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[jedigirl]

Hi all,
Does anyone have experience of using a birth control pill to ease depression? if so which one?
It's not for me but for my 16yr old daughter who is suffering badly from moderate depression . The more i learn about her moods, when it is at it's worst seem to be tied into her cycle.
Thanks

[Tinkerbell]

I think the pill can make you more moody, I doubt a doctor would prescribe it for that reason only.
I am trying my daughter on evening primrose oil capsules, she recently started her monthlies, her brothers are fast learning not to say anything to her at that time

[Dorothy]

I had a friend who was prescribed it purely for emotional issues, but it made her feel worse - the one she was prescribed was Yasmin - she also ballooned up 2 dress sizes on it, which obviously made her feel even more depressed!  I also know someone who had it for extreme PMT.

I certainly feel on a more even keel when I am on mine (Ovranette), but the coming off and restarting isn't great, and at your daughter's age, she would probably be expected to take it with the usual break every 3 weeks - I don't think I would consider it if depression were my only symptom.  Another thing to consider is that many GPs are unhappy with someone taking it for too many years, so if she ever needed it for something else (early meno, birth control, heavy periods etc) having taken it for a while at a younger age might mean she had more of a struggle getting a GP to prescribe it later on.

Have you discussed it with your GP?  Might be worth asking what they think.

[Lizab]

This doesn't answer your question nor am I qualified in any way to advise given the hormonal mess that I am. But I've been thinking about how I handied my teen years in attempt to take some control of my mood swings now. Is your daughter very active? I know it's said over and over how excercise helps. I believe my mental state improved greatly when I took up running at about 14 years age. I gave it up off and on over the years and I know for certain it helped me when my first child was a toddler. I eventually had to give it up completely about 6 years ago and I'm now looking for a replacement exercise because I really believe it helps.

I'm not at all suggesting that exercise is a cure for hormonal health or mental health issues. It was probably a combination of the physical activity, goal setting and achievement, routine, body image, and who knows what else...

[jedigirl]

Hi
thanks for replies
I should explain she is already taking Sertraline with little effect so far although the dose has just been raised. She is very active, does 14 hours of sport a week.I have read reports of some users of birth control pill suffering worse moods and some better. Her mood is already severely affecting her life so need to try something if Sertraline doesnt help. The reason i feel her hormones are not helping is that the days she is at her worst she is often spotty or has lumpy breasts at the same time.

[Tinkerbell]

I guess it is no harm in asking doctor if she is allowed to give it a go, have you got an understanding one at your surgery?

[Tempest]

This might be of some interest to you, Jedigirl. A good article on Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. Your dear daughter doesn't have to suffer like this - she needs a proper referral to receive proper help. I can't bear to think of one so young suffering every month like this. I hope this helps to shed some light:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2625054/I-branded-mentally-ill-20-years-I-bad-PMT-The-severe-hormonal-disorder-affecting-five-cent-women-GPs-never-heard-of.html

xxxxx

[jedigirl]

thank you
I honestly cant say she has times of the month when she is fine, just better than others. She is very poorly today and Camhs has prescribed Lorazepam to help her for a few days. Am beginning to wonder if the Sertreline is causing worsening symptoms? At my wits end

[jedigirl]

Hi Sparkle,
Thank you, good to hear from you. Hope you are well xx