koagem

Hi,

This was originally posted in the "do you have this?" forum before I realized that BCPs have their own forum. I didnt get any responses and no one even viewed my post. Id really appreciate any comments, whether you are on Loestrin or another kind of BCP.

Just diagnosed with PCOS last wednesday. Dr put me on Loestrin 24 and I have taken it faithfully at the same time all week. I have had major issues in the past with sprintec and Yaz, though most of the side effects with them I am not having with Loestrin. AF was really really heavy and I had it on and off for about a month, which was why I went in the first place. Im still having breakthrough bleeding but I figure that is normal. {Update, bleeding will stop for part of the day and then get sort of heavy again, usually the next morning. I tried moving the time I took the pill to the night to see if maybe it was because the pill was wearing off, but that actually seemed to increase AF. Any idea whats up with that?}

Thankfully no crazy mood swings like sprintec and less breakthrough than Yaz. Another good thing is my acne seems somewhat clearer. So overall I do like Loestrin.

However, there is one major problem, and I'm wondering if it's a side effect: I am really, really fatigued. With losing so much blood over the past month, I originally thought maybe it is just vitamin and iron deficiency, but I have been good about supplements and have seen little improvement. There are times during the day when I feel ok, but others where I feel kind of faint and can barely keep my eyes open. Last weekend, I slept most of the time, and I even skipped a few events I was looking forward to.

While everything seems to be getting a little better, improvement on the fatigue is especially slow. I work in political consulting, and I have a pretty entry level job. I can't afford to be tired, not to mention it's annoying when all I have energy for is work or sleep.

Do you all think it could be a side effect of the medicine? Fatigue is listed on the side effects. My doctor told me this kind of thing could happen for 1-3 months but I can't deal with it that long. Loestrin is better than any other pill Ive taken but I still don't feel well. Any advice? Supplements, other medicine, going off the pill again (and if so, what kinds of withdrawals would you expect), anything would be helpful. (3 days after I first posted this, fatigue seems a little better, especially when I took the pill last night and not in the morning)

My insurance is sufficient but not that great, and with 2 doctor visits and an ultrasound, the last thing I want to do is schedule another appointment. I also want to limit bothering the ob/gyn I went to - he seems very helpful but I want to make sure Im not being a pest.

Thanks in advance.