i am just flat out excited to be off of it. I am hanging in there. Oh yea today was my first day back to work in a week.. I had to force myself. I need to be able to pay my bills!

[sunnyorchid]

I switched to Yaz about 7 months ago after taking Loestrin for a couple of months.  Loestrin made me ANGRY and upset almost constantly.  I had major ups and downs!  I literally felt insane.  My sex drive dropped tremendously.  Plus, it gave me cotton mouth...my doctor didn't seem to think Loestrin was causing any of these symptoms (she just said I should drink more water), but to appease me, she had me swith to Yaz.  

I have no mood swings anymore (on Yaz)...except maybe the normal PMS for a couple of days before starting my period.  My skin has NEVER looked this good in my entire life.  I absolutely love my super clear complexion now!  However, my boobs are HUGE now...which isn't necessarily a bad thing.  They hurt for a couple of months, but not anymore...they're just almost 2 cup sizes bigger!!  

The reason why I've been reading forums on YAZ was to see if anyone was experiencing weight gain.  I knew I had gotten curvier.  But now I feel like I look 3 months pregnant.  I've always had a very flat stomach!  I exercise & have not changed my eating habits.  I just thought maybe my metabolism is changing because I'm 32...the whole 30's thing.  Maybe that is the case??  I went to the doctor today (for a different reason), and they weighed me.  I've gained almost 10 lbs in the last 7 months!!!!  I have never had weight issues my entire life.  So this is stressful for me.  I love my clear complexion...but is it worth feeling chubby?  

I'm seriously considering going off the pill and just using condoms....

[sanejane]

I really love the effort all you ladies put into alerting others of the dangers of this drug, otherwise we'd all think we're NUTS! I had the copper-t (iud with no hormones) for four months but experienced awful, round-the-clock pain, very heavy periods lasted for 3 weeks and my lower abdomen was bloated 5 inches the whole time. I couldn't take the pain anymore so I had a chat with my Gyno and let him know I would give hormonal bc a try, but please nothing that will make me crazy. He said the 'perfect pill has come out, yaz'. First week was bad, but I knew it would be so I stuck with it. First 2 months were great, my periods were short, no cramps, skin looked beautiful, no bloating, lost 3lbs. The next 4 mo. I gained 8lbs, appetite multiplied, bloating and gas, constipation, no sex drive, very dry and pain in vagina, headaches, depression, anger, 2 periods a month, heart palpitations, blurry vision and floaters. FATIGUED all day long no matter how much caffein I took, I could not do my 6 mile jogs anymore or even walk to get the mail. I was sleeping 9hrs a day and still felt tired. I don't like to swear, but now feel as I have tourrets. I have always been know as kind and super patient, NOT ANYMORE!! It's been 7 days since I took my last pill, I'm bloated 2inches all over my body and stater spotting today. I've been working out and trying to eat normal portions and have told my hubby all about it so he can give me extra love and compassion as I go thru this roller coaster of emotions. I purchased the LadyComp and I'm taking Wild Yam for bc (google them for more info). I don't EVER want to mess with my hormones again.

[SNT]

I've only been taking Yaz for a little over three weeks, but I am already having some of the side effects you ladies are talking about...
Already I have put on a few pounds, I am constantly hungry, Very irratible(I can go from OK to angry in 2.5 seconds), I have cramping, constant bloating, and feel tired all the time.
One of my concerns was moodiness, I have tried Orthotrycyclin, the Nuva ring and others and had to come off because of how emotional I had become. Another concern was weight gain..which my doctor said wouldn't happen because it acts as a water pill and I wouldn't carry any water weight. This is supposed to be such a great pill but so far the only benefits I see are soft and clear skin.Should I just go off or try something else?? Any suggestions??

[cdfrank]

I started yaz 3 months ago and not had 1 period during that time.  3 weeks ago i took my self off the pill and still have not had a period.  ive taken 3 pregnacy tests all negative.  Please someone let me know if this could be a side effect to.

[Ladypanther08]

My doctor put me on Yaz to regulate my periods. My mother didn't support me taking it so i didn't take it for a while. I started having nausea with my period so i decided to start taking it b/c my doctor said that it would rid me of my PMDD symptoms. I have taken the pill for two days, my period has ended and i have had nausea both days of taking it. After reading these posts about gaining weight and going crazy, i have thrown my pills away. I am going to be a freshman in college in the fall. I can't be gaining this much weight and going crazy. Thanks to everyone for posting these horrible side effects. I would rather deal with periods that last for two weeks than go crazy with anxiety attacks, weight gain, etc.

[USCprincess514]

I have been on Yaz for about 4 months.  The first week of every pack, I have awful nausea.  I have also gained 10 lbs.  I am very athletic and have a very small frame, so this weight shows very badly.  I head all birth control makes you gain weight but none of my girl friends have put on this much weight in such a short amount of time.  As for the skin, it has helped with the breakouts but nothing extrordinary.  And it has done nothing for my mood swings and my bloating has only gotten worse.  For the most part, this pill is awful.  One plus though, my chest has grown a whole cup size.  But its not worth it. I do not recomment this pill to anyone. I am in the process of switching pills.  If anyone has any recommendation please let me know. Thanks.

[AgMomof2]

I am on my second week of Yaz-put on it for really bad PMS and extremely heavy periods. (When my period came back after having my daughter and nursing her for a year, my PMS symptoms got progressively worse each month.) So far I am far from impressed. I like that it has cleared my skin and my husband says I seem calmer on it, but that isn't how I feel. I am having swings from extreme calm to extreme anxiety (close to full blown panic attack) and back again. I am easily irritated and have had heart palpatations since the second day on this medicine. I feel like I am going to black out if I stand up even normally--have to stand VERY slowely to avoid the feeling and am tired a lot. I just started having irregular bowel issues a few days ago and cramping too. I spoke to my GYN b/c I read on YAZ's OWN WEBSITE that the heart palps and faint feeling can be dangerous. She wants me to stick it out through the month. If I still can't handle the symptoms, she'll switch me but she said she won't until next cycle--whether I stop the pill now or at the end of the month. I am trying to stick it out b/c I figure 2 hormonal fluxes (going from off the pill to on it) is better than 3 (on, off, on something else). From what I have read on this site and many others, these sympyoms don't stop and only get worse as time goes on. I used to be on Desogen (before my two kids) and did really well on it--no problems, light periods, no side effects. I told my GYN this....why was I stuck on YAZ? If it isn't broken, don't fix it!  I think they are trying to market this drug and get kickbacks while we poor suckers just suffer through it. Bleh! I am sticking out the month and that is it for this poison. I am documenting all of my problems, so if something happens to me (remember the heart palps?), I will have proof of what symptoms I had and when and proof that I contacted my GYN to try to switch.

[DannysBecca]

I started Yaz two months ago.  I was put on it because I had not had a normal period in about three years.  I spotted nearly every day, absolutely random, occasionally it would skip a few days or even a week, at one point I went for eight months with no bleeding of any kind.  The first month was awesome.  The random spotting that was driving me crazy stopped the first day I took the pill and everything was great, but then I got to the inactive pills.  The day of the third inactive pill I started having the most painful cramps I have ever experienced.  On day 9 of the most painful period ever I wound up in the ER for disorentation, pain, and the severe bleeding in general.  They did a transvaginal ultrasound and told me that my uterine lining was extremely thick, most likely due to not having a regular period for so long, and that I had a lot of bleeding to do.  I am now on day 23, the bleeding has gotten no better, only now I am starting to have clots.  I spoke on the phone with my doctor and begged that she prescribe something to make this stop and she insisted I should wait it out and "give the Yaz a chance to work".  I am starting to get depressed, I have absolutely no self worth, and I couldn't care less about things that are important to me.  This is ruining my life.  In my opinion, this is a horrible drug.  I will be calling my doctor first thing tomorrow and demanding a different birth control.

[Allison10249]

I can't even express my distress.  I think anyone taking this birth control should be very careful of their emotions and mood.  After reading and hearing from word of mouth, everyone who had taken YAZ and has had these terrible suicidal and anxious feeling, I am definitely taking myself off YAZ immediately.  I have had trouble with anxiety and depression in the past, but this pill (YAZ) has reintroduced these terrible feelings again.  I almost broke up with the love of my life.  Take charge of your body!!!  Trust your judgement and take yourself off YAZ before it's too late.  

[mazymagnolia]

I'm so relieved to see that other people are feeling the same way I do.  I'm so tired of hearing that it's all in my head.
I switched from Nuva-Ring to Yaz in October '07, so I've been taking Yaz for about 9 months now.  I have gained 20 pounds and for the life of me CANNOT seem to lose it.  I work out 90 minutes/day, 4 days a week, and eat very healthy (and no, it's not muscle weight b/c my clothes aren't fitting any better either!).  I feel like I'm constantly bloated, I have horrible constipation (we're talking once a week!).  I have no energy whatsoever no matter how much rest/sleep I get.  I'm depressed all the time and very moody...some days I just want to sit and cry.  I'm a newlywed and it is really putting a strain on my marriage.  I have an appt. next month for my yearly and I plan on stopping Yaz and either switching to something else, or just getting off BC all together.  Does anyone have any insight as to what I can expect if I just completely stop taking BC?

[spotty1]

I stumbled across this forum by accident... I have been noticing that my scalp/ hair are emitting a strange sort of burning smell, and I wondered if it might have something to do with increased sun sensitivity from taking Yaz (anyone else experienced this?).  I started taking this pill 2 months ago after struggling through an unexpected pregnancy and a miscarriage.   I assumed my extreme depression, anxiety and constant spotting were caused by the hormonal changes after the miscarriage.  Now I have to wonder if it has been the Yaz the whole time.  I've also had some pain in my legs (calves specifically), trouble sleeping, terrible motion sickness & nausea any time I get into a car. ( No noticable weight gain or increase in breast size yet.)  I've been patiently hoping that my body would eventually right itself, but reading all of these stories makes me want to stop taking Yaz right away.   Does anyone out there know of a truly safe and effective form of birth control?

