Painful period symptoms and conditions

Last Night was my 8th day on the Loestrin, and this morning I put 2 and 2 together. I am 21 years old, I don't drink or smoke and have been on BC for the past 3 or so years. My first BC was Ortho and never had any problems with it at all it actually helped with my periods. Since I lost my insurance coverage from my parents, I told my doctor that I would like to continue BC usage at my last annual 2 weeks ago since it was 3 months of no BC and there was no period until that week, which I must say I have had cysts in the past and this was the worst painful period so far. He told me to go on Loestrin since It's the cheapest effective BC so I decided that was fine as long as effective was above the price! which he assured me. Well since I have taken Loestrin I have not had a decent night sleep! I lay there for hours and it will be 3-5am and then I will fall asleep with waking up every so often after that constantly until the alarm goes off. The lack of sleep, fatigue from, and I have noticed some extreme dips into depression with mood swings. I am afraid to continue based on just the lack of sleep. I don't need any other negative symptoms and I cant handle this much more longer. after the second night I told myself to take some sleeping pills because I cannot get into a bad habit and they did nothing! I did always take Ortho at night (no problems) SO I will try a week of taking them of a morning to see if there are any differences before I call it quits on this one, but if I don't see better sleep/or see different symptoms I wont like then this one is just not for me.

About 4 months ago, I decided it was time to try birth control for the first time. I am 23, and I'd been having terrible heavy periods, with cramps that were so bad I couldn't move or function at work. It felt like a little alien was trying to claw its way out of my uterus. I chose NuvaRing because I know I am terrible at remembering pills, and the doctor suggested this as an alternative to pills. The first 2 months on the ring, my period started and never stopped... for two months straight, every day. The third month it seemed to have leveled out, and my fourth month is going fine so far, as far as the period is going. I went from a 6-day heavy painful period to a 3-day light and easy period, which I love. I do not love, however, the other side effects.

The last month or two, I've been experiencing headaches almost every day, nausea, dizziness enough to where I have to steady myself, and some crazy roller-coaster emotions. The nausea I can deal with, as well as the dizziness (sometimes), because they only happen once in a while. The emotional roller-coaster I've been on is killing me though. I'm the kind of girl who normally shows emotions with crying - I can't help it. But lately, it's like anything and everything will set me off crying, and the more I try to stop myself, the more I cry. Then I hate myself for crying so much, especially when it makes my boyfriend cry to see me like that. Life has been good for me - not the best spot I want to be in right now (I hate my job and wonder whose life I'm living sometimes, because it sure as hell ain't the one I wanted), but lately it seems like everything is just horrible and I'm feeling so depressed and I just want to get out of here and leave it all behind, including the birth control. And to make things worse, it feels like my sex drive has just suddenly *poof* gone away. It makes me feel terrible and wonder what's wrong with me. What's wrong with me that I'm crying all the time (damn near everyday, now) and get depressed about my life more than ever before, and am suddenly never in the mood anymore?

I really wonder if the benefits of the ring are worth all those side effects I'm experiencing. Though, it seems with any birth control you run the risk of those side effects, so I guess I'm just at a loss as to what to do.

I had Implanon inserted on Feb. 08. I just had it removed about 1 month ago (Jun. 09). This was the WORST birth control experience i have EVER had. I gained over 60 lbs. over a year's time, I was eating less and working out normally, i still kept gaining weight. I would be on my period for months at at time, although i never had any cramps, i developed anemia. I was the worst person to be around, I was always irritated and had lots of trouble sleeping. Occasionally, I would have terrible muscle pains in both arms, felt like loss of circulation. I was always tired and very depressed. I hope anyone who is considering this birth control to reconsider other options. After i had it removed my body went haywire! My red blood cell counts spiked and developed shingles(I am only 22)! Not only that i had the MOST painful period of my life, cramps so bad i had to be put on pain meds! My body is finally getting back to normal, and I feel like a whole new person!!!!!

I started the pill two days ago because I don't get periods but maybe 2-3 times a year, and my gyno is trying to take care of my cysts. I've tried Yaz, but I had an allergic reaction to it (a rash all over my body), and I've tried NuvaRing, which, after I removed, gave me the most painful period I've ever had. I'm currently being tested for polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis, and probably ovarian cancer.

So far I haven't been able to sleep, I've been having crazy hot flashes, and my ovarian pain is more severe than ever (left side, I have a 2cm cyst). I've had headaches as well, but I'm not sure if they're because of this pill. I'm hoping that these symptoms will dissipate in a few months, but if they get worse, I'll probably stop taking it.

