Feeling depressed after stopping the birth control pills?

I didn't believe the pills would make me such a mess until I got one. Over the past few years, I've experienced depression, panic attack, constant headaches, breast tenderness, etc. Recently, my mood has been rollercoastering and that is not me! I'm a happy person. I finally decided to stop (stopped a week ago) because it's hurting my daily life and my relationship with my bf (he's patient with me, thank goodness), and it costs 60+ a month. But my mood is not back to normal instantly. I cried for the past week every day, at least 2 times a day over nothing. I was so obsessive over some sentences/little things that others have said/done. Driving me crazy. Now that I know it takes time to adjust, I feel much better. I'm not alone here! Glad to share.

Hey guys.

Phew! I actually can't believe it's been a year to the day since I came off the pill. Let me first explain, since I don't know where my last post is, how hurrendous my situation was. I came off Dianette (really strong pill) after 2.5 years on it, because it was giving me panic attacks, anxiety and exhaustion to the max, which I suppose was enough lead to depression alone, plus major hair loss!!!!! The first thing that happened was about 2 weeks later, I just felt super confused, dazed, and half awake, and my eyesight was really distorted and fuzzy. I actually thought I was going insane or was really ill, and at one point my mind was in such a cloud and I felt so lost that my mum actually slept in my room with me for a couple of nights because I was suicidal. I really wanted to come back here a whole year on and say that I could laugh at all that now and that I feel fine, but unfortunately this is not the case.

I have improved, yes. I haven't had a panic attack in months now, though my heart does still race from time to time when I'm stressed but it's manageable. I can wake up after about 6 hours sleep and not feel like i'm dying of exhaustion :P my moods feel more stable and I'm definately more "myself" again, though that part is hard to describe....just, I suppose I'm happier and excited for things again, and sometimes I don't even think about how I feel inside, which used to be on my mind literally with EVERYTHING I did. I'm still getting headaches, my mind and memory are still a bit cloggy, and aaahhh I don' t know how to describe it! It's like something has literally been damaged in my brain: my ears buzz constantly, like CONSTANTLY, my head always aches, and I just feel like I'm not as alert as I used to be. It's just kind of like a numb feeling?

The main problem I think is mainly mental more than physical - what I went through was such a catastrophic blow to my confidence, and I was in a shell for the first few months barely leaving my house, it's getting the confidence to "not care," and be myself again without getting anxious which is the consistent problem, and I know that's something that will probably take years to heal, if ever. Though can I just stress that compared with where I was 12 months ago I HAVE improved a lot. The only phrase I can use that I hope some of you have also gone through and will understand is just that "dream" feeling? It was like someone had whacked me on the back of my head and I hadn't quite woken up properly, FOR WEEKS!!

I wish all of you the best of luck seriously, even when I was reading through these posts for the first time I still felt like no one felt nearly as bad as me, but it's just so difficult for anyone to put the feelings into words. I hate what the pill did to me, and the first time I was on it I had no side effects at all! I've never been depressed or anxious prior to this happening, and I hope never to be in that place again. Good luck and stay strong, and feel free to ask me anything!

 

It has been awhile since anyone has said anything but I am one of many that has had recent problems like being described above. My thing is that I actually stopped taking Loestrin 24 Fe about 5 or 6 months ago and my symptoms have been getting worse! I feel like my body is JUST NOW getting itself back to normal! I go to college and it was an extremely hot summer because I live in Oklahoma and I thought my symptoms were from the heat because I walk to class every day. I went to the ER twice because of my symptoms of fatigue and dizziness, and they did blood tests to see if I was iron deficient because I had told them it was worse on my period. The test also included a thyroid test of some sort and it all came back normal. I was frustrated but the symptoms were tolerable enough to go to class until just recently. I had a fight with my boyfriend over the weekend and I went home which was 2 hours away. The whole time we weren't talking I had major butterflies in my stomach and I couldn't eat. Then on monday I walked a little over a mile to class (I was already pretty sweaty when I got there) and I had a MAJOR panic attack. My hands and neck and head all felt really numb and it felt like I was losing control. I literally thought I was going to die! When I had previous symptoms of fatigue when I was starting my period I noticed my hands felt pretty numb and it sort of worried me. Ever since this I feel like my hands and head are sometimes cold or numb and it really scares me! I'm afraid to go out into public because I feel like I'm going to have another panic attack! I had a slight anxiety disorder before the pill, and when I took it, it sort of went away. When I was on the pill, I went to study abroad in France (which is a huge stressor) and I felt completely fine the whole time! How can it be when I am back in the states, seemingly more comfortable and less stressed than before that this happens? I keep missing class and I'm worried I won't pass this semester because of my panic attacks, anxiety, and depression. I remember someone posting something earlier about wanting to date other men and things like that and I completely understand. I saw an old guy friend when I went home that weekend and sort of had the same feelings. However I haven't had any migraines at all since I have stopped the pill, or any that I can recall recently. Fear is my main symptom. I have been cooped up in my apartment all weekend because my boyfriend is gone and I'm afraid of going anywhere alone. I feel like it HAS to be going off of the pill because my chest size has decreased since these symptoms have kicked in. I'm about to start menstruating the next few days and I am extremely anxious. I have the feeling of detached from reality and losing control a lot. Definitely the impending doom sense as well. I feel like I'm "losing my head" frequently and I have have to touch my face to make sure I'm not going numb again like I did in class the other day. But why is it NOW 5 to 6 months later that I'm having these symptoms? I only took birth control for about 6 months! I stopped taking it because my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer my freshman year of college and I read that it can be caused by being on birth control for a long time (she was on it for about 5 years). 

