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BC Pill & Dieting = :(

nrg

New member
Just wondering if anyone that has taken the BC "Alesse" has experienced any major side affects, mainly: crying w/o reason, major lower back pain, slight insomnia.

I asked my doc for the lowest dose pill available on the market (I live in Canada) with the least side effects and "Alesse" was prescribed (each tablet contains 100 ug levonorgestrl & 20 ug ethinyl estradiol).

Well, I'm 4 days into my second cycle of these pills and I'm losing my mind. I'm not an emotional chic by any means but these things are turning me into a sob story, and the lower back pain is hell. I very well may have pinched a nerve or strained my lower back muscles from weight training as there is inflammation. I have an appointment to see a Chiro Doc next week to find out for sure the cause for this.

I have begun my dieting this week as I'm considering doing an amateur show in 12 weeks. I've never experienced such moods as this while dieting strictly before so I'm thinking it's that *&$# pill! I'm supposed to start cycling clen next week but I'm not sure I can handle the insanity of both drugs!! This is my first time on the pill in like 9 years - I'd really like to scrap these all together.

Is there such thing as a no-estrogen pill? I've asked my doc but she's never heard of such pill...she's investigating for me. Any other low-estrogen pill suggestions or at least reply with a shared pain!!! Tkx!!!
 
Why are you on the pill in the first place? Do you have some pre-existing condition that warrants taking birth control (such as PCOS), or are you on it just for contraception? If you're taking it for the latter reason, have you explored other options with your gynecologist? The Paragard IUD (www.paragardiud.com) has an incredibly low failure rate, and it's the only non-hormonal IUD on the market. I'd love to get one, but my gynecologist says I'm too young, and need to have had a child first. :rolleyes:
 
My roommate was on Alesse and she was a bitch! She was extremely moody and she lost all interest in sex with her bf. Luckily she switched to a higher dose pill and now she's cool again.
I think a lot of times women assume that the lowest dose of added hormones would be the best, but it could actually cause you to have even lower levels of estrogen and progesterone than you would naturally (no pill). This is because the pill does not supplement the hormones you already have; instead it shuts off your ovaries as your body becomes reliant on the hormones in the pill. I also don't think that going with an estrogen-free pill would be all that beneficial, except maybe for fat loss, because the side effects you're describing usually have to do with estrogen/progesterone imbalances. Still, to answer your question, I believe I've heard that there is such a thing as the minipill, which is just progesterone without the estrogen. If you're thinking about staying on the pill but going with a different brand, I can tell you that I've had no problems with Loestrin FE 1.5/30. Several friends have had similar experiences with no sideeffects.
 
I was on Alesse for about 6 months and then had to switch to a higher dose because it just wasn't strong enough for me.. I was breaking through every 2 weeks..ugh.. every 3 is bad enough. haha. But on Alesse I was super-bitch. When I moved to a higher dose pill, I never experinced any of those problems, or even weight gain.
 
I'm on the pill for contraception purposes only!! Let's just say that I found out the hard way that I'm fertile and the fact is that I don't want kids anytime in the next 60 yrs!!! My doc would also not prescribe the IUD either, as I'm only 27 and she told me that it could cause many complications being so young. I'm not interested in taking the needles like depo or norplant either - have heard too many horror stories about their side effects.

I can't say I've been bitchy at all, it takes a lot more to press my buttons. I'm just more emotional (sad/a little paranoid) - which I have a hard time dealing with as I'm a very, very laid back person. There are no major stresses in my life so I can't really attribute to this. I've also had no problems with my sex life...if anything at all!! Sex has helped actually, don't think I am capable of not wanting sex!!!! Good endorphins!!

And the only good thing so far about this pill is that my period has gone from 5 (w/o the pill) to only 3 days!! No weight gain, bloating or water retention either which is great!!

I'll have to ask my doc about Loestrin FE 1.5/30...thanks for the suggestions!!! Most helpful. Hopefully it's available here in Canada. The estrogen-free pill is really what I want but I guess I'll have to deal with the hormonal imbalances if the trade off aids in weight loss (esp. with my contest dieting). & not getting pregnant of course!! I'll likely come off the pill a few more weeks out from the comp. or sooner if I think it's hindering my dieting/training too much.
 
