Side effects of Orthotricyclen/pregnancy

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-03-2004
Side effects of Orthotricyclen/pregnancy
3
Wed, 11-03-2004 - 6:23pm
Hi Everyone :) I am in desperate need of some help. Here's my situation.

For about 5 months I was on the mini-pill. I hated it - it gave me severe breakouts, made me lose my hair, and I was growing hair in odd places. And my breasts even seemed smaller! so I asked to be switched on to something different.

I am now on Ortho tricyclen. I like it, and am 3/4 of the way thru my 2nd pack. But two weeks ago (approx two weeks after my last period) I noticed some sudden breast tenderness.

Not only are they sore, but they seem bigger. I am freaking out because I know that's one symptom of pregnancy. But I just cant see how it would have happened! Yes, I have been having sex. But it just seems so unlikely.

This is my second month on these pills. I have a week (next weds) til my period. It's too early to take an over-the-counter pregnancy test, and I cant bring myself to go to the doctor in fear of what they will say.

Could the breast soreness be my pills? I also had a fever last thurs night. It only lasted that night and I took some vitamins to get rid of it. I dont know what that was all about.

Anyone, please...if you have any ideas I would really appreciate your comments. I am so anxious I can hardly sleep!

Thanks so much :)

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-14-2004
Wed, 11-03-2004 - 6:32pm
Hey! :)

Maybe I can help to set your mind at ease. Breast tenderness is DEFINITELY (yes - a BIG definitely!) side effect of birth control. There are some women on this board that experience an entire increase in cup size during certain points of the cycle! The enlargement and tenderness are often a package deal for a while.

During your first three months on a new method of birth control, your body goes through a lot of changes while adjusting to the new hormones. After the three month mark, many of the bothersome side effects may clear up. Hopefully, this will be your case with the Orthotricyclen!

As long as you`ve taken your pill within +/- 2 hours every day, haven`t vomited within 2 hours of taking one, or been on any antibiotics or other interefering drugs, my bet is that you`re not pregnant, only experiencing side effects of the pill while your body adjusts to the hormones.

Hope this helps! Get some sleep, too. Stressing out too badly can definitely throw your body for a loop!

Lena


Edited 11/3/2004 7:34 pm ET ET by clannanceilidh

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-09-2003
Wed, 11-03-2004 - 9:34pm
hi

i have been on OTC for over a year and i am atill having soreness and swelling, the soreness varies in degree but is around all the time nad the swelling is normally right before my period. I thought the same thing you did when i first started! Anyway good luck and it is probably just a side effect...

missy
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-03-2004
Wed, 11-03-2004 - 10:32pm
Oh thank you thank you THANK YOU I could cry I am so relieved! I mean ultimately I will truly be able to forget this when my period comes next week.

But this definitely helped tremendously! I take my pills like clockwork...and go figure the other day I missed taking one so I took it the next morning (have not had sex since...) and ALL day my breasts killed - worse than ever. I think it might just be a severe side effect for me! And hey, if that's the case, a girl can handle something like that :D

Esp if it makes em a little bigger!


Thanks soo much!