Ortho Tri-Cyclin or Lo/Ovral? Help!

TxLady · 01-02-2003, 04:36 PM

I have been on ortho tricycline for 6 months now. Out of those 6 months, only 2 have been "normal". I have been on it before and never had any problems. I started it up again in June, after delivering DD.

Since I have been on tricycline this year, my cycles have been crazy. Some months I have had never-ending AF (one month it lasted 17 days). Others have been normal 5-7 days long, but come a week or two early. AF has only been regular 2 months out of the 6.

My ob/gyn offered to change my pills over to Lo/Ovral. Does anyone have any experience with Lo/Ovral?

I am hesitant to change because the tricycline does wonders for my cyctic acne. Since being on it, I have not even had the slighest little bit of acne - not even little blemishes. It has been great. I suffered from the cycstic acne for so many years that, even though my insurance does not cover the tricycline, I was willing to pay for it out of pocket because my acne was better. It was worth the money to give me some self-confidence.

My doc said they have not had anyone ever complain about anything with the Lo/Ovral, but they could not assure me that the acne would not come back.

Anyone who can give me some input on Lo/Ovral will be appreciated. I told the doc I would give the ortho tricycline one more month and see how it goes.

WendyKay · 01-02-2003, 06:06 PM

I've heard that tri-phasic pills (the differing amounts of hormone week-to-week kind) aren't great for us. Personally, I was a rabid b$#%^ on Ortho Tri-Cyclen but my cycle itself was OK...it's different for everyone...but it doesn't seem like it's doing you all that much good, there may be better ways to help with the acne (try the Acne forum) while on a better pill for your system.

Good luck,
Wendy

TxLady · 01-02-2003, 07:38 PM

Thanks for the feedback, Wendy.

Both times I have been on ortho tricycline, it worked great for me. The first time, even my cycles were right on time - just very light. It is now, after having my baby, that I seem to be so messed up.

I have had several people tell me to just be patient because it takes a bit of time for the body to get back to normal after childbirth, so maybe since only once out of the last 3 months AF was early, it is getting somewhat stable.

I have fought the acne since I was 10 years old - I have tried it all. From Accutane, to cortisone injections, bcps, and on and on and on.

I guess I will just give it one more month and see what happens.

Chrissy · 01-03-2003, 09:51 AM

I'm wondering why they didn't try you on ORtho-cyclen since ortho-tri worked well for many of your other side affects. It is very similar, same progestin, the thing that causes many of us troubles when we take the wrong one. It is mono-phasic so it will give you constant dosing of estrogen. Ask about it since you liked ortho-tri so well!!

Christine

Mazlynn · 01-03-2003, 04:08 PM

Yes, definitely ask about ortho-cyclin... My RN was going to put me on ortho-tricyclin, but when I reminded her about the PCOS she suggested ortho-cyclin instead... said it would probably still help with the acne, although maybe not quite as much. I just finished my third pack, and am in hormonal breakout stage right now, but it did seem to be better than normal earlier in the month, so I'm hoping it'll continue to improve.

cheryl79 · 01-03-2003, 05:51 PM

I was one of the few (or many, who knows) who Ortho Tri-cyclin absolutely DID NOT work for. I did awful on it. I actually took it twice. The first time I was on it for about 5 months. All of a sudden I had horrible cramps to the point where I could not work and could barely move. And I started bleeding like crazy (the bleeding actually lasted for three weeks). I had to go in for an emergency appointment to a gyn and found 6 or 7 cysts on my left ovary. He told me the Ortho Tri-Cyclin was not for me and put me on Lo/Ovral. Six months later I had to go to a new gyn who put me back on Ortho Tri-Cyclin. I again had bad cramping and bleeding and was put back on Lo/Ovral. I never should have been switched back but it was a new doctor who would not listen. I have been on Lo/Ovral for the last 3 years and have had no side effects, little to no cramping, normal but shorter periods, and no weight gain. I personally love Lo/Ovral. I will say that I have small bouts of acne and Lo/Ovral does not fight it away. Other than that, I suggest you try it.

Sorry it is long, but I wanted you to know what happened to someone who has taken both. Good Luck!!

Cheryl

lovie_m · 01-04-2003, 11:36 PM

I have taken Ortho-Tri-Cyclen in the past and I'm currently taking Lo-Ovral. As for my experience, the ortho-tri didn't work for me either. I'd gain weight like crazy, like 50 lbs!!! It didn't help with acne either, although I only get mild acne, and I would also skip periods on it. However, after I lost my son at 22weeks, my doc put me on Lo-Ovral until we are ready to try again. I haven't had any side effects from it at all. It hasn't made me gain any weight, so I'm very happy about that, but I do have to say that it don't do anything for acne, maybe make it a bit worse even but I can handle a few zits over extra pounds!!! My doc even said that in his experience with Lo-Ovral in women with pcos, sometimes after they go off of Lo-Ovral they get pg right away......which is EXACTLY what I'm hoping for.......if I can ever make myself stop taking them.....lol.

Take Care and God Bless!!!

MauriQ · 01-07-2003, 03:53 AM

Cyclessa is "supposed to be weight neutral" ...

But, I am holding on to my weight like crazy, otherwise, this pill is great for hair and acne. I recall when I was on Nordette (very similar to lo-ovral) I did not gain any weight. My acne got bad but then it stabilized after a month and my libido was great. I was more energetic on this pill as well.

I am considering going back on the Nordette or Lo-Ovral to see if I can lose the 10 pounds I have gained in the last 2 years on Yasmin, Mircette and then Cyclessa. My basic worry has to do with the hair-loss thing. Has anyone had oily, thinned out hair on lo-ovral? I did the first month and I got scared. Does this go away after a few cycles?

I am tired of feeling fat!

lovie_m · 01-08-2003, 12:10 AM

MauriQ - When I was on bcp's before, my hair was curly so it felt thicker. Now it's straight and I'm on Lo-Ovral, but I think it just feels thinner because it's straight instead of curly. I do shed alot, but I've always done that. I haven't had any problems with oily hair though.

Take Care and God Bless