"My doc would also not prescribe the IUD either, as I'm only 27 and she
told me that it could cause many complications being so young. "

Find another doctor.
 
BTW, if you feel a need to explain to your doctor why you want an IUD, first you remind them that THEY work for YOU and it's YOUR body. Secondly, refer them to recent research articles such as:

Modern intra-uterine contraception: a better option

Hamerlynck JV, Knuist M.

Users of oral contraceptives have an increased risk of developing venous thromboembolism as well as mammary cancer. This raises
the question as to whether locally applied (intrauterine) contraceptives can offer a valuable alternative with respect to efficiency and
safety. During the past decade the use of modern intrauterine devices (IUDs) has made substantial progress in comparison with the use
of IUDs during the 1970s and 1980s. Modern IUDs have become more efficient than oral contraception. Arguments against the use of
IUDs (problems and complications in IUD insertion, the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy and infertility as well as
side effects such as menorrhagia, pelvic cramps and IUD expulsion) generally appear to be based on a lack of awareness with respect
to recent developments and on misunderstandings derived from bad experiences during the 1980s and earlier.
 
I've had an IUD for 5 years and love it. I'd never had any kids and wasn't planning to in this lifetime, and it hasn't given me a moment's trouble. I think the insertion is easier for women who've given birth, but it was over quickly and certainly worth getting away from synthetic hormones. If you're not married/in a long-term monogomous relationship, then you doctor may be wary, as this would put you at greater risk for infection.
 
I'm not married but in a monogomous relationship...and 27 isn't all that young now is it? lol

As for the IUD, what are you all using?

I'd like to get away from the synthetic hormones for sure. Thanks for the info MS, I'll be sure to show her this info!!! If she's still hesitant then aidos doc. It's all about me!

Ugh...why does not wanting children have to be so complicated!!
 
As for the IUD, what are you all using?

Paraguard Copper-T

Ugh...why does not wanting children have to be so complicated!!

If you ever find the answer to that question, please let me know :D
 
Depo-Provera, as I understand it, is a progesterone-only injection. The most common side effect is weight gain. In fact, I believe that the average weight gain was something like 5-10 lbs PER YEAR. So after 2 years on this progesterone-only birth control, you could be 20 lbs fatter. Yikes! If you're still considering the minipill, which is progesterone only, look ino the side effects to make sure they aren't the same...though I suspect they would be.
 
About not getting the IUDs from your docs, I'm with the same person who said find another doc! Had both the copper and mirena after listening to very long too young/no children lectures. There's no added heath risk (none that either doc could come up with) basically said the IUD was designed to be long term bc method for people who didn't want anymore kids.

Anyway--I got a screwy system. Turns out I'm "copper sensitive" (6 months of body rashes and other crap before removing) AND that my body needs the extra estrogen--the progest. in Mirena couldn't hold off my pd. Every time I had sex had pd for a day or two after in addition to whenever at random and usually 10 day monthly cycles--caved after 6 months. Some woman though it almost stops their pds--like one or two days a month.

I'm on the Nuvaring now and is working fine. I never wanted to go back on the pill and was hoping for no hormones whatsoever but didn't work. Wish I had reference for you but had seen a couple of articles that said sides of bc were almost nonexistant when taken other than orally--this is what brought all the newer products, the Mirena, the bc patch and the Nuvaring.
 
I am on Depo but (dons experimenters hat) "it is difficult to differentiate the weight gain of the subject due to Depo and due to pigging out on pizza, chocolate and other goodies". SUffice to say, while doing all that tkd, I used to get hungry, and I used to shovel down all the carbs and fat I could get my paws on, and that also caused weight gain.

I've been on depo now for 3 years. I don't want to go for the pill as I kept forgetting them. I don't want an iud as the 1% pregnancy risk is TOO MUCH in my mind, I have made the choice NOT to have kids. The mirena also has hormones, so I guess the same weight gain problems... same goes for norplant or implanon.... I could beg my doc for a tubal ligation but they won't give me one before age of 30 and even then I think I will have trouble getting one. I have made the decision not to ahve kids since I was 15....
 
