Femcon FE and hormones

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.

I have been on FemCon for almost a month now. I was on Othro Tryclene before, but due to have Polycystic Ovaries, the doctor changed my pill. He told me that it would help shrink the cysts and help with the pain. This it did do, so far, however I am so agitated all the time, I want to scream. For Thanksgiving I snapped at my best friend, who now won't talk to me. My mom called last night and I felt like I wanted to rip her head off, but did not know why. My boyfriend is always on edge. My son doesn't want to be in the same room with me half the time. I do not like this feeling. I started having a thick white discharge yesterday, at first thinking that starting a new pill and having my hormones changing caused a yeast infection, but there is no itching or burning. I have suffered with a migraine for the past week and every night get a headache after taking the pill. I get so thirsty before bed I feel like I could drink a gallon of water, I thought it was just me, but I read other people had that problem. I am dizzy most of the day and feel like I am coming down with the flu or morning sickness. I have had problems with nausea and diarrhea from the cyst and since taking this pill, it has gotten worse. This pill was supposed to help, but seems as though things are worse. I plan on calling my doctor Monday morning because I cannot live this way.

UPDATE: I wrote yesterday concerning my possible side effects from Femcon FE. Today I spoke with the OB/GYN office and they feel as though I am gaining weight based on the birth control pills AND that the hormones in them are likely also to blame for my recent crying spells and increased anxiety. I am now officially allowed to say that I will no longer be taking the Femcon. By no means does this mean it is a bad pill, it just is not a good pill for me.

I am 21 years old, and I've been taking it for 2 years now. The Femcon FE pill totally leveled out my hormones, cleared up my face, shortened my periods, and even knocked out my bed-riddening cramps!! I definitely experience breast tenderness, but that's about it. I'm basically in love with this one, and have been shocked to read so many bad reviews of it.

I have been taking femcon fe for about 3 months it was great the first month i was taking it, than the second month came and i started bleeding 2 1/2 weeks before my period, than it stopped than when it came to my brown pills to take it was a very light period. Now i only had 18 days between periods i don't know what to do. I haven't had any bad side effects besides this one. my bleeding is very heavy it soaks through a super tampon in less than 3 hours. what should i do?

I have read a lot of these responses and here and have noticed a common thread among all responses. This may or may not help.

You need to give any new pill a full 3 months before judging it. Your body needs to stabilize with the new hormones that you are giving it. It generally takes about 3 cycles to do so. ANY pill, whether it is Femcon, Loestrin, Yaz, Yasmin, or any other will have the same side effects. So, for that matter, will Nuvaring or other hormonal based birth control methods.

I had problems with Femcon during the first month as well, just like I did with Yasmin. The solution to the problem is giving it a full three months before making your decision. Anything else, and you are simply not making an education decision. Good luck ladies!

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.

I was on Femcon for the past few months, and I recently went off of it because I just couldn't take it anymore. I always felt like I was tired, it regulated my period, but did not help with the pain which was the reason I was taking it in the first place. I constantly felt like I could not see straight, I have had the feeling of my mind not really being in the right place. And thats the least of my problems...I was severely depressed. I did not want to do anything, I was constantly fighting, getting anxious, always crying (for no reason at all), chest pain, paranoid, and so much more. I couldn't take it anymore. I have been off of it for only a few days, and already I feel more relaxed, and happier. Everybody reacts differently, but clearly hormones were not for me...especially this one!

I just started my third week on Femcom and I only have one side effect. Tender breast. EXTREMELY tender breast! They hurt so bad that I feel like I've been getting purple-nurples everyday for a month! I asked my doctor to give me something for my hormones b/c I started having "adult" acne. I've always had a 3 1/2 day period. Very uneventful. No cramps. For some reason my forehead breaks out terribly during ovulation and I'm experiencing bumps that I didn't even get as a teenager. My doctor prescribed Femcon and told me this should help regulate my hormones overall. Unlike some of you who are having major problems w/ Femcon, I'm not. I'm going to stay on the pill and hope my body adjust and gets rid of this acne issue. Hope the best for you all.

