Anyone on Birth Control?

I am 18 and last year I went to a fertility doc because I do not get my period, I always thought it was awesome that I didnt get it but in reality I was worried I could not have kids and was annoyed that I had a tiny chest. Okay so for the last year I have been taking estrogen pills for 3 months and then progestin for a week, to induce my period since I do not get it naturally (my body fat content is low as I am very active and probably screwed up my period because I became anorexic in 7th grade ugh what a mistake!) Anywho...

My doctor has advised that I switch over from estrogen (which provides no contraception at all, just helps promote breast development and menstrual cycle) to Seasonale (sp?). I would still get my period 3-4 times a year but it is legit birth control. I am a little worried about the side effects, what can people tell me about it??? I'm a little nervous about the weight gain to be honest, and the nauseousness etc. But i think overall, It's worth all the downsides.

I don't have experience with that particular brand and any unique effects it has, but, as with all hormonal birth control, it carries with it the risks of blood clots and stroke - especially if you have a history of high blood pressure, are above 35, or if you smoke.

My best friend went through this a few years ago.  At the age of 32, she was hospitalized with numerous blood clots in her lungs as a result of many years on hormonal birth control.  Now, there might have been other mitigating factors, but there's always a risk.

Have you discussed the risks with your doctor and your concerns?

I've been on BC for 3 years not the same brand but.. I wouldn't worry about the weight gain, BC can increase you're apetite if you just watch the amount of what your eating you should be fine, i didn't gain at all on mine.

I got bad headaches for a few weeks but then they dissapeared completely. My doctor said that was fine but had they continued i'd of had to switch brands.

My friend did get actual morning sickness, but that was sorted by switching the brand too.

I'd talk to your doctor about any concerns but honestly i know no one who's suffered from anything serious.

I've been on BC for a year and a half now (Zovia, not Seasonale).  I was pretty scared of the side effects, especially the weight gain, when I started.  I actually ended up losing a few pounds the first few months, but I'm not sure if that was the BC or wedding stress.  The only thing I noticed was that for a few months I'd get really hungry at times, but that leveled out. 

It sounds like it might be a good option for you.  The nice thing is that there are so many different types of birth control that if you do have side effects, you can always talk to your doctor and switch to something else.

 

I would never take seasonale. Its better for your body to have a cycle once a month, but birth control has 1.cleared up my skin 2.made my periods regular and I didn't gain any weight when I went on it (at least I didn't notice...I don't normally weigh myself)

*WOW* I was reading your post and I could have wrote the exact same thing about what's going on with me right now! I'm turning 18 in a few days and I went to the doc. recently because my period had not started and he put me on birth control to induce my period... I've only been on it a month though and I can't really offer anything about seasonale because I'm taking lo estrin.

kankan...thanks for the advice but I never got my period regularly (partially because of my activity level and partially because my doctor said some women just dont!) anyway...i had been taking esrtogen to induce a period every 3 months, so seasonale, he said, would be the most natural thing for my body to switch over to.

That makes sense! I'm the same way- when I was in my teens I never got my period... maybe once every 3 months, but I was put on BC to regulate it, and now I get it on the dot every month. It's nice to have that assurance. My best friend is on seasonale and all I have to say is make sure you take EVERY pill because if you miss one you'll end up having your period for 2 weeks!!! But dont be afraid of it, I like being on BC!

I don't think birtch control makes anyone gain weight, it just can contribute to factors that to cause weight gain such as an increase in appetite. All of these things are controllable.