Diane Depression — Breaking up with Diane (Brenda, Yasmin and Estelle)
An honest review of the contraceptive pill: Diane 35ED, Estelle, Brenda and Yasmin. And how to treat PCOS without it.
“Well, it looks like you have a hormonal imbalance”
The family doctor was sitting across from my mother and me. I was aged 18 with a very sudden face full of acne, some weird facial hair, and a 15kg weight gain. We were going through the results of a series of tests about what on earth was going on with my body.
The doctor held up some indecipherable number readings and said something like:
This indicates you have much higher levels of androgens [male hormones] than average, and that combined with the acne and extra hair indicates a likely condition polycystic ovarian syndrome. The usual treatment is an oral contraceptive pill that blocks the androgens to address the hormonal imbalance.
And so he introduced me to Diane-35 ED. Or ‘Diane depression’ as I refer to her these days.
I thought Diane was here to save me.
And at first, she did!
The acne cleared up within a month; the weight settled back somewhat and the stubborn chin hairs that had begun seemed to not be gaining any buddies.
But then things got a little toxic.
She started making me feel bad.
Seriously bad.
I began crying daily and painfully.
Anxiety was at it’s peak- culminating in trembly shaky fearful sensations for very little reason.
An intense clinginess became the norm. I’d freak out if my boyfriend was even a little late, imagining he’d had an accident or… I don’t even know. It wasn’t rational and I knew it, but I couldn’t stop.
I hated being alone but hated being around people too.
Hopelessness descended. I couldn’t make any decisions, feeling paralysed, scared and dark. I was living with a Diane depression but I didn’t know it yet.
Eventually we started looking into therapeutic options and clinical interventions for depression, I just couldn’t get a grip.
And then I finally went back to the family doctor.
“Well, you could stop taking Diane. That might be affecting you”
You mean I could just break up with Diane? Could she really be the cause of all this? Just a tiny little pill that had sorted out my ‘ugly’ problems? But you never mentioned that was even possible…
I stopped.
Within a couple of months my personality came back.
And, importantly, my ability to cope with the ups and downs of life- my resilience- went back to the way it was.
I stopped crying for no reason. There was a sense of being capable again even though nothing had ‘actually’ changed.
There was hope, a future I could imagine began to unfurl, and I could take steps towards it. Life felt kinda fun again, like it should be.
Six years later I tried again. Looking for a contraceptive pill and in the hopes of curbing the excessive hair growth PCOS can cause (Polycystic ovary syndrome- the name for this mysterious hormonal imbalance I hadn’t been told originally). I attempted to reignite the old flame with Diane. I thought that maybe my life had been such a mess back then, and I’d blamed the pill for causing problems when in actual fact it was just me.
Nope.
It was definitely Diane 35ED. That nasty beast had me going crazy within 6 months again.
But this time I was aware of the symptoms and was able to break up quickly. Even knowing it was her though, it was still hard to spot.
It can be really hard to know when the effects of the contraceptive pill like Estelle, Yasmin or Diane are creeping up on you
It’s amazing how hard it is to tell when you’re in a relationship with Diane 35ED, Brenda, Yasmin or Estelle that she’s bad for you. The yucky feelings creep up on you. More than likely you blame yourself before connecting the dots.
A little like PMS- even when it comes around every single month it’s still surprising. It feels so real.
That’s because hormones and their effect on how we feel ARE real, so why do we pretend otherwise?
- Why, in 2018, when a woman rings a women’s health clinic asking for a review of the contraceptive pill she is taking, would she be told it’s ‘unlikely’ that the pill is affecting her mental health?
- Why- when we KNOW from reports by thousands of women who have taken hormonal contraception that around 20% report concerning mood changes. When transgender folks who have hormone therapy describe a myriad of changes to their feelings, behaviour and personality beyond lifestyle and gender identity (these are the experts there, hello!!). And when it’s simply a fact that many women going through perimenopause or menopause report mental health issues- are we still so blasé about prescribing hormonal contraception?
Is this societal misogyny at work?
I can’t help but think that it is.
We are still supposed to think of The Pill as a ‘miracle’ that gave women control over their sexuality, their bodies. In some ways that is true, but it’s concerning that for many of us it’s actually become a trap. The pill is the immediate go-to for contraception in a monogamous relationship when there are loads of other options.
Professionals often ignore the side-effects, and even reports of pain.
Is this all in the service of the beauty machine?
It’s more important that I, as a woman, have clear skin and a hairless body than be free from a Diane depression.
Interestingly, similar statistics have been sited in a small trial of a male hormonal contraceptive: 17% of the participants reported emotional changes such as depression and mood swings, and 2% additionally described these side effects as ‘severe’ (as this amazing informative comic by The Nib documents).
And you guessed it: the trials were stopped immediately when these side effects were reported.
It’s not only mental health you should be concerned about when hooking up with Brenda’s and Diane’s.
Numerous studies indicate links with dangerous blood clotting: that it should only be prescribed for short-term treatment of PCOS-like symptoms if at all, and not as a contraceptive. There has been a loud call for it to be banned in Australia kicked off by Labor MP Julian Hill after his daughter nearly died due to clotting.
In fact, it was temporarily banned in France after a report revealed 125 women ‘suffered undesirable or life-threatening side effects’ linked to Diane depression and her generics Estelle pill etc.
