Periods symptoms and conditions

I have had all three of my Gardasil shots, starting in September 2007, November 2007 and then February 2008. I felt slightly ill after each one, came down with what felt like the flu but went away after a couple of days. My periods changed completely however. I'm 24 and have regular, monthly menstruation since I was 10, without a change in flow or length of the period. Since taking the vaccination, I had terrible cramps, delayed periods, and very heavy flow for the six months and a few months after that. Since then, my period has become very light and irregular and I have started growing abnormally dark facial hair as well increased hair growth overall (hirsutism). My skin has become very thin and breaks and bruises easily, and I have developed adult acne which I never had as a teenager. I don't have PCOS so I'm not sure if the two are linked, but nothing else has changed in my lifestyle over the past year so please do let me know if you have experienced anything similar.

i want to start off with IM SOOOOO GLAD I FOUND THIS SITE!!!

i though.. well i wasn't actually sure what to think.. i got my mirena at the end of January 2008.. at first things were going good... yes my periods got longer.. 3 times longer then normal actually.. i wasn't too worried because the OB said that might happen at first. then slowly i started loosing my sex drive ( im only 25 that really shouldn't happen) started getting achy, especially in my joints, so i started drinking more water. then my clothes started getting tighter.. i cut out soda all together and started watching what i eat more closely..i have also had some pretty bad anexity attacks lately.. which i never had before i got this thing.. i dint know what to do i though i was going crazy.. i talked to my doctors and basically got nothing out of that.. im now in my 6th month of having mirena and i have gained almost 30 pounds!!!! yes i have been hungry all the time but i either restrain myself fream eating altogether or eat healthy snacks.. i exercise daily and still am unable to lose any weight.. the numbers on the scale just keep creeping up and up.. im am moody and easily worn out.. i have no energy at all.. which isnt good with a 3 year old that has more energy then the sun.. i had no idea that mirena could cause any of these symptoms.. but the more i have been reading about it and the more site like these i find, the more i realize that the most likely culprut of losing myself is mirena.. i have decided that on Monday im calling my OB and demanding she remove it!! i want my old self back again.. i wasn't perfect but at least ill be me.. thank you all for sharing your experiences, you made a world of difference!!!!

I just started my 3rd pack of Aviane. One of the reasons I started taking birth control was to lighten up my period due to anemia. Well, so far its only made my periods worse. The first pack i had breakthrough bleeding for almost 2 weeks. It was heavy, the cramps were worse, felt sick, and worse depression/anxiety. I went to the doctor and he said this was "normal" and that I should continue the pill. During the second pack I bled for over a week and it was heavier, bad cramps and a headache for a week. Not to mention my "period" never came during the placebo pills but I know it can take time to regulate. I just started my 3rd pack of pill and I'm not feeling well. Just nauseous, sick and depressed again. Just last week when I was on the placebo pill I felt just fine and now i've started Aviane again and i feel horrible. All I know is that if bleed irregular/heavy this month again, i'm either going to go off this horrible stuff or go to the doctor to find a new birth control that doesn't make me feel sick and depressed all the time!

Severe FATIGUE... I cannot explain enough how fatigued I am while on Orthocept. I classify it as a mix of depression too. This is awful and yet my doctor keeps telling me to 'tough it out for another month'. I have lost 5lbs this month and am always sick to my stomach. I have the weirdest forehead and eyeball pain/headaches. My legs also broke out in an itchy rash during the end of the first week and the red bumps are still here. It is just awful, people. I feel like my whole body is falling apart. I'm only taking this because my periods are excruciating. I'd rather go through the pain for 2 to 3 days than all of this for months.

I am getting my MIUD removed next Firday after 5 years use. I assumed many side effects that I have had were due to my Fybromyalgia condition that I have had for 12 years. I have been treated appropriately by my Doctor. I also have degenerative disk in lower back that keeps me in constant pain. I have gained 20 lbs. over the 5 years and assumed that to be do to getting older, I am now 42.

