Can hormonal bc cause fatigue?

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-27-1998
Can hormonal bc cause fatigue?
2
Thu, 08-05-2004 - 1:05pm
I have been experiencing fatigue (more than usual - I have 3 small kids) the past few mos. It started after the Depo shot in the end of March. I had other yucky side effects from Depo and let the shot wear off and started the patch in the end of June. So here I am, the fatigue is still here. The kids and I have all gotten colds this summer and when I have a cold I am dead tired and when I am healthy, I still feel a strong need for a nap even with 9-10 hours of nighttime sleep. I basically feel like I am in my first trimester of pregnancy as far as energy goes.

I have been tested for preg (neg), my iron level is fine, my liver profile is normal, and I am awaiting the thyroid test results. I asked my dr if the thyroid comes back normal, could it be the hormonal bc that is causing it? She suggested that since my dh is going to be out of town the next 4-5 mos, I stop the patch after this cycle and see how I feel.

I was thinking about doing that anyway, I had a little weight gain from the depo and am not able to shake it with the patch on.

Any idea if the fatigue can come from the hormones?

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iVillage Member
Registered: 06-29-2003
Thu, 08-05-2004 - 3:36pm
I had extreme fatigue with pills with a higher progestin, like Loestrin or Estrostep. OTC and OTC lo, which have a low progestin, did not cause fatigue. I believe the patch would be similar to OTC. Are you certain the depo is all out of your system? Just thought I would let you know my experiences.
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-04-2003
Thu, 08-05-2004 - 6:08pm
I agree with Ilv2cook, i got extremely tired on loestrin and Estrostep... But now that i'm on Yasmin, i am still tired but not all the time (it use to be everyday all day). I went through the same tests as you did and they came out fine... So i would definitely belive that it could be due to birth control. I wish i had the opportunity to quite the pill just to see what it would be like, but i'm not about to do that right now. So let us know how you do, i am interested in hearing whether this helped the fatigue. My doctor suggested that i start exercising a little more, going for walks ect. I'm not sure how active you are, but this may also help. I wish you luck because i've been there before and i still battle being very tired lately. By an chance have you ever had mono? I had mono 3 years ago, and ever since my energy levels have not been the same and i've heard that it never completely leaves you system and can still bogg you down from time to time. So if you have had mono or EBV, this is something that can help explain, but i also believe the majority can be due to your birthcontrol.

Goodluck!