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Hi everyone!
My wedding is a little over 4 mos away and I've been debating about starting birth control pills. Stress always tends to effect 1) my skin and 2) my period. I guess the stress is already getting to me from wedding planning and it looks like I'm going to be skipping a whole visit from my Aunt Flo. 
So i've got an appointment this week with the gyn to get a Rx. However, I was on Loestrin for about a month and my fiancee dreaded every day of it. He doesn't want me to go on the pill at all for fear of my emotional swings. I'm ignoring his plea at the moment and still keeping the hope alive that it will regulate my 2 main problems listed above. My question is for those who have had side effects while taking bcps - which brand would you recommend as giving the least amount of side effects? Thank you!!!
hey i recently started taking the pill again too since im getting married in 4 weeks and dont want aunt flo crashing the wedding or honeymoon. i was also taking the pill before and it cleared up my acne and regulated my period, plus i had less bleeding and no cramping. im taking orthotricyclen lo. its worked great for me, no side effects, no nausea, no mood swings. hope this helps!
I'm on Alesse and I love it. You do have some problems with breakthrough bleeding the first couple of months tho.
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Yaz.. no side effects. For me at least... no moodswings, breakthru bleeding, and it has given me shorter, lighter periods, and I will say it has eased my cramps...
Seasonale - clears me up, keeps me not quite as bitchy, and only 4 PERIODS A YEAR! I think it might be my best friend.
i love nuvaring. I don't have to take a pill everyday and I never notice it. No mood swings either (except 1 day midperiod in the beginning)
I started using the Nuvaring back in September and LOVE IT. I was on the pill for about 6 years but my lifestyle has been pretty hectic with my new job and the wedding so rather than have to worry about taking a pill I had my doctor put me on this. It's great because I put it in once a month (as in inside me) and forget it until I have to take it out three weeks later. Exactly 3 days after I take it out I get my period and it always lasts 4-5 days at most. I was a little weirded out by putting something inside me but you really dont feel it at all. Its a little flexible clear rubber band that is maybe 2 inches around and just bends to fit in place. (It looks alot like those jelly braclets you used to wear as a kid.) I would definatly recommend this since the hormone dose is pretty low and consistant so you dont have highs and lows throughout the day (thus possibly alivating some of your FI concerns). Plus it's one less thing for me as a busy bride to worry about.
I use Yaz and I love it! It definitely makes a difference what brand of pill you go with - I was on Ortho Cyclen for years and would always go crazy the week before my period. Yaz has already lost me the 5 pounds I gained with Ortho, gives me a shorter period, AND no mood swings! It's a bit pricey (tier 3 drug) but worth it!
Every hormone acts a little different on each system. Tell your doctor about your experiences with your other one, and they will prescribe a different pill.
I use Estrostep, which is one of those that has varying levels ("stepping") of estrogen. It's supposed to mimic the body's natural processes a little better.
Okay, I have bipolar disorder, so my doctors were really cautious when I wanted to go on birth control (extremely painful periods) and suggested NuvaRing since it's a very low dose constantly. So far (over a year and a half), so good without moodswings.
Though I will say that levels and types of mucus (a bit gross, I know) changed after starting NuvaRing and I had to get used to that over a period of time.
I'm on the ortho-evra patch and absolutely love it. But you can't be a smoker and take it. I just put my patch on once a week and don't have to worry about anything. I was always one of those girls who had to take the pill at the same hour every day or I would start.
I really like the patch and haven't seen any side effects in the past two years. My only complaint is that sometimes the outer part of the patch gets little fibers from my underwear/jeans rubbing up against it. Oh, and I have to be careful exactly where I place it if I'm going to be in a bikini anytime soon.
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The pill definitely affects everyone differently, it's important to talk to your doctor if you get mood swings or other extreme side effects. I'm currently taking orthotricyclen and I've been happy with it, less acne and more regularity. But I was originally on Marvelon before that and I noticed I was more moody, and uh less in the mood, and I gained weight. But whether the weight gain was due to the pills or just my own doing I'm not sure. But after switching to orthotricyclen everything has been much better/back to normal.
