My experience with Yasmin was decreased aggression, mood stabilit...

Hi-
After being on Yasmin for a few years, I went off it in February. I now haven't had my period since then and have gotten my bloodwork done twice. My estrogen levels are extremely low and my free testosterone is elevated. The gyno wants to send me to a reproductive endocrinologist. I am frustrated and confused, since I was pregnant about 8 years ago, so obviously my levels were fine. You seem to understand how this pill affects your body, so please let me know if this is related and when I will get my periods back. I am so frustrated!!!
Thanks!

Everyone should be aware that the hormone used in Yasmin is a steroid. This could explain why people sometimes feel so much worse when stopping - as your body is withdrawing from taking a steroid suddenly. Over use of steroids can cause all kinds of problems -
Common side effects of steroids

Some common side effects include

* Indigestion or heartburn - you need to take your tablets after a meal or with milk, as they can irritate your stomach
* Increased appetite and weight gain – feeling hungrier can make it difficult to keep your weight down your appetite will go back to normal when you stop steroids, but some people need to diet to lose the extra weight
* Swollen hands, feet or ankles from water retention - if you have swollen ankles, avoid standing for long periods of time and put your feet up when you are sitting down
* Increased risk of infection – you must tell your nurse or doctor straight away if you think you might have an infection, as you may need to take antibiotics
* Changes in blood sugar levels with high dose or long term treatment - tell your doctor if you feel thirstier or if you are passing urine more often, as these can be symptoms of high blood sugar. You will have regular blood tests and may need to learn how to check your blood sugar. Diabetic people may need to adjust their tablets or insulin dose.
* Changes in mood and behaviour - you may feel more anxious and emotional than usual when you take steroids and can be a bit tired and low for a while after you stop taking them
* Difficulty sleeping – taking your tablets first thing in the morning may help
* Difficulties with pregnancy - steroids may be harmful to a baby that is developing in your womb. It is not advisable to become pregnant or father a child if you are on steroids. Talk about contraception with your doctor before having the treatment if you are concerned that you or your partner could become pregnant

Rare side effects of steroids

These side effects only occur if you take long term steroids (more than a few months). They include

* Eye problems such as cataracts, infections or glaucoma
* Changes to your face (Cushings syndrome) – you may develop a swollen or puffy face, dark marks, acne or facial hair - if you notice any of these changes talk to your doctor
* Muscle wasting – your legs may feel weaker and walking or climbing stairs may be more difficult. You may have aching muscles for a short while after stopping treatment
* Weaker bones due to bone loss (osteoporosis)
* Raised blood pressure – your blood pressure should be checked regularly

Why is it necessary to gradually reduce the dose before stopping steroid tablets?
Your body normally makes steroid chemicals by itself which are necessary to be healthy. When you take steroid tablets for a few weeks or more, your body may reduce or stop making its own steroid chemicals. If you then stop taking steroid tablets suddenly, your body does not have any steroids. This can cause various 'withdrawal' symptoms until your body resumes making natural steroids over a few weeks. The withdrawal symptoms can be serious, even life-threatening and include: weakness, tiredness, feeling sick, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, low blood sugar, and low blood pressure which can cause dizziness, fainting or collapse.

If the dose is reduced gradually, the body gradually resumes it's natural production of steroids and the withdrawal symptoms do not occur.

Some other important points about steroid tablets

* Do not take anti-inflammatory painkillers (such as ibuprofen, etc) whilst taking steroids (unless advised by a doctor). The two together increase the risk of a stomach or duodenal ulcer developing.

I have also bought Yasmin from Canada, It is cheaper and they take american prescriptions.

here is the place, http://www.universaldrugstore.com/medications/Yasmin