Skipping Your Period: Seasonique
If you are using the combination birth control pill and you want to skip your monthly fake period, when it comes to choosing a brand, you have two options. You can use one of the many Pill brands packaged for birth control [21 days of active pills/7 days of placebo, or hormone-free pills] on a modified regimen [84 days of active pills/7 placebo days]. Or you can use a dedicated brand like Seasonale [84/7].
Either way, once every three months you have one hormone-free week.
Enter Seasonique [I have to ask: who comes up with these puffy product names?], a new brand that completely eliminates the hormone-free interval. Seasonique has 84 active pills (30-μg of estrogen [EE]/150-μg of progestin [levonorgestrel]), followed by 7 more active pills (10-μg EE).
There are two main advantages to replacing the placebo week with a week of low-dose estrogen: a) less, or no bleeding/spotting, and b) fewer, or no symptoms (cramping, bloating, headaches, etc.) for women who are sensitive to the placebo week hormone fluctuations (in particular, low estrogen).
A study* of 1000 sexually active adult women (18-40 years old) who used Seasonique for one year found that for Cycles 2-4, the median number of bleeding days on a per-patient month was minimal (<1.0 days). There were no reports of unexpected adverse events or thromboembolic [blood clot] events. [I haven't seen any data on this brand's effect on the lining of the uterus, so that is one thing to watch out for as more results come in.]
Despite the fufy name, the development of Seasonique is good news. It offers an alternative to women who find the available extended regimen brands less than optimal.
*Portman D, Anderson FD, Gibbons W. Clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of an extended-regimen oral contraceptive using continuous low-dose ethinyl estradiol. Contraception. September 2005;72(3):230.
posted by ema @ 10:33 PM
130 comments
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Is Seasonique available yet? When I Google it, I mostly get stuff about its manufacturers planning to market it when it gets FDA approval and that sort of thing.
I have severe (as in disabling) depression that is highly accelerated during menstrual cycles, so regulating them has been a literal lifesaver for me. Right now I'm using the workaround of lots of Yasmin (which is a pain because the insurance company has to be reminded quite often that a 1-month pack only gives me 3 weeks most months) with an estrogen patch during the 4 cycles a year (to make the emotional upheaval bearable). But it sounds like Seasonique, despite its cheesy name, would take care of all that on its sweet lonesome.
So, thank you very much for the information.
And thanks for your wonderful blog! I came here via Bitch, Ph.D., and am delighted by your clarity and your generosity in sharing your expertise.
Sam
I just wanted to point out the following text from http://tcoyp.com/didyouknow.html, gotten from a banner ad at the bottom of your blog which pushes Seasonale:
How do men really feel about women using menstrual management to control whether they have a period?
"Great, go for it!", according to the majority of men taking part in an online survey. About 20% didn't know what their reaction would be, and fewer than 10% either didn't care enough to have a reaction, or didn't like the idea.
I mean ... UGH! "Constant availability for sexual subjugation: you can have it too! Most men prefer it!" I find the inclusion of this as a selling point offensive at best, chauvinistically manipulative at worst.
In response to:
"At 8:32 AM, Anonymous said...
Is Seasonique available yet? When I Google it, I mostly get stuff about its manufacturers planning to market it when it gets FDA approval and that sort of thing."
I read an article today on CNN that says Seasonique should be available via prescription in July 2006. So hopefully we can get this soon!
http://www.cnn.com/2006/HEALTH/05/25/pill.seasonique.ap/index.html
Seasonique? ... Should be named Season-Leak !!
You might want to read the full prescribing information on seasonique.com. The package insert states the following:
When prescribing Seasonique™ the convenience of fewer planned menses (4 per year instead of 13 per year) should be weighed gainst the inconvenience of increased intermenstrual bleeding and/or spotting.
Additionally: From Figure 2 in the package insert:
After using this product for 3 cycles (273 days) 39% of patients had 7 to 19 days of bleeding and even more astounding 11% of patients had 20 or more days of bleeding during the the fourth cycle of pills (days 274 - 364). Anyway you look at it .. thats a lot of bleeding and a lot panty liners.
