Expert: Mia - 11/14/2008

Question
Hello.  My name is Fallon, and I was looking for some answers on birth control and emotion when I found a post on this site.  I started taking birth control in April or May of 2008, when my doctor had been trying to figure out what was wrong with my colon. He sent me to a Gynecologist to find out if anything was wrong in that area.  I mentioned that the pain was much worse when I was on my period so she put me on birth control to try to lessen the pain and regulate the periods. Since then I've noticed I get really angry really easy, and I cry at the drop of the hat.  If I get too angry I even cry then.  And if I start to cry I can't seem to stop it.  It isn't so bad sometimes, but about the week before my period, during my period (which only lasts about two days) and few days after I'm terrible about it. I actually had to leave work last night because I got worried about my father and couldn't stop crying.  Soooo, should I consider taking another kind of birth control, or a different pill?  I have to be on some form of it, I got married about two months ago, I'm in college and I don't need to be pregnant right now or I just would have stopped taking it. My husband said he noticed the change a little after I started taking birth control, and we've been together for three years so I think he could tell. Oh, and I'm on Loestrin. Help?



Thanks so much,

Fallon


Answer
Hi Fallon,

Yes, your emotional changes could be from the pill, especially if it started after you began the pill. There are many brands of pills and women will react differently to each, so it is worth your time to try a different brand and see if that is better. Sometimes it can take a few tries to find the brand that is right for you. It is recommended that you stick with one brand for 3 months to give your body time to adjust to the pill and to see if side effects subside. Since it has been more than 3 months for you, I recommend you call your doctor for an appointment. Tell him/her about your specific side effects so your doctor can choose a brand that may best help. Generally, a brand with a lower progestin potency such as one of the Orthos (such as Ortho-cyclen) or Alesse can help lesson emotional changes and is a good place to start.

I hope this helps. If you have further questions let me know.


-Mia