As most of us know, any form of birth control can have many side affects on how we feel. I was wondering if other women out there have had worsening symptoms of OCD or anxiety when you’re on birth control. What kind of birth control are or were you on if you don’t mind sharing. What works best for you? I believe my emotions are really intense which makes OCD even worse. I’m considering trying another method/brand.
I used to be on the pill, and switched to a non-hormonal IUD. When I was on the pill, I was not yet diagnosed with OCD, but I don’t remember any big shifts in my mood once I switched. That being said, I do like my non-hormonal IUD. I don’t have to remember to take a pill every day, and my mood swings tend to hit at the same time each month, so I can prepare a bit more easily. If you do take hormonal contraception, you may be able to try different brands-your doctor should have advice.
Non Hormonal IUD was my first contraceptive.. had it five years, and always felt like there was something “wrong” with me.. Lots of issues with it, it was uncomfortable and made my cycle wayyyy more intense. I wanted to have it taken out for a long time, and ruminated on shameful feelings bc the most responsible thing felt like keeping it in since it is the “most effective,” but I really really didn’t like it for my body personally.. I take the pill now and it’s not perfect but it’s much better for me.
I tried oral contraceptive and it made my OCD way worse. I have an IUD now and it definitely helps me a lot - not as many mood swings, less PMS, less stress. My OCD latched onto “what if I’m pregnant” when I was on oral meds cuz sometimes I’d forget to take it so this l highly recommend the morena iud.
@Honeyshark Thank you! Yes, I’ve also started to have intrusive thoughts about being pregnant and it’s terrifying. I’m glad the IUD has worked for you.
@malsaipe Hahaha yeah gotta love OCD. Everyone is different but those hormones def are like fuel to the ocd fire.
I currently have the Kyleena IUD and it personally helped a lot with my heavy painful periods. I've had it almost 5 years and my periods are still light and cramps almost non-existent. It's the milder option and smaller compared to other IUD's so that's why I picked it. For me it was very painful for about 2 weeks after but I got it checked and everything was just fine. No problems for my 5yrs with it. I suggest asking your OBGYN about it and ask if you have any medical conditions that might hinder the process or meds that could interfere with it. Good luck! Everyone's body is different and I hope you find what works best for you.
I'm thinking of switching from my birth control pill to the non-hormonal IUD. I've been on the pill for almost 6 years, but lately I wonder whether the hormones are negatively affecting me. Some of the side effects of hormonal birth control are mood changes, depression, and decreased libido. There is also research that suggests the pill may alter some brain structures. Check it out: https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.iflscience.com/health-and-medicine/oral-contraceptive-pill-associated-changes-brain-structure/ I know that switching won't make all my anxiety disappear--I had anxiety before starting the pill. But it's possible the pill might be adding to these mental health issues I already have. For my fellow birth control users, how do you feel about the effects hormonal contraceptives could have on your OCD & mental health?
I hope everyone is doing really well today! I’m curious: how does your menstrual cycle affect your OCD spikes? I went off birth control a few months ago, which REALLY helped me mentally, but now in the week or so before my “natural” period and during, all those intense intrusive thoughts come back. Does anyone else struggle with this, and how do y’all deal with it? Thank you in advance - y’all are the best !!!!!!! :-)
I wanted to see if any girlies had a similar experience. I’ve been on the birth control pill (sprintec) for about 9 years now. The onset of my OCD started half way through about year 4. I’m wondering if anyone has ever contributed their onset or symptoms due to birth control? Second question is it seems the longer I am on the pill and experience the week before my period (still in the active pills) the week before the sugar pills i have awful PMS symptoms that exacerbate my pure o harm ocd. I am considering coming off of the birth control as I’ve read several studies that it wrecks your gut health and depletes serotonin levels. Any gals notice their ocd to be worse and less manageable while on the birth control pill? Or anyone who had positive experiences coming off of it?
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