Side effects

[LizzyB]

I was hoping someone could recommend a contraceptive pill which has minimum side effects?

I'm 39 years old and was initially prescribed Microgynon by my Consultant as a form of HRT. I suffered from really awful mood swings and gained weight etc... and after a short while I came off Microgynon and was prescribed Mercilion. Although I didn't suffer from extreme mood swings, there were still other side effects, most notably weight gain. I eventually came off Mercilion and tried herbal medicine for 12 months.

It's now been over 4 months since I have taken anything and I"m conscious I need to go back to my Consultant for something new - I would really appreciate any suggestions?

Manny thanks,

LizzyB

[Charlie]

Hi Lizzy,

I started off on Microgynon and found that after a year or so my hot flushes returned. I have been on various forms of HRT since and think I have found one that suits now Evorel Sequi. My weight and mood swings fluctuate but they have been a little better since using the patches. Perhaps ask to try HRT for a while and see how you get on? There are also a lot of new variations of the pill out there using natural hormones but I don't know what the name.

[LizzyB]

Thanks very much Charlie, I'll look into it further.

I appreciate this forum is still fairly new, but I'd just like to say, it's such a great way to share experiences/ideas - thanks to the Team for setting this up!

[Joanne B]

Hi Lizzie,

It can take quite a while to find the right HRT for your symptoms we are all different what works for one doesn't for another. Pretty frustrating I know, I am 44 now diagnosed at 39 I take femoston 2/10mg and on the whole it works fine, I did have a period of really bad mood swings from being a manic comedian one day to being on the floor emotionally the next, not good and took an antidepressant for a while to even things out, I am okay now. Although I do still monitor how I am on this HRT and go to a specialist every 6months for a check up, as things can change. Maybe go back and try another type to see if it suits, contraception pill is okay but I worry you don't get the protective effects of the HRT on the pill free week which is very important if you still have your womb.Talk to your specialist/GP.

Best wishes, and hope the next one does the trick.

Joanne xx