Username: bebecoll30

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 44w ago

birth control pill and PMS/OCD

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?

Username: bebecoll30bebecoll30

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 44w ago

It would probably be best to mention that before birth control i didn’t have strong PMS symptoms. I had some cramps but nothing mood related. I’ve only noticed true PMS after years being on the pill.

Username: secretlyobsessed2012secretlyobse...

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 44w ago

I always thought my birth control was the cause of my ocd in highschool (I’m 25 now)

Username: bebecoll30bebecoll30

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 44w ago

@secretlyobsessed2012 Do you feel like you were right? Did you come off of it and experience any relief?

Username: secretlyobsessed2012secretlyobse...

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 44w ago

@bebecoll30 When I went off the birth control it was a lot better but right now after 6 years of not having ocd I’m having a very bad flare up and I’m not on birth control

Username: bebecoll30bebecoll30

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 44w ago

@secretlyobsessed2012 Do you take any antidepressants for help to manage your ocd?

Username: secretlyobsessed2012secretlyobse...

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 44w ago

@bebecoll30 Yes I take lexapro 20mg

Username: bebecoll30bebecoll30

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 44w ago

@secretlyobsessed2012 Maybe going up or switching would help you!

Username: secretlyobsessed2012secretlyobse...

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 44w ago

@bebecoll30 I was at 10mg for a while I just went back to 20 for some hope

Username: bebecoll30bebecoll30

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 44w ago

I totally agree with you on that l feel the same way about birth control regarding pregnancy. Our mental health will always be more important than an hormone for pregnancy prevention. That is the only reason i am on birth control. I am also engaged and pregnancy prevention can be done in so many other natural ways. I agree with you that it is a chronic illness. But i also believe it comes from somewhere, and although it has a genetic component so many other things play in it. we deserve peace, and management of our condition. In my opinion our brains are sensitive as it is because they are over active, so we have to look at everything we put into our bodies from a different perspective. I am hopeful for us. And I’m praying for you that you can gain a perspective from getting off of birth control. For mental health reasons i have heard positive responses from people, saying they felt like themselves again. i feel like “myself” now, but with intrusive thoughts that are annoying as ever. I have also contemplating switching birth controls but my issue with that is eventually i will have to come off of it to have children. So we might as well address these hormonal issues now and go into pregnancy more smoothly. if you are open to chatting more about this issue please reach out to me via email and we can exchange numbers and share more! brittcoll30@gmail.com

Username: KeepongoingKeepongoing

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 44w ago

I started hormonal birth control at 13 due to losing too much blood on my first period I definitely regret taking it. I don’t know if it caused any long term symptoms but the times I have try it I have become extremely depressed and suicidal. I tried the copper iud hoping that would be a non hormonal bc option but it make me extremely ill, I threw up everything I ate or drank for over a month, lost over 20 pounds, and couldn’t sleep more than a couple hours a night. This was a lot when I had a sudden onset of ocd. I am not 100% this is what caused it but it might have been triggered due to the stress on my body. Either way I have never had a positive experience with birth control unfortunately :/

Username: you.are.enough

Date posted: 5y ago

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?

Username: jessicabellomy

Date posted: 4y ago

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 !!!!!!! :-)

Username: malsaipe

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 51w ago

Birth Control & OCD

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.

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birth control pill and PMS/OCD

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