The Pill = weight gain?

xtremity_1

Just wanted to get a representative response on the question: does the Pill make you gain weight?

Also, i would love to hear from those of you who are gettin the injection - is that just the same and therefore has the same effect as taking the Pill?
I am considering starting this course of birth control but (due to my history of eating disorders) am reluctant to try it without having heard some feedback on the issue.

Many thanks for any helpful replies!

genegenie

Well I've been on the pill Dianette for about 8 months now (primarily for acne treatment) and yes, I've gained weight quite significantly. I used to be a size 6-8, now I'm a size 10-12. Also, I've gained two cup sizes! I hate them, they just get in the way and hurt like hell! I was on a different pill a couple of years ago, Cilest (for birth control this time) and the same thing happened to me. Though when I came off the pill a year later, the weight dropped off in less than 2 months.

Don't let this discourage you though. The pill (and different types of pill) affects everyone differently. I have a friend on the pill and one who gets the injection who've had absolutely no weight gain or other side effects whatsoever. It's an individual thing, depends on your own unique biochemistry so ya won't really know till ya give it a go!

hullaballoo

The weight gain/loss is fairly controllable, and doesn't make a huge difference to be honest.

I'm a lad so I don't know the intricacies, but my last girlfriend was on the pill while we were together (4 years) and I got to know the rythm. She put on weight at certain times of the month, lost it at others. It's the same as when you're not on the pill except more extreme.

That's just my experience though.

Angels

xtremity_1 wrote:

Just wanted to get a representative response on the question: does the Pill make you gain weight?

Also, i would love to hear from those of you who are gettin the injection - is that just the same and therefore has the same effect as taking the Pill?
I am considering starting this course of birth control but (due to my history of eating disorders) am reluctant to try it without having heard some feedback on the issue.

Many thanks for any helpful replies!

I've been on the (depo vera injection) for over 2 years now, previously i was on it for 3 years & came off it for a year. I find this type of birth control very good in saying that i can't tell you if you'll put on wait because i did. The reason for this is because i started to eat very unhealthy for about 2 years and put on 3 stone. Now don't panic in reading this but if you have a well balanced diet & eat healthily ( i see u mentioned you have a history of eating disorders) you should be fine.

At the moment due to a recent diagnosis of diabetes i'va had no choice but to eat very healthy & the weight seems to be falling off. So even at this stage now i can say if you put on some weight you can loose it just as fast.

Also they say you should never go on it for more than 4 years & there are some side affects with it but nothing to worry about. Looks like you should consult your doctor.

Thats just my experience hope it helps some bit.:)

WhiteWashMan

hullaballoo wrote:

The weight gain/loss is fairly controllable, and doesn't make a huge difference to be honest..

possilby for your ex, but i dont think that stands for the general female population.

it effects different women differently. i dont think there is any real way to tell unless you try it.
i know two of my ex girlfriends used the same pill, and they had vastly diferent reactions to it. one put on weight, and the other went completely loo-dally.

there you go!

LegacyUser

xtremity_1 wrote:

Just wanted to get a representative response on the question: does the Pill make you gain weight?

In my experience, yes, I put on 1.5 stone is a year!!!! I have just stopped taking the pill about a month ago, and I am finding it really hard to shift the weight!

Nevyn

yes it can be hard but if you were to have a baby you'd put on a hell of a lot more weight.

LegacyUser

Oh I know, I am taking a break, using condoms, and in the new year I am going to discuss alternative options with my doctor!

LegacyUser

Hey, just thought I would post a few implant FAQ's here, just found this on the net, you can see the full article here:

http://www.fpa.org.uk/guide/contracep/conimp.htm#1

Contraceptive implant
An implant is a small flexible rod that is placed just under your skin in your upper arm. It releases a progestogen hormone similar to the natural progesterone that women produce in their ovaries. It is a very effective, long-term hormonal method of contraception which protects you from pregnancy for up to 3 years. The implant that is available in the UK is called Implanon.

How effective is an implant?

How effective any contraceptive is depends on how old you are, how often you have sex and whether you follow the instructions.

If you follow the instructions, implants are over 99% effective. This means that less than 1 woman in 100 who use an implant will get pregnant in a year.

How does an implant work?

The main way it works is to stop your ovaries releasing an egg each month (ovulation). It also:

Thickens the mucus from your cervix. This makes it difficult for sperm to move through your cervix and reach an egg.
Makes the lining of your womb thinner so it is less likely to accept a fertilised egg.



