[Ashlee T.]

The way the pill works has all the science to back it up for why it is prescribed for more than birth control

My point was that doctors often prescribe bc (which clearly CAN and often does cause negative side effects) as a band-aid, when perhaps another option would be more suitable. If science says it's perfectly healthy to put synthetic or artificial hormones in the bodies of our teens and women........does science also say that its okay to eat foods packed with additives and preservatives? I say this because, sometimes we're told by science that things are fine for us, that there's no scientific proof things aren't fine for us, when our own bodies tell us they are NOT fine for us. Who will I listen to? My body.

In the 10 years I was on BC and struggled, I never had one doctor offer me ANY non hormonal options. It was always "That's not normal for BC to cause you to lose your libido, or to gain weight, or to have mood swings"......therefore, it must just be me. I just think they are often over prescribed, especially considering the side effects many people suffer.

[ItsASecret]

If science says it's perfectly healthy to put synthetic or artificial hormones in the bodies of our teens and women........does science also say that its okay to eat foods packed with additives and preservatives?

Science doesn't say it is okay to eat those things, people do, particularly the ones that say they taste good and the ones that market the brands. No one can make a person take a drug even if there are countless studies to back up what it does, as well as the actual science, if people simply do not like the thought of taking a synthetic then don't go to a doctor don't take vitamins don't intake anything that you are not comfortable with. It really is that simple.

I never had one doctor offer me ANY non hormonal options.

Pill or invasive (be it mild or moderate) surgery. That is the reasoning.

[LittleWoman210]

I definitely see both of you points!

BeautifulDisaster, I have 'suffered' from this since I was very little. I can remember being 4 or 5 and having my aunts push needles into the bumps on my legs to drain them. I know most say it has nothing to do with horomones, but I always get at least one the week before/of my period. I can keep them to a minumum as long as I stay very clean and make sure I'm not sweating too much (or showering after) and keeping my glands clean.. and they seem to flare up when I get really stressed.. Unfortunately I've had it for as long as I can remember, so it's something I've gotten ''used'' to. Within the last year I actually figured out what it was called and did some reasearch on it. It's nice to put a name to something. I'm allergic to the most popular antibiotics they use so those aren't of any help really... Tetracycline, Doxycycline, Sulfa medicines and Amoxicillin, so I'm a bit paranoid to take any other ones. The disease isn't life threatening or anything, obviously. But the scars aren't pretty and it'd be nice to not have to deal with them constantly as they are somtimes painful. Not the worst thing to suffer from, but they sure are annoying.

It makes sense though, about researching and seeing mostly people who're having bad side effects from drugs - instead of the people who're having no problems. Why would you take a medicine, feel good and go look for side effects online? I understand that idea. I always just want to know what to watch out for and make sure if I feel 'wrong' I have an idea of what it's from and being aware that its a possible side effect so I can stop using the drug. Plus I don't want to feel bad if I don't have to!! I like feeling healthy!

I'm not paranoid, I'm just.. careful, I suppose. But thank you all so much! I'm going to start them and just watch, to make sure. Hopefully it helps, it'd be nice! Plus my boyfriend just came back to the states from being deployed. I get to see him this week, and Im sure he'll be excited if the pill works, too. :P But thank you again!!

[Ashlee T.]

ItsASecret - I know you have different viewpoints on issues regarding doctors and such. I respect your opinions because I know you do alot of research. However, our experiences in life often have a big influence on our opinions. My experience in life with medical doctors hasn't been as great as some others. I watched a doctor neglectfully kill my father (I think I've told you this before...just reiterating) and I'm no narrowminded bitter patient..he killed my dad...and years later admitted it. I was told once by a doctor I had gone to for several years, that I had PARVO (yeah....the dog disease) when I went to him for swollen lymph nodes. And then like I said, for 10 years as I tried desperately to get a doctor to give me MEDICAL advice on better birth control options for me, I was routinely told "The pill isn't causing that...it must be something else". With that said, I've also been treated very well by many doctors in my lifetime. I guess what I'm saying is my opinions are definitely not one sided in issues such as these. And certainly never meant to insinuate that any doctor had EVER forced me to take any medicine. I made a conscious decision to take hormonal bc. With that said, I made somewhat of an uninformed decision because at the time I depended on my doctor to inform me of my medical options, the risks associated, etc. Now that I'm older, I try to research things on my own so I don't have to solely depend on a doctor for medical advice (as it has often failed me in the past)......although I think I SHOULD be able to depend on my doctor to inform me, give me my options, consider my overall wellbeing both short term and long term.


LittleWoman- I can only imagine how frustrating this has been for you. I sincerely hope Yasmin works for you and eases you of your pain and discomfort. Also, if it gets rid of these buggers, it will boost your self confidence as well. Best of luck. Feel free to come back and update us!!

[jenn89]

Remember, if the Yasmin doesn't work for you, there are many different formulations. If one doesn't work for you, another might. Just something to keep in mind.

[LuciaLucia]

Dont be scared

I tend to be some what of a hypochondriac too so I know what youre saying!!
Ive recently gone back to taking Norimin after a break of 2 years, and I also cant help but focus on the negative, Id like to think its only natural to worry!

When I first started Norimin, I noticed that I was more sensitive than usual, but having said this, at the same time I had a family member who was ill. So I cant be completely sure if it was all the pill, family or a mix of both!

I found my libido was still high, my period was almost non existant and experienced no cramping and
my weight was very stable and did not fluctuate.

The idea of taking a pill everyday seems unatural, but at the end of the day it puts your mind at ease (wether youre using it for medical reasons or preventing pregnancy) and in turn allows you to completely relax sexually, which is good for you and your partner.