Birth Control Causing Anxiety or Pmdd?

When I was on a particular pill a few years ago (can't remember which one, now), I would have dramatic mood swings. My husband (boyfriend at the time), made a light-hearted, teasing comment about my hair, and I started yelling at him and crying uncontrollably. Yikes! I could hear myself being an idiot but couldn't stop it. I switched pills and finally found one that got me back to normal. It did take a couple of tries, but I think you will be able to find something.

To this day, my husband won't say anything about my hair, good, bad or indifferent. I could probably shave my head and he wouldn't say anything for fear of me freaking out. :)

Hi H.,

I did a quick Google search on "birth contril pills and anxiety" and found quite a bit. Now granted you can't always believe what you find on the net, but there seems to be a lot of info out there.
As a registered nurse myself, I'd say do NOT let your doctor treat you like you're crazy. Switch docs if necessary! I know this is an apples and oranges type of comparison, but several years ago when I was in my late 30's I was convinced I was pre-menopausal. I went to 4 doctors in 2 years just to be dismissed, told I was too young and basically insinuated that I was nuts! My mother in law, who is an amazing woman, said that I couldn't keep changing doctors until I found one to tell me what I wanted to hear, yes I can! And I did! It wasn't so much that they tell me what I wanted to hear but to truly listen to me and not treat me like I was nuts.
I finally found a doc who said that I was NOT too young, yes I was pre-menopausal by my symptoms and he drew the labwork to prove it! None of the other docs even offered the lab.
My point is, you know your body and don't let anyone treat you like you're crazy. And I'd be willing to bet that you do not need anti-depressents, you just need a new doc!

Good Luck and in good health,

Lori K

I had serious trouble on the pill. I did nova ring and that didn't seem to be as bad. But any amount of hormones can cause this. I went off birth control in Jan thinking we would start trying for #2 baby and I still notice that occassionally I still get sensitive to things my husband says and sometimes still have crying breakdowns but it is nothing like it was when I was on birth control. Try seeing an OBGYN for your birth control. Sometimes they will have better advice and recommendations vs. your primary Doc.

I had terrible anxiety and depression on the pill. I tried several types of pills and was on lots of drugs (anti dipression, anti anxiety, anti psychotic, mood stabalizers) and they always told me that I shouldn't try going off the pill because it would all be worse if I got pregnant. Anyway, I am off the pill (5 years and 2 babies later) and as soon as I went off the pill (on my own) I was so much better. I still have some of the problems, but not bad enough to be medicated. It was one of the best decisions I have made. But... it could be something else totally. I think it is important for us to watch closely and be a part of our medical care. Try to find a dr who listens to you.

When I was on Depo, it made me psycho! As soon as I switched meds, literally the next day, I was another person.