April 23th
2009
1:50 AM
I'm a 45 y/o female with PCOS, T2 Diabetes, IR, and a history of infertility. Back before I knew I had PCOS, I was prescribed clomid,and was finally able to get pregnant. Anyway, after my 3 girls were born ( the last 2 were twins), I went on Nuvaring. LOVE It. I have none of the symptoms anyone else here describes. It keeps me regular, and helps me avoid perimenopause hot flashes and sweats. Once I tried experimenting with going off of the nuvaring (so that I could use supplemental progesterone cream), and I gained weight!! Like, 18 POUNDS! My periods stopped and I was a mess. My endo had me go back on the nuvaring, and I resumed normal periods, and life. But now, I am being asked to give it up again, because it was noted during a recent colposcopy (exam with a magnifying scope as part of a follow up to an abnormal pap), that I have vaginal inflammation. I was told to go off the nuvaring. Well, I didn't even know I had vaginal inflammation. Now I'm off the ring, and .... guess what? My weight is going UP again. Has anyone else experienced weight GAIN with DISCONTINUATION of their NuvaRing? It was explained to me that since I have PCOS, the nuvaring might have helped to keep my weight down as it was suppressing my excess testosterone. GADS! What to do?
-- By whatagrl | Reply | (3) replies | Private Message me
March 18th
2009
10:58 PM
I was put on Loestrin 24 FE because I was bleeding for over a month. The doctor did a D&C and I bled for another week. I was going to go on a progesterone cream but couldn't find one, so when I went back to the dr a week later we decided to try this pill. The nurse told me 99% of the women who go on it love it because they don't get a period or they only have a slight one. Needless to say, I was excited. I took the pill and within 12 hours I stopped bleeding and my emotions were stabilized. After 2-1/2 weeks on the pill, I started to spot then had a light flow until I started the brown pills on Sunday and got a real period. Tomorrow I start the 2nd pack but I am going to see if this bleeding stops by Friday and if not I am going to make an appt with my gyn to discuss a change of plan. I know it takes time for your body to adjust to a new pill, and my body is going through pre-menopause, but if I am put on a pill to stop the bleeding and I continue to bleed, that tells me the pill is not working for me. I have had headaches and tiredness this month, but my energy seems to be returning and the headaches aren't that much of a bother....yet. On the good side, my emotions are still stabilized and I am not snapping anyone's head off as I was for the past 8 months. That has been a plus with this pill.
-- By cmona82 | Reply | Private Message me
September 9th
2008
4:16 PM
I posted a couple weeks ago that I was not having any side effects other than severe depression. I have more to report. I developed such terrible acid refluxe, that I literally could not EAT. If I ate lunch, I would not be able to eat dinner as the acid was literally coming up my throat, continuously and NOTHING I took helped.
The only good thing i noticed was I had more lubrication (I had none before) and it upped my libido some. You have to understand that I am pre-menopausal though so my hormones were very low to begin with.
I have done much research on this, since I was on Loesterin before this and did not have the depression, I wondered what the difference in the pills was.
Loestrin has more progesterone and a little less estrogen. Fem Con has a little more estrogen but LESS progesterone than loestrin.Ok, so if we're ALL going skitzo nuts on Fem con, maybe it's because there is not enough progesterone to balance it out? That would also explain the weight gain. Too much estrogen vs too little progesterone. I am going to try some progesterone cream at night to see if that helps. I don't know why they put only .4 mg of progesterone in a pill that has more estrogen when loestrin had 1 mg.
We'll see what happens.
-- By tresakeys | Reply | Private Message me
September 3th
2008
3:56 PM
I have been on Fem Con for 2 weeks.. I have no side effects that I know of except depression. I don't want anything to do with anybody, I don't want to DO anything, I want to cry all the time and my life is better than it has ever been. I have noticed nothing else but this has been bad enough.
The first few days I think I was a little hungrier than normal but I think that has tapered off. I am on them for menopausal symptoms, regulating periods,
ceasing painful ovulations.
I am going to stick it out as long as I can because my symptoms are HORRIBLE without something, pain, pain bleeding, more bleeding, bloating.. at least with this, I am only depressed.. If I live THROUGH this maybe I'll be ok...MAN!! The things we have to deal with.
-- By tresakeys | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
July 27th
2008
4:31 AM
Hi Ladies,
I had mine fitted may 06, i had heavy BLEEDING ND CRAMPING and no other contraception was suiting my body, so i got Mirena. Yes it helped to a certain extent. Later that year, i was still having some lil health issues, turned out i had some food allergies, too much estrogen and no real progesterone and thyroid problem. So this helped. My doctor put me on a natural progesterone cream, which was great, my skin started clearing up and my bleeding started getting some regularity, as i was pretty much bleeding every 2 weeks.
