PMS symptoms while on the pill

[Ray_yay]

Hi!

I'm currently finishing this month's combined pill batch (I have 3 pills left until the pill break), and I've been having PMS symptoms (sore breasts, kinda feeling tired, mild cramps, etc).

Is this a normal thing to experience while on the pill?

(To clarify: I get the exact same symptoms every single month towards the end of my pill batch. I'm just overthinking stuff this month cuz my brain makes me freak out and think that all of this must mean that I'm pregnant, even though the risk i had was minimal. Anxiety/paranoia is just stupid like this sometimes)

[Sofi]

Hi there! This is a normal thing to experience, but you already knew that, as you mentioned this happens every month. You know, it isn't actually helpful to you if I just give you reassurance on something you know already, as that only feeds into this loop of anxiety thoughts. However, we can talk about this anxiety and paranoia as you call it. In the past, we sent you some articles specifically about pregnancy anxiety - did you get a chance to read them? <3

[Ray_yay]

Hello!

Yes, I read through them multiple times! I just can't seem to calm my brain down no matter what I do lol. I should really stop stressing out and just wait for my period to come, but it's honestly killing me.

I think it would help me if I understood how birth control pills work a bit more, as I barely know anything about them and how exactly they work and protect me currently. I tried googling this, but every article says something slightly different and I don't really know what to trust anymore.

If you have any articles on how specifically birth control works, that would be great!!
Thank you in advance

[Latha]

Hi Ray_yay

Though we might advise trying to stay calm in these situations, we do understand that it is often easier said than done. I'm sorry the anxiety is so hard to manage right now.

Here are our articles on the combined birth control pill and minipills. It might also help to read this advice column: Three questions about taking the birth control pill (and plenty of answers)

If you still have questions, feel free to come back and ask! We'd be happy to get into the science of contraception with you.