Hey girl, I know exactly how you feel. I'll tell you, I feel a hell of a lot better than I did a month ago and I have no idea why or how which makes me think it is seriously hormone related. I'm still having some anxiety/panic issues but the depression cloud has lifted temporarily (hopefully for good). I was at the point where I wasn't even able to go grocery shopping by myself, and that was just a month ago. Let me know if you ever want to chat about this, I know this is a random website but hopefully I can give you some encouragement and hope that it will pass!

Opinions? I started taking the pill (Loestrin 24) for the first time this summer and the day after I started taking it I woke up with incredible anxiety. I thought it was because of my boyfriend and was so anxious about him all the time when he had done nothing wrong and we weren't fighting. Eventually I figured the anxiety was because of the pill so I just stopped taking it meaning that I only took the pill probably for about a month. However after a while the anxiety came right back and now I have been anxious/depressed for months and it has seriously affected my life, schoolwork, etc. I have been to counseling and tried some natural remedies but feel very stubborn and that nothing has worked for me. I was also prescribed an antidepressant by my GP but very hastily and without any good research. I'm attempting to go to new therapists tomorrow to see if I can get some CBT to help with anxiety/depression, but I'm at a loss for what to do. Need some feedback: do antidepressants help? Did any of you magically feel better one day? Do we think it could be because of the pill even though I took it for such a short time? Would hormone regulation (i.e. taking an estrogen supplement or something) help? Please let me know! Also did any of you have the strange sensation of feeling very disconnected from body? For example usually I am a lightweight when it comes to drinking but now I can drink an entire bottle of wine and my body feels drunk, but my brain does not. Sound crazy? Or familiar to anyone? Please let me know! Could use the help!

Hi

 

I am off the Evra Patch for about one month, it's my second attempt since the first time the depression was just too unbearable for me.  As most of you I feel dizzy a lot, lethargic and just very very depressed.  I have had probs with depresion most of life, but this is certainly different.  I feel like I just don't have the strength to make use of my normal coping techniques.  I feel I don't care and give up on me and my mental health.

This time around I tried to prepare myself for going off the pill. 

*I try to drink Soy milk for the phyto-estrogens in it. 

*I have ordered HTP5, a natural medication which increases serotonin (the happy hormon) in the brain, haven't received it yet though. 

*I take vitex Agnus casta in a homeopathic potency (because the plant taken in a normal way can reduce libido significantly), which regulates hormone levels in the body.

*I take Hypophysis D6 in a homoepathic potency, which I feel helps the most in the mornings, it makes me less lethargic.  It aims to regulate the pituary gland who is resonsible for balancing hormones in the body.

*I take a homoepathic make of my pill, it's called Oestro Gesta comb and it's meant to balance your hormones as well.

*I also take lady's mantle which aims to bring hormonal balance, helps with dizzy spells, regulates mood, makes more relaxed and peaceful.

*Finally I take a homoepathic potency against depression which is Aurum/Apis regina comp, which is aims to regulate dizzyness, bowel/stomach, depression.

Taking these, I don't feel as dizzy as I felt the first time going off the pill.  It also took me nearly a month to get depressed, which is an improvement.  The Hypophysis imo helps the most so far.  I have been depressed this time only shortly before the period, but heavily depressed.

Hope that helps anybody. 

