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Mental health

Mini pill triggering depression?

6 replies

ItWasMyOwnSilence · 25/07/2014 11:15

I'm currently looking into my contraception options after having DD2 (4mo), and it looks like the mini pill will be best as I'm breastfeeding (and intending to continue for some time).

My concern is that there have been links to the mini pill and and depression.

Back story: after the birth of DD1 in 2011 I was diagnosed with PTSD and PND and was taking Sertraline from April 2012 - June 2013 (when I fell pregnant with DD2), dosage between 100mg and 150mg.

I stopped the ADs as soon as I found out I was pregnant and had a horrific pregnancy, suffering with moderate to severe depression, which was controlled to some extent with CBT.

I think I am currently slightly depressed / suffering with stress but don't want to go back on ADs as I think my mood is being influenced by poor diet (DD2 has has multiple allergies so I have had to eliminate quite a few things from my diet) and sleep deprivation.

Does anyone have any experience of the mini pill and depression? As I am concerned about taking something that could trigger depression / low mood.

Thank you.

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NacMacFeeglie · 25/07/2014 12:13

I am on sertraline one hundred mg at the moment. I had a breakdown at the start of the year. I am currently on the mirena coil but having it removed today to go back on the mini pill. Because the coil affects my moods badly.

I have a condition called PMDD which makes me extra sensitive to contraceptives. The only one I have ever got along with is the mini pill because it is a single hormone contraceptive. PMDD causes extreme depression and anxiety for two weeks of the month and because the mini pill is taken every day with no breaks it keeps the hormones level. It doesn't give me depression or anxiety.

Obviously that's just me and my own experiences.

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rinabean · 25/07/2014 13:54

I have to take cerazette for my mental health - periods have a terrible effect on my mood. If you're concerned why not try a mood diary so you can see if it's making you worse? A diary can be easier than trying to remember how you felt a few weeks or months ago. Then you would know to stop it if it does effect you badly. (And it is helpful for every other thing too)

I've been on a bunch of ADs with and without the cerazette.

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MrsLettuce · 25/07/2014 13:57

I found all the forms of hormonal contraception I've tried to have a negative effect on my mental health. I had a copper coil fitted after DC2 and a new one 5 years after than, am very happy with it indeed.

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ItWasMyOwnSilence · 25/07/2014 15:19

Thank you for your replies.

NacMacFeeglie I hope the mini pill works out for you, I had the coil after the birth of DD1 and did not get on with it at all. The mini pill keeping hormone levels stable makes sense.

rinabean Thanks for the tip, a mood diary is a really good idea - if I can remember to write it every day Hmm

MrsLettuce Unfortunately the copper coil gave me terrible bleeding between periods so I had it removed. I've been on other methods of contraception containing hormones and I was fine with them, but this was before DDs and depression. I'm glad you've managed to find something you're happy with Smile

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violator · 26/07/2014 21:28

I tried Cerazette and it almost pushed me over the edge. I didn't even last a full month on it.
Since then I've discovered progestogen is absolutely not for me, whether it's in the mini or combined pill. Mirena or implant are out out out!
I needed oestrogen on its own, and that has changed my life.

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ItWasMyOwnSilence · 27/07/2014 07:48

Thank you violator, I think oestrogen is out for me for now, because of breastfeeding, but I'm glad it works so well for you.

I have heard a lot of negative stories about Cerazette which seem to mirror what you've said.

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