Combating PMDD Symptoms with Antidepressants and Birth Control

Has anyone tried both antidepressants AND hormonal birth control to combat their symptoms? I'm on duloxetine (Cymbalta) for anxiety and depression and it has helped with my PMDD symptoms but I'm seeing a new gynecologist on the 15th and I'm wondering if bringing up my diagnosis (my psychiatrist diagnosed me) and asking about birth control to add a second line of defense against the hell week.

Your answer

CaptainHolmes

1y ago

I take cymbalta and norethindrone/ethinyl estradiol and have found it doesnt completely get rid of my symptoms but it makes them much more manageable. I take the placebo pills every month. My doctor said I could skip my periods if I want to but I havent tried it yet.

Aeiouna

1y ago

I just started on Sunday, so we'll see how it goes! Are you also doing it continuously, or do you take the Iron pills (placebo)?

Aeiouna

2y ago

Update: I'm starting continuous ethinyl estradol/norethindrone next month (we wanted to start at the beginning of a cycle, right after my next period)! My new gynecologist was very helpful and listened to my concerns. Gonna conquer this from both angles

uhnyeiss

1y ago

I just started taking this at the beginning of july, and usually I would be going through lots of intense anxiety and meltdowns and intrusive thoughts, and this is the first month since this started for me in february, where it feels more tolerable. I was getting scary intrusive thoughts and i’ve found that they come up less often and i’m able to brush them off more easily. I hope it works out well for you too!!

Joon

2y ago

Following, because I'm in a similar situation. I'm actually not supposed to menstruate because I'm on continuous birth control, but started my period yesterday. It made perfect sense, because the week before I was so anxious, had my usual symptoms of major depression, and physically I was uncomfortable with breakouts and had extreme fatigue.

LaurenG

2y ago

I talked with my gyn about my diagnosis and medication. I was afraid to try bc because I had bad experiences before. But I’m taking Lo Loestrin Fe. It’s hella expensive and has no generic but I have been able to tolerate It with my Wellbutrin.

Aeiouna

2y ago

Good to know! I'll bring it up with mine when I go in.

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