Pill Probs-Help!

MauriQ · 06-10-2004, 08:47 AM

Ideally i feel better off the pill. Problem is my cysts and the fact I only have one ovary left and cannot afford to lose it. I compiled a list of some of the latest pills I have taken and am desperately seeking advise. Not too long ago I even switched to natural progesterone cream but started having pain in my ovary and had to get back on pill. I also started to get bad cystic acne. I guess I am stuck on OC's , so just want to share my experiences and any insight into my prob would be appreciated.

Pill problems- rating pills on 1 to 10 (10 being highest)

Alesse- makes me dry, nervous/crazy, but don’t gain weight, sex drive seems to disappear- **rating7

Tri-phasil (older pill)- too high in hormones mid month (goes up to 40 mcg of estrogen) major bloat-**3

Yasmin- makes me gain weight, insomnia, constipation, depressed-**6

Nordette-weight neutral, but makes me nervous, acne, oily hair , skin, raises my cholesterol a lot-**3

Mircette-good for nerves/mood but too sleepy (feel preganant) this pill may be too high in progesterone for me, weight gain! (cottage cheese on thighs) gross-**4

Cyclessa- same s/e due to being almost same pill as mircette but got really bad migraines on this 1 maybe due to varying hormone levels thru cycle-**5

Patch-ugly, gets linty-was not long enough for fair trial. May re-try in future.**?

Currently on Ortho tri-cyclen lo-so far so good but feel a bit bloated. Trouble sleeping may or may not be pill related. Skin rash in beginning on chin seems to be fading after 1 week. Will give this one fair trial.

Goal-pill which does not make me nervous/anxious, depressed or gain weight and does not affect sex drive or have other bothersome s/e. Willing to put up with mild acne even though...Just turned 30 and acne really sucks at my age!

Input would be appreciated

Chrissy · 06-10-2004, 05:00 PM

Hi, I had to respond since your situation is so much like mine. I am 38 and have taken the pill FOREVER!!! I haated the patch and yasmin too. Same side affects. My ideal pill would be ortho cyclen lo or a pill as low as allesse with a low androgen prog. I'd put up with dryness and night sweats if I could just not feel tired, bloated and nonsexual!

Because I am at the end of my rope I am giving the orthotri cyclen lo a very long trial period. 2 1/2 months ago I came off ortho cept and went to the otc lo. Things are turning around for me on this one but it is slow going. I noticed the libido thing first and the skin is clearing nicely. I did get bloated the first month but the second was better. I'm hoping for better results yet this month. I am mood neutral and not as tired. I am assuming the lesser estrogen is the main benefit of this pill since the prog. is very low in androgen. So far I have had acceptable results. Lets keep each other posted on results. I am definately giving it 4-5 months to really check it out. I sit here with all the pill formulations and it looks to be the best bet right now. Best of luck!

Christine

MauriQ · 06-12-2004, 01:28 AM

thanks for your feedback. So you did notice less bloating on month # 2? That is Good news cuz i have gained 3 pounds in 2 weeks and think it may be water. Did you say your libido has improved on this...that is also great? i know my skin will improve and hair and hope the mood will remain stable although I have felt a bit depressed may just be my body getting used to the pill again(was off for 3 mos and then got another cyst) But if you say your libido is improving then this pill may definately be a keeper. Since it is lo androgen...I was worried about the libido. But I have read tri-phasic pills are better for this. So yes...lets definatly keep eachother posted.

Mauri