Switching Birth Control Pill

[Mols]

I recently switched from Ortho Tri Cyclen to Demulen because I was having breakthrough bleeding every single month and it sucked! Now I just finished my first pack today of the Demulen and havnat had any breakthrough bleeding and its actually making me nervous! I dont know when to expect my period or if something isnt right? I mean I dont use any back up methods, should I have when switching or does it not effect anything?? Also, I have been exptremely constipated th elast week, and Im wondering if its maybe due to a new BC? Im just paranoid and miserably "full" because I really cant go much at all! Anybody have any experience with this?

[homeschoolmom]

If you went directly from the old pack to the new pack without skipping any days, you're probably fine. As for the backed up business, yes the pill can slow gastric motility. Does the demulen have more progesterone than the tricyclen? Progesterone is the culprit for motility issues stemming from the pill. Progesterone increases while a woman is pregnant and slows the passage of food through the digestive system so that the mom gets as much nutrition from the food as possible. The BCP's simulate pregnancy, hence the motility issues. Make sure you're drinking lots of liquids and also know that it's very common to get constipated right before your period.

[Mols]

No i think it actually has higher doses of estrogen..... :(

[ladypilot]

I just switched to a lower estrogen pill because I bled every single day for 3 months! With the new pill, I am not bleeding but I have been constipated. I think it takes a few months to get used to new pills, so this is normal. Make sure you drink lots of fluids. I find that doing something that makes you move a lot helps to get things moving. Roller blading and swimming seem to help me move things a long more comfortably.

[Mols]

thanks! what pill did you switch to? I havnt really been going normal for about a week now, also, did you get your period on time? I am so used to having breakthrough bleeding in the second week of my pills, then getting my period on the third week, that I dont know when im gonna get it! I just took my last pill before the reminder pills of the new BC yesterday and still no period.....should i be worried?

[ladypilot]

I actually got my period a week early on my new pill (Alesse). I just kept taking my pills as normal. One thing that is nice is that my periods are soooooo much lighter now.

My dr. had to tell the pharmacy no substitutes for me. My insurance likes to change my pill about every 3-4 months. That does not work so well on my body. I have to pay about $10 more per month, but that's much cheaper than a baby, and well worth the PMS-free cycles! :clap:

[Ashes41]

Everytime I have switched it has taken some time for everything to even out...

I'd say just wait and see what happens. :) It will turn out fine I'm sure.

[Mols]

Have your periods been real late after switching?

[Ashes41]

Originally posted by milgurl@Jun 6 2006, 09:46 AM
Have your periods been real late after switching?
It normally takes a couple of days after I am done with the hormone pills, but never more then a week.

But remember every body is different, and if you are worrying that much, just go out and buy a pregnancy test. It will put your fears to bed, and start a new pack on time to keep yourself protected.

[Mols]

Thanks for your reply, im on day 4 of my reminder pills and still no trace.....kinda scared