Patch creating emotional upheaval!
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| Mon, 09-06-2004 - 12:54pm |
My gynocologist encouraged me to try the patch for one more month to give my body time to "take" to it if it's going to. I suspect that the emotional symptoms will continue, based upon my history with taking birth control hormones in various forms. Problem is, condoms significantly compromise pleasure during sex for my husband and me (particularly for him,) and so condoms for us are not an option I'd like to consider anymore.
But obviously the patch is not working. It's creating in me many of the symptoms of depression I remember from way back before I was diagnosed with mild depression and put on an antidepressant which has changed my life for the better. Maybe since I'm predisposed to depression anyway, anything hormonal is not going to be the best thing for me as far as birth control. I'm wondering if anyone else has experienced similar side effects as a result of the patch or pill, what your experience was like, and what you suggest I try. It appears that the Ring and contraceptive injections are just going to create the same emotional reactions. I don't want to deal with a diaphragm or anything that's equally too much "fuss" to deal with and am considering the IUD unless that too could potentially cause mood-altering side effects. FYI, my husband and I would like to wait about 5 years anyway before starting our family. What do you think? Is there anything else I simply haven't thought about?
thanks in advance,
Dandylioness

You mentioned you wanted to wait 5 years before starting a family....the copper IUD is effective for 10 years (at least mine is) and so, if the 5 year window becomes increasingly shorter than what you and you DH want, you have a little more time to plan. The IUD can be removed anytime, so if you so choose to start your family sooner you are no worse for the wear. (pardon the pun) ***Side note, some doctors are weary about the IUD choice for women who have never had children. But do not let them discourage you. Bottom line, sometimes our doctors need to be reminded we pay them....hence since we provide their pay check, that makes us BOSS!!*** I don't think anybody likes to resort to being demanding, but the reality is, we as women have to fight for what we want. We have come a long way, but still have a loooooooooong way to go.
Good luck in whatever you decide.
Unfortunately again, the chances are that any hormonal BC is going to affect you this way. Also as you stay on the BC, the symptoms seem to level off, but never subside. The patch side effects are supposed to wear off by 3 months, so I'm giving it that amount of time. The IUD may be a good option for you since you do want to wait for a family. But, sorry, I think that most hormonal BC is probably going to give the undesired effects you're having. Maybe a BC/antidepressant combo is an option? Talk to your doc...
I've since switched to Orthotricyclen LO and this seems to be working fine except I keep forgetting to take the pill. I'm tempted to switch back to the patch. I'm thinking that perhaps the significant stress that is added by having a child and the flucuations in hormones may have increased my mood swings. Now that my life is settled down and everything is normal....maybe I will be a happier patch user.
Headaches are another thing. I have been experiancing migraines out of the butt lately and out of the blue. My boobs have gotten bigger, for what reason is way beyond me. Some people say that it can be caused by weight gain and some say its the patch, who knows. And the cramps, I have never in my life had this bad of cramps before. I am doubling up because they are so bad at times.
Now those are all of my symptoms or side effects. I am way past the couple of months to get used to them stage. And my dr only tells me that "we can always change to something else" Ive tried taking pills again, but just the thought of taking them always made me naucious, even after trying 3 different estrogen doses. I dont want to take the shot cus cancer runs in my family and I like to have my period for that reason. Truthfully I would rather not take any bc and make my hubby wear the condom. He never gets to participate in the "no baby" thing.
Sorry girls, I guess its all of my venting. But this is what I am going through while on the patch. I was never like this before I started using it. I just dont know what to do with myself.
Good luck,
Jill