Switchd from the Patch to NuvaRing -

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-22-2003
Switchd from the Patch to NuvaRing -
2
Wed, 11-03-2004 - 11:59pm
A little over 2 weeks ago, I switched from the Patch to NuvaRing. I had been on the patch for a year, and didn't mind it - except for the rash it left on my butt. I'm pretty happy with the ring - I don't really notice it (took someone from the board's advice and made a figure 8 and folded in half prior to insertion).

However...I've noticed that since I switched my moods have changed - at least I think it may be partially from the switch. I looked at the packaging today on both and I can't tell for certain the difference in the hormone levels in the two.

I'm certain that after a while things will even out (it doesn't help that I also started another medication last week (Lamictal)and my doc (I have major depression with underlying BP1) has been changing up my meds to try and get me on an even keel again).

I'm just curious if anyone else has made this switch and what their experiences were as well as if anyone can help me understand the differences in the hormones in the two and how that might affect me.

Thanks for your time

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Thu, 11-04-2004 - 7:00am
Well, there are different progestins in the ring and the patch. It's hard to compare progestins with each other because it depends also on the dose as to how "strong" they are, but suffice it to say they're different! There is also less estrogen in the ring than in the patch, and the dosing is more consistent with the ring because it's monthly instead of weekly.

We still can't say exactly which hormones will affect each woman's mood, some women are negatively affected by the estrogen, some by the progestin, some by both, and some by neither. It's kind of a crapshoot!

I hope that you can get this worked out so that things are okay. Good luck to you!

Judie
Co-cl for Birth Control
Judie Cl for Birth Control 
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-07-2004
Sun, 11-07-2004 - 2:38pm
I also switched from the patch to the ring. I had the same problem with the patch. A rash on my butt! I switched to the ring because I didn't have any health insurance at the time and i went to planned parenthood to get the patch. Well where i live the patch is in high demand and they could not offer that to me. So they educated me about the ring. I love the ring. I think this is one of the best BC out there now. I have experienced pills and depo as well. I will say the ring is my favorite. I don't have any problems with it at all. I do not notice a big change in my mood. I always get real moody when i experience PMS. So I really cant offer any information as far as mood swings. But I just wanted to share my experiene as well.

robYn!