Positive experience's with Birth control please!

Holly J · Post by **Holly J** » Thu Aug 21, 2008 5:24 pm

Hello. I stopped taking my ortho tri-cyclin LO In May. I was trying to stop taking anything that could contribute to anxiety and depression. I have been off them for almost 4 months now and the first month I felt OK but these past 3 months have been the worst of my life. I have been wondering if this is because I stopped taking birth control pills. I know they definitely helped me with the physical symptoms like bloating, cramps and the length of the actual period. I am pretty darn sure it did help me with my emotional feelings too. I didn't feel this bad ever when I was on them. Don't get me wrong, I still had anxiety and depression. . Just not this intense at all. I remember last yr when my anxiety flared up I did the same thing and got off them. . Than a couple months later went back on them because I thought I had PMDD (which I probably do, who knows) I started feeling much much better BUT thinking, I don't know if it was a coincidence OR the Birth control that made me feel better. . .Logic would say the birth control pills. Than in March of this year I had a panic attack (hadn't had one in a yr) and it really got to me and I started to develop anticipatory anxiety. Than I did the same crap and got off the pill. . again. . thinking "I have to get off this because I hear that it can be so bad for anxiety and depression." Its like I forgot what I did last year. I know it seems like all evidence points to birth control pills are probably making me feel better but since I am an extremely analytical and negative thinker, I am doubting this (PS-I doubt/fear EVERYTHING, especially medication) I guess I would like to hear some people who have <span class="ev_code_RED">POSITIVE </span> things to say about birth control pills and how it has helped their anxiety/depression/PMDD. I know this is not a miracle drug at all that will take away everything, but just like how people say anti-depressants are the devil, it still has helped many, right? Just like birth control pills. Maybe my body needs what the ortho tri-cyclin has in it to function somewhat normal again. Let me tell you ever since stopping birth control pills (except the first month was not SO bad) 2 weeks before my period are HELL and even during too. So, honestly I feel terrible most of the month. SERIOUSLY!!!! It's really sad. I just want to be my old self again. . And thats not asking for much because my old self was still anxious sometimes and depressed sometimes BUT I thought more rationally. SO, does anyone think me stopping my birth control pills is what is contributing to my crazy hormones and anxiety/ depression and any positive stories with birth control pills would be GREATLY appreciated. Thank you <span class="ev_code_PINK">LADIES</span> for reading this.

Lizzy01 · Post by **Lizzy01** » Fri Aug 22, 2008 2:03 am

From all of your previous posts I really think you have PMDD. That is proably why you felt better on bc. I know there is a pill, Yaz, that is especially for PMDD.

MatthewM · Post by **MatthewM** » Fri Aug 22, 2008 11:27 am

Noelle, I agree. I really do think that is what I have. I have heard of YAZ but I would want to go back to my old birth control since I remember being fine on it, ya know? Thank you SOOO much for replying, Noelle!!!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Aug 24, 2008 10:23 am

C' mon,
Anyone else feel better on birth control pills???

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Aug 24, 2008 11:24 am

Sorry you arent getting other responses. Instead of talking to your primary doc I would go and see your obgyn, they might have better insight and ideas of what is going on with your body and how you react to your cycles. That is what I did. I do horrible on bc, so thats why we opted for the ad lexapro and it was the right choice for me, discuss all your options and be up front about how you feel. Also right down ALL of the symptoms you have on a piece of paper before you go in so you have it all right there in front of you. Your other option is to talk to an endocrinologist, they deal with hormonal issues as well. I also suffer from a pituitary problem that I think makes my PMS so bad. Good luck to you, I hope you get relief and start to feel better. I know first hand how horrible PMDD is and now I know what is like to feel normal, and it is a wonderful feeling. You just have to puish past those rough patches with the meds to get the good results in the end, it is sooo worth it!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Aug 24, 2008 12:14 pm

hey holly I took bc pills for a long time and they actaully didnt make me feel better too many physical side effects...however I do think yes they help dramatically to regulate the hormones so you dont have the high ups and downs keeps them much more level and that yes can contribute to feeling better.

I say if you felt better on them the by all means go back...why not. And yes I agree you should be seeing an OB/GYN yearly as opposed to the general MD....this is what they do so they know which pills are the best the safest and the most effective for all sorts of situations.

Good luck to you Holly

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Aug 24, 2008 12:35 pm

I've been off my birth control for a month now and actually feel fine. I've been on them for 10 years and just decided to see how I felt without them. I have my period now and it def. a lot worse having it without being on the pill, but that was expected. I'd say if you feel better on them, then stay on. I haven;t decided yet if I am going back on them. I'm going to give it some more time.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 5:09 am

Hi Holly,

I am not sure about the effects of stopping BC, but I sure can tell you the the BC Ocella landed me in the Emergency Room twice with anxiety / Panic attacks. I was previously taking Yasmin and my insurance company teamed up with the pharmacy to give me the generic brand (Ocella!) Unfortunately, I had to find out the hard way. All along, I thought my Dr. changed my prescription, but that was not the case. The Pharmaceutical Industry is not concerned about our health and is all about the money, not to sound pessimistic. Well, I am back taking Yasmin and feel, much better, but am still having anxiety attacks, but not as severe. My next step is to seek therapy and continue to use this therapy system.
I will keep everyone in my prayers that we all fight this awful disorder!

stargazer · Post by **stargazer** » Sat Sep 13, 2008 5:06 am

I have tried many birth control pills over the years and some of them really increase anxiety and some stabilize me. Hormones are powerful. The difference in pills is the progesterone varies in amount and type; the estrogen is pretty much the same (ethinyl estradiol) in every pill. In general, lower progesterone is better if you have mood or emotional issues. Check this website: <A HREF="http://www.wdxcyber.com/ncontr13.htm" TARGET=_blank>http://www.wdxcyber.com/ncontr13.htm</A> Take your concerns to an ob/gyn along with a list of other medications. Everyone is different. Personally, I am staying on the pill because I am not ready to get pregnant and they also regulate and stabilize me. But it took trial and error. I was an out of control witch on Yaz with panic attacks, anger, mood swings, felt sick on Ortho Cyclen, gained weight with some other pill with a lot of hormone, now doing great on Zovia 1/35. In general, a monophasic pill (same amount of active ingredients in each pill) keeps you steadier. You say you took ortho tr-cyclen; the tri-cyclen increases/ changes hormone amounts each week whereas orth cyclen is the same every day). Pills with lower amounts of hormone mess with your mind less. They also now make a pill called seasonale that gives you only 4 periods a year and thus also fewer of the mood swings with each period. This can also be achieved by taking the pill continuously under the direction of your doctor with 4 breaks per year. Going natural, no pill, is a great option also if appropriate for you in terms of contraception, but know that it will take a while for your body to adjust.