My mom had an IUD after we were born of course! It created complications that led to a total historectomy when she was 45! Be carefull!
 
Found out that what made the roommate bitchy was not Alesse after all. But, I am starting Alesse now because Loestrin Fe didn't take away the cramps. I'll let you know how it goes. Should be a big difference, as its 20 mg estrogen instead of 30. The progesterone is equivalent to the one in Loestrin, but its a different variety.
 
Im getting all freaked out...

I have a doctors appt in 45 mins for this very reason...BC pills...and I just lost 30 lbs...is this gonna halt my weight loss...I hope I dont gain it all back...or any of it for that matter!

OMG...eeek!
We:(
 
Re: Im getting all freaked out...

we5happy said:
I have a doctors appt in 45 mins for this very reason...BC pills...and I just lost 30 lbs...is this gonna halt my weight loss...I hope I dont gain it all back...or any of it for that matter!

OMG...eeek!
We:(



If I were going to pick a birth control pill to try, it would be Yasmin.
 
we5happy, I really wouldn't worry about bc pills making you gain weight. The worst it could do is prevent you from losing more without real hard work, and even then you'd have to be on a decent dose of estrogen. Just pick a low dose and you'll be fine.
 
Well, what do ya think?

I got a pill called Marvelon...Anyone heard anything about it? My Dr. says he has the most luck with it and I'm less likely to gain the weight back on these...We'll see...te first lb I see on these hips and they are in the trash...grrr. :mad:

We
 
Wahoo!

CardioGirl said:
I've been using Marvelon's for the past couple of years and no prob what-so-ever...and not a lb hit these hips..lol

You have no idea how happy I am to hear that!

Another problem I have is that I am really sensitive to hormone changes...I get migraine headaches so bad that I have been hospitalized many, many times. I have to find one that is good all around. Here goes nothing. :(

We
 
VeggieLifterChick said:
But, I am starting Alesse now because Loestrin Fe didn't take away the cramps. I'll let you know how it goes. Should be a big difference, as its 20 mg estrogen instead of 30. The progesterone is equivalent to the one in Loestrin, but its a different variety.

Loestrin Fe comes in two forms - 1/20 and 1.5/30. I assume you were on the 1.5/30? I'm starting the 1/20, it only has 20mcg estrogen. Previously had been on Ortho-Novum 777 for 14 years - 35mcg estrogen! Hopefully, I'll see a difference in the lower estrogen pills.....
 
Yes I was on the 1.5/30. So far I notice no difference on Allesse, but I've still got like 2.5 weeks til I can update you on the cramps. I gained a little fat this month but I have to attribute that to sugar addiction relapses, not the hormones. What will be telling about the different dosage is whether it comes off any easier.
 
Not for me...

I havent been using the Xen faithfully (lately that is)...but it didnt give me headaches until I slowed down...but I think that was the same thing as my caffeine addiction. If I dont have a certain amount of coffee everyday than I get a headache.

We
 
I'm finishing up this month on Alesse and I wanted to give an update. I am definitely switching back to the Loestrin Fe no question about it. The Alesse has caused me to be short tempered. I had an argument with roommates two nights ago and I flipped out and smashed glass beer bottles all over the drive way until my temper cooled. If there had been no bottles to smash, I would have had a really tough time not punching someone. So, just a warning....Alesse didn't work too well for me...
 
VLC - maybe this time try the Loestrin 1/20? It only has 20mcg estro. A constant amount all month. I just started it, and so far, so good.
 
Daisy, what would be the difference between Alesse and Loestrin 1/20? Alesse is also constant, also 20 mcg estrogen. I believe both use estradiol. Not sure if the progesterones are the same.
 
http://www.fpnotebook.com/GYN108.htm

This website is super informative. It lists the chemical makeup of lots of different bc pills and describes how to fix common side effects (whether to go higher or lower with estrogen or progesterone).

According to this site, Alesse has a low estrogenic rating, a low progesterone rating, and a moderate androgenic rating.
 
nrg...Just wondering if your still "wiggin" out ? Was thinking of this thread earlier today..one of my friends is experiencing the same thing since goin back on the pill.

