I want to go back to combined pill

[Papaya90]

Hi, this is my very first post here, but I feel like I'm in a bit of a pickle so I was wondering if anyone would be able to help.

I've been on a combined pill for the past 10 years and loved it - it did lower my sex drive and I gained some weight but nothing too drastic. My skin was glowing, period was lighter, I was regular to the hour. What's not to like!

However, after 6 months ago after an appointment with a nurse I was refused my combined pill and prescribed a mini pill. This was due to breast cancer history in the family and a few migraines. To make the story full - I said I had migraines with aura when asked, but I don't think I fully understood what it is and now I think that wasn't the case.

Anyway - mini pill... I hate it! I really don't mind that my period disappeared, BUT my sex drive is non-existent, my face, back and even LEGS are covered with acne (didn't even know that's possible!), my hair are a constant grease ball and I've gained a stone in 6 months...

I am absolutely devastated and have no idea what to do. To some extent this pill affects my life... I've considered other contraception methods but I don't want an implant or a coil - the thought of having something in my body really puts me off. I'm worried that if I gained so much weight on mini pill injections will only make it worse...

I would really like to go back to the combined pill but I have no idea how to convince my doctor to do it...

Has anyone been in a similar situation? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[Papaya90]

Hopeful bump :)

[Mummabear22]

I'm in the exact same boat as you, my GP took me off the combined pill as I'd had a few migraines (which turned out to be stress related). I'm going to speak to my GP when I run out and explain that I hate the mini pill and hope that they let me go back on the combined pill. If I was you I would go to your GP and talk to them.

[Papaya90]

Now when I think about it my migraines might have been stress related, same as high blood pressure... Here's hope - I booked my docs appointment for Wednesday. I think my biggest struggle is acne and weight on the mini pill cause I'm busting my bum to lose it exercising 5 times a week and eating as healthy as ever and instead of going down its the highest it's ever been :(

[HopelesslydevotedtoGu]

If you have migraines with visual aura (eg lost vision, seeing things) or migraines that worsen on the combined pill then your Dr definitely won't prescribe the combined pill (if they are following the guidelines)- it is an absolute no due to increased risk of stroke.

If your migraines aren't like this then I would book with your GP and explain this.

The combined pill probably does increase the risk of breast cancer, something to bear in mind, but in most women with a family history it is OK to prescribe if they are aware of this.

One thing to bear in mind is that the older you get the more restrictive prescribing is for the combined pill- eg the risks if you are smoking, overweight, high bp etc may mean your Dr won't prescribe anymore- so it may not be possible to stay on it forever and you may need to find an alternative one day.

[HopelesslydevotedtoGu]

Also mini pill is well known for worsening acne, but doesn't usually cause weight gain, so that may be a coincidence. Contraceptive injections do cause weight gain. There are two different mini pills so if you Dr won't prescribe combined again you could try the other.

[Papaya90]

Thanks hopelesslydevoted! I think I confused migraines with aura with migraines with high sensitivity to light. Also I should probably mention that when I speak about migraines I speak about 2-3 episodes a year.

We're planning a baby in about 2-3 years time so I think that could put a stop to me taking pills and I would think what's next when it comes to it. In general, I think pumping your body with hormones is not the best solution.

I don't smoke and I'm not overweight (yet...) so hopefully chances of me going back on the combined pill will increase...

[Papaya90]

Also - would you be able to tell me the names of the two different pills please?

[dementedpixie]

There are several mini pills you could try www.netdoctor.co.uk/conditions/sexual-health/a2226/the-mini-pill-progestogen-only-pill-or-pop/ - scroll down for the names of mini pills that are available

[JennyOnAPlate]

How old are you op if you don't mind me asking?

I loved the combined pill but as soon as I hit 35 my doctor wouldn't prescribe it any more. I'm ok on the mini pill but my sex drive is totally non existent. I'm tempted to stop taking it but then our only option is condoms and back to horrendous periods.

Sorry to hijack your thread with my own woes but just wanted to say that i sympathise!

[dementedpixie]

You can take the combined pill until age 50 as long as you are not overweight/ don't smoke/have normal blood pressure , etc. www.womens-health-concern.org/help-and-advice/factsheets/contraception-older-woman/

[Papaya90]

I'm 26 so hopefully there's still a few years of combined pill bliss in front of me if I'll manage to convince my doctor :)