It has also never been approved for treatment in the USA. But it still gets the green light here in Australia and many other countries, including Canada, Sweden and New Zealand.
It was never meant to be prescribed for long-term use and shouldn’t be considered a ‘contraceptive’ in that regard, or as a long-term treatment for hormonal issues.
Here in Australia, a young woman with mild acne can still be prescribed Diane without so much as a casual warning of possible side-effects, let alone a thorough investigation into her family history or physical and mental health.
Hormones are strange creatures. Certainly, in my experience, they’re not to be toyed with.
Diane depression had the potential to actually ruin my life.
If I’d stayed in that toxic relationship I can’t imagine how things would have gone.
I’m very lucky to have had wonderful people around me. They were quick to follow my lead when I started to wonder if it was her and not me making things toxic.
It is unfortunate if you ARE a woman thinking about taking The Pill that you can’t take medical advice at its surface. You need to do your own research.
It is essential for your mental and physical health that you do so.
Here’s how to get started doing your own research into the Diane, Yasmin and Estelle contraceptive pill:
- Be thorough. Use reliable sources, but don’t write off anecdotal evidence (let’s remember women’s knowledge and experiences of pain can be treated with casual disdain on a regular basis by all sorts of professionals).
- Talk about it if you have a cis-gendered male partner and you are seeking contraception. If he doesn’t want to use condoms then he doesn’t respect you, is that good enough? No. Dump him. And while you’re at it, dump all male lovers who refuse condoms, seeing as condoms are one of the only and easiest methods to prevent STI’s (you should be using them if you’re having sex with different blokes, even if you are also using The Pill or Implanon or an IUD etc.This is triple-true if you are having anal sex). Then take the time to find the right thing for you. Visit a Sexual Health Clinic (they are located in cities AND smaller towns across Australia) and have a proper conversation with an understanding professional.
- Use your critical thinking brain at all times.
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Pay attention to your body and keep track of your bodily sensations, moods, sleep, and emotions with a diary. Getting to know your unique patterns will help reveal when and what kind of treatment you might need.
- Ask trusted loved ones to give you compassionate feedback if they notice any significant changes in you if you’re trialling Diane 35ED.
- Don’t be afraid to push for a review of any medication you take with a doctor. You are employing them. You are a service seeker and they are a service provider. Be polite but firm about your needs and don’t stand for any patronising behaviour! If you don’t like how you are being treated or you suspect the advice is bad, find someone new.
- Try and find a GP you like who has expertise in women’s health and who will listen to you with curiosity and respect. Keep track of ‘trial’ timelines (Eg: If you’re trialling The Pill it should be 3 months maximum. Put that date in your calendar and book a GP appointment for a review on that date). Push to see a specialist if you don’t find the GP interventions helpful.
- Give a Naturopath a try! I wish I had when I was younger. This goes triple if you’re trying to get pregnant, especially in Australia where fertility clinics can be pretty sneaky and lazy. Word-of-mouth is one of the best ways to find yours.
- See a counsellor or a life coach like me who specialises in working with women. Your self-image can take a beating when PCOS rears up. It’s important to work with someone who gets it and can help you gain confidence in yourself.
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In Victoria in Australia you can get some sessions of laser hair removal covered by Medicare if you have a PCOS diagnosis through Monash Medical Centre. Alternatively, these days there are loads of home IPL devices. I’ve even tested one out and intend to write about it someday. Spoiler: it genuinely helped a surprising amount in hair reduction (about 60-75%).
- Also if you live in Australia and have a diagnosis of PCOS, you can get 5 subsidised sessions with a dietician. Use them, but don’t see a bog-standard dietician the doc sends you to. Find a dietician who is HAES (Health At Every Size) registered and has solid knowledge of PCOS. Alongside un-training beliefs about yourself and food, you will be given a simple and self-loving plan based on your TEST RESULTS (not based on fatphobia). I’d strongly recommend this even if you don’t have PCOS and just want to address unhealthy beliefs and behaviours around food. A side-effect will be better skin, higher self-image, and good strong healthy habits that will last a lifetime. HAES dieticians can be found globally. They’re well-worth seeking if you want to take care of your body without being judged.
- Gather true loving allies and listen when they’re worried about you. Let them build you up when things like acne, hair issues, weight and fertility struggles get you down. Because let me tell you: Diane, Brenda and Yasmin are one helluva vicious trio if they decide to turn against you.
One more thing
- Read this brilliant book by Dr Fiona McCulloch
My copy has been referred to so many times it’s a dog-eared mess. I’ve never read a better text on PCOS. McCulloch is leading naturopathic doctor in women’s health whose supplement, lifestyle and dietary regimes (discussed in this book) are used by the top fertility clinics in the world. But even if you’re not trying to get pregnant, and regardless of age, this book will help you understand the science of your body. You can learn to accept that it is just ‘different’ and how to care for yourself.
She explains the 4 different types of PCOS and why our symptoms and management need to suit our PCOS type. Not to mention give you loads of options for treatments. She does also review medical interventions and contraceptives like Diane 35ED. It’s a bit dense with the medical stuff, and the treatment lists are looooong, but that just tells you it’s not a puffy ‘you-go-girl’ book. Every person with PCOS should have this on their shelf.
