I just started taking Loestrin 24 FE about 15 days ago and have managed to gain 5 pounds in 4 days. I'm on a strict caloric intake, so I know it's not that I'm eating more than I should. Any thoughts on this? Is it even possible that it's the Loestrin? Any way to get rid of the extra weight if it is due to the Loestrin?
All I can think of is that it is an androgenic pill so not good for pcos, and the weight is probably water retention. Can you try Yasmin as it has a diuretic so weight gain isn't usually a problem - I have lost over 14 pounds so far, 5th month.
I tried Yaz and had AWFUL side effects. I get the feeling that my gyn actually doesn't have a clue about PCOS. I'm going back to the GP this week about it.
Aww sorry you are feeling so lost with this. I know it is daunting and a bit depressing. You want to do what's best for your health and it is scary to know you may have to suffer some nasty side effects for a short while on a new pill etc.
Honestly though, Loestrin is too androgenic for PCOS, and no good. So stop that and ask your doc for an anti-androgenic one. like those I mentioned. If the side effects on Yaz were bad, it could be you need more oestrogen to feel balanced, therefore Yasmin wouldn't be out of the question. I used to be on Desogen, but for a short while I went on Cerazette, which is a progestogen-only pill containing the same progestogen, desogestrel. Loved Desogen, was great mostly and felt pretty normal. Without oestrogen, it was hell. Cerazette caused me awful side effects. So just a slight difference can really alter things.
Other women see to find Ortho-cyclen, and ortho-tricyclen very good too. Discuss with your doctor and tell him how serious this matter is!! xx
Seriously?! She's put you on a really androgenic pill then. Levenorgestrel is no good for PCOS. You may be ok with it. Hope so. I can't think why she didn't put you on Mircette which would be better for PCOS symptoms!
No, it shouldn't worry you. It is trial and error but the general opinion is that androgenic pills don't help PCOS symptoms, as they are symptoms of androgenicity. So it is more advised to use an anti-androgenic pill. Personally I would go back and say you don't think this is any good. I have been on androgenic pills with levenorgestrel and it made my problems far worse.
I'm not trying to worry you, just tell you my experience. It just doesn't sound like she is taking your PCOS seriously to me. You could give Lutera a try and see what happens though. x
Your doctor said she didn't know anything about androgenic pills?! I just re-read...that is ridiculous. You shouldn't take her seriosly. All doctors are required to know the differences between the different pills, as a matter or choosing the best treatment for their patients. I think this is disgusting. You should see another doctor. I really don't think taking a highly androgenic pill will do you any favours.
There is an excellent list on the webpage www.wdxbcyber.net - although check the sticky for sites to help with choosing bcp. I gives a list oof those that help with specific symptoms. You will find out better info there!
I'm not sure what she meant by that statement. I don't know if she meant she didn't know what they were or that she didn't know if they would affect me. It goes back to her not wanting to give me the full diagnosis of PCOS, I think. My tests from my gyn show that I meet criteria, her tests don't. She's treating me because my gyn was clueless.
I called her back and told her about my unease about lutera. I cannot be in a panic induced mood swing for the next month. I need to feel calm. I have too much going on. I left her a message today and did not receive a call back. I don't know what that means. I wonder if she is taking the weekend to look stuff up or consult? I have no idea. I have enough of the current meds to get me through Monday and I told her that.
Right now I just feel confused. If she feels this isn't PCOS, I want her to figure out what is wrong with me. But ignoring my feelings that it IS this isn't cool. I don't know what to do.
Well I know exactly how you feel. I had so many blood tests done when I was showing signs of PCOS but my doctor said I was totally normal. This went on for 3 years, and my health got worse. Then I eventually got referred to a gynae and straight away he knew I had PCOS, and the blood tests, U/S, and internal exam all proved it. My own doctor still didn't want to believe it, but my tests showed I blatently had it!!!
I really wouldn't start Lutera. It won't be any good for you. Are you able to see another doctor and ask for a pill out of the following options?
Yasmin (or generic Ocella)
Yaz
Desogen
Mircette
Ortho-cyclen
The generics of these pills should be totally fine as well.
I really hope you get some proper help. It sounds as though that doctor is useless and ignorant!
Thank you. I don't think she's either of those things, but I do think she is overwhelmed and may not be aware of all of the particulars of PCOS. I'm still not confident she is confident in my diagnosis and I think it's causing issue with us. I called her and left a message and she didn't respond and then I called back today and finally just said "I don't want to be on BC anymore. I've had enough and weight loss is my first priority."
At this point, I feel like I'm just going to feel upset about ANY weight gain until my weight is down and that this might not work for me while it is an issue. Last night I had suggested Yasmin, even though Yaz was awful for me, as a last ditch effort and she went ahead and prescribed it for me today. She doesn't want me to give up on BC yet.
If this doesn't work, though, I think I'm done. I'd rather deal with all the awful PCOS side effects than have the weight gain, as bad as that sounds. My health is what is most important and heart disease and early effects from it run in my family.
I'm starting Yasmin on Tuesday. I'm a little nervous about it. Actually, a lot nervous because Yaz was AWFUL.
Don't be nervous about Yasmin. It is very likely that you will have a different experience. The 10mcg of oestrogen really does make the difference. Because Yasmin is 30mcg of oestrogen rather than 20, it is likely that it will help you more. Drosperinone is a strong progestogen, completely anti-androgenic and when combine with that amount of oestrogen really can work wonders. Sure, some nausea and breat tenderness for a few weeks, but afterwards it could be great!
To put it in perspective about oestrogen differences, I used to be on Desogen. It was great for me, lost weight, no acne, a little nausea but that was it. I briefly changed to Cerazette - the progestogen-only pill which uses the same progestogen, Desogestrel - and it was the worst experience ever. My hair fell out, I was in constant pain, I gained loads of weight, my skin was greasy and spotty... all because I needed the extra oestrogen to "balance things out" as it were.
So, don't feel worried. Yasmin is an excellent pill. I feel so much happier than I did before because my life is so much easier. My periods are getting far better too - the last one was relatively painless, lasted 2 days and was extremely light! Far better than my natural heavy and excruciating ones!!!
Big weight gain-Loestrin 24 FE 
Yeah 
