Increased Moodiness on BCP

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-16-2007
Increased Moodiness on BCP
4
Wed, 06-13-2007 - 10:35am

Hello,

My name's Ariana, and I've posted on various other boards.

I'm 18, and I've been on the BCP Loestrin24Fe for about 4.5 months. I haven't had any side-effects on the pill except for increased moodiness, but it's pretty bad. I cry way more than usual, I get annoyed/angry at things my boyfriend says that otherwise wouldn't bother me, and I don't really feel like myself. I've given it the 3 months that the doctor said, hell...I've given it almost 5 months...but if the moodiness doesn't go away, or at least alleviate a bit, I'm going to switch to something else.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to which pill to switch to, if I switch, or how to manage the mood swings?

-Ariana

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-25-2002
Wed, 06-13-2007 - 5:58pm

Hi! I'm not sure what to say really. I did want to reply and tell you that I've been having a horrible time with moods... much of what you are describing and going through right now. I've been on Ortho Cept for about five years and am currently on OrthoCyclen for about the last year. I switched pills because of my moods. I can't say they are any better. I am though having break through bleeding with the OrthoCyclen on the third week of actives. Also, lots of discharge too. I went to the gyn. this week and she gave me sample packs and an rx for LoestrinFe. She thought that my moods would not get better by switching but it would help with the discharge and break through bleeding.

I've read other posts on different message boards saying how moody LoestrinFe can make you. I'm not looking forward to that at all! Everyone is different though they say.

May I please ask if you've had lots of discharge or any break through bleeding with this pill you are on now? Do you have acne or weight gain with it? I've found that I have no acne at all with OrthoCyclen and my libido is much higher.

I hope what I said at least gives you some ideas of the other pills I've been on and what they are like for me. I really do understand what you are going through.

I'd be interested to know though your comments on my above questions. Thank you!!

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-16-2007
Wed, 06-13-2007 - 7:16pm

Hey!

Your reply actually helped a lot, thanks. I guess that the mood swings can't be helped much.

I had breakthrough bleeding for the first couple days I was on Loestrin24Fe, then it went away completely. Occasionally, between packs, during the placebo pills, I get a tiny bit of light spotting, but that's most likely due to my period. I've had no strange discharge or weight gain. My weight's actually remained the same, and I don't find it hard to keep the weight. Some girls/women complain about being bloated with water, but I've not had that either. Loestrin's pretty good, except for the mood swings, for me, at least. My boobs, I've noticed, have gotten a little bigger, but it's not a significant change, not even 1 cup size...maybe 1/2 cup size. Umm...my acne's gotten better; my face is clearer than it's ever been...before adolescence, at least. One very nice thing about Loestrin24Fe is that my period's lighter, a bit shorter, and way less severe; no cramping or anything like that. My libido hasn't been affected positively or negatively; I've heard some women say how their libido's suffered as a result of birth control. That must be extremely annoying, though all BCP's side-effects are, I suppose.

I don't have any experience with other types of birth control, since Loestrin24Fe was the first I've been on; my gyno recommended it, and I went with it. Besides the mood swings, I've had no problems with Loestrin24Fe. And it's true; everyone IS different. You might, and hopefull will, have a better experience.

Thank you very much for your reply. I hope everything turns out well. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. And it's nice to know I'm not the only one battling nasty moods. Hah...and I'll keep in mind what you said about OrthoCyclen. Thanks!

-Ariana

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-25-2002
Wed, 06-13-2007 - 7:37pm
Hi! You've helped me a lot too... I feel reassured of this pill.
I'm glad we were able to help each other. I hope you check in on this board... I'm here most often when I'm having some sort of issue or question so it would be nice to see each other around here again especially since you've been so helpful in answering questions. Please let me know what your gyn says and what the next pill for you will be if you will continue to go with that form of birth control.
iVillage Member
Registered: 02-16-2007
Wed, 06-13-2007 - 8:28pm

Hiya,

I'm glad I could help! And I'm on this board, among others (...love/relationship) a lot when I have a question/problem, too. It would be nice to see each other; I'll definitely look out for you. You've been very friendly; the people here are generally friendly and helpful. These boards are really reassuring.

Let me know how things go for you, k? And I'll let you know, too. It was really great meeting you...well...figuratively, at least.

-Ariana