Birth control pills symptoms and conditions

I'm 19 years old and I developed a DVT in my left leg, a blood clot. After some tests, I found out I had a genetic disorder, Factor Five (which is completely undetectable, unless tested). Loestrin increases your chances alone, it multiplies however your risk if you have this disorder known in Caucasions. If your family (even extended) has had a stroke, heart attack, blood clot, of if you want to be extra careful, please get tested befor taking this pill. It is the estrogen in birth control pills that increases your risk.

Yasmin has caused me to have very itchy skin! ive been taking it 6mths now and after 4mths the side effects have kicked in.
Apart from the insane random annoying itching i keep getting severe abdominal cramps when i eat, ive been breathless on occasions and my hair is lkg limp and dull.

so far, ive been on Yasmin for almost 3 wks. the first week i had no side effects but as time progressed i started getting abdominal craps with a watery vaginal discharge; it sorta feels like i'm having my period except ther's no blood. i'm constantly nauseous and i have no appetite. my legs can feel numb at times and i get these really sharp pains in my chest. my body practically feels tender all over. i'm really depressed lately and my moods change drastically. Is this normal?

I've been on Yasmin for about 2 1/2 months now, For the first couple of weeks, I had bad cramps that weren't from my period. It was like sharp pains in my lower stomach. It went away after a while, but I'm still having constant head aches. I always got headaches here and there before the Yasmin. But they're more often now, At first I thought it they were work-related. But I even get them when I'm not at work. Every once in a while I get a sharp pain in my chest, but that's every once in a while. I haven't really had any numbness of the limbs, nausea, or mood swings. But these headaches are noticeable, Has anyone else had these?

I have PCOS, and was experiencing dysplasia of the endometrium. After some search, a doctor recommended the Mirena. This was November of 2008. The installation should have been a clue of things to come. I have never had children, and had a tipped uterus, and as a result they had to use the clamps that look like needle nose pliers to grab my cervix, and after 45 minutes of stuffing, got it in. It was excruciating. I was working out 6 days a week, 2 1/2 hours a day, and eating South Beach Phase 2- and had lost 80 lbs and had maintained for 1 year. I asked if it would in any way cause weight gain, and was told it would not. Within the first month my diet/exercise regimen failed, and despite working out 7 days a week and resuming Phase 1, I was gaining 10 lbs a month- which my Doctor would not discuss with me except to dismiss it. To make a long story short, after life threatening edema and bleeding 22 or 23 days straight and with my now discovered sensitivity to progesterone, I required a total abdominal hysterectomy to remove an enlarged, boggy, and fibroid riddled uterus. I am doing 200% better now, and I am sure there are some women the Mirena works well for, but I was not one of them, and I feel the Mirena actually endangered my life (that and the arrogant doctor who inserted it and told me to be patient. I had it in from 11/2005 to 7/2007- is that time enough?) Please, please,please. If something does not feel right, do not NO for an answer. I did not want children so I was okay with losing the ability to bear children, but having a TAH at 38 is a life change that most younger women would not want. Would I have had to have it anyway? Perhaps. But I could have been in a position to be navigator in my care rather than reactive as I was forced to be.

Hey there,
I had my Mirena inserted a little over 2 months ago. The inserstion was pretty pain-free as the sister used local anesthetic.
Other than the severe cramps I felt that night, I must be honest that I have not experienced any of the painful side effects I've read about on all the forums I've found.
I spot here and there, but my periods are definitely lighter.
My sex-drive is through the roof! I had a high libido to begin with, so I'm not complaining.
The ONLY 2 negative side-effects I've experienced, are a little bit of acne on my chin, and hair loss. I'm hoping these will calm down though (as it states on the official Mirena website), but if not, I will most likely have it removed.
I had terminated a pregnancy one month before insertion, so I'm really just wanting to give my cervix a break which is why I don't want to have it removed unless I absolutely have to!
Is it possible to only experience these rare symptoms and none of the more common ones?
In Mirena's defence: has anyone ever read the side-effects of the birth control pills so many of us have used? It's become common to just accept the fact that we will most likely gain weight, get varicose veins, have headaches etc...
I suppose, nobody can feel what you're feeling, so if it doesn't work, change it.
I'm really hoping that mirena works for me, so if anyone has a positive experience, please share it!
All the best...