Who needs the inconvenience that would cause? Aunt Flo would be in town all the time. Ughhhhhhhhhhh.
I've been using Seasonale and was just diagnosed with seasonique...
I'm hoping the estrogen during the off-week will help with my hormone-caused migraine headaches.
Seasonale did cause spotting sometimes, but tri-cycling any pill does that (I've been tri-cycling long before they invented seasonale). But as you are on the pill longer, your body gets used to it, and eventually it stops.
Also, VERY IMPORTANT TO KNOW, seasonale can stop you from having your period or lighten it severely. Pregnancy scare, huh?
But, all in all, I like it, and I look forward to trying seasonique.
I am about to go on seasonique (Agree that the name is annoying) and wondered how it affects weight gain, migraine headaches and sex-drive? i think it may be so new that there is very little info but would love to hear back from anyone who has exeperience with this!
I have been on birth control for two years now. 1 year I was on ortho tri-cyclin, and had absolutely no problems with breakthrough bleeding.
I asked my Dr. to change me to Seasonale because I was in a long distance relationship and his visits tended to correspond with my period. I have had major problems with breakthrough bleeding on Seasonale, as well as a very noticible decrease in libido, mood swings, and quite a bit more weight gain than Ortho Tri-Cyclin. I also have a strong flow again and bad cramping.
I am on my 4th pack right now, the last month of it, and have had spotting for 2 weeks now.
Even if Seasonique helps prevent some of the breakthrough bleeding, I can't see it fixing the other problems, such as libido, weight gain, etc.
I've been on seasonale for 2 years now. My doc prescribed it because my triphasic pill was causing my left ovary to swell severly during the last week of active pills. I have to say I absolutely LOVE Seasonale and I am excited about Seasonique. If you're reading this and are turned off by the possibiliy of more breakthrough bleeding, I say go for it anyway. I have had one day of breakthrough bleeding in 2 years. (And I think that was due to extreme stress, not the pill.) Every woman is different, but for me it worked perfect. The chance of just 4 periods a year, and the option to shorten/extend is worth the chance of breakthrough bleeding if you ask me.
I wanted to add a few comments about Seaonique. Seasonique is an extended regimen pill that offers the convenience of only 4 periods a year. A woman's body is used to having 13 periods a year but when you are on the pill you can skip your period b/c it is only withdrawal bleeding caused by removing the hormones and taking a placebo pill(usually for 7 days). When you begin taking the extended regimen pill, Seasonique, your body has to retrain the endometrial lining so it will not shed every month as it is used to doing. This is why you may have btb (or spotting) when you begin taking Seasonique. Every woman's body is different and some may not ever have btb issues but others may spot or bleed for up to 6 months. Don't be discouraged when reading through the PI to see the chart that appears to show over 7 days of btb through the 4th pack. This is just data from the study and it was a very small study and many of those reported btb/spotting days did NOT require sanitary protection. My advice is this: if you are interested in having fewer periods and could benefit from the continuous estrogen (those that get headaches, hot flashes, fatigue, etc. during the placebo week) you should definitely try Seasonique. It is a great pill and if you get the btb/spotting just don't give up b/c it WILL go away!
I have been on sesonale for almost a year now and have to say i love it yeah i had the bleeding but that was due to my own fault of not taking the pill i am on my last week of taking seaonale and i am looking fowars to start seasonique i love only having fiur periods a year less stress when you have two young children i have tried other birth control but always got the bad headaches now i dont i thik the only down fall for me is when i do get a period i have the worst cramps for two days then its over with but other then that i have no compliants
Tell me there is relief! I started Seasonique a month ago and have had btb for the last week and I have heard so many things about btb that I'm almost ready to quit it right now. No wonder you don't get pregnant, you can't ever have sex.
I have just finished my first pack (3 months) of seasonale. I have experienced btb on average 20 days out of each month. I am 46, and was prescribed seasonale in hopes of eliminating monthly hormone-related migraines. Unfortunately, I have also experienced extreme mid-day fatique as well as slight nausea and headaches. My doctor recently gave me a 3 month sample pack of seasonique which included information (unlike seasonale) that charted the frequency of btb through the 4th cycle. I was shocked to see that 11% of women taking seasonique are also experiencing 20+ day of btb per month through the 4 cycle (29% experience 20+ days of btb during the first cycle). Clearly, I am not an anomaly, and I can honestly say that at I would never have started taking seasonale had I known these facts. The bleeding is enough to ruin your lingerie without protection, and is most certainly a deterent to sex!