[USCprincess514]

Just an update for everyone.  I post about a week ago about how AWFUL Yaz had been for me (minus the increase in breast size nothing was positive).  I stopped taking the pill about a week ago- I actually threw 3 packs away. The same day i requested my doctor take me off of Yaz immediately and suggest something else.  So she wrote me a prescription for Micette.  I went straight to the drugstore to have it filled. And it has been a MIRACLE.  As i said before Yaz cause a serious weight gain.  I am 18 years old, 5'2'', and extremely active. I have never weighed over 110lbs in my life.  After a few months of taking yaz i had gained 10 lbs which was alot for my small frame. Prior to taking Yaz I suffered serious PMS.  I had awful mood swings and was always in a terrible mood during my period.  With Yaz, none of that changed which was a bit upsetting, because that was the whole reason my doctor and I decided to put me on this pill.  On top of all of that I was constantly bloated and miserable, and none of my clothes fit comfotably any more which made everything worse.  After being off yaz for about a week and starting with the new pill, I have dropped 7 lbs already.  Grantid I do workout an hour every morning, but the weight just dropped off.  I assume most of it was water weight gained by taking yaz, because I was constantly running to the bathroom after stopping yaz.  Immediately my clothes started fitting again and no more bloating after the 2nd day of the new pill.  And not until after stopping yaz did i notice that the whole time i had been on yaz i had been more miserable in general than ever.  Everything had become overwhelming in my life and I really had no idea what was wrong.  Normally I am very easy going and calm and happy go lucky, so this made no sense.  My parents even mentioned several times how unhappy i seemed.  Since stopping yaz all of these problems have disappeared, I noticed a difference just in the past few days how much better everything seemed to be.  I am at peace with everything no longer stressed out, I feel relieved.  And my energy levels are soaring again, its amazing.  I dont feel sleep deprived anymore.  And thankfully I havent lost the gain in breast size from yaz.  Whether its being off yaz or on the new pill Mircette, life is quickly getting better.  In my mind, Yaz will forever be a demon birth control.  It does nothing for you but make you miserable.  Anyone who wants relief from this, I suggest getting off yaz ASAP. Its horrible.  Good luck to everyone!!

[veronica21mars]

ok first off, please remember that everyone who comes and writes on here is mad about yaz...people who have success stories dont generally come on here and talk about how great it is. its the people who are furious and need to vent. i have been taking yaz for 10 months now and it has been AMAZING...i have lost 10 pounds...I am 5 3" and i am usually 116, but with yaz i cant weigh more than 106...it rocks! In addition, my skin has totally cleared up! And I've gotten slightly bigger boobs! I do seem to have a faster heart rate, especially when I first wake up from naps, but its on and off and its gotten better the longer I have been on yaz. You just have to be consistent and take it the same time every day. Oh and everyone keeps saying it decreases your libido or sex drive....well it has definitely increased mine...A LOT...its kind of weird...but a good thing since I'm engaged and about to get married! I do seem to bruise a lot easier...I used to get a bruise like once a year and now i get them weekly just from barely hitting something...and i guess i do get angrier a lot faster...but i am still the one who ultimately has control...not the pill....most of you people seem to be letting the pill control your life...YOU still have a brain though! sheesh! I recommend yaz to anyone who is in great health and has never had health problems like myself....maybe this is why it has been such a success for me...because I have never had any health problems my whole life...

[momofcutie126]

While I do agree with you Veronica21mars that we, as women, do have to exercise control over our situations, I will say that this pill has made it very difficult to do that. I actually took YAZ for 5 months. The first two months were spent nauseated and tired. The third month brought insomnia and then extreme anger. Like clockwork, around day 15, my mood shifted from patient and kind, to outright anger.  I am a woman of faith and I attempt to live out my faith daily.  However these emotions while on YAZ seemed almost uncontrollable. My sweet husband stated to me for the first time in 5 years that he didn't know who I was anymore. He felt helpless because he had never seen me act like this before, and I felt equally as helpless because I felt as though I could not control these emotions. And trust me, as a Critical Care Nurse and a mother of a 17 month old, it is my job to exercise control. In addition, around the 4th month the hot flashes kicked in. I literally slept on ice packs one night because I felt like I could not regulate my body temp. My mother went through menopause at 39 (I'm 36) and I scheduled an appt. with my PCP to determine if the same thing was happening to me. I was dumbfounded. I didn't know what was happening to me. I decided to discontinue using YAZ for one month. Within a week, I felt completely normal, no symptoms whatsoever! I resumed the use of YAZ (I have endometriosis and need to be on BCP) to determine if it was truly this pill that was causing the problems ( I hated not to give it a true shot after all the "amazing" things you hear about it) and 8 days into I tell you each symptom had come back. I'm done!! I have now switched over to Ortho Tri-cyclen Lo and I'm praying for a better outcome. So far, so good!
To everyone: Please do not stop this pill if you feel that it is working for you. As a nurse, I understand that we are all different in how we metabolize medications and how we react to them. However, please be aware that these are true side effects that can happen with this pill.

[Yosiam]

I am 35 and overweight by 50 to 60 pounds (I am 180 pounds now). Never had a problem with acne before I had kids. After two kids, my face breaks out every month like crazy. The mood swings are horrible and I get depressed and angry in a regular basis. The doctor I used to have prescribed me Yasmin a long time ago but I didn´t take his recommendation and I have never been into birth control pills or other forms of birth control but the comdom. We have always used the comdom and that´s it, it has worked miracles for us. Now I switched doctors and the new doctor prescribed me Yaz because of all the symptoms I described: my ovulation hurted me so much ever since having the kids, the breakouts in my face were getting worse and the mood swings were so horrible.

I received a box with no indications and I was told by the pharmacist that there was no indications on the boxes which I believed. As I had never done this before and my doctor told me to start right away, I started right away and I was in the after ovulation period. After a week, friend of mine told me I was crazy because I had to start the pills the day after my period starts so I freaked out and called my doctor who  said it didn´t matter and to continue the pills. I am really confused about this. I am now on the third week and so far I have experienced the following:

1) NO CHANGE on the acne, yet. Three or four breakouts are here and are big.
2) I am MUCH happier now. Really.
3) I feel VERY TIRED ALL THE TIME, and I mean VERY TIRED like sleeping all day if they let me.
4) I feel some bloating.
5) Haven´t weighted yet so I don´t know if I have gained weight and I pray I haven´t because I cannot be more fat than I am already, also I was told this pill would take care of my weight problem!
6) I feel a small discomfort on the pelvic area once a day for a little time after taking the pill.
7) One time bleeding that I got scared since I had never experienced this before and called my doctor who said it was normal on this pill and calmed me down.
8) I take the pill at night because I find it very much comfortable not to forget because on the mornings I am a mess. So far I have not forgotten to take it and I really have NOT feel any headache nor drowsiness nor nausea nor panic attacks nor problems with breathing, etc. Just tiredness. Very tired and happy.

I will keep on sending the feedback on my symptoms in my body and mood since reading all the posts here really have scared me A LOT, mostly since I had no trouble concerning birth control and was prescribed Yaz for the other reasons.

Best regards and blessings to everyone,

Laura

[Yosiam]

Sorry that the message before was not very clear. It is because english is not my native language. If you have any questions or havent understand some point, I can clear it out if you tell me.

Thank you and good luck to everyone with Yaz.

[ihateyaz23]

I also stumbled upon this forum and I'm glad I'm not crazy. I started taking Yaz a few months ago after my last pill (apri) started causing major headaches during my period. I thought I was imagining the weight gain/bloating/nausea/irritability/depression until I realized that I've gained 10 pounds in four months without a single change to my routine. In fact, I'm probably eating better and exercising more than before Yaz and yet I still feel like a sausage which in turn bums me out. I've also been biting my boyfriends head off for no apparent reason! I called my doc today and am switching back to Apri. One head ache a month is better than feeling fat and sad and pissed off half the time! If Yaz works for you, more power to you. But for those of you who are experiencing these same symptoms... switch now! This pill isn't worth it.

[yasminsurvivor]

I find the comment that you made about women letting the pill control their lives and patronising women by telling them that they still have a brain extremely offensive.
You yourself admit that you have started to have problems with this pill. If you are so in control why not make your body stop bruising or why not make your emotions not get angry so often. The pill is causing a chemical reaction in you just as it does with all other women.

Don't fool yourself into thinking you are any different. I too was perfectly healthy before taking this pill. I still have a brain which works very well. Although for a long time it didn't. And yes, the pill did control me. But there was nothing I could do about that. I am now recovered and have learned a very valuable lesson.

Have you considered why your boobs have increased in size? Do you understand that it because of the artificial estrogen in the pill? The estrogen receptors in your breasts are responding to the hormones in the pill and are filling up because of them. This is not natural or even healthy for you. But, hey, you have such a good working brain compared to the rest of us!!!!!!!!!!!! You work out what the consequences of that could be!!!!!!!!!!
Yasminsurvivor  

[sashaluvs]

I know why Yaz is a birth control- because you don't want to have sex while you're on it!!!  I kid you not- I have been on it for about 4-6m and my sex drive is at a -10.  I have no inkling to have any sex at all.  I thought there was something wrong with me- and my poor husband!  But after reading this forum I am sure it's the Yaz.  I was off of it for a few weeks b/c I forget to go to the pharmacy and I seemed to actually want sex then!  I also have ALOT of spotting and if I miss my pill by only like 1hr I get my full on period!
I think I'd almost rather be pregnant than this!

