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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by fluffy on March 5, 2003, at 13:22:49
I have been prescribed Tegretol for Bipolar II. So far, it has been working OK. (OK enough for me to land a great boyfriend over the last 2 months!! Yeah!!) But it put me in a pickle as to reliable birth control options. Condoms ARE NOT reliable enough, and I know that Tetretol destroys the effectiveness of the pill. I opted for an IUD. This particular one releases a small amount of progestin (in the uterus and into the bloodstream). I thought that an IUD would have less mood effects than the pill. But for the past week or so, I have been very weepy and sensitive. I wonder if I need to up my mood stabilizer, or if it could be the hormone?
Any BP ladies out there get weepy on the pill or other hormonal birth control? I am seeing my doc in a week or so, and I'm not sure what the problem really could be.
Teary-eyed,
Katy
Posted by zeliva on March 5, 2003, at 14:20:44
In reply to Bipolar Ladies--Birth Control Questions, posted by fluffy on March 5, 2003, at 13:22:49
I seem to be less weepy on the pill. I do know that the hormone being released does need to be constant. Like if I stop taking my pills, I do get really weepy. I think because my body is not used to it. Unbalanced hormones suck. I take Seroquel at night and I find that I have no emotions during the day. I also was on the pill for 8 yrs and right now I don't know what I am going to do. I have a live in boyfriend. good luck.
Posted by Anonne on March 5, 2003, at 22:12:32
In reply to Re: Bipolar Ladies--Birth Control Questions, posted by zeliva on March 5, 2003, at 14:20:44
Hi fluffy,
Yes, hormones CAN cause mood swings, or exacerbate mood disorders. I don't know enough about the IUD's progestin (?) amounts released if that could reasonably explain your sensitivity, but I wouldn't discount the possibility.
Some people have had success w/ birth control type of hormones (estrogen or progestin) help stabilize their moods, though.
I know that I myself have avoided taking any form of hormonal b.c. BECAUSE of a looong history of severe depression/mood disorders.
If by any chance you opt out of hormonal b.c., then consider condoms with contraceptive foam as an alternative. However, maybe a medline or other medical source research online could give you more information on the potential (not definite) relationship w/ your moods and the IUD.
Good luck, congrats on the new relationship!
Posted by Ilene on March 5, 2003, at 22:18:20
In reply to Bipolar Ladies--Birth Control Questions, posted by fluffy on March 5, 2003, at 13:22:49
>
I opted for an IUD. This particular one releases a small amount of progestin (in the uterus and into the bloodstream). I thought that an IUD would have less mood effects than the pill. But for the past week or so, I have been very weepy and sensitive. I wonder if I need to up my mood stabilizer, or if it could be the hormone?
>
> Any BP ladies out there get weepy on the pill or other hormonal birth control? I am seeing my doc in a week or so, and I'm not sure what the problem really could be.
>
> Teary-eyed,
> KatyI got weepy when I was on the pill. That was a long time ago, before I started taking meds.
Now I have an IUD. I really like it, when I think about it, which isn't often. It doesn't have any hormones. It contains copper.
I don't see why you would need hormones. Maybe you can get it replaced if this keeps up.
BTW, I'm really glad my ob/gyn talked me into the IUD. It's the best form of birth control I ever used.
A few years ago I had an xray taken to see if my pelvis was boken (it was). The IUD is right there on the xray, where it's supposed to be. That just strikes me as funny.
I wonder--would the right kind of IUD set off a metal detector at the airport? It would be *really* hard to explain, because it doesn't leave a surgical scar. What would they say? "Ma'am, please remove your IUD"? Would they invite you into an examination room? "Free pelvic exam when you buy an e-ticket"? (Offer void where prohibited by law.)
I'm getting carried away here, I can tell.
--I.
Posted by fluffy on March 6, 2003, at 10:43:20
In reply to Re: Bipolar Ladies--Birth Control Questions » fluffy, posted by Ilene on March 5, 2003, at 22:18:20
Tee-hee-hee (about the metal detector..)
Yeah--
It's actually great so far aside from the hormonal aspect. Why all women don't consider one instead of the pill, I don't know. Maybe it's too permanent for them.I think that my ob/gyn likes to use a particular kind of IUD that releases progestin into the uterus instead of the copper type. I'm not sure why...maybe kick-backs....maybe it is more effective? She didn't even offer any other type. I would cringe about having to go through the installation part again...oh the cramps! the dizziness...wanting to puke!
Hopefully I will get used to the hormone and my mood will stop bobbling all over the place. I do remember being pretty depressed when I started the pill several years ago (when I was undiagnosed). But it did go away, I think.
Thanks for the replies, ladies!
Katy
Posted by Ilene on March 6, 2003, at 12:04:51
In reply to Re: Bipolar Ladies--Birth Control Questions, posted by fluffy on March 6, 2003, at 10:43:20
> It's actually great so far aside from the hormonal aspect. Why all women don't consider one instead of the pill, I don't know. Maybe it's too permanent for them.
>> Katy
IUDs acquired a horrible reputation between the mid-1970s and mid-1980s because some of them caused infection and other complications. Manufacturers pulled them from the market for product-liability concerns. I do not think any were recalled by the FDA for safety reasons. AFAIK, none of those are sold today.
Here's an URL for more info:
http://www.jhuccp.org/pr/b6/b6chap1_1.shtml
My ob/gyn said if you were going to have a problem, it would occur during the first month or so. I was surprised they were even on the market, and even more surprised that he recommended one. He delivered my 2nd child, and was aware that I was not sure I wanted a 3rd. I was okay with accepting a very small risk of infection and infertility in exchange for contraception that actually worked.
There is *no* method that is 100% safe and effective outside of complete and utter abstinence. *All* modern contraceptives are less risky than pregnancy.
--I.
Posted by fairnymph on March 6, 2003, at 14:14:23
In reply to Bipolar Ladies--Birth Control Questions, posted by fluffy on March 5, 2003, at 13:22:49
Any form of progesterone makes me PSYCHO/DEPRESSED!
I cannot tolerate hormonal birth control at all...
Why didn't you get the hormone-free copper T IUD?
This is the end of the thread.
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