OTC-lo side effects?
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OTC-lo side effects?
| Fri, 09-10-2004 - 1:36pm |
I've been on ortho-tricyclen-low for about 18 months now. It was great up until a few months ago. I've noticed some really terrible mood swings, weight gain, and MUCH lower libido. Is it possible that I could go over a year without any side effects and now suddenly be experiencing this? If so, does anyone have a new pill to recommend? Thanks!

Susan
Mood swings are far more common on a triphasic pill, one that the dosage of hormones changes every few days, like OTC-Lo than on a monophasic pill in which the dosage is the same for all active pills. I was on OTC for 3 years and thought I had no problems until I found my libido had disappeared by the end of the second year. I finally realized it might be my pills and stopped taking them. Within just a few days I felt more alive and vibrant and my libido came roaring back! I switched to vaginal barriers, a cervical cap between periods and a diaphragm for flow control and contraception during my periods. Barriers do take discipline to use correctly but I feel so much better now that I’m off hormones. There may still be a pill that's right for you or perhaps NuvaRing. Let us know what you decide, ok?
Good luck,
Jill
Best,
Kim