Bipolar Disorder Support Group

Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.

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birth control in relation to depression

deleted_user
deleted_user
When I was 20, I was diagnosed with clinical depression with manic episodes. I took Lexapro, but it didn't seem to do much. At 22, I was diagnosed as bipolar. I'm not really sure what the difference is between these two things. I took Zyprexa for a few months, but I hated it. I have not taken any medication in a year.

For some reason I realized that I've had a few good days in a row and it happens to be during my placebo pills of my birth control pack. I then decided to look up birth control and depression. It seems that birth control can make depression worse.

Is it possible that taking birth control triggers my episodes?
Could birth control be the cause of my depression and irritability?
Could it be that I am not bipolar at all... but my birth control is causing it?
deleted_user
deleted_user
I get bad period pains so my doctor switched me to the highest dose of the birth control pill to help curb the pain - unfortunatly I also got depression. So it is VERY likely that your birth control could be affecting it. Tell your GP and he'll be able to change the type of pill you are on.
deleted_user
deleted_user
IMO, you need to discuss this with a Dr. asap -preferably a Pdoc.

I was given BCP's in Aug. that had progesterone in it - ended up in the ER as it made me dive into the worst depression ever!

According to Pdoc, BCP's with Progesterone are NOT preferable for BPs - I've heard of a number of Dr.'s who has prescribed it to BP's unknowingly.

I could go on for hours discussing hormones and BP...not a good combo. Ya have a child and it can get bad as well...that's another post!
deleted_user
deleted_user
Also, I've been charting my moods for 3 months straight and find that the week before and week of my 2 week period are horrible - irritable and depressed. Going to see a new Psych Nurse who has experience with BP and hormonal issues! Looking forward to working with her!!
deleted_user
deleted_user
I just had to change my birth control due to the symptoms you describe. I now take seasonale so I get less periods and less moodiness. I think it's related to the harmones
deleted_user
deleted_user
Oral contraceptives of any time make me crazy -- my one episode that felt (was?) psychotic happened after my doctor tried to putting me on them after years have passed. My depression has lasted long since I stopped birth control, but I do believe there is a correlation -- some women just can't tolerate the hormones. I hope you and your doc can sort things out and that you'll be feeling better soon.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Defo Rosey, I went nuts on the pill, out of control. Went on the mini pill which has the same level of hormone the whole month and that sorted me out. But then I had problems with my blood pressure so had to go off pill altogether. :))
deleted_user
deleted_user
Years ago, i noticed that BC pills brought on serious and ongoing depression. That was before my BP symptoms, but i wouldn't be surprised if the BC was contributing to your depression.
deleted_user
deleted_user
wow - thank you to everybody who replied. it's good to know that i'm not alone in this and that there may be a correlation. anything to minimize the depression would be great. i'm going to talk to a doctor about options and i will as about seasonale, as someone says it works for her. thanks again!
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