Beware mini pill side effect- depression

[Nataface]

I started taking Micronor when my baby was 4 months old as I was breastfeeding. Already, at around this time, I was feeling a change in my self and put it down to the fact that I was beginning to get more sleep, my baby was getting calmer and the tranquilizing post natal hormones were wearing off. This seemed to leave me with a bit more energy but less patience.

In hindsight, after starting to take Micranor, my feelings became more negative. I started to feel:
anxious,
irritable,
tearful,
afraid of being alone,
and often had insomnia.
At best I could describe my feelings as similar to PMT, at worst depression. I was quite irrationally worrying and obsessing about baby's napping schedule. I felt, rather suddenly, that I didn't have patience for my baby and didn't enjoy the things I used to with him anymore. Having short breaks from the baby care didn't help as they usually did. On the few occassions that my baby slept through, I lay awake with insomnia. I also couldn't relax while breastfeeding and even consdered giving it up. I had a feeling of sadness in my soul. I wondered if it was PND but felt it wasn't that severe. Exercise and fresh air helped. I had a strong suspisition that it was hormonal. Then it dawned on me- everday I was putting a hormone into my body. I read the medication insert small print and sure enough depression was listed as a side effect. I also realised that I felt at my best the 2-3 hours before my next pill was due (when it was wearing off). I was amazed at how quickly I went back to feeling my old self when I stopped. I felt as if I had stepped out from under a cloud. I haven't felt teary for no reason since (although I still have my up and down days like any new mum!). I can now relax and feel calm again.

Internet research revealed that progestogen - which is an artificially manufactured hormone- can lower the 'feel good' serotonin levels in the brain. I felt that this really wasn't what I needed as a tired new mum! I also found out that the contraceptive pill is a cause for depression in my many women globally, sadly, without them being aware of this. I told my health visitor about my experience She said that you must give the pill a few months and then you settle down. I'm sure this might be true but I've decided that I'm not willling to take the risk or let anything in my control stop me enjoying my young baby. I only took Micronor for 3 weeks but it taught me that there is a thin line between depression and normality. It also made me aware of my need to have a positive attitude and relaxed state of mind whilst trying to bring up my baby.
Anyone reading this and feeling depressed and on the pill- give it a try: stop for a while. You can always go back on. There are always other methods of contraception. Whatever you do, please don't suffer in silence with depression
x

[ajandjjmum]

That's a serious side effect. Dd was a side effect of my time on the mini-pill!

[leo1978]

I stopped taking this for the very same reason. I felt back to normal in a week. Would never take it again.
x

[fatzak]

I've tried the mini pill twice and only managed a couple of weeks both times. I have never suffered from depression as such but whilst I was taking it I was certainly heading that way. Horrible.

[anchovies]

Also took micronor shortly after having ds2 as I was breastfeeding. Ended up with severe social anxiety and depression. Had a strange thing where I couldn't swallow (due to the anxiety) and lost a lot of weight. Had CBT for months and felt no better until last November I stopped taking them and literally within a week I was feeling better, social anxiety had gone within a month or so and no further problems with swallowing. However I am now expecting dc3 in September!

Since then I have seen so many people who have had similar problems but have no idea that the mini pill could be to blame.

[Nataface]

I thought that there must be others out there who have experienced the same!

I just hope that this thread helps/prevents someone in the same boat. Maybe I should contact Micronor- does anyone know how you go about doing this?

[Lausy]

Maybe I should give this a go, haven't felt myself for a few weeks now, I'm on microgynon.

[samkearsey]

thanks thats so helpful had my 3rd baby 5 months ago, and am suffering pnd and ocd so i will avoid the pill totally!

thanks

[expatinscotland]

I had PND and tried Cerazette.

My depression intensified so much it astonished even my psychiatric consultant.

I will no longer take ANY form of progesten-based contraception. Would rather be celibate or sterilised. Am pregnant just now, but after this it's the snip for DH.

As it is, my consultant ruled out Depo and the implant for me because of my PND and history of antenatal depression.

[expatinscotland]

I would be cautious about ANY form of progesten-based contraception if you are depressed or have a history of depression, particularly PND or AND.

My consultant now would still try patients out on mini-pill or Mirena, but even she admitted that they can cause depressive side effects in female patients with PND or a history of PND/AND.