I had been on Yaz for almost a year. I have tried EVERYTHING!!! I went to Yaz after trying even the Nuvaring. It seemed like everything from regular Ortho was too strong and the ring was too little. I've been on birth control since I was 17 (now I'm 26) and have tried it all. I mainly stayed on because of cramping and digestive trouble I used to experience around my period. For about 3 months Yaz was great- no mood swings, my cramp pain was cut in half, and my sex drive lost on the ring came back. However, after about the 5th month, I started to notice the same side effects as other posters; headaches, night sweats, fatigue, numbness in my legs, moodiness, zero libido, and the carpal tunnel in my wrists would increase in pain by 10 fold, etc. In fact, it was getting so bad, that my husband was getting annoyed with me saying I was always tired even though I would sleep 8 hours and not have any other outside stressors impacting my sleep patterns. We almost divorced over the stupid, but outrageous, fights I would pick for no reason at all! I would get so irritated at the smallest thing. It was like a switch would flip and I couldn't turn it off! I couldn't figure out why I was so fatigued- I exercise and eat right (I'm a nutritionist)and have played sports for years!. The depressing feelings bothered me because I know that eating right and exercising keeps serotonin levels at an even keel- that's what I do for a living! Mine were way off for no reason! It got to the point that my friends noticed a huge change in my personality- I used to be the life of the party, and now I would rather stay in instead of go out and socialize with my best friends and husband! Thank you for writing these blogs. I can't wait to feel normal again! I'd rather deal with the cramps or take some homeopathic remedy than deal with this horrible drug. There is a great article on cnn.com about birth control pills and libido/ side effects. Just search for "the pill" and the article should come up.

I had my Mirena inserted back in October 2008 and there was minor cramping during insertion, but I went back to work after my doctor's visit. I had it inserted during my period, so my cervix was dilated. I've also had a child. I had spotting/dark discharge for about 2 weeks. When I called my doctor, he gave me a sample pack of the chewable birth control pills and he told me the spotting/dark discharge should quit after I got my full period from the pills. He was right. The spotting cleared up. Other than that, I haven't had any other problems. I hope it continues this way. Some of the problems reported might be due to getting Mirena without ever having a baby.

I had been on birth control pills for about 10 years, but wanted to try something new to increase my sex drive. My doctor recommended the ring, because it apparently has a lower dosage of hormones. I have had it in now for only 1 week and have been very depressed, crying all the time, feeling like my life is suddenly falling apart. But this confuses me because it should be the same hormones as the pill, but in a lower dosage. Anybody have an explanation for this, or had a similar experience?

I had my Mirena inserted in April. The first visit to the doctor, she was unable to insert it, she gave me a prescription for something to dilate me so it could be inserted easily (she said perhaps the fact that I had never had children, made it harder to insert). I went back the next day, and although it was still difficult, she managed to get it inserted. I was fine the first five months, after this I started having headaches (some lasting days at a time), very sharp shooting pains down my buttocks, moodiness, lack of interest in sex, depression, some acne, and bloating. I too was told that this would be the perfect birth control for me, my doctor said she even uses it and loves it. After years of birth control pills taking a toll on my body, I decided to switch to Mirena, now I'm wondering if I made a huge mistake. My fiance swears that he can sometime feel the device while we're having sex, he says it feels like it's "poking" him. I went back to have the string cut shorter thinking this would help, but apparently it has not. I also think I have a UTI now from the Mirena, I have never had one ever in my life until now. I'm very disappointed. I figured it was the "perfect" birth control, and now, I am second guessing my decision. Please...if you are considering Mirena, think about all of your options first!

