Weird experience at the gyno...

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-03-2005
Weird experience at the gyno...
6
Fri, 04-28-2006 - 3:46pm

I've been on Yasmin for a year, and I don't feel it's the right pill for me. Ever since taking it, I've become more emotional a week before my period, much more so than before I started taking the pill. I cry easily, I get anxious and nervous and I feel a little depressed. These symptoms disappear by the second day of my period, so I'm sure it's all related to my cycle. I've always suffered from PMS, but never to this extent, and these symptoms began the month I started taking Yasmin.

I went to the gyno yesterday for a check=up and to renew my prescription for bc, and I mentioned that I wanted to switch my bcp, more specifically to Ortho Tri-Cyclen LO, because of these mood swings. My doctor did write me a prescription for Ortho, but he made it clear that "all bcp are the same" and I may be suffering from "anxiety or depression".

I'm very confused by this. There are no other explanations for my symptoms-no life changes, work or relationship stress, etc. And the timing of my symptoms does suggest it's PMS. I was under the impression that Yasmin was different from other bcp, and that mood swings and anxiety are symptoms of Yasmin. I also heard that taking this medication can worsen PMS symptoms. Was I wrong to assume all this?

TIA!
Sabrina

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-28-2006
Fri, 04-28-2006 - 9:30pm
Hi sabrina,
Not all birth control pills are the same, Yasmin in particular has at least three different ingredients aside from Ortho and Ovcon. The side affects you have experienced tell me your not having a good reaction to the med (which is normal for Yasmin, many patients given Yasmin usually switch to another birth controll within a year or so)and i'm glad you switched your meds :).
Unfortunately since women are 2-3 times more likely to suffer from anxiety disorders and/or depression many doctors blame a psychological disorder for the negative side affects of the medication. Doctors, at times, do freeload off the notion that they know all and many people dare not question them. Plus the more they prescribe a medication the more funding the clinic/hospital gets.
When starting on any pill there is the risk of heightened emotions but if they last longer than a week then the person should seek a different type of pill with a better hormone adjustment to their needs.
Anyway, good luck and don't be afraid to put your foot down and ask questions with your doctor.
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Fri, 04-28-2006 - 10:00pm

Hi Sabrina, welcome back!


      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Fri, 04-28-2006 - 10:33pm

Hi lefayemorgana, welcome


      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-03-2005
Sun, 04-30-2006 - 6:02pm

Thanks for your reply. I had no idea that Triphasic pills were more likey to cause mood swings than Monophasic pills. I am curious about Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo thpough and so I'll take it for at least 3 months. If after three months I continue to get mood swings I will ask my doctor about taking a monophasic pill (besides Yasmin).

Thanks for your help!

Sabrina

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-05-2006
Wed, 07-05-2006 - 3:42pm

Ok Jill, I have a question:

if yasmin causes anxiety and I'm already on an anti anxiety medication is it possible that a slight increase in my anti-anxiety pill could help with the issue?

Thanks.

Laura

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Wed, 07-05-2006 - 5:09pm

Hi

      Jill