Hormonal Contraception: The Pill [General Discussion]

Hey again!
What’s actually in a blood panel? Like, what do things like platelets, MCH, MCHC, RDW, or metabolites mean 😕 when you're taking pills?
I had my blood drawn today. Everything looks more or less fine, except my ESR is high. But ESR isn't related to medication, right? It's usually about inflammation or bacteria and stuff like that, yeah?
I really don't feel like sitting in a doctor's office waiting forever just to ask three quick questions, and Google isn't giving me any smart answers. 😢 😍

It seems to me that this condition ties itself directly to inflammation, though stress plays an equally significant role.
Kenneth Hernandez67, if my memory serves me correctly, things like MCH and MCHC are linked to anemia, iron levels, and that whole business regarding oxygen saturation in the blood... at least, that is the conclusion I have reached.
Anyway—when you are evaluating pills, you really ought to be looking closely at cholesterol, platelet counts, liver enzymes (AST and similar markers, I believe, which usually fluctuate in tandem), and coagulation factors, specifically prothrombin time, assuming they actually took a proper sample rather than just a finger prick.

Alright, look...
After doing basically every search imaginable, I finally tracked down the recipe for these pills. And then, wouldn't you know it, my period decides to show up right now. As soon as the bleeding started, I popped a pill... but that’s when I realized something was totally off. It wasn't normal—it was dark and super light (I have PCOS, by the way). I panicked and didn't know what to do. The bleeding lasted five days, and I just kept taking the pills. The issue is, this bleeding was incredibly sparse, nothing like a real period. My last actual period was about a month ago (that one was normal), but two weeks ago I had this other spotting that lasted four days. I didn't even count it as a period because it was so light, but honestly, it was just like this current mess. I have no clue if starting these pills like this was the right move, and if I messed up, what kind of fallout am I looking at here? :S

Hmm... they didn't even prick my finger, despite me telling the doctor I wanted a full blood panel. 😠 It looks like part of it is missing.
My platelets are fine—actually, a little low.
Looking at these results, I don't see anything that points to cholesterol.
And if those are liver enzymes, then everything there is okay too.

Honestly, a finger prick for a coagulogram is hardly the same thing as a KKS test. 😉
It is entirely plausible that there is no cholesterol present either; would you consider heading back to the clinic once more? 😛

Yes, those are enzymes. Low platelets? Hmm... I haven't the slightest clue what that might signify...

Maybe I’ve just got weak blood, kind of like my parents and sister. 😁
Ugh, I really don't feel like doing this again. Maybe in a month or so.
So, I need to ask for a referral for a finger prick—you know, a coagulation profile. 😍
Thanks so much!

Hey everyone 😁
I have a question... 😁
Starting today, I'm beginning on birth control pills... just wondering when my period will actually clear up. Also, can I have sex with my boyfriend without a condom once that happens? Is there still a chance I could get pregnant??? 😕

Moved over from the LJES forum. I’m assuming you guys already have the right thread going for this inquiry, so just merge it in there. 🙂

Peter Fisher5 said:Hey everyone 😁
I have a question... 😁
Starting today, I'm beginning on birth control pills... just wondering when my period will actually clear up. Also, can I have sex with my boyfriend without a condom once that happens? Is there still a chance I could get pregnant??? 😕

Take a look at what it says in the instructions—you should check whether they suggest starting right after you take that first dose, or if you’re supposed to wait about a week before doing anything else...

Bryan Diaz said:Take a look at what it says in the instructions—you should check whether they suggest starting right after you take that first dose, or if you’re supposed to wait about a week before doing anything else...

I read it... it says I'm protected, but I was more interested in what you all actually experienced... Thanks anyway...... 🙂

So, I’ve personally used Triquilar and Logest—and in both cases, after just the second or third pill, I was having sex without any other form of protection—so, I suppose you probably don't really need a condom. If you’re feeling particularly anxious about being safe, though, maybe use condoms for the first week or so, and then after that, you shouldn't have to worry about it at all.