I wanted to clarify my above entry. The "bleeding" I am experieincing, is actually a nearly chronic, dark spotting/discharge of tissue (from uteral lining sloughing) that is heavy enough to warrant the use of tampax on most days. I don't think there is enough information available yet on seasonale/seasonique. If the spotting does not improve dramatically during my 4th cycle, I plan to discontinue use.
i have been unofficially diagnosed with endometriosis. b/c i wasn't yet ready to submit to exploratory surgery my dr. suggested seasonale as a way to control my pain and cramping. i am on my 3rd pack of seasonale and i too experienced btb during my first pack which lasted for about 2-3 weeks. i truly feel that this started for 2 reasons: 1) my body adjusting to the new regimen and hormones and 2) my own inconsistency in taking the pill (i sometimes forget at night and take the pill the next morning). during pack 2 i also bled a little for 3-4 days and i'm certain this happened again for the same 2 reasons. only during the first pack was it enough to be annoying. my cramping during my period has not lessened in intensity but b/c the duration of my periods is down to only 2 DAYS (!!) the pain is much more manageable. also the almost-daily pain from my suspected endometriosis has lessened from about 5-6 (on a scale 1-10) to about 2-3. so far i have been pleased with seasonale. for anyone considering seasonale i suggest you give it a try. everyone's different and it does take some time for your body to adjust (some more than others) so zero btb for the first few cycles is probably an unreasonable expectation. expect "the worst", hope for the best, and don't become frustrated b/c the longer you use it the better your results should be. just fyi--unless you have a great prescription drug plan seasonale can be expensive. my last prescription was $140 and that was for the generic, jolessa. to do the same thing with 4 packs of monthly pills averages to be about the same cost. also keep in mind that you can tri-cycle with many forms of birth control (i've used yasmin, ovcon, and nuvaring in the past) so explore some alternatives with your dr. or pharmacist if expense or hormonal adjustment is an issue.
I've been on Seasonale for nine months now, and it's been a pretty big life saver. A lot of my friends who go on it say they have crazy mood swings and crazy btb, but I havent experienced any of this. In fact, I've become more sane since I went on the pill. I was on Yasmin last year and it was cool, but I was often going a little crazy. Anyways, not I'm sane and I havent had a single experience with BTB yet.
I really want to try seasonique
I too have been on Seasonale I think about one year. I started them for what were menstrual migraines and extremely heavy bleeding every month. When I first started - the btb was kinda heavy like a period and it seemed quite often. I still have btb - seems like about the time my periods should be if not on the pills. It is much less than the first 3 months. My dr is changing me to Seasonique with my next pack which will start next week. I think once your body gets totally used to only having periods every 3 months - the btb will almost disappear. My dr warned me of that from day 1 and said that Seasonique would have less of a problem than Seasonale. Now that Seasonique is available - I am switching. Seasonale has been a lifesaver as far as the heavy bleeding and the migraines go. The btb can be contained with panty liners and hopefully for not much longer.
I have been using Seasonale over a year. Before that I used Mircette for a few years. I love Seasonale. I have no breakthru spotting or side effects. My libido is high (maybe too high!), no weight gain, etc. It's great. Just be sure to take it exactly the same time every day. Most times BTB is caused by taking it at different times of the day. My four placebo weeks are very easy, no cramps, just one or two days of light spotting (panty liner is all that's needed). If Seasonique can get rid of that too, well, heck, I might just try it! :-)
I recently started taking Seasonique (2 1/2 months ago) and have experienced BTB for the past few weeks, and it has been getting heavier and heavier over that time period. I am to have my first menstrual cycle in a week and a half, and am hoping that the BTB will lay off for a while. It gets frustrating to have to worry about BTB constantly. I work in pharmaceuticals, and this is common due to your body trying to get accustomed to the drug that you are taking. It will take time, this is true, but it will be different for every person. I'm going to stick with Seasonique and see how this whole BTB goes in the future. Good luck to everyone who tries it!
