November 6th
2009
5:37 PM
SIX HOURS POST REMOVAL- I had my mirena removed today after 3 years and nearly 3 months. My side effects included headaches, sore breasts, weight gain, nausea, severe hair loss, depression, severe pitting edema of my right foot, cramping, hip pain, exhaustion, severe mood swings, and acne. During the first six months I had constant bleeding, which I had been told to expect. I took regular pills everyday and the bleeding stopped. Then the hair loss started. My hair came out in clumps and was EVERYWHERE. I lost about 15 inches of my hair in spots. I went to the salon and got a fantastic hair cut, I attributed my hair loss to stress. Now I'm not too sure. I also didn't feel like I was myself with the odor that I developed. No matter how many times I showered I felt not regular. Slowly but surely over the past three years I have gained 30 lbs. I worked out to try to get the weight off, I lost nothing and in fact gained weight! The pitting edema of my left foot started in July of 08. I have been tested for everything including diabetes, heart problems, clotting disorders, pregnancy, high blood pressure, kidney problems, and the list goes on to the tune of $6,000. I went to my OB back in the spring and was told if they could find nothing else then they would remove the IUD. In the interim I lost my job and subsequently my insurance. I luckily was able to get coverage again and immediately set an appointment for the removal. Insertion hurt like nothing I have ever experience, removal was quick and almost painless. I also ended up with BV (bacterial vaginosis). I feel and look as though I am about 6 or 7 months pregnant. My belly is actually the same size as it was when my son was born. I weight about 15 lbs more. My breasts were extremely swollen and sore.
I instantly felt better after removal. My hip immediately stopped tingling. I have no back pain. It felt almost like a lifting if that makes sense. I am curious to see what the next few weeks will bring and I will definitely keep you all posted.
-- By crebre80 | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
August 30th
2009
11:55 PM
I am a Registered Nurse and feel foolish that I wasn't able to connect the dots sooner. Yasmin's effects for me were insidious thereby slipping under the radar as the culprit responsible for all of the side effects I was experiencing. On Yasmin for 3 years:
- feelings of shortness of breath
- heart palpitations
- horrible anxiety and feelings of panic (not good when you're a nurse in the
ICU)
- insomnia (never had trouble sleeping before)
- varicose veins on my stomach??!!
- strange weight gain around my abdomen I could not lose despite my best
efforts
- ear popping and a feeling of fullness in my head
- constant runny nose requiring new prescriptions for nasal sprays and
allergy pills that did not work
- new abdominal bloating (ultrasound was negative)
- UTI (never had one of those before)
- strange colored periods
- agoraphobia (previously outgoing)
- depressed--lost interest in things I previously enjoyed, moody & angry,
- horrible fatigue (unable to jog anymore without becoming drained for days
- sharp debilitating headaches (CT negative)
- breast pain
- cellulite I've never had before
- and last but not least, compromised circulation to my right arm causing it
to go numb and change in color (Doppler showed partial arterial
obstruction that has since improved since quitting Yasmin)
Quit Yasmin 2 1/2 months ago and everything is resolving itself slowly. A big price to pay for good skin.
-- By jenny_boroj | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
March 19th
2009
5:12 AM
I have been on depakote 1000 mg a day for a month now. I am experiencing terrible abdominal bloating,cramping, and gas and think i may be gaining weight. Somebody please help-has anyone else ever experienced symptoms similar from depakote????????
-- By people4god | Reply | Private Message me
October 20th
2008
7:09 PM
I just posted a side effect on the Yaz page. I know all birth control pills are different for everyone but for the most part I had a lot of success on Yasmin. I was on Ortho Tricyclin for about 2 years in my early 20's and started having severe abdominal pain and severe bloating (all over my body). After several tests (blood work, CT scan, ultrasound, etc.) came back normal, I asked my ob/gyn to switch me to another type of birth control b/c I really didn't feel like myself and when your Mom says "You look like a zombie" then you know something is wrong. He gave me a prescription for Yasmin and I had immediate abdominal/bloating relief and felt normal again. I took Yasmin for 6 years and my only complaint is that I got PMDD the last 6 months I took it. I wasn't sure if it had something to do w/ turning 30 or just being on Yasmin for that long or a combination. I saw a commercial for Yaz and asked my ob/gyn if I could try it. The PMDD went away after the second month on Yaz but next week I'm going to try Yasmin again due to side effects I developed on Yaz (no energy, tired all the time, not feeling alert, feeling depressed). I'm crossing my fingers that Yasmin help me feel normal again and not bring back the PMDD.