Please do share your own experiences and reviews of The Pill (such as Diane, Estelle, or Yasmin 35 ED) in the comments. Especially if you’ve got a PCOS diagnosis or suspect you have it.
And give us any updates along your journey. Our collective experiences are POWERFUL.
Need help navigating the cr*p that comes with PCOS?
As an online counsellor and life coach who also has PCOS, I truly do get it. With over 20 years experience, let me help you find your own precious pathway to feeling good about yourself.
If you’re ready to appreciate yourself more, gaining self-worth confidence step-by-step in 10 weeks (PCOS and all), then I think you’re gonna like my ebook ‘Bolder’. Available on kindle here and all other retailers here.
If you want a counsellor or life coach who truly gets it, don’t hesitate to reach out to me today. I might just be the right person to help you escape the suffering ‘Diane depression’ is putting you through, or any other problems invading your life.
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If you just want to read/watch something else that’s helpful, try this video about how to escape Sad Town.
* Please note if you click and purchase 8 Steps to Reverse Your PCOS, as a Bookshop affiliate I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Bookshop is an online retailer that supports independent bookstores. But that in no way influences my recommendation. You are totally free to buy this book from your local independent bookstore or borrow from your library.
Main image from Unsplash; 2nd image by John Diez on Pexels, 3rd image by Vivaan Rupani on Pexels, 4th book cover from Amazon.
I would really like to tell some of my story regarding birth control methods. Quite a number of years ago I was prescribed a Dalcon Shield as a method of contraception. I was told that it was a simple and easy way without any complications to prevent pregnancy. Immediately after the procedure, I experienced a lot of pain and cramps. I went back to the doctor quite soon after and explained that it was very uncomfortable and I was not feeling well at all. I explained the severe pain etc. I was just brushed off and told that it was just normal and it would take time to settle in and then everything would calm down. Everything didn’t calm down and the pain went on and on. You know when your body is telling you that something is wrong. However the doctor kept insisting that everything was fine. For two years I was in pain, sometimes agonizing pain. I think I went to every doctor between here and Sydney (maybe a slight exaggeration). As it happened I stumbled across a doctor in my local area who had previously been a gynaecologist in one of the top hospitals in London. Highly intelligent capable man, and fortunately I found him before things got even worse. In one consultation he found immediately that the device had badly affected my uterus. I had to have numerous complicated surgeries and it took a very long time to recover. I still experience complications when things flare up. The ongoing problems are physical, psychological and emotional. I was disdained by many doctors and told that what I was complaining about was absolutely nothing. They told me to go away, I was being silly, that there was nothing wrong. Advice I was given much later on stated that the device had been banned in the United States. But it was still on offer in Australia then. The Dalkon Shield killed a number of women, cost ongoing health problems for women including sterility, mental health problems etc. Many are still fighting in court.
Hi Michele, I just looked up the Dalkon Shield and it’s a horrible story. I’m very sorry to hear that you were one of the women impacted so badly. There’s something important here about being LISTENED TO. As a woman with PCOS and knowing many women with endometriosis, it’s still not uncommon for your reports of anything unusual or painful around ‘women’s issues’ to be dismissed. Or at the other end of the spectrum, being popped on medications as a ‘risk-averse’ response rather than an in-depth exploration of what is going on. Finding a doctor or any professional who listens to you and values what you are saying is key. They are out there!! I have met some myself :). I like to think I am one actually, a professional who values your expertise in ‘you’ and your life.
Hey Nicole. Your story hits close to home. I was diagnosed with PCOS when I was 19 after a history of an irregular period and some blood work. I was put on yasmin an sent on my merry way. I have always had a low body weight, but after being diagnosed, I later developed an eating disorder. Weight wise, I’m doing okay now, but I’ve struggled with anxiety and depression and have been on and off antidepressants since I early adulthood also. I’ve also been told by some doctors that I do have PCOS and I’ve been told by other doctors that I don’t. I’m wondering if it is worth trying to go off of Yasmin, because I do wonder if it is either making my depression worse or if it sparked it in the first place. But I do still have the worry about going off of Yasmin and “becoming obese and hairy” as the first doctor initially so kindy told me I would as my fate as a PCOSer. I also work I the medical field so I can understand that I should just be rational about it, and I know that this doctor who didn’t give me the kindness and understanding with this diagnosis shouldn’t spark such a fear in my decision, but I feel such a confusion about who I am or will be on and off all of these drugs sometimes. And I don’t know what is a treatment or what is poisoning my mind and body anymore.