I hope you find one that works for you!
nuvaring is great for those who want to forget about bc, be discreet aka not carry around a pack of pills, and have a constant low dose. but you HAVE to keep a calendar w a reminder pop up or something- bc after 3 weeks you wont remember how long it's been there. the patch was fine until ~18 months-2 yrs after starting it my skin was a disaster. you only have a few choices of where to put it on your body and even non-sensitive skin will get sensitive, even if u rotate where you put it. It also tends to slide around if you work out a lot, swim or hot tub, bathe in general: water= not a friend of the patch. Also consider wedding dress/summer/ honeymoon clothing into this equation... I've seen girls wearing it on their arms/ back in broad daylight but i prefer to be a little more discreet about my bc methods so i usually had it on my "ovary" area.
I had the ring and I loved it. Though after 4 months I got irregular flows from it and I stoppd and went back to the pill. I had less mood swings on it then the pills, and trust me mine are bad somedays!
I plan to stop taking mine, with the calendar working like it is now...I'll have my Flow most of my honeymoon and thats not ok.....lol.
I've had a history of irregular periods, so I've tried all types of birth controls over the years. First of all, I would NEVER recommend Seasonale. 4 periods a year sounds too good to be true, and for me it was. After being on the pill for a month, I began to bleed... and didn't stop for 6 weeks. I still decided to stay on Seasonal and keep waiting it out. A few months later, the excessive bleeding had stopped but I was really sick, all the time. And I'm not a crier, but I would always cry that I didn't feel like myself. Finally went to the gyno, who said the Seasonale was toxic to my system and was creating chemical imbalances and actually making me physically sick beyond normal birth control side effects. That said, I also tried ortho. Lots of weight gain, few mood swings. Yasmin, not too bad--really liked it, but after a few months it started to give me a little bit of morning sickness almost. The best one out there in my opinion is the Nuvaring. If you can get over the initial weirdness of putting a jelly bracelet inside you and taking it out three weeks later, it's great and has extremely minimal side effects.
I've been on ortho tri-cyclen and ortho cyclen and have found both to work well with no mood swings. If you are planning taking 2 packs back-to-back ortho cyclen is a better option as it has the same dosage for all three weeks (while tri-cyclen has different dosages for each week).
good luck!
I love how honest and open everyone is :) This is one of those issue that it really helps to hear what others say - with all the gross details!
I used YAZ for a little over a year. Overall it was ok - but I don't like what BC does to me in general. Bigger Boobs, Very Emotional, Lack of Sex Drive. (I did like the lighter, regular period) The last one is the biggie for me that motivated me to try something different.
I had my heart set on an IUD. Like so set on it when I found out my insurance wouldn't cover it and it would be like $600 I almost burst into tears in front of the doctor! It seemed like the miracle solution to me! (I have many friends who speak highly of it!) That's some of that over emotionalism coming through!
I decided to give the NuvaRing a try because I really wanted something that was lower dose and hopefully would not effect my sex drive. That's very frustrating for a newlywed! I'm on month two right now. So far so good. Definite bonus is not having to remember the pill everyday. My husband can sometimes feel it during sex, but it's not bothersome - it's just there. I do think my boobs are going back to normal :) The jury is still out on the emotions and sex drive - but I really do feel like that is regulating. My body/period is still getting used to the change (spotting) but nothing crazy.
I agree - talk to your doc about your body and your concerns and find something that will work best for you!
My one word of advice - if there's something you are unhappy about - make an appt and try something new - I put the change off for at least 8 months after I suspected my problems and really regret not trying something new sooner!
I'm glad this thread is here because I had a question and didn't know how to bring it up. Sorry if this is TMI.
I'm on the Patch and have been for like 5 years. Last month, at the beginning of the second week, I began to spot. And then had a full-on period for the next four days. I have yet to see if I'm going to get my period as scheduled tomorrow. I've never had this happen before. I've been stressed a lot, maybe that plays into it? Anyone have this happen and have any advice?
I'm on Seasonale and am about to switch. It seems like the answer to all your problems, but I've been on it 2 years and can't do it anymore. I started bleeding Jan 10th and it hasn't stopped. I am going to the gyn to get figured out but I think the ring sounds great. Also, for the first year, the 4x I got my period, I also was a MEGA-bitch and had crippling migraines as my PMS. Fun, right?
Don't do the Seasonale - its not normal.
it took me a few years to find the right pill. i finally settled on ortho tri-cyclen lo. that said, everyone is different, and everyone responds differently to different pills. mood swings, and overly sensitive breasts were my two biggest (ha ha) side effets for a number of different pills.