-- By marci28 | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
September 18th
2008
11:55 AM
I took Yasmin for about two years, and never felt great on it. The first year, I was about 45 pounds heavier than the second, and the second, I started developing terrible side effects (depression, weepiness, paranoia, mood swings, general lethargy, extreme fatigue). I had the worst abdominal bloating (remember, all diuretics have a rebound effect) and most annoying, my nails started shredding and about 1/4 of my (lucky it was thick to begin with) hair fell out! Turns out Yasmin can affect the follicular cycle. THEN, my doctor pushed Yaz on me, though I expressly did not want to take it knowing it was simply a lower dose of Yasmin. She made me stick with it for four long, horrible months--it ruined my life!! It make me cry at the drop of a hat, practically suicidal, extremely moody, gave me TERRIBLE PMS like I hadn't had since I was 17 (I'm 33) and nausea, dizziness, and a spaced-out feeling. I became paranoid about all my friends, and have been jumping on my dear boyfriend for everything and overreacting to the slightest thing. From other stuff I have read, Yaz only works for people with terrible PMS already, or who have acne--I had neither. Whatever chemical is in this pill should be taken off the market--I am furious I was subjected to this, and horrified and so sorry to hear of the losses of loved ones above. Yas is terrible! I just finally switched to Loestrin, and am crossing my fingers. Yaz also gave me terrible bloating, gas and digestive problems.
-- By chunk | Reply | Private Message me
June 27th
2008
2:55 AM
I can't believe I've stumbled on this website. Until now my symptoms did not make sense to me.
I had my Mirena in 2005 after the birth of my son. My life has changed dramatically since then & I didn't put it together until now. I was plagued by nasty vaginal discharge from the start. Though my period stopped completely what replaced it was a terrible vaginal odor that no amount of washing, deodorant spray, etc will cure. It's a bacterial infection that will not leave me alone. I almost always have it. Before the Mirena I never heard of it. My sex drive & sensation is virtually none. I even went as far as having a female piercing as I read it increases sensitivity. This is upsetting as I've never had problems with odor, loss of sensitivity or inability to achieve orgasm. Along with this I've experienced a large weight gain, abdominal bloating, migraines, aching joints, decrease in vision, back pain, dizziness, exhaustion, increase in body hair growth yet limp thinning hair, & fibroids.
I have an appointment in July to get this thing out & wish I had been more informed of the side effects.
-- By frustratedfemale | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
June 22th
2008
10:46 AM
These reviews are pretty scary to me ... I've been taking Yasmin for about 5 years. Late last year, I started getting what seemed like a full period (not just spotting) almost exactly two weeks into my pill pack. Then I'd get another full period when I got to the end of the pack, and I went ahead and took the sugar pills because I didn't want to mess around with my cycle (which I've done in the past, with negative results). My doc switched me to reclipsen for a month (which I've read bad things about too, but not as bad as Yasmin!). I've had NO sex drive for years now, which I've blamed on myself, but it's really affected my relationship w/ my fiance. It's hard because I just can't get excited. I loved Yasmin and recommended it to all my friends because it kept my water weight down. Last month when I went off of it, I gained about 8lb in just a few weeks. I attributed it to going on vacation and not exercising for a week (I normally eat very well and never miss a workout). But since then, the weight has stayed and is very slowly coming off. I'm a personal trainer and I never usually struggle like this. I've also been bloated and it seems like I have an excessive amount of abdominal bloating.