I am 26 years old and I was diagnosed with endometriosis last year (2008). I had pain in my lower abdomen for years and doctors always told me nothing was wrong but I knew there was. Finally a doctor did an ultrasound and found a 7cm mass on my left ovary. I also had a slightly smaller mass on my right ovary. My doctor told me that he would need to do a lap to remove the masses and possibly remove my left ovary because he could hardly see any ovarian tissue on the ultrasound. Thank goodness when he did the lap I was able to keep but ovary but he told me that I had one of the worst cases of endo he had seen. My right ovary was stuck to the wall of my abdomen due to the endo and I even had endo on my bowel. He removed what he could but not all of it was removable. He suggested that I go on Lupron for 6 months to "shrink" the rest of the endo. I have been on Lupron for 3 months. I just went and got my second 3 month injection. I have had some side effects such as Headaches, Bone pain, Hot Flashes, Insomnia, Drowsiness, Increased appetite and major Mood Swings. All of which come and go. I try to stay active but I don't over do it. It seems to help with the joint pain. Most of my side effects were in the first 2 months of getting the injections. I am told all the time that everyone reacts differently to Lupron and there is a pill you can take to reduce the side effects of Lupron but it does reduce the effects of the Lupron so my doctor suggested that I not take it unless the side effects were unbearable. I don't remember what it is called but if you are one of those people having major side effects ask your doctor.

Hello all, and may I begin by saying how horrible all of this must have been for everyone of you. I personally have only had side effects that were undesirable after the removal of my first IUD. I had gotten P.I.D. on a camping trip when my Mirena was about three years old. The MD had me on antibiotics for approximately a month, and still the infection returned, so I opted to simply have it out. My period returned in less than two weeks, the heaviest most ragingly painful period I can ever remember having. This resolved by itself over the next month. However for the first time ever, I began experiencing unbelievably bad PMS. Like, PMS with fangs and hand grenades. I had never had such drastic symptoms. This continued every month despite taking YAZ,(approved for PMDD) until I got pregnant again nearly a year after removal of the Mirena. Of course the symptoms went away during pregnancy, no cycle and all. After the baby was born I went for another Mirena and am having no problems, just as before. In fact, this is the only B.C. that I have ever used that does not affect my moods, feelings, sex drive, or weight. I Have no periods, and virtually no cycle as a result, so all things hormonal are drastically decreased. I am writing this to reassure you all that this was the last method of B.C. that I tried over a fifteen year period, and had the LEAST bothersome side effects. The truth is it all will have side effects, and some things don't work for everyone. Don't give up, and try not to decide it's the devil, your body changes completely after every pregnancy, and simply from one life stage to the next. Good luck on your next method, and I hope you all feel better!

The first two months I was on NuvaRing, I thought it was the best thing on earth. Unlike previous attempts with various HBC, my breasts didn't hurt and I didn't seem to gain weight. It also steadied my out-of-control PMS symptoms and made my period lighter and my cramps disappear. Those are definitely on the PRO side of things. Shortly after starting NR, I met a new boyfriend and after both being tested for STDs, we decided to ditch condoms. Woo-hoo! At first, we had great sex and I had no problem having orgasms. But as time progressed, I became extremely dry down there and developed constant yeast infections. Plus frequent low-grade headaches (sometimes escalating to migraine-like headaches), night sweats, itchiness, insomnia, and exhaustion. Now I find it extremely difficult to get physically aroused (before, a 30-second sex scene in a movie could get me off) and nearly impossible to orgasm. I have very little interest in sex, either, which sucks because I am finally in love with the most amazing man. I have told him time and again that its the NuvaRing, and he says he believe me, but I can tell he thinks it's him. So, we've decided to give condoms another try. I took out the NuvaRing. I guess I'd rather have nasty PMS and a painful period than lose intimacy and sexual pleasure. Just curious: Has anyone used the copper IUD (non-hormonal) or a diaphragm with any success? Thanks and good luck.

My experience with Yasmin was very similar to the one posted by "vpompon19" on October 26th 2007.

I took Yasmin for only a month. The day after I started, I had those symptoms:

- Nausea that last day and night
- Complete loss of appetite.
- Extreme fatigue
- Sleeping over 8 hours and still feeling tired
- Brain fog - inability to concentrate on anything
- Irritability
- Hypersensibility - I would cry for nothing...
- Feeling extremely nervous and nauseous when I had only half a green tea!
- Heartburn (I suffer from acid reflux but it was almost gone until I started Yasmin)
- Depression

When i stopped, I had the most painful period I've had for at least 8 years.
Plus I immediately started an urinary tract infection (which I never had before).

