orthocyclen --> hair loss and mood swings??

mandyleigh · 08-11-2003, 12:32 AM

Hey ladies!

Is anyone else out there taking (or have you taken) OrthoCyclen?? I've been on it for a year now, and doing continuous supression for the past 4 months - taking the pill continously until my period just "breaks through." In the past few months (about 4-5) I've noticed a dramatic increase in my hair loss - looks like a sheep was just sheered everytime I take a shower). That is really worrying me! Also I'm having terrible mood swings about 2-3 weeks into the pill. Not really swings - I just get really low and stay there until my period finally does come and then I'm better. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I should do??
Thanks in advance - Mandy

Chrissy · 08-11-2003, 11:44 AM

Hi Mandy,

I have never had trouble with hairloss on this pill. I have however had it on alesse. Most of our hairloss issues are related to androgen sinsitivity. Check out a hormone site www.hormonehelpny.com if you have any other questions about hairloss. I wonder if taking the pill continuously is part of the problem. Maybe you need breaks from the hormones. I know when I was pregnant my hair was great but after delivering my hair really shed. The low feelings can be common with hormones. I have never experienced it with ortho-cyclen though. I tend to more irritable on this one as my period draws near not down. Best Luck! Hope this helps.

daughty · 08-19-2003, 03:21 PM

Hi Mandy!

I was on CILEST (the German equivalent of Ortho-Cyclen) for 6 months and it was the only pill that did not increase my appetite and depression.

Maybe you should take the monthly break after 3 weeks instead of continuously taking it 4 months. I find that my mood swings (now I really have them badly on Yasmin) get better during my pill-free week.

Luv Steph