Where can I get an implant?

Only a doctor or nurse who has been trained to fit implants can insert the implant. You can go to a family planning clinic or to the doctor or nurse at your general practice. If you prefer not to go to your own general practice, or they don’t provide contraceptive services, they can give you information about another practice or clinic. All treatment is free and confidential.

How long is an implant effective for?

An implant is designed to be used for 3 years and is a long-term method of contraception. If you are not sure you want contraceptive protection for this long, other methods may be more suitable for you.

What are the advantages of an implant?

You don’t have to think about contraception for as long as the implant lasts.
It does not interrupt sex.
You can use it if you are breastfeeding.
It is a good method if you cannot use estrogens (hormones), like those in the combined pill.
Your normal level of fertility will return as soon as the implant is taken out.
It offers some protection against pelvic inflammatory disease.
It may give you some protection against cancer of the womb.
It may reduce heavy, painful periods.

What are the disadvantages of an implant?

Your periods may change in a way that is not acceptable to you (see How will an implant affect my periods?).
Other possible side-effects include headaches, spotty skin, putting on weight, tender breasts, bloating, and changes in mood and sex drive.
It requires a small procedure to insert and remove it (see How is an implant put in? and How is an implant taken out?)
An implant does not protect you against sexually transmitted infections, so you may need to use condoms as well.
Back to the top of the page

Are there any risks?

Very rarely, soon after the implant is put in it can cause an infection in your arm, where it has been inserted.
Research about the risk of breast cancer and hormonal contraception is complex and contradictory. Current research suggests that women who use hormonal contraception appear to have a small increase in risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer compared to women who don’t use hormonal contraception. Further research is ongoing.
Back to the top of the page

When can I start using an implant?

An implant will usually be put in during the first 5 days of your period. You will be immediately protected against becoming pregnant.

How is an implant put in?

The implant, which is the size of a hair grip, is placed just under your skin in the inner area of your upper arm. It must be put in by a doctor or nurse who has been trained to insert implants. They will give you a local anaesthetic to numb the part of your arm where the implant will go, so it won’t hurt as it is put in. It only takes only a few minutes to put in and feels similar to having an injection. You won’t need any stitches. After it has been fitted the doctor or nurse will check your arm to make sure that the implant is in position.

The area may be tender for a day or two and may be bruised and slightly swollen. The doctor or nurse will put a dressing on it to keep it clean and dry and to help stop the bruising. Keep this dressing on for a few days and try not to knock the area.

Don’t worry about knocking the implant once the area has healed. It should not break or move around your arm. Most women can feel the implant with their fingers, but usually you can’t see it. It won’t affect you moving your arm and you will be able to do normal activities.

You do not need to have a vaginal examination or cervical smear to have an implant inserted.

How is an implant taken out?

An implant can be left in place for 3 years or it can be taken out sooner if you decide you want to stop using it. A specially trained doctor or nurse must take it out. The doctor or nurse will feel your arm to locate the implant and then give you a local anaesthetic injection in the area where the implant is. They will then make a tiny cut in your skin and gently pull the implant out through the opening. They will put a dressing on the arm to keep it clean and dry and to help stop the bruising. Keep this dressing on for a few days.

It usually only takes a few minutes to remove an implant. If the implant has been put in correctly, it should not be difficult to remove. Occasionally, an implant is difficult to feel under the skin and it may not be so easy to remove. If this happens, your doctor or nurse may refer you to a specialist centre to have it removed with the help of an ultrasound scan.

If you want to carry on using an implant, the doctor or nurse can put a new one in at the same time. You will continue to be protected against pregnancy.

If another implant is not put in you will stop being protected against pregnancy immediately.

hullaballoo

WhiteWashMan wrote:

possilby for your ex, but i dont think that stands for the general female population.

it effects different women differently. i dont think there is any real way to tell unless you try it.
i know two of my ex girlfriends used the same pill, and they had vastly diferent reactions to it. one put on weight, and the other went completely loo-dally.

there you go!

That reminds me. Apparently there's a fair risk of stroke if you take the pill and have certain other ailments (or bad habits). There's a fact sheet here which enumerates the risks along with the 'risk factors'.

Hope it's of some help (at least more than my last post!)