Bryan Diaz said:So, I’ve personally used Triquilar and Logest—and in both cases, after just the second or third pill, I was having sex without any other form of protection—so, I suppose you probably don't really need a condom. If you’re feeling particularly anxious about being safe, though, maybe use condoms for the first week or so, and then after that, you shouldn't have to worry about it at all.

Alright, thanks. 😉

Hey, listen—if you're feeling extra fatigued and having trouble catching your breath, that’s definitely something you shouldn't just brush off—especially when you're wondering if there's a connection to those pills. You mentioned things were fine while you were on Diane, but now that you've switched to Logest, the symptoms have popped up. It’s worth noting that even though they're both hormonal, every body reacts differently to different formulations—it's not always a one-to-one match, you know?

So, about that referral for a full blood panel from your GP—that's actually a great move. To answer your question: yes, a standard complete blood count is incredibly useful for checking your overall health, but when it comes to birth control, sometimes doctors want to look at specific markers—like clotting factors or specific hormone levels—that might require a more tailored request. While the general panel gives a solid baseline, it wouldn't hurt to mention specifically to your doctor that you're concerned about how the new pill might be affecting your system. It’s better to be thorough, right?

You need to urgently request a guide for a coagulation profile—which, mind you, isn't included in a standard complete blood count—and ensure you pay close attention to those iron levels.
There are several distinct reasons why shortness of breath might occur; if it manifests specifically following physical exertion, it could be the direct result of low iron, hypothyroidism, or perhaps an underlying cardiac issue.
However, if the breathing difficulty arises completely independent of activity, it might stem from asthma, allergies, or even the most dreaded scenario: a pulmonary embolism. That specific complication was the root cause of all that intense panic surrounding Yasmin, and Logest is widely considered to carry a higher risk profile.

Did you actually mention to your doctor that you are taking birth control pills and experiencing these respiratory issues? I truly do not care whether you think you have the time or not; you must get to a physician immediately so they can listen to your lungs, conduct a physical exam, and order the necessary tests. How long have you been on Logest? You’re just starting, aren't you? Good grief, get to a doctor right now.

So, my doctor handed me these referrals for a full panel—CBC, glucose, urea, creatinine, AST, ALT, GGT, iron levels, kidney function, a metabolic profile, plus a urinalysis and sediment microscopy... he even checked my blood pressure and listened to my lungs yesterday.
It isn’t that shortness of breath you get after a workout; it’s just... out of nowhere. That’s what’s getting to me. In the morning, I feel fine, but by the evening, I feel like I absolutely cannot catch my breath.
The doctor thinks it might not be lung-related, but I haven't found anything in the Logest literature regarding this—so, who knows?
Should I ask him about a coagulation profile? Honestly, I have no idea anymore. I scoured the Logest instructions and couldn't find anything about respiratory side effects, but I'm planning to tell my OB-GYN today that Logest just isn't working for me... because this breathing issue started right after I finished the first pack.
I was originally on Diane to clear up acne—which, of course, has come crawling back—but now I don't even have coverage for them anymore.
My GP won't approve any contraception, so even if I told him I was taking something, he’d probably just insist it's my own fault anyway. That’s why I’m heading to the gynecologist instead; there’s really no point arguing with him. There's also a chance I'm anemic since I have, like, nine out of ten symptoms, but then again, I'm terrified it might actually be the pills.

And yeah, I was planning on getting my bloodwork done this Friday. I emailed my professor to see if I could skip the first hour or two of class, but he shot that down immediately—said it wasn't an option because I'd lose my attendance credit.😲The referral isn't marked "urgent," either; if it were urgent, I could just go in the afternoon or whenever I had a spare moment.
So, I'm stuck not knowing when I can actually get this sorted out. It is truly unbelievable how unreasonable they are at the university.😢
Plus, I need to switch gynecologists ASAP. I have a feeling that when I show up today, they'll just tell me to get a CBC for my primary doctor, claim I still don't qualify for Diane, and tell me to just stick with Logest... but like I said, I took Diane specifically for the acne, and Logest does absolutely nothing for it.😢

It could potentially be asthma, or perhaps some manner of allergy... though, frankly, I cannot say for certain.

