OTC-lo side effects?

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-12-2003
OTC-lo side effects?
3
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!
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-16-2004
Fri, 09-10-2004 - 10:07pm
I know that a lot of people on this board have experienced side effects that don't develop until a long time after they are on a pill, so it is very possible they are side effects of the pill. Your body can change over time and what was right for you before can no longer be. Unfortunately I don't know much about what would be a good alternative for you. But many ladies on here will probly be able to help you, so just hang on, they'll chime in soon!!

Susan

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Sat, 09-11-2004 - 12:09am
Hi windy1025, welcome!

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

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-12-2003
Wed, 09-15-2004 - 5:21pm
Whew! thanks ladies... now I know there's some reason behind this madness! To top it off I'm just starting to plan my wedding (horrah!) and you can imagine what the mood swings are contributing to that. I'll give my doctor a call. :-)

Best,

Kim