How's the dieting going - have you started your clen yet? I'm hoping to add this in too in the next few weeks....got any updates?
 
VeggieLifterChick said:
Daisy, what would be the difference between Alesse and Loestrin 1/20? Alesse is also constant, also 20 mcg estrogen. I believe both use estradiol. Not sure if the progesterones are the same.

The progestin in Alesse is 0.1 mcg of Levonorgestrel each day.

The progestin in Loestrin 1/20 is 1.0 mcg Norethindrone Acetate each day.

Beyond that, I don't know. I do not know if or how the two progestin are different.

Anyone?
 
DG, did u check out the site I posted? I did a bit more reading on it. One really interesting thing I noticed was that how estrogenic a given brand of pill is more complicated than just how much estradiol it contains. Its also a matter of the combination of the hormones.

According to this website, http://www.fpnotebook.com/GYN110.htm

Alesse has a low estrogenic rating (17), a low progestin rating (.5), and a moderate androgenic rating (.31).

Loestrin 1/20 has low estrogenic rating (19), a high progestin rating (1.4), a moderate androgenic rating (.21).

Interestingly, Loestrin 1.5/30 also has a LOW estrogenic rating (13), high progestin rating (1.7), and a high androgenic rating (.8).

The side effects I experienced on Alesse were: break through bleed days 10-21, moodiness, and weight gain (my weight was at 133 on Loestrin 1.5/30, now its 138). The website says all of these side effects are linked to a need for more progestin. It reccommends Loestrin 1/20 as an alternative. However, I like the idea of a higher androgenic rating so I'm thinking maybe I'll just switch back to Loestrin 1.5/30.


So, to summarize, the LOWEST estrogenic rating of all 3 choices is actually Loestrin 1.5/30!!!!
 
VLC - didn't mean to ignore the site you put up. I posted really quick earlier, was on my way to class. Meant to say that I would look at the site later.... haven't had anytime for fun computer time this semester (and it just started!).

School and work really get in the way of the fun stuff. Don't even get me started on my workouts recently. I think I forgot how to get to the gym. :(
 
That is a great website - complicated, but good info. Takes osme getting used to manuvering around it. But great info. Sounds like the 1.5/30 and 1/20 are pretty close - biggest difference seems to be that 1.5/30 is much more androgenic.

I *HAVE* to see results by switching to Loestrin 1/20. I was on Ortho-Novum 777 (for 14 years) - an estrogenic rating of 48!!!!!! The 1/20 has a rating of 19! Wow.

Thanks for the site.

PS - how is the competition training going?
 
Thanks for asking DG, but I actually quit the contest prep a month ago. I wasn't really ready for it. It was too stressful for me and it was making me unhappy. I really should have been at a much lower bf % to start with, had a little more muscle to start with, and listened to the trainer I paid rather than drive myself crazy trying to follow the advice of everyone on Elite at once. I may try again some time but not until I'm really prepared.
 
CardioGirl said:
nrg...Just wondering if your still "wiggin" out ? Was thinking of this thread earlier today..one of my friends is experiencing the same thing since goin back on the pill.

How's the dieting going - have you started your clen yet? I'm hoping to add this in too in the next few weeks....got any updates?

Sorry about the delay CardioGirl...been crazy busy with training, school and work.

To answer your Q's:

RE the pill (Alesse) - I'm actually fine now...I wasn't actually 'wiggin' out as in tempermental, no where near what VeggieLifterChick described. Holy - I'm thinking that's more than the pill!! I'm not a short-fused person...very laid back. I was just super emotional on it I found during the first 2 cycles. It was hard for me to understand why I'd start to cry when watching a long distance commercial on the t.v.!!! LOL My emotions were very up and down but have now seemed to be under control. Happy me!! I certaintly haven't gained any weight...it hasn't hindered my dieting at all. Happier me!!

The dieting/training is going awesome, thanks for asking. I'm happy so far but I'm not sure if I'll do the competition. It's 7 weeks out so basically I'm training/dieting for it like I am and if I'm confident enough, I'll do it. If not, then I'll take it all in for next year.