[RLQ]

I am 39 and on my 2nd pack of Yaz. I have taken OCs since I was 21 - the last time for close to 7 years and I always loved it.  I stopped when I was 36 because I started getting migraines and I can't take Imitrex or any other triptan med. During my first pill pack last month, I bled almost the entire time - I assumed it was OK and just kept taking the pills. I have no idea what's going on NOW, but I've had serious gastro problems the last week. I can barely eat and when I do, I have to rush to the bathroom. Also, my sex drive is really low. I was on an antidepressant for anxiety for about 8 months and stopped taking it under my doctor's care 2 months ago - but what the hell is going on? I took Yasmin for a while a few years ago and was fine with it - I don't know if it's an issue with getting older, but I'm really wary to go to my gastroenterologist for the usual exam (I've always had GI issues nothing serious - typical IBS). Any thoughts?

[nena124]

THIS PILL SUX!!!!!!!!! the worst! i only took for two weeks cuz i couldn't stand the side-effects. i felt prego! just dizzy ALL the time- my hunger was insatiable! was eating junk food 24/7! would snap at anyone and everything! just sucked! i don't recommend to anyone! try any other pill. i heard that docs get a kick-back for promoting this pill. hence their insistance on us switching to this ****! have been off it for a little over a week now and still feel lighth-headed.

[xMichelinax]

Nena, what kind are you taking now? I am cancelling my YAZ TODAY!!!!

[Colls10]

I just finished up my first month of Yaz..this would be birth control number four. I have always had horrible cramps, acne issues, weight gain, ect. All over birth controls made me irritable, gain more weight, caused me to break out in my "hormonal zone".  I have read a majority of these postings.. and what people are describing is exactly what I went through on the other pills. So far, I have had a little bloating, but little cramps and I've even lost a few pounds. My doctor and even my dermatologist recommended Yaz.. and so far, I have never been happier. It's still my first month.. so to be continued.

[catos]

I am 35 & have been on a few differrent pills for about 12 years and was most satisfied with Alesse and then Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo.  I switched to Yaz because the doc thought it would help with the extreme fatigue I experienced the week before my period.  There was no other need for me to switch other than to combat that problem.  It is now 5 months later and I am stopping it right in the middle of the pack & throwing away my next two packs that I already bought because I attribute my current issues to Yaz.  I normally have a very high sex drive for as long as I can remember and now have no desire whatsoever.  Also, despite eating and exercising the same as pre-Yaz, I have gained 8 pounds (during the first month) and cannot lose it even with decreasing my calories and exercising more. I also normally only gain weight in my butt but now have back fat and love handles.  I normally do not gain weight in my stomach and it is so bloated, I look pregnant even with sucking it in.  I truly feel the most disgusting ever!   I hope that the 8 pounds comes off easily after stopping the Yaz.  I decided to take a pill break and hope things revert to normal.  The only postitive aspect of Yaz for me was that my skin looks great.  It did not help with my fatigue.

[Emily502]

I HAD MY PERIOD FOR SEVEN WEEKS STRAIGHT ON THIS PILL. ultra super plus flow...I swear I am not lying. possibly the worst seven weeks of my life. Every week I cried to my gynecologist and told her to put me on a different pill but even on the sixth week she tried to convince me this was just my body adjusting to the medication. Finally I stopped taking it after the seventh week and she prescribed estrostep, which has just been amazing. i lost the weight i gained on yaz, I am not nearly as emotional and moody, and my periods have been light, short, and regular from the day i started. Yaz made me feel horrible and my entire family noticed (my mother even asked if i needed a therapist). I have multiple friends who have experienced similar side effects and have never met anyone who actually recommends Yaz.

[chigal]

I am so sorry to read that so many people are having problems with Yaz.  Although I admit I do feel a sense of relief knowing that I am not alone.  I am 38 and have been on Yasmin for 5+ years and have had no problems with it - I asked my doc for extra samples the last time I visited and she gave me Yaz instead (she had no more Yasmin and thought I might like this new pill).  So I had some time off between jobs and didn't have the insurance coverage so I figured I'd use some of the Yaz packs.  Well anyway, the first month, I thought it was great!  Although I didn't realize that the recurring pimples on my chin were likely from the hormones - just thought it was summer sweat.  My period was lighter, but my cramps were worse.  So far, I didn't think these were reasons to dump Yaz, as I figured my body was adjusting.  In month 2, I started gaining weight - which made no sense because I work out religiously - I am training for a marathon and working out almost 2 hours a day, 6 days a week and gaining weight?   At first I thought my interest in a nightly glass of red wine was at fault, but even after skipping it for a week, I was still bloated like a balloon - and this was just AFTER my period!  This is when I realized it had to be the Yaz.  So from that point, I went back to Yasmin, and I've been on it for 2 weeks, but my b00bs are still swollen (I dont mind that so much) but I havent shaken any weight at all.  I guess I have been a little more tired and am irritated more easily, but nothing significant.

My question is Why would I STILL have these side effects if I've been off Yaz for over 2 weeks?   Does it linger in our systems that long?   Ive been playing phone tag with my doctor to see if she has any insight but I'm actually kinda worried that it might be peri-menapause.    Has this happened to anyone who switched back?  And if so, how long did it take to get back to 'normal'?    

Best of luck to all of you who are struggling with this nasty medication!  I hope you find something more suitable for yourselves soon.

[Britt947]

I'm 19 and I took Yasmin for about 2 years for POS and switched to Yaz because Yasmin made me a little nauseous. I seriously regret doing that. It's been three months since I started taking Yaz and I'm going off of it. I gained about 15 lbs. and prior to Yaz my weight was very steady. My sex drive has plummeted and my personality has changed. I'm normally a very upbeat person and have never had any history with depression, but since Yaz I've been very irritable and moody and I really can't take it anymore. I've also been told that the side affects of Yaz will stay with you for 1-2 months because of the hormones.

Stay away from this pill... it's bad news. Good luck to anyone also taking this pill.  

[MissieBK]

Ladies, I am so sorry for everyone who has had problems with YAZ, but I am so grateful to have read all your stories.  My Derm just put me on YAZ to help with acne.  I haven't used BCP since 2001 and back then I was on Ortho-Tri-Cyclen but went off due to a 20 lbs weight gain in a year, plus my acne was no better AND in the year I was on the pill, I had every single illness possible: sinus infection, strep throat, bronchitis, etc.  - I was SICK!  So, fast forward to 2008, when nothing seems to help with the acne.  I had already been on 3 cycles of Accutane and my skin would clear up for a while, back then it would get worse. (Admittedly, it was never as bad as it was pre-Accutane).  So, Derm suggests YAZ.  I was hesitant, but she tells me that everyone loves it, no one has problems, people's acne clears up, their PMS symptoms disappear, etc.  I started it last Sunday (10 days ago) and as of yesterday, I took my last YAZ pill EVER.  The rest of the pack is in the garbage.  I had headaches for 10 straight days.  I was HUNGRY all the time. - I've always been a big eater (and do carry a little extra weight as proof) but this was crazy-hungry.  Also, major insomnia.  I am so tired right now (and yesterday, too) but I haven't slept at night.  Wide awake!

I'm 30, happily married and will continue to use condoms as birth control rather than this poison.  I'm upset with myself because I KNEW BETTER than to put this POISON in my system.  I have always had regular periods and very minor, easily dealt with PMS symptoms.  To think I put this poison in my system for acne help is a shame.

OH yeah, another thing.....I already have big boobs (38 DD) but I noticed they seemed a little swollen these last few days so I asked hubby since I think he knows my body as well as I do sometimes, and he agreed, they were bigger. - I don't need bigger boobs.  I play soccer, go to the gym and take Zumba class and I don't need or want a bigger rack to interfere with my life and activities!

I'm also irritated with the Derm (who is a woman) because I voiced my concerns about artificial hormones and the issues I had previously with BCP.  Thankfully my experience didn't get to the point where it did with some of you ladies.  I never experienced any mood issues, heart, or anxiety issues.  Thankfully!

Hopefully this drug makes it's way out of my system quickly.  Back to the drawing board with the acne!    

[Kel7786]

Thank god for everyone who has voiced their problems!! I am a 22 year old who is extremely active! I swam in my 4 years of college and decided to start Yaz in January and loved it, my boobs got bigger and my periods were barely there! Now in August I am depressed, will cry at the drop of a hat, have awful anxiety, had my first anxiety attack, have bad headaches and migraines, and just feel like i've been going crazy! I really never thought it was the birth control and blamed other things. I try to put on a front and act normal in front of my family and friends but it's just getting too hard. I thought back and this all started after about 6 months on YAZ. Sad to say, I even had thoughts of suicide and was so scared!

My boyfriend was the one who told me he thought it was my birth control and I said there was no way because it worked great starting day 1. I thought about what he said and found this fourm. I AM SO GLAD I DID!!! I am calling my doctor tonight and getting off this pill as soon as possible! It's putting a damper on my everyday life, I am a happy go lucky girl and so laid back, usually nothing bothers me. I am staying off any birth control until I am back to normal. I'm hoping it doesn't take months because I can't stand feeling like this!

I also agree that it affects everyone differently...my sister has been on birth control for a couple years now, has switched around because of depression and weight gain, and has landed on YAZ and she loves it! I clearly have not had that luck and am hoping to be back to normal soon because it's affecting my relationship with my boyfriend...I snap at anything he does.

[momofcutie126]

Although I felt better within one week, it has taken almost 4 weeks for me to truly feel like I am myself again. Everyone, please go back and look at team 77's story on June 22nd. This pill is no joke. Being a nurse and married to a pharmacist, I was pretty skeptical about the pill to begin with (in terms of the claims that this pill states). It was hard to imagine that a pill could relieve symptoms of PMDD. They are not usually created for that. Usually low-dose antidepressants are prescribed on a intermittent basis(usually two weeks prior to your period). Now looking back, I just cannot believe how bad I felt. Both physically and emotionally. I know there are side effects to every pill. I have been on several to know the minor problems each one can cause (bloating, weight gain, etc), however this one was just the worst. The anger caused real tension in my marriage there for a while. Very unchartered territory. I think we all should have know that something that states to be a cure all for the monthly curse was too good to be true. I can't believe we all bought into it. To team 77 I hope that you are recovering. I am so sorry that this has happened to you. Unbelievable.

