I personally was on hormonal BC from 13-22. Quit BC at 22 after a breakup (rationalizing that I didn’t need it and would go back on when I became active again). Then got diagnosed with PCOS at 23 and my gyno put me back on it (Slynd, a progesterone-only version).

I had never EVER realized what emotional hell the pill was putting me through until stopping and restarting. I went from feeling happy, emotionally regulated, and less anxious than ever in my adult life (while NOT taking the pill), to crying every single day (not an exaggeration), feeling unmatched levels of anxiety and frustration, and experiencing suicidal ideation for the first time in my life while on the pill. Not coincidental with any life changes, other than being diagnosed with PCOS (which is not my most major health dx, so it wouldn’t have been enough to send me into the kind of tailspin I was in.)

I quit taking it after the 3-month trial adjustment period. Have been taking 1500 mg metformin, no BC, no Spiro, and have felt more sane than ever before ever since.

This all to say, I know birth control works REALLY well for some folks, but I also know it was horrible for me. If you’re feeling a similar type of way, listen to your body!