Hormonal Contraception: The Pill [General Discussion]

Best of luck to you as well! 🙂

By the way, do you happen to know which specific ingredient or hormone is actually pulling the trigger on water retention? Is it just estrogen doing the heavy lifting, or could there be something else lurking in the mix?

darkwalker2 said:Best of luck to you as well! 🙂

By the way, do you happen to know which specific ingredient or hormone is actually pulling the trigger on water retention? Is it just estrogen doing the heavy lifting, or could there be something else lurking in the mix?

I'm not certain, but I'm betting estrogen is the main culprit! I did a little comparison of six different pill brands, and they all contain about 0.02-0.035mg of ethinyl estradiol—that's the estrogen. The progesterone phase is what varies between them. It seems to me that the progesterone is there specifically to buffer the estrogen's effects. For instance, Yasmin and Yaz use drospirenone, which is supposed to help flush out the water that builds up because of the estrogen. I haven't dug deep into the others, but clearly, that progesterone is meant to provide some kind of balance in these formulas... 🤷 Correct me if I'm wrong.

I have no clue why drospirenone in Yaz didn't work for me—why it didn't flush out the extra fluid. Obviously, there are a million variables at play, and it all comes down to how your individual body reacts. We're talking about hormones here, after all...

My gynecologist told me progesterone is usually the main culprit behind most side effects, though not all of them—things like vaginal flora imbalances or yeast infections typically stem from estrogen fluctuations. Regardless, both Yaz and Yasmin contain drospirenone, but while I could handle Yaz, the other one just didn't sit right with me.

Yesterday, my legs felt so swollen that there was a half-centimeter indentation from my sock edges. You wouldn't believe how much fluid I was holding.😢
It’s awful.

I've been thinking for a few months about how I'd get to my doctor to pick up something with lower hormone levels. I figured I'd ask for Logest... but now I see these Lindynette ones are essentially the same thing, they just ended up on this specific list. Does one usually need supplemental insurance for that kind of coverage, or does standard insurance typically handle it?

Though, the progesterone composition is slightly different with those, so I’m not sure how much that would impact the water retention issue.

Does anyone here know—if I try switching to Logest or Lindynette and they don't sit right with me, can I just go back to Celest? That's what I've been on for a few months now, but since the third month, the swelling has been quite intense.

Helex + Diane?

Ever since I started taking these pills, I’ve noticed some shifts in my behavior. It might sound a bit silly, but I feel like I've moved from a more masculine demeanor to something extremely feminine. Even my style has changed. 😁

I’ve been taking Logest, and honestly, the only side effect I’ve really noticed is that everything just feels a bit more vivid—like my senses are turned up a notch and I feel more alert and present before things even happen.😁

What other indicators point toward water retention? Since my nephrologist isn't exactly taking my word for it—which is a bit frustrating, if you ask me—can this be spotted through bloodwork or some other metric? Like, would there be specific levels that run high or low?

darkwalker2 said:What other indicators point toward water retention? Since my nephrologist isn't exactly taking my word for it—which is a bit frustrating, if you ask me—can this be spotted through bloodwork or some other metric? Like, would there be specific levels that run high or low?

For me, my legs get massive—especially below the knees—to the point where my skin feels tight.
My ankles basically disappear. If I press my finger where the ankle bone should be, it leaves a dent about 3-5 mm deep. :S

If you wear rings (I don't anymore), your fingers swell up so much you can't even slide them off.
Even socks leave those deep elastic marks, even if they aren't too small.😁

Anyway, if you're retaining fluid, you'll notice. Personally, I feel bloated all over, especially in my lower abdomen, but it looks particularly bad lately... maybe because of the heat.

I'm starting on the new pills in a few days.

(I've been on these ones for about a year now.)

If you have any of these symptoms and tell her, but she refuses to believe you, then it’s time to switch doctors.
There isn't really a specific lab test to prove it. :S
At least as far as I know.

darkwalker2 said:What other indicators point toward water retention? Since my nephrologist isn't exactly taking my word for it—which is a bit frustrating, if you ask me—can this be spotted through bloodwork or some other metric? Like, would there be specific levels that run high or low?

Tell me, how old is this nephrologist of yours? Sounds like she’s from an older generation—the kind that refuses to acknowledge any pill besides Diane. Look, there are plenty of different options today to manage PCOS and acne. The only real difference is that Diane is covered by insurance while the others cost you out of pocket...😉

If you've realized they don't work for you and are causing bloating, it's on her to switch them. She doesn't get to decide if the pills suit you or not! It's your body. If she keeps digging her heels in, I’d find a new doctor!☕

In my experience, you can't prove water retention through standard lab tests. I get bloodwork done regularly for other reasons and never notice a change... But personally, I retain so much water in my legs that it's obvious. You can literally see the swelling and indentations; it looks totally unnatural... 🙄

My pill break is officially over, but my period is still hanging on—and honestly, it feels like it’s not going to quit anytime soon. 😕 I’ve only been on the pill for about three months, and up until now, my flow was surprisingly short and stayed pretty much on schedule. But today, I’m supposed to be starting a brand-new pack, and this bleeding just won't wrap it up. I know that things can get a bit messy with spotting when you first start or stop birth control, but I’m a little worried. Since I was being incredibly "messy" with my timing last month—and by that, I mean I wasn't exactly a model of consistency—is it possible my body somehow "interpreted" a gap in my doses longer than 12 hours 😬 as if I had actually stopped taking the pill altogether? Does that mean I should basically wait until my next cycle starts before I can consider myself protected again?