Hi Takara. Gosh it sounds like you’ve really been through some horrible times. It also sounds like you’ve been given some terrible and inconsistent information and been frightened into not taking actions you’d prefer to take. I’m so sorry to hear that. The image of ‘obese and hairy’ is so often presented as the worst thing in the universe a woman can be, I understand how that can play on your mind and mess with your decisions. I’m certainly no medical expert, but in my personal experience as well as the experience of a number of my clients, it sounds like there could be a connection between Yasmin and the depression. I’ve known several young women who almost were put on anti-depressants before deciding to try coming off that particular Pill first, and were glad they waited because it turns out they didn’t have ‘depression’ and it was indeed largely caused by Yasmin or one of her sisters. It breaks my heart that so many women are so casually prescribed something that can have such a devastating impact. One option- rather than an overwhelming ‘yes or no’ forever- would be to try changing the Pill to a non-androgen blocker for 3 months. It might be a little tricky to tell the difference in your mood while also taking anti-depressants, but ultimately you should be able to feel a change of some sort in that time. Some key things to pay attention to in this time would be a decrease in any uncontrollable crying and an increase in a sense of resilience (feeling a little less overwhelmed by situations and a little more able to handle stuff). You could also ask around for a good Naturopath or health professional who specialises in women’s health and hormones in your area and will take the time to listen to you and diagnose the health issues properly. You can have a hugely positive impact on the effects of PCOS by following various dietary, herb and lifestyle protocols. Here’s an article that talks about this a little: https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/health-and-wellness/natural-approach-offers-hope-to-women-with-pcos-20171030-gzbd5h.html. An additional option might be to see a counsellor who can support you while you go through changes and help you find your strength. If you live in Victoria in Australia you can actually now get FREE STUFF because PCOS activists have fought tirelessly for our rights: that means specialist medical/dietician/naturopathic support, laser hair removal, and mental health support. In my experience, I have had fluctuating weight and dealt with excess hair rather than ever put myself through that Pill hell again. It’s tough, and it can be expensive (if you decide to go down a hair removal path), but it’s also liberating to go on a journey of stepping away from societies norms and discovering a self-confidence and self-love you didn’t know you have. You also meet a lot of wonderful inspiring hell-raising folks along the way. Best of luck.
Hi Nicole, this resonated so much with me as someone who’s taken the Estelle pill for years now and also a fellow PCOSer… Looking back maybe all my weight and mental health did start after the pill which is really awful. I am currently exploring the option of coming off the pill but sadly there aren’t many good non-hormonal contraceptive methods at the moment. I live in Victoria and had never heard of the free PCOS support, can you let me know how to get onto this? Thanks so much!
Hi Tia. You can find out more about free PCOS support by contacting the Monash Medical Clinic: https://www.monash.edu/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/1410856/PCOS-Clinic.pdf. Also just to let you know that you can take different types of hormonal contraception that aren’t the same as Estelle. Someone I worked with switched from Dianne to a Pill that basically uses a different combination of hormones to provide contraception and the mental health side effects subsided. I would book an appointment with your doctor or another one at the Monash Clinic or a Women’s Health Centre if your current doctor hasn’t got the time to inform you of your contraceptive options. Also taking Estelle over a long period of time (years) could potentially be dangerous (albeit low risk): https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/hack/tga-to-review-diane-contraceptive-pill/9374636. Take care and good luck.
Hi Nicole & Takara. Reading your stories rings so much with me. I had been diagnosed with PCOS when I was 18 and did nothing much about it. My weight continued to shoot up and my lifestyle changed unhealthy with college and work. When I hit 25 and got ready to get married, I was prescribed Diane 35 in order to deal with PCOS (which one doctor said I do have, another dismissed it, so honestly I don’t even know) and as an effective contraceptive. Initially everything was okay but then I began to notice a change in my personality. I would get really sensitive at things, cry at the smallest criticism. Basically I turned into a complete cry baby! And I was never like this. Fear, paranoia and anxiety became daily companions for me and I began to take it out a lot on my husband. I really found it difficult to find a reason to live one day at a time; it felt like just existing because I had to. Reading your stories I come to think this may have had something to do with the pill because honestly, I was a very positive happy and confident person before it all. I am really considering being off the pill since I have made changes to my lifestyle, my weight is getting under control. I really want to get a grip back on my emotions.
Hi Keerthana. That sounds awful. Obviously there can be many causes of stress, anxiety, crying a lot, depression, fear etc… But I’ve certainly had the experience (rather shocking) of coming off Dianne and realising that what basically felt like an inability to cope with life completely lifted. I too had excessive crying which was out of character. It makes me angry (and sad) when I meet women in their 30’s who have believed their entire adult life they had depression, only to discover upon trying to conceive (and therefore stopping Diane) they did not have depression at all and felt hugely better. It is possible to change the Pill to one of a different kind (not an androgen-blocker, which is what Diane is) and give yourself a few months to adjust. It may be that some hair growth or acne or other PCOS symptom creeps back, but if Diane is the root cause of your mental health struggles you will know within a few months, you will feel differently. And you probably won’t mind the cosmetic issues if you’re happier! Talk to your doctor or go to a Women’s Health Clinic and make sure they book a long appointment and take the time to explain all of the contraceptive options including the differences between the various hormonal Pills and implanon. Good luck and take care!
I am experiencing all of this right now and I just realized it might be from Diane. I looked in Google and your article popped up. I feel I am not alone or crazy!
No harm done in stopping Diane and trying another contraceptive if you’re concerned. You are NOT CRAZY. Our pain and concerns are very often minimised unfortunately, but they are real. You are not alone. Let your voice be heard!
I take the same pill with no problems I guess I am lucky.
That’s fantastic news!
I’ve been using prescribed Brenda 35ed since late 2017. My skin condition was so so terrible and Brenda has really helped to improve it. I remember I stopped taking Brenda for a month in 2019 and immediately I got crazy break-outs and acnes. So I freaked out and started with Brenda again.