Hi Ive been on Femcon FE for one month now. I am 20, 5'1'' and weigh 100 lbs. I have not gained any weight at all, nor experienced any nausea. The first 2 weeks I felt like I had some mood swings, the third week I broke out in horrible acne... However, my period lasted about 4 days and was soo light I almost forgot that I had it. I never got any cramps either. Now, I am on my second month, first week, and my acne is starting to clear a little bit.. However, I have battled acne for a lil while and - as I have been told by doctors - it takes your body time to respond to all these hormones. If you are having problems with acne, just remember that usually things that are supposed to clear acne will break you out for about 2 months before it starts clearing you up. It's your body's response to the drastic change going on inside. I would suggest seeing a dermatologist and using some topical gel (Differin).. it has helped mine a little bit. I don't think I'll change BC because I would rather my body just get used to one type and just stay on it....
good luck ladies! Just remember, don't get too frightened by all these postings because every woman's body is different so not everyone will experience the same side effects.

I understand what all of you ladies are going through. I myself started taking Femcon a week and a half ago, starting the packet the first day of my period. I haven't been on birth control pills before and I am 26 years old. My breast are extremely swollen and tender and have grown a size in a week, I am having violent mood swings, I have felt suicidal at times, but not enough to actually go through with it (and I certainly wouldn't, I understand that its just the hormones), I am severely constipated, I have only had one headache experience since taking the pills but it wasn't good. I had an extremely sharp pain go through one side of my head and last a while, I had to take three days off from work this week because I was too nauseous, as well as too tired and depressed to get out of bed. I am back at work today barely able to keep my eyes open. I am about to take a nap during my one hour lunch break. This has been a horrible experience for me. I have read the instructions and know that these horrible things will pass. I can't take much more. I am an extremely patient person but these side effects are absolutely ridiculous!!! Good luck to all of you, I feel your pain.

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!

Despite the messages I've seen on this board, I actually have a success story. I've always had horrible experiences with birth control and this pill took time and patience, but I feel *so* much better now that I'm on it. The first 2 weeks were tough - and any birth control will take time to adjust to...you're putting hormones in your body after all - but now my mood swings are gone, my period is regulated plus it's lighter and shorter, I don't have any bloating or water retention, and my acne does not flare up at random.

The only side effects I've had are early afternoon headaches, which have nearly disappeared now that I'm in my second month. My body temperature has even stabilized so I'm not cold all the time (iron in the pill..??).

I was pretty determined to give this a good try because I was starting to completely skip over my period for some reason, and without a regular cycle I was gaining weight out of no where despite my desperate attempts to lose it (I was near anorexic and *still* gaining weight), I was a psycho b*%ch to be around, and when I'd wake up in the morning, my stomach was so bloated I looked pregnant! I'll take the slight side effects of this pill over that any day!

I have been on Femcon for one month and just started the second month. I have experienced many of the side effects that are mentioned in this post, but one other I have it a severe pain in my right breast. It is almost like a burning sensation when I move a certain way. I have been to the Dr. and tested and assured it was nothing but hormonal. The only change is the Femcon. Has anyone else experienced this? I am stopping Femcon tonight and hopefully I will finally get some sleep!!!!

I am 21 years old and have never been on birth control before. I went to the doctor asking for yaz but she suggested i didn't take it because of the high level of potassium it has. I wanted yaz because i get severely depressed right before my period. But when i told the doctor about my cramps she suggested Femcon FE. So i said sure why not! I've only been on it for 2 1/2 weeks and I've have breakthrough bleeding for the past 3 days now, and i woke up 4am with the worst cramps in my entire life! i was in so much pain i vomited! finally i was able to sleep...and when i woke up i called the doctor and she said she could write me a prescription for the cramps, but i said no since they went away. Also I've never been so depressed! and this is coming from a girl who has fought depression for years. I'm on my spring break now and i don't want to do anything but cry cry cry! i feel bad for my boyfriend and my mom having to deal with me. Even I'm getting annoyed with myself! I had high expectations for birth control, i thought it would change my life and help out with PMDD. I really hope this changes, I'll let you know what happens cause I'm going to stick it out for the next 3 months! If anyone could suggest another pill just in case i still hate it in 3 months, that would be very helpful!