Seraphina

i've been on the pill almost 5 years now. if anything, in that time i've LOST alot of weight.
if you notice significant weight gain, go to your doctor, explain the issue, and ask can you try another type.
eat properly and exercise.
its pretty simple to avoid large amounts of weight gain on the pill, however at the end of the day the pill fools your body into thinking your pregnant so you wont get pregnant, so some side effects are to be expected.
however i cant say it really affects me that much at all, i guess i just found the right one.

melody

i was on Dianette for three years (was using it as both birth control and for spots). it cleared up my spots immediately and i rarely got another spot in the 3 years. however i did put on a stone at that time, but to be honest i thought that was just a natural part of growing up. i came off the pill at the end of july as i didnt feel right taking it - its hard to explain. i was constantly bloated and had no energy, also i had really gone off sex over the three years. it took a while to realise that it could be the pill as i am in a long-term relationship and i thought the interest kinda declines a bit anyway. anyway my instints told me to come off it, so i did. about a month after i came off it, i read an story in a magazine about a girl who came off dianette as it had put her off sex - it could have been me writing it! in the five months i've been off it, i feel a lot better. i dont get as bloated, i've lost half a stone, even though i havent changed my diet or exercised. my sex life has also improved although it still isn't what it used to be. the only downside is that i've started to get a few spots but nothing i can't deal with!!

it is important to remember though that each pill has a different effect on each person, i'm not trying to scare people about dianette!!

Pythia

When I first went on it, the only thing I noticed was that I went up about a cup size. I've been on it for two years now and my weight has gone up and down, but that's because of my eating rather than anything else.
However, my friend went on it at the same time and had a good bit of weight gain. She has since changed pills.

Girlyone

My Doctor told me you only relly put on weight on the pill if you have a weight issue as it is.
I'm on Microlight and have not put on any weight.

Watchful

OP- seeing as you've mentioned an eating disorder, the only thing I would really mention is that will a pill you would have to keep it down. If you get sick, have an upset stomach, it wont get absorbed and wont work.

In my experience I've tried 2 kinds, and have been on them altogether for 7 years, and have never put on weight as a result. A couple of my friends did but then they said they had more of an appetite so that may explain it!

Everyone reacts differently to these things, and theres many out there. Have a chat with your doctor or nurse who knows your history and they can give you a rndown of your options.

But as Thaedydal said- you'd definalty get a lot fatter with a sprog in your belly.

Azureus

i never had any weight differences-i was on two different brands and gained nothing (they were discontinued so again changed). now im on mercilon and if anything ive lost weight.. differs for everybody though and theres no way to know until you try it.

genegenie

Girlyone wrote:

My Doctor told me you only relly put on weight on the pill if you have a weight issue as it is.
I'm on Microlight and have not put on any weight.

I was a size 6-8 when I went on the pill, and I gained weight. I certainly don't have a weight issue! AFAIK It's down to a combination of that person's unique biochemistry, the effect of adding of extra hormones to that via the pill and that specific pill's formulation, that dictates whether weight gain will occur...

LegacyUser

Watchful wrote:

OP- seeing as you've mentioned an eating disorder, the only thing I would really mention is that will a pill you would have to keep it down. If you get sick, have an upset stomach, it wont get absorbed and wont work.

v.v. good point!!

Nightwish

I refuse to go on the pill, for fear of gaining weight, and I'm also fearful of the other side effects. My close friends were on the Pill, and one became very depressed and lost her appetite, one gained loads of weight and the other had no relief from bad period pains(her primary reason for taking it). I know that it effects different people in different ways, and some people have to try out a few before finding the right one, I'm just not comfortable with putting myself at risk of those possible side effects.
To the OP,if you are seriously considering going on the pill, I would recommend voicing your particular concerns to a doctor, to help you make the most informed choice, as has been said, the Pill affects everyone differently

tribulus

another dianette post

my gf has been on it now for over 2 years. Started taking it to clear up skin and for contraception, *fingers crossed* it works well. However as a couple of posters mentioned there were some side effects:

Weight gain, more out of a change in eating habits i.e from good to poor
Bloatedness, headaches, lethargic

Coming off it now
Phew bad day for dianette and schering plough

Again as other posters said, any affects could easily vary from one person to another and of course ask any questions you can possibly think of (however stupid you think they are) when your at the doctor - trust me it can save you a lot of hassle in the long run!

good luck with it in anycase

savoyard

I was on Logynon for years and yes, it did make me gain weight. I switched to Microgynon and it sent me mad: I thought the extra weight was a better option! It also bloated me for at least a week each month, which worse. Jeans that would fit me one week wouldn't the next.

