I’m not a Mum but I didn’t know where else to put this (if it’s in the wrong place, the mods will move it, I’m sure). I just started taking the contraceptive pill because I was sick and tired of putting up with painful, debilitating periods. I am not sexually active, so I am not using it for contraception, only to regulate my periods and make them easier to deal with.
I took my first pill last Thursday ([name_f]July[/name_f] 24) on the first day of my cycle. This period was unusual in that it started off very light on day 1, then got heavier and peaked on day 3. I normally only have pain only on the first two days, but this time I had pain significant enough to take painkillers for 4 days, and had intermittent discomfort on day 5 and a little today too, though my flow is now pretty much over.
I take my pill at night before bed, so I have taken 5 pills so far. I don’t know whether that’s enough in your system to start giving side effects, but since last night, my head’s been all fuzzy, I’ve been feeling quite nauseous (this is normal for me during my period, but usually only on the first two days), I’ve been zoning out (losing time) and I feel very emotional (trying not to cry right now!). Could this be the pill side effects kicking in, or is it something else?
When I started taking the pill, I read the little leaflet that comes with it cover to cover and there are a hell of a lot of potential side effects. But they have to list everything that might possibly occur, no matter how unlikely, so I was a bit alarmed to see that whole ream of symptoms but actually I didn’t really end up having any side effects at all. You must have a leaflet like that in the packaging somewhere, did you take a look at it? Does it describe the stuff you’re experiencing?
For me, everything worked like a dream from the very first pill, but I think that it can potentially take a few cycles for your body to get used to things. In my unprofessional opinion, I think what you’re experiencing could be related to starting the pill, especially if it’s different from your normal menstrual symptoms, but I also think things ought to probably settle down soon enough. The thing is, every woman will react in a slightly different way to hormonal birth control (I know it just doesn’t work out for a minority of women, you might be unlucky) so I’m not sure how helpful I can be. But if I were you, I would just stay calm and see how things develop. If the symptoms persist much longer, probably make an appointment to discuss things with your doctor.
I would definitely speak to your doctor about the side effects (like losing time) and they may recommend you cease the pill or try another. Though generally it can take a few months for a hormonal contraceptive to settle in and regulate so most people wait and see if it does, though that depends on how severe and odd the symptoms are! [name_f]Hope[/name_f] it all goes well!
All of those could be side effects of the Pill, for sure. When I went on it, I had a bit of an adjustment. I had nausea quite often for the first month or two, but it died down. I didn’t have longer or more painful periods than usual, or any emotional side effects, but it’s definitely possible. I would do as Jackal suggested and read any information packet that came with the pills, and maybe talk to your doctor as the feeling ‘fuzzy’ seems kind of scary. It’s very likely that your body will adjust though, but if it doesn’t, maybe another brand of pills will work better for you.
Thanks guys. I did read that leaflet when I first got the pills and it did mention about side effects but not everything I’m experiencing matches up. I’m feeling a little better right now but I’m gonna talk to my Mum when she gets home from work. She will probably just say I’m overreacting (i do have some anxiety issues and I tend to panic a little when I feel ill). If it doesn’t go away, I will go see a doctor.
[name_f]Sophie[/name_f], you sound just like me! I’m also on the pill for pain and cycle control (I have Endometriosis and try to skip as many months as I can). I also tend to panic when I feel sick. I had a bit of nausea when I started on the pill so I started taking it at night instead of in the morning. [name_f]My[/name_f] mum (a doctor) suggested I take it at night because then any issues with nausea etc. tend to happen overnight when you’re asleep instead of while you’re awake. It worked really well for me - maybe you could try it too? Good luck!
[name_f]Sophie[/name_f],
I took the pill for the same reasons for one year (I just stopped a couple of weeks ago). I don’t think I had many symptoms except for what it was supposed to do-MUCH lighter and shorter periods!! I did notice some nose bleeds, not positive it was related, but I never got them before the pill. I don’t think I felt nauseous but I also took it with dinner…maybe it would help if you took it at a different time? Maybe Taking it right before lying down and not eating again for several hours isn’t helping your nausea? There are tons of BC options, I’m sure you’ll find the right one that works for you .
Thanks guys. I take my pill with my supper (snack before bed). This is because at the moment I’m unemployed and so I tend to sleep in in the mornings and get up at different times but I always have supper at the same time. I’m thinking once I get a job and have a consistent morning routine, I will take it then. I know that the side effects take time to settle down so i just have to wait, I just wanted to make sure it was what I thought it was.
I taked to my Mum and she said some of it could be the pill and to just wait for it to settle. The other symptoms (fuzzy head, zoning out etc…) could be due to dehydration because it has been unusually hot here. She told me to drink more water and to stop complaining :roll: