Weight gain, mood swings and the pill

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-06-2004
Weight gain, mood swings and the pill
4
Sun, 06-06-2004 - 7:42pm
I've been taking Alesse for almost three months and this is my third week of headaches, nausea, dizziness. I've gained a bunch of weight and I've had ridiculous mood swings for basically the three months. I have a feeling that I just don't do well with the hormonal stuff.

I'm guessing that there aren't any pills that have decreased incidences of these side effects? I'm also looking into Mirena, but I'm just finding too much conflicting information. It increases menstrual flow, it decreases menstrual flow. There isn't an increased chance of ectopic pregnancy, there is an increased chance of ectopic pregnancy.

I'm also hearing two different opinions as to whether it's a good option for a woman who has not given birth before. Some info says it's better if you've had children before using it. Other info says it doesn't matter.

Most importantly, I'm hearing that it both does and does not have hormonal side effects, such as weight gain, mood swings and depression. It's impossible to make a decision with so much conflicting information.
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-05-2004
Sun, 06-06-2004 - 9:07pm
Hi,

I'm on my third month of birth control pills too and I too have had headaches, nausea, mood swings/depression and one you didn't mention, breakthrough bleeding (bleeding between periods). While I gained weight during the first month, I cut back on my salt intake and exercised a bit more so my weight went back to normal into the second month. You mentioned that you've been on the pill for almost three months. If you can stand it, maybe you should stick to it for another month. These are common side effects of the pill and should go away into your fourth cycle; at least that is what I have been told by several people. Most types of birth controls come with their own set of problems but the pill is one of the most safest. By the way, my worst side effect is depression... everything makes me want to cry... I've never been so emotional but I am going to stick it out with this pill. Just thought you might want to know you are not alone. Good luck to you in whatever decision you make.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-13-2004
Sun, 06-06-2004 - 10:44pm
You know, I would speak with your doctor - while every woman is different, perhaps s/he has seen this effect on other patients and can recommend a better brand for you.
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-06-2004
Mon, 06-07-2004 - 12:09am
I really appreciate hearing about your experience. Mood swings are just stupid. I find a lot of the time I'm upset, I'm upset because I feel upset. It makes no sense. I'm not a moody person, but I'm constantly going from normally happy to crying to irritable and back. I can deal with the physical side effects, but this is starting to affect my mental health too and that's not what I'm looking for in a birth control.
iVillage Member
Registered: 02-01-2004
Tue, 06-08-2004 - 10:54pm
I was on yasmin for over a year. At first, I did gain some weight and experienced breakthrough bleeding, but that all went away after about 3 months. About 6 months into the pill, I began to experience severe mood swings. They began to effect every aspect of my life, and most importantly my mental health. I never put the connection to the pill, and even went to see a counselor in attempt to control my emotions. A few months later, I saw an article saying how the pill does have the ability to cause mood swings. I stopped immediately and it was like I was a new person. Some people have had great luck with the pill, but if you think it is going to have an affect on your mental health, it is not worth it. I decided to switch from the pill to Nuvaring, and I no longer experience those severe mood swings. It is important to try out different bc methods, to see what is a good fit for you.