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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 10 of 10. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Erinchita on November 19, 2001, at 20:34:56
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 =)
Posted by susan C on November 19, 2001, at 21:52:45
In reply to Depression and Borth Control Pills, posted by Erinchita on November 19, 2001, at 20:34:56
yes, my memory is hormones (progestin) used in rx birth control can cause problems. Be sure you also check with your GP and/or GYN about your hormone levels and the coincidence of the timing of mood and your taking of the pills. Though I am on the 'other end' at 50 years old, I cannot tolerate progestin, but can take progesterone. If you have more questions, I will try to help.
mouse with babies in college
susan C
Posted by sar on November 20, 2001, at 1:08:28
In reply to Re: Depression and Borth Control Pills, posted by susan C on November 19, 2001, at 21:52:45
i am being very much pressured to take birth control pills, as the boy very much hates condoms. i can't say i'm pleased with them either.
howver, with my precarious emotional state, i am afraid to try anything with may cause anxiety or weight gain (eating disorder issues). i've read that birth control pills have improved very much in the past years re: these issues, but i'd like to hear from women actually on birth control. did it change your mood or weight?
thanks,
sar
Posted by Anna laura on November 20, 2001, at 2:17:37
In reply to Depression and Borth Control Pills, posted by Erinchita on November 19, 2001, at 20:34:56
> 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 =)
Hi ErinchitaPlease be careful: hormones can definetely cause depression, especially the pill.
A friend of mine got seriously depressed because of the pill years ago.
It's a shame doctors won't talk about it: they're talking about how good is, talking about the advantages all the time and they rarely express caution about it. Please stop it immediately: it can be a serious harm.
Take vitamin B suplements to counteract depression: if it persists, i advice to see a pdoc and talk to him about it.
Very Important: remember that if you stop the pill the risk of getting pregnant it's quite high for the following month or so, so please take precautions.Take care
Anna Laura
Posted by janejj on November 20, 2001, at 4:32:29
In reply to Re: Depression and Borth Control Pills, posted by sar on November 20, 2001, at 1:08:28
I took microgynon 30 for about 4 years, i didn't experience any weight gain or increase in anxiety. Infact anxiety was probably decreased because i wasn't fearful about becoming pregnant and PMS became non - existent! The downside was a dimished sex drive.I don't take them now cos i just feel like i'm taking too many drugs, what with prozac, lorazepam, benedryl etc !
When is the male pill going to be made avaliable?.........its about time !!!!!!
> i am being very much pressured to take birth control pills, as the boy very much hates condoms. i can't say i'm pleased with them either.
>
> howver, with my precarious emotional state, i am afraid to try anything with may cause anxiety or weight gain (eating disorder issues). i've read that birth control pills have improved very much in the past years re: these issues, but i'd like to hear from women actually on birth control. did it change your mood or weight?
>
> thanks,
> sar
Posted by fluffykitty on November 20, 2001, at 11:14:32
In reply to Re: Depression and Borth Control Pills SAR, posted by janejj on November 20, 2001, at 4:32:29
Sar, tell him to get snipped! ;-)
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 =)
Posted by Katey on November 20, 2001, at 18:40:21
In reply to Re: Depression and Borth Control Pills » Erinchita, posted by LyndaK on November 20, 2001, at 12:25:08
i too am on 'the pill', if anything its helped me, but i have several friends who could not take ortho (the most common one), a friend of mine uses Alese, and it works well for her. Like Lynda said, theres a lot of options out there. And it may not just be the pills either. I'm glad your going to see a pdoc tomorrow.
Sar- if anything, i lost a little weight on BC, my mood also stabalized and it calmed my hormones which is a good thing actually. my social commentary note is dont let him force you anything and i highly recommend vasectamys for all boys on their 12th birthday (joking...well sorta)
I think ive touched on everyones concerns, but if i discover that ive missed you, i'll pick it up later. Good life to you all, and much happiness
Posted by Beliala on November 22, 2001, at 20:44:43
In reply to Depression and Borth Control Pills, posted by Erinchita on November 19, 2001, at 20:34:56
Lo-Estrin is low in estrogen yet high in progestin - often a bad combination mood-wise. The author of SCREAMING TO BE HEARD (women's hormones book) recommends high-estrogen, low-progestin pills like Ovcon-35 to women who tend to get depressive side-effects. Someone here also recently posted having a positive reaction to Yasmin.
Unfortunately neither of these bcps seem to be available in Canada (where I live) though :o(.
Posted by sar on November 22, 2001, at 23:32:35
In reply to Re: Depression and Borth Control Pills, posted by Beliala on November 22, 2001, at 20:44:43
good thread.
the digs on the boys were hilarious...! all in good fun tho, right? ;)
it seems to me it would be dangerous for a person to start taking birth control pills if they're depressed and trying to find the proper med combo...and that's my situation. but i'm glad to hear some success stories.
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