the pill...cerazette

[loubielou]

I'm so glad I found this board, I was on cerazette for about 5 months and didn't have a single period but I put on so much weight, my tummy totally bloated out. Now I've been off it for just over a month and still no period, it really worries me I haven't had a period ofr over 6 months. I've just started a nre relationship too but am not sure where to look next as other pills have given me headaches and migraines and the weight gain....any advice??

[LauraW]

Hello

Like many of the 'guests' below I am about to go to the doctor to take me off this due to the irregular bleeding ruining my sex life! (And plenty of good underwear). This pill produces far to irregular bleeds that I can do without.

[Guest]

just to let everyone know that any bleeds that you do have when you are on the pill are in fact a fake bleed, so although they are reassuring they are of no particular significance, particularly with the POP. i've been on cerazette for ages now and havent had any problems apart from the sex drive but i had the same problem with the combined pill and thats why i changed o the POP as it was suggested this might help. i think everyone's body will react to any additional hormones in a different way to anyone else so many people will have a good experience and others bad. i do agree though that a family planning clinic might be better as although doctors are a wealth of information family planning clinics may have more time and experience

[Guest]

'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?!

[Tanya2208]

Hiya,

I have been following this post for a few weeks as I got married in July and when I got back from my honeymoon I stopped taking Cerazette so I was interested in other peoples experiences with this.

With regards to this pill I have been on it for about 4 and 1/2 years, I didnt have a period for the first couple of years apart from the odd one now and again. However, for the last year or so I have been having periods every other month except for on my honeymoon it would have been my month to miss but my body decided that on the second week it was going to have one. Typical!! I am pleased to say that I stopped taking my pill on 4th Aug and my first proper peiod came on 27th so I only had just over 3 weeks after stopping my pill to have one. It was also only just over 4 weeks since my last period.

I started taking this pill because I suffer from headaches and I had been on the injection but that made me miserable. I didnt have any periods at all with this and I also couldnt stand the sight or sound of anyone. It was pure hell. So Cerazette was like a breath of fresh air after the injection, for me, my partner and my family.

Therefore based on my experience and reading other peoples I do agree with the posts before that each individuals bodies reaction to it is different. I had a good experience and will likely go back on it after we have a baby (fingers crossed for the baby bit). The one negative thing I had with Cerazette was loss of sex drive but I have found this returned pretty quickly, to my hubbys relief

Sorry to go on but I just thought I should put across a positive view on this pill as it was good for me.

[timextoxshine]

I've been on Cerazette for nearly 8 months now. I've had a period every month (though they were kind of irregular) but last month I haven't had one. Is it normal to have them the miss one, because I'm paranoid about being pregnant to the extent that I'm buying a test in a couple of weeks.

[Jenskins]

Hey, just wanted to share my experiences of this pill as it seems like it's getting a pretty bad rep lol.

Basically, I went on the combined contraceptive pill, Microgynon when I was 16, I then switched to a lower doseage pill, Femodette. I then decided for one reason or another to come off the pill altogether at the age of 19 and give my body a chance to sort itself out. However, after this I had an almost continuous period for 9months! I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy. My immune system was shot so I caught any bugs in the air. I was weak and listless which made working and studying nigh on impossible. It was also highly embarrassing having to to explain what was wrong to my boss and my course convenor so they were aware why I wasn't up to standard.

After a lot of messing around from doctors and a new pill that didn't do anything to help the problem I was recommended to see a consultant gynaecologist. He prescribed me a pill that would hopefully take car of the hormonal imbalance and then Cerazette to take thereafter. He explained to me (as I think a lot of doctors have failed to tell their patients on this forum) that I will not have a period whilst I take this pill. I'm pretty surprised to hear some women still bleed! Cerazette has been great! I'm in the air force as well uni so I travel a lot. Periods are the most inconvenient thing ever in lieu of this. Cerazette has been an absolute lifesaver where that's concerned and also just to not have to take a day or so out of my life for serious cramping is so good.

I couldn't recommend it any more. It's fantastic. I got a year's worth in a prescription today and the nurse told me it's the safest pill. Unlike the combined there is not a risk of breast cancer, you can take it for years and years with no problem and it won't affect your fertility. Plus, think of all the money you save on sanitary products!

Evidently, it affects different women in different ways so I would definitely recommend having an in depth chat with your doctor and make sure they know the pill inside out, it's pretty obvious when they haven't done their reading as they start talking about pills in general and not Cerazette. Hope this helps!

[Guest]

OMG.
I have been taking Cerazette for about 6 weeks, not long I know, and the side affects have just been awful. I have bleed almost constantly since starting, not just spottong but heavy with clots as well, but for me the mood swings and almost a personality change have been the worst experience of my life (and its been quite a long one!) From day one I started to feel different and by week three was getting so I could not be bothered to do anything, getting up at lunch time not doing any work or house work, I could not even be bothered to cook meals for my kids. By week five I was crying all the time and felt totally unable to cope with anything (This is a complete change for me as normally I am happy go lucky and take on the world type person) At the end of week six I threw what pills I had left dowh the loo. Now at the end of week seven I nearly feel back to normal again.
Was wondering has anyone else had this reaction or is it just me. The scary bit was it happened so fast .
Have decided to stay off the pill for now, new partner will have to go without or buy condoms. I never want to feel like that again

