u/Ok-Material5144

so i (23f) was diagnosed with PMDD years ago after getting severe depression and panic attacks before and during my period. i already have an extremely sensitive nervous system (audhd) and meds/birth control tends to always be a risky ride.

i’ve tried 3 different forms of the pill, all of them making my mental health significantly worse. then at 18 i tried the kyleena iud and kept it for almost the full 5 years. it definitely helped the PMDD a lot, but i still experienced symptoms, some months worse than others.

almost a year ago i switched to the nexplanon after multiple exes complaining about “feeling” the iud and it hurting them. it has been TERRIBLE for me ever since. i’ve had month long periods, constant anxiety and panic attacks (probably the worst i’ve ever had), and the classic pmdd depression is back.

i’m debating switching back to the kyleena but so scared of the pain from insertion (have actual trauma from getting it done the first time). also, im completely against the depo shot, and the pill just feels so risky as well. i don’t know what to do at this point.

also, im not sure if its birth control related - if anyone else has experienced this, but i feel like ive made a lot of self progress since switching to the nexplanon. my anxiety is 10x worse and i can barely leave the house sometimes - but i realized before i was extremely avoidant of my problems and more impulsive. i acted very emotionally without thinking and ever since i feel like my thoughts have been a lot clearer.

i just feel like the anxiety so insufferable i know i have to get the nexplanon removed, but any other option (including no birth control) seems equally as bad.

what are your thoughts?