I'm on a pill specifically for my mood swings called Yasmin. My doctor said that if it didn't work the second option was to combine a low dosage pill with a few weeks of anidepressants (zoloft). It has been about 8 months now and my mood swings have completely stablized, the las big one was about 3 months ago. I am very happy because I really did not want to be on an antidepressant, even if it is for only 2 weeks a month.
Another rave about Nuvaring. I've tried the Ortho-cyclen pills and they made me very nauseous. I also kept on forgetting to take the pill regularly, which was okay, since I was using it mosly for period control and horomonal break-outs.
Like some of the other girls here, Nuvaring is a great birth control if you're looking for low, even dosage. It made my boobs bigger (which is a plus for me), cleared my skin, and you put it in, and don't have to worry about it for 3 weeks. Yes, you can sometimes feel it during sex, but it's a minor concern. It's not pain, just a "hmm, something there" feeling which my BF doesn't mind.
GL finding the one that works for you!!!
I took me a few tries to find a pill that worked right. I use ortho novum. it's the same dosage of hormones everyday so you can skip your sugar pills and start a new pack that way you don't get a period. I have problems with my endometriosis and it's the only pill that helps with that. I also didn't have any mood swings or gain any weight with it.
I am on Loestrin 24.. So far I like it. My last two pills were Estrostep and Orthotricyclen lo (hated it). I like the short periods with this pill. It was hard at the begining (mood swigns and spotting here and there..and sometimes you barely get your period which scared me a couple times) But sticking to it is worth it, All the side effects are gone now.
I think 4 months will be enough for your body to get use to it.
i'm on alesse... so far, so good, but it's only been a couple days. i am FREAKED out that i'm going to react... we'll see!! i'm hoping for the best.
I've run the gammit on birthcontrol pills (extremely painful periods). I L.O.V.E. Seasonique! It's like Seasonale, but no periods ever-score! Didn't make me gain like others, cleared my skin right up, no more bloating week of your period (cause you don't get a period), and no hormonal acne outbreaks. While you're adjusting, you'll get some breakthrough bleeding for the first few months. I can't tell you the joy I get walking by the tampon aisle and not racking my brain if I should pick some up! Ok, maybe tmi there, but life is wonderful without Aunt Flo.
Seasonale worked great for me but you really need to talk to your doctor. I still got my regualr periods on seasonale for the first 6 months (which is normal).
all BC's are not equal, I've been on the pill for about 8 eight years and i have to change every 2 years or so.
Side effects... lower libido... there I said it, TMI but girl, you gotta know (and that goes for most BC).
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I'm on Lo Ovral and I'm about to switch. I've been on it for about 4 1/2 years now and I recently experienced terrible side effects. I get extremely moody and emotional a week before my period and my hair tends to fall out. My doctor prescribed Yasmine and I will start it in about a week. I hope it works better for me.
Ok, my story is a little different. Saying my periods were irregular would be an understatement- lasting 3 weeks and then disappearing for 4 months, etc. I went on the Patch in college. The hormone levels were too high for my body to handle and I ended up in the ER twice. My doctor and I went back to the drawing board and put me on a pill (I can't remember it's name). Everything was ok but I was waking up sick each time I started a new pack. She suggested switching to Aleese and taking it like Seasonale. So now I take 2 packs (skipping the period week) and cycle at the end of the third pack. It works great for my body and my lifecyle. I still get a little nauseaed the first few days I am back on the regular pills but nothing that effects me much.
My advice:
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I'm on Yasmin and LOVE it! The consistant dose, helps with my mood swings and doesn't interfere with the anti-anxiety meds I'm on (Lexapro). But like everyone has said, everyone's body is different. Talk with your Dr, and don't get discuraged (sp?) if the first thing doesn't work. Good luck!
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I too have tried many different and have found so many different side effects, so if you have the time to try one, I would definitely start now, as your body takes time to adjust.
I was on the patch for three years (I took alesse in college and it made me so sick all the time, especially combined with alchohol!)
The patch was good, since I wasn't always the best at taking the pill every day at the same time, but in the summer months, it tended to not stick as well when I spent time at the beach or in the pool. I went off it after I heard that the risk for blood clots was higher for the patch. There are side effects with all forms, but apparently they have noted that with the patch you can be more prone to blood clots.
So, I've been on YAZ for the last 2 years and I love it. No sickness, shorter periods, and no bloating. For a wedding/honeymoon time in your life, I think it's a good choice as it is a diuretic, so although it makes you pee a little more, if flushes the water out of your system, keeps your stomach area flatter and in turn, that is why women lose weight on it, as opposed to gaining it!!
