experiences with Alesse--pos. or neg?

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-25-2007
experiences with Alesse--pos. or neg?
6
Thu, 01-25-2007 - 4:41pm

Hi, as a first-time poster, I'm hoping I've set this up correctly...if not please let me know what to do for next time :)

As for my question, I'm wondering what kind of feedback anyone has about Alesse, particularly side effects? Did a little research & apparently it is a monophasic pill? Is a continuous level of hormones better or worse than a graduated level? (I only have experience with phasic pills.)

A little background: I take pill continuously for menstrual migranes (as well as BC), so going off of the pill altogether is not really an option. Was previously on ortho-tri-cyclen & asked dr. to switch b/c my weight continually ballooned for the 18 or so months I was on it. Dr. suggested a pill with a lower dose of hormones, & apparently Alesse is one of these? My doc is not particularly forthcoming or helpful (I WILL be finding a new one but am a full-time grad student & so stuck with her for the time being) SO, I'm interested in feedback from posters, as well as recommendations for other versions of the pill that have worked well for people... Thanks!

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-26-2005
Thu, 01-25-2007 - 7:53pm
I used Alesse a few years ago and liked it for the most part-didn't really have any negative reactions to it...
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iVillage Member
Registered: 09-06-2005
Fri, 01-26-2007 - 11:21am

My doctor put me on Alesse in December. Because of the maufacture's shortage (not by choice), I was put on the generic Aviane- and it was HORRIBLE. Emotionally, I was a complete monster. I couldn't even get past a month on it. Obviously- everyone is different- so it might work ok for you, but I would try and avoid the generic if possible. Check with your pharmacy to see if they carry Alesse before you get your prescription filled.


Erica


iVillage Member
Registered: 09-06-2004
Sat, 01-27-2007 - 6:54pm

hi there,

I went on Alesse a few years ago and had the crazy emotions reaction. When I told my Dr she said that was one of the only side affects you can get from it.
I have been off of BC for a year now, but I am thinking of going back on the pill for a few reasons.

good luck!

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-25-2007
Sun, 01-28-2007 - 4:14pm
Thanks for the responses! Regarding the crazy emotions reaction that some of you had, what exactly should I watch out for? (supposed to start my first pack in another week or so) Was it depression, or more roller coaster type feelings, or something else?
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-06-2004
Sun, 01-28-2007 - 5:09pm
it was a, someone asked me to do something and i started crying for no reason, kind of thing. lol.
Avatar for suzywolf
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Sun, 01-28-2007 - 5:13pm

I took the generic w/out much success, but then again every person is different so you might react differently too. I had issues with anger (mood swings) and yeast infections, but I had this problem with Yasmin too and I think they are similar pills.

ETA (due to other responses): My big problem was anger. I also cried alot more and had feelings of depression, and there was really no other reason for me to feel this way.

After 9 years I have decided to give up using the pill all together. I am currently not needing it (I'm not sexually active, nor do I use it for anything more.) and I decided to give my body a break.

Good Luck.
Jenny




Edited 1/28/2007 5:14 pm ET by suzywolf
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