NWR: BCP?

cutie4420

so I have been on BCP for like 8 years. I have really bad cramps/back pains so my dr has put me on different kinds trying to help. none have so far. I was off for about 3 months and just started back on on orthotricyclyn (regular). its been about 2 1/2 weeks and I feel like CRAP. I've had 'breakthrough bleeding' since about Thursday and have had PMS symptoms since Friday (back pains/cramps). anyone else experience symptoms this bad, and will they go away soon??? I am dying over here!!

sorry if TMI just looking for some optimism, mine has left the building!!

aleighk1

I'm on Nuvaring and I'm not sure if you know how it works but you put it in for 3 weeks and then take it out for 1 week and put a new one in. When it's out for the 1 week, you're supposed to have your period but you can leave it in for 4 weeks if you don't want to have your period.

I leave mine in for 4 weeks because last time I had my period I thought my uterus was going to fall out, I had the worst cramps I've ever had. 

Anyway, I can't help you there, because my cramps suck too haha

scottswife1106

GET OFF OF THAT ASAP!!!!

I used ortho tri cyclen for a month and thought that I was going to kill my bf at the time. I told my dr and he put me on ortho cyclen and it is so much better. Problem solved over night. My sister was told that they had taken ortho cyclen off the market but it's not. I have been taking it for almost 10 years.

Good luck!

jessicabessica

I have issues with ovarian cysts that rupture and make be all achey and cranky.  I've gone through lots of different BCPs. 

My suggestion for when you switch BCPs: It's not just some random guessing game, make sure you have a doctor that knows what s/he is doing.  Ask if the doctor thinks you need more or less estrogen.  Ask why s/he wants to move you to a different pill.  My current PCP (who is an awesome nurse practitioner) took out a book with the hormone breakdown of all different BCPs and actually showed me why she was switching me to a particular pill.  I realized that my previous gyn had switched me to a lower estrogen pill even though she stated she was trying to increase the estrogen dose.  Also find a doctor (if yours isn't like this) that takes your complaints seriously. 

cutie4420

thanks for your input ladies!!

I was on both ortho lo and Yaz, and neither helped so thats why she put me on ortho regular. we are going TTC starting in Jan so I am thinking about just sucking it up for a few more months, but I am really sick of feeling like crap every single day!!!

specialk84

I had terrible bleeding, cramps and moderately severe endometriosis.  Two weeks out of the month, I was absolutely miserable.  My doctor put me on Mirena, which is an IUD.  It hurt like hell going in, but I haven't had a period in three years, I have light cramping maybe three times a year, and my endometriosis symptoms have disappeared.

Mrs.B6302007

With the kind of pain you're describing, have you been checked for endo?

Birdie1483

I had cramps pretty much the *whole time I was on OTC Lo. I'm now on the generic form of Seasonale (old version of Seasonique) and I love it. The week of my period sucks donkey balls, but I get 12 weeks period free. I had the cramping issue with other brands that I had tried, so I think this is the only way to go for me now.



*Edit for typo. I had cramps even when I wasn't on my period.

emilyinchile

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_nwr-bcp?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:9d94979b-7343-4bbe-ad4f-8b5ee1366e5bPost:8a2be455-e621-4098-abb6-a3d1f752ec8b">Re: NWR: BCP?</a>:
[QUOTE]GET OFF OF THAT ASAP!!!! I used ortho tri cyclen for a month and thought that I was going to kill my bf at the time. I told my dr and he put me on ortho cyclen and it is so much better. Problem solved over night. My sister was told that they had taken ortho cyclen off the market but it's not. I have been taking it for almost 10 years. Good luck!
Posted by scottswife1106[/QUOTE]

I really don't think that orthotricyclen is just the blanket problem here like you're making it sound. I was on it for years very happily - started BCP for cramps, actually - and only switched because it's not available in Chile.

OP, I don't have any advice beyond what PP said about finding a great doctor and working systematically to the best solution. Good luck.

mica178

I have heard from wome women's health specialists (I am not one) that the BCP that have different levels of hormones can cause funky mood changes and symptoms through the cycle.  However, each woman's reaction to BCP varies significantly.  Clearly if you're miserable, Ortho TriCyclen is not for you, and you should meet with your doctor again to consider other options.

WildRumpus

I was on OTC for around 6 months and was a big bag of crazy, and had horrible cramps and acne. I've been using Nuvaring for almost 2 years and have super light periods and very slight, if any cramps. I do still suffer from back and breast pain, but it's tolerable.

jrkjpf

I'm on Loestrin, ehh, it's ok. Only upside is my periods last no more than about 2 days with minimal cramping. Downside, I occasionally bleed throughout the month, so that can be a pain, as well as it makes me an anti-sex natzi.

I was only the Nuvaring for years and loved it, or so i thought. A few people brought it to my attention that while i had the ring in, i was very moody, emotional, would flip at a dime, and again, sex natzi.