Anyway, after a month on reclipsen, I decided to switch back to Yasmin to see if the month on another drug "tricked" my cycle back into following Yasmin (wishful thinking!). Sure enough, got my period two weeks in. Also got lots of bloating, constipation (never normally a problem for me), and moodiness/ depression. I've had "stomach issues" for years, and I've even had a colonoscopy with no real diagnosis. My abdomen is always tender to the touch. I never would've thought Yasmin could be a cause, but now I really wonder. Also, in the last couple weeks that I took Yasmin again, I noticed days where it felt hard to breathe, and I just blamed myself and my weight, figuring it was the few extra things I ate that made me bloat. But now reading other experiences, I realize how unusual my recent experiences are for me. Now I'm not sure what to do -- I don't think reclipsen is a good answer. I want to go off pills completely for a while, but I'm really afraid of weight gain (Yasmin is addictive that way -- I love how it's kept my water weight down and I've been afraid to go off of it). Fortunately, I haven't had the blood clotting (to my knowledge) or acne. But I do have overuse injuries that never seem to heal -- now I wonder how much those relate to Yasmin. I won't be taking it anymore!
June 20th
2008
5:06 PM
I have to agree...I have gained 5 pounds plus on Loestrin 24 since I started taking it in March. I am very petite...4'11" tall...and that amount of weight makes an enormous difference on my frame! Also I get cravings like a pregnant woman, and trust me I AM NOT PREGNANT! This week it was powered doughnuts and Cheez-It that I had to have. I never eat junk like that and get out of control with it. I did this time! I feel bloated a lot too, but nothing like some of you have mentioned. Just abdominal bloating, and it comes and goes.
My biggest complaint other than that is of vaginal dryness. I used to lubricate fine naturally. Now I have to use KY regularly during sex with my bf. It's annoying really...to have to stop what you're doing and put on lubricant.
I am doing my best to just deal with this stuff. I'm close to 40, and got on Loestrin cuz I was bleeding between my periods. Well that stopped, and I went from a 7-day to a 2-day period each month. LOVING THAT! I think 'm just going to try and stick it out. If I gain much more weight though I'm calling the doc!
-- By porky37 | Reply | Private Message me
February 20th
2008
11:06 PM
This is a total nightmare and i need advice! I was on Lamictal for a year and about six months into my health began to slowly deteriorate. It started with shortness of breath and heart palpitations and eventually attacked every system of my body. My symptoms are muscle pain, spasms and knots to the point that i can't turn my neck sometimes, joint pain (mostly knees), stabbing floating pain everywhere, headaches, frightening tingling in my extremities and a few times my entire body, sore throat, flu-like feelings, stomach cramps, bloating and heartburn. The list goes on. I have been off of it now for two weeks. My psychiatrist has never seen this type of reaction before and is not convinced it is the Lamictal. I have been to every single type of doctor and the ER twice, had extensive lab work, CT scan and two MRIs. I have been off Lamictal now for two weeks and am not feeling much relief. I am so scared and frustrated and please need advice. Has anyone else experienced this? Does it ever go away? I feel like I am literally living a nightmare with no-one to turn to for advice because no-one seems to know ANYTHING!!!!
-- By humphrsa23 | Reply | (13) replies | Private Message me
November 14th
2007
1:25 AM
I had the Mirena inserted two weeks ago. It was very painful when it was inserted and I also had a few cramps the same day. It was inserted while I was on my period and the bleeding stopped the next day. My husband and I had sex two days after it was inserted and the next day I started bleeding again only it wasnt blood. It was light brown dischage and i dont know what this is but it stopped after a few days. I really didnt think anything else about it until my husband and i had sex again a few days ago and it was so painful i started crying and we had to stop. The very next day I started having the same light brown discharge. This morning I started really bleeding blood and I dont know why this is. Is this normal?
-- By kathyk | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
May 3th
2007
8:33 AM
July 17th
2006
4:22 PM
Whoa, I see I'm not alone. I'm so sorry you are going through such horrible stuff, ladies. And although I would never wish these side effects on my worst enemy, it's comforting to know that I'm not alone. :-) (I know you know what I mean.)
