The contraceptive pill, anxiety and depression.

[melodyxo]

I wondered if I could hear some of your experiences with the pill, combined and mini, in regards to anxiety and depression. Breif background; diagnosed with stage 2 endo last month (awaiting post surgery appointment) I have always had horrendous periods and was put on Microgynon aged 13, stuck at it for 2 years but had mood changes, bad headaches and constant nausea, so was switched onto cerazette aged 15. This was probably the worst time in my life, I didn't have a period for 4 years (great!) but also had severe mood swings, anger outbursts, panic attacks, my hair was falling out, I had severe stomach pain with seemingly no cause.. I didn't ever link it to the pill and I actually ended up in therapy for 18 months, my mum kicked me out of her house because of my behaviour which landed me homeless and I was completely terrified of myself. I did some research and stopped taking the pill, within 8 weeks I was back to my former self!

I have tried marvelon for a month since which landed me with gigantic boobs and crying spells that would last for 4-5 hours at a time! I was exhausted. Most recently, I had the mirena coil inserted.. within 10 days I was again having panic attacks, bad insomnia, mood swings and crying spells. As you can probably tell, hormones really don't like me!!! I'm not on any birth control at the moment, and my partner and I don't want to start trying for at least another year. My moods at the moment are very level and i'm very happy.. though i'm still having problems with my periods and digestive complaints. I don't want to do anything to compromise this, but i'm fed up with the pain, heavy bleeding and upset stomach before my period also!

Do any of you guys that have tried many pills had a positive outcome with minimal side effects? I'd especially like to hear from you if you have a history of anxiety/depression with yourself or in your family.

Hope you're all well! Sorry for such a long read. xxx

[HoneyBee001]

I have had bad periods since the age of 13 (I'm now 29). I tried several brands of combined pill but I still suffered breakthrough bleeding as well as mood swings so 2 years ago I had the mirena coil fitted as all the doctors I have seen couldn't recommend it enough. It made my periods worse, although it lightened them slightly I was having 21 day bleeds at a time so November 2012 my gp suggested I took the combined pill as well as having the coil. I was expecting miracles but I started suffering terrible mood swings and I developed ibs which I have never suffered from before. In January this year I started suffering with panic attacks and severe anxiety with spells of depression. I have since been back to the drs but I have been fobbed off yet again and told its all in my head and there is nothing physically wrong with me. I've been talking to friends and researching online and there are a lot of negative views about the mirena coil and links to anxiety. I stopped taking the pill yesterday and waiting to see if that will make any difference. I want to have my coil removed too but so far my gp has refused as they think I am making it up about hormones and the link to anxiety. Sorry to of waffled on a bit I'm just glad I'm not the only person who thinks there is a link to anxiety and the pill/coil. I wish you well and hope your health continues to improve. I just hope stopping the hormones helps my anxiety too x

[melodyxo]

I find it so frustrating that Drs do not listen, when so many women have the same problems with their moods, all quite clearly linked to hormones. They refused to take my coil out also, I said if they didn't I would do it myself and had an appointment within an hour. Don't stand for it, I'd hate to think of anybody living with anxiety and depression when there could be a way to stop it. Honestly, I'm on no hormones at all now and my moods are completely fine! No more panic/anxiety attacks and so much happier! xxx

[city]

I have taken a number of pills over the last 20 years including microgynon, ovran, loestrin and others but not marvelon or cerazette. I did start to become aware of mood changes, weight gain and generally feeling rubbish so stopped for a few years to give my body a break but looking back I think it just gave the endo a chance to spread - I was only diagnosed 2 years ago. After a lap and some endo removal my gynae recommended Yasmin and I started taking it in March this year and have felt very well on it. No associated weight gain and my periods are virtually pain-free. My bowel problems (which were generally around ovulation and periods) have only occurred every three months rather than a few times a months and are much more regular in frequency and normal in appearance.

The ingredients vary between pills and Yasmin is different to the others I had previously used, and all the ones you've previously had, so it may be worth a try. Good luck x

[Se-123]

I've also had painful periods since the age of 13. My GP made me think that I was complaining about normal period pain and put me on the pill. Over 2 1/2 years I tried 7 different types including Yasmin, loestrin &cerazette. I had terrible mood swings, depression, anxiety, I was bloated and I went from size 10 to almost size 16 which was when I decided to stop taking the pill. My GP actually told me that it was either pain or the pill. It took 11 years and many visits before I was finally referred to the gynecologist, when I had my lap and was diagnosed with endo. I had diathermy which hasn't helped with the pain at all so I've recently started an intense course of acupuncture which seems to be helping a lot with the anxiety I feel the week before and during my period. there's no way that I'll take any synthetic hormones again!