Bipolar Disorder Forum - Bipolar And Birth Controll Pills

Mental Health > Bipolar Disorder Forum > Bipolar And Birth Controll Pills

Birth control is helpful in preventing pregnancy. Need to know more about birth control? Start here to learn more about popular methods of birth control....

Q: Bipolar And Birth Controll Pills

asked by: noak on May 4th, 2004

New User

I am bipolar 2 have been stable on my meds for 1 and a half years. Just started the pill about 1 and a half months ago. Using "seasonalle" a pill that gives you a period only 1 x every 3 months. I was hopeing it would help with the pms I experience before my period and irritablity/depression after my flow ends. I am having "breakthrough bleeding", gained 10 lbs, boobs hurt from swelling, and I am so irritable and sleepy. It is one of the lowest dose pills. Not sure if I should go off it or try another or what. Have any of you any advice about birth controll and bipolar. I want my stability back but I am not wanting the pms that I was having although this doesn't seem much better.
Any ideas?
Noak

Replies(5)

2ferano

replied on May 4th, 2004

Extremely eHealthy

I would try a different pill. As long as your meds for bipolar keep that area under control, then you can most likely find a pill that will not give you side effects.
I cannot handle the lose hormone pills as I have breakthrough bleeding also.
Doctors have this book that lists all of the b/c pills and side effects. If you get certain side effects, it lists which pill you should be switched to. It may take some trial and error, but you should be able to find a pill that helps with your pms and does not make it worse.

KrazyKMB

replied on May 5th, 2004

New User

Your birth control should not effect your bipolar. I would agree to try a different pill. If you are having sever problems before your period there are some meds that help with pmdd. Maybe look into it.

mia

replied on May 11th, 2004

Experienced User

Noak

Welcome and thanks for the pm. It usually takes your system 3 months to acclamate to a new hormone. Since you already have a lot going on with your system, it is always wise to take things slow and easy. After 3 months, if you are still having problems talk to your gyno. Also, before you started the pills, did you go over the side effects with your mental health provider? There might not be anything wrong with the pills, but certain meds don't go with certain people.

Good luck,

mia

2ferano

replied on May 14th, 2004

Extremely eHealthy

If you have minimal side effects or ones that really do not bother you it is best to try the pill for the whole three months. But if you are having breakthrough bleeding it is obvious the hormone levels are not right for you. Also, the other side effects you listed should not have to be dealt with, so I would definately switch.
I waited the three months on my last pill because I was told to do so, but when I went to the doctor for my check up she said I should have come back in as soon as I had the problems.

mia

replied on May 15th, 2004

Experienced User

Noak

Another thing to keep in mind, when in doubt, call your doctor. Don't feel like you are bothering them or like you don't want to be a nucence. They a very well paid, and they are very well paid by you and your insurance company. So if it makes you feel better, call.

In the past when I have gone on the pill, after not having been on them for a long time, I experienced breakthrough bleading ( very light). I was told it was not unusual, and it did not last long. Do what is comfortable for you.

Good luck

mia

Learn About Us

Get Help

Join In

Do More

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health
information:
verify here.

The site is not a replacement for professional medical opinion, examination, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your medical doctor or other qualified health professional before starting any new treatment or making any changes to existing treatment. Do not delay seeking or disregard medical advice based on information written by any author on this site. No health questions and information on eHealth Forum is regulated or evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and therefore the information should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease without the supervision of a medical doctor. Posts made to these forums express the views and opinions of the author, and not the administrators, moderators, or editorial staff and hence eHealth Forum and its principals will accept no liabilities or responsibilities for the statements made. Schizophrenia health sitemap.
This page was last updated on January 1, 2009.
© 2008 eForums, Inc