I started the clen today actually. I'm using the pump with 2 days on/2 days off, cycling with ECA on off days, for a 6 week cycle. I'll start including T3 after this weekend if I feel I need it. I actually like the feeling from clen - I didn't feel tired at all like some of the other girls posted on other threads. I was super hyper all day and felt warm!! (I'm always cold). I've started out with 1 ml pump first, which I took first thing today before my 6:30 a.m. cardio. I'll increase as needed.

Cardiogirl, have you started clen yet? I'll keep you posted with my cycle progress.
 
No...I haven't started the clen yet soon though:) . Are you taking it in the evening also? Just wondering..how come your cycling it 2days on/2days off.....I was under the assumption that it was better to cycle it either 1 week on/ 1 off or 2 weeks on/ 2 off.
Are you taking any sort of AS? Right now, I'm taking winny and lovin' it! I think I'm gonna run my cycle out for another few weeks and then start taking my clen. Might even consider competing too next year. There's a competition here in 4 weeks I think but I'd like to just learn from my first cycle.
 
Last edited:
Yes, I did read that article - along with a ton of others!!

I'm considering the 1 wk on/1 wk off cycle instead. I think the crash from the 2 wks on/2 wks off may be a little too much for me right now. I'm so busy with school that I can't afford to be tired! I guess my bf suggested the 2 days on/2 days off to see how I'd react initially, esp. since I'll stacking with T3 (starting on saturday). Tho we've read just as many articles that support 2 day on/off cycle as well!! I guess I'll just have to experiment to see what works best for me. I started out with 1 ml, 2 x day for the first 2 days and just had my 2 days off with eca. I'll increase to 2 ml friday a.m. and see how that works for me. If the jitters are fine, I'll take another 2 ml in the afternoon.

No AS for me right now. Winny would definitly be the choice if/ when I do start. Will you be staking T3 with Clen?

BTW - getting back to the topic of the pill...interesting for me in that I started my period in the middle of my pill cycle!!! WTF?? I did switch the time I take it for this cycle from early a.m. to before I go to bed - perhaps that had something to do with it? I stopped taking the rest of the pills (~ 1 wk left). Any info/suggestions?

Sooo, what the hell now? I should finish tomorrow so do I start a new package on Sunday? Stupid pills. lol
 
NRG, if you have your period mid-cycle keep taking the pills until you finish the pack. Its called "spotting" or breakthrough bleeding. If you have sex you have to use a condom or some other type of physical barrier protection because it means the pill isn't working properly. :( This happened to me on Alesse. Its a sign that your body needs more progestin. Try the link I posted earlier to find a better pill for your body, and begin the new brand on schedule. It sometimes takes awhile for these side effects to occur. For some reason, sometimes your first cycle is fine and then the second month or even the sixth this happens.
 
VeggieLifterChick said:
Its called "spotting" or breakthrough bleeding.
it means the pill isn't working properly.
No it doesn't, the pill is working even if you are spotting. I spot all the time & my doc knows it. It's also due to not getting enough estrogen.

I tried pills with more estrogen to stop the breakthrough bleeding, but they made me both way more moody & miserable, as well as more fat. I chose bleeding instead!!! - when months of messing with hormones led me to discover that I was LEAST moody, emotional/miserable, & fat on the low-dose Alesse, even compared to NO PILL.

Did a web search & found this:
http://www.ivillagehealth.com/experts/womens/qas/0,11816,166936_151507-2,00.html
"Breakthrough bleeding does not mean the pill is any less effective."
 
I've never heard of the pill causing someone to have a bad/short temper & anger. Moodiness & depression, absolutely, but not anger (just now catching up on this thread.) I still love my Alesse after much experimentation.

Just checked that web site again. For Alesse: Cut & Pasted selected sides...
Pill associated problems
Break-through bleed days 1-9 (more Estrogen)
Break-through bleed all of month (more Estrogen)

Moodiness (less Estrogen or more Progestin)
Weight gain (less Estrogen or more Progestin)

Veeery interesting. So if you gain weight & are moody, they reccommend less Estrogen, I suppose it's safe to assume that a pill with more estrogen is conversely more likely to CAUSE those symptoms (if less E would reduce the symptoms, I have to think E causes them). SO my thoughts were confirmed. I'll keep on bleeding!
 
