Birth Control Pills and side effects.....

[naughtoj]

Hi everyone...
Recently I switched from Depo Provera contraceptive injection to Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo BCP's. My face has cleared immmensly in just a month of taking it...actually, it happened almost instantly!!! I used to get some pretty bad cystic acne on my chin and I have not had one cyst in a month and a half!!! This is my primary motivation for the switch and I am very happy with this "side effect".

However, I am assuming because of the estrogen (Depo has none and shuts off your body's own production of it), my breast have swelled to the point where I take off my bra and it feels like they are 900lb weights dropping to the ground (that is not pretty, huh?

They are so sore and I know that is a side effect so it is no suprise, but I already have big breasts and bigger is NOT better. But more problematic is I think I have the begginnings of new stretch marks!!!! Did any of you guys experience new stretch marks from going on the pill? I am wondering if it will stop after a couple months? I have not gained weight and the stretch marks are only on my breasts..just the begginnings of them (purplish). I feel much more bloated than on Depo, so could the water weight and swelling be causing the stretch marks? I always thought you had to gain weight to get stretch marks?
Any comments?


Thanks!


Janice

 

[cheekster]

Hi Janice,
I had very similar side effects when I started on Ortho-Cylcen. Although my skin is still looking fabulous, the bloating and sore breasts went away in a few months. I think your body just needs to get used to the new hormone levels. As far as stretch marks go, I didn't get any new ones from the pill, but I think that it varies greatly depending on heredity. So, the moral of the story is, don't worry! You'll probably feel much better in a few months.
-Kate

 

[jillybean]

I get horrible, horrible acne on my chin and around my mouth during PMS. Some have left scars. I was considering getting on Ortho Tri Cyclen, however, I am terrified that 1.) I will gain weight, 2.) I won't be able to work out at my current intensity. I know that is vain and all, but there it is. My friend got on OTC, gained 20 lbs., and frenquently became faint. I realize, that is just one person's experience, but again, it does fuel the flame of my worries...

 

[lesliemarie]

WOW that sounds like something that I need, I had a tubal though so I wonder if it would be ok to take anyway, I can't clear up my acne for nothing! and I am beginning to feel awfull about myself. my body is toning up and I like that but my face I want to hide in a paper bag LOL.

 

[gelfling]

Hi Janice,
I'm on depo and had similar problems with my skin but cleared it up by making sure I got more zinc in my diet, more water and using E45 cream as a moisturiser. I started using it after having a bad reaction to a handwash and it's made a real difference to the texture and colour of my skin.
ATB,
- Lisa

 

[hippahips]

Hi Janice, I have been on Ortho Lo for 6 months now. So far it hasn't had any effects on my breasts. I haven't seen any new stretch marks on my body. I am, however, quite bloated -- A LOT. And I have more fat around my waist than I used to. We all react differently to pills. I wish Ortho Lo also gave me clearer skin, but instead of the usual cystic acne (yes, on my chin) I now have a gazillion whiteheads around my mouth. I'd like to switch, yet again, to another brand of pills, but I'm afraid whatever new one my ob will give me would only give me a bunch of other unwanted side effects.

Pinky