Thinking of the 'mini-pill'

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-15-2003
Thinking of the 'mini-pill'
9
Wed, 07-14-2004 - 1:39pm
Hi everyone!

I'm about to start taking birth control for the first time. I've done some reading on-line and asked some of my friends on what they think of it. I'm somewhat scared to start taking them because of the possible side effects. Well, upon reviewing what's out there, I found the 'mini-pill'. Based on everything I've read about it, it sounds like it would be a good fit for me. I've run it past my doctor and he agrees that would be a good option for me since side effects are a concern of mine. I'm going to get back to him with my final decision since I wanted to gain more insight into how other women feel about it. Can anyone please give me their opinions on it? I believe he said he would prescribe Micronor.

Anything you're willing to share would be great!!! I'm just trying to make an informed decision

Thank you so much!!!
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-24-2004
Wed, 07-14-2004 - 3:12pm
Hi,

I've been on Micronor for the past year and the only bad side effect I have noticed is mood swings. It tends to make me more cranky and depressed. The one other thing is it can make your cycles unpredictable they kind of just show up when the want too.

I know everybody’s body responds differently though.

The other thing is with this birth control you really have to make sure you take it at exactly the same time each day.

I don’t know if your Dr. told you but normally Micronor is prescribed to nursing moms or those who have high blood pressure. There is a slightly higher risk of becoming preg. Then there is on the regular pill.

Good luck to you and your decision

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-15-2003
Wed, 07-14-2004 - 4:08pm
Thanks for your response!

That's the one thing I'm trying to avoid is mood swings. I'm pretty moody now and it's been driving my SO crazy for the last two years! I finally decided to do something about it before I drive him completely bonkers! Doesn't the break-through bleeding & mood swings taper off once your body gets used to it?

Yes, my doctor has told me that and that's fine with me. I want something that's low-dose, just as effective as COC's and all that jazz...

Maybe I should consider other options instead?
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Wed, 07-14-2004 - 6:02pm
Hi ika81, welcome!

Progestin only pills (POPs) can be as effective as combined (estrogen/progestin) pills. However there are more stringent requirements for taking them correctly. POPs must be taken continuously, no hormone free week, and at very near the same time every day. If you can do that then Micronor might be a good choice for you.

Typically, POPs are prescribed for nursing mothers during the first 6-12 months of breastfeeding. That way their lactational amenorrhea in combination with the pill will almost totally suppress ovulation. This is from the Micronor site: http://www.orthomcneil.com/healthinfo/womenshealth/products/orthomicronor.html

"1. MODE OF ACTION

ORTHO MICRONOR progestin-only oral contraceptives prevent conception by suppressing ovulation in approximately half of users, thickening the cervical mucus to inhibit sperm penetration, lowering the midcycle LH and FSH peaks, slowing the movement of the ovum through the fallopian tubes, and altering the endometrium."

Let us know how you like Micronor, ok?

Good luck,

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Thu, 07-15-2004 - 8:20am

The irregular bleeding may or may not be a problem with Micronor.

Judie Cl for Birth Control 
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Thu, 07-15-2004 - 10:12am
I was on micronor for about 8 months and HATED IT!!! I had lots of breakthrough bleeding (2 periods each month).It did not cut down on the cramping and heavy bleeding like other pills did for me.I was not pleased.I went on to get the Mirena IUD and love it.GOOD LUCK!! I know there are other mini pills out there besides micronor...good luck!
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-03-2004
Sun, 07-18-2004 - 6:14pm
I am currently using the mini pill. I started taking the mini pill soon after my son was born because I was breast feeding him at the time (it's been over a year since he stopped breast feeding). I've been taking the pill for a year and a half now. I really like the mini pill. Before I was pregnant, I used to take a low dose monophasic combination pill called levlite. I had a big problem with emotional side effects with that pill. I have had no emotional side effects from the mini pill. I have also had no break through bleeding and my periods are regular. I have not had any problems with weight gain. I've had pretty much no problems to speak of on this pill. I'm considering getting another prescription for it when my current prescription expires.

The only issue I have with the mini pill is that they do not carry it at planned parenthood, so I can't get it for as cheap as I could a combination pill. I have used both the brand name (Ortho-Micronor) and the generic (Errin) mini pills. I would recommend the generic because it is the same thing, only much cheaper. I have no health insurance coverage for birth control, so I have to pay full price. The generic mini pill (Errin) costs me about $36 a month. I could get combination pills for $17 a month from planned parenthood.

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-15-2003
Tue, 07-20-2004 - 12:06pm
Thanks for your help! I'm going to go with it and see how it goes. I'll let you know how it works out!

Thanks again!

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-15-2003
Tue, 07-20-2004 - 12:08pm
Thanks!

I looked into the others you mentioned and they all sound like a good fit. I'm going to try the 'mini-pill' first to see how well it works. If it doesn't, at least I have some other options to go to.

Thanks!

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-15-2003
Tue, 07-20-2004 - 12:12pm
I've heard several good things about the 'mini-pill' but I've also heard bad things. I tend to focus on the bad things. Hearing what you had to say makes me feel better about going on it. So I'm going to do it.

I"m not too concerned about the price. I'm pretty sure my health insurance covers it... at least I hope! If not, oh well. It's a small price to pay.

Thanks again!