Oh, I am so happy I found your post. I seriously was going to ask my husband to drive me to the hospital. I have had anxiety attacks, light headedness, vision problems. The only way I could explain this feeling to my husband was like I drank a whole pot of coffee...I thought I was starting to go nuts, not being able to talk to people, feeling paranoid, middle of my stomach in knots. I had to stop my awful self talk as that was not contributing to my well being either. I got off Yasmin about 3 months ago. These feeling just started last Friday. Wow my cycle is a mess right now, and so heavy. I want to curl up and just lay there till it's over. Found your post so similar to mine. So I feel so much better now. Thank you for sharing. Going to get some evening primrose oil and st. Johns wort.

I am so sorry you are all going through this.  I took the MAP and the depression is crackers!  Is it this pill, how long should this last for?  I had no idea at all and am really concerned as I have never experienced this in my life?  Is this usual?

 

I wish you all well.

I'll say what everyone else has said....so glad I found this forum! Im and 22 started taking the pill this summer and just stopped taking it a month ago. I been experiencing extreme hypochondria, anxiety and depression since going off the pill. I've always been a somewhat anxious person but nothing this extreme. The bad thoughts consume every thought, it seems. Im on what seems like a normal peroid now, although its too soon to tell. I've had acne breakouts, vaginal fissures, vaginal dryness and a decreased sex drive as well. It feels like I'm going crazy. Nothing makes me happy anymore. I'm almost tempted to go back on the pill so this will stop. Has anyone experienced vaginal issues? (From what I understand can all be caused by hormone imbalance)

shimmerz609 wrote:

SO HAPPY I FOUND THIS SITE!!! I have been thinking I have been going insane, or I am in the beginning stages of developing some type mental illness. I am 25 years old and I stopped taking Junel (which I believe is the generic of Ortho-tricyclen low) about 3 1/2 months ago after being on it for only 1 year. I have been in the WORST FUNK of my life. I can't even begin to describe it... at the time of going off the pill, I had dealt with some life/future changing circumstances.. so I just thought this was normal. Since then I have suffered from extreme anxiety, panic attacks, TERRIBLY negative thoughts, depression, not wanting to get out of bed, insanely clouded mind, crying, thinking I am losing my mind, no motivation to do anything- grocery shopping, going places due to anxiety/panic attacks, etc. I have a 5 year old and I'm a single mother.. Everyone thinks I'm basically crazy at this point and its so hard to explain what is going on because I haven't had any answers!! But now atleast I have some hope!!!! I went to see my PCP on Monday and she prescribed me Lexapro and Ativan. I am yet to take either one of them because I have never been depressed in my life, I don't want a crutch I just want to get through this, and am slightly anti-meds unless there is a FACTUAL/KNOWN underlying illness. I'm usually a really happy, outgoing, caring person and these past few months have turned me into something I have never imagined I could be. These feelings need to go away soon! I just got my period yesterday which was my 3rd cycle since I've been off the pill. The entire week before my period was horrid... I want this to pass soon. I will stay posted on here and let you all know how my progress is. If anyone would ever like to talk about this please e-mail me and lets figure out some answers and educate women what can potentially occur from these damn synthetic hormones!!!

This post is like reading my life right now! I'd love to hear how you are now, months later. Right now I'm 3 mos. off the pill and i hate this rollercoaster of emotions! I want it to be over and like you I don't want to take meds to mask the feelings. I'm hopeful after reading all the posts knowing we are all going throgh the same thing.

THANK YOU for your post!! It's so helpful! I was only on the pill for 1.5 months (Loestin). I started it after having my 3 kids hoping my period wouldn't be so heavy and maybe control my moods more. It did all of that BUT it made me so sick everyday so I stopped it! I was fine until week 3 of stopping. Then out of no where.....bad anxiety attack for no reason (just watching tv). Now it's been 3 mos since stopping it and it comes in waves. It's almost like clock work. My worst time is 2 days after the last day of my period. TOTAL anxiety and the light headedness and fatigue is crazy!!! I was so glad to see some other posts saying something about fuzzy vision (along with all the other posted symptoms). Sometimes I feel like things are blurry when I've gone my whole life thus far with 20/20. I 'm so tired of always thinking I'm dying of something! :S These posts have helped so much and at times when I feel I'm falling into that anxiety of thinking I have a brain tumor :P I just read these posts to remind me that I will get through this and I'm NOT dying. I'm off tomorrow to load up on the vitamins! Thanks everyone for sharing and I hope we all feel better VERY soon!

