Today contraceptive pills are designed to contain much lower doses of synthetic hormones in the 1960s when “The Pill” (with 50 micrograms of estrogen) first came on the market. The reason for this is to reduce the side effects of hormonal contraceptives. “That still did not help much,” you can tell, but here is some information about low dose birth control pills that can help you have a productive (no pun intended!) Talk to your doctor if you are not satisfied with your current pill. Trial and error with different types of pill-is worth bearing in mind that oral contraceptives are still not the perfect method of birth control for everyone. If you are in the right birth control pill ‘to suit your body, you should feel exactly the same way as usual, if not a little better.
Some women can not tolerate the combination of estrogen pills do not lower progestin-only pills are prescribed. Estrogen seems to be the main culprit that side effects were to blame for “low-dose birth control pills” have been developed to minimize these. 0.02mg estrogen-containing pills 0.035mg.of are classified as “low dose” pills.
Here are some brand names of “low dose” birth control pills:
LoOvral containing 0.03 mg ethinyl estradiol and 0.3 mg and nogestrel
Nordette contains 0.03 mg ethinyl estradiol and 0.15 mg levognorgestrel
Ortho-CEPT (Reclipsen, used) contains 0.03 mg ethinyl estradiol and 0.15 mg desogestrel
Desogen contains 0.03 mg ethinyl estradiol and 0.15 mg desogestrel
Levlen21 containing 0.03 mg ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel 0.15 mg
Seasonale / Seasonique contain 0.03mg of ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel 0.15 mg
YASMIN YAZ and two more low dose birth control pills containing 0.03 mg and 0.02 mg respectively of estrogen but have a different type of progestin in the other pills called drospirenone (3.0 mg). Yasmin may not be suitable for you if you also take other over-the-counter pain relief, potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium supplements or specific medications so you must check this with a doctor first.
Changing levels of hormones in your body can lead to side effects that vary for each individual. Hormones in maintaining a constant level in your body is the use of oral contraceptives that do not ovulate, uterine lining and diluted thickens your cervical mucus. These three events work together to prevent pregnancy.
Alessa and pills such as Mircette are called ‘ultra low dose’ as the pills contain only 0.02mg of estrogen. These oral contraceptives are effective in preventing pregnancy but some women find they have more spotting and breakthrough bleeding with them than with pills containing 0.035mg or 0.03mg. (the norm today) of estrogen. Breakthrough bleeding and spotting often disappear after a few months in a low dose birth control pill.
0.02mg of estrogen is sufficient for contraception but the side effects of the location and progress of bleeding are more common with this type of ultra low dose birth control pills with low dose pills containing 0.030mg or 0.035mg of estrogen. Women who prefer Alessa ((Aviano, Lessin, Luther, Sronyx) and Mircette say they reduce headaches, mood swings, bloating and breast tenderness. These two brands also may be better for first timer pill users a “low estrogen start ‘to the introduction of synthetic hormones in their bodies.
You’ve probably heard of progestin-only pills or “mini pill”
These oral contraceptives are 90-95% effective in preventing pregnancy compared with 99% efficacy rate of combination pills. However, it does not cause the common side effects of estrogen pills such as nausea, breast tenderness and cramps. The risk of developing deep vein thrombosis and cardiovascular disease is lower with progestin-only pills. Nursing mothers can use progestin-only pills a few weeks after giving birth as progestin does not affect milk supply like estrogen does.
‘Mini pills’ must be taken every day at the same time without interruption. If you miss just one pill or take more than three hours past the regular schedule, it is necessary to use a backup method of birth control during 48 hours after taking the pill later. disadvantage of the “mini pill ‘- apart from irregular and breakthrough bleeding spots, you may increase the risk of ovarian cysts and ectopic pregnancies.
