to start femodene now as it's for mood, not contraception

[ShimmyShimmyYa]

Sorry for clogging up AIBU- I'm pretty desperate and taking advantage of the traffic here.
I have struggled for sometime with perimenopausal symptoms in terms of mood. I had PMDD (manifested in major anxiety) but that has been eradicated by an antidepressant. However, I still get very depressed during my period and the antidepressant doesn't seem to touch that (and I don't want to increase further as quite a high dose already)
My friend was
in exactly the same boat but has found relief from the same antidepressant plus femodene (birth control pill). It's really helped her, so I'm desperate to try it! (I realise we may respond differently, but it gives me hope!). My partner has had a vasectomy so it is in no way a contraceptive for me. All the pills are the same- there is no special sequence. I will be taking them back to back so no period.
Is there any point in waiting until my next period or can I get cracking?! I know the first month will be rocky but will I compound that by not taking on first day of period or does that not make any difference? Thank you so much for any help.

[branofthemist]

My dh has had a vasectomy. When I came off the injection pill I found out I had pcos. I had either been on the injection pill, ttc or pregnant for the last 10 years.

The doctors agrees to put me back on it as I had no pcos symptoms while on it. Not saying you should try the injection. Just that I have contraception for another health reason. Not as contraception, iyswim.

I cants answer about taking them back to back though

[ShimmyShimmyYa]

thank you, bran- good to know that contraception will be prescribed for reasons other than preventing conception! i have found a family planning clinic near me open today so i'll def go along- i'll ask about the various pills and injections on offer! thanks again.

[LifeInJeneral]

Don't know about best way to start taking it but I've been on femodene for years and think it's fantastic. Good luck x

[hellsbellsmelons]

I have my 2nd implant and now nearing 50.
I've no need for it but it will help basically 'bypass' the menopause!
No periods.
I'm all for that!

[penguinplease]

Just start taking it. It's fine if you aren't relying on it for contraception.
Also taking back to back is fine. I've been taking my pill continuously since sept 14 without any issues

[happybus28]

I haven't had a great experience of Femodene to be honest. I came off it in May to start TTC after being on it about 6 years and the change in my moods since I came off it is remarkable. It made me short tempered, snappy, angry and emotional! I didn't twig it was anything to do with Femodene until I stopped taking it and felt like a new woman! Everyone reacts differently though that's just my experience. I definitely won't be going back on it.

[percythepenguin]

If you start taking them at a random time of the month you will be more likely to have irregular bleeding over the first few months of taking them but otherwise it won't make a difference.

[ShimmyShimmyYa]

thanks so much everybody- really appreciate all advice- i'm really, really hoping this will be the magic bullet because i'm basically a shell at the moment! but i realise that you all have different experiences of it. and i'm all for bypassing the menopause- abso-bloody-lutley! when i find something that works i doubt i'll come off it! my MIL is 75 soon and still takes oestrogen (had hysterectomy so no progestogen needed)- she cant get herself off it but there's prob very little need to! thanks people x

[ShimmyShimmyYa]

...and great that i can start it today- bring it on!