Birth Control and Anxiety?

Stella_Drives:

I'm so relieved to know I'm not the only one! My fiance was not too thrilled to know I was quitting it, but he's supportive because he wants me to feel better. It was so bad for me that I quit mid cycle. I couldn't even finish the 3 weeks out. The more I thought about it, the more it made sense. You're manipulating your body for so long with these synthetic hormones, it's bound to wreak havoc on your body and mind. Unfortunately, doctors almost never attribute these symptoms to the medication. They are programmed by the pharmacutical companies to encourage your usage of the drugs. Furthermore, they'll probably tell you you need more drugs to curb the anxiety. Just wait until you find out if being off the BC helps your problems before you try other drugs. Anxiety medications and anti-depressants only treat the symptoms, they do not cure the cause. We have to listen to what our bodies are telling us. We know our body better than anyone. We know when we don't feel right. Hang in there and I hope both of us get better soon! I'll keep you posted

 

Well I'm allergic to latex condoms so they are that bad... Plus I've been with the same person for a long time so I'm not worried about stds anyway. When we need to use a condom I'll only use natural lamb but they're $40 a pack... so yeah they ARE that bad.

 

I'm lucky to not need to worry about pregnancy because I'm a lesbian, so that makes getting off the pill that much easier. I was talking to my therapist about it yesterday and she reminded me that alot of doctors dont realize the connection because MOST women of BCP's are fine and have minimal symptoms. My therapist also told me though that she has seen handfuls of clients moods change DRAMATICALLY when going on or coming off BCP's, so that made me hopeful. I'm not sure how different the ring is for oral contraceptives but I know BCPs deplete tons of vitamins so I've started taking B6, B12, Magnesium, Calcium and Zinc to replenish my body.

With anti-depressants though, they DO solve the problem for some people. Not most, but some people on anti-depressants and other prescription drugs do have a chemical inbalance that is managable without meds, but medication can correct what's wrong with the brain chemistry. I know most people on these medications are just looking for a quick fix but some people really do need meds just to function normally.

I'm definately looking into anti-anxiety meds as the last line of defense. I'm giving my body a good 3-4 months to re-regulate hormones and if I am still really anxious at that point, despite lifestyle changes, and vitamins and everything else, I might actually think it is organic and it really is just my brain chemistry. Its not a far stretch seeing as depression and anxiety run rampant on both sides of my family.

Also, I don't know if you've been on the forums over at aphroditewomenshealth.com but there are literally thousands of women on that site with similar hormonal problems. Check it out if you haven't already, hw2981. It made me feel a lot better!

 

This site has some information you might find useful:

www.feminism.tk

 

So i went to see a hormone specialist yesterday, she was sooo nice and really understanding. I'm just going to track myself and symtoms for the next 3-4 months. If my anxiety still seems cyclical, then it's probably hormones and I might need help rebalancing them. If its all over the place, it's probably not the hormones. She gave me a trial pack of Yaz though after I kept saying, no, I'm all set, no BC please, no thanks. She was pushing it on me a little bit.

Bumble, I know you are on Yaz. Do you have any advice or experiences?

 

I've been on Yaz for about 4 months. The only side effect I have been experiencing is difficulty orgasming. I still want to have sex just as much as before starting Yaz. We just have to work harder. I feel very happy about life at the moment.

 

i was on diane for about 5 months to clear up my skin. when i first went on it i was really sensitive & nearly destroyed some good relationships by being a nuerotic bitch. i also put on weight!
It did wonders for my skin though & now im off it & feeling good.
Hope you resolve your problem