Patch side effects

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-10-2004
Patch side effects
3
Thu, 08-26-2004 - 10:21am
I have been on the Patch for about 6 months now. When I started, I had no noticeable side effects. I had been on Ortho-Novum 1-35 for YEARS (my new dr. actually laughed when I told him what I was taking - called it a dinosaur...) :-)

Anyway, I was fine for about the first 4 months, but last month I started spotting and cramping a couple days before AF. This month was worse, with major breast tenderness for about 2 weeks preceding AF, as well as the same amount of spotting and cramps. In addition, AF is much heavier than ever before (and about a day longer!!), and my libido is significantly reduced (!). I have also noticed that my moods for the past couple of months have been up and down around AF time more than they ever were on the pill I used to take. It is starting to worry me because I am freaking myself - and my bf - out with the random mood swings, etc.

Has anyone else had similar side effects from the patch, and specifically, side effects that started after you had been on it for a while? I thought these things usually worked themselves out in the first few months. Is it worth changing again to get rid of these problems or should I wait it out a bit? I love the convenience of the patch. Any insight is appreciated. :-)
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-20-2004
Thu, 08-26-2004 - 11:03am
Ironically, my experience from the patch has been about the same. I've been on it for five months now and the side effects that were non-existent in the beginning are getting worse and worse the longer I'm on it. I figured after the first few months I'd be in the clear, but no. My periods were really short and light the first two months and have been getting heavier and heavier the past few months. It lasts for about a week (ah!) and is very heavy. I also have very low libido and produce no lubication, which is really annoying. So I decided I'm going to try the Nuvaring for awhile and see if my body responds better to it. Good luck if yyou decide to switch! You are not alone in patch side effects!
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-10-2004
Thu, 08-26-2004 - 12:25pm
I'm really glad I'm not alone with this. Although, I'm really sorry to hear it too. It sucks! And I'm having the same lubrication issues (sorry if TMI).

I hate to change again so soon, but I also hate the way I feel and my poor bf has no idea what to do to help me relax about it. With the late onset of these side effects, and their striking similarity to other "conditions," I have spent the last two and a half weeks thinking I was pg. UGH! Fortunately, AF arrived on time yesterday so now I can return to my quasi-normal self - aside from the moodiness...

Anyway, thanks for the input and reassurance. I think it's time to chat with my doctor... :-) Good luck with the NuvaRing.
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-18-2003
Fri, 08-27-2004 - 11:46am
I used the generic of Ortho Novum, Necon 1/35 before I used the patch. My moods are worse too. Libido is a little worse, but I have a lot on my mind thinking about ttc. Funny, I attribute it totally to life but maybe some of it is the patch. AF is definitely heavier on the patch. Necon is known in my circle of friends to make AF light and short. My breasts grow and are more tender on patch, and it is the only hormonal bc I have tried that makes it easy for me to gain and harder to lose weight (only 5 pounds though.) I like the patch in the summer because we are out of town more and I am more likely to forget a pill on Sundays.

I’m going back to trusty Necon next month unless dh and I decide to ttc. It may be a dinosaur, but it is as perfect as I can find for my chemistry. Good luck with your search.

Holly