[Italynette]

I've been on Yaz for about 7 months now. I was off the pill for a good 13 years and got back on it since my divorce. I'm 37. The main side effect I've noticed was during the first 3 or so months I was highly emotional. Crying a lot for things that otherwise wouldn't bother me. The up side is my periods are shorter, less painful, I haven't gained any weight and my crankiness is near gone. (not totally, but better).
I would say to anyone who has just started taking it.. hang in there, the side effects will subside and it will become more of a benefit. No pill is flawless. You'll only be trading one side effect for another. Just my .02.

[bluebird94]

Hello,
I have been having very bad PMS for 1 year. My doctor asked me take antidepressant for it but I don't want to do that. So she gave me YAZ. I will start taking it in 3 weeks when my period starts. I get some palpitations of and on. I read the comments- did not see any positive comments about YAZ---makes me nervous.
What is the difference between Yaz and Yasmin?
Any advise?
Thanks.

[sez5001]

I took yaz for 3 weeks and just stopped it. It made me cry over nothing, depressed, tired and angry over the smallest things.  I also had constant spotting for 2 weeks and even though I stopped it, I still am spotting. This is my 3rd birth control pill and none work for me, so I don't know if it's the yaz or myself because I have friends who like it.  I didn't have any changes with weight, just emotional. But I feel much better since I've stopped and am not so tired and angry for no reason!

[ihateyaz]

I found this forum several weeks ago, and at the time my main complaints were CONSTANT spotting, increased headaches, insomnia, also bad mood swings.  I decided to take all the comments in the forum with a grain of salt and give Yaz another month.  Now I greatly regret this decision. For one thing, the spotting never went away.  Yes, my actual period was shorter, but I have bled every single day on this pill.  That's FOUR MONTHS of constant bleeding. This past month I have experienced terrible, uncontrollable anger that has nearly destroyed my marriage.  I have been constantly irritable and edgy and have been having almost daily meltdowns over the tiniest things.  This is just not like me.  I don't feel like myself at all.  I feel like a crazy person.  I have just stopped taking Yaz and am now waiting for it to leave my system so I can live life again.   I know every pill affects every woman differently, but I absolutely would not recommend Yaz to anyone.  Not even my worst enemy!  

I'm nervous about trying a new pill and having the same results.  I would greatly appreciate any recommendations!

[steena0726]

I have never posted a comment on one of these forums before, nor have I ever read through every single comment posted, the way I did this one.  I couldn't agree more that most people who read these and post comments are those that are having bad experiences... so, I guess that is why I'm posting.  The reason I found this forum is because I was researching these brown patches that have just appeared on my face and forehead.  I don't go in the sun much and I'm only 31, so I don't think they are age spots.  Of course I thought the worst and feared skin cancer but after reading through the signs and symptoms, I think I may have what is called Melasma...and one of the main causes listed is birth control.  I've been on birth control, since the age of 16 and this is the first I've experienced this type of side effect.  Just curious if anyone else who has been taking Yaz for a few months is experiencing this?

I've taken ortho novum, ortho-lo, yasmin, and now YAZ, which like someone previously said, my doctor switched me to because she said they were doing away with yasmin.  Not to mention those commercials on TV make it sound so wonderful it sounded like a great idea, since the previous pills always made me nauseous the first few days of my new pack.  I do have to say I have no more acne breakouts and my period is light and lasts no more than 3 days.

Other than my new skin condition, I too have had many of the same side effects as a lot of you on here.  The biggest thing I notice is I have completely no sex drive what so ever. This is so unlike me, I couldn't figure out what was wrong. I am getting married in a few weeks and have absolute zero desire to have sex or be touched by my fiance.  The thought of it doesn't even enter my mind. He keeps asking me if there's something wrong with him.  I'm thinking I should get off of this pill before the honeymoon, or it isn't going to be very exciting for him.  :)

I have been 5'0" and about 98 lbs. since high school, am very active, eat healthy and now most of my clothes don't fit anymore.  I just attributed that to my age.  Though I do get the migraines the day before my period, I don't get the mood swings and anger as some of you do, thank god!  I am, however, constantly bloated and my stomach always feels full of gas.  I am posting my comment at 1:30a.m. mostly because I am wide awake at night.  When I do finally get to sleep, I feel like I want to stay in bed for days, I feel so fatigued...it's the strangest thing.  I used to jog 4 or 5 days a week, I gave that up completely because my legs feel like they are just going to give out on me. I've been blaming the wedding nerves on all this, but now I'm starting to think it's the YAZ!  

Thanks for listening!  

[yessica]

I was taking ortho-tricyclen lo but switched because I was getting some breakthrough bleeding. I started Yaz exactly one week ago. For the first few days I felt fine but over the past few days I have been REALLY dizzy to the point where its making me want to throw up. Its like I've just gotten off a chair that I had been spinning in for half an hour. The only thing that helps is Dramamine, which makes me feel really tired and like I'm in a fog. I really want to give the pill a chance because my skin is starting to look better and I've already lost a little weight, but none of those positive side effects matter if I cant even keep my balance and stand up. Has anyone else had the dizziness side effect as severely as I have? If you did, how long did it last for? Did anyone give up on Yaz because of this?

[EmaLee]

Thank you everyone for listing your side effects with Yaz. I have spent the past two weeks tracking my breakdowns (emotional) and thinking that I am going crazy. I just recently got back together with my boyfriend and am happier then I have ever been and for some reason cry at the drop of a hat, am always depressed thinking he his cheating on me and that something is going to go wrong in our relationship. These pills have brought incredible depression and anxiety. I am going to stop taking it asap and call my doctor on monday and ask him to switch me back to my original pills before I have myself committed. I would go through every emotion known to man... in 20 minutes. If you decide to takes these pills, please track the things that are going on with you, listen to your body and pay attention to the things that seem out of the ordinary. I never thought my birth control pill would make me feel bad about my wonderful relationship and my college graduation, but I have been nothing but depressed, anxious and crying my eyes out since these pills have kicked in. Beware.

[Sniggles]

I was on YAZ for about 9 months and I LOVED it!!!
The only side effects that I experienced was an increase in my breast size. Which I was happy about. :) My periods were so much lighter, almost no cramping, and only lasted about three days. I can only say good things about YAZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[gum_mybear]

I was on Yaz for eight months and gained about 15 pounds.  I have never had a weight problem in my life.  I had constant food cravings, constipation, bloating, mood swings, anxiety, depression, dizziness, crying spells, etc.  I went to see a psychiatrist who prescribed an anti-depressant.  It didn't seem to do anything so I asked to wean off of it.  I then decided to stop taking Yaz and after five months, I have lost six pounds, my bowel movements are regular, I don't seem to bloat, I'm not as irritable, I smile more, I have tons more energy, and I am off the anti-depressant!  I think this medication doesn't agree with everyone.  

[hinder12]

I am two months shy of 16 and i just started yaz due to severe cramping and heavy bleeding. It has only been a week and i feel dizzy  and weak and did about a day after starting the pill. I just feel like im in a trance and out of touch. Is it possible that the pill could affect me in such a way so quick?

[Amanda876]

I'm glad to see that others have posted about the acne.  I have not had a major problem with acne since I was a teenager, but about a week after I started taking Yaz my face began to break out.  I am almost through my 4th week and it is still there.  I was also extremely achy for awhile (especially my legs, but pretty much all over).  I am not sure if that was from the Yaz or if I had a virus.  Did anyone else get achy when they first started taking it?  I was so sore I didn't want to hardly move.  

[Amanda876]

Oh, and I forgot to mention I have been having strange cravings (for things I don't even normally like-  chocolate ice cream for one).  My boyfriend has asked me about 5 times if I am pregnant.  They were so bad I even took a pregnancy test.  

[veeveegurl]

I ve been on Yaz for three months and for those who suffer from sever PMDD i highly recommend this pill. I have never heard of PMDD until i seeked hep from my doctor. I told her that for the past several months my "pms" had been getting worse. In fact it had started to begin two weeks before my period.I knew something was wrong with  me because two weeks out of the month I was my normal happy self and the other two weeks i would become the devil. I would lay in bed for about three days ,call off of work, seclude myself from the world, throw my fiancee out of the house, punch my fiancee in the mouth, hate everyone, hate the world hate my job hate myself. I could not think straight i couldnt even pick out a box of cereal at the grocery store. My mind felt out of wack i couldnt concentrate ... And then I wolud get my period and I would be my normal loving caring self again. It got to the point that i couldnt wait to get my period..and  i would spend the rest of the two weeks apologizing to those i hurt.
Ever since I started Yaz I ve been able to be myself 100% of the time.  The first month I had no side effects except and period that lasted 2 (normally 5) days. The second month I had one emotional day but it was nothing like what i was used to. I could actually reason through the whole ordeal. I knew that i was getting upset and was able to control my emotions. Now im on month three and Im getting really bad back pains and i have noticed a slight weight gain of 10 lbs. However, I will never go back to the way i was. I refuse to live that way. The weight gain and back pains are nothing compared to the agony and horridness of PMDD. This pill has truly changed my life.

[EMJ1989]

I've been on Yaz for almost 6 months and have gained about 8 pounds. I've never had a weight problem before and trying to lose the weight is really hard. I joined a gym about a month ago and started eating healthier, but my clothes still dont fit. This is also killing my self esteem and I cry almost everyday, and after reading a lot of the forums, I am starting to think it may be depression and more than just the weight gain. If i do go off the pill does anyone know if I will continue to gain weight, lose weight or remain the same?

[EMJ1989]

I also went on Yaz primarily to clear up my skin and it has worked great, but I am not quite sure if it is worth the weight gain and especially the depression

[BKB1990]

I went on yaz for birth control after being on Loestrin24FE for 6 months. I had no problems at all with Loestrin just not having a period made me nervous. I started Yaz on April 12 and started my period two weeks later. I bled for 24 days before I put two and two together and realized YAZ was behind it. I was also severely depressed and frequently thought about suicide. After I made the connection I wasted no time stopping that pill

[BDub321]

Just wanted to let you all know that anyone can report problems with medications to the FDA. Based on these reports they sometimes will withdraw a drug from the market or order the manufacturer to conduct a study.
Here's a link to their Medwatch program - http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/how.htm
Hope this helps.