I was going to have a new MIUD put in but I decided to give removal a possible shot at hopefully relieving me of some of these symptoms. I really have had no known issues with the MIUD and had regular light 5 day periods the entire 5 years.

I am anxious about what I have read and hope that there will be some positive post MIUD removal stories for myself and others. Meanwhile I will take my vitamins, exercise, and hope for the best.

Take causation when assuming that your symptoms may all be due to the MIUD as many symptoms copy other disorders. When in doubt take it out may apply here.

Hi all. I've been on Loestrin 24 for 5 months. I had some initial spotting - about two weeks into the first pack, but since then my periods have been regular and very short. I haven't experienced the mood swings, emotional stuff, nausea, etc. that many of you have described. I have gained some weight though. As in, 8 pounds. I haven't really changed my diet and my exercise level has decreased minimally. Anyone else experienced this? My md is actually writing a prescription for a generic version since my idiot insurance won't cover Loestrin. For those of you with negative side effects, hope you get to feeling better.

i absolutely hate this pill. i have only been on it for a couple of days and i feel like im going to die! my breasts are not tender but i constantly have headaches, diarrhea and vomit all the time. I hate it but then again im not gonna say its the worst pill bc its the first time i am on birth control. i don't know if i should keep taking it or just stop. also, im a little confused on how to take the pill bc my doctor just handed it to me without telling me ANYTHING about it even when i told him i have never been on any kind of pill before. he was dumb. if anyone can please explain to me how to take them i would really appreciate it. i am just nervous that my period wont come once i get to the brown pill and what if i take all the brown pills and it doesn't come? what do i do? start a new pack? im sorry if i sound dumb but my doctor shouldve told me everything about this pill before he prescribed it to me.

I started taking Trivora in June, 2008. I had to stop taking it after 2-1/2 weeks because I was extremely hungry, tired and was had gained 5 to 7lbs during the 2.5 weeks (same systems as if you were really pregnant). The only very nice thing about Trivora was that my boobs looked great!!! I am a b-cup and it went up to a full "C". Of'course that was probably due to the weight/water gain. I didn't feel good at all. I have never taken this type of birth control pill. I took it because it was an alternative to the name brand birth control pills that I normally take. I made a bad decision in getting these pill because I was saving money. I am not sexually active but, I wanted my periods to be regulated. Boy... I should have never made the decision to switch my name brand. On another positive note... my period for the month of June was very light, painless and short. However... my period for the month of July... still has not arrived. It feels like I am going to start but, I never do. Keep in mind... I am not sexually active... and I have never, ever missed a period aside from my two children that are 17 and 12 years old. I know that the Trivora pill has caused a side effect that I was not expecting. Since taking the pill I have gained approx. 10lbs in one month. Feeling bloated all the time because my period still has not started is something that no one wants. Yes... I feel depressed, stomach pains, nausea and I have frequents headaches. I would not recommend this pill to anyone. Hopefully my period will start so I can feel normal and not retaining water and have a constant bloating feeling.

If you are just starting BC,

YOU MUST GIVE IT AT LEAST THREE MONTHS TIME.

BC is a medication. It's a man-made drug. Of course you will have side-effects and probably bad ones while you are just starting it. I really can't say that enough.

When I started Loestrin 24 Fe, it was my first time on BC and I had all the terrible side effects previous posters have had, especially breast tenderness. I had to wear a sports bra at all times, it hurt that badly!

But after that three month mark, everything improved. I stopped retaining water, and actually LOST weight. This pill has helped to regulate my appetite. My acne that I'd had for 7 years disappeared. My periods stopped being weeks long and now last only 3 days at most.

So, until we can create a BC Pill/Injection for men (wouldn't that be more practical anyway to begin with? Get someone on this right away!), we ladies have to endure Short-term side effects associated with the Pill.

