Birth Control Pill & Emotional Issues

**Jpnonymous** · 07-28-2009 01:35 PM

Hello!

I've been on the bill since I was 16, and am now 28. I'm starting to wonder if maybe it's not the best method for me b/c I am extremely emotional and depressive. I cry for no reason at all, get anxious, and overreact to things, even when I know there's nothing to be upset about. It's embarrassing to be an adult and not have any control over your emotions, and I can't imagine how tough it must be for my boyfriend to have to deal with me when I'm like this. It is especially bad the week before and after my period which makes me think it's a hormonal thing and not just psychological. The problem is I've been on the pill so long it's hard to know what I'd be like without it!

I recently switch from Brevicon to Alesse two months ago because I thought that the pill was responsible for my low sex drive (something that's I've always had but never questioned b/c I just assumed it was normal). I find that with the new pill I’m even more anxious and depressive than I was before, and I start to spot a week before my I stop taking my active pills. I realise that it’s normal to experience different symptoms or more extreme symptoms when you are switching doses but Brevicon and Alesse are both pretty low to begin with, and it just makes me think that it’s the extra estrogen that’s making me so miserable.

If you look at how the pill works you can see that it’s basically tricking your body into thinking it’s pregnant. And pregnant women are very emotional (and sometimes not able to thin clearly). That just makes me think that taking hormones are my problem as well.

I’ve tried talking to doctor’s about this as well at the clinic, but have not been able to get a visit long enough where I could discuss this fully (instead of being prescribed another type of pill).

What do you guys think? What experience have you guys had?
I’m just trying to figure out my options – I stop taking my active pills in a week so I have basically 2 weeks until the time I’m supposed to start my next pack. I’m trying to figure out if I should give the Alesse another month to see if my body adjusts, switch back to Brevicon, or just stop taking the pill altogether and try to find another reliable non-hormonal method.

Thanks!

**bri_a5001** · 07-31-2009 02:05 PM

girl ,get off those pills!
at least take a break for a few months and let your body rest, the longer the better !
Like you said, you have had strong hormones in your body for over 10 years! you need to experience your hormone-free adult emotions!!

also... why is your doctor rushing you out of their office and throwing prescriptions at you? i suggest visiting a local planned parenthood/clinic or finding a new primary-care doctor. They can help you !

as for now.. i would stop taking your pills...
call a new doctor/ clinic , make an appointment, and use condoms if you are going to have sex!

your not crazy lol ! its ok!
good luck!!

**Jpnonymous** · 07-31-2009 03:41 PM

Thanks for the reply. I've decided to get off the pills and find out what's me, and what's the hormones. Enough is enough!

So now I just have to find out what kind of birth control method I want. I'm with a committed partner who is very supportive but would prefer not to wear condoms if we could find another approach. So the next step is to figure out what I want to use.

And the reason I'm being rushed out is that I don't have a family doctor and haven't really had one for 10 years or so - most of the time I just have to go to walk in clinics to see someone b/c the family doctors are all swamped and it can be very hard to find one. Part of that is b/c I move around so much (every 2-3 years) and part of that is just the Canadian health care system...

But thanks again - I will go off the pills, do some research about alternative birth control methods, and then go see a doctor!

**tiffygirl** · 08-01-2009 08:58 AM

i get like that too, i stop taking my birthcontrol this month cause i had to take anti-biotics, and like ive been crying non-stop for 2 weeks before i go to bed, its so crazy and i am happy all day but the SMALLEST thing will set me off before bed and im starting to get scared that boyfriend doesent wanna put up with it anymore because im so frustrated with my life lately !

i actuelly dont know what to do about it ..

**bri_a5001** · 08-02-2009 03:24 PM

if your boyfriend cant put up with you having a few problems with your body and emotions right now... maybe you shouldent be with him..
are you sure its your bc? you might just be having a hard time w things right now.

when did you start taking your pills? it can take up to 3+ months for your body to get adjusted and you might just be a little emotional for a bit

otherwise i would probly discuss other bc options with your doctor.