On a side note..
Make sure to always wear sunscreen, to avoid dark patches (melasma). Not sure if anyone gets those above their lip, or on their forehead...but I did get a great cream from the dermo for it.
please go to your doctor! our bodies work totally different than yours (and we're strangers!), so PLEASE just go to your doctor and raise your concerns with him/her and ask them to recommend a product for you based on their clinical experience and literature reviews.
we could be marketing people for pharmaceutical companies for all you know, giving you false information to try to get you to use a certain product. maybe i'm being cynical (in fact, i know i am), but i used to do marketing for a pharma company that makes very popular forms of birth control.
OMG - Thank you everyone for replying! This is a wealth of information and I've made notes to take with me to my appointment tomorrow. I've definitely had irregular periods all my life so it was awesome to hear about your recommendations. Didn't realize i could get bigger boobs out of these things - Bonus! 
jma19 - I would try just calling your gyn and leaving a message to get back to you about your problem. Otherwise it sounds like from a lot of other ppl that it may be time for you to switch to different birth control.
My period was heavy and lasted an entire week. PMS week was normal, moody, tired, back ached; no cramps though.
Started on Alesse. Hated it. Period lasted two weeks. Went on Desogen afterwards. Hated it more! Period last a month. Now, I use Ortho Tri-Cyclen (then was put on its generic brand: Trisprintec), and it's shortened my period and cleared up my skin! No bigger boobs though...but my period was regular, and I knew exactly when it was going to happen and when it was going to end. Been on it for 6 years. Then I wanted to try something new...
I thought I could handle pills with a lower dose of hormones, but my body did not like this change. I was prescribed Yasmine to try. HATED IT! Period was normal, but my face broke out, and I looked like I had an allergic reaction around my eyes. I had to ween myself off of it for like 3 months. Started back up on Trisprintec (Ortho Tri-Cyclen generic brand), and it's not the same as it was before..=(
I'd be somewhat weary of starting bcp 4 months before your wedding just in case you don't find "the one" right away. It could take some time to find a good fit. Good luck with whatever you decide!
If you have ANY history of blood clotting disorders in your family do NOT go on the pill.
Good post! I'm about to change my b/c method too so good info!
So I know there are a lot of rave's on here about the Nuvaring, but I didn't like it so much. I've been on it for 6 months and I'm changing mainly because I could feel it ALL the time. It did not stay inside me. Like it would for maybe two days and then it would just slip down.
I talked to my doctor about it and she said that there was no other way to put it in and make it stay. She told me that she thought it was probably because I was so petite. They seriously need to make different sizes for the Nuvaring, it is not one size fits all. I have 2 other girlfriends who are about my size and they had the same problem. I would say if you weigh under 110lbs, the Nuvaring might be too small for you. The convenience is nice about not thinking about it for 3 weeks but the fact that I would have to (sorry, TMI) shove it back inside me every other day was really super annoying.
Just another little tidbit of info concerning cost. My insurance does not cover birth control - so another con of the YAZ was that it's so new there's no generic and it's $50! That's $600/year!
Like I said I'm new to NuvaRing so I had some free samples. Well I just got my first prescription filled and it was $61!! A small price to pay to prevent having a baby I know - but still seems kinda steep!
I do know that your local planned parenthood office often has BC offered for a lower price. I'll need to check with mine - but I think the NuvaRing is only $30 or $40 there. I'll need to pay my copay to see their doc before they'll give it to me, but overall it'll save me money!
Moral - If you don't have insurance - check with Planned Parenthood to see if you can save a little money :) I mean if you can save $360/yr - that's more money for the wedding!
Just to let anyone interested in the NuvaRing, planned parenthood does not offer it for sale anymore. They give you a prescription for you to fill wherever you want so unfortunately there is no advantage there. They also only offer a select few brands of pills at their centers (which includes Ortho tricyclen) which cost $20 a pack at the moment.
eh, i just re-read my post and meant to say that the Nuvaring may be too BIG for you if you are a petite girl. :)
Oh and along with Jilian's post, I have good insurance but I still have to pay $25/Nuvaring which is quite alot more than what I have to pay for other b/c.
I am on Yasmin, and have been for what seems like forever. I have tried several pills in the past and all made me gain weight!! (and yeah, definitely not in the boobs!) With Yasmin, I still feel like myself and my periods are pretty light and short. Good luck to you~
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