Hormonal Contraception: The Pill [General Discussion]

So, I had to start this thread because I need answers.
Basically, I just started taking these [ 🙄]—and my doctor didn't even bother sending me for blood work—and now my breasts have grown so much I feel like they’re actually going to explode! 😲 😲

Does anyone know if this ever actually goes down?? 😲

Seriously, my bras don't even fit anymore. It's ridiculous. Now everyone around me is staring and making comments about how I've "put on weight in my chest area" or whatever. 😁

And the worst part? They actually hurt. 🙄

So, I made the switch from Trinovum to Cilest about six months ago... I dealt with some breast issues for maybe two months, but that cleared up. Everything felt pretty fine during those first couple of months, but lately? Not so much. Now I’m dealing with constant spotting—like, four times a month! And a "period" in the traditional sense? Honestly, I don't even think I'm having one, even by low-hormone standards. I think I’m going to have my doctor swap these out at my next check-up.

I was on Celest for about six months and didn't deal with any breast issues, but man, my mood swings were absolutely wild. My OB-GYN told me that’s actually pretty common with two-phase birth control pills, so they switched me over to Triquilar since it works in three phases. I'm starting the new dose soon—we'll see if these actually behave themselves or if I'm in for another ride.

Hey slyhound5, are you really part of that crew too? ;-) Man, I’ve been wondering about that myself... let me know how things are looking with the new updates, I'm dying to hear the scoop.

Yo 🙄 , got some news for ya..... ciao 🙂

Oh man, ladies! If you only knew the absolute nightmare I went through with Triquilar! It was like being in a trance... the mood swings were insane, just constant irritability for absolutely no reason at all, and maybe worst of all—the UNENDING HUNGER! I had cravings non-stop, honestly felt like I was pregnant... one minute I’d be dying for something sour, then suddenly it had to be sweet, then salty... it didn't even matter what it was, I just needed that specific flavor my body was screaming for. I didn't gain a ton of weight because I was constantly fighting the urge to binge, but the anxiety it caused was just unreal!😲
If I hadn't quit those pills, I wouldn't even have a boyfriend right now (poor guy, he put up with so much) and who knows what I'd look like today.
Now I'm on Cileste and I haven't noticed any major mood shifts, plus that "issue" with my chest swelling up totally vanished after a few months.😢

I’ve been on Celestol since about two years ago.

The issue is this thing pops up roughly every six months, lingers for a month or two, and then unfortunately just vanishes into thin air.🙄 😎 😠

As for side effects—mood swings, spotting, insatiable hunger, a crashed libido, and even morning nausea—I dealt with all of that during the first few months. But I stuck with it because my OBGYN insisted these pills were the best fit for my specific situation and promised the side effects would eventually taper off.

Ugh! Total libido overload! 😲

For me, it’s actually the opposite—my drive is basically non-existent right now [as long as it doesn't last forever, I won't complain too much 😁]. But man, my wife is going to absolutely kill me. 🙄

Man... I guess I already mentioned how you guys fixed my little issue without even trying—those tiny charms... though, obviously, it’s just a temporary fix 😢

Walter Fox3 said:Ugh... honestly, you guys already solved my problem without even realizing it... the chest thing... though, of course, it’s just a temporary fix. 😢

And hey, if those side effects pass, you could just skip a month and then start again. 😁
(Note: Don't come for me, because I know playing around with hormones isn't exactly "doctor-approved" behavior.)

Personally, I can't deal with pills. I've been using a hormonal IUD since having my baby—this is actually my second one—but let's be real, the mood swings and the constant hunger happen regardless. 😛
Plus, the chest situation? Yeah, definitely bigger. 😁

John Thomas2 said:So, I had to start this thread because I’m genuinely curious about something.
I just started taking these [ and my doctor didn't even bother sending me for blood work 🙄] ~ and now my breasts have grown so much I feel like they're actually going to explode! 😲 😲

Does anyone know if this ever actually settles down?? 😲

Seriously, my bras don't even fit anymore. It's ridiculous. Now everyone around me is pointing out that I've "put on weight in my midsection" or whatever. 😁"

And the pain—that’s the worst part. 🙄

I was on them for about 6 or 7 months... and I dealt with the exact same thing! 😁
Honestly, nothing got better. They stayed large, and they hurt constantly... just that heavy, aching sensation you get right before your period starts. 🙄 😁

Maybe it eventually levels off after being on the pills longer... I honestly can't say for sure.😛

Alright, now I need to switch over to Triquilar.