The problems are: my hair keeps falling off, my discharge condition is terrible, some thing went off with my bacterial flora and I keep having reoccured candida yeast infection, my energy and mood and sleeping are bad, I have become much more emotional and can burst out crying anytime anywhere.
I don’t know if it was Brenda that caused all these but I am also afraid of stopping using it. I heard when stopping Brenda it is possible to experience bad mood swing too. Some said it could mess up my body. And the acnes will return too.
Can I have some advices? 🙁
Hi Hang. I completely understand not wanting the acne to return, and also not being sure if the mood swings, hair loss, emotional distress and yeast infections are connected to Brenda. I wish I could tell you one way or the other! I am not a doctor, but I don’t think you can ‘mess up your body’ by stopping Brenda, although you might experience mood changes- if Brenda is causing deep mood dips though, you will feel slightly better within a shortish period of time and will know that Brenda was the cause. Remember that any woman who wants to have a baby has to stop the Pill so it’s not the kind of thing you ‘can’t’ stop. In fact, that’s often when women notice they’ve been affected by the Pill- when they stop taking it to try and conceive. For myself when I stopped taking the Pill I did have to accept that some of the external symptoms were going to happen: I have hair growth on my face for example. I chose my mental health over the way I looked, but it may not feel that clear as, of course, they are intertwined. I’d suggest you find a really good doctor preferably at a women’s clinic or ask friends- other women- if they know of a good, kind, and thorough doctor. A good doctor will help monitor a change in the Pill and any effects you experience and won’t ignore your worries. I’d also suggest looking for a natural health expert: a naturopath for example. Even a dietician might be of assistance. They can help you manage PCOS symptoms (if you have PCOS) or other concerns with supplements and lifestyle interventions. There is some information online that might help. I personally found Dr Fiona McCulloch’s book helpful: https://drfionand.com/. You can also find communities of women talking about this, might help you feel less alone: https://www.pcos.com/blog/connecting-to-the-pcos-community/
Hi Nicole,
I’m so glad I found your story. I’m nowhere near as unfortunate as you’ve been with this whole experience, but I’m going through something similar. I’m 15 and was given ‘Estelle 35ED’ around a month ago for the purpose of regulating periods. I’ve noticed drastic changes in my mood, however, I have had a tendency to fall into lows like this before; not to mention normal teenage mood swings. How long after starting Diane did you notice the psychological changes?
Hey Dom. I’d struggle to remember for myself if i’m honest as it was a very long time ago. Definitely within 3-6 months. Did you get a diagnosis of PCOS or some other explanation for irregular periods? At 15 irregular periods may not be a problem that needs ‘regulating’ (although once you’re through puberty your periods should be regular and followed up if not). I’d be a little concerned about being put on Estelle without any real reason at age 15 and without a diagnosis or a discussion of potential side effects. Maybe it would be good to go back to the doctor and keep them up to date of your experience, or find a new doctor if this one isn’t helpful and informative. Alternatively visit a good Naturopath- they can arrange blood tests and other tests as well as a Doctor can, and things like PCOS are best treated with lifestyle adjustments before medication as there isn’t a really great medical intervention yet. Good luck and remember that your voice is really important in situations like this. It’s not unusual to be told as a woman that your pain/discomfort/mental health struggle is ‘normal’ even if you’re really struggling. Keep talking until you find someone who listens.
I’ve very recently started Brenda due to my recent diagnosis of PCOS which causes acne/ body hair that’s destroying my confidence. I’ve just turned 21 and since starting Brenda I’m already feeling not myself and I’m only up to my 3rd week. I’m also a cigarette smoker who has very recently quit smoking due to PCOS diagnosis and health reasons and I’m up to day 8 without which potentially could be making me feel terrible. I’m now extremely concerned that I have to chose between accepting my severe acne and lack of confidence for the rest of my life or choosing depressive feelings.
I feel like im at a loss either way *
Hi Brittany, I understand how you feel. It’s acne and hair or it’s depressive feelings (although, yes, how you feel right so soon seems likely to be quit-smoking related- good on you for quitting!!). For me personally those dark feelings became a sacrifice I wasn’t willing to make. I was lucky that the severe acne never returned once I stopped the Pill, but I can’t deny that the hair and weight issues haven’t caused me pain, frustration and the feel-bad-about-myselfs at times, particularly when I was younger. I was eventually able to pay for laser hair removal and also some electrolysis, both of which hurt, but had some effectiveness (do some research on where you live as some places now cover hair removal for PCOS). As i’ve grown older though I find I worry much less about these things. I fill my social media with women I admire who are much braver than me (Harnaam Kaur comes to mind) and I find that I’m accepted and have been found attractive by lots of great people. There is also a middle ground treatment available, through naturopathic intervention (so it’s not ‘either’ ‘or’). Check out https://drfionand.com/. Dr Fiona McCulloch has written an amazingly useful book on understanding your PCOS and various interventions you can use the dramatically reduce the impacts. I follow much of what she has put out there and had some great results- feeling less ‘moody’, healthier and happier. Take good care of yourself
Is Juliet 35ED like estella 35ED I have psco need know which ones better to used I on estella but want know if Juliet better than estella for psco ?
