Does Ortho Tri Cyclen Cause Mood Swings?

Women considering oral contraception options have more choices than ever. Ortho Tri-Cyclen, aside from doing its primary job of guarding against pregnancy, also can treat acne. While this treatment has the benefits of a new generation oral contraceptive, is not right for everyone.

Mood Swings

• Among other side effects, Ortho Tri-Cyclen can cause mood swings. This certainly isn't unique to this particular brand of birth control pill.

  Manufacturers of Ortho Tri-Cyclen advise patients experiencing mood swings to talk to their doctors. The symptoms may be short-term as your body adjusts to the hormone shifts that accompany taking a contraceptive pill, or they may be a long-term adverse reaction. Working with your prescribing doctor is the best way to address this issue.

Depression

• Ortho Tri-Cyclen, like most birth control pills, uses estrogen and progesterone to prevent conception. These powerful female hormones can have powerful emotional affects. Among them is depression.

  Patients who become depressed as they begin treatment with Ortho Tri-Cyclen, or within a cycle or two of beginning treatment, should consult their doctor immediately to determine the cause of the depression. If the pills are the cause, it may be necessary to change contraceptives.

Other Choices and Complications

• Many women select Ortho Tri-Cylcen because of its positive effect on acne. While the two-in-one treatment is an attractive aspect of the drug, there are many other medications and ways to treat acne. Also, Ortho Tri-Cylcen doesn't replace the need for good hygiene and skin care in the resolution and prevention of acne.

  Additionally, Ortho Tri-Cyclen can create complications related to blood pressure, blood clots, vaginal bleeding, migraines and more. It's very important to monitor yourself for these conditions as well as mood swings when beginning use of Ortho Tri-Cyclen.