POP/mini-pill users' experiences
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POP/mini-pill users' experiences
| Wed, 08-25-2004 - 1:29pm |
I've tried just about every pill out there and my body has just never been able to handle them. My new doctor suggested I try the mini-pill which only contains progestin. I've been on it for about 2 1/2 weeks and couldn't be happier with the results. No migraines or constant bleeding like I had with regular BC pills. However, there doesn't seem to be as much information out there, and the information I do find is often contradictory so I was hoping to hear from some women who've actually used them. My biggest questions are about side effects and if what I'm experiencing is normal. First, is breast tenderness a common side effect? I usually get breast tenderness during PMS, about the week before my period, but after about 2 weeks on the mini-pill I have severe breast tenderness and feel like my breasts are getting larger. Also since about the first week of being on the pills my appetite has increased significantly. I've read that both breast tenderness and appetite changes can be a side effect, but I assumed it would not be so drastic. More like when you're PMSing and less like when you're pregnant. I'm only slightly concerned about pregnancy as I had my annual exam just a few days before starting the pills and started the pills with the first day of my period, but there is a slight concern since my Dr. ruled out pregnancy only from a pelvic exam and my period was lighter than usual. Anyone else have any of these side effects after starting the mini-pill? Did they subside over time? Obviously I'm going to call my doctor if my period is late this month or if additional side effects occur, but until then I was just hoping to hear from others who may have information on the topic. Any other side effects you've had would be great to know too so I won't freak out if anything else weird starts to happen. Thank you!

My main problem with pills with estrogen was mood difficulties. Those went completely away on the mini pill. I did have some problems on the mini pill for a while until I adjusted to it. The first month or so I had severe problems with breast tenderness, even to the point of not being able to lay on my stomach at night. This went away, and only returned as a PMS symptom after I adjusted. I didn't experience any problems with my appetite.
The other problem I had was with bleeding. For several months I was getting my period every other month. After a few months, it straightened out to being more like my regular 35 day natural cycles like I would have off the pill. Occasionally though the cycles would be shorter or longer, and once as long as 45 days.
Overall I was very happy with the mini pill, it was a blessing to not be depressed anymore like I was on regular pills.
The only concern I had though was that it's not as effective as regular pills. I was absolutely fanatical about taking them exactly on time every day. I also made a point of doing fertility awareness and used backup around the time I was ovulating, on the cycles where I did. The concern about the effectiveness though was what led me to try the Mirena IUD, which I've been very happy with.