And this confirms what I had been suspecting for months now - that Yasmin b/c pill I've been taking for over a year is the culprit!!
My side effects since taking Yasmin have been:
severe anxiety attacks
frayed nerves
mood swings / easily irritated
*extreme* upper abdominal bloating
weight gain
baaaad diarrhea
gas
nausea
loss of appetite (but bad cravings for junk at odd times)
vaginal dryness
decreased libido
I'm going off the pill as of TODAY.
-- By bookyeti | Reply | Private Message me
March 31th
2006
11:57 AM
My side effects are the "moonface",abdominal bloating, and excess swelling of the hands, legs and feet.
-- By jeanyt11 | Reply | Private Message me
February 17th
2006
6:20 AM
I've been on it for 3 weeks now for an allergic reaction to an antibiotic. It increased my appetite big time and now I've noticed what seems to be abdominal bloating, although according to the scale I haven't gained any weight. Tell that to my pants which no longer fit. I'm on my 4th day off and am hoping this goes away. Has this happened to anyone else?
-- By k_sacre | Reply | Private Message me
February 9th
2006
7:15 PM
I was started on Toprol XL 50 mg 3 weeks ago and am stopping it immediately. I have had 3 trips to the ER with shortness of breath and left sided chest pain. Other symptoms include a 10 pound weight gain, leg/feet swelling, difficulty swallowing, tremendous fatigue, headache, periods of feeling faint/lightheaded, extreme nausea and constipation with abdominal bloating. I have never felt so horrible in my life and will NEVER take this drug again.
-- By stacydar | Reply | Private Message me
August 18th
2005
12:32 AM
After reading the post by guest 12715, I did a search on symptoms of low potassium and this is what I found
Weakness, tiredness, or cramping in arm or leg muscles, sometimes severe enough to cause inability to move arms or legs due to weakness (much like a paralysis)
Tingling or numbness
Nausea or vomiting
Abdominal cramping, bloating
Constipation
Palpitations (feeling your heart beat irregularly)
Passing large amounts of urine or feeling very thirsty most of the time
Fainting due to low blood pressure
Abnormal psychological behavior (depression, psychosis, delirium), confusion, or seeing or hearing things (hallucinations)
Sounds like the list of symptoms some of us are experiencing.
Since Yasmin contains a diuretic and diuretics are a cause of low potassium this kind of makes sense. Might be worth getting it checked out. I have been off Yasmin for 6 weeks now and I'm still experiencing nausea, tiredness, abdominal bloating and thirst.
June 23th
2005
4:04 PM
Wow! This forum is really informative and scary!
I have tried numerous pills, Marvelon, Ortho Tri-Cyclin, Diane, Alese and all have caused the same symptoms: Depression, lack of energy, emotional outburts, 10-15 pound weight gain and abdominal bloating to the point where people would ask me if I was pregnant (and the rest of my body would look porportional).
Its been 4 years since I have been on and off the pill and now at the age of 26 I am beginning to notice a chance in my hormones which I put facial hair on my chin and sideburns!
Being in a new relationship my doctor has prescribed Yasmin as birth control to help with facial hair and contraception.
I haven't started and am now apprehensive...does anyone have any suggestions or similar experiences with hair growth/reduction?
-- By sasha | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
June 1th
2005
3:57 PM
HELLO Ladies!
I to WAS a Yasmin user, I have been off the pill 2 days, as my blood pressure was elevated.
I am so glad to read that I am not crazy! I am providing a list of my side effects:
1. Dizziness
2. Skin rash on hands/tops of thighs
3. Headache in back of head/neck
4. Night sweats
5. Calf cramps at night in bed
6. Feeling of impending doom, ie. ANXIETY!
7. Lack of sexual interest
8. Swollen ankles
I must say that I did not have abdominal bloating or a gas issue. My appetite was good and I did not experience any different food preferences.
I always have been a "high strung" person but this stuff makes every little thing seem like the end of the world!
My GYN wants me to follow up with her in months. I WILL NOT ever take Yasmin again nor recommed it. My GYN made it sound like a "wonder pill".