[a_pearson]

i am a married 22 year old. i have been on Yasmin for 4 years. i noticed a little weight gain and headaches on Yasmin but mostly just normal PMS symptoms. I had seen commercials for Yaz and decided to switch to it 3 months ago because they say it helps with PMS symptoms. If you do fine on Yasmin DO NOT SWITCH TO YAZ. My breasts are so tender i have to wear 2 sports bras. Also my face is so full of deep giant zits! My whole face looks like i had a major breakout of chicken pox. i think my body is reacting to the difference in yeast in the pills. These deep zits on my face are so painful! whatever you do DONT SWITCH! These pills are horrible and i am definately switching back to Yasmin! Why cant they make birth control for men?????

[K_SoCal]

I am married, 27 years old, and I just recently started taking YAZ after never taking BC before.  I didn't know what to expect, and the first week was fine- only a little nausea.  Then, the second week, it was a complete change!  I have been taking YAZ for 2 weeks now, and I am experiencing: nausea, increased appetite, bloating, constipation, extremely swollen and tender breasts, lethargy, and depression.  This all began right around day 8, and it feels like PMS times 5!!!  I used to have swollen, tender breasts and some fatigue the few days before my period, but this is terrible!  I heard so many great things about YAZ so I decided to try it, but I am not happy with it so far.  I started taking the pill so my husband and I could stop using condoms, but what good is that when my sex drive is almost nothing now?  Any advice for how long to wait this out, or should I stop taking it?

[samjk3477]

I have been reading all of these comments, and now, I am beginning to feel a bit calmed down.  I am on my second pack of YAZ, almost finished, and am probably going to quit any day now...  I researched the **** out of this pill before I started taking it, but thought, "maybe I can get through all these side effects", or "maybe they won't effect me."  Boy, I was WRONG.  This first month wasn't too bad, although, my period was MUCH worse than when I wasn't on the pill.  (This is my first time trying the pill - ever).  My cramps were actually WORSE, I was moody, emotional, exhausted, etc.  It was horrible.  The worst part about it was that I was on vacation with my boyfriend at the time, and I felt that I completely ruined our time.  Next, my anxiety... wow... this has been a complete noticeable change.  I occasionally suffer from mild anxiety, but nothing that I couldn't fix on my own.  However, once I began taking YAZ, I am anxious and nervous all the time!  I can sometimes feel my entire body shake because my heart is pounding so fast.  I don't even know what I'm anxious for half the time - it's crazy!  And the worst part about it, is this time, I can't seem to calm myself down... it's scary.  Along with the anxiety, I have felt terribly dizzy as well.  Lightheaded too.  I can't walk straight all the time, etc.  So horrible.  My vision is also more blurry - and I am sensitive to lights and even the sun.  I used to be an avid work out person - hitting the gym several times a week, now, all I want to do is stay in bed.  I have no energy for anything - I feel anti social, and I HATE the state I'm in.  I'm actually calling my doctor today to see if I can stop in the middle of the pack - or if I have to wait until my period... either way, I am excited to get my life back.

To all women either experiencing these symtoms, or considering YAZ... Please be aware of all these side effects... they are HORRIBLE.  My doctor gave it to me without even checking my blood/exam first, and I believe she offered them to me b/c her clinic sponsers YAZ...  It's screwed up.  My family, myself, and my boyfriend will be soooo happy once I'm off this damn pill!

[kayes00]

hey well um um on my one week mark exactly with YAZ and i have been experiencing weird things like,..my dreams are crazy.lol i havent had a dream in idk how may years and now i have 2 or 3 a night.And like i always feel sick to my stomach..Ive gained only a lil weight.im 15 and im using this for acne but i dont no if its all really worth it!i mean if i was using it to stay away from pregnancy it might be okay..but im thinking about resorting back to my old acne face if it dont get better!haha but the reason i wrote this is cause i was wondering DOES ANYONE ELSE HAVE WEIRD DREAMS?!?!?mine are sometimes about childhood and then present stuff?!?..its weird.someone pleasee write something cause i cant talk to my parents about this!
PLEASE HELP WITH QUESTIONS!!!!
thank you,
misskay

[sunshinelu]

I thought I was going crazy b4 I read this. I recently switched to Yaz. I was asking my boyfriend to feel my breasts everyday because I knew they felt swollen and tight. They begin hurting so bad I couldnt even sleep on my stomach. I havent experienced any weight gain or panic attacks but if my **** keep hurting like this I think Im going to switch back

[alicia853]

I am 19 and I am on my fourth month of Yaz. This is the only birth control I've ever been on, the first couple of weeks were awful I had severe headaches and nausea all the time. It goes away in time though. I don't honestly feel as though it is clearing up my face. I don't have severe acne or anything but I haven't really noticed a difference there. I do get MUCH less severe cramps during my periods, but i have noticed that once i start taking the white pills my period doesn't start until the third or fourth white pill, then for the first week of the pink pills after that my period is normal for the first day or so but then just spots until it is over. Now I feel fine besides the fact that I have never had a yeast infection before and I recently got one. Also my 32A cup is now a 34B. I weigh about 115 and I haven't noticed any weight gain, or anxiety, and I actually feel as though I am a much calmer rational person.

[shakira2007]

I started taking yaz about three weeks ago, I must add that I have felt the absolute worse I have ever felt in my life.  the firs night I took it I had intense itching, it was so bad I originally thought my husband shaved and used the wash rag to wipe his face.  I continued to itch, I am now having numbness in my fingers and toes and am scared to death becasue I don't know what is going on.  I continue to scartch, I continue to have numbness in my fingers and toes and keep thinking I have MS or something.  I have been to the ER twice regarding anxiety and panic attacks.  If anyone is going through what I am going through, please let me know.

[marialuna]

I started taking YAZ  2 weeks ago upon my OBGYN's prescription supposedly to treat my cramps and spotting. But my God! YAZ  proved to be a punishment (for what? I don't know. Maybe for following my doctor's order.) rather than a treatment. My cramps got worse. I was in unbearable pain for almost a week now. I used to have bad cramps but usually only one day in each period.

Moreover, three enormous pimples appeared on my face. I never had pimples in years!

I hate this YAZ and I don't know what to say about my doctor. I'm thinking of switching.

[lilmama313]

I have been on Loestrin, Yasmin & now Yaz. Id have to say that I havent had any really serious side effects from this pill. None of the pills have helped with my cramps though. The only thing that helps is a prescription strength pain killer! Otherwise, I am satisfied with Yaz. The only thing is, it gives me this discharge like right in the middle of my periods (~2wks after one & ~2 wks before the next), that really disturbs me. Its a dark brown in color. My doc told me it was old blood & not to freak out. I didnt freak out because all tests came back negative, etc but its disgusting & inconvenient. I have heard negative things about the shot, the patch, & other forms of BC so its really a person to person deal. Not everyone will have the same side effects.

[eli728]

I am 18 years old and recently started taking yaz. I have never been on a birth control and have noticed a dramatic change. The first week i started it my mom noticed a completely different person, I am usually happy go lucky and always loud. The first week my face didnt show my personality at all and i barely cracked a smile.

I am finishing my second month of it and have cried in hysterics for 11 days.I thought it was because I just started my first year of college and am not around my best friend anymore, but I'm thinking there is something more serious than that going on. I have gained 5 or 6 pounds, and am extremely tired all the time. I don't participate in any activities I once did, I use to love to go to the beach and walk the shore line but now I just stay home in my jams instead. My boyfriend of almost a year has noticed a change in my personality. I have become a jealous crazed person at times- one minute joking the next almost in tears.

I told my mom today what has been going and I am making an appointment with my doctor ASAP. Yaz may be good for some, but I have read many websites where people are going through the same or even worse things than me. Thanks for sharing, I've defiantely realized this isn't for me.

Good Luck Everyone (:

[collegegirl175]

Help !! I am 19 and started using Yaz about 3 months ago. During the second month I started feeling like I  wasn't my self. The depression got so bad I called my doctor and she took me off it immediatley. Before Yaz I was a happy, social fun loving person. While on Yaz I cried everyday, very moody, tired and didnt want to hang out with my friends. I have been off Yaz for 8 days now and I am still not myself. I know my doctor said it would be 2 weeks before all the hormones were out of my body but I just want to be myself again now. I can say that Yaz really ruined my life for the past 2 months and I pray every night this nightmare will be over soon. Can anybody let me know when I can expect some improvement? I feel like I hate everything I used to love.

[SNWilliams]

I have been on YAZ for about four months now and have been feeling uncomfortable since. I have dysmennorrhoea and was in serious need of help.The break through bleeding is the WORSE side effect of all for me. My mood swings are bad and it has not shorten the days of my monthly cycle. I am trying to give it time to work effectively, but I would have thought the pill decreased my cycle day length and improve my symptoms. As with many other birth control pills, I understand that side effects will happen, but for some reason, it feels like YAZ has made things worse. ANYONE HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS, I am open for it.

