I know everybody is different, but I wondered how much birth control affected the mood swings of women w/ bipolar. I take Paxil, Abilify, Wellbutrin, and Ambien. Will I even be able to take birth control pills w/ all of these other meds? How has birth control pills affected some of you?

[This message has been edited by requiemforadream (edited 09-06-2003).]

I've been on birth control for 33 years and on lithium (I'm bipolar I) for 19 yrs.
In my case, I always felt that it was my hormones at age 13 that actually triggered my bipolar disorder.
Whether its medically true or not I believe that the estrogen & progesterin in the Pill have been a stabilizing factor in my case over the years.
I'm actually afraid to stop taking it, and I'm 49!

I've been on birth control for about 10 years and have not noticed any mood effects. If you're concerned talk to your doc because there are birth control pills with lower levels of hormones than others. Good luck!
Lisa

I ask My dr about this myself. Ive been on birth control for 14 years myself. He said it either helps or hurts there is no in between. I also think my
hormones affect my moods greatly, yet Im not going to stop taking birth control. Ive been on them since I was 13 so for all I know it could make it worse if I quit!
Jen

I talked to my doctor, and she put me ortho-trycycline, mainly for my skin. Here's hoping I don't become a raging mess again. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

Thanks for the input! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by requiemforadream (edited 09-15-2003).]

I was on ortho tri-cyclen for many years. But recently my doc put me on the ortho evra patch. I never noticed any mood swings. I DO know however that some birth control are not as effective when combined with some bipolar meds so ask your doctor.

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Christine