Hey everyone!
Sorry for being lazy, but honestly, I have zero desire to scroll through 139 pages when I'm sure someone already asked this somewhere else. ^^'
So, I want to start on birth control pills! (I'm 19.)
I have a few questions:
1. Is it actually true that you can only take the pill for a few years and then you're just done with it forever? o.O
2. What's the actual process for getting a prescription, and will it cost me anything if I have health insurance?
I haven't even seen a gynecologist yet (I've been planning to for ages, but I have no clue how to go about it, who to see, or what I need to bring for a first appointment—whatever an appointment even entails 😢).

Thanks in advance for the help! 😉

Brian Anderson4 said:Hey everyone!
Sorry for being lazy, but honestly, I have zero desire to scroll through 139 pages when I'm sure someone already asked this somewhere else. ^^'
So, I want to start on birth control pills! (I'm 19.)
I have a few questions:
1. Is it actually true that you can only take the pill for a few years and then you're just done with it forever? o.O
2. What's the actual process for getting a prescription, and will it cost me anything if I have health insurance?
I haven't even seen a gynecologist yet (I've been planning to for ages, but I have no clue how to go about it, who to see, or what I need to bring for a first appointment—whatever an appointment even entails 😢).

Thanks in advance for the help! 😉

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=birth+control+pills

....

I’ve been Googling this thing, and I’m seeing all sorts of conflicting nonsense on different forums. Some people claim you should drink for two or three years and then take a break, while others I actually know swear you shouldn't go past five years at most, and then some random website is out here claiming fifteen years is fine. Look, if anyone actually knows the answer, just say it; if you don't, then don't bother. I can look things up on Google myself. I just want a regular person who has actually lived through this to give it to me straight and write down how the whole gynecologist situation actually works from a common-sense perspective.

Thanks for the advice, ladies!

For what it's worth, I actually took a break from the pill about nine months ago, thinking maybe things would settle down naturally, but nothing has changed regarding this water retention issue. It’s like my body just decided to hold onto everything; I’m still dealing with all those same symptoms you all mentioned, like the swelling and that heavy, uncomfortable feeling.
Now, I’ve been falling down a bit of an internet rabbit hole trying to find some kind of free way to measure my body water levels, but every search seems to lead me straight to a Herbalife center, and honestly, the idea of being cornered by someone constantly pushing their specific product line makes me a bit uneasy.
Does anyone know if a doctor can actually perform these measurements, or perhaps something similar at a local pharmacy?

Timothy Cooper4 said:I finished my last pill (Novynette) this Monday, and now I'm just waiting for my period to arrive... Since this was my first pack and my first time ever using birth control, I was wondering how many days after taking that final pill the bleeding actually starts? Some sources say seven days, while others mention three or four...

Don't sweat it, you'll get it in the next few days. There’s no way for us to give you a definitive answer because it’s completely different for everyone. Once that week break is up, just move on to the next box like usual—regardless of whether it shows up or not. But honestly? I'm 99% sure it'll be there soon.😉

Brian Anderson4 said:....

I’ve been Googling this thing, and I’m seeing all sorts of conflicting nonsense on different forums. Some people claim you should drink for two or three years and then take a break, while others I actually know swear you shouldn't go past five years at most, and then some random website is out here claiming fifteen years is fine. Look, if anyone actually knows the answer, just say it; if you don't, then don't bother. I can look things up on Google myself. I just want a regular person who has actually lived through this to give it to me straight and write down how the whole gynecologist situation actually works from a common-sense perspective.

I don't know what corner of the internet you were digging through for that info—maybe some ancient forum from the nineties. Back in the day, birth control was much higher dose, so people used to take breaks every few years just to cope. Nowadays, most pills are low-dose. There’s zero medical necessity to stop; you can stay on them for years without an issue. I’ve been on the pill for twelve years, took a couple of minor breaks here and there, and I’m still standing.
Before you even think about starting birth control, you need to get your baseline checked. We’re talking a full gynecological exam, a Pap smear, and probably an ovarian ultrasound. Don't skip that. Then, you need blood work—complete blood count, liver function tests, clotting factors, the whole nine yards. You also have to sit down with your doctor and have a real conversation about family medical history or anything else that might make oral contraceptives a bad idea for you. If you want tips on navigating the doctor's office, check out the "first time at the OBGYN" thread.

darkwalker2 said:Thanks for the advice, ladies!