[HotLikeWasabi]

Ive been on Yaz for 2 months now, I was on Yasmin but had Melasma issues, and cant seem to tolerate a lot of other pills...tried them all...loestrin 24, ortho tricyclen, orthotricyclen lo, and 2 other older pills, I gained weight on all of them...none worked as well as yasmin, but I just couldn't deal with the spots on my face. Yaz has the same ingredients as Yasmin, just lower estrogen, which is apparently the cause of melasma, so its been great for me so far. My skin looks great and Ive lost about 7 pounds (I had this result with Yasmin as well) The only side effect Ive had...which is bizarre... is very vivid, repetitive dreams ALL night long. But I think that means Im sleeping deeper, because Im never tired anymore, though Im getting the same amount of sleep. So, I think I can deal with the dreams.
Im also on Wellbutrin XL 300mg for anxiety, which has changed my life! Im much more calm, dont let things get to me as easily, the depression has lifted and I feel very alert and not tired anymore like I always used to. It also stave's off emotional eating, and helps me concentrate on my college coursework (my grades went up quickly). I first started taking it 3 years ago and I lost over 20 pounds without even trying....I lost it over a 5 or 6 month period so it wasnt sudden. Im not a doctor, but my husband IS, he recommended it to me and I highly recommend it for people with high anxiety/mild depression. It works differently than most anti anxiety/depression pills because it effects different receptors in the brain, so the side effects usually associated with these kinds of drugs are rarely experienced when taking wellbutrin. Of course, you'll need to consult your own doctor ;o)

[DLPrincess]

Hi, I'm 20 years old and on my first month of Yaz. I havent even been taking it for a full 3 weeks yet and already i'm experiencing severe side effects...I never thought it would be that bad to take them. Tons of girls take it with no problems. But this pill is HORRIBLE!!! I was put on it for sever cramping. But I still get the pains, so far I've had horrible head aches, SEVERE breast pain, body aches, horrible spells of dizziness, and heart/chest pain that has literally made me fall to the floor. On top of that I got severely depressed and even had thoughts of suicide. Its horrible...so just a word of warning to all taking it, get off it. Its not any help, and totally not worth the risk.

[WannaBhealthEE]

I'm 29, have 2 children, have been married for 8 years, and only in the last 6 months started having severe moodiness and irritability in the week preceeding my period.  I have never been on birth control, but when I saw the ad on TV, I talked to my husband about it, and he said, "Please, try it."  :o) I just completed my first month.  My breasts have been terribly sore since day one, I've had vaginal dryness, a lowered sex drive, and I just now started to develop a wierd discharge that looks like the mucous from infected sinuses (not quite green, but mustardy and clumpy like snot).  I have felt nauseated, dizzy and tired.  It's so wierd.  AND, I haven't really noticed a positive change in my moodiness.  I talked to a nutrionalist who said that birth control my possibly help the first month, maybe even the second, but eventually, if you're body is tired and depleted of good nutrition nothing will work and it'll probably just get worse.  This is definitely my problem.  My body is tired and stressed.  I work too much, and my life is out of balance.  My body is starting to send me signals that my hormones are now out of whack by getting moody and irritable.  This YAZ is the BAIN OF MY EXISTENCE!  It is not worth it.  I'm getting off ASAP.  

[claudys]

im 18 & i just started taking it about a month ago & i havent stopped bleeding does anyone know when it will stop?

[marstar23]

I just started taking Yaz and it is the same thing for me.  I woke up last night with high anxiety.  I was sweating and didn't feel good.  I took Yasmin previously and never had this problem.  You can bet that I am not going to take Yaz again.  I am glad to see though that I am not alone.  I am definitely going to call my doctor today to find out what the deal is.

[SNWilliams]

IF you can stop taking Yaz as soon as the doctor recommends, then do so. You are not ALONE here. Yaz promises so much and do the opposite of what they promise. I suffered from High Anxiety, continuous bleeding AND MOOD SWINGS as well. Always feeling out of place. I believe that all birth control pill affect a woman somewhere one way or the other, but what upsets us the most is all the promises and having side effects worse than the original symptoms! I spoke with my doctor last week and he prescribed another birth control.

[Tess1313]

I am beyond relieved, there's really no word for it!!  All of you women have/are going through the same thing as me! I just recently got off of Yaz and onto Sesonique, which I've been on for onyl 3 weeks now and still suffering a little from the Yaz. I was an emotional car wreck!! I cried at everything, could not sleep, ate everything dang thing I could get my hands on, I couldn't sleep, my panic attacks were so unbelievable I was starting to become agoraphobic. I didn't want to leave my house. That's not even the worst of it. My vagina has been REDICULOUS! Not only did Yaz make me hate the world and everyone in it, my vagina hated them too lol! It's still so dry and painful, and when I went to the gyno, she said I had dermatitis from shaving a dryer sheets. Well I've been shaving and using dryer sheet for over 10 years now so I knew it wasn't right. So I am so happy to know that I will once again have a normal vagina that doesn't hate me :) I was even so scared as to why it hurt so bad I went as far as accusing my boyfriend of cheating on me and giving me an STD lol. I grilled him everyday as to why "he" did this to me. I never ever related this pain to a birth control. This pill is the devil! after reading this forum, I called my sister (who is also on Yaz) and was screaming at her to get off of it ASAP! It makes me feel so much better to know I'm not alone and that I will be better soon. For three straight months I thought I was a crazy woman with an STD! It was a horrible emotional rollercoast that I'm so glad will be over once Sesonique kicks in and the Yaz devil is out of my body! I'm also glad that all of these women spoke up, it helps immensly all of us who are just starting the temporary stay in hell.

[ambull]

I am so relieved as well to find this info on Yaz.  I've been taking it for about a year and have experienced ALL of the above!

The most recent occurance is severe anxiety attacks.  I have NEVER experienced anything like it!  I consider myself to be very calm and laid back person, so to have this happen...I felt like I needed to be committed!  I made a mistake by forgetting to take my Yaz with me on my vacation last weekend and quit midmonth (not on purpose of course).  The last pill I took was last Tuesday nite and by Saturday I was losing my MIND!!!!  Shaking, nauseas, vomiting, dizzy, crazy, couldn't focus...nothing seemed NORMAL, I just want to feel good again.

So, I went to the doctor Tuesday afternoon and she prescribed me some Ativan and told me to pick up a new pack of Yaz right away and start it.  Today is Friday (are you following me? LOL) and I'm a LITTLE better, but still a long shot away from feeling myself!!!  I just can't seem to shake this feeling from my body or mind and it's freaking me out!  I will get off of Yaz, but my doc felt I needed to get right back on it to balance me out quickly!

Please tell me that these symptoms will stop once I get off of it!!!  In my crazy mind right now, I feel like I'll be like this FOREVER!!!  Like I said before, I've NEVER experienced any kind of depression, anger, ANXIETY or anything like this!

Thanks to all that have posted their experience!!!  It's great to know I'm not the only one!

[CNStars]

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You to all of the women who spoke up about their experiences with Yaz.  I, too, was one of those women who thought my experience was personal and unique.  I have been taking Yaz for 2 months now, and the symptoms are extremely unfavorable.  I have experienced constant bloating, daily nausea, stomach cramps, sensations in my legs, insomnia, MOOD SWINGS, depression, anxiety, increased crying and sometimes for no reason.  I began reading the Yaz information packet weekly, because it said that the side effects should only last for a few months, in an attempt to try and deal with all the negative effects of the pills.  I began drinking Pepto-Bismol straight out of the bottle twice a day to try and relieve some of the bloating and nausea, it helped, and it also made my stool BLACK!  By far, the worst side effects are the emotional ones.  Its not fair to you, or the people who are closest to you, who are wondering whats wrong, and even worst if they caused it.  Yesterday, I was ridiculously depressed, and I couldn't even began to tell you why, but I couldn't shake the feeling.  After reading all of the brave reviews from these women, I am throwing out of the rest of my BC.  At the end of the day, I have other birth control options and life is too short to spend most of it sick and depressed.  Good Luck to all you Ladies!

Peace & Blessings,
K

[CVT0808]

I've been taking Yaz for a month and I really haven't experienced any of the symptoms I read everyone here is having. On the contrary, I've actually lost weight, it helps control my emotions and I feel very energetic. The only side effect I seem to have experienced is breast tenderness. It all depends on your body I guess. I love Yaz, I just hope it keeps on this way.

[RainFalling]

I use to take Yaz, but i had to stop taking it because of the horrible side effects, I was getting severe migraines and severe nausea. It was so bad i couldn't stand to even get out of bed. Within the two weeks after stopping the pill the problems went away.  The only positive thing that came from Yaz was it cleared my skin, but really it wasn't worth all of that discomfort.  

[Laura343]

itching and tired:

Wow, just made the connection reading these posts. I'm in week three and the past 4 days my palms have itched like crazy, also between my fingers. At first I joked with people that "doesn't my palm itching mean I'm coming into $$".

Question... when does my period come. Pills I was used to, the whole week was placebo and my period usually came on Tuesday and was done by Fri. These pills the placebo doesn't even begin until Wed, so does that mean my period arrives for the weekend?? yuck.

[deaun1369]

Yaz is absolutely terrible. I guess for those of you that have already experienced weight gain with birth control it may not be that bad. But I have been at the same weight for several years and as soon as I started taking Yaz I gained 5 pounds. I actually started eating less and exercising, which I hadn't been doing before, and nothing helped. I just keep gaining. I have a history of anorexia so this is absolutely detrimental to me.

I have also noticed a major behavior change. I am a very conservative person normally and very rarely cuss or get really angry. Since being on this pill it's as though I can't even sensor my thoughts. I just say whatever I'm thinking, often offending people and occasionally cussing in very inappropriate settings.

So for what it's worth, if you care about your weight and your relationships with others, stay far away from this pill.

[Glad2Balive]

I started using Yaz a few months back. I'm a normally even-tempered, optimistic sort of person, though I have PTSD and have had bouts of depression in my life. After starting Yaz, I turned into a different person. I became irritable, easily annoyed and frustrated, argumentative and increasingly depressed. I started having migraines and terrible insomnia. I just spiraled downhill, taking my marriage down with me. It all came to a head when, in a terrible depression, I tried to commit suicide by OD'ing and wound up in the hospital for a few days. A psychiatrist helped me to figure out what may have caused the change in me. I'm off the pills now and feel like my old self again. I'm just so upset that I had to go through all this, that my husband & family had to be subjected to a monster. I have 1/2 a mind to sue Yaz. I want those months back! I thank God my husband didn't leave me!! Please stay away from this stuff.