Hmmm, very interesting! Thanks for the feedback ladies.

I am liking the Alesse now - this was my third cycle and the side effects that I had (emotional (sad), crying for no reason, not anger or severe moodiness) were mainly during the first and second months. I've not gained an ounce on this pill and as the article reads (c/o Gladiola), spotting or bleeding during the first 1-3 months on a new cycle of pills is fairly common. I think I'll attribute the mid-cycle surprise to changing the time I'd taken it for this cycle. I'll wait to see what happens after I start the next cycle.
 
Gladiola said:

No it doesn't, the pill is working even if you are spotting. I spot all the time & my doc knows it. It's also due to not getting enough estrogen.

I tried pills with more estrogen to stop the breakthrough bleeding, but they made me both way more moody & miserable, as well as more fat. I chose bleeding instead!!! - when months of messing with hormones led me to discover that I was LEAST moody, emotional/miserable, & fat on the low-dose Alesse, even compared to NO PILL.

Did a web search & found this:
http://www.ivillagehealth.com/experts/womens/qas/0,11816,166936_151507-2,00.html
"Breakthrough bleeding does not mean the pill is any less effective."



Gladiola,

When I had breakthrough bleeding I called my doctor @ the school health center and I spoke to several nurse-practitioners as well. They all told me that I should use protection and try a different pill because spotting can mean that it is possible to ovulate. I'm no doctor, so I can only tell you what I've been told. I realize that you are in the same situation. The site does make a distinction between bleeding days 1-9, and bleeding days 10-21. Perhaps ovulation is only a risk in the latter.

According to the Family Practice Notebook website link, breakthrough bleeding can mean you need less estrogen OR MORE PROGESTIN - or a different progestin, such as the one in Loestrin pills. Bleeding through the month must suck. Why wouldn't you want to try something else with the same low estrogen (20) but maybe a different or higher progestin? I have heard good things about Yasmin.

Warning to those on Loestrin 1/20:The doctor at the health center told me she just had a patient get pregnant while using it according to directions.
 
VeggieLifterChick said:
Warning to those on Loestrin 1/20:The doctor at the health center told me she just had a patient get pregnant
That's really too bad for her, but it means nothing to me & nothing at all to anyone on Loestrin. You can't take a single testimony for anything with the pill - especially it's effectiveness. For 1, she could be the one in 1,000 that get's pregnant even when using it according to the directions, it's possible & we all know that. For 2, she could be feeling so distraught over this mishap, that to deal with guilt, she's convinced herself --totally subconsciously- that in fact she did take it perfectly - -- never forgot a pill, never took it at different times of the day, didn't take anti-biotics or anti-fungals (an adopted stray cat with ring worm is why my cousin now has a beautiful daughter... cousin needed anti-fungals & hadn't realized they interacted with the pill.)

If you've ever read the long IUD thread from a while back, you'll really see the results of listening to individual, personal testimony with something like this. Someone FREAKED OUT on how horrid her IUD experience. When a OB/GYN told her she was an "Outlier" --- which means statistically she's not the norm, she's not average, her experiece falls outside of the bell curve under which the vast majority fall - she simply freaked out more & told this doc not to call her a lier. It was irritating to read. Most women have great experiences with it. Aaanyway

I personally deal with breakthru bleeding b/c I've tried mircetted & had the bleeding, Alesse & had the bleeding, plus another higher estrogen I can't remember the name of, plus the loestrin. Over the past 2-3 years. I'm sick of switching. Consistenly, always, I was fatter & more miserable, moody & sad with either no pill or anything besides Alesse (mircette was pretty good too as far as mood). I remember being happier when I first started Mircette at age 21 - when I first started the pill. That's why I put up with it, it's worth it to me. Oh - I'm hornier too! :D It sucks waiting for your body to adjust to a new pill, when you don't even know if it's ever going to get better & if it will be any better than the last one. I'm tired of it.
 
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