I highly doubt we are looking at anemia.

As for your professor... well, I wonder if you might consider being more explicit with him regarding the actual nature of your situation? Perhaps suggest that you have been packing pills inside, or mention how women were literally dying from blood clots, just so he understands the severity of these symptoms. I am not entirely sure which specific course this is, but generally speaking, professors tend to loosen their grip when faced with truly dire circumstances; it is quite possible he has simply formed the impression that you are merely attempting to dodge his requirements.

You ought to inform your gynecologist about these respiratory issues; should they dismiss your concerns, insist that this is specifically about your own health and that you intend to utilize every available medical resource to ensure your absolute safety. Since I notice you aren't on any anticoagulants, demand a prescription from the OB-GYN and then go see a pulmonologist immediately.

It is absolutely vital that you disclose every single medication and therapy you are currently undergoing to every physician you encounter. Whatever his personal opinion may be regarding birth control is entirely his business, and he possesses no right to judge you for it. If he dares to be condescending, make it clear that his subjective biases are of no consequence to you. Withholding such critical information from a doctor can prove to be incredibly dangerous.

So, basically, I’m heading in tomorrow to get these lab results done. Once I have them in hand, I’m booking an appointment with my OB-GYN to figure out the next steps—though, honestly, I don’t think it’s the birth control. I’m leaning toward anemia, actually—it feels just like what happens during my period (Sad), and back when I donated blood, I remember dealing with that same suffocating feeling and dizziness.
Anyway, I never had issues with Diane, and I highly doubt Logest is the culprit either—if it were, I would’ve noticed while I was actually taking it. This whole thing started after I stopped—during the break between doses.

And about the professor—no, he definitely didn't get the impression that I'm trying to dodge him. That's just his thing—showing up to the next class regardless, and I'm totally fine with that.☕

Oh, right—my primary care doctor has it noted in my file that I was on Diane, because he’s the one who prescribed it—he wasn't thrilled about it, but he gave it to me to help with acne. As for Logest, I’ll bring it up once the results come back, because I know exactly how my body reacts to it, and I really want to avoid a repeat performance since he’s on good terms with my family...

But yeah, I’m desperately hoping this isn't related to the pills. If it is, I might just have to opt out of having a sex life entirely—I’m incredibly allergic to condoms; they give me rashes and irritation.😍

I’ll post the actual results over in the health and labs thread, and if it turns out to be linked to the birth control, I’ll circle back and post here too.😉
And thanks!

Hey, let me know (or just shoot me a DM!) how the OB-GYN is feeling—is he being stingy with the tests and stuff? I have to head in next week too, just gotta figure out my work schedule first.

Did he send you to get bloodwork done? I've been on pills for two years now, and the last time I did full bloodwork and an ultrasound was back then. Nothing else lately, just a Pap smear.🙄

Hey, I’ve been running a fever for three days now, so I’ve been taking Advil and Motrin. It makes me wonder—could that potentially interfere with how Diana 35 works, or is that just overthinking it? I haven't actually been sick since I started the pill, so I'm feeling a bit out of practice here! :-) Would it be a smart move to use extra protection this month, especially since I was under the weather right at the start of the pack?

Got a bit of a situation... :/
I take birth control pills—mostly for health reasons—but I’ve run out, and I managed to lose my prescription... though I do have the medical report where my doctor officially prescribed them.
Do you think it makes any sense to hit up a pharmacy and try to talk them into giving me the pills without a script, just by showing them that paperwork?
Thanks for any help.