I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who posted. I seriously thought I was going insane. 

This thread has been really helpful for me when I was going through similar things. I was never a moody person but went on to become one after stopping the birth control pill. First two months I did not get very bad symptoms or I was just busy with my daily routine to notice. But in third month I had lot of work stress and personal stress which made things worst. I was depressed and moody and could not focus on work. I was always anxious and had trouble falling asleep easily. But after reading many threads I decided to make small changes in my routine. Started with yoga and made effort to eat better. Told myself to reduce stressing about small things here and there. Started taking multivitamins and doing something outside work which I would enjoy. Then the anxiety slowly reduced over the later part of fourth and fifth month of stopping the pill. Still I feel I am yet to come to being my normal self. But it is much better than what I was few months back. I could have never imagined it to be so difficult after stopping the pill, even though I took it only for six months! The hormonal re-balance takes some time even though periods become regular. So hang in there and keep fighting.

I hope your feeling better! I'm having the same symptoms. I've been off the pill now for 3.5 months and the symptoms come and go. I have been tracking them and they are like clock work with my cycle. The blurred vision and fuzzy head is what concerns me the most! I have a Dr. appt today to talk about having tests done to cross some illnesses off the list. I worry about MS or a brain tumor. Silly I know but I just worry about it and all symptoms lead to MS. Did you have tests done? Did your symptoms (vision problems) come and go depending on your cycle? I would love to hear how your doing and if your symptoms have gotten better with time?

I am glad to have found this website! I'm 24 and the past week has been hell for me! I only took birth control for a month and a half and it has all been awful! I started it mid february 12th and I started feeling the panic on Valentine's Day...For my bday I was anxious the whole time and I couldn't enjoy anything...I didn't know what was going on! I started out on Tri-Sprintec and I felt anxious the whole time, and I started feeling depressed...there was a weekend that I stayed in bed and questioned the value of my life and felt absolutely hopeless... During the third week of that pill, I started having an allergic reaction, so the doctor told me to finish the week off and then she would prescribe something else (Actually, the doctor I am speaking of is a nurse practitioner who works under my doctor) The week I was off was great...I felt so much better... then the Nurse Practitioner prescribed me something else, and I didn't wanna take it because I didn't wanna be on BC in the first place...I was given BC to help with facial hair and irregular periods...which I didn't think i had irregular periods in the first place because all my life my period has been on time...like you can set a calendar to it...the times it was like a week late, I was extremely stressed out...so yeah...anyway, She prescribed me Cryselle, which is what Plan B is made of...The first week I took it was awful...I felt even more anxious like every 5 minutes a burst of adrenaline was running through me...then the second week I had the worst lower back pain...I literally felt like my back was going to snap in half...I took my last dose on Wednesday, the 21st of March because I would take the pill at night...I went to see the the NP again because my doctor has been on vacation... I was anxious in her office and she said I should see a therapist...and she said she woud set me up with one...then I told her about the back pain and she said she was afraid it was messing with my kidneys so she said just to stop it... I asked if stopping it mid cycle like that would be bad and she said no, just my period would come in a few days... Friday, Saturday and Sunday I felt so much better! then Sunday night I was going to bed and ready to start school again on Monday (Spring Break was over)...at 2:30 I woke up in a panic...my whole left side was numb and tingly and I thought I was going to die... Worst night of my life...I took a quarter of a Xanax and had the worst sleep...the next morning I woke up expecting everything to be fine and I was sooooo depressed...I was hopeless...and felt like life wasn't worth living...Then the therapist my NP set me up with called and made it worse because he said hormones don't do this to you because they are therapeutic...and that he thinks I have a serious underlying mental issue and I need help...He scared me so bad, I thought I was going crazy! I decided not to see him because my mind has been fragile...every little thing someone tells me gets me so emotional and sad...Every day since then has neen a little better... I still am anxious and depressed, but not nearly as bad as it was Monday... After a week, I feel dizzy...Like I am in a dream...and even though I am talking and walking right, I feel like I am not... I'm still scared...and my heart rate is weird...I have headaches and a pain behind my ear...I sleep like c**p...and I wasn't able to eat for 5 days...I barely started to eat and drink...Its still hard to eat, but getting easier...I realize now from these forums that this will all pass...even though I feel like it isn't...You ladies have given me hope...thank you... I empathize with all of you who have been on it for so long...and I will pray for all of you to have a speedy recovery...some feedback would be great :)