Hi Annie. I believe Juliet is the same as Estelle (and Diane, Brenda, Laila). They are just different names for generic brands of the same type of Pill. Best of luck monitoring your symptoms and remember to take care of your mental health. Nicole
Hi Nicole,
thank you for this post, its so reassuring to read. I was on levlen for 5 year and then my face god so bad with acne that i needed a change and my doctor told me estelle is the way to go. Man she has worked well, but as I write this im an anxious wreck who could cry at the drop of a hat. I have struggled with anxiety and depression before, and i know how to cope and what i need to do, but now after 6-8 weeks of being on estelle I feel so crap, my anxiety is crazy, i have no motivation to work or do anything. Do you think its possible that the pill has like settled in my body and is making me feel like this? thank you for speaking up about your experiences it makes it easier for all to deal with being a woman.
Hi Molly. From my experience I would say yes it is possible, but the only way you can find out is if you stop taking it and see. I’d also suggest finding a new doctor who actually explains potential side-effects of Pill’s like Estelle (maybe at a Women’s Clinic) and/or finding an intuitive eating dietician or some other natural health expert to help with your skin and hormone balance. Good luck!
Thank you so much for your post! !
I started Diane 35 five years ago for contraceptive reason and also to clear out the little bit of acne I had. In addition, I read that this pill helped to prevent hair loss and improve your hair growth in general. I had very little and fine hair at the time, and they were falling a lot so I thought it could help on that.
I was starting my second year of master degree in economics at the time when I started taking the pill. After, to 3-4 months taking Diane 35, I already had noticed that something in my mood had changed, I started feeling anxious, sadder and with low energy- totally at the opposite of my typical spirit and state. Beside this, it sounds weird but I also had MUCH more difficulty to absorb what I was learning in class, I feel that I became more “stupid” and I still had good grades but it took me twice the efforts and this was not because the classes were more difficult. I would say first year was more challenging compared to the second.
After 7 months on the pill, I was pretty much sure that Diane 35 was the root of my mood issues. Beside the mental part, Diane 35 make me fell hungry all the time even if I had not changed anything of my food diet.
I am 30 now and I have not left this toxic pill and the reason why is that I am TRULY scared of losing my hair. The whole volume of my hair has the circumference of a small finger, not joking. I switch to Yasmin, 5 months ago and noticed more fallout (this pill has a little bit less hormone). I did PRP hair treatment twice and it did not help. I want to quit this toxic anxiety pill but I do not want to turn bold-feeling already ugly with the few hair I have.
Hi Laura. Hair loss is yet another unfortunate potential indignity of PCOS. I don’t have any easy answers for you, just I hear you and i’m so sorry that’s happening to you. Might I suggest seeing a counsellor and talking about this? It seems odd maybe, but I have worked with women who come to care much less about the hair loss as they approve of themselves more. I know someone who now shaves her head, she would never have imagined herself doing that in the past.
Another option is to see a Naturopath, Women’s Health expert, or a ‘Health at Every Size’ dietician https://haesaustraliainc.wildapricot.org/ who specialise in PCOS and can help manage supplements that can improve symptoms. Large amounts of Omega 3, vitamin D and other supplements such as myo-inositol and transresveratol that are not over the counter have shown success in PCOS symptom treatment including fertility- better success than standard IVF procedures for example. Check out Dr Fiona McCulloch for more info: https://drfionand.com/ and also this blog has some interesting insights and research into the positive impacts of diet on the symptoms: https://www.smartfertilitychoices.com/blog/
Hi Nicole,
Thank you so much for having taken the time to read the post. I will definitely research on the option you suggested.
Wow my 16 yo daughter was put on Brenda over 2 years ago for acne and began suffering depression and anxiety and I’ve only just put together that it could be the pill as the symptoms started after she was put on it. Reading your story her symptoms are exactly the same! I told the doctor today and we have stopped her taking it. I really hope that this is what’s causing it and now we can stop it. She’s been in and out of therapy and really struggling mentally
Well done on taking yourself back to the doctor and trying something new. Sometimes we forget that doctors are providing a service for us and we are allowed to ask questions and have input into that service. Fingers crossed! If Brenda has been impacting her she’ll feel the difference within a short period of time and you will notice it. If she has PCOS and requires other interventions, at least she will be free of hormones causing extra distress. I recommend finding a good naturopath for extra support. Best of luck.
Just an update since she has stopped taking it: I have my baby girl back, off all medications and back to normal!
That is WONDERFUL news. Oh what a relief it must be for you and for her. If she does have PCOS I’d suggest talking with a ‘Health at Every Size’ dietician or a good naturopath about supplements (I’ve found myo-inositol and omega 3 to be very helpful) and dietary changes that can help relieve symptoms and regulate periods. But for now enjoy the fun, joy, connection, happiness and freedom after breaking up with Brenda.
Hi. Did you experience hair loss after quitting Diane?
No, I have not experienced any hair loss myself, but hair loss may not be one of my personal symptoms. I am not aware of evidence that Diane may or may not help with hair loss related to PCOS, although it did help me personally with the symptoms of acne and possibly hirsutism (it’s hard to say for myself because I was young and the symptoms had only just begun).
My beautiful daughter takes Dianne for acne and painful periods. she is also very sad, negative, depressed, with no energy, can’t get to sleep easily, and has restless or no sleep nights.
we have discussed coming off Dianne and she is agreeable, but we wonder whether it has to be a gradual coming off, ie. over 3-4 months, because the theory is Dianne also acts a bit like an anti-depressant,
or can she just come off at the end of the month’s tablets?
hope you can help us please?
