Seasonale - Benefits vs. Negatives

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-05-2004
Seasonale - Benefits vs. Negatives
1
Mon, 04-05-2004 - 2:05pm
Hi Ladies. I have read through lots of posts on this site pertaining to Seasonale. I have concluded the following:

- Expect breakthrough bleeding (or whatever you want to call it, bleeding is not good that is all I can say!)

- Possible Decrease in sexdrive (or dryness)

- Any other Negatives?

- WEIGHT GAIN, ok yuck!!!

I have some questions.

1) I am currently on the mini-pill and have just finished nursing my son. Do I need to finish the mini-pill (1/2 - 3/4 way through pack) and wait for my period before starting Seasonale?

2) When people talk about continual bleeding, is this something that is managable with a mini pad, or do you experience severe breakthrough bleeding/spotting? This could be problematic if it is more than spotting. That could be nerve racking when wearing light colored shorts in the summer!

3) Why wouldn't one regulate their own 4 a year cycle themselves through orginary birth control rather than through Seasonale? For example, if you are currently on a standard 28-day pack, couldn't you just go straight to another pack, rather than having an off week from the pills? Then on your end of the third month skip taking the pills?

4) What have you noticed about PMS with Seasonale? I have read mixed things. This is the main reason I was thinking of switching to seasonale. I have severe PMS monthly currently and can not stand myself for a whole week once a year. If Seasonale was able to control this so that I only had to experience this 4 times a year, that would be worth making the switch itself!

I would love to get lots of feedback on the above questions. I appreciate your time!

Thanks!


Edited 4/5/2004 2:25 pm ET ET by bidder5000

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Mon, 04-05-2004 - 2:41pm

I think finish the mini-pill pack before starting Seasonale would be best, unless your doc suggests otherwise.


As for the bleeding, PMS and other side effects - some women are going to have that with Seasonale, and others won't.

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