BC and frequency of colds, etc.

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-26-2004
BC and frequency of colds, etc.
1
Mon, 07-26-2004 - 12:58pm
At the start of this year (because of insurance changes) I switched to the generic form of my birth control pill (which I have taken for about six years). This year, I have already suffered from four colds and am now recovering from a stomach virus. This is the sickest I have been as an adult. First, is there any truth to the rumor that during the last week of your cycle, your immune system is at its weakest? I have noticed that most of these illnesses are occurring near the end of my cycle. In addition, while I have suffered from migraines for about two years, I have noticed that they have been severe this year -- lasting for days. Anyone have anything similar happen to them on the pill?

Also, I am now switching to Seasonale (I was taking my other pill for four months as well). Any problems with Seasonale out there?

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Mon, 07-26-2004 - 5:57pm
Hi jcole2004, welcome!

I have seen nothing that links hormonal contraceptives to a reduction in the ability to ward off colds and viruses. Your recent illnesses might have more to do with the amount of stress you are under, your diet or the number of sick people you are around than which pill you are on. On the other hand, hormonal contraceptives can contribute to headaches in some women.

A very common side effect of starting Seasonale is irregular bleeding which can occur during the first 3 extended cycles. Users who can tolerate the bleeding long enough for their bodies to adjust to the 84/7 regimen seem to like Seasonale.

It might be a good idea to ask your doc the questions you posted here. Let us know what s/he says, ok? I hope you are feeling better soon.

Good luck,

      Jill