Seasonale: Anyone else on this yet?

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-19-2004
Seasonale: Anyone else on this yet?
6
Wed, 09-01-2004 - 8:03pm
I'm in my 8th week of taking Seasonale. The first 5 weeks were fine, no spotting. The last two weeks, I've been "spotting" - more like having a light period... cramping, headache, nausea. I read the verbaige on Seasonale and understand that there is spotting during the first cycle but does it ever let up? Is anyone else on it? I tried it b/c I like the idea of having 4 periods a year but at this rate, it's going to be year-round.
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Wed, 09-01-2004 - 10:32pm
Hi kaligirl121, welcome!

While you are waiting for replies you can check posts in the archives, just type Seasonale in the search box at the top of the page. We have had a number of discussions on the subject of irregular bleeding when beginning Seasonale. Bleeding is a rather common side effect and may be bothersome through the third extended cycle pack. I hope Seasonale will work well for you. Thanks for posting.

Good luck,

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-22-2004
Thu, 09-02-2004 - 9:54am
I've replied this to some other posts about Seasonal, but I just stopped taking it this week, but was on it for about 5 months. When I started it, i told my doctor that i had previously had trouble with btb and she suggested if it happens to stop taking my pills for 1 week and let the period happen. That way it won't last for 2 weeks. Maybe you could try this until your system gets accustomed to it. Hope that helps.

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-26-2004
Wed, 09-08-2004 - 2:34pm
I'm in the middle of my 5th week taking Seasonale. The first 3 weeks were great. Then, I spotted for 2 weeks and then I stopped for a few days and it started up again today. It's not a lot but appears a little when I wipe (sorry tmi). I guess this is normal for this pill but it's very bothersome. I tend to stress over spotting because I have a problem with anemia so I take iron pills every day. The doctor said this could happen for the first 3 extended cycles (9 mos). I hope my body gets used to the hormones soon. Are you still experiencing the spotting?

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-01-2003
Thu, 09-09-2004 - 5:23pm
Lurker Delurking......

I am starting my second month of my third cycle (I guess saying 8th month would have been easier) and I still experience a bit of spotting every now and then. When I first started taking it, it was horrible. I considered stopping the pill and starting on a new one but soon, the spotting became less and less. I got my first period and it was completely light and cramp free, so I decided to stick to it.

One thing I have noticed is sticking to the same time frame each day reduces the frequency of BTB. For example, I normally take it at about 9pm or 9:30 each night and experience very few days of BTB. As soon as I start to deviate from that time, I started having spotting again. While I am not saying you should take it at 9pm, I am saying that maybe you should try to stick to the same time (give or take a few minutes) each day. My best friend takes Seasonale also and she has noticed the same thing....deviating from the time frame usually brings about BTB.

Maybe that is something you could try. I am overall pretty happy with it. I could do without the ocassional BTB but I figure its a small price to pay for the convenience.

JMHO

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-26-2004
Thu, 09-09-2004 - 5:52pm
I take it at 7:00 every morning. Almost to the minute. Maybe my body isn't use to it yet. It's pretty light, but it's still there. It's really annoying.

I do have a problem with anemia so btb stresses me out. I try to relax, but it's very difficult for me. I take daily iron supplements and have my hemoglobin level checked every 6 weeks.

I know my dr would like me to stick it out for the 3 months. I guess it's too soon to tell if it's going to work for me. Approx how many days of btb have you had since you started taking it? I can go 4 days with nothing and then it starts up for 3 or 4 days and then stops again. I wish it would make up it's mind...lol. Kinda puts a strain on my relationship with my hubby if you know what I mean. He's very patient and supportive with me which is good but it's still frustrating!!

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-10-2004
Fri, 09-10-2004 - 11:12am
I've had similar problems with Seasonale. I've never experienced BTB before and I've been on three different Birth Control Pills. I'm on my third cycle on my third pack of pills. Every time I get to the last cycle of the 3 month pack I have breakthrough bleeding for two weeks and then my period when I get to the white pills. It's such an inconvenience I'm thining about switching back to my old pills. Not only has the BTB side effects of this pill strained my sexual relationship with my boyfriend, but my sexual drive has gone way down. The four periods a year is a great concept but if it's not going to work then not sure it's worth it for me. I'm not sure whether to wait it out and see if the btb will go away once my body get used to it.