Hi Tricia. Thanks for commenting. I assume a doctor prescribed Diane for your daughter? Can you back to that doctor and have a chat about stopping or swapping to a different type of Pill? Please take this advice with the understanding that I am not a doctor for what it is worth: I don’t see how you could gradually come off Diane. Bear in mind that Diane is a contraceptive Pill and works on your hormones. It is designed first and foremost to prevent pregnancy. If you were trying to get pregnant, you would just stop taking the contraceptive Pill. It does not work like an anti-depressant. An anti-depressant works on your brain, although obviously mood and hormones are intertwined it sounds as though your daughter is not experiencing a beneficial effect on her mood from taking Diane anyway. That being said, if you are concerned about side-effects it would be best to talk to a doctor and/or get a referral to a Health At Every Size Dietician or a Naturopath who may be able to assist in a non-judgemental way with hormonal dietary needs that help with mood, acne etc. If she has PCOS then there are a range of interventions that can help her stabilise her mood and potentially reduce acne as well as period pain. Note that if Diane has gotten rid of the acne and the period pain and there has been no other intervention, it’s likely those will return and it will be important to have other treatment plans ready. On the other hand, if Diane is causing your daughter to have sleepless nights and depression/anxiety she may find dealing with bad skin preferable to feeling terrible every day.
Hi i was given estelle 35 as my doctor suspect that it was hormones acne. First two box was fine but didn’t help much on the acne but on my 3rd box, i felt off. My mood drastically changed, i felt tired, restless, mood swing, low energy and i don’t even want to do anything. I’m totally not being my true self . I suspect it was the pill so i went research and i came across your post. Thank god i wasn’t the only one feeling this way. I went back to the doctor but he simply brush off and said it’s normal and advice to continue the pill to prevent acne from coming. Honestly i see no difference on my face while on the pill and i don’t have severe acne to even be prescribed this pill. My guts are telling me to stop since the cons outweighs the pros but i’m scared my acne will be worst than before. Please give me advice 🙁
Hi PZ. Firstly I’d suggest finding a new doctor ASAP. A doctor who doesn’t listen to their patients descriptions of their lived experience, nor respect them enough to take on board their perfectly reasonable concerns is not a doctor worth seeing. Ask your female friends for recommendations and/or contact a Women’s Health service. I can’t tell you if your acne will be better or worse if you stop taking Estelle, but I can tell you if Estelle is affecting your mood drastically then you don’t want to be in a relationship with her for your entire life just because she might make you look good. A good doctor should be willing to try other medications or Pills for acne and they should be aware that Estelle can have side-effects for some women. You can also try addressing acne via diet, supplements and/or natural remedies (see my other responses for more specifics) and perhaps seek mental health support to improve self-worth so you can appreciate your beauty.
Hi! I have been on the pill since grade 10 initially because of very bad acne and period pains. My doctor prescribed me levlyn for my period pains and a cream called epiduo for my face (which was very harsh, burned and literally made my skin peel). My acne did get better but it was still there and i wanted to go off epiduo due to the harshness and the $40 a month for it but i was scared that since levlyn isnt supposed to help your skin that i would break out more. My doctor suggested that i go on Brenda for a fix on both things. So i did and i was probably around 6 months in and my skin was looking decent still (not completely clear still pimples but not nearly as bad as before) and my skin was not nearly as oily. I have had here and there anxiety as long as i can remember (so i can’t remember if it could be due to the pills) but for the last few months on brenda i have been getting pains in pulses in my legs randomly throughout the day multiple times, mainly in my thighs. I told my doctor and he basically said it could be all in my head and just my muscles. Anyway i started taking magnesium for my muscles etc but it would not go away, and naturally i was freaking out about blood clots etc, mainly because they were pulsey pains feeling like they were in the blood? Anyway i went off brenda 2 weeks ago after a lot of thinking. The first week going off the pill my emotions were all over the place, random break downs for no reason and then 2 minutes later happy as can be. I felt so strange. But anyway, almost as soon as going off the pains are gone! So that basically confirms it for me that it was the pill. However my acne is already flaming back and the anxiety around getting pregnant. I was thinking that maybe it is just brenda and i could try something like estelle or diane, but the fact diane is banned in France and hearing some of these reviews makes me eekkk. I could go back on levelyn but again that might not even help my skin, but it could take away the pregnancy anxiety. Or i could just stay natural and go through as normal but it is my senior year, i have formal, retreats, graduation, schoolies, so many big events that i really dont want to have a face full of acne for. Help!
Hi Emily, I’m so sorry to hear about your struggles. I know it’s such an important time and you want to look your best.
Find a doctor who actually listens to you. It does NOT sound like you should be on Brenda/Diane/Estelle (they’re all the same Pill, just different brands) and your complaints should be taken seriously, given they sound quite dangerous.
Do you have a diagnosis of PCOS or is this just a hormonal phase?
Go to a Women’s Health Centre and get tested properly for PCOS if you haven’t been. Also tell them you had this reaction to the Pill and ask for other contraceptive options, there are quite a lot that are not this particular Pill. Implanon for example is different even though it is still hormonal, and once it’s in you don’t have to think about it for years. Until this is sorted out though, condoms are essential.