As I am 47 years old, I think I'll just "RIDE THE TIDE" on the menstrual stuff!
Good luck ladies!
-- By barnescontracting | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
April 20th
2004
8:35 AM
I have been taking Advair 500 twice a day for 19 days! I have gained 7 lbs (that I know about), heart rate of 115 beats a minute, hair loss, vision problems, getting up several times a night to go to the bathroom, abdominal bloating, sores in my mouth! I'm not using this anymore after reading the side effects noted on this web site!!! I was given Advair when I had severe bronchitis, pneumonia, and NOW a sinutis infection. I'm not sure the medications have not caused some of the problems.
-- By sgrubbs | Reply | Private Message me
March 15th
2004
6:13 PM
I experience insomnia, fatigue, snoring due to increased neck fat, moon face, painful abdominal bloating, 10 lb weight gain, increasing blurred vision, purple rash on stomach, thin skin and easy brusing,hair loss, facial hair growth, night and day sweating. I started to decrease prednisone 2 1/2 mgs. per week alternate days in early December. Everything was going well and I could see slow improvement in my condition until mid February. Since then I have had more weakness in my hands, arms legs, and increased blurred vision. Since I may have to be on a low? dose of prednisone for a long time I have some questions.
1. How low a dose is necessary for side effects to diminish?
2. Does all your hair fall out to necessitate a wig? When does it start to grow back.
3. Does the weight go back to normal without dieting? Does your shape go back to pre prednisone?
4. Will the weakness, control, and pre prednisone vision come back to allow normal functioning?
January 17th
2004
1:14 PM
Constipation, abdominal bloating and fullness (despite regular doses of probiotics), lethargy
-- By naldrich | Reply | Private Message me
November 26th
2003
4:57 PM
I am on seroquel as an "alternative" to other drugs while I am trying to get pregnant. I just found out this evening that Seroquel can make me anovulatory! Not only that, but I have mistaken breast enlargment and abdominal bloating for menstral/pregnancy signs. I have lost faith in my doctor, my body and in drugs all together. I am bipolar.
-- By wanttobemom | Reply | Private Message me
November 26th
2003
4:55 PM
I am a young bipolar woman with one child. I am trying to get pregnant again. My doctor prescribed Seroquel as a "safe alternative" to other drugs. Much to my dismay...I have done some personal research on the drug and found that it increases the hormone prolactin which can cause breast tissue enlargement, and causes menstral problems (makes it so I don't ovulate) I am so pissed off! I have lost faith in my doctor, drugs, and my body. The only help this drug has had in getting pregnant again is making my stomach look pregnant! Major abdominal bloating!
-- By wanttobemom | Reply | Private Message me
October 19th
2002
9:48 AM
I had severe abdominal bloating to the point that my physicians ordered a catscan of my abdomin. I couldnt even put on my pant's it looked like I was pregnant. I was taken off the avelox and the swelling went down in two days.
-- By aunttheenie | Reply | Private Message me
Yasmin (8) Mirena (5) PredniSONE (3) Seroquel (2) Advair HFA (2) Depakote (2) Doxycycline Hyclate (1) Loestrin 24 Fe (1) Toprol-XL (1) Avelox (1) Lamictal (1)
November 19th
2009
10:25 AM
I had my IUD removed November 12th after having it for two years. The removal was painless. Within twenty-four hours, the abdominal bloating was noticeably less and within a week, gone. I also noticed an increase in energy level and change in appetite. I am looking forward to getting rid of the gained weight over the past two years and getting back into the clothes I love. More importantly, I want to feel alive and attractive again. The only adverse effect of having the IUD removed was four days after removal, I had a very emotional, crying episode for the better part of the day. A minimal amount of vaginal discharge, similar to the start of a period, has been present for about six days. Otherwise, no problems. Also, my knees, hips and back are no longer hurting like they were. Don't hesitate to have it removed and don't let your doctor talk you out of it! It is your body and your right to make all decisions regarding your healthcare! Good luck to you all. Thank you for sharing your experiences. If you had not, I may have never put two and two together.
-- By pkc | Reply | Private Message me