Pill/Hormone Sensitivity - advice needed

[Cookie]

Hi!

I was wondering whether anyone who's had PNI/PP has had problems with contraceptive pills in the past?

I appear to be VERY sensitive to hormonal changes and can't take combined or progesterone only pills without becoming very depressed and anxious (with the PO Pill within days of taking it).
I also apparently have a sensitivity to pregnancy hormones as I think I've been pregnant 4 times and have known from the day I would have implanted each time as I get tons of symptoms of pregnancy but lose each pregnancy within the first 2 weeks (I then take weeks to get back to normal).

My husband and I both work within the Mental Health Service and so are aware of the seriousness of PNI and PP. We are concerned that I will have a high chance of developing such an illness if I were to successfully have a baby and so are considering adoption.
I just don't know what to do as I also have had ME/CFS and have worked hard/been lucky enough to get my body working well again and feel it's a big risk to try for further pregnancies however it's a difficult thing to let go of the idea of having biological children.

(The only other time I had/have similar depressive symptoms was when I was in my teens and premenstrually - again both apparently due to hormones!)

[winegirl]

Hi Cookie

I am sorry to hear how you ahve suffered in the past.

The only advice I have re: the pill is from my own GP who took me off the pill when I had PNi as she said it is known to contribute to it in some cases. But I have not heard this anywhere else myself...

If you feel like talking about this here any time, please do, we are always here and listening x

Take Care

WG xx

[Cookie]

That's interesting and not something I've heard either WG.

Thanks for the offer of support - I'm feeling ok at the moment, just trying to work things out, but then I don't have PMS at the moment! ;D

[winegirl]

Glad you are doing ok at the moment - we are here if you do need us xx

[sianyc]

I went back on the pill after my first (no PNI) and it affected me very badly. The closest thing I can describe it as is PNI symptoms that totally disappeared when I stopped taking the pill. I'm as sure as I can be that my PNI after my second child was hormone related too x

[Bookwormprincess]

Hi Cookie,

I tried the pill for a few months about 5 years ago and I had to stop it because it made me very depressed, so I'm not surprised that it contributes to PNI. Some people just don't get on well with it. I don't normally have PMS though.

I have fibromylagia too which is similar to CFS. It was bad enough before I had a baby to make me work part time, but funnily enough during pregnancy my symptoms really improved. After giving bith I had a major flare-up, the worst ever where I could hardly walk or hold my baby and I'm convinced this contributed to me getting PP 5 days after my son was born. However, since then my fibro has been loads better. So my advice is that you don't know how your illnes will react to pregnancy or birth and it would be a shame to let that stop you having your own children. Also, you may not be at risk of PNI just because you have had problems in the past. But if the worst happens and you did get it, you are obviously very well informed so that would really help you fight it. And, even though it is a serious illness, people do recover from it really well, as the users on this forum are testament to.

If it helps, my husband and I have decided to have another baby even though the risk of me getting PP again is 50%. And the risk for you would be so much less (1 in 500 for PP and about 1 in 20 is it?? for PND although don't quote me). It was terrible what I went through with PP, but now I am recovered and I have my beautiful little boy it was all worth it. I don't want to go through it again though and am very scared of it repeating but I really want another baby and think it is worth the risk.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

[cheshire]

Hi Cookie,

I agree with BWP - try not to be put off completely from trying for a baby, as I would agree - despite the illness, it has definitely been worth it.

After my 2nd (and PNI) my GP ruled out any porm of hormonal contraceptive - as I tried going back on it and my symtoms did worsen.

I think I have read on the APNI web site that it's a case of, that for some, 'the pill' canhelp and for others worsen symptoms of PNI.

What a complicated illness!

Come back and talk any time X

[Cookie]

Thanks for all your replies.
After further thought and discussion we're going ahead with adoption plans. It's a shame but as I keep losing pregnancies and every time I do I get sicker I'm sure it's the best way, the threat of likely PNI just seals the deal for us! Never mind, my niece will just have to suffer being the centre of my attentions for a while longer 'til we get approved for a child

Best wishes to all
xxx

[Bookwormprincess]

Hi Cookie,

All the best with your adoption plans. I think it is a very special act for a couple to adopt a child and I really hope that the process goes smooth for you. I know it can be lengthy and arduous as I have friends in France trying to adopt a child from Africa.