For what it's worth, I actually took a break from the pill about nine months ago, thinking maybe things would settle down naturally, but nothing has changed regarding this water retention issue. It’s like my body just decided to hold onto everything; I’m still dealing with all those same symptoms you all mentioned, like the swelling and that heavy, uncomfortable feeling.
Now, I’ve been falling down a bit of an internet rabbit hole trying to find some kind of free way to measure my body water levels, but every search seems to lead me straight to a Herbalife center, and honestly, the idea of being cornered by someone constantly pushing their specific product line makes me a bit uneasy.
Does anyone know if a doctor can actually perform these measurements, or perhaps something similar at a local pharmacy?

Since you haven't seen any water loss after nine months, I’m starting to doubt it’s just the pills. Maybe there's another culprit at play here. Do you deal with high blood pressure or anything like that? You should probably check in with your primary care doctor to be safe.
Regarding body composition testing—you don't see that much at local pharmacies. It measures your body fat percentage, water retention, and who knows what else. Maybe check with a CVS or a Walgreens. I'm not sure how accurate those things actually are, but it doesn't cost much to try. Unless, of course, they try to upsell you on some supplement right after!😁

I have just one question! Would it be wise to take a two-month break from my pills, considering I’ve been on them continuously for four years now? The timing seems almost perfect for such an experiment, as I’m currently out at sea, quite far away from my significant other. Or would I realistically need a much longer window of time? :-( Naturally, I fully intend to resume my regimen once the break is over. Thanks.

mellowcobra82 said:Don't sweat it, you'll get it in the next few days. There’s no way for us to give you a definitive answer because it’s completely different for everyone. Once that week break is up, just move on to the next box like usual—regardless of whether it shows up or not. But honestly? I'm 99% sure it'll be there soon.😉

I don't know what corner of the internet you were digging through for that info—maybe some ancient forum from the nineties. Back in the day, birth control was much higher dose, so people used to take breaks every few years just to cope. Nowadays, most pills are low-dose. There’s zero medical necessity to stop; you can stay on them for years without an issue. I’ve been on the pill for twelve years, took a couple of minor breaks here and there, and I’m still standing.
Before you even think about starting birth control, you need to get your baseline checked. We’re talking a full gynecological exam, a Pap smear, and probably an ovarian ultrasound. Don't skip that. Then, you need blood work—complete blood count, liver function tests, clotting factors, the whole nine yards. You also have to sit down with your doctor and have a real conversation about family medical history or anything else that might make oral contraceptives a bad idea for you. If you want tips on navigating the doctor's office, check out the "first time at the OBGYN" thread.

Since you haven't seen any water loss after nine months, I’m starting to doubt it’s just the pills. Maybe there's another culprit at play here. Do you deal with high blood pressure or anything like that? You should probably check in with your primary care doctor to be safe.
Regarding body composition testing—you don't see that much at local pharmacies. It measures your body fat percentage, water retention, and who knows what else. Maybe check with a CVS or a Walgreens. I'm not sure how accurate those things actually are, but it doesn't cost much to try. Unless, of course, they try to upsell you on some supplement right after!😁

Facts. That's all there is to it, thanks. 🙂

So, ladies, I was at the pharmacy yesterday and picked up some nettle tea. The pharmacist there insisted it was the premier choice if you're looking for a natural diuretic. And honestly, it’s working—I feel like I’m constantly racing toward the restroom. It makes me wonder if all that excess fluid is actually being flushed out of my system, though from where I’m sitting, it seems 😁
. Actually, let me correct myself because I clearly spread some misinformation earlier—it isn't about using potassium to flush out water, but rather using it to replenish what gets lost when you're on certain medications. That’s how the lady at the counter explained it to me yesterday. I suppose I must have misunderstood the elderly woman I spoke to before, since she’s the one currently taking potassium supplements.

darkwalker2 said:So, ladies, I was at the pharmacy yesterday and picked up some nettle tea. The pharmacist there insisted it was the premier choice if you're looking for a natural diuretic. And honestly, it’s working—I feel like I’m constantly racing toward the restroom. It makes me wonder if all that excess fluid is actually being flushed out of my system, though from where I’m sitting, it seems 😁
. Actually, let me correct myself because I clearly spread some misinformation earlier—it isn't about using potassium to flush out water, but rather using it to replenish what gets lost when you're on certain medications. That’s how the lady at the counter explained it to me yesterday. I suppose I must have misunderstood the elderly woman I spoke to before, since she’s the one currently taking potassium supplements.

It might work differently for you, but I started drinking nettle tea once I noticed my body holding onto water.

I’ve been sipping it for two years now. Even without my pills, I tend to bloat a bit if I sit too long or indulge in salty snacks (which I absolutely love, though I’m trying to cut back).
But when I'm on the medication, it's a whole different story.

And honestly, the nettle doesn't touch the bloating caused by the pills, even though I drink two cups a day.🙂