BC causing depression, loss of libido

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-17-2004
BC causing depression, loss of libido
2
Wed, 03-17-2004 - 5:56am
I've been on the pill for a little over two years, and it has really lessened my libido and also made me depressed (I had some problems with depression before the pill, but it's been a constant since about 6 months after I started BC). I started on Ortho-Tricyclen, then switched to Mircette, now I'm on Cyclessa. I'd like to go off the pill--my boyfriend has been considering a vasectomy for awhile--but one really good thing about BC is that it regulates my periods. Before BC I never had regular periods, and I also had awful cramps. I'm worried about going back to those things, but I'm sick of being depressed and never being in the mood. And I don't want to go on anti-depressants for depression caused by another pill--I'd rather just not have to take the pill OR anti-depressants. I've been weighing the pros and cons for months and I guess I'm really not sure what to do. Anyone have any advice? Thanks.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Wed, 03-17-2004 - 7:42am

Were any of the pills any better than any of the others or have they pretty much all had the same effects on you?

Judie Cl for Birth Control 
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-01-2003
Wed, 03-17-2004 - 5:42pm
Hi......maybe you could try brevicon/modican or ovcon. I have a book by dr. vielet called "screaming to be heard. Hormone connections doctors still miss" and she discusses this. Those are what she recommends for problems such as that. They are very very low progesterone activity which generally they accept the depression and weight gain are caused by that. Loss of libido would be from too low of andrygen effect though. I know and believe the pill can have a true effect on this.....I was on Mirena and the levonorgestrel in it cuased me to have absolutely no sex drive whatsoever and also it was incredibly incredibly difficult to have an orgasm. I am on the 3rd week of the patch right now though and have not had a problem with it. I haven't been on it very long though perhaps the sex drive will dive in a few weeks. I know the first week I was on it my sex drive went through the roof. I haven't had any depression so far either, in fact I felt happier, better and had more energy the first week especially of taking the patch. Very bizarre I know. The only thing I can complain about so far is increased appetite/bloating. My stomach/hips/breasts seem magnified now. I always was shaped kind of boyish and now I really look like a WOMAN.....which is kind of freaky to move to in 3 weeks time. I am not too happy with it honestly......my pants are awfully tight and haven't been ever before in 10 years time. You coudl try the diaphgragm (I really liked that a lot when I needed contraception). I don't know how old your boyfriend is but its not a good idea to go through with something like that even if he feels he doesn't want kids in the future right now. My husband and I have been married almost 7 years and have two children and he had a vasectomy 3 years ago due to me and my probs with birth control. Now I regret it heavily even though I thought I never would. All I really want is another baby but that is not going to ever happen with my husband atleast. Its something I have to deal with for the rest of my life now in this marriage. I just woudln't want that to happen to anyone else ever. If you were lucky you might find someoen who would insert an IUD despite being nulliparous. its doen often times in Europe but most american doctors are too afraid to do that. They are working on an IUD specifically designed for nulliparous women ......its a knock off of the original copper T but a smaller frame so it has less cramping and lower expulsion rates than its cousin the copper T. Good Luck!