I’m at the end my 3rd month on Femcon Fe and I have to say that none of the side effects I’ve experienced have been too severe. My doctor put me on it after having a laparoscopy to treat endometriosis and in place of using harsher treatments such as Lupron. The 1st month I had some mild nausea, slight breast tenderness, and spotting for about 3 days. The second month the nausea increased greatly, I lost my appetite a little and I would even vomit sometimes. Fortunately the nausea was mostly in the early in the mornings and late at night when I would take it. My breasts also started to grow and were a little bit more tender. Now in my third month, the symptoms have finally started to subside. My breasts are still larger (which is nice hehe) but no longer hurt as much. I still have mild nausea from time to time but that’s also almost completely gone. It’s important to note that ALL birth control pills have side effects and you just need to find the one that is best for you. It is true that most side effects eventually go away once your body gets accustomed to the level of hormones but you have to give it a chance first. This pill isn’t for everyone but it doesn’t always have the harsh side effects that some women post here after using it for only two weeks. Some positives for me: my period is much lighter only lasting 3 days or so and with very little cramping (it used to be severe), my skin has cleared up and is less oily. No depression and my mood has actually improved. No change in sex drive either but I do need to use more lubrication now. Finally and most importantly (to me at least), I’ve had NO weight gain. Some bloating at times but no big deal. There have been times when I've felt hungrier than usual but you just have to have self control. Don’t eat more than you usual, only have healthy snacks and drinks lots of water.

I am 17 and was put on birth control to straighten out my long, heavy irregular periods. I started on Loestrin Fe and began to break out and have even heavier periods along with dizziness and hot flashes. My doctor then put me on Femcon Fe because he said I wasn't getting enough hormones and I've been on it for almost a month in a half with severe nausea, leg pains, mood swings, crying spells, headache, bloating, and abdominal pain. My periods used to be pretty bad, but this is much worse then before i started birth control. I know I should wait the three months to let my body adjust, but after all the reviews I've read, I don't think this one is really worth it. My periods are also so light that I don't think I need a pad at all. This is much better than the heavy bleeding I had, but all the side effects have kind of canceled out that one benefit. I really would not recommend this to anyone, and am thinking of asking for a change before the 3 months. If anyone has any suggestions about a good brand for my problem, PLEASE let me know.

My sister is was on Femcon for hormones, last Saturday night she had a stroke. She had been taking them for about 4 years. I myself want be taking this product.

Hi ladies, my Dr just gave me 4 mos of sample packs for Femcon Fe. I've read that it's the chew able version of Ovcon, and I haven't read this many bad experiences with Ovcon. I wonder if anyone has had a good experience with this drug and am a little worried about starting it. I am going to finish out my last pack of Yaz and I guess we'll go from there. This will be my 6th pill since 2003, as I have had breakthrough bleeding with all the others, including Yaz. I did read on Femcon's website that this is a good pill to take to stop breakthrough bleeding, has anyone taken this pill and NOT had breakthrough bleeding??? Please someone let me know!

This is for all of you out there that are not sure if this is for you or not. I have been on several different kinds of bc pills and I have to say this one is the best one ever. I don't even need to be on the pill, I had my tubes tied after my twins were born (4 children) and I wanted to be back on the pill to regulate my hormones, because I didn't like myself, I was very moody and severe pms. I had one doc put me on antidepressants. Didn't work. I can tell everyone you do need to let this pill as with any pill or medication adjust to your body and eveybody adjusts differently. I have been on it for 2 1/2 months and I feel like a new person. Yes, I do have some nausea, so I take it at nightime. I had an extremely bad headache for the first week as with all the meds I take. My sex drive is better for the first time ever being on a pill. Tender breasts for the first 1 1/2 and I have had this problem for the past 20 years, very very bad and for the first time I can actually say that is pretty good. I have had a little spotting in the second month nothing to bad though. Yes I still get a little moody before my period, however I am a woman and there are no miracle drugs to totally eliminate that. I don't normally write on these sites however, I think everyone should give them self time to adjust to meds (3 months) before giving up. Hang in there and there is one out there that will work for you.

I think Femcon FE is horrible..Everytime I make it to the brown pills my hormones are in overdrive..I am indecisive..overly emotional and borderline depressed..Today I felt like i wanted to just curl up in a ball and cry at work.I want to go back to my Yasmin or try something else cause this is not for me

I am not on femcon yet. I am coming off of the pill from hell loestrin 24. It made me a total pycho, not to mention the doctors told me I was suffering from postpartum depression, I was fine until they started screwing with my hormones. before I got pregnant I was on yasmin for 2 years with no complants all the sudden the doctors are pushing samples of new drugs on me like I am some lab rat. He refuses to give me yasmin why I do not know maybe they get kickbacks for certain meds. I will give femcon a try. I am just tired of felling depressed anxious and just not me. I have been on so many meds to effexor to zooloft and the lists goes on. It is just easier for doctors to push you off as a mental case instead of finding out what the real problem is,