Years and years ago, I had a doctor put me on Ortho Tri Cyclen and felt just awful on it - nauseous and depressed. I'm in a new relationship and so I did some research on BCP, then called my doc and asked for Yaz. Well, I did great on it for the first twoish weeks, now that I'm in my third, I can feel myself getting more and more emotional over nothing, becoming insecure and feeling a sense of hopelessness even while I realize that my worries are unfounded. Boyfriend wants me to try to find something else, but I'm afraid of going on something that will make me physically sick.
So I ask you, fellow cysters, if you have any suggestions. Yaz is super expensive without insurance - 65/month, ow! - and isn't helping with my acne or hirsuitism. Is there any BCP that has worked for you guys? Should I ask for Yasmin or Ocella?
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I don't know about Ocella as I am from the UK and we don't have generic Yasmin (to my knowledge). However, I would definitely recommend Yasmin. Perhaps not having enough oestrogen is making you feel over-sensitive, whereas on Ortho-Tri you maybe didn't feel "stable" enough due to te changing amounts throughout the month. So yes, Yasmin would be my first choice!
There is also Marvelon/Desogen, and Loestrin too. I have used Desogen for PCOS and beforehand and found it to be good overall. Skin cleared up nicely and I managed to lose lots of weight, but it isn't strong enough for me. I have less side effects now on Yasmin than I ever had on any bcps, which is great.
I've had several nurses tell me that Yaz and Yasmin are highly recommended for women with PCOS, because they have low doses of estradiol and the progestin they contain has spironolactone in it. However, I, too, found that I was extremely moody and emotional on both of them.
Different pills work for different people, though. That said, I've been pretty pleased with Ovcon-35, in terms of stabilizing my moods and clearing up my acne. Heck, I've even lost weight on it, which, in turn, has improved my glucose levels. I take it continuously--no placebo pills--as instructed by my doctor.
There's a great website dedicated to helping women understand the differences among the overwhelming choices in oral contraceptives: http://www.wdxcyber.com/ncontr13.htm
A few other things: Be sure that you choose a bcp that is low in androgenicity. Some brands contain higher doses of progestins that are androgenic, which means they can actually stimulate hair growth and acne. Also, my RE did not recommend that I try any of the brands that have varying dosages of estrogen, as the fluctuations can promote mood swings, estrogen-withdrawal headaches, breakthrough bleeding, and the like. Hope that helps!
The more stable our hormones the better. I tend to take Yasmin continuously for 2 or 3 cycles and then have a break. It has helped my acne, mood swings, pain and periods loads more than just takinf it for 21 days and then having the break. It is perfectly safe to do this. Lots of doctors, nurses and my gynae have recommended it to me and they were right!
I've never been on a triphasic pill, but I did read that it is generally not good for PCOS due to the reasons that BRbangle states.
I am meticulous about pills now! In the past I have quizzed doctors about the progestogens and androgenicity and found that it was a bloody good job I knew something since some of them didn't!
It's funny, despite having the same condition, we're still different in terms of which bcp suits us!
Ortho-tricyclen and ortho-cyclen are more androgenic than Yasmin and Yaz, but do seem to help lots of women. As does Loestrin 30 and 20.
From talking to my gynae, it seems as though as long as an anti-androgenic progestogen is combined with at least 30mcg of oestrogen, it will be effective for acne and possibly hair issues too. However, other side effects occur, as we know!
Desogen/Marvelon was brill for me for quite a while, I just got a bit mood the 3rd week. But I feel more stable on Yasmin this time round. xx
I take Ortho-tricyclen and have had no problems with it, but of course we all know that each person reacts differently to meds. I have noticed that for me my acne isn't a problem anymore (although now I have the post-acne marks).
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Not diagnosed with PCOS, seeking second opinion, once I get health insurance. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
I take Ortho-tricyclen and have had no problems with it, but of course we all know that each person reacts differently to meds. I have noticed that for me my acne isn't a problem anymore (although now I have the post-acne marks).
For acne scars I find that the Body Shop intensive moisturisers such as the vitamin E and aloe vera ranges are very good, as is Palmers Cocoa Butter.
I used to use Bio-oil but it was too greasy and annoying!
I've never been on any other BCP than Ocella, which I started a month and a half ago. So far, no complaints, I have actually lost water weight and my skin is definitely clearer. A little cramping and breast heaviness, but I used to have much worse symptoms earlier with irregular periods.
Which BCP, Girls? 