I got the Mirena in Jan 2008. My periods were lasting 2 weeks long (light) every 2 weeks. I had EXTREME fatigue and actually had to go in to take a pregnancy test because my last period came late and I had ALL the effects of pregnancy (had 1 in 2006). I had nausea so bad I actually had to miss work because I felt the urge to be sick, but I couldn't get sick. I had it removed on July 7th, 2008 and felt a difference as soon as I left my doctors office, but now I'm faced with another dilemma. I may be pregnant again! My period never came after I had it removed and have the feeling of being pregnant. My doctor finally told me that my body thought it was pregnant and is going through the motions. I have to wait 2 weeks before I will know if I am or not! I NEVER SHOULD HAVE GOTTEN THE MIRENA AND DO NOT RECOMMEND ANYONE ELSE DOES EITHER! I have a hard time remembering to take a pill everyday, but that is much better than the side effects of this thing. I agree with a previous posting, IT IS EVIL!!!!

My wife had Mirena inserted last year around May. Side effects were similar to those detailed here. Non-existent libido. Acne. Consistent with other's reports of joint pain, my wife experienced symptoms that were diagnosed and treated as Lyme disease. At the time we wondered how it could be Lyme disease when the doctor reported that several tests for Lyme disease came back negative. Now we wonder if the joint pain was actually the Mirena.

After reading the comments on this site, we had the Mirena removed in late May, despite a skeptical doctor. A week of uncomfortable heavy period, but not to bad. My wife's libido has returned, her face has cleared up, and I've gotten a vasectomy.

best wishes, Jim in VA

Sickingly heavy, clotty periods. EWW!

Ive been on this for a little while..so far its ok! I got on here to check for a cheaper BC and I found this site and figured id read up..i Dont have many of these symptoms. Ive always had weird periods..so that doesn't bother me. My doctor advised me that it takes 3 to 4 months for our bodies to adjust..so you will bleed, and you will be emotional..and most likely be sick! I was on Depo for 7 months..and gained so much and never had a period..this BC hasn't made me gain anymore..Now that im past the break in..getting my body used to it..its not to bad..i think these ladies just need to give it time..your feeding yourself hormones...your bodies arnt used to the high levels...just give it time and it will work..if all else fails..USE A CONDOM!

I was on this for 4 months, i didn't like it. I had longer periods that were just as painful as before i got on BC, and had periods that would make me not even able to move without sharp pains, these cramps were not like that but the same amount of pain. I also was very very dry and unable to hardly eat anything without having nausea....

Well I do have the Mirena. It's been 4 years now. I've hated it since day one. I know I should just get it taken out. I really need to. My periods have never went away. The first year I would bleed 3 months then maybe have 2 months off and so on. It was soo annoying. Now I do have them monthly and they are light but I cramp more now then I ever have. I really didn't have side effects in the beginning. I have them now. I never thought it could be the mirena till I came on here. I'm always dizzy, have headaches, nausea, cramping, anxiety, gain some weight, depression, no energy, ance (never had that before), etc. Ya, even my doctor never told me these things and the brochure never said anything like that either. I would never suggest Mirena to anyone.

I have been taking BCP since I was 18. I started w/ Aleese, Yasmin, Orthotrycyclin-Lo, Ortho Evra and the last being Loestrin24Fe. The sad part is that I can't remember what/if any side effects I had while taking those prior to Loestrin24Fe. Unfortunately for me, I have managed to gain 30lbs in the last 5yrs and I cannot seem to get rid of it. Of course the gyno said it wouldn't have been the BCP, but I would like to believe I didn't make myself a fat ass. I was taking Loestrin24Fe for 2 years and can't say I noticed too big of a change while taking it other than the periods being shorter, but they were still very heavy. But my acne has started to get worse the past year. In May I went to the doctor for my migraine's and skin/hair (too oily). After running blood tests it showed my thyroid was pretty low and had room for improvement. I was prescribed Maxalt for my migraine's and 30mg of Armour (thyroid medicine). I went back at the end of June and we upped the Armour to 60mg because I haven't noticed a difference since taking it. She also suggested I switch my BCP to Yasmin as it's been known to help with acne problems. Today was my 2nd day on Yasmin....and obviously it's too soon to notice if/what side effects will bother me. I just wonder if maybe I should take a break from BCP all together and allow my body a chance to breathe. I really hate the thought of having that longer period again but I'm going to have it with Yasmin anyway unless I choose to start a new pack early every month (to keep same schedule as Loestrin24Fe). Advice would be helpful :)

