Stress Center Peer Support

Hi girls,
I have anxiety since 1999 and have been on and off several antidepressants, have been on and off the pill. I don´t take antideps anymore because the side effects were always more severe than the positive effects.

I´m 43 and still get my period regularly and have developed severe PMS over the last years, starting a week before my period is due. I´m much more anxious, irritated, don´t sleep well, feel exhausted and vulnerable. But the worst thing is a terrible migraine I get every time which lasts for DAYS. The pain, nausea and the feeling of "can´t go on living anymore..." are something I wouldn´t wish for my worst enemy, like we say here.
So I went to my gyn and let him take a hormone test. To my surprise, everything was okay. However, he recommended to try the pill again (can´t tell you which it is because here in Germany we have different names). I took the pill again (which seems ridicoulos to me because I´m single and don´t have sex!), but can´t tell that it has gotten worse or better. I only know more exactly WHEN it starts.

So I think I will stop taking the pill again as I don´t see any improvement, so why should I stress my body with chemicals....
They say that migraine gets better after menopause, I hope that´s true... hope I don´t have to live with that crap for the rest of my life!!

Susanne

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I take Levora for approx 12 weeks and then one week off. I do this because I have uterine fibroids and my periods get too heavy. It has really helped with the heaviness of my flow and the cramping, but I'm nearly convinced that it contributes to my anxiety and depression. In all BCPs there is a warning to be cautious if you've ever experienced depression. Now I don't know if that means a low grade chronic mild depression like I have or if it means a severe depression. I have just switched to the Levora because the other brand I took was discontinued. It's the same chemical, but just a different trade name. I don't know if it's working or not. this past week that I have been on it I have been very insecure and fighting a lot of negative thoughts. It could just be a self full filling prophecy though because I was/am worried about switching brands.

I have also been on the pill since I was 15 (i'm 32 now) so I don't really know what a natural cycle feels like. I think that like all medications you will just have to wait and see how your body reacts to it. I wish that we didn't have to go through all the trials, but such is life! Good luck. Do you journal? If you're wondering if the pill is working or not maybe journaling would help you to see. It might help to gauge your moods from day to day.