[Guest]

I have been on Cerazette now for three months, and have gone steadily down hill mentally! Over the summer I have been very tired and lacking motivation to do things. The last couple of weeks have got even worse with me feeling extremely paranoid that my boyfriend wants every woman he meets! I am totally surprsied he is still with me cos even when he goes to work I give him a hard time about his female colleagues. I get so jealous and angry. I am also very very tearful all the time, and cry at the slightest thing. Prior to being on it I was a really laid back happy person and i now feel a shell of my former self. My poor boyfriend has to hear all the time about how rubbish my life is and how everything goes wrong (which it doesnt!) and he deserves a medal for putting up with me. I really thought I was having a abreakdown til i read _ about this pill, and now I feel so relieved that I know whats causing my depression. I took my last pill 2 days ago and will never take another. I still feel terrible but am hoping that will go soon!!! I also put a stone on in weight and am hoping that falls off again as fast as it went on but I bet I won't be that lucky!!

Unfortunately we now have to use condoms too as I had to have a coil removed as it was causing me lots of problems and I am reluctant to try anything else with hormones now!

[sh]

hello,
I'm 25,ive been on Cer. for 3 years, b4 that I took meliane 4 3 years and went of it after I realized what a different person I became (realy bad mood swings),I was put on other "regular" pills but got nause on both of them, my Dr. said it was because of the estrogen and gave me the sticker thing (horrible!!!) after a week of that is stopped and then she reccomended Cer.
I feel pretty ok with it, I dont get any periods (sometimes a bit of bleeding) which is great cause I had realy bad pms but after reading the posts here I realized that my sex drive is not that good but I'm not sure thats the reason, I've been getting acne on my back ever since I started, and in the last few months I've been pretty tired I did lots of tests & my Dr. didnt find anything wrong but I didnt even think it might b the pill...
I dont have much of a choice this is the only pill I can take... so these side effects aren't that bad 4 me but the one thing I'm realy afraid of is what this pill and especialy not getting my period means about my fertiility in the future, and how hard it will be to get pregnat when the time comes? I read posts that it took a while and all but since it works differently on each person, does any1 know about problems it causes either from ur doctor, friends or personal excperience?
thank u very mush 2 any1 that answers

[jade w]

i have been bleeding non stop for 2 months now on the pill now and before that i would have a blood free week then start again been on pill for 8 months has anyone had the same its driving me and my bf madd

[Guest]

Hello

Like many of the 'guests' below I am about to go to the doctor to take me off this due to the irregular bleeding ruining my sex life! (And plenty of good underwear). This pill produces far to irregular bleeds that I can do without.

hello my names jade i have the same prob expect i bleed eveyday for 2 months its driving me mad im going to a gynergolist as i have had the prob for years so im withu girl

[Cadbury]

Hi all!

I have read so many of these posts, I thought I'd join in too!

I have had terrible problems with bleeding for the last 3 years (since my last baby). I had a Mirena coil fitted almost 2 years ago but that didn't help, so the doctor gave me cerazette to take as well. It seems a weird approach, but the problems I've had before have been severe. Anyway, the Cerazette is the first thing ever to stop me bleeding and that has been fantastic. I have had weight gain and that is not good, but as someone said before, that's mostly due to an increased appetite and so I am tryingto control that.

I still have the coil fitted and my doc has advised me to stop Cerazette soon to see if it has solved my bleeding problems. I am dreading stopping it - if I start bleeding again as badly as I have before, I am seriously considering a hysterectomy!

So, Cerazette has been a Godsend for me.... even with the side effects of weight gain. We're all different, so I suppose we'll all have a different experience.

[focusst]

I started taking microgynon at the age of 15 and had no problems at all I was on it for 4 years and always had a regular period however due to migraines my gp decided i should try a POP i started with celeste and from day one I had heavy bleeding I persisted with this for 3 months and didnt have a single day without bleeding. I went back to my gp who then prescribed cerazette I was over the moon when I started taking this as I had no bleeding at all for 6 weeks however that suddenly came to an end and I have had bleeding now everyday since for 3 months continuously I have been back to my gp and local gynaecologist who say persist with it but I am fed up now I have no sex life anymore and often get upset and down for no reason just wondered if anyone else is experiencing anything similar or if anyone has any suggestions. PLEASE HELP IM DESPERATE FOR AN ANSWER NOW.

[Eleri]

Hi-have been reading everyone's comments about cerazette and found it very interesting. I have been taking cerazette for about 18 months now and for about a year I found it fantastic. No periods and the hassle they bring, and it didn't seem to affect me in many ways at all. However, this last 6 months or so have been different and I am now beginning to think it is due to cerazette.
I was thinking of coming off it because as ridiculous as it sounds i felt like i could really do with a period-has anyone else felt like this? I think i feel like this because I am so irritable, I can now see that I have put on weight over a longish period of time but now i feel huge compare to what i used too. And this summer I have been so snappy and intolerable of almost everything my bf does and rarely want to have sex which has been hard.

I don't know whether to come off it or not as it is likely to take a while before i have a period anyway and i don't want us to have to rely on condoms for too long. I can't take any of the combined pills as i suffer from severe migraines. Has anyone else come off for a short period as a break?