I am Novelon for about a year now for suspected Endometriosis (ovarian cysts) and excessive menstrual bleeeding. Although my bleeding is controlled now I am experiencing acute mood swings bordering on anger and depression. Can it be due to Novelon and if so what can I do to minimize this? I cannot go off the pill. Will taking B6 Vitamin help work on my mood?

Hi!!
Your complaints of depression and acute mood swings are due to novelon.It is the progesterone component of novelon which is responsible for these kinds of complaints.
Kindly revisit your gynaecologist to get an evaluation done as to whether your condition is under control or still persists.If the endometriosis is not controlled and the heavy bleeding is persisting,your gynaecologist can suggest shifting you to the fourth generation of oc pill,( novelon is a 2nd generation pill).
The problem can thus be controlled to a great extent.Vitamin b6 can also help but limited value but since has no side effects ,can be taken.

•  depression
•  endometriosis
•  vitamin b6

Patient asked followup Question: 11 years ago

Thanks so much for your! I am skipping periods to minimize bleeding as suggested by my doctor to control the formation of cysts and mass. So I continuously take the pill with out a break. However, I do break it once in 3-4 mths to induce my period. This has been my treatment for about 8 mths and the cysts have reduced considerably. I used to be on Elogen before but used to have midcycle spotting so my doctor switched me over to Novelon. Not sure how I can work around the mood swings problem. Is there any other 2 generation pill besides Novelon that can be taken without similar side effects?

Patient asked followup Question: 11 years ago

Doctor, any other second generation pill you can suggest that won't have the side effects of Novelon?

Yes you can take Ovral L in place of Novelon.
It is to be taken in a manner similar to novelon and for the duration your doctor has recommended.

•  endometriosis
•  2nd generation oc pill
•  mood swings