Off Nuvaring, onto... what?

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-14-2003
Off Nuvaring, onto... what?
6
Sat, 05-26-2007 - 7:31pm

Hello All!

Here's my deal... I've been on several different BC's for about 12 years now. Last year I was on Nuvaring but around June last year I decided to stop BC altogether. Had some crazy side-effects: mood swings, weird PMS pains that I've never felt in my life (even before the pill), a really irregular & practically nonexistent cycle, loss of appetite (which is a good thing!), and the 2 that affected me the most - surge in libido (who knew I could feel such things!), and an insane amount of uncontrollable acne practically covering every inch of my face, chest & back.

So... I dealt with all this for a while, hoping that my body would eventually regulate itself, but decided in February that I'd had enough with the acne (talk about low self-esteem!). I went back on Nuvaring, but noticed that over the past few months, my libido has significantly dropped back to where it was last time I was on the ring. My skin has cleared up considerably, thank goodness, but I REALLY miss that sex drive :)

I would LOVE to just stop the pill altogether and use barrier methods, however I am absolutely petrified of my skin condition reappearing. With that, I'm strongly considering switching Rx's. After doing some research online, I'm leaning towards Triphasil/TriLevlen, and thinking I probably don't want Ortho-Novum or Tri-Cyclen due to their higher estrogen levels, or Cyclessa due to its desogestrel causing an increase in blood clots (poor circulation runs in my family).

Since there's so many knowledged people on this board, I wanted to share my story and see if anyone had any other advice for me, or insight on my choices.

I look forward to reading your comments, and thank you for reading!

BlueViolet10

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-05-2007
Sun, 05-27-2007 - 12:15am
I was on Tri-Levlen for almost six years and stopped. I don't know why it took me so long to figure out this was the cause for my moodiness and irritability. These symptoms went away within a week after stopping. I'm about to start Yasmin though I don't have much hope for it. Anyway, you might not have any problems with it. Unfortunately, the only way to know if it will work for you is to try it.
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Sun, 05-27-2007 - 12:57pm

Hi blueviolet10, welcome!


      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-14-2003
Thu, 06-07-2007 - 12:52pm

Hello Jill & company!

So, it hasn't even been a week, and I'm already noticing differences in my body from the TriPhasil. I have an insatiable appetite that came from nowhere, I've become a little snippy and intolerant of people (weird mood change from my normal peppy self), and I woke up this morning with a VERY bloated stomach (it's been fairly flat before, and I haven't allowed my appetite to change my eating habits). I am starting to notice a slight increase in my libido which I wanted, but I don't want to get fat off these pills!

I'm half-tempted to call my Dr. for a new prescription (those monophasics you recommended, Jill, sound like a good next option), but I don't want to sound like a wacko for wanting to switch so soon; however, I also don't want these side effects to get worse and make it a miserable month for me. Can I even do that? Switch pills mid-month?

Advice?

Thank you so much for your insight!

Susan

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Thu, 06-07-2007 - 2:35pm

Hi Susan, welcome back!


      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-01-2006
Thu, 06-07-2007 - 3:24pm

Go on Accutane! I, too, had horrible acne off the pill. Unfortunately, with the pill I use now, was no improvement. I took Accutane for 5 months and have been completely clear of acne for months, now.

Oh, and don't worry about the side effects. I had some of the worst side effects that Accutane has to offer and just a few weeks after going off of it all side effects are gone. Just clear skin left behind.

Just a thought.

Apricot.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Fri, 06-08-2007 - 8:35pm

When I took Triphasil, I also had issues with increased appetite and bloating.

Judie Cl for Birth Control