progesterone only vs estrogen

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-16-2003
progesterone only vs estrogen
1
Wed, 03-03-2004 - 8:29pm
I am just starting BC, and I want to do Seasonale, but my doctor wants me to do a progesteron only pill because the type of migranes I get are a sign that I am at a higher risk for a stroke, and he thinks the extra estrogen is not worth the risk. He said if I really want to, I can try the seasonal, but if my migranes increase, he would insist I switch. I have heard bad things about pills without estrogen. I am so confused about what to go on. I have to call back next week to let him know my decision. Any suggestions?

Crystal

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Wed, 03-03-2004 - 8:54pm
Hi Crystal, welcome!

Progesterone only pills (POPs) can be as effective as combined pills but they MUST be taken at the SAME TIME EACH DAY to be as effective as combined pills. If you have a hectic schedule you will have to do some good planning because you can compromise the effectiveness of your protection by being a couple of hours late. If you doc thinks you could be a candidate for a stroke by taking combined pills then you really shouldn’t be taking them. Another progestin only contraceptive is Depo Provera. It is very low maintenance, one injection every 13 weeks, but it can have some harsh side effects such as mood swings, irregular bleeding and weight gain. There are a lot of women who like Depo and don’t have side effects but if you are one that does there is no reversing the injection, it has to wear off over a period of 3 months. Another possibility would be to take the POP and use a barrier (condom, diaphragm or cervical cap) as backup. Using a diaphragm or cap you can retain the spontaneity often lost with condoms. Let us know what you decide, ok?

Good luck

      Jill