My health this year has gotten worse, excess Odema, acne, tiredness, mood swings, no sex drive, nausea which has always been contant, swelling around my belly etc. I feel horrible, now i also have adrenal fatigue however, I have given lots of thought and am going to get the Mirena removed. My weight is just going up, and all i want to do is be healthy, i exercise and eat well about 80%, so i am hoping that with this being removed, my doc said then i can go back onto my progesterone cream and help regulate my cycle. And also the lack of cycle, constant cramping, then a i get heavy or the odd light cycle. I just want to be happy.
Let me know if anyone else is feeling this way. And with having it removed, how i might feel.
By the way, i am 26 years old, and have no children as yet
xx
Sarah
-- By sweetsas3 | Reply | Private Message me
July 24th
2008
5:44 PM
I never put two and two together... but starting thinking that my mirena's hormones may be causing my issues. I had the mirena inserted a yr ago when I had the copper IUD removed. I told my OB/GYN that I was scared of the pill after trying it in college. Hormone-based birth control doesn't seem to work well for my family. She said it was a tiny dose and wouldn't get in the bloodstream so I shouldn't see side effects. HOWEVER, over the last year I have struggled with my weight. I have always been reallllly lucky. I am 5'8 and weigh about 135 without trying too hard. I have a high metabolism. But, I've started to feel pudgy last few months so have really tightened up my diet. I thought it was because I am getting older (29)...
As far as exercise, I used to be very active (mini-triathlons, 5Ks, sports etc.) but haven't felt like working out this year. Just can't get motivated. Today I was working with a personal trainer. We checked my records from January and I have gained 7 lbs!!! This is after I have really firmed up my diet. I have stopped eating carbs at night and trying to not eat after 7ish. In the past, this would really help my body look its best after a week or two. But, these last few months hasn't seemed to help me at all... Maybe it's the MIRENA?!
In addition, my cycle is about 7 days lator than it used to be. However, I still have the PMS symptoms I used to the week before my period but now they last forever! They start on the 20th and last until my period starts on the 7th!!! I get so irritable with my 5 yr old its ridiculous. It's not fair to her or my husband. I just wanted to share, that even with an athletic body type and a ridiculously high metabolism I am struggling. 2 yrs. ago I could eat 2300 calories w/out exercise, 2500 or more if working out that day. I used to eat as much as my 6'2 husband.
-- By shaunnahoward | Reply | (3) replies | Private Message me
February 24th
2008
11:36 PM
Hi everyone, I have been on Loestrin fe for 8 months and I am 45 years old - taking the pill again after a four year absence. I have found that all of the posted side effects are true - but are greatly minimized by taking the pill EXACTLY at the same time every day.... if you are off by even a half hour you WILL have breakthrough bleeding - sometimes with clots and with drawl-like headaches... my gyn says no way - but I actually tested my own theory this month - much to my regret - I am right... I am ready to quit as I am at the end of my rope. Fortunately for me my blood count has come back into the normal range after the last two years of horrific bleeding every 11-26 days without a break.
I am going to go off next month - and I may have RESET MY SYSTEM so to speak - if no I will take a hysterectomy please... straight up with a tummy tuck to match!!!!!!!!!!!! Please email me if you ever want to discuss - I am a nurse anesthetist and have a great deal of sympathy for all of you out there. I am not sure if this drug is a bad one - but I think it is so low dose that timing must be precise for it to work properly. I have stayed on it only to reduce the bleeding (perimenopausal/estrogen dominant I am sure) twice a month periods that last 7-8 days. It has worked for me in that regard - but the first 7 months were plagued by horrific (and I mean really bad) right sided headaches that scared me. I had relief from NSaids (Motrin) so I almost overdosed on that stuff. Not good. My next strategy is to do saliva testing for cyclic hormones OFF the pill to see what kind of hormonal swings I really am having - and to adapt a more natural approach - possible progesterone cream to alleviate the misery of it all....
Much Love, Ellen M
December 30th
2006
4:50 PM
hi all foggy head here someone here was talking about her and her friend getting tested and were found to have no progesterone was that a blood test or saliva test??????? and how long have you been on the progesterone cream i have read that it makes it can cause some anxiety as your receptors get use to this again ecspecially when your body is lacking it i am 3 mos off this week and have had 3 periods like clock work 3 weeks to the day but am still suffering foggy head anxiety weakness and 10 days or so before i get my period i get bad neck pain im considering the progersterone cream but am nervous keep us updated on your success
-- By foggyhead | Reply | Private Message me
December 13th
2006
10:41 AM
What should I do about the progesterone cream Iam so confused if its helping if I need it if I dont if it is making things worse....RN I think said initially it can cause more anxiety.
