Depression and oral contraceptives

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Piachava9
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Depression and oral contraceptives

Unread post by Piachava9 »

Hi everyone!
Since the last month I've been feeling kind of anxious and a little bit depressed, with a general feeling of void, sadness and tiredness. I don't have any unusual kind of stress, and my relationship with my loved ones has been basically the same.
I read that there is a link between depression and contraceptives. I've been taking bellaface for about 2 years and 3 months, and this is the first time that I feel this discomfort. Should I change the brand, the formula or stop with the pills?

Thank you so much!
Redskies
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Re: Depression and oral contraceptives

Unread post by Redskies »

Welcome to the boards!

We wouldn't recommend changing or stopping your pill as one of the first things you do to investigate your low mood, no.

There are many things that can cause or contribute to mood issues. As you've been taking your pill for over two years and you felt okay, it's less likely that your low mood has anything to do with your pill. Too, the most common time for any kind of side-effects from the pill or other hormonal contraception is for a few weeks or months after any changes (starting, stopping, or changing the kind of pill). If you're wanting to figure out what might be going on with your mood and you were otherwise satisfied with your pill, we'd suggest not adding any extra changes or uncertainties into the mix :)

Have you spoken to a healthcare provider about how you've been feeling recently?
The kyriarchy usually assumes that I am the kind of woman of whom it would approve. I have a peculiar kind of fun showing it just how much I am not.
Piachava9
not a newbie
Posts: 6
Joined: Mon Aug 28, 2017 9:38 pm
Age: 29
Awesomeness Quotient: Drawing
Primary language: English/ spanish
Pronouns: She her
Sexual identity: Bisexual
Location: Costa Rica

Re: Depression and oral contraceptives

Unread post by Piachava9 »

Hi!
Yes, I did talk to physicians and a ginecologyst. And he did tell me that it was uncommon to feel that syntom at this moment. However, he recommended me to change the formula, and look forward to any progress.
I also began going to a psychotherapist, wich I find overall helpful, either if I feel those moods or not.
Piachava9
not a newbie
Posts: 6
Joined: Mon Aug 28, 2017 9:38 pm
Age: 29
Awesomeness Quotient: Drawing
Primary language: English/ spanish
Pronouns: She her
Sexual identity: Bisexual
Location: Costa Rica

Re: Depression and oral contraceptives

Unread post by Piachava9 »

Also, I got a general medical check (blood, feces, and urine), and I was in good condition
Redskies
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Re: Depression and oral contraceptives

Unread post by Redskies »

Good to hear that you're getting this checked with your doctors! It's important to rule out a range of possible physical causes for low mood, and to get mental healthcare, so it's excellent that you're already doing all of that.

I said what I did earlier about not advising switching pills because you hadn't mentioned any medical advice. Your doctor's advice is always the thing to follow (unless you're uncertain or unhappy about the advice, in which case the best advice is to talk with your doctor about your concerns, and then get an opinion from a different doctor if necessary).

As you asked us about switching pill, are you unhappy or uncertain about your doctor's advice to try a different pill?
The kyriarchy usually assumes that I am the kind of woman of whom it would approve. I have a peculiar kind of fun showing it just how much I am not.
Piachava9
not a newbie
Posts: 6
Joined: Mon Aug 28, 2017 9:38 pm
Age: 29
Awesomeness Quotient: Drawing
Primary language: English/ spanish
Pronouns: She her
Sexual identity: Bisexual
Location: Costa Rica

Re: Depression and oral contraceptives

Unread post by Piachava9 »

Hello again!
I'm asking because every pill I've Checked has depression and mood swings as a possible side effect. He did recommend a new formula because he thinks it may help me, but I guess there is no certainty, since every body works different. So I asked you guys for me to get an opinion weather it would be a wise desition to try a new formula or to stop with the pill.

Thank you so much for your time !
Redskies
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Posts: 1281
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Re: Depression and oral contraceptives

Unread post by Redskies »

For concerns and questions about side-effects of a medication, specific to your own health and circumstances, the best person to talk to is your doctor. They're a medical specialist, so they have particular knowledge of the medications and of your health needs.

You're right that no-one can know for sure in advance, because everyone's body responds differently.

Have you been able to talk with your doctor about your concerns about the possibility of side-effects from any or all of the pills, and to get more guidance with this decision?
The kyriarchy usually assumes that I am the kind of woman of whom it would approve. I have a peculiar kind of fun showing it just how much I am not.
Piachava9
not a newbie
Posts: 6
Joined: Mon Aug 28, 2017 9:38 pm
Age: 29
Awesomeness Quotient: Drawing
Primary language: English/ spanish
Pronouns: She her
Sexual identity: Bisexual
Location: Costa Rica

Re: Depression and oral contraceptives

Unread post by Piachava9 »

No i haven`t had a propper talk about the side efects, i just read them online.
Redskies
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Re: Depression and oral contraceptives

Unread post by Redskies »

Sounds like your best move, then, is to have a talk with your doctor about what you read and what you're thinking :)
The kyriarchy usually assumes that I am the kind of woman of whom it would approve. I have a peculiar kind of fun showing it just how much I am not.
Piachava9
not a newbie
Posts: 6
Joined: Mon Aug 28, 2017 9:38 pm
Age: 29
Awesomeness Quotient: Drawing
Primary language: English/ spanish
Pronouns: She her
Sexual identity: Bisexual
Location: Costa Rica

Re: Depression and oral contraceptives

Unread post by Piachava9 »

Yes, I believe so.
Thank you so much for your help and your time. Have a great day! *\(^o^)/*
Redskies
previous staff/volunteer
Posts: 1281
Joined: Mon Jul 28, 2014 11:33 am
Primary language: English
Pronouns: they/them or she/her
Sexual identity: bisexual/queer/pansexual
Location: Europe

Re: Depression and oral contraceptives

Unread post by Redskies »

You're welcome!
The kyriarchy usually assumes that I am the kind of woman of whom it would approve. I have a peculiar kind of fun showing it just how much I am not.
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