If you are having penetrative sex with more than one man, it’s vital to use condoms, even if you are on the Pill. Not just to prevent pregnancy but to minimise the risk of STD’s. If anyone refuses to wear condoms, that is not a person who respects you and isn’t worth having sex with. If you have a boyfriend who is your only partner and refuses to use condoms temporarily (while you’re figuring out the best contraceptive for yourself) then I’d stop having penetrative sex with him. Again, this is not a person who respects you. Sex is as much about respect and emotional maturity as it is about love and fun. A loving partner would want you to be safe, relaxed, happy and experience pleasure.
Try using extra lubricant with condoms if you don’t really like them. Condoms, when used properly, are one of the most effective forms of contraception and one of the only forms of STD prevention.
But it is also possible to have fun, fulfilling, exciting and wonderful sex without penetration, especially as a woman (most women cannot orgasm from penetration alone). Exploring bodies, deep kissing, oral sex and fingers are just some of the many many ways you can enjoy sex. If you’re really worried about pregnancy while you’re figuring out your contraceptive options, you might find taking penetrative sex OFF the table can introduce a whole lot of fun that you haven’t fully explored yet.
For hormones stuff, I would also suggest you book an appointment with a naturopath and deep dive in Dr Fiona’s resources and take her suggestions on supplements and diet as they’ve helped me a lot with sleep, anxiety and other PCOS symptoms: https://drfionand.com/
Good luck and take care of your health.
Thank you for posting this information. I experienced depression while on a different hormonal acne treatment Alysena. It was articles similar to this one that made me realize my dangerous and disturbing thoughts might be connected to my medication. I went off cold-turkey and very shortly afterward (life was still difficult) but my depression lifted completely. I don’t recall depression being mentioned as a possible side-effect when I received my prescription. This needs to be common knowledge. So Thank You!
Hi! I have been on and off Estelle/ Brenda for a few years initially to treat hormonal acne. The past few months I was taking it religiously and skipping the placebos to avoid my period. Whilst on it My hair has been falling out, I have excessive hair growth on my arms, hormonal pimples popping up and bloating. My script ran out and it’s been about 7 days, I finished on an active pill. I am now bleeding and retaining so much water I am more bloated than when I was on the pill and have the worst headaches. Is this normal?
Dear Nicole! Thank you for sharing your story. I was prescribed Diane 35 as no other advanced treatment methods has worked on my acne. I’m 31. I’ve not stopped being worried about my acne and I start being worried about wrinkles. I’ve been taking Diane 35 for the past 3 months. I struggle(d) with depression many years, however seemed to be doing okish until recently. I start to associate my huge mood swings with the start of taking Diane 35. I’m really on emotional edges and have really bad thoughts when I’m there. It’s like my deepest depression is coming back. I think it happens especially when I am on the 7 ‘no pills’ pills between the packages. Since that I’m scared of the period after I put Diane 35 away. I decided to schedule an appointment with my gynaecologist and dermatologist who are both standing for this treatment method, and probably try izotretynoi once again instead of Diane. it’s not the best way, however living with acne it’s a huge burden for me. Again, thank you for sharing your story. It confirms my guesses. In case you or anyone else look for a women who experiences difficulties connected to depression while being on Diane 35, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thanks for this article. I am told I have atypical pcos, and really my main symptoms is pimples and irregular periods. I am grateful not to have some of the other parts. I used to be on the pill for years, and was fine but I went off it for almost 12months and then started on Estelle almost 2 months ago to try to combat the skin issues, and ,you know, for contraception. I had been advised to go on Slinda by a gyno but all my research had people saying their acne was the worst ever on Slinda. So Estelle and I started a relationship but within 2 weeks my mental health suffered, triggered by the bloating I had eating disorder issues arise, anxiety, feeling flat all the time and self harm too. So I decided to stop mid packet, yesterday actually. I’m worried my skin will get worse but it’s not worth the effects. Already seeing a naturopath etc. hopefully we can find another way. A dermatologist has given me spironolactone too, so I’m curious what impact that will have and hoping it won’t be on my mental health!
Hi Emily. Congrats on taking charge of your (mental and physical) health! I know it’s a crappy choice- believe me, I do- but I think you’re now on a journey to discover what REALLY works for you and is sustainable over a long time.
That might be a combo of meds + natural health + accepting yourself as you are (counselling?). It might just be one of these, or two.
Please do pop back in after you’ve tried spironolactone and the naturopathic interventions and let us know how you went.
Hi there! I want to thank you so much for writing this article as it helped me realize that I am not crazy. I’ve been on birth control pills since I was 14 years old for acne. I never had any side effects and a particular pill (Tri-Sprintec from the USA) really helped! I moved to Australia for a working holiday visa and looked for a similar option when I was prescribed Estelle. At first, I thought it was just the stress of moving to a new country. But after I had figured everything out and felt settled, I did not feel settled inside. In fact, I felt like I was going crazy and didn’t know why!!! I was so depressed and anxious. I was irritable and miserable when I have should been having some of the best times of my life. I have decided to completely get off the pill for the first time in over a decade… I’m excited to see who I really am. Besides, I haven’t been her since I was 14.
Thank you again for speaking out and helping us woman recognize that we deserve better. You are truly empowering.