I dont need more.
I was suppose to apply the cream this am and didnt what do allof you think.
What about the weight loss my ribs are sticking out???
Iam drinking water getting massages at home
My whole family doesnt know what to do with me its the holidays and my poor daughter is besides herself.
Also I cant go to work and in fear my job is going to be loss
-- By kim123 | Reply | Private Message me
December 12th
2006
1:50 PM
Thanks much
Well Iamnot sure what to do about the progesterone cream it seems totake the edge off I agree I need tohave my body return if it ever does
I read with the natural cream if your body doesnt need it it will just not use it???? So thats why I tried it...I should stop??
Now I found this little bump on the roof of my mouth its like a little hard thing my sister said the hormones cause it but Iam scared about that now didnt notice it before
What am I going to do??
I cant take much more I have been so strong and Iam losing it
Please keep helping me
Iam really sad
April 16th
2006
7:26 PM
Hi,
I went on Yasmin when I was 19 for 2 years and never had any adverse side effects that I was aware of. My skin improved and people started asking me if I had lost weight alhtough I didn't change my diet/exercise regime (thanks to the diuretic in it). I went off the pill for 1 year, then went back on it 3 months ago, because me skin had been steadily declining, and being off the pill was the only connection I could make.
But this time, my skin didn't get any better. I've been getting large, very red, painful pimples unlike anything I've had before, and in random areas like my cheeks and even around my mouth and chin. I went on a minocycline, a mild antibiotic, for 6 weeks to help my face, and it got somewhat better, but whenever I would cycle, my face would seem to explode right on time with more of these painful pimples. I just finished the antibiotics and will not be taking them anymore since it didnt help that much, and I'm worried about the levels of Candida (yeast) in my body, which can also contirbute to acne and other health problems.
I'm starting to think that maybe now my body is just reacting differently to Yasmin then the first time I was on it. Although my skin in this last year that I'd been off it, I think I've traced these new, worse pimples to being back on Yasmin. And after reading posts here and on aphroditewomenshealth.com, I'm stopping Yasmin right now for good. I'm going to deal with my skin using natural methods.
Here's some suggestions for natural supplements that I've gathered from other posts to balance hormones and help adult acne in the process. I'm going to look into them right away.
Agnus Castus
Chasteberry (Vitex) extract
Progesterone Cream
Evening Primrose Oil
I've also started taking Acidopholus supplements to reverse the damage to the good bacteria in my body from the antibiotics, trying to keep the Candida in check. And I'm drinking 3-4 ounces of Goji juice a day, which is supposedly really powerful stuff for all kinds of health problems. One of my professors claims that Goji juice is the only thing that's successfully balanced her hormones now that she's going through menopause.
Hope this helps...Interested to hear if anyone else has had bad acne problems from Yasmin.
-- By tracy.ellwanger | Reply | Private Message me
March 24th
2006
9:07 AM
Hey Ladies,
I've been reading your posts of the last few days and feel compelled to write again((I posted last week). I have been working with a naturopathic endocrinologist for a little more than a week. He explained exactly what b/c pills do to your system; forgive me if this has been said before! Basically, the pills fake your body out into thinking it's getting PROGESTERONE, but in fact, it's getting PROGESTIN, which is a synthetic hormone. So, your body "thinks" it's getting enough, or possibly too much PROGESTERONE, so it begins making more ESTROGIN, which is one of the major culprits for many of our "ill effects" as he calls them. Yasmin, as you know, also has the diuretic in it, which actually dehydrates you and you really have a hard time catching up and getting rehydrated. I actually saw a "mainstream" female endocrinologist first and she said all of my hormone levels were NORMAL. When I saw my new dr., he said my levels were at the LOWEST end of what's considered normal, which is considered pretty bad by those that really understand these things. I encourage everyone still suffering to have your hormone levels tested; the saliva test is apparently pretty accurate, if not, a blood test works too. I' m now taking at least 15 supplements 2X/day in addition to progesterone cream to get my hormone levels back to normal. This is after having only been on the pill for 5 mos and OFF for 8 mos. The damage can be quick and unfortunately, long lasting without some kind of intervention. I'm feeling better already and the swelling and bloating is starting to go down. The weight gain is creaping downward but that's better than not at all! If anyone would like information on this send a general email and I'll respond personally.
Blessings.