I'd be thrilled to skip a period. Heck, that's why my doctor prescribed Seasonale. The pharmacist, however, gave me Quasense instead. Let's see. It's 2am on Christmas Eve. I have basically been bleeding since HALLOWEEN. This is beyond ridiculous, and I really can't see myself "hanging in there" and waiting for it to stop. If I'm not all-out cramping, then it's just annoying, brown spotting. On top of that, my face has been breaking out since like, the second week of starting it. The insane thing is, I'm on Wellbutrin at the moment-- that pill is noted to decrease appetite and increase sex drive. I'm pretty sure Quasense is canceling THAT out entirely; I'm always hungry, and if I never had sex again I'd probably be thrilled. Worst. Birth Control. Ever.

My doc put me on Femcon Fe after Mirena IUD removal.

The pills were just temporary to cover me between Mirena IUD removal and tubal ligation surgery.

I started Femcon FE on 11/17 and by 12/16 had gained approximately 10 lbs...10 lbs in 1 month!!! I stopped Femcon Fe on 12/16 and have lost 4 lbs of the 10 lb gain without any effort.

The other side effect was a nice breakout of acne all over my chin.

I am thankful that I do not have to take birth control pills any longer and will finally have hormones in my body that my body naturally produces.

In desperate need for help! I started taking Loestrin24Fe 1mg/20mg and I didn't start taking it on the first day of my period,I took it before I got my period.My doctor recommended that I do that. I took one whole 24 pack and noticed I had server migraines,back pain and server nausea. I missed my period and haven't had it since Oct 27th,Today is Dec 16th.I started taking the birth control in November. I'm worried I may be pregnant but have no idea,I'm terribly worried and need advice. After the 24 pack,I stopped taking it. I've continued to have server migraines and now even painful chest pain. I feel like I'm always hungry and I'm always tired and moody. No breast tenderness but I do have really bad pain in my right breast area. If any one has advice on what I should do please contact me via email ******

I have no insurance and am scared!
Thanks a bunch,A.

So.. the beginning of Femcon Fe seemed great and all (no side effects) has not helped my period however ive tried 3 other kinds and they Never seem to help-- but experiencing the very real vivid dreams.. so glad other ppl had this symptom- weight gain is horrible- im not fat but i eat healthy and exercise and NOTHING im ready to give up this pill-and possibly all birth control pills- im sick of feeling "crazy" and upset over nothing- over reacting and so fourth. this is not me. im taking a break from the pill. i will let u know what happens.. just ready to feel like me again
-J.

i personally have had the best experience with my Yasmin birth control. I have been on it for 5 years now. Before Yasmin I was a wreck.Before i ever took any birth control i had my period twice a month, super heavy bleeding,10 days,and cramps so bad I would pass out. I even bled for 5 months straight on the Depoprovera shot. I found all of the tricyclic pills make me crazy and over emotional. I have tried so many different kinds of pills and birth control all with the result of bleeding for months on end and finally my doctor recommended Yasmin and I have been completely happy with it. I have not gained weight, I do not get migraines (and i did with other birth control pills), I am much more emotionally stable (although I will never be a hundred percent sane, but I blame genetics for that one) I have never gotten pregnant, I have not suffered any gastrointestinal side effects, I finally have regular 7 day periods and my cramps are less horrible, my skin has cleared up, i have a perfectly healthy if not over active sex drive, my breast are not particularly tender ever, I don't get any more yeast infections than before, basically it is my saving grace in my opinion. I must also add to this that I did stop taking Yasmin once for 5 months in these 5 years just to see how I am without BC and nothing crazy happened. My periods were heavier, i had worse cramps, my skin broke out. I expected all of that to happen. A month after getting back on Yasmin I was back to my happy ol self again. One last thing is that I did try the Ocello generic version of Yasmin and it was all bad for me. I once again bled for 2 months even though I only took it for two weeks, and i went completely nutso overemotional chick. Long story short, everyone is built differently, not every BC will be the right one for you. Try some different ones out. If you are on a pill and it is not doing the right things for you then switch it instead of taking it for 2 years and then blogging about how miserable it makes you. I will leave you with a wonderful quote from I don't know who but I live for this saying "More orgasms, fewer kids, copulate, don't populate!" HOORAY