Since coming off the pill 6 months ago, I have dropped the excess weight without changing my eating habits or exercising more. My waistline is stable, rather than swinging wildly each week, my libido has increased and I feel much, much better all round. I'm not going back on hormonal contraception - I feel it has messed my body around too much to date.

I would do a lot of research about the injection - it hasn't been around that long and personally I would feel like a bit of a guinea-pig with it.

You won't know if the pill or the injection will make you gain weight without trying it - everyone is different. But it seems like a fair amount of women do, so if it's an issue for you, you might be better off looking for another type of contraception.

tommyboo

my gf just started taking dianette last week, because of irregular periods and also as contraception. obviously i wont notice any change for a while,but i must say im worried about what iv read, not particularily the weight issue, more the pyscological effect it could have. i never asked her to take it and told her to drop it if she doesnt feel right though...

misswex

I was on Microlite for the past year and I've put up nearly 2 stone, was worried all along so kept saying it to my doctore. She has decided to try me on the injection. Very worried about about it but will take it for 3 months and see how I get on.

Reassuring to hear other girls have had the same issues with the pill - its a nightmare really but its better than having a baby. Not ready for that yet.

LegacyUser

I had been on a 3rd generation pill (Microgynon) for a number of years and ended up putting on 2 stone, my breasts were like bowling balls and it just didn't agree with me. I went to the Albany Clinic in town who put me on MICROLITE, one of the lowest dose contraceptive pills on the market (and one of the safest to take if you smoke) and I have now lost 2.5 stone and my boobies look great again. I would definitley recommend it.

positron

Haven't read the posts above, sorry this is of no use at this stage...

My gf tried the injections for about 12 months (three visits ,three months between visits, didn't get the fourth one – it never really worked for her) and in those 12 months she gained about a stone and half! She went from 8-10 to 10-12.

She lost all that with in six months of discontinuing the course.

Hope this helps!

genegenie

tommyboo wrote:

my gf just started taking dianette last week, because of irregular periods and also as contraception. obviously i wont notice any change for a while,but i must say im worried about what iv read, not particularily the weight issue, more the pyscological effect it could have. i never asked her to take it and told her to drop it if she doesnt feel right though...

Dianette is intended ONLY for acne treatment (and possibly PCOS). Its contraceptive function is purely a side effect of the hormones used. AFAIK it's not for contraception and/or irregular periods ALONE, must be used for acne treatment also. This is due to the increased risks with Dianette as opposed to other pills- signficantly higher risk of blood clots etc... If your girlfriend isn't using this as an acne treatment, she should really go back to her doctor to change to a diff pill. Or thinking about it she should prolly go to a different doctor, cause her doctor would be quite silly to prescribe Dianette purely as a contraceptive, when there are so many safer pills out there which can be used for that purpose...

The Committee on Safety of Medicines notes (2) that dianette is NOT authorised for the sole purpose of oral contraception and should be discontinued 3 to 4 menstrual cycles after the woman's androgen-related condition has completely resolved.

Prescriber are reminded that (2):

* dianette is not indicated for use solely as an oral contraceptive
* dianette is a treatment for women with severe acne that has not responded to oral antibiotics, or for moderately severe hirsutism
* dianette should be withdrawn 3-4 cycles after the treated condition has completely resolved
* the incidence of venous thromboembolism is higher than in women who use low-dose oestrogen COCs
* dianette is contraindicated in women with a personal or close family history of confirmed, idiopathic venous thromboembolism and in those with a known current venous thrombotic or embolic disorders
* women who have severe acne or hirsutism may have an inherently increased cardiovascular risk

Quoted from http://www.gpnotebook.co.uk/cache/-261423050.htm

annR

I must be the only person here who hasn't noticed any side effects. I take Cileste.

Nightwish,

I refuse to go on the pill . . . .I'm just not comfortable with putting myself at risk of those possible side effects.

Risk? Risk? Hello!!! I used to be convinced that I wouldn't be able to take the pill, relied on alternative methods and hey presto! one day I was pregnant, which had a few side effects alright. Be careful - one mistake and you're done for. That's a bit of a risk isn't it?

smurfbaby

I was on the injection for 2 years but was recently advised by my doctor that after this length of time I need to come off it for a while. He told me to research types of contraceptive pills which I can then start taking once my periods return. But Im not sure where to find out about these pills apart from asking friends their experiences, and surfing the net. Anyone know any good informative Irish (or other) websites on this subject?

