Birth Control Question?

Question

A while back I was using Tri-cyclen Lo, and became really depressed so I stopped using it.

I've been to the doctors since, and she prescribed me the original Tri-cyclen. I told her that during the time I was on the Lo, I was severely depressed and asked her if it could have has something to do with the birth control, she said no.

When I went to get the original Tri-cyclen, I asked the pharmasist about depression and birth control, and he said he's never heard of that happening to anyone.

YET, I opened the pack of birth control pills today and read the side affects, and it says although extremely uncommon, severe depression can occur... then (haha) it says, NOTIFY YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY IF THIS OCCURS.

I am completely convinced that this depression came from the birth control pills - It was no normal blues, it was extreme.

I don't really know what to do - should I try these other pills? Or question the doctor (I'd feel rude doing that).

Any advice is appreciated!!

Answer 1

Yes, bring the info you found to the doctor and show him/her. Many birth control pills can uncommonly cause extreme depression.

I wouldn't try those other pills. They're the same thing; but with a higher dosage. Ask for an alternative.

Many doctors these days do not know the side effects of medications. We patients have to be the info gatherers to take care of our own health.

Answer 2

It is your health so don't feel afraid of questiong the doctors. Look up information on the internet and print it. Take it with you to the doctor. Then if I were you I would try a totally different birth control before your depression gets severe.

Answer 3

It's hormones--they might hit you the wrong way and make you feel all kinds of things. If that's your response, then don't let somebody tell you, well, that's not normal, or that wasn't in the study, or nobody's reported that...who cares?!? It's YOUR body, your response, your problem. So you have to stand up for yourself (not always easy, but take it from a veteran of unusual side effects from drugs--I gotta look out for myself and if my meds give me problems, I expect to be taken seriously.)

Personally, I felt grrrrreat on mid-level estrogen birth control...until I went on the placebo (fourth-week) pills. Then, I had splitting headaches and I felt absolutely awful. It turned out to be estrogen withdrawal. I felt fantastic with the extra estrogen, but when it was taken away, I had terrible side effects.

You might want to skip estrogen entirely. If you have migraines with visual auras (you'll know if you do) or smoke, or you're over 35, quit the estrogen immediately, as it increases the risk of stroke. I went on progestin-only pills because I have migraines with auras (I have to be on the Pill to prevent scarring because I have polycystic ovary syndrome and I don't have regular periods.)

There are options that might not make you miserable. So take the initiative and seek them out. It's your body, and you have to mind what you put in it.

Answer 4

bring your research and such to the dr.'s and tell him. it's not rude, i'ts your health. be bold! :)