Two weeks later I experienced unbearable back pain. The doctor told me I had a herniated disk but I didn't force or had any trauma so I was sceptical. It turned out to be mononucleosis!

So thank you not Yasmin for having wasting at least 2 months of my life (so far), not mentioning the fear I had a more serious disease... No more birth control pill for me ever. I took another brand (Marvelon) for 7 years, then I stopped one year and my Irritable Bowel Syndrome disappeared. But my acne came back (even though I took Accutane when I was 15 - which I'm sure is the cause of my uncontrollable acid reflux).

I found out there are natural, safer and cheaper contraceptive methods. Don't wait until your doctor or the education system tell you about them because you'll be dead already.

M.

Hi, I did remove my Mirena last friday..I am pleased to do it, although of course not effects on it had happened yet. However, as many of you, I've lost a lot of hair, had facial acne and worse, I 've had serious depressions since I put mirena on me. I also got a infection on my bum, with no explanations from doctors, but one mention it could be your mirena...looking in this website, I am convinced that could be the reason for all my current troubles. I hope everything chance for good, better a heavy painful period rather than a mad life as many of you described...without mention loss of libido a marriage troubles!!! thanks.

I researched Mirena extensively prior to getting it a month ago. My doctor recommended it because I have Poly-Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). Which can cause depression, abdominal cramps due to ovarian cysts, months without periods only to have a long period, weight gain especially in the mid section, hair loss on the head, extra hair everywhere else and difficulty getting pregnant. I had just had a period that lasted over 2 weeks.

The day I got the IUD fitted, the lining of my uterus was already thin. I spotted for 2 days and it was over. The pain was like nothing I had ever experienced. I have never had children, but my fiance and I want to hold off on having kids for a while. This month, I have noticed that my breasts are tender and my fiance noticed that they are bigger.

I already have issues with weight and after reading the blogs before I decided that I would join Weight Watchers. Because I'm keeping track of my food intake, I have lost weight, but I've noticed that my chocolate cravings are more frequent and more severe. I also decided that exercise would be in order. The first week, before I added the exercise, I didn't have a sex drive. Since I've been hitting the pavement running, I have been stressing my fiance out! I believe the exercise also helps with the mood swings and depression.

I know that I still have the ovarian cysts because I have the abdominal pains. Many women complain about this, but for women with PCOS, it's a way of life.

I came on to blog about my short experience with Mirena because it's been a month and I got my first Mirena period today. It feels like a normal, crampy, bloated, painful period. I just hope that it will be over soon.

I was prescribed 7 days 750mg of Levaquin on 9/10 and finished 9/16. I was originally diagnosed with bronchitis but went back to the Dr. yesterday cause I was not doing any better and he now says it's viral. I've gone to the hospital because I passed out on 9/13 and continue to faint at least once a day. I have tingling/numbness in my hands, ankles, toes, my knees hurt, my lower back is in a lot of pain, almost to where it is not tolerable, I'm dehydrated (I'm drinking and eating, just not as much) it is extremely painful to eat, my tongue and my gums hurt terribly. Last night I had a horrible dream (I don't dream usually, not nightmares) and today I started to hallucinate (mildly) A week ago I was functioning normally, a mother of 3, playing with my kids and now I can hardly walk without assistance, I can't go to work, I'm in constant pain. Someone please give me some kind of guidance. Will these feelings ever go away? What should I do? Thank you!!!!

wow after reading your posts i feel much better!!! i thought i was losing my mind...i have terrible periods, full seven days terrible painful cramps, just periods from hell come to find out i have endometriosis and an ovary thats stuck to the vaginal wall my doctor put me on loestrin 24 and its been the pill from hell im constantly bleeding on and off, my right leg goes numb, i had healthy clear skin and now its really dry with fine bumps, my mood swings are crazy im happy then i want to cry, depressed most definitely, constant headaches and nausea after taking it and this is only my first month taking it, i also noticed that im always cold!!! i would rather put up with my painful period then this crap

I am wondering how old is everyone, I am 36, is possibly an age group issue? I began using the ring September 10, 2007 problems began almost immediately moodiness, depression, and sleepless nights, and that is just the beginning. I spotted for the first month with occasional heavier bleeding, on November 8 that all changed, from spotting to very heavy bleeding, today is January 3 and I am still bleeding the doctors can't tell me why or make it stop, even after a brief hospital stay. Extreme cramps it was worse than being in labor with my daughter, and passing something that appeared to be fleshy. I discontinued the ring almost a week ago and am hoping that things will start returning to normal soon.