[ambull]

wow, you poor thing!  i posted my story on 9/26 above.  this pill can do horrible things to good ppl!  i, myself, am such a happy upbeat person and this took such a toll on my life!  i've been off for 2 weeks and have good and bad days...still trying to get back to "normal", although i think i forget what that's like.  i think my hubby thinks i'm crazy.  i just keep telling him to be patient with me, that i'll be feeling 100% soon!  

i actually wrote the FDA last week, and i encourage others to do that!  i, too, would like to sue YAZ or the dang dr. that put me on it w/o asking ONE question!  i've never had PMDD, anxiety or depression before...

i'm so glad you are doing much better and i hope you get better and better each day!

take care and God Bless!!!

[emmyx33]

I started taking Yaz for acne and pmdd symptoms. I switched from apri two weeks ago, I really did not see any bad symptoms on apri, i loved it! The first week I broke out like crazy, but everything else felt normal. But this second week has been hell. I have been so tired and lately feeling nausea, and getting bad migraines. Last night was horrible, I randomly got a bad migraine while out with friends and I was so nauseated I could not even eat! I also had a panic attack last night. My face is clearing up slowly, but I don't feel like its worth it to stay on this pill. And I started taking this to control my moods also and I am scared from reading the other posts that this pill wont help. My parents just bought me 3 months of it already and I dont know if i can continue taking it, I know I should try, but I don't know if I can handle it!

[shellbell103]

Oh wow.  I've been reading all the problems that you guys are mentioning, and i'm sooo relieved that it's not just me.  i'm definitely switching birth controls.  i didn't make the connection at first with all the side effects, because my doctor had me trying new anti-depressants, and so i blamed everything on them....  the vaginal dryness, the complete lack of sex drive, the weight gain, the boobs growing, the tiredness, the headaches - i've experienced it all.  even my skin isn't looking as good as usual.  the only thing i haven't had a huge problem with is depression and anxiety.  surprisingly, i've gotten better, and haven't even needed anti-depressants.  but it's not worth it for all the bad side effects.  no good.  

[tjoseph]

Hello to everyone.  I just wanted to give my account of taking the Yaz birth controls.  I started taking Yaz in March of 2008.  On August 22, 2008 I was being admitted to the hospital for blood clots in both lungs.  This medication is trash. I dont care what your OB/GYNs are telling you, unless you want to be in a hospital bed fighting for your life, DO NOT TAKE THIS BIRTH CONTROL.  Read up for yourself.  There are TONS of articles and even reported deaths from women who have taken this medication.  It is not safe and has not been fully tested.  Read for yourself and IF YOU ARE ON IT, GET OFF IMMEDIATELY!!!

[yazcausesstrokes]

I started taking yaz 4 weeks ago. Last week I was admitted into the hospital for stroke like symptoms. My entire right side went numb in a matter of seconds. I could not speak properly and could not use my hand to even hold a pen. It has been almost a week and I have trouble saying the things I think. Turns out I had a STROKE due to taking yaz. I immediately stopped taking the pills, but still have not regained all functions in my hand back. The worst part is, I'm 20 YEARS OLD! I advice everyone to be very careful when taking this birth control. I took yasmin for years and never had any problems and I wish I had never switched. My doctor never told me that any of this could happen.  When I started looking up side effects online, I found out that things like this happen to a lot of women. BE CAREFUL!!!!

[alicia853]

I posted in September.. I had a yeast infection.. Before taking Yaz I had never experienced this before. I used Monistat, it didn't go away. I had my period the next week, once it was over I called my gyno, made an appointment. After an exam she said it was definitely yeast, and perscribed me Diflucan. The week that the diflucan was in my system my itching seemed to decrease a little, and i thought I would finally be over the infection. Next week, the yeast infection was worse. So, I went to the drug store and bought Monistat AGAIN. This time, the seven day. I got my period again the week after this, and my yeast infection was still there. I stopped taking the pill, and my syptoms (symptoms) are slowly dying off. I blame my over 2 month long yeast infection on Yaz, and since I have never been on birth control before it makes me weary of even switching to another kind.

[LaceyBear]

In April of 2008 I switched to YAZ from Ortho Cyclen (which I had been on for about 6 years) because it made me nauseous too frequently.  The first two months on YAZ seemed great- but come the 4th month I found myself changing.  Not only was I becoming increasingly tired, anxious, angry, and moody- but I woke up in the middle of the night with EXCRUCIATING stomach pains, followed by bouts of dizziness,headaches etc.  My doctor said it wasn't caused by YAZ, but I knew it was.

Concerned, I switched back to Ortho Cyclen 3 weeks ago.  While my previous nausea caused by Ortho cyclen is no longer present, I still feel the effects of going off of YAZ.  Ive continued to get really dizzy, headaches, and bleeding gums (which my dentist completely associated with the pills, not oral hygiene.)  I'm wondering how long this will last?

I HAVE THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS FOR ANYONE WHO CAN HELP:
1. For those of you who quit YAZ, and went back to your old pill, did the YAZ effects eventually go away and was your old pill acceptable again?

2. For those of you who had such serious problems as strokes, etc, did you decide to forget BC pills all together?  And if you did, did the side effects go away?

3. Does anyone have any experience or thoughts on the natural Fertility Awareness Method and it's effectiveness when practiced carefully.


Any help would be greatly appreciated.  I'm 24, really healthy, and would love to get off BC if possible.  I originally began Ortho Cyclen when I was 18 b/c of horrible cramps. I'm in a monogamous, committed relationship, so while BC comes in handy, another alternative method would not be too hard for me and my BF to follow.

Thanks so much!

[Sassy383]

I started taking YAZ this past month, so far I feel like I've lost some weight, but my breasts look about 2 cup sizes bigger, and they are uncomfortably sore and painful.  I'm also getting the pain and soreness in my arms and shoulders, and that random numbness and all I wanna do is sleep, and that's not like me.  I feel weak, and I'm pretty strong for a small girl, I'm 5feet, have good muscle tone in my arms, legs and abs, and since taking this pill I feel helpless.  I had never considered taking birth control, but my OB/GYN insisted I try it for 3 months.  And you know why?  Because she was lazy and just figured that the pill would be an easy way out of painful periods, I think I may have a cyst, or possible endometriosis and she just threw me the 3month supply and said, "Oh no, you just have painful periods"   I'm not going to her anymore, these pills don't make me feel like myself.

[lilkrunky]

was on every kind of birth controll out there  i started taking yaz and took it for appx. 1 year - gained about 15 lbs
now i have a baby due dec 2 2008 - does this sound like the kind of birth controll pill you want to depend on? ( happy but shocked about the baby by the way )
i know that no birth controll pill is 100% but after my first and only child 14 years ago who would have guessed.
my opinion is check out all of your options before choosing this one and ask your dr all kinds of questions before hand

[El3182]

Hello~!

About five years ago I was on Orthor Tri Lo for a total of three years.  Towards the end of the three years I started to notice that my mood swings were pretty signifigant and I was never a moody person- pretty much happy go lucky all the time.  BUT during that time I was getting cortizone injections into my neck to help with a scar that I had.  (Cortizione is supposed to make a scar lessen in appearance) It was a total of four injections, and worse a total of 40 pounds.  

At the same time I stopped recieving injections of cortizone (mind you I was younger and simply trusted my doctor when he said cortizone had no side effects) I stopped my BCP.  I lost all the weight and then some in a year.

I recently became engaged and decided to go on BC well before I get married.  I suffer from adult acne (never ever even had one pimple growing up) and the acne is pretty bad at times.  It seems I can simply look at my face and get a pimple. When I went to my new doctor I told her that I heard YAZ helped with acne and that I needed to go on a  BCP once again.  So  I decided to try it.  Later that day I read up on YAZ and got so so so scared after reading nothing but horrible things about it- I was nearly in tears cause I was so scared but at the same time clear skin for my soon to be husband sounded really good.

I am on my second week of YAZ birthcontrol, and so far my skin has made a vast improvement. (I'm still crossing my fingers that it continues) I am able to use ceram on my face at night and so far no deep cystic acne has come up.  I have a few minor ones but I don't really notice them until I was my face and run my hands over my face then feel them.  Even my fiance noticed a difference withing the first couple of days. (Prior before taking them I had probably my worst breakout.  I didn't even want to look in the mirror and it entirely affected my mood) Within the first couple of days that breakout cleared up.  I started on Sunday which also to happened to be my first full day of my period.  It is now the following Tuesday and I am spotting just a little bit.

Other "side affects," that you might cal them are that I fall asleep a half hour after I take them- no lie a half hour to the minute.  I read that they can make you sleepy so I take them at ten at night.  So far I have been getting better sleep! (I have very irregular sleep patterns and usualy around my period cannot even focus I'm so tired)  During the day I might feel a little naseous but nothing that I can actually complain about.  I am however still a little bloated BUT- I have also at the same time currently cutting out dairy out of my diet because i think that I am very much lactose intolerant.  So I think that slight change in my diet- the fact that I am still spotting a bit- and the biggest fact that I am on BC again after many years of not being on it might be the reason why I feel bloated.  (mostly feel like I have water retention) As for mood swing. I feel like I might be a little more impatient than usualy but when I feel myself get that way I just tell myself to relax and realize that I am on a hormone that might have caused it.  But once again- its nothing too severe for me to feel like I should stop taking YAZ.

I hope this helps some of you.  Its scary when you read all the negatives and its helpful to know that there are positives too.  Just remember that everyones body IS different and while -so far (fingers crossed) Yaz has been okay for me- might not make it ok for you.

Positive:
clearer skin within a week
good sleep
no signifigant change in mood

Negative:
bloated feeling like water retention which could be associated with my diet change.

