Side effects of stopping the birth control pill...depression?

Ashley_14539 · Newbie Joined: 11 Nov 2007 Posts: 1

I have been on the pill for 13 years and the last 5+ years I have been on Kariva. I discontinued Kariva in January and quickly plunged into a deep and horrible depression within a month. For whatever reason, I didn't connect the depression with going off the pill right away. I thought I was just getting older (I am 34) and dealing with more of life's stresses. I have never felt so helpless in my entire life and I have dealt with real drama (nothing seemed to trigger the depression -- it was just so seemingly random!). My husband and I wanted to get pregnant, but with the depression so bad, I decided to get back on the pill to avoid getting pregnant considering my feelings of helplessness and anxiety. Low and behold, two weeks later I was suddenly happy again. That's when I realized 7 months of misery was related to going off the pill. Now, I don't know what to do. Never get pregnant and stay on the pill or go off the pill, plunge into darkness, and bring a child into my hormonally unhappy world? There has to be a way to regain balance without artificial hormones, right? I plan to see my doctor and ask for a referral to an endocrinologist. Any tips for getting my body and my head back in synch?

Guest · Guest

I feel like I just hit the jackpot. I was on the bcp for eight years, and I decided two months ago to try au-natural. I have been severley depressed, put on weight, and lost all motivation. I am relieved to have figured out why this is happenning to me. Even though it won't cure the depression, the knowledge makes me feel less insane! I just can't wait for it to pass, because my sex-drive has definately increased, but nobody wants to sleep with debbie downer!

Guest · Guest

Hi Ashley,

I know its just awful! I to didnt link up going off the pill with the depression that has crept up on me. I have never felt so helpless before.

I wrote earlier about my mother being a naturopath who has been helping me, and I am a ton better! Some moments are better than others but at least I am able to function normally again and feel confident to leave the house.

What I am on (per day) is 3 tablets of omega 3, 1 good womens multivitamin, high strength magnesium (which helps greatly). I am also on a couple of homeopathic remedies, one was especially good to rebalance my hormones, it is called Hormocrine (only available from a naturopath or alike) plus something to calm my anxiety called Vata Tone which I also feel has contributed to my ability to function normally. Since the depression got quite bad and I wanted to avoid going on antidepressants (another drug) I am also on something called SAMe (google it) which is like a 'natural' version, it is mainly made up of amino acids.

This may also seem like alot, but going back on the pill was not an option for me (trying to get pregnant!) and I will never touch that thing again! And going on another dependent drug was a last resort, so if you are like how I was, all of this is definitely worth it!

Any questions please ask as I will check back here regularly, and I do advise you to see a well established Naturopath who would probably recommend something similar to what I am on.

Take care and stay strong!

Geri

Guest · Guest

I totally agree with you. I was on the same generic brand of BCP. So my doctor switched it to Orthro-tricyclen lo. I stopped taking the bcp on Sept. 22, 2007. I did not have a period non in october and it finally came on November 1st. Since I have been off i've felt dizzyand anxious. I even thought i was pregnant but the test was negative. My fiance and I are trying but I wanted to know how long does it take? Also i have been spotting.

LStar · Newbie Joined: 28 Nov 2007 Posts: 1

Words cannot explain how happy I am to have found this site. I have read just about everyone's posting and I've found each of them very helpful. I have been on the pill for 5.5 years now and I am 23 years old. I initially got on the pill due to SEVERE cramping and I am afraid I may experience this again. I am not trying to get pregnant but I am trying to go natural and not depend on any pills. I am on my last pack and it will be done by next weekend. I must say, I am very nervous. I had never heard of symptoms of depression or anxiety attacks after discontinuing the pill. I didn't know what to expect. All I had read was that I may experience irregular periods. I am a moody person anyway, so I'm wondering how this will take effect on me. I want to try to go about this in a spiritual way. Maybe do some meditation, write in a daily journal and practice a healthy diet. Thanks again ladies! Shocked

Guest · Guest

i heard anti depressent might only just make things worse becuase they only block out your pain but deep down inside your still depressed and you have to stay on them for awhile and theres a risk u could totally full into depression again or its like your an ex heroin addict they say just stay positive and let it naturally come out and let your body try and correct it.

charlene77 · Newbie Joined: 29 Nov 2007 Posts: 1

I was so glad to come across this website...i have been off the pill for about 2 months now ( i was on it for 10 years) and after 3 weeks of being off it, i started getting panic attacks, anxiety and depression (which i had never had before). I also get dizzy spells and i have a hard time concentrating. The anxiety also causes my stomach to upset and i am having a hard time eating as i don't feel hungry. I have been forcing myself to eat, thinking that will keep my strength up but i am really hate not enjoying food! I came off the pill to get pregnant and now i am having a hard time dealing with the depression. I have also been having pains in my chest...which worsen if i have a panic attack.
I have been trying to deal with this on my own...but it is now driving me crazy. I just want to feel normal again. I am seeing my GP tomorrow to see what he is going to say...i don't want to go on anti depressants / anxiety medication as ususally the side effects are horrible. I also want to stay healthy / drug free when i get pregnant. I am thinking of going to a homeopath to see what they suggest
I recently started taking Vitamin D and B12, thinking that maybe they will help.
Does anyone know how long these symptoms are supposed to last? All i can say is i am NEVER going on the pill again. I told my husband he can get snipped once we are done having kids!

Guest · Guest

What is it with the birth control pill, that after taking it, we all seem to suffer from panic attacks, and depression>? Does anyone here have any advice on what to do to overcome it? Diod anyone see a doctor?

Guest · Guest

I had been on birth control for over 6 years and for 4 of those years on seasonale/seasonique. I stopped because I was developing diabetic-like symptoms, hands and feet felt numb constantly and pain behind my eyes, also weight gain. I am glad I stopped two weeks ago but since I did I have developed new pains. I have been on my period for over 10 days, I'm bloated and with stomach aches, have acne for the first time in years, a little depressed and constantly paranoid. I'm hoping that eventually I will be back to normal, perhaps in a few months.

Guest · Guest

Wow! I'm glad that this is the first site I looked at.

I had to stop taking the pill in July 07' this year and have only had 1 period in September since I stopped... It's December 10th now. But last night, out of nowhere, I started having this super sharp pain near my bladder area (right above my yoo-hoo) and I can't remember ever being in so much pain. It hurts doing ANYTHING, laying down, standing up, sitting, ANYTHING! I don't konw if I'm about to have a period, or if it's something worse:(

Side effects of stopping the birth control pill...depression?

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