New BC?
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| Sat, 07-29-2006 - 11:30am |
Hi Everyone!
Haven't posted here in a very long time... Here's a brief background: I've been on Ortho Tricyclen since I was about 14 (I am now 23), which was originally to regulate my periods. Since that time, I've had many mood issues (cyclothymic disorder, which is a slightly milder form of bipolar disorder, that was originally misdiagnosed as severe depression); my sex drive has severely decreased in the past 2 years (not due to stress; possibly due to weight, but I'm inclined to say not much, as I've always been an overweight woman who has been very sexual at times); I have ovarian cysts that have ruptured and been the cause of a recent surgery(not polycystic ovarian syndrome or endometriosis though); and my periods are very painful (TMI alert), with heavy bleeding and alot of clotting that has left me anemic for the past few years. I thought the pills were supposed to make my period more manageable and less painful...
That being said, I have faithfully taken the pills at approximately the same time every night (give or take an hour) for 9 years now. I realize my weight does not help the situation (I am a size 24 at 5'3"); however, I am working with my regular doctor to lose weight. She has indicated that besides decreasing the effectiveness, the weight shouldn't much enter into anything else having to do w/ the pills.
With all these factors combined, I've started thinking it's time to switch from a triphasic pill to a monophasic. Honestly, my gyno isn't sure if the cyclothymia is really the true form of the disorder (cyclothymia pretty much means having crazy mood swings that can spiral you into severe depression or hypomania all within hours of each other) or if it's the pills, but she said if I was maintaining my symptoms alright, that I shouldn't switch pills. Thing is, I don't want to just be "alright" anymore... my friends have indicated they had similar symptoms until they switched to monophasic pills. Can it make that much difference?
And if there is a difference, I'd consider switching... my other concern, however, is my breast size. Since I've been on the pills since 14, is my breast size my true size, or is it from the pills? I can't remember what size they were when I was younger; but I know it probably wasn't a D cup, as I am now. I don't want them to shrink... maybe that sounds selfish, as many women would be glad to even be a B or C, but I've grown used to them. (I also realize some of the size is from my weight, which I'm losing... so I know I'll probably already be losing a cup size over the next year just from that).
Well, enough of my rambling. If you've managed to make it through this horrifically long post, thanks for reading! I look forward to any advice you all can give me!!
~Maureen

Hi cloudedepiphany, I remember you! Welcome back!
Jill