Posted by LyndaK on November 20, 2001, at 12:25:08
In reply to Depression and Borth Control Pills, posted by Erinchita on November 19, 2001, at 20:34:56
Birth control pills can definitly affect your mood. Many women (like me) experience mood changes just from their own hormone cycles. Birth control pills actually help stabilize my mood, but it certainly could have an opposite effect for you. I'm not sure I would bother with the psychologist until I had ruled out that issue -- especially if you didn't have problems with this before starting the pill. Hormones can be/are very powerful mood altering chemicals. Keep in mind that there are different formulations of birth control pills -- a different kind might be better for you; or, you may be one of those who just doesn't tolerate them. Find out about all the different birth control options that are out there.
One thing you don't want is to start adding other drugs when it may just be a matter of getting off the birth control pills.
Good luck,
Lynda
> Hi...I have never been diagnosed with any sort of mental disorder. I have recently (over the last few weeks) noticed that I have become quite depressed. I can't think of any circumstance in my life that may be causing this, except that I began taking birth control pills again (Lo-Estrin), about 2 months ago. I had taken them before and I remember having major mood swings during the first month, but nothing as severe as this. I have my first appointment with a psychologist on Wednesday, thank god.
> But I was just wondering if anyone has experienced severe depression as a side-effect of taking oral contraceptives? I feel like I can't do anything. I have no energy, a simple task is like such a chore to me. I am irritable, and I have been staying in my room at school all day long. I have been neglecting my studies. I have ridiculous paranoia within my relationship with my boyfriend. I really dont know what happened to me.
> If anyone has any input, please respond. Thanks =)
poster:LyndaK
thread:84714
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011113/msgs/84764.html