I started taking Seasonique about a month and a half ago and have had some type of bleeding constantly for the past two weeks. Sometimes just once during the day, but some days, it's off and on all day. I have also gained 5 lbs since starting the pill. Granted Thanksgiving and Christmas have gone by since starting the pill, but I'm not too sure what's causing me to gain weight. I work out 5 days a week on the average and am usually very physically fit. I am getting discouraged about carrying this extra weight. Has anyone else noticed a slight weight gain? I'm tempted to just stop taking it and just deal with a period every month. :(
Btb happens to everybody!!! I have been on seasonale for 2 years, and the first 3 packs were terrible as far as btb goes, but after that, I have had none! I love seasonale, but I switched to seasonique at the advice of my doctor and pack 1 of seasonique is even better!
Has anyone taking Seasonale had any excessive vaginal discharge, along with the btb? I am on my second pack and I love it except for the side effects
I have used Seasonique for three months and the in between bleeding does go away when your body adjusts to the new degree of hormones. Seasonique is great and although in the first month the spotting is a bother, it does eventually stop. However, I did experience a huge flux in my mood, where after beginning Seasonique I cried over everything, whereas before I rarely cried.
I just gave birth to my second child in October and was placed on Seasonique. I have been on low dose estrogen pills for 10 years and never had a problem. I had been skipping the sugar pills and continued with the pack for years and never had a problem with that either. I have had constant break through bleeding with seasonique and its quite frustrating. I am hoping that it is just my body adjusting but I have never had problems with bc pills before. Never had this problem after my first child was born either. My cycle has always been regular. I hope the btb ends after the first cycle of pills is finished. I won't pay the money for this and deal with the btb for much longer.
I started seaonique about 2 months ago, I love it. But I have gained 10 pounds. I work out regularly and I watch what I eat very closely. So I would advise anyone that wants to take this pill, that it will make you gain weight. So if you can handle that, go for it!!
I just finished my first package of Seasonique.
I gained TEN POUNDS in the last three months. I eat well (I've been called a food snob) and work out 3 to 4 times a week. I also have had incredible mood swings.
I'm switching pills. This is not worth it.
I've been on Seasonique for just over 2 months. I've been having btb for a month now, but this isn't normal btb... this is PERIOD proportions with cramps, headaches, etc. I've also gained 5+ pounds since I started it. Not to mention I get depressed over anything. Good luck to anyone taking it because well, you're going to need it.
I've been on Seasonique for 3 months next week. About 2-3 weeks ago I started bleeding like a regular period, sometimes getting really heavy. I have had constant mood swings, crying over nothing. Im honestly not an emotional person and my friends have even noticed how drastically my moods have been changing. The idea of this pill is great but all the baggage that comes with it makes it not worth taking.
I am on my 5th week of taking Seasonique and my breast have been very sore and have enlarged from a C to a D. I feel a bit heavier all over and have not changed my eating or excersise routine. I love the convenince of not having a period but I'm not sure if this side effect is worth it. I discussed this with my doctor and he said that breat soreness and enlargement is common and could pass. If anyone else has experience this, I'd love to hear their comments.
I had posted earlier on here about break through bleeding (btb). I am now with two weeks left on my second pack (3 tier, month 6 since I've started Seasonique) and havn't had the problems like I did during the first three months with btb. I experienced about 5-10lbs of weight gain, but have since then gotten back down to where I was before I started. It's all with time, that these side effects shall pass, just stick with it if you're willing and able! : )
I went on seasonique because I thought 4 periods a year would be great, but I would not recommend using it. I was on it for 3 months. I gained a few pounds, had breast tenderness, and a lower sex drive. I don't usually get headaches too often, but I got a migraine once, which I have never had before. I also felt a little nauseous when first starting the pills, and then, the WORST part of the pills, during the week of my period I was extremely nauseous. I couldn't eat for a few days. I switched to Loestrin and I am liking that much better.
