do I HAVE to take BCPs? It's making me crazy!!

kate08 · 03-31-2008, 05:41 PM

I was diagnosed with PCOS a year ago. My gyno prescribed Yaz because I rarely got a period (maybe 2 times a year). I've tried several different BCPs (Yaz, Demulen, and now I'm on Femcon) and am not happy with any of them. I feel like they are making me crazy! I have bouts of emotional craziness -- feeling like crying with no valid reason or getting really emotional over silly things! It's funny because in my head, I realize that I am being ridiculous and am over reacting, but somehow still can't control the emotions. So, here are my questions for you guys:

1. I was under the impression that birth control was necessary to regulate periods (and since I rarely got periods, was at a higher risk for endometrial cancer). After reading other posts, birth control isn't necessary for PCOSers? My boyfriend suggested I go off of it, but I wasn't sure if that was a possibility. I was considering going off of it for a few months at least, just to see if the emotional craziness slows down (and make sure it really is the BCPs causing it).

2. I assumed the BC was causing the emotional craziness, but is this just a part of PCOS? Although, I don't remember having these crazy emotional fits this bad before starting birth control...

Any comments & responses are appreciated! Thanks for your support. It's great to read some of the other postings here and connect with people that are facing similar issues. I have a very supportive boyfriend, but I think he's starting to get frustrated with my emotional fits (and I really can't blame him for it!)

Navi · 03-31-2008, 08:38 PM

BCPs aren't necessary but you do have to use something to regulate your cycle, be it another prescription med or alternative treatments. Not all of them might work as well as BCPs, or some might work better than others.

Anxiety and depression can be linked to both BCPs and PCOS but it's very likely it's the former if you've never felt that before.

fishdish · 03-31-2008, 09:59 PM

I too had a bad reaction to various BCPs (tears and all!); I have been off them for well over a year now, and am feeling so much better for it. The Alternative Remedies section of the board has some very informative posts that may be of interest to you, if you wanted to look at a more natural approach to regulating your period.

As Navi said, while depression/anxiety/emotional imbalance is often linked with PCOS, it is most likely down to the BCPs, and you're certainly not alone in this!

I hope you find something that works for you. Best of luck.

KatCarney · 03-31-2008, 10:03 PM

BCP's made me crazy, too (Demulen). I only took them for a few short months, and then couldn't take it anymore.

I went off of them, and then buckled down to some major diet and exercise (and took the anti-androgen flutamide). That seemed to be enough for me. I've been off of bcp's for nearly 10 years.

ChelNY · 04-08-2008, 03:47 PM

I was on BCP for actual birth-control reasons, and recently stopped taking it. I agree that BCP can make you overly emotional, or kind of numb & foggy. I've had both feeling. I tend to be kinda emotional at PMS time anyway, but it was definitely worse on BCP. I'm glad to be off of it, at least for now.

My endocrinologist's first advice to me was to start exercising regularly and eating healthier. If that didn't work, he would consider putting me on some kind of meds. And the first med he mentioned was glucophage. He also mentioned BCP. I think there are other options out there, you just may have to dig for what works for you or push your Dr to consider other options, depending upon the situation, how helpful or knowlegeable your Dr. is.

drebee12 · 04-08-2008, 04:49 PM

The funny thing is, is that birth control pills do not actually regulate your period; they give you a false period. The harmones in birth control are the same harmones present in the first trimester of pregnancy. Your body thinks it's pregnant (at least harmonally) and stops ovulation (this is why it also prevents pregnancy). When you bleed while you are taking the placebos, it is merely a withdrawl bleed from the harmones, not the actual shedding of your uterus.

I for one am not a fan of using BCPs to treat PCOS. because they merely seem to treat the symptoms and not the problem. We already have enough messed up harmones! I would definitly look into natural remedies, or perhaps some other form of medication. I hope this helps!

heartincart · 04-17-2008, 02:59 AM

I took Diane-35 which is great for excess androgens... like I just said in another thread, it didn't affect me negatively at all which goes to show you just have to find whatever works best for you, BCPs or not. Perhaps consider some of the natural remedies for af and such? best wishes!

Stephicus · 04-17-2008, 12:54 PM

I had been bouncing from doctor to doctor for years with PCOS and the only thing they'd ever suggest was BCPs. Well for me, BCPs were a nightmare, didn't matter which ones, I gained a ton of weight, cried, screamed, etc. I stopped taking them and stopped going to the doctor's office for several years.

Finally I went to my current family doctor and told her look, I need to get this PCOS under control, I'm turning 30 and I want to think about having children. Her suggestion?? BIRTH CONTROL PILLS!??! Ummm, what? No, i don't want to PREVENT children, I want to increase my fertility and hopefully start feeling better. So she tells me "If you don't want to take birth control pills, there's nothing anyone can do for you". Can you say CHALLENGE? I researched the best Reproductive Endocrinologist in the state and drove 4 hours to go see him. He put me on 1500 mg of Metformin and wanted me to take a 7 day course of Provera to bring on a break through bleed. Well I started taking the met and before I had a chance to start the provera, I had my first AF in 7 months!! 52 days later I had another one!! 52 days after that, I was PG. Granted, not quite a perfect regular cycle, but I sure as heck think the stuff did its job. I also lost 17lbs in 4 months. I'm now 31 weeks pg and still on it, I've only gained 9.5lbs and no GD. I was also able to stop taking the anti-depressants I was on and I feel as normal as a pregnant woman can feel, hehe.

I know Met isn't magical for everyone, but there are a fair number of us who think it's just wonderful stuff. Might be worth a try?

Good lucK!