Rita
February 5th
2006
1:54 AM
I am using daily low dose Lupron injections in preparation for an IVF surrogacy. This is my second try as the first embryo failed to thrive. The first cycle, the Lupron clouded my thinking and caused severe aches and pains. This time around, though, I am having more frightening symptoms of heart palipitations and chest pains that keep me from sleeping at night. It's hard to know when a doctor should be seen about these side effects or simply wait them out, as they seems to be common with this med. I am required to take this med, there is no other option, but I want to give a word of advice for those using Lupron for the treatment of ENDOMETRIOSIS- I HAD LESIONS CAUTERIZED WHEN I WAS 23 (6 YEARS AGO) AND I WAS TOLD THAT THEY WOULD COME BACK INDEFINITELY. THE CONDITION IS CAUSED BY AN EXCESS OF ESTROGEN. THERE IS A SIMPLE,SIDE EFFECT FREE,AND CHEAP WAY TO REMEDY THIS CONDITION. YOU CAN GO TO A HEALTH FOOD STORE AND FOR $16-25 YOU CAN BUY A NATURAL, PLANT DERIVED PROGESTERONE CREAM THAT YOU SIMPLY RUB ON YOUR SKIN. IT WORKS! I PREVIOUSLY HAD 2 MISCARRIAGES BECAUSE I WAS LOW ON THIS IMPORTANT HORMONE. A MEDICAL DOCTOR WILL NOT RECOMMEND THIS TREATMENT BECAUSE THEY ARE TRAINED IN ARTIFICIAL MEDICATIONS, NOT NATURAL. GO TO A NATURAPATHIC DOCTOR IF YOU LIKE, OR SIMPLY DO THE RESEARCH YOURSELF, AS I DID. SYMPTOMS OF LOW PROGESTERONE ARE TROUBLE SLEEPING, WEIGHT GAIN, THROID PROBLEMS,LOW LIBIDO, UNABLE TO SUSTAIN PREGNANCY. When I am not preparing for an IVF cycle, I have been using it faithfully beginning the 12th-28th days of my cycle for 6 years. You would not believe all the health problems that hormone imbalance causes. I am now in great health(sans Lupron), ideal weight, have no problems with my thyroiditis (I have not needed meds), have no trouble sleeping(normally), and have not had a single fibromyalgia flare up since (again, before Lupron) and I was able to sustain a pregnancy to have a wonderful son. AGAIN, DO NOT EXPECT YOUR DOCTOR TO INDORSE THIS, MINE DID NOT AND I HAD 2 MISCARRIAGES BEFORE FINALLY TAKING MY HEALTH INTO MY OWN HANDS. GOD IS GOOD!
-- By lovinlifesd | Reply | Private Message me
September 23th
2005
8:42 AM
Hello Everyone!
Got the results back from my saliva hormone test and wanted to share them with you. I found out that my progesterone is extremely low. This is causing a lot of the anxiety I am having. I also found out that my DHEA levels are extremely high. I would strongly advise anyone who is having horrible side effects from the pill to have your hormones checked. I am now starting progesterone cream and pills. Anyone else have their hormones checked and if so what were your results?
I was curious to anyone out there if your doctor told you you were going through post partum depression? My doctor told me that it seems my sympotms are the same as someone who is going through ppd. Thought that it was kind of interesting because your body is thinking you are pregnant while you are on the pill because you are not ovulating. Same as when you are pregnant. Well, hope this sort of helps some of you out there....It has been about 4 months since off the pill and it seems like this will be a very slow process to being 100%.
God Bless to all of you!!
-- By worried778 | Reply | Private Message me
Yasmin (7) Mirena (2) Femcon FE (2) Loestrin 24 Fe (2) NuvaRing (1) Lupron (1) Paxil (1)
May 8th
2009
6:41 PM
hi im from mexico but i went to see the a doctor in san diego, three years ago i was diagnosed with anxiety panic attacks etc.. my life was horrible i would never leave my house i was scared of everything even to eat, to be at the movies, TO DRIVE, it was a nightmare. So I took paxil for three whole years and my life was back, i was happy, nothing appeared to affect me i was strong,then i started to notice that my sex drive was non existent. i would never want to have sex, or have an orgasm, i felt very sleepy, so i decided to get off paxil, and for eight months everything was great i had the best orgasms ever it was me again, i was ver happy, until a couple of days m anxiety came back with the panic attacks, right now i would not leave my house, im terrified i dont want to drive anymore, so i guess i have to start taking it again as Sad as it is, the quality of life without paxil is worse than anything even an orgasm, it is just sad to not have it all. Anyone knows how to have a good sexual life taking paxil?
-- By chilitopiquin | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me