Nervous about starting birth control

[badgercat]

I think if you ask 10 different women about their experiences with the exact same method of birth control, you'll get 10 different responses.

I started taking combined (estrogen + progestin) oral contraceptive pills as a teenager to mitigate heavy menstrual flow and cramps, and they worked wonders for me. I was on them for something like 7 years (Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo for 5+ years, LoEstrin24 Fe for ~1 year, and most recently Natazia for two months. I switched around mostly for experimentation and to follow what I could get most cheaply at student-health clinic pharmacies...). However, I just recently learned that I have a genetic mutation that puts me at slightly higher risk for blood clots, and of course estrogen can also increase clot risk. Though some research suggests that there's not a good reason to stop taking estrogen-containing pills if there's no family history of DVT--the risks are still lower than those associated with pregnancy, after all--my OGNP was supportive of my concerns and I switched just about a week ago to a progestin-only pill (aka POP), Ortho Micronor.

So far, I actually have seen some noticeable changes (for the better) in my mood and libido since starting the POP, so I wonder if for the past few years, what I thought was 'normal' for me was being significantly impacted by the extra estrogen in my system. (or, maybe I'm externalizing being a moody you-know-what and needed a placebo effect to spark an attitude adjustment, who knows, haha). I think I just kind of assumed I wasn't experiencing major pill side-effects because I never really had any of the more outward problems--weight gain/water retention, etc.

On the other hand, I've been feeling really lethargic this week, and ended up napping 2+ hours on three different afternoons. It could be bodily confusion from no longer having estrogen 'supplements' after 7 years, but it's also hard to separate out the fact that we're in our first sustained really hot (100 F +) spell of the summer here, so I'm not too concerned about it yet. I got 2 packs to start, and intend to get through those before I draw any real conclusions on it.

Syndirelah, I agree with your comment that you'll never know what each method will be like for you until you try. It has been really interesting to read everyone's different experiences here. Best wishes to you and everybody else still seeking a "happy" method (and I'd appreciate a few crossed fingers for my own situation--what a relief it would be if I end up with similar positive side effects with the POP that I grew accustomed to with the combo pills, without the risks of the extra estrogen).

[indysteel]

Badgercat, have you noticed any changes in your libido since going off the Loestrin? I have to admit that I've had some issues with a low libido. Now, a number of things could be causing that as I head closer to perimenopause, but I've had to wonder about the Loestrin. My own annual is coming up, but my doctor dismissed me last year when I brought it up. This year, I plan to be more forceful about it. By the same token, I've otherwise tolerated Loestrin. I love having a light period! But I love my DH, too.

[badgercat]

Badgercat, have you noticed any changes in your libido since going off the Loestrin? I have to admit that I've had some issues with a low libido. Now, a number of things could be causing that as I head closer to perimenopause, but I've had to wonder about the Loestrin. My own annual is coming up, but my doctor dismissed me last year when I brought it up. This year, I plan to be more forceful about it. By the same token, I've otherwise tolerated Loestrin. I love having a light period! But I love my DH, too.

Libido has always kind of been an issue for me, but since I've been on the pill for so long, it's really hard for me to parse things out. I went from Loestrin to Natazia, which I was only on for 8 weeks and was the only pill I've been on that I've noticed PMS / mood swings. I was too busy concentrating on trying to not be horrible to think about much else and then I switched to the POP. I think it's definitely worth being more assertive with your doctor, because as we've proven in this thread, everyone reacts to hormones differently--it's certainly possible that the pill could be effecting you in this way.

I love the OGNP I see at my campus health clinic, and she's very willing to listen to concerns and supportive of alternative approaches. She recommended some herbal options and a compounding pharmacist in town who I could see for other ideas if changing pills didn't end up helping. I'll dig up my notes from my visit with her if you're interested, though she might have had different suggestions if perimenopause was also on the table.

[lemondirgopie]

This was posted about a month ago but I thought I'd chime in.

I have been on Nuvaring for about a year now. The first month was what I can only discribe as a month-long period. I bled (a little) everyday and was very moody. I think my body was not used to artificial hormones. After that month, though, I've really enjoyed Nuvaring. I don't have to take a pill everyday and just set my phone to tell me when during the month to take it out and put a new one it. It's extremely easy. My periods are now much lighter. I use a Divacup and I only have to empty it in the morning and before I go to bed. I have noticed a slight decrease in my libido, though. It's hard to really tell for sure though, since the whole time I've had sex I've been on BC.

But I have now made an appointment to get an copper IUD (Paraguard). The Nuvaring has become much too expensive for little ol' unemployed me to afford. It started out as about $35/month (had a special deal with my pharmacy + nuvaring coupons). I recently moved and it has shot up to $50/month. For the cost of Nuvaring for one year I've already almost paid for an IUD. So, in an effort to same money in the long run and avoid putting more hormones in my body I've decided to get an IUD. I have not had a kid (I'm 23) and they say it's slightly more painful for us kid-less, though supposedly nothing more than getting a pap smear.

[jelee1311]

I have been using the Mirena IUD now for 8 yrs (I'm on my second one) and it has worked awesome for me. No period,no cramps,no PMS. All of which I had in spades before I got it. I have a child but had a c section because of complications. The second IUD was a little tricky because the doctors inserting it didn't realize I had a short uterus??? I thought removing the first one would be bad but it was nothing. Good luck

[Biciclista]

like Indysteel said, I am really bad at taking pills, vitamins, whatever, I forget. But when I was on the pill... i think i forgot twice in 6 years! They used to put them in a little container which helped you to know the exact day you took the last one.

[indysteel]

Libido has always kind of been an issue for me, but since I've been on the pill for so long, it's really hard for me to parse things out. I went from Loestrin to Natazia, which I was only on for 8 weeks and was the only pill I've been on that I've noticed PMS / mood swings. I was too busy concentrating on trying to not be horrible to think about much else and then I switched to the POP. I think it's definitely worth being more assertive with your doctor, because as we've proven in this thread, everyone reacts to hormones differently--it's certainly possible that the pill could be effecting you in this way.

I love the OGNP I see at my campus health clinic, and she's very willing to listen to concerns and supportive of alternative approaches. She recommended some herbal options and a compounding pharmacist in town who I could see for other ideas if changing pills didn't end up helping. I'll dig up my notes from my visit with her if you're interested, though she might have had different suggestions if perimenopause was also on the table.

Recent bloodwork indicates that my thyroid is hyperactive. I'm still in the middle of getting a diagnosis, but this might explain why my libido has taken a drastic nosedive over the last year, as it's a known symptom. So, I guess we'll see how it unfolds. My doc also gave me a referral to a nurse practitioner who addresses such things. I wouldn't mind getting a full hormone workup to see where I am.