by Guest on Mon Sep 01, 2008 12:27 pm
'Update' such as it is ... I was the 'guest' who posted about 7 weeks ago about having just been prescribed Cerazette after coming off Dianette due to blood pressure, weight and family history of heart disease. I have now been taking Cerazette for just over 4 weeks.
I started taking it straight away after the Dianette finished, on doctor's recommendation, which happened to be while I was on holiday. This would have been the 'pill-free week' I was used to, and I did in fact end up getting a period on the Friday (they would always come on Thurs or occasionally Fri, on Dianette, with my last pill of a pack being on the Sat before) which was unexpected and I was unprepared whilst walking round Cornwall! Oops. I had had terrible pains the Thursday morning, lower back/tummy, such as I hadn't had for ages, especially not on Dianette which pretty much eliminated those symptoms. I did suspect they were period pains but as nothing came that day, wasn't sure.
I had the period and it was pretty much business as usual, heavy for 3-4 days then very light for another few days. This was about a week into August. After that, no spotting or anything. Relief... I took my last pill of the first pack on Saturday, so in theory, if I was to get a period, it would probably be at the end of this week (we shall see). I'm thinking I might, as the last couple of days my boobs have been feeling kind of tender and I've got 2 big spots (grr).
I know it's a bit early into the pill-taking experience to really draw conclusions, but thus far, I'm still uncertain about this pill. OK, no breakthrough bleeding as yet. I don't weigh myself (too depressing) but my clothes all seem to fit the same as before, although I'm really trying to lose weight and that doesn't seem to be happening. I hadn't had spots until the last couple of days, it's like a typical PMT thing, I'm just not used to it after being on Dianette. I haven't lost my mojo (although as I said my boyfriend isn't actually in the country for another 3 months, so it doesn't really matter..!). However over the last two weeks I have really noticed my hair coming out. I left it a bit because I know hair tends to come out a bit when you wash it, but not great handfuls! I've always had thick hair and I don't want to start losing it at 24 because of a stupid chemical pill. I didn't even think about the pill until my mum suggested it when I complained, then checked the packet and sure enough there it was as a 'less common side effect', along with tiredness which I have been experiencing too, though I know that can be down to a number of things. Along with more hair coming out especially but not only in the shower, I've noticed it just looks bad at the moment, gets greasy by the end of the day and feels bad. On Dianette I actually noticed it feeling/looking in better condition.
I've noticed a lot of comments on here (and other forums) complaining of hair loss too. Did this settle down for anyone? I wonder if it's more to do with changing of pills than the Cerazette pill itself, body getting used to it etc? I know it's early days and the hair loss/tiredness are the only major things I've suffered so far, but they are quite big things, I don't want them to continue. It's no good wantng to exercise more to lose weight when you're knackered/achey all the time! Vicious cycle. I'm thinking I should keep an eye on it but keep going till I see my doctor (in about 6 weeks when my pills start to run out) and then ask him if there is any way I can safely go on the combined pill again, even with high blood pressure, because this is such a hassle. If it hadn't been for the 'risk factors' I would be happy to stay on Dianette as it was great to feel 'normal' period wise, though it did have no effect on 'excess hair' problem (for which I've decided the only answer is expensive IPL treatment ... sigh). I wish I wasn't a lady sometimes.
Sorry for the ramble/rant ... just drives me mad! Why do some people not get all these hassles to worry about?!