Please, girls, could you share some more of your experiences with these pills?

Up until now, I’ve been on Diane; I didn't gain any weight, but my breasts didn't really grow either 😢. I finally stopped taking them because they seem to have higher hormone levels, so I’m hoping there won't be any issues with T., either—I mean, if Diane didn't kill me, maybe these won't either (hopefully).

The thing is, since I deal with such awful menstrual issues (polycystic ovaries), I don't bleed at all during my break now. My doctor gave me some tablets (called Primolut-Nor-5) that you take for five days to trigger the bleeding. It’s honestly disgusting—I feel bloated as hell and just feel terrible; I almost threw up last night, which never happens to me, at least not nearly this bad. So now I’m just waiting for my period; it’s supposed to start today, but nothing yet.

Honestly, I feel like I’m just spinning my wheels here—kind of a party pooper, I suppose.
I’ve tried everything from Trinovum to Triquilar and even Cilest
—and frankly, I didn't have any issues with them specifically.
But I stopped taking them for the sake of my health,
and there is absolutely no intention of going back.
It’s about those nasty family medical histories—you know, things like breast cancer and such.
Plus, once I actually sat down and thought about it, the whole concept just started feeling... off.
The idea of messing around with hormones—
which, I guess, does have its own set of perks...
Just look after yourselves, ladies.
🙂

I'm not a girl, and I don't take Celest for birth control.

In any case, any method of contraception—EVEN THE HORMONAL KIND—is better than an unplanned pregnancy.😎

I suppose we’re all in favor of contraception
—though there are certainly methods out there that don't unnecessarily bump up your risk levels
regarding diseases from... well, who knows exactly what...
🙂

I have to die for absolutely nothing...🙄

From what I understand, modern hormonal contraceptives actually offer some protection against certain types of cancer, even if they don't touch others. Sure, there’s an increased risk of cardiovascular issues, but if you aren't in a high-risk category—meaning no family history, you don't smoke, and so on—it shouldn't really be an issue.

John Thomas2 said:So, I figured I had to get this thread started because there’s something that’s been eating at me—something I just need to pick your brains about.
Look, I haven't even started drinking them yet—and to top it all off, my doctor didn't even bother sending me in for blood work! 🙄I swear, I was just sitting there and suddenly they started shouting at me—honestly, I thought my head was actually going to explode right then and there! 😲 😲

Look, this is just one of those totally standard, common-sense things—seriously, why isn't everyone doing this? If you’ve actually got some sense, you should always keep that little box and the instruction sheet tucked away somewhere safe. It sounds basic, I know, but honestly—if you have those handy, you can just sketch out a quick little cheat sheet for yourself. That way, you aren't left scrambling when you need to know exactly what you're dealing with or what all the possible hiccups might be. It’s just good prep! 😲 😁

Look, just a bit of advice—by the way, once you’ve had your fun and you finally head back home... honestly, it’s a very individual thing. You've got to be careful, though—you really don't want to let your libido take the driver's seat and run you off the road. It's all about balance, you know? Don't let the impulse dictate the whole trip. 😉

I just quit my job at CVS and immediately caught some kind of infection: 🙄
Basically, in my case, the breast issue wasn't actually resolved, thank God.😁😁

..I swear, I’m going to kill my gynecologist!!!!

I know there are pills out there that prevent pregnancy while simultaneously helping with acne, yet he didn't bother prescribing them to me... honestly, I’m calling him right now and dragging him straight to the nearest Starbucks just to give him a piece of my mind.🙂

I'm currently on the old-school brand (the generic kind) and I handle it reasonably well...
During those first two or three months, I tend to put on a few pounds—unfortunately, mostly around the hips and stomach—but after that, the constant snacking stops, and the weight slowly starts to drop off...

And the hair growth? Good grief, it grows back like some sort of curse...
I feel like I might need to curl up and pluck myself every ten days or so. It’s terrifying how fast it comes back.🙂

By the way, reading through the fine print in the instructions—everything that could possibly go wrong—doesn't exactly sit well with me. Especially considering I smoke about a pack of cigarettes a day...
But then again, it’s the only contraceptive method I actually trust.