Patch creating emotional upheaval!

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-21-2003
Patch creating emotional upheaval!
5
Mon, 09-06-2004 - 12:54pm
I'm desperately seeking informed insights as to what I should do in regards to birth control methods. I recently began using the Ortho Evra patch and have been experiencing moderate to significant (enough to affect my quality of life) changes in my general mood and emotional state. I had a similar reaction in the past to both the Ortho-trycyclene pill and even its low-dose cousin. I used each for only a few months, because my emotions simply could not take it, and I wanted to enjoy life again.

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

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-24-2003
Mon, 09-06-2004 - 2:32pm
I chose the IUD route. 1. It isn't hard to remember to take the pill, but it IS so easy to forget it, and the hormonal issue. I too went through a VERY depressive stage, but that is a different story for an entirely different board. 2. I was not concerned about STD's simply because my husband and I are monogomous and I didn't want to continually use the condoms, which by the way I had been using as a back up method along with, first the pill, then the foam - yada yada yada. After doing a lot of research and making sure my insurance would cover the procedure, I opted for the copper IUD.....NO hormones!!!!

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.
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-05-2004
Tue, 09-07-2004 - 8:41am
Unfortunately, I also have the same reactions to hormonal BC. I originally started on OrthoCyclen...bad, bad, bad. Then moved to Alesse, still bad. Tried Ortho-Triclyclen, still not good. And now finally the patch. I'm still experiencing a whirlwind of emotions from day to day, and new tiredness. And I attribute it to BC. I'm also predisposed to depression since I have clinical depression, so I feel you.

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...

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-04-2004
Thu, 11-04-2004 - 10:27am
I loved the patch....the idea of it anyway. I can never remember to take the pill. SO the patch seemed like it was made for me. I had just had my first child and I started on the patch. Everything seemed fine but then I started to notice that I would get extremely angry. My mood swings were incredible. My husband would always threaten to tear the patch off when I would get into a tyraid.

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.

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-01-2004
Thu, 11-04-2004 - 11:08am
I myself love the idea about the patch also. I have been on them since june 03. I never really had any side effects that I had noticed. Only until recently had a friend of mine, who was only on it for a month, said that she didnt want to be on it anymore cus it made her emotional in a depressed way. I got to thinking about it and came to realize that that is me. My hubby and I are always fighting over little stuff and Im always the one who ends up crying to myself about nothing or mad about something. I also gain some weight after a while, which I really havent gone over what I am but knowing that I had never been this weight before is once again, depressing.

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.

 

 

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iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Thu, 11-04-2004 - 11:52am
Have you considered NuvaRing trying? The site is: http://www.nuvaring.com/Consumer/index.asp It has the lowest dose of estrogen of any method available in the U.S. and it can be worn continuously for four weeks without decreasing your protection. Normal use is three weeks inserted and one removed for your period. The fourth week gives you the ability to easily move your period. A lot of members seem to like it. Let ys know what you decide, ok?

Good luck,

      Jill