headache,nauseous,leg cramps, pain in my left breast, around heart...now, around each period my breasts hurt, and i have terrible stomach ache, like cramps, which i never had before..i also started having acne on my back and shoulders...but the worst thing is, my room-mate, she was using Yasmin for 9months, died a week ago. she wasn't sick at all.she actually did have a few headaches, and weird stomach ache, but we didn't seem to connect the two...

I started the Nuvaring December 1, 2008, the first day I got my period to treat ovarian cysts. The first week, I had no side effects. The ring was a little uncomfortable until I learned how to position it properly. It kept trying to come out. Then, 10 days on the ring, I got horrible headaches, very nauseous, and bad stomach pain. I didn't think it was from the nuvaring, but when the symptoms got worse accompanied by anxiety, and depression, I knew it had to be from the nuvaring. I called my obgyn, and he advised me to take it out. I've taken other birth control pills before, and have had similar reactions. My obgyn said that many women's bodies can't tolerate birth control. I hope this was helpful.

I have been on Yasmin since April of this year, 2008. My doctor put me on Yasmin because of a hormonal imbalance caused by PCOS. At first, all I noticed was my periods had become regular and my skin had cleared up. About 4-6 weeks later, I started experiencing EXTREME pain in my right breast. After the onset of the pain, just my right breast became enlarged. A few weeks later I started having chest/heart pains at random times. It started occurring when I would run and that made me really scared. I had the feeling of having a heavy rock on my chest and wasn't able to get a real breath. After an EKG my doctor confirmed that my heart was healthy. Here is a list of some of the other side effects that I noticed: no sex drive, weight gain, TIREDNESS, forgetfulness, cramps in my legs, but only while sleeping, extreme thirst.

I am so grateful that I found this website. It's just awful to hear some many other women complaining of the same symptoms.

ok so i got my mirena in nov 2008 and pretty much EVERYDAY since then ive had my period. and it should be over...shouldve been over my the end of the week i got it in..like im happy with it i just want to STOP bleeding.....can anyone help??

I began taking birth control pills at 16 to help control excruciating cramps that have now been diagnosed as endometriosis. Every pill I have taken has regulated my period but seems to have some other side effect. Aviane however, is most definitely the worst I have tried. I was taking Allesse, but had to switch to Aviane because of mild anxiety problems. It turns out, since taking Aviane (approx. 5 months) my anxiety has gotten worse, I suffer from nightmares, as well as extreme irritability. I become furious over the smallest things and I am typically a laid back person. I spend 3 days in bed during my period vomiting and with severe cramps, but this is due more to the endometriosis than anything. PMS starts about 2 weeks before I get my period, and I am extremely irritable for about a week after, this has not happened on any other pill. I go through periods of extreme depression, hopelessness, and am extremely tired. Also, since switching to Aviane I have battled with severe acne which I have never experienced before. I have gained a huge amount of weight. I am just waiting to see my doctor to get me off this horrible pill.

This is my 4th month on Nuvaring. Luckily, I work in a clinic and have a pretty good gyn as well. The symptoms normally pass after the 2nd month. I developed a rash on my face, headaches, nausea, and lost about 5-7 lbs because I wouldn't eat due to the nausea. The discharge stays. Each time I have sex something new happens. I swell up, I itch, I get a bump, something. The last sexual encounter resulting in a watery discharge that lasted for 2 days. My partner doesn't seem to notice this. I too have had the night sweats. I do like the convenience. I began the nuvaring because of very bad periods, cramps, bleeding for 10 days. Month 3- I had so many clots I thought I was having a miscarriage. I wasn't. At this point, unless something severe happens, and I don't have sex 2 often, I may remain on the nuvaring. Without it, I am out of work at least 3 days of my, READ, 10 day cycle. I should mention that I have the beginnings of PCOS, and it has helped to reduce the hair on my face. I may consider the birth control pills. I just read today that inserting them would alleviate a lot of side effects. However, I don't feel like inserting them each day. Within the last month, I have become fatigued. Vitamins help some. Everyone is an individual. I am still evaluating if it's for me. I can't blame all of this on the Nuvaring, but let's just say, I couldn't report any of these symptoms prior to it's use.