I am now finishing up with my 3-month packet of Seasonique. I wanted to try this pill due to the lowered "symptoms" of PMS that my doctor had told me about. I am religious about taking the pill at the same time every day, but that does not seem to matter with this pill. I have had almost 2 months of sporadic, sometimes heavy BTB and about 10 lbs of weight gain. I have never had weight gain with any pill I have ever taken. I am sure this pill works great for some, but I just can't deal with the BTB anymore. It is a PAIN! I have called my doctor to try something else.
Thanks to all who've posted comments here. Your experience with both Seasonale and Seasonique is helpful. I just started Seasonique. I'm 45 and my doctor prescribed it after a 3-month course of Prometrium (for heavy, heavy menstrual bleeding) was ineffective - completely. Breakthrough bleeding would be a break from what I've been experiencing, so I'm hopeful it will be a solution. Not a fan of birth control pills in any form, particularly at this point in time when we are becoming more informed about bio-identical hormones replacement therapy and its potential to manage menstrual, peri-menopausal and menopausal issues -- but like many of you here it seems, the miserable difficulties of what we're experiencing (profuse blood loss for me and consequently, exhaustion) make these newer drug options palatable.
I started Seasonique 2 weeks ago due to problems of increased symptoms of endometrosis. I had previously been on Yasmin for the past 3 years and loved it, it was the only pill that did not cause me horrible mood swings. I have noticed a dramatic change in my moods since beginning Seasonique and at first thought that it could not be the pill since I just began it so recently. I am almost certain that it is the Seasonique and it is not worth it to me to stay on it due to the mood swings. I am going to call my obgyn on Monday to discuss this with him but I am really concerned about the endometriosis and am not sure what the next step would be. Has anyone been in a situation similar to this?
I am on it currently. My gynocologist gave me a sample pack of it. The last birth control I used was the depo shot and came off of it for about 5 months. I was ready for something else and he suggested this since I was used to not having a period every month. I love it. I have absolutely no problems with it! I recommend it to anyone who wants to have little or no period :)
I'm curious, have any of those who gained weight, used Seasonique as their first pill?
I am on my 2nd week of Seasonique--and began it because I had some terrible PMS symptoms for the past 3 months.
I also get migraines, and in that 3 month period, I was getting tons of migraines during the 14 day (or so) time frame before my period was due to start.
Thinking that the migraines were somehow related to my period...trying to find answers.
I am on my 2nd month of seasonique. This is the first bith control pill I've ever been on. I don't have any mood problems or low sex drive but I've been bleeding for at least 17 days. It's pretty annoying but I'm hoping it doesn't continue to last this long every month.
I just switched to Seasonique 2 months ago. I have GAINED 10 pounds with no change in my diet. I'm freaking out and ready to get off of it.
I have been taking seasonique for nearly 3 months. I started bleeding 3 weeks ago and my Dr. told me if it got annoying, I could jump to the low dose pills at the end of the pack. The bleeding got to be just like a regular period so I started the withdrawal pills 4 days ago (three weeks early) and have been bleeding more than I ever did before this pill. I still have cramps, sore breasts along with it only its lasting for weeks instead of days. Will it EVER stop!? When the idea is to have only 4 small periods a year and you end up bleeding for most of the time, isn't that exactly the opposite of the purpose?
I have been using Seasonique for six months now. The main reason the dr. prescribed it was to reduce menstrual migraines. It has helped with that. I have had no skin problems and I have gained no weight from it. I was able to start an exercise program and actually lost 15 pounds. I did have some slight btb in the first 3 months. Hardly enough to justify a pantyliner. My first Seasonique period was a little heavier than normal - 3 days. I was on Zovia (generic Demulen) before and my periods were about 2 days long. I also had breast tenderness in the first 3 months. The second 3 months has been great. No btb or breast tenderness. I haven't started my 2nd period yet but I expect it to be lighter than the first. Seasonique has been great for me. My boyfriend can no longer predict my period (no PMS). I highly recommend it.