Good luck to all and I will keep posting if anything changes for positive or negative:)

[sweetiepie212387]

YAZ WARNING!! My dermatologist prescribed YAZ birth control to help with my acne breakouts. I did some research and found that it helped most women. But for me that wasn't the case. What I thought would be a life saver almost cost me my life. Birth control is great to prevent pregnancy, help control and reduce your periods, and assist with fighting acne, etc... but is it really worth risking your life so you can have a month or more of no periods? Our body functions the way it does for a reason. We shouldn't try to trick it. Where do you think all that blood is going? I was on my death bed at age 21 because of YAZ. I developed blood clots in my lung and I'm lucky to be alive. I'm still having a hard time realizing how close my life was to ending.The symptoms first started when I was on a work trip in FL. I was traveling a lot in the car and noticed I was getting tired a lot, very nautious, my breasts were soar, I would get slightly dizzy, and my chest and stomach were hurting. I didn't think anything of it. Just thought my period was approaching or I was getting a cold. The chest pains continued for weeks and only got worse. One morning I was getting ready for work and I coughed up blood. I immediately knew something was wrong. Afterwords my chest began to hurt. I was having a difficult time breathing and there was a tremendous amount of pressure on my chest. I went to work that day anyway, thinking I didn't have insurance and by the end of the day I couldn't take it anymore. My best friend took me into the hospital and that's when I went into the most excruciating pain. I thought I was dieing and I remember telling her, " Please call my mom and tell her to come now." I told the nurses I didn't want to die and I'll never forget that moment! PLEASE... Don't let this be you. There are alternative ways of preventing pregnancy and birth control methods with less serious side effects such as an IUD insert, which I am getting. God created us to have periods for a reason just like he made us capable of having children. Don't toy with your body and take a risk at such serious side effects. Being in the hospital for a week was not fun. However  I am thankful to be alive and happy that I am able to share my experience with you. PLEASE reconsider if you are thinking about birth control.

[elsue]

Hi!  I just want to share my Yaz experience.  I am 41 years old and have 2 young kids.  I started taking Yaz last Sunday and took it for 6 days.  The second day on it the center of my chest hurt like a heart pain.  That went away.  The 5th day on it my scalp got tender and sore. I also started noticing some heart palpitations and chest heaviness.  The 6th day my chest heaviness got worse and so did the chest pain.  Thought I was having a heart attack or had a blood clot.  Called my doc and she sent me to the ER.  Not exactly where I wanted to be on a Saturday night!  The took it very seriously and did and EKG and a chest scan.  All were normal.  I am very healthy, exercise don't smoke and not overweight.  They told me to stop taking Yaz right away which I was going to do regardless of what they said.  I had one friend that took it and suffered from migranes so badly till she quit.  Another friend has suffered a lot of hair loss.  You might do fine on this drug but please don't risk it!!  The side effects are not worth it.  It has only been out since 2001 and all the dangers are not known yet.

[baloepoca]

This is the best news I have read all week, I finally know what is wrong with me and what is the root of my change in behavior. It is definitely the fault of Yaz. I used to be on the birth control Necon, which really did not have any side effects on me, but i decided to switch to yaz 4 months ago because i wanted it to help out my acne. For the first 2 months I saw a great result in the clearing of my skin. However, I had a lot of difficulty wearing my contacts and I was always spotting, I felt like I had my period like twice a month. 2 weeks ago I decided to stop it because, even while taking it at the same time every night, I was STILL spotting. About 4 days later, I experienced a panic attack and ever since I have felt the worse anxiety i have ever felt in my life, I get dizzy spells, chills, tremors, chest pain, headaches, rapid heart beat, and shortness of breath. If anyone has experienced these effects, can you tell me how long it lasted because this is horrible, i feel like i'm going crazy!

[ambull]

i experienced all of the horrible anxiety and panic with mild depression from abruptly stopping Yaz mid-month.  (i posted a little while back)  i went to 4 doctors, had 2 full blood panels and a full hormone test.  OF COURSE, all of the blood work came back fine and the hormone test indicated a fluctuation.  i was give kolonopin to help with the problem and also zoloft.  i took zoloft ONE time and couldn't take it anymore for the mere fact that i'm such a happy, outgoing, fun person, and i didn't want to introduce that into my system!  this all started in mid september and i'm finally starting to feel better!  it truly takes a few cycles to go through to get balanced out (if you've stopped taking the pills).  i'm having more better days than bad.  i still get panicky for no reason and that's bothersome, but i've come a LONG way from nonstop crying and wanting to jump out of my skin.  i've now developed PMS which i've never had before (so why was i ever on Yaz, i don't know???) i seem to be pretty nasty acting right before my period which is AWFUL!  hopefully that will get better too!  seriously, if you push yourself really hard, keep positive thoughts and pray HARD it HELPS!  it WILL get better, you just have to give it a little time!  i know how you felt, like it will NEVER get better, like this is now YOU...it's NOT!  i hope you get better soon :)

God Bless!!!!

[Jenny82289]

I have been on Yaz since February of 2008.  Since then I have gained about 10 pounds.  Once I started on the pill I gained about 5 pounds immediately and now I can't get any of the weight off.  I'm 19 years old and I am a pretty active girl.  I'm always walking around and I have a high metabolism, before Yaz I never went over 115 pounds and when I went to the doctors 2 weeks ago I weighed 126!! I have also noticed that this pill has made me extremely short tempered! Since February I flip out over the littlest things and it frustrates me so much because I used to be such a happy person and never got mad!  I also frequently wake up in the middle of the night sweating like crazy and feel extremely nauseous.  And it has never happened to me before.  I am on Yaz because I  have polycystic ovarian syndrome and my doctor thought it would be best, but I still have terrible cramps (sometimes even worse then when I wasn't on birth control).  Also when I get my period, there is no blood whatsoever and it is always brown thick goo and its very clotty.  I have also noticed my vision decreasing immensely! Before Yaz I had eyes like a hawk and now everything is so blurry!!  I have decided to stop taking Yaz, starting tonight! I am also concerned because I dont think birth control is natural and someday I want to have children and I don't want them to develop any problems.  If anyone else has any of these symptoms, GET OFF YAZ ASAP!! This pill should be banned by the FDA, I dont understand why doctors praise it so much?? Its a terrible pill!!

[stepi38]

Yaz is by far the worst pill I have ever taken it could have killed me. I am 38yrs.old an I took Yasmien for about 2 yrs wanted to take Yaz because of all the talk about the low hormone fill good pill. Talked with my Gyn. and got switched over.I stayed on Yaz about 2 yrs. I STOPPED taking Yaz Oct. 13 2007 when I was admitted to the Hospital with A Pulmonary Embolism [a blod clot in the lungs]. I experienced the nausea, cramping , sleeplessness, low sex drive, chest pain,anger,mood swings,abdominal pain,crazy period , and headaches. I didn't know what was happenihg to me until I looked up this web site after being released from the Hospital after spending 7 days their and 2 trips back to the emergency room for sonograms and ct scans.Where the radiologist asked me what pill had I been taking and I said Yaz. She informed me she had several young women that took Yaz come in within the first couple of months of taking Yaz with blood clots in their legs. If u experience chest pain ,shortness of breath, leg or severe abdominal pain see a doctor if they don't find anything with an xray or sonogram have them do A clotting test on your blood thats how they  found mine . PLEASE GET OFF OF THIS PILL IT IS DANGEROUS!

[justicia]

Hi to all lovely women out there,

Thank you to all of you who have posted.  It's been comforting to know there are others out there experiencing similar things to myself.  I have only been taking Yaz for 3 weeks now but I have to say that for the wonder drug I thought it was it has been an unpleasant experience for me so far.  My gyno prescribed it to help my PMT symptoms.

Up until today I just thought I was going crazy because life is life sometimes..full of ups and downs.  However, now that I sit down and think about it I have really only been feeling this bad since I started taking Yaz.  The first week wasnt too bad but the last 1-2 weeks I have been feeling really sad, easily upset, wanting to cry over nothing, worrying about things I wouldnt normally worry over and overall just feeling really really emotional.  I also have had breast tenderness since my last period which is when i started the Yaz.    The other thing I have noticed is that this morning I am coughing and my chest feels tight.  Although I am asthmatic, I am not a severe asthmatic and it seems rather a coincidence I am having tightness in my chest since taking Yaz.  I know that the symptoms may decrease over time but I dont think I want to feel like this for another day.  I have also felt nauseus as well.
I am going to stop taking Yaz because we dont know what the long term effects of this new drug actually is.  By what I have been reading maybe a lot of other women should consider not taking it or stopping if they already are taking it.  Different meds work differently for different people.   However, it would be my advice if you are having very bad side effects from this drug that you refrain from continuance of it.

Nicole

[photogirl661]

There seems to be so many women out there with problems with this pill- I am definitely one of them. I have been on the pill for two years and have constantly been back and fourth from the doctor with panic attacks and weight gain, I have grown about two cup sizes which as been hard on me, since I have always been small breasted. The doctor keeps telling me that yaz isn't supposed to cause weight gain and depression, but I have never had these problem before.

Just in the past few weeks I have been getting chest pains, and now I am worried that I am causing serious and long term damage to my body and health... I am ready to get off this pill.

For those of you thinking about getting on the pill, please take all the advice posted here serious before you consider taking the pill.

[Painfully_Worried]

I started on Loestrin 24 about 5 months ago and completely lost all sexual urges. I had no sensation there, I had to check to see if there was anythind down there.  So i stop taking it and everything went back to normal.  Now i had a awful cycle this month which had me going to the doctor and was put on YAZ.  Seeing all your comment have wondering if i should continue, i have taken 8 pills so far.

Any advice

[Nicole98]

I am on my 3rd month of Yaz. My doctor recommended it for PMS. To be honest, I have been under so much stress lately I can't tell if it's helping or not. I did notice that my periods have gotten grosser since YAZ. Also after my last period was over, I thought I had a UTI because I was so sore down there. They didn't find any bacteria for a UTI, but gave me antibotics to be "on the safe side". I just finished my period this month and I am sore as hell again. What is that about? Is anyone else experiencing the same things?