Problems with birth control pills. Is estrogen not for me?

Question

I started on the standard Levlen pill but after a week could tell it wasn't for me - I was really moody and quite sick. So I started on Yaz (a low dose pill) that was meant to help minimize symptoms. Instead my symptoms got worse - I had my period for a about 3 months straight basically. My friend had the same problem and her doctor said she should try the mini-pill because its likely she already has a high level of estrogen which is causing the excessive bleeding. Is that the same problem as me? I'm 17 and having regular sex. I just want to find the right pill for me - HELP!

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

It's possible. There are so many different kinds of pills (and the nuva-ring and the patch and the shot) that just having problems with 2 of them doesn't necessarily signal you have too much estrogen. My doc also told me it takes 2-4 weeks to get used to a new pill and some of the problems you have the first couple weeks will go away. When I started the pill I'm on, my blood pressure went up really high, but went back to normal after 2 weeks.

Personally, I was more moody on the progesterone only pill, but there is no harm in trying it! Ask your doctor about it.

There are other means of birth control besides the pill though. You can use condoms, spermacide, diaphragms, and the sponge. Don't use douching b/c it can actually push the semen farther up into you.

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

Yeah, thanks. Doctor is the way to go.

Answer 2

I've just been on regular birth control for a long time, and that's really the only thing that has worked for me. Honestly, Yaz, and some of the other pills haven't been around long enough for me to trust, so it's best to stick with something where all the kinks have been worked out. The pill has been around since the 50's, so they've seen all the side effects and worked out the dosage. The only thing is you have to take it every day, but you get in the habit.