OMG I am so glad I found this site!!! I have been taking YAZ for 4 months. I have been on/off several birth control pills, some with no side effects and some with. These are the worst!!! I felt like I was going crazy until I found this site. At first all I noticed was moodiness, instead of having PMS a couple days before my period I had it all month except for before and during my period. Then about 2 months into it I started feeling fuzzy headed, unable to focus, started having tingles in my arms and legs like when your foot is asleep. If I take the pill at night I have horrible night sweats and if I take it in the morning I am tired all day and have horrible dreams. The worst of it was I was having severe episodes of vertigo, the room starts spinning and I have to grab hold of stuff. It was really scary, I am a single mom and was scared that I might fall at home and my toddler would be unable to go for help. I thought maybe my iron or blood sugar was low so I went to the doctor and had a full work up on my blood - everything came back fine. The doctor wanted to send me for a CAT scan and I didn't want one as I had started wondering if it could be the pill. I am calling my gynecologist today to get it switched. Thank you so much for all your posts! Me, my family, and my job all were thinking I was going crazy or just a hypochondriac.
On a side note - I do have 3 teenage cousins who take this pill and have no side effects. However I have always been very sensitive to medication. This pill may work for some, but not for me.

I have Crohn's disease and have been on birth control since before my diagnosis. I use to have flare-ups of the disease every now and then (I was on Mircette). Then last year, I was put on Nortrel and my disease started acting WAY up. I was put on the NuvaRing two months ago and I am having even more flare-ups now. Is there anyone who has a digestive disease and have had their symptoms worsen with the NuvaRing?

I am at the end of my first month on this pill. Things seemed fine until 3 days ago when I got a migraine (I never get headaches) and it has lasted for 3 days making it so difficult to look after my children or get the simplest things done. I started looking up side effects and found this site. I realised that this month I had also had thrush, no sex drive at all and seem to be very cold in relation to other people. I suffer from PMDD and this is my second pill in attempt to make the symptoms easier to manage. Without the pill I am over emotional, cry a lot, have severe mood swings and painful and heavy bleeding each month. With this in mind I am still going to come off Yasmin right now. I do not want to mess things up even more. I have been concerned about the ingredients of the pill too - I am a vegan and there is no birth control pills which do not contain lactose or animal ingredients so I think I must go back to the diapham for birth control (condoms are just awful!). it is frightening how easily all these pills are prescribed. I was on dianette when I was 16 to combat the same PMDD and when I came off it five years later didn't have a period for a year at which time I discovered I had an ovarian cyst and a tumor, both of which had to be removed. Was told I probably couldn't have kids but thankfully five years later (five years of trying to conceive) I had our first and then 10 months after that fell pregnant with our second). I can't believe I was stupid enough to go back on any pill but my PMDD is difficult to manage and I was at my wits end but after just a month I know I have to come off it. For good this time. My life is to valuable to me to mess up with this rubbish.

Loestrin is the first birth control pills i've ever tried and seriously its gotten me to a point that i'm too sad to even pick up the phone and make a doc appointment to change it. I hate it. I've clear skin one week the next i look like a pizza, sex is out of the question and its uncomfortable, i'm tired all the time, i gained weight and some days i literally want my husband to disappear cuz my mood swings are so bad... i get such bad migraines that makes me throw up. i got my period last month and this month i haven't gotten it.

i'm feeling more then depressed i want to cry all the time, i don't want to do anything, and i just don't wanna deal with it anymore, Loestrin is not the pill for me