[HALLIEBETH87]

Anyone had issues getting birth control under control while taking psych meds that affect it?

[jelly-bean]

This is one that I think you need to talk to your doctors about. Maybe there is a different type of birth control you can use instead of pills for now. There are many different types of birth control available and you and the doctor can decide which is best for you under the circumstances. I don't think that you should change the psych meds, though if they are working for you. As I said, talk to your doctor about it.

[HALLIEBETH87]

I just want to discuss it. I have another post about seeing my Dr and its lithium and lamictal stopping the bc pill Im on from being effective. The increased lithium dose is what jacked it all up...so now I am just taking a higher dose of the bc.

I don't take it for contraception. I take it to control my PCOS symptoms, thus....Im in agony right now while we wait to see how this new dose will help.

Like I said...I just wanted to see if anyone else has dealt with this.

[healingme4me]

I've been browsing through a variety of publications and articles. I'm only finding that the opposite could be true. I even did a drug interaction taking my Apri to Lithium and no drug interactions were listed. With BC, the standard type of medication that can affect, efficacy are antibiotics.

Here's an article that discusses oral/ovarian 'steroid's and Lithium.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/2113358/

Here's one discusing oral steroids in a most scientific manner. I'm thinking it's one in the same, in my most unprofessional, non chemistry trained, but educated guess because E2 and P4 are the, for article abbreviations for Estrogen and Progesterone..
http://www.fertstert.org/article/S00...565-3/abstract

Have you contacted, your pharmacist?

The searches I looked at, mention certain medications can reduce the sodium content of lithium. Other readings mentioned health risks if become pregnant. I'm not finding much else.

The thought of affecting bc, could be in reverse of concern for affecting lithium?

Sent from my LGMS323 using Tapatalk

[HALLIEBETH87]

Well I mean...that's what my gynecologist said, not me. Lamictal does affect birth control pills. I have always known that. I haven't always taken bc..that's why this is a process right now to get it all figured out whats going to work for me.

Its not affecting the lithium because my level has never changed.

[healingme4me]

http://epilepsy.med.nyu.edu/treatmen....fV5i14GH.dpbs

This says doesn't affect bc. I'm not pointing out to second guess, what information you are being given, it's that you're in pain/discomfort and asked for discussion.

Women's health, was always freely discussed in my home, growing up, so like you, by seeking support, I, too am curious about why you aren't getting relief.

Is the new pill, aiding the cramps and irregular bleeding,as mentioned on your other thread?

How does bc, help pcos? I went back to BC, as a preventative measure against my risk for ovarian cancer. (Didn't feel I needed it, for a long time).

Sent from my LGMS323 using Tapatalk

[HALLIEBETH87]

Well I just started the new pill so I cant say anything yet.... the issue I had before seeing my Dr was irregular bleeding even on the pill. The third month on the pill it started during the third week. Now...this is the third month in a row it has started early in the second of the bc pack! Its been so painful and annoying!

BC helps my PCOS because I don't ovulate or have periods but Id get terrible cramps every month. Taking the bc helps have a shorter, easier period each month. Its been helping control the acne too. It was helping ease cramping as well. So basically...I just kind of need a high amount of the hormones to see if it might even things out. The first two months on this pill were amazing! It wasn't until my lithium dose was increased the issues ever started.

Anyhow...my Dr wants me to consider an IUD.

[healingme4me]

Hopefully, that resolves, all you're going through. If lithium has salt content, is it possible, the sodium wreaks havoc on cramping?

I'd mentioned Mirena, many years ago, was told, at that time my insurance wouldn't cover.

Sent from my LGMS323 using Tapatalk

[HALLIEBETH87]

Surprisingly, he asked someone while I was there just out of curiousity and it is covered. Mirena is the one he wants me to consider. At this time, its a no. Id like to try the bc pills before doing that...