What BCP works best? Is Yasmin the choice for PCOS?

kloc12 · 11-26-2004, 01:18 PM

I wanted to know what people use as a good BCP. I have been on BCPs before, but had depression and major bloating. I have both low estrogen & progesterone. I tried Prometrium and nothing. I am considerig the pill. Is Yasmin good? Or the Ortho Evra Patch? What you girls think? Thanks!!

Ka Mai Kim · 11-26-2004, 03:19 PM

The first and only pill I've been on is the generic of Ortho Tri-Cyclen. I've been taking it for about 6 months, and without having anything to compare it to, I love it. My AF is like clockwork, my excess hair seems to grow more slowly, and I have lost weight (although I attribute that mostly to me not drinking soda anymore). I never really had many obvious symptoms of PCOS besides the hair growth and crazy AF, so I'm not sure if it's "masking" anything. If I ever go off it, which I don't see happening any time soon, we'll see what happens.

kloc12 · 11-26-2004, 03:37 PM

I am on Metformin 2000mg too. And had 3 periods on it, but now nothing. So I am just looking to control periods. I really don't have any aother pblms. I would like to lose 5-10 more lbs. I did lose weight on Met (12 lbs) but i still am tryin to lose the last few. Maybe if I get my periods in check i will. Lets hope. I will ask my doc about ortho tricyclen, I dont think i took those pills in the past. Thanks!

Sari · 11-26-2004, 11:25 PM

Never tried Yasmin. I really like Ortho-Evra (well, as much as you can like BCP's when you're trying to TTC LOL). It is especially nice b/c I forget all the time to take pills, but with the patch, I don't have to stress about it.

kloc12 · 11-27-2004, 12:56 PM

Sarabelle,

I see that you are on Met too. THe combo working well then? Do you experiences many side effects like weight gain, or mood changes? I really am thinkin about the patch. Let me know if you had any troubles. Thanks!!

Sari · 11-28-2004, 12:40 AM

I was on (but am not currently on) a Met/Flutamide/Ortho-Evra combo that worked really well. I saw results as far as my facial and scalp hair in probably about 4-6 weeks. I did have headaches for a few days after starting the Ortho-Evra, but I think that my body just needed a few days to adjust to the new hormone levels. Mood swings - it's hard for me to judge. I tend to be pretty moody/depressed any way.

Jesi · 11-28-2004, 01:07 AM

Over the years I've been on a few different pills: Ortho Tricylen, Desogen, Alesse, and I was put on Yasmin when I got dx. I've never had very negative side effects from any of the pills but I can say that I've noticed the most positive effects since taking Yasmin. My skin has totally cleared up (I was starting to break out) and my overall body hair seems to be decreasing. I feel like I'm a little more emotional than I used to be but nothing a little chocolate can't cure.

It seems that Yasmin is the bcp of choice for treating PCOS but it also depends on your medical history as to what your dr will rx.

HTH~

Monte · 11-28-2004, 12:29 PM

Around the age of 18 (11 years ago) I was put on Orthocept (Desogen is the same thing) because of non-existent periods. When I turned 24 or 25, my insurance would only cover Apri (the generic form of Orthocept and Desogen). After 3 or 4 years on the generic form, I stopped having periods but had breakthrough bleeding after sex. I was informed that a generic bcp can vary btw. 5-20% to that of the name brand. I talked to my obgyn and she decided to put me on Yasmin for a couple of reasons:

1) There is no generic pill at the moment
2) It contains spiro (which may help with weight loss)
3) It is monophasic

I have been on Yasmin for about a year. This is what I have noticed:

I have not lost weight (but didn't need to). I've actually gained about 5 pounds but this is probably due to my recently diagnosed thyroid condition.

My testosterone levels are now averaging in the 30's (80's when off of the pill and 50's-70's when on Apri or Orthocept). This is a very good thing!

My skin is NOT as clear as it was on the Apri although the occasional blemish is nothing to be too concerned about.

Moods are balanced (but they were balanced on the other bcp's).

Period every month and NO break through bleeding.

Strong craving for chocolate and sweets

Hope that helps!