OK.. I haven't seen my problem here so here goes. I had the Mirena inserted 3 months ago because of uncontrollable bleeding. My periods were so heavy I soaked the bed at night. The doctor suggested this or freezing the cervix and because the oblation was actual surgery in the hospital I chose Mirena.I am beginning to wonder if this was a mistake. The first month was great. I barely had a period (even though what I did had lasted a week) I was thrilled. I could handle that. Well, less than 3 weeks later I got it again. It would be light for 3 0r 4 days and then the floods started. Right threw my pad, pants everything.This would happen twice and it was gone. 2 1/2 weeks later I had it again. Same thing a few very light days and BAM!!! 3 weeks later it happened again which was July 3rd. I was at work and soaked threw my pants on the seat of the company car. I was so embarrassed. The weekend I was fine. Monday the 7th I went for my 3 month check (vaginal ultrasound) and told the doctor what was happening and he told me it takes 6 months to completely work and the "floods" were ok. Well I went back to work today and was fine all day. I lift heavy mail trays at work and this afternoon it happened again.Yes, on the seat of the company car. BLUCH! I am beginning to wonder if it has something to do with heavy lifting? I searched "Mirena" and "Mirena heavy lifting" and couldn't find anyone with this problem. I don't get headaches, cramps, acne or anything that I used to get since the insertion but I almost feel like I am worse now than before. I am going to talk to my Family doctor this week and see what she thinks? Any suggestions will help...Anyone go through what I have?? Thanks for listening...I am bummed this doesn't seem to be working.....

I've been on Loestrin 24 Fe for about a year, my periods were never only 3 days and they were barely periods. They were very weird and painful!

I became a royal bitch and my skin was ok but I have always had great skin so when I got a blemish or two I felt that it was because of the pill. To top it all off I gained weight on it so I started restricting my diet and working out harder. My weight didn't go down at all, but I didn't gain. As soon as I stopped taking the pill my working out and eating little helped me dropped 5 pounds (it has been 2 weeks). I'm thinking the pill didn't allow me to lose weight.

I also had a diminished libido which sucks because I like sex. It was only the last week on hormones, I was crazy for sex but only then.

I decided to get off the pill because I was hating myself on it and now I see the beginning of bad acne. I haven't had my first period off the pill yet but I have a feeling it won't be pleasant.

I've been on the nuvaring for about a year now. I had been on the Nuvraring from November of 06 thru May of 07. When I broke up with my boyfriend, I stopped using it (giving my body a break) from May until August when I started seeing somebody seriously enough to consider having sex again. I love the ring because it just has to be inserted once a month (although I HATE the feeling I get taking it out...). My periods take almost 4 days to start once the ring is out and then it lasts for about 5 days. The cramps during the first day or two are almost unbearable, but the periods are light. SOOOO many pros and cons.

I have gained back the break up weight and then some. I was blaming it on being in the "comfy relationship" status where you eat out a lot and blah blah blah... my boyfriend and I started working out together and he was dropping pounds like it was his job and meanwhile I was working out with no results. I'm a solid 10lbs heavier than my normal "I'm not working out" weight. My breasts were always a full C now I'm a small D. The week before I take out my ring I'm ready to kill my boyfriend for not cleaning out the litter box or for leaving me dishes to wash when he's been home... normal things that I'd just make a comment about and move on become HUGE events (for example: eating my leftover burrito= WWIII).

