[Jen H]

Hi everyone,

I started taking Ortho Tricyclen about 2 weeks ago to help with recurrent cysts and endometriosis and I've been having a lot of headaches and nausea. Have any of you been on Ortho Tricyclen before and had to switch? Also, can you recommend a gluten-free birth control pill that you use that has been sucessful for you? Thanks for your help.

[StrongerToday]

I take Kariva, (generic for Mircette) it is gluten-free as well as Seasonale (made by the same company). I take it because during the off week you still get a low dose of estrogen and it helped a lot with the headaches i would get during that week.

[happygirl]

I take the same as StrongerToday does....been on it for 4+ years and haven't had any probs with it. Hope you find something that works for you!

[Jen H]

Thanks for posting gals. Not sure if I'm asking this the right way, but are there some BC pills that have a lower hormone dosage? Is that what is making me feel sick or is it my body getting used to the pill?

Kariva/Mircette sounds like a good choice. Any others?

[StrongerToday]

You could try taking it at bedtime or with food if it's upsetting your stomach.

[penguin]

I was on ortho tri for a long time, but I switched to desogen when I got engaged, because I wanted to control when my periods were before the wedding, and during and after. Seasonale and desogen are the same drug, packaged differently. Switching was fine, but I think it slowed down my drive. I take the kariva now, too.

[jkmunchkin]

cassidy, on Mar 19 2006, 06:41 PM, said:

I was on bc pills for about 10 years. Then I tried the patch which I didn't like. It left a sticky band-aid type residue. Then I tried the ring. I really liked the ring and was on it for 3 years. It doesn't go through your digestive system so that is positive for celiacs. I only went off of it because we want to get pregnant.

I am on Alesse. I've been on it for 10+ years and never had a problem.

My sister is on the patch and we were just having this conversation the other day that she said she wants to switch because she is not that comfortable with it especially with a new article practically everyday about all the side effects like blood clots. One of my good friends uses the ring and raves about it. My sister is kinda forgetful about taking a pill so I was telling her that this might be a good option.

[jenvan]

NUVARING! I was on ortho for 10 years...just switched to nuvaring that past year. I definitely prefer it. For one, it is absorbed directly in your bloodstream and the dose of hormones is much lower. So it might be a good fit for you. It can take your body several months to adjust to the pills though. However, ortho may not be a fit for you. One tip for nausea--always take your pill with food, not on an empty stomach. If you want to hear more about the nuvaring, let me know.

PS--I will add to what Jillian said and say that blood clots are potential dangers of all birth control pills. DON'T smoke if you are on the pill.

[Jen H]

Thanks ladies. I recently started taking my pill with a small snack, before I sleep. I went off BC last year before I was diagnosed because I wanted to detox my body of all medicines (I was a mess). I believe I took Desogen before and that it worked well. Do you think I should try it again if it worked for me before? I have never heard of Nuvaring before. Is it a pill?

[Jen H]

I just read up on Nuvaring. Jenvan, does it help prevent cysts? Nini, do you find that you experience many side effects with your Loestrin? I've been getting alot of headaches on Ortho Tricyclen, which is why I'd like to switch. Are there less side effects with the lower dosage hormones?

[jenvan]

Jen-yes, nuvaring does help prevent cysts. Granted I'm married and would do BC anyway, but cysts is why I went on BC 10 years ago--I had several rupture previously. The nuvaring may be intimidating to some, but I have several friends who love it too. You don't notice it, it stays in and is not a problem during you-know-what... Any other ?s

[minibabe]

I was on the patch loving life.....then I went for my 6 month check up and she said that she is no longer giving out that prescription

So after sitting there with her for about 40 mins.....I decided to try the Nuvaring. I am so so so happy to see that everyone that is using it loves it. I was a little hesitant about it, but after reading such wonderful things I am actually happy to try it. I actaully start it in a couple of weeks

Amanda NY