I just started the 3rd packet…. Do not know what to think really …
Firstly I start take Jasmin because I was constantly spotting and early painful period. My gynaecology recommended me to take Jasmin for 3 month without break so I did. Thanks!! I have now been spotting more than before (brown discharges) for the past two month and now for the past 4 day I am bleeding???? What is going on?? My sex life is going down hill… migraine and head hake for a weeks …. I feel very tired. But thanks I have bigger bubby but my legs water retention is not flattering. I am so tired of all of this.

Silke, Foggyhead,
Yes, believe me, I am MUCH better than I was just 6 months ago. I was in and out of the emergency room (that didn't help either...they didn't know what to do with me). I took Estrostep for a year and then switched to Yasmin for two months....then almost died (or so I felt!) My doctor NEVER told me to stop the Yasmin. A hospital pharmacist rescued me, and then later I found this site....how could I have been so stupid and trusting? If I had just looked up the pill, I would have seen all of this. I NEVER had ANY problems before. I am 28 years old and have been post Yasmin 15 months. After I stopped the pill, I slowly got a tiny bit better every month. In the past 3 months, my period has become very regular, but different. It only lasts 2 very heavy days (used to last about a week), then some very scant spotting. I did not use ANY pain medication during this last period (perhaps the exercise helps)!!! My period was good this time, but the anxiety started on day 4 of my cycle and has increased until now (day 9). The anxiety (vision problems, hunger, vomiting, weakness, minor head pain/stuffiness) seems to start right when my period abruptly stops. I used to have just about EVERY side effect mentioned on this site, but most of them have now gone!!! I still have my meltdowns, and believe I am going to die again, but they are much fewer and I have not run to the emergency room for about 6 months. And I will say they did nothing to help me anyway except confirm "nothing was wrong". My husband helps to keep me positive, and I force myself to stay busy. If I am too weak to get up and move, I try to keep busy sewing, talking to someone about SOMETHING ELSE, reading, or just praying I will survive all this......and I have.

Silke,
My sister took acne medication with some kind of Yasmin mix.... she has been off of that for about 2 years (she is 22). She has a very painful period (although not enough to keep her out of work) about every 6 months. The doctors think she may have a cyst caused by the Yasmin, but are not too worried as it should go away on it's own....at least she is having a period every 6 months.
Virginia

I am extremely surprised by the high number of complaints I've been reading about Yasmin. I decided to go on this specific pill after growing sick of my PMDD. PMDD was effecting my overall mood (98% jovial and happy) and my relationships. I heard Yasmin was supposed to balance all of that out, not to mention assist in regulating my lengthy and painful period. I've been on it for a month and so far I've only experienced two hot flashes, a few headaches and your usual nausea in the morning. But my doctor also warned me of these side effects. They're supposed to last three months at the most because your body is getting used to Yasmin's effects. My first period on the pill was lighter than normal, so I was pleased.

I'm also on Zoloft, so I'm wondering if my body is used to that and Ritalin (for the ADD), so there's a different kind of balance? Not entirely sure. I know everyone is different when it comes to reacting to certain pills, etc., however I was not prepared to hear of the complaints I've read thus far. There seems to be more bad comments than good. Should I be worried? I don't know. I just know that I'd like my cramps and headaches to be miminal and the arguments with my boyfriend to be less frequent. My period shouldn't have to affect my life in such a large degree. I thought Yasmin would help. So far so good.

Good luck!

I have been on it for over one month. I have never had such a painful period in my life. I have not been able to keep food down, and it feels like I have morning sickness every day until about 5pm. I thought it was supposed to be gentle? But I have never had luck with any pill. Not to mention it dried up my milk so I cannot nurse anymore. I regret starting this pill.

My doctor prescribed Yasmin to me to help with the extremely painful periods I get. I had my 1st pill of Yasmin last night. I wish I had come across this website before taking the pill. I've developed Nausea, heartburn. My throat is burning. I'm STOPPING this crappy BCP right now. My only fear is that I might get another instance of painful period for stopping the pill mid way. Does any one know how long it takes to come back to normal if you only took 1 pill?