I was on the pill (can't even remember the name) and spotted all the time. I found it hard to take it at the same time... and I spent more time not having sex because I was always bleeding. I'm only 24 so I won't use the "I'm not as young as I used to be" excuse.... I wish there was a way to prove it is the ring causing me to gain weight without having to stop using the ring,. I really don't feel like messing up my cycle only to find out I'm just chunky now-- nothing to do with the ring.

My experience with Mirena has been wonderful. I have had it in since May of 2006. I have stopped having periods about 5 months ago. I get no pimples, I have no abdominal pain, no breast pain. I would recommend Mirena to anyone who cannot remember to take the pill and are unsure if they want more children. I do go through depression every month for about 2 days though which I hate but can deal with. Hope all goes well for the other ladies.

My experience with Yasmin was decreased aggression, mood stability and increased breast size. when I stopped taking the drug, I had an increase in aggression, less fatigue and no weight loss.

My T-3 levels are fine. My blood work is fine. Not many headaches. My mood became more depressed when I stopped taking Yasmin.

Not sure if I am suited to take the drug. So, I am starting Yasmin again to see if I notice side-effects. My estrogen levels were low prior to starting Yasmin the first time. So, I am wondering if my testosterone is a bit too high, and if Yasmin levels me out so to speak.

I think those with normal estrogen levels, prior to taking Yasmin, are badly affected by Yasmin. I wonder if those of us, with lower natural estrogen levels are as badly affected by Yasmin.

Will let this site know in a few months.

ALSO get this pill from Canada - ******
It costs $22 and it is the exact same packaging, etc.

Hope this helps

I've been on Celexa for a few years now. I have very mixed feelings about the drug. I experience bouts of dizziness, brief periods of blurred vision, a tendency to fog out, I'm tired more often than I should be. I have a feeling of being numbed. However before celexa I had terrible insomnia, to the point where couldn't work. Tears were pretty much a daily experience. I've had a lot of therapy in the last couple of years or so and I think it's time to start weaning myself of the drug and see if I can face life without it. Stay tuned...

I am 31 and I have been on YAZ for a month now. My two friends have been on it for two months and suffered nausea and that was it. They love this BC!! I have not taken BC for two years but with my history of ovarian cancer (diagnosed at 24, been cancer-free for seven years!!) and my horrible periods I decided to get back on something. My oncologist put me on YAZ once I told him how the first day of my period keeps me home from work or I miss out on social activities due to the awful cramps. The only side effects I have experienced are being on my period for a month and bloating. The period is light but I still have to wear a tampon non-stop and that is not so good for the old sex life with my husband. I have never been pregnant, but I feel like I am with the stupid bloating I am having. I am going to give it another two weeks if nothing has changed I am quitting. Good Luck to everyone!!!

I had Mirena put in five days ago. I have had cramping off and on. I finally did a complete workout on my pilates reformer and did just fine. I have yet to see what having sex with my husband is like with this thing in me. I am a little scared about pain. I do feel bloated. I will keep everyone up to date on how I am doing. I sure wish I had come across this website before I decided to put this in.

I'm 2 rows into my 2nd pack of Yaz. It's my first birth control and was told by my doctor to give it a try a couple months and let my body try to adjust. Toward the end of the first month I got very moody, much unlike myself, annoyed with small things, and really upset my boyfriend and snapped at him unjustly. Off the pill, I had max 3 day periods, my first one on Yaz started the morning after my last pink pill of the month and lasted 7 days steady. My mood was the worst toward the end of that, and I was crying over things I normally wouldn't tear up about. Now, 2 weeks into the 2nd month, I'm cramping up already & have a noticeable lack of libido. I am thinking about switching, but feel like 3 months would be appropriate to try to adjust. Nice to know I'm not the only one with these symptoms. It's also nice to know it could be much worse, for example, I've never had a migraine, and haven't noticed any additional headaches since I started. Just hoping I adjust soon, because I'd hate to change and go through another readjusting phase.