ClareBear

melody wrote:

i was on Dianette for three years (was using it as both birth control and for spots). it cleared up my spots immediately and i rarely got another spot in the 3 years. however i did put on a stone at that time, but to be honest i thought that was just a natural part of growing up. i came off the pill at the end of july as i didnt feel right taking it - its hard to explain. i was constantly bloated and had no energy, also i had really gone off sex over the three years. it took a while to realise that it could be the pill as i am in a long-term relationship and i thought the interest kinda declines a bit anyway. anyway my instints told me to come off it, so i did. about a month after i came off it, i read an story in a magazine about a girl who came off dianette as it had put her off sex - it could have been me writing it! in the five months i've been off it, i feel a lot better. i dont get as bloated, i've lost half a stone, even though i havent changed my diet or exercised. my sex life has also improved although it still isn't what it used to be. the only downside is that i've started to get a few spots but nothing i can't deal with!!

it is important to remember though that each pill has a different effect on each person, i'm not trying to scare people about dianette!!

I'm on Dianette and it hasn't caused me any side affects like that....I haven't put on weight, haven't been put off sex (if only!), don't get bloated etc....I think everyone's different and I'm very happy I was put on it.

BC

Most doctors i've asked about this have always said that the pill doesn't make you gain weight but it can make you hungrier which means you eat more and hence gain weight.

Different pills affect people in diffferent ways and just because one person gained weight doesn't mean you will. I've been on Marviol for 4 years and i haven't gained weight.

Nightwish

annR wrote:

Nightwish,


Risk? Risk? Hello!!! I used to be convinced that I wouldn't be able to take the pill, relied on alternative methods and hey presto! one day I was pregnant, which had a few side effects alright. Be careful - one mistake and you're done for. That's a bit of a risk isn't it?

well, I am careful using alternative methods. I've 2 friends and a workmate who were using the Pill and got pregnant.
the risk of pregnancy is always there no matter which method of contraception is used. but I just dont feel comfortable using the Pill.

Nevyn

Peoples personal choices about contraceptive matters are thier personal choices.

catspring

to the OP, i've been on cilest for three years. i lost about a stone over that period, but not sure if that was directly related to the pill or if it was due to then fact that it was not long after i moved out of my parent's house and started college. probably a bit of both.
the only other side effect i've had has been a bit of a dip in my libido, but it's nothing i can't handle.as many other posters have said, it really depends on the individual.
i've found that the doctors and people in family planning clinics etc are all very approachable. so do just ask them any questions you might have, they will have heard it before, no matter how strange it might seem to you.
good luck

bragan

I have been on yasmin for about a year, and I was on microgyn before that and I never gained weight. It says on the pack that the pill increases your appetite. It’s up to you whether you satisfy that appetite or not. That’s why some people gain weight.
I did find however when I was microgyn, that I couldn't lose any weight, so i changed to yasmin, and with a combination of healthy eating and going to the gym i have lost about 1 stone.

But, if you are about to go on the pill, and you notice an increase in your appetite, then don't eat more to satisfy that for a week or two and you should be fine.

tommyboo

my girlfriend is on the pill for around two months now, the only "side effect" weve noticed is how her bras are a lot tighter cos her boobies are after getting a bit bigger, but dont get me wrong, i dont see this as a bad thing!!!:D

chuckles30

I've been on microlite for about 18 months now and haven't gained any weight. I guess I've been lucky so far, but I've had no side effects at all.

I was on microlite for 1-2 years, never had any side effects.

Orange

I've heard that yasmin can help control weight as it stops fluid retention?

anybody have any experience with it?

LegacyUser

smurfbaby wrote:

I was on the injection for 2 years but was recently advised by my doctor that after this length of time I need to come off it for a while. He told me to research types of contraceptive pills which I can then start taking once my periods return. But Im not sure where to find out about these pills apart from asking friends their experiences, and surfing the net. Anyone know any good informative Irish (or other) websites on this subject?

Out of curiosity, did he say why he wanted you to come of the injection?

Victor

smurfbaby, check to see if the have a book(let) in your local pharmacy. The are normally in one of those spinning displays (like postcard displays) next to the pharmacy desk.

JustWondering wrote:

Out of curiosity, did he say why he wanted you to come of the injection?

