changing pills - again - what to expect

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-25-2006
changing pills - again - what to expect
5
Mon, 11-20-2006 - 7:21pm

About this time last year, I started taking Apri. I was fine until I missed a pill and then it was just never right. After ultrasounds and what not, it was decided to change pils so I started Necon. I've had some breakthrough bleeding (minimal at most) and have not really had ANY period since I started (this is my 5th or 6th month on Necon).

I went in for my yearly physical and pap today. My doctor had wanted to do an hystosonogram (sp?) which she was just not able to do (my cervix basically would not open up to insert the instrument necessary to do the exam). Long story short, she decided to just change pills again since I have not had a period in so long.

She is putting me on Junel 1.5/30. As this is my third pill in a year, I'm just wondering what to expect this go around. I'm always worried about become a bit "crazed" and breakouts and weight gain. None of which had happened before.

Any thoughts?

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Tue, 11-21-2006 - 12:42pm

Hi lshboston, welcome back!


      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-25-2006
Tue, 12-19-2006 - 1:50pm

I'm on day 10 of my new pill (the pharmacist gave me Microgestin instead of Junel) and, just as I had on Necon and Apri...I'm spotting. Always the 10th day. I take my pill at the same time every day...even when I'm in a different time zone, I get up early to take my pill.

I've been experiencing headaches for the past few days, but am attributing that to the lighting in my new office (overhead, flourescent lights) which has happened before (when I was not taking any BCP. And I was definitely sick to my stomach last night, but then again - it is the holidays and I know I ate far too much! This is, of course, such a hard time of year to change pills because there are so many other stresses that are factors for everything else.

All in all, I'm a healthy person. I eat right (most of the time), work out at least 5 days a week, and try and get plenty of sleep. Yet, this one thing just can't work itself out. I told my doctor that I really didn't mind spotting mid-cycle and not getting a period during my non-active pills because at least I knew what to expect. On the upside, too, I do not get cramps. Generally speaking my moodiness (that which is hormonal and not related to Christmas shopping in the malls or dealing with some of the issues at work) is under control. I have increased my iron (more spinach, leafy greens, a little red meat, etc...) because I've been run-down - but feel like that, too, is the holidays and not the pill. I don't get the breast-tenderness that some complain about nor have I had major breakthrough bleeding that has been difficult to deal with.

The one test my doctor wanted to perform (the hystosonogram) didn't work because apparently my cervix was just not cooperating (it was a painful 20 minutes before they stopped trying, though) but she seems rather certain that there are no problems because everything else is clear.

So - I guess my real question is this: I had one other friend who said no matter what pill she was on, she always spotted days 10-13. I can deal with that if the doctor can. I don't love the idea, but I've been on 3 pills in one year and I'm getting a little tired of changing. I would prefer to stay on for the above reasons.

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Tue, 12-19-2006 - 5:20pm

Hi again

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-25-2006
Tue, 12-19-2006 - 5:30pm

I didn't have any adverse side-effects on Necon. Stable weight, clear skin, the whole nine-yards. I've had the irregular bleeding on every pill I've been on - in the same time frame, etc...So I'm almost used to that. It will be interesting to see how the weeks play out.

Like I think I said earlier, though, I think this time of year is tough because the stress of the holidays are so similar to bad side-effects (a few pimples, really tired, headaches, overeating, upset stomach, etc...).

Should I let my doctor know (I'm scheduled to see her mid-way through my second month, so mid-January) that they put me on Microgestin even though she prescribed Junel? Or should I wait until I see her in person? Are both generics for Loestrin or am I confused on that?

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Tue, 12-19-2006 - 6:59pm

>>Should I let my doctor know (I'm scheduled to see her mid-way through my second month, so mid-January) that they put me on Microgestin even though she prescribed Junel? Or should I wait until I see her in person? Are both generics for Loestrin or am I confused on that?<<


      Jill