Last update
Low dose birth control pills can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke, especially in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or metabolic disorder. However, this risk disappears when you stop taking the low dose pill (according to a study by the Virginia Commonwealth University published in the July issue of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism). PCOS is a condition that can affect a woman’s menstrual cycle, fertility, hormones, insulin production, heart, blood vessels and appearance. “Despite the doubling of the risk associated with the pill, the absolute risk of a cardiovascular event in a woman taking the pill is low - women using the pill will not automatically have a heart attack,” said John Nestler, MD, professor and chairman of the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism at the VCU School of Medicine. “However, our results raise the question of whether oral contraceptives are optimal for certain groups of women who are at risk or who are taking the pill for longer, such as women with PCOS.”
sandeep
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Birth control pill/patch/etc. options with few side effects?
Hey all, so I just got back from a trip to the E.R., where they had to give me morphine to stop my menstrual cramps. Several people, including the E.R. nurse and doctor, told me I should consider taking the Pill to help with cramps. I’ve had bad luck in the past (about 4 - 6 years ago) with mood swings, breast tenderness, and/or even worse stomach and menstrual cramps.
about 5 or 6 years ago i tried the Pill (Ortho-tricycline, I think, but not sure) - HORRIBLE issues with mood swings and irritibility.
4 years ago I tried the ortho-evra patch - no mood swings but bad menstrual cramps, nearly constant stomach cramps, and breast swelling and tenderness (took it for 3 months, these didn’t significantly decrease).
Has anyone who is sensitive to BC had good luck with some of the low-dose pills or other options? Since I’m just using it for cycle control/cramps, not as a contraceptive, I want to minimize the side effects.
I have had horrible cramps and back cramps for a few years So I just got on the shot. My doc told me it also help prevent types of cancers and I haven’t had any side effects. My best friend tried the low dose pill with her horrble cramps and she didn’t have any luck with it.
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for the fewest side effects the pill is usually the best bet. see which is best for you, a monophasic (meaning the same hormone dose in every active pill) like ortho-cylin or a triphasic (meaning diff hormone levels from week to week) like ortho tri cylcin. fid out which one you used to be on and try the other kind
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i used the depo shot and it took my periods completly away. i got one like every 6 months and it was clock work if i started on the 2nd and stopped on the 7th then i would start on the 7th six months later.
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Menstrual pain (menstrual cramps, dysmenorrhea) is believed to be associated with an elevated level of PG2 prostaglandins.
PG2 prostaglandins are synthesized from the omega-6 fatty acid, arachidonic acid and are known to be pro-inflammatory.
The formation of PG2 prostaglandins competes with the formation of PG3 prostaglandins from the omega-3 fatty acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), the main component of fish oil. PG3 prostaglandins are anti-inflammatory.
The ratio between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in the diet is associated with menstrual pain. And American standard diet is more on the O-6 side.
You might try the following natural approach:
1. Essential Fatty Acids - 1 tbsp. (14 grams) flaxseed oil a day. Or Fish oil , 3 times a day.
2.Vitamin C/Flavonoids - 1,000 mg vitamin C and 500 mg flavonoids twice a day.
3. Iron supplements - get a liquid one in combination with other vitamins
4.Take a hot bath or use a heating pad to relax the uterus to relieve cramps.
5.Exercise — activity releases endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers.
6.Different herbal teas can help ease menstrual disorders. For cramps, try chamomile tea - if there is not history of ragweed allergy.
7.Bromelain at 250 to 500mg can be taken 3 to 4 times per day on an empty stomach. Fish oil and bromelain make a powerful anti-inflammatory combination.
8. Bcomplex supplements
9. Cal/Mag - Restoring magnesium sufficiency by consistent supplementation can work to prevent this problem.
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I would try the othro tricylin low if not then i would try Mirena its used to treat endometriosis which causes cramping and sever bleeding
the only thing is if its for this treatment you should be atleats 25 and in a monogamous relationship. Some Dr require you to have at least one child but if its for treatment the Dr should measure your uterus to ensure it will fit.
I too suffered from sever menstrual cramps but not to the extreme of morphine and the MIrena has helped me alot and Ive tried all the birth controls in the market and have had severe side effects moodiness spotting etc…
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RN