Whatever about dealing with illness, its not healthy to be on voluntary medication for an extended period (!). Sometimes you need to let your body act naturally.

Button

just to say: dianette is a very specific pill because of the androgenic active ingredient. Androgens are male hormones, and are produced by women as well as men. They are responsible for stimulating the growth of the skin, including the sebaceous glands that produce oil (sebum), and the hair that grows from the skin.
Therefore it is advise not to stay on it for large periods of time, I have been recommended to stay on it for a year and then to change to a different type.

McGinty

Personally I am very wary of the pill, I started taking it at 17 due to extremely heavy and painful periods and it worked in that sense, I continued taking the pill until I was 26, I used various brands and I can't remember them. At the time I saw no problem with them, I didn't gain extra weight from them, but when I began taking the pill I was overweight anyway, and over the years of taking it I lost weight due to lifestyle. At the time I swore by the pill, and thought it was brilliant however I had a low sex drive but I didn't know it at the time because I had started the pill so young and had a lot of low energy. I only became aware of the problems when I came off the pill to try for a baby with my ex-husband. Suddenly my libido went from zero to a hundred, and began to really enjoy sex, I felt more energetic and happier. However it took me 6 months to concieve, and I know of one girl who became infertile after many years of the pill. Since having my son the heavy periods and horrific period pains have gone (on plus side to pregnancy), however I went back on microlite after my son was born and again my libido and energy dissapeared, after three months I came off the pill and had the coil inserted (the one without the hormones) and have used it ever since. I don't know if you have ever had a child, but the coil is an option to consider, I refuse to use the pill now as it messed with my body and mind.

LegacyUser

Victor wrote:

smurfbaby, check to see if the have a book(let) in your local pharmacy. The are normally in one of those spinning displays (like postcard displays) next to the pharmacy desk.

Whatever about dealing with illness, its not healthy to be on voluntary medication for an extended period (!). Sometimes you need to let your body act naturally.

Of course that is true, but would you be happy using only a condom?

Victor

JustWondering wrote:

Of course that is true, but would you be happy using only a condom?

Well it would depend on the relationship I was in.

And not having sex for a few weeks every 1-2 years hasn't been known to kill anyone.

Faith

I was on Dianette for 18 months with very few side effects that I know about. I put on about 9lbs but managed to lose that permanently in 2 weeks without any effort. I had no loss of libido either! Possibly it caused me to become more emotional, but I'm not sure. I didn't notice my breasts getting much bigger, but I do get a lot of compliments about my bust (mostly from females) so maybe it enhanced them. I've just changed to Marvelon now because my new doctor wasn't happy with me being on Dianette when my skin is clear.

When you start a new pill, do you have to go through things like putting on weight again? Or is that just when you first start taking the pill?

Stargal

McGinty wrote:

However it took me 6 months to concieve, and I know of one girl who became infertile after many years of the pill.

There's no medical evidence to suggest that the pill has any effect on fertility as you're suggesting, no matter how long you use it for.

I thought the rest of your post was v interesting but it's important to clarify that.

LegacyUser

Victor wrote:

Well it would depend on the relationship I was in.

And not having sex for a few weeks every 1-2 years hasn't been known to kill anyone.

A few weeks? Not sure if I am following you there

You said: "its not healthy to be on voluntary medication for an extended period (!)"

You think a few weeks is enough of a break?

Taking a break from birth control pills/implants/injections would take longer than a few weeks in order to be benificial at all.

ClareBear

Button wrote:

just to say: dianette is a very specific pill because of the androgenic active ingredient. Androgens are male hormones, and are produced by women as well as men. They are responsible for stimulating the growth of the skin, including the sebaceous glands that produce oil (sebum), and the hair that grows from the skin.
Therefore it is advise not to stay on it for large periods of time, I have been recommended to stay on it for a year and then to change to a different type.

I've been on it a year now....was intending on staying on it for as long as I wanted to....is it a bad idea to stay on any longer than I already have? My doctor didn't mention anything like that and gave me another 6 month perscription during the week for it.

Faith

Once your skin has cleared up, you're not supposed to stay on it for more than 2- 3 cycles after. It's also inadvisable to remain on any pill for more than 5 years. I was on it for 18 months but my new doctor changed me to a different one. Worryingly, my old doctor never mentioned anything about coming off it so maybe you should discuss your concerns with your GP, particularly if your skin is clear now.

ClareBear

Thanks Faith.