One for the ladies and of course gents if you can help!

[Happygoluckymiss]

Hey there BB community,

the last 4 months have been well, out of control. To simplify, I was pregnant and had a termination (which was difficult and the right decision) and then I went on the pill. I went to see my gp (whom I cannot speak more highly of - he was wonderful!) and after 4 weeks of being on pill (and termination) I had a complete mind snap - I was out of control and insane. I scared myself and those around me. I couldn’t rationalise or put any sense into life. I recognised this and nearly took myself to hospital. I then in a complete state of desperation googled the pill, hormones and anxiety. To my surprise - absolute link. My question is have any ladies experienced this? If so, how did you address it? Gents, any thoughts on this greatly appreciated too.

Thank you and new to community!

[MsPurple]

HI Happygoluckymiss and welcome to the forums

I myself have had issues with the pill. For me some caused huge appetite increase (to the point I'd eat a large Mcdonalds meal with dessert and I'd be starving an hour later) so I had to go off that one. I had some issues with hormones and it worsening depression, but I finally found the right one. There are various different types and classes of pill prescriptions and some people don't react well to some and some react better to others. I suggest talking to your doctor regarding which one works better with you. There are also other types of birth control that may work better for you and not affect your mental health. Other options include implanon, IUD and the shot. Note none of these protect against STD so I usually use both a condom and the pill.

It can be tough finding a birth control. I have found it tough too. I even worry that I'm still not on the right one, because taking the pill the same time every day can be tough. But it is good to be open with your doctor to pick the best option for you

[jess334]

Hi Happygoluckymiss,

Welcome to the BB forums.

I was put on the pill when I was 15 after I complained to my GP about painful period cramps. We found out about 10 years later it was actually endometriosis.

I went off the pill a few years ago and I noticed a marked improvement in my anxiety and also my mood swings. I am much more stable off hormonal birth control. To the point where even my partner doesn't want me on them.

I also had a termination when I was younger and they put an implanon in my arm - that was AWFUL. I had such bad mood swings and anxiety that I made them take it out less than 3 months later. But one of my friends had it with no side effects whatsoever. So it really depends on the individual.

As MsPurple suggested, there are other birth control options out there that aren't hormonal (and that you don't have to remember to take every day).

Jess

[quirkywords]

Happygoluckymiss.

I too welcome you to the forum and what an interesting thread.

Back in the 1970s , yes I am that old, I was put on the pill by a psychiatrist to help with my mood swings! Back then it was thought that if the periods were regulated women would be less moody.

I think you have to weigh up the pros and cons.

Quirky

[BumbleBumble]

Hi Happygoluckymiss,

That is frustrating. To answer your question it is not uncommon to experience mood fluctuations on the pill. One study placed it as high as 37% with strong correlation between estrogen and mood regulation.

So what are the options? Stopping the pill is definitely one of them with multiple contraceptive options both hormonal and non-hormonal based.

The best person to discuss these options along with potential draw backs is your GP.

Hope this helps

[Elizabeth CP]

After my daughter was born (an unplanned pregnancy a GP who was filling in for my normal GP prescribed a pill. I was breastfeeding so it was a lower dose & slightly different formulation to the normal one so I could continue to breastfeed. 6 weeks later I returned to my normal Gp for a checkup & mentioned I'd felt I was feeling low. When he checked the notes & saw that I'd been prescribed the pill he told me to stop taking it & never take any form of the pill again. In susceptible people (& I was one) it can trigger serious MH problems including depression. My mood picked up once it was out of my system & I used alternative contraception from then on. Obviously many women are fine taking the pill but if you are like me it is not worth it.

[Happygoluckymiss]

Thank you for getting back to me. I appreciate this so much. I am not concerned about the birth control. I will manage this another way. I was more concerned about the impact on my MH and if any ladies had experienced this too. It scared me and made me feel like raving lunatic. I have taken myself off pill and consulted with doc - he agreed with me. I had the Implanon twice and boy did it mess me up. I think I found the link. I am feeling so much clearer and anxiety is a lot better.

Much love and thank you x

[Happygoluckymiss]

Thank you! I read the same study in my desperation and realised this was likely the case. I also went through a a marriage separation in 2017 and took my self to a clinic to speak with a psychiatrist and this was a low point too and in her professional opinion is was situational and not systemic. This feeling I experienced with the hormonal changes was something completely different and this last episode scared me. I know myself and whilst I have had periods of sadness and grief of my life and marriage - this last experience was so different. I can only think I am perhaps one of the 37%?

thank you for your reply, it means a lot

xx

[MsPurple]

Hi and thanks for coming back and checking in

Yeah it can be tough. Unfortunatley a lot of people (and i've had professionals say it) that you just have to 'deal with it'. But I completely disagree. If it makes your mental health worse then it is not worth continuing. You need to do the trade off. Side effects vs benefits