Hyperpigmentation & Birth Control: Understanding Side Effects & Solutions

Question
I've been on birth control since I was 17 and i'm 38 now. I went off Depo three years ago. Then my dr put me on Alesse. I have been on it for three years and finally was able to pinpoint that is when I got hyperpigmentation since I started it. I have what looks like a 'moustache' on my upper lip. Not pretty at all. It has faded considerably due to creams and exfoliating methods and make up but I don't want to continue having to do that. Also I noticed the week before my period I get major depression, suicidal thoughts etc. I think its a side effect to the pill as well, and then I have mild depression during the rest of the month. Ive seen my dr but alls he wants to do is put me on antidepressants but I refuse to go on those. Tried two different kinds, bad results.
I never had a problem with hyperpigment with any other pill so i'm scared if I switch to another one, I'll have the same problem, along with major depression.

Any advice??
(he gave me two free packs of Yasmin but I read message boards where some did get melasma as well and worse depression so I'm afraid to take it, so I am thinking of going off the pill entirely now)

Thanks in advance!!

Answer
Hi Sylvia,

Thanks for your question. I don't know if you have read any of my previous answers but I don't recommend the birth control pill or any kind of hormonal birth control methods. This is for the reasons of health and side effects and risks from hormonal methods. I don't believe that these methods are healthy for a woman's body.

So I would suggest that you do go off the pill entirely, in agreement with what you say in your last sentence. I usually tell women to consult their doctor but I disagree with a doctor who prescribes the birth control pill and then along with it, prescribes the antidepressants. You are right in researching for your own health and taking your health into your own hands.

I don't know how important it is to you to NOT get pregnant. But the methods I usually recommend are condoms and Natural Family Planning.
Also I recommend abstinence if it is possible in your lifestyle.
Write back and let me know what you think. My private email address is DCHERYL51@yahoo.com so hope to hear from you soon.

Sincerely,
Diane Cheryl