I am on my third month of Seasonique. I had no btb during the first month, but have been experiencing enough btb to have to wear a pantiliner every day for the past 2 1/2 weeks. I love the idea of only having a period 4 times/year...however, what I am currently experiencing is a pain. I'm torn between returning to my former birth control pill and continuing to ride it out with Seasonique. My sister started Seasonique around the same time and is having no problems with it at all. My biggest problems are that I can't have sex due to bleeding and I have to wear pantiliners daily. The cost of the pills is making me wonder if it is worth it to stick it out or not. Hmmmmmm.
I had my first period after using Seasonique. Within a matter of minutes I lost at least a gallon of blood. It went right through my pants within minutes. After that I've been spotting for 11 days now (panty liners). I put on nearly 10 pounds and my breast sized increased by at least 1 cup size. If I knew the bleeding would have been that excessive on day 1 and continue thereafter for 10+ days I would have never started this form of birth control.
I have been on Seasonique for the past two months and I have been bleeding every day but five. I also have gained weight with this product and I work out 5-6 days a week. I absolutely hate it and I am switichng to something where I get my period once a month. I would rather have my period once a month than every day!!!
I am finishing my second pack of Seasonique (or at the end of month 6). My bleeding was very minimal during the first three months, and I have no btb anymore. Also, I have not gained any weight or experienced any changes attributable to the pills. I was on ortho tri-cyclen lo for a couple years before taking this. I guess everyone's body takes to it differently. Hope this helps some ladies.
I am in my 3rd month of the first cycle of Seaonique. This is not the first time I've been on birth control. The first time, I used ortho tri-cyclen. I never had any problems with that pill. On Seasonique, I experienced mood swings in the first month but those have since gotten much better. I am currently experience some btb accompanied with some bloating. I think I have gained a pound or two as well. I have noticed that all these symptoms continue to get better as I continue to take the pill. After careful consideration and after reading about other's experiences, I have decided to stick it out for at least another cycle.
I am trying to decide between Seasonique and Lybrel (the new pill where periods are stopped all together). I haven't heard much on Lybrel and btb and was wondering if anyone else had. I was also wondering (for those who experienced a lot of btb with seasonique) how old you are, your body type and maybe some things your doctor said may have caused it, if any.
I've been on seasonique about 4 months now, and have gained a few pounds (which is unusual for me) even though i'm not eating any differently, in fact i'm probably eating healthier. I've also noticed a lot more breakouts whichis unusual too. I normally have lovely skin. I was on seasonale before and did not have these issues, but I did experience break through bleeding when i would forget a pill (often)....I'm changing back because I feel puffy and pimply, eeew.....
All birth conttrol medicine have pretty much the same side effects. I have tried the ortho-evera patch, depo pprovera shot, ortho try cylen low pill. They were all pretty much the same side effects. This is what happens with birth control
I have been on seasonique for almost a month & have had every side effect. I have been bleeding for the past 2 weeks, have had severe depression & fatigue, dizziness, bad ache breakouts when my skin is usually pretty clear, and weight gain. This is not worth it for me to skip periods... I am going off seasonique today!!
Ugh, I've been on Seasonique for almost 2 months, and I've seriously been on my period for every single one of those days. And I hardly ever got it before I started taking Seasonique. I was told that Seasonique would just get rid of the cramps.... um no, it didn't. I hate Seasonique, it sucks, but hey, if you love being on your period 24/7, and have the money for the Tampons, then go for it!
I have been using Seasonale for two years and I love it. My periods were heavy before, cramps, mood-swings and all those other horrible things.
I have never had problems with break-through bleeding. Not even when I first started to use it.
I HIGHLY recommend it!
I'm currently on the last week of the first pack of Seasonique. I started taking it in June right after having to be hospitalized due to how severe my cramps were. It's been amazing for me. I haven't had any side affects of break through bleeding. I only very very very slight spotting about one week ago, but I barely even noticed it and it last for about a minute.
I didn't due the Sunday start like you're supposed, I started on a Thursday, which was the day I had to go to the hospital, when I got home that day I started taking it.
My period just started this morning after I started the yellow pills on Thursday(today is Sunday) and my period has been much lighter than normal, which I love. I still have cramps that are pretty bad, but that's expected as I have primary dysmenorrhea. I have prescription pain killers to help with that.
So basically, I love Seasonique and the relief it brings me.
i've been on seasonique for about 3 weeks now. i used to be on yasmin and loved how i never felt bloated. i tried going on yasmin non- stop for three packs, but i ended up getting my period (not just spotting, but a full- out bleeding session) for the WHOLE last MONTH!!!! therefore, my dr. switched me to seasonique.
i'm still on the fence about seaonique. i haven't had any btb yet (knock on wood), but who knows? i especially don't like the fact that i've gained almost 10 pounds in THREE weeks, without changing my diet, nor my physical acitivity (i work out 6-7 times a week!). i really hate feeling bloated and uncomfortable all the time.
i'm probably going to give it a few more months, to let my body get used to it. if things don't change (weight- wise) and i start having my period all month long, i'm definitely going to change, AGAIN...
I am in my 6th week of Seasonique and basically hating life. I started bleeding at the start of week five and have been bleeding for 2 weeks straight. I have also experience cramping on and off during this time period. I am going to finish the pack and try and stick it out since I have read so many comments that it gets better. I have not been on the pill for atleast 7 years and the last pill I took was Loestrin which worked fine for me. I feel huge and my chest looks like I've undergone enhancement surgery. I am seriously not feeling the love for this pill. This pill should be called Irony instead as its quite ironic that we take it to NOT get a period and many of us are instead having one nonstop.
I'm really glad to read that I'm not the only one going through this. It's weird that we're all having such similar side effects. I have just moved in with my boyfriend and it's a big damper (literally) on my sex life because I have been btb constantly since like the third week. I'm now at the end of my second month on seasonique. My cramps have gotten much, much worse, and I'm not even supposed to be on my period. My boobs have swelled up, and I'm starting to wonder if I'm ever going to have a bloodless day ever again. ....I'll try to stick it out a couple more months b/c you guys says it gets better. -holly
I agree with you completely. My breasts are huge, I'm constantly having cramps, and I'm wondering if I'll ever see a bloodless day again. I'm waiting it out...
I'm at the end of month 2.
Good luck,
Holly
I am going to post my status/progress/digress as I mentioned before that I am in my first pack. In the middle of week 7 currently and have been bleeding steadily (not terribly heavily) since the beginning of week 5. Holly--we seem to be almost at the same place in this (if you check back). I will try and stick it out through one more pack unless I die of blood loss first. Gina
I just started seasonique today as a means of controlling advanced endometriosis. I had surgery 3yrs ago at age 23, lost an ovary and tube, had to have my intestines separated, bladder, uterus,right ovary scraped etc. Was on lupron depo to induce me into a state of menopause. (which i gained at least 10lbs but d/t surgery couldn't exercise.) Now my endo is creeping back and the doctor figured this could be a good method at slowing down the progression so I don't have to have more surgery. I am fearful of weight gain and wondered how long it took to see changes in weight. I took ortholo before and had no issues except for a chocolate cyst that grew to the size of a softball. I think btb I could handle, I had my menses every 24 days with 7 days of bleeding and severe pain from endo complications. I will try to follow holly and gina to see how they progress and try to let you all know what is going on.
julie
I had been on Seasonique for little over 2 months. I have had 2 periods that each lasted 16 days. I absolutely lost interest in sex and became very sad and extremely emotional. This pill is the worst! I have been always happy and fun, I would excercise 4 times a week and eat very healthy, I have been the purky cheary person and never had a problem when on pill before. Since I switched to Seasonique to eliminate my periods, I became very tired and unhappy. When I finally decided to go see a doctor, my doctor told me to STOP taking Seasonique immediately. Seasonique was the cause of my recent depression. Not only this pill didn't help getting rid of the period, it made me fell helpless, tired, bloated and nauseous throughout this whole time. I have been off for 2 days now and cannot wait to get back to normal.
I know this started in 2005 - but just in case someone else ended up reading this like I did looking for help - I am going to post even though it is October 2007 now....
I am 35 yrs old and have had 3 children - the youngest being 4 yrs old now. I have diagnosed endo ( had to have surgically removed to get pregnant with first child, had all 3 kids VERY close together
! ) and have not been on any type of b.c. since before having kids - 1998. It is now 2007 and
I started Seasonique about 4 months ago. I started it because I suffer from really really BAD muscle spazms/headaches during my periods. This was our last ditch effort. The first month was fine - just a little nausea the first couple days but fine after that. Got my period on the day I was supposed to and it stopped after about 4 days. The second month is what compelled me to write my story for others to read. I started my period on the right day, but have been bleeding ever since! Yes, that's right - I have had my period for almost 3 months now! It's not totally - stop in your tracks - heavy, but it isn't lite either! My OB keeps assuring me that this happens to some women and it will eventually stop. Here's the one difference I have with normal use - I don't take the last week of pills - I just skip to the next pack because ANY drop in estrogen for me is like suicide! What I suffer thru is absolute torcher - so I skip to the next pack. As soon as the yearly b.c. is available (anya or lybrel) I will be switched to that. My OB says my body can't handle being pregnant ever again - so this is the obvious answer. I am crossing my fingers that she is right and sooner or later the bleeding stops! This is getting rediculous to say the least! :( My hubby is already losing patience and he just doesn't understand that I have NO desire to be sexually active in ANY manner right now - I'm sure some of you girls can understand! So If anyone else is having the same problems as me - look me up on myspace (sharinsharon) and I'd love to hear that I'm not the only hormonally challenged wacko on the planet! :)
Hi there,
Just started Seasonique two weeks ago and have gained five lbs with no behavior change (still work out 4x/week and eat pretty healthy). My weight rarely fluctuates and I worked hard to get there after two kids! So, I'll be trying another brand.
on week #8 or maybe 9 of the pill. Did not have a period for 5 weeks, but That SAturday I started and now I m on day 16 of bleeding. Light to heavy. I really want this to work for me.
I was cracking up reading someones comment about"no wonder there are no pregnancy, you can not have sex", I am starting to feel this way too!! I am going to try to stick this out to only have a period 4 times a year...Oh I'd love it. Goodnedss though sure hope the bleeding stops soon!!
I switched from the depo provera shot to seasonique 2 months ago (I am currently on week 9). Lately I have been feeling very emotional, perhaps even depressed. It did not occur to me until now that this might be caused by my pill. Does anyone know if this is something that will subside? I am wondering if it is just because the depo had no estrogen and this does?
In terms of btb, I have not had any yet, but I was on the depo shot for about 4 years prior to this, and I was only getting one period a year with that, so I think my body is just already used to not having monthly periods.
I am currently taking Seasonique. Prior to that I was on the same perscription bc for 8 years. I switched b/c the week of placebo was getting worse and worse. My emotions were all over the place, I was getting headaches, and my fiance was miserable. The first two months I gained 6 pounds and experienced extreme fatigue. I am on the 2nd week of the third month and I am having btb and severe cramping. I am considering switching back.
Well my follow up,
After the start of week 5 I began to have break through bleeding which has lasted about 14 days, it did slow some today. No cramps though, anything was better then what I was dealing with monthly d/t the advanced endometriosis. I'm not crazy about being on the pill in general because I just think hormones are not something to play games with. Breast tenderness comes and goes and swelling usually is resolved with a diurex (or water pill). If it works then great, but not a pill I'd take just for the convience of no period d/t the btb. More updates to follow
julie
I am taking seasoniqe last time I was on my yellow pills for only about a day or so before my period started. I also take topamax which they say can lower your effectiveness but I've been on it so long they say it should of built back up by now. Anyhow I am wondering how long everyone else is usally on their yellow pills before they start their period? I am going on day three and still haven't started. HELP!
Haven't gotten to the yellow pills yet, but it may not be a bad idea to get a home pregnancy test.
julie
Hi! Im almost 21 years old, and Ive NEVER been on birth control, but have been suffering from terrible periods for the past 7 years [bloating, TERRIBLE cramping,nausea, vomitting, fatigue, extremely emotional] and after rupturing a cist in my left ovary, and discovering a new one in my right ovary my OB put me on Seasonique. I havent started taking it yet, and have been really reconsidering this one due to weight gain, btb, and all the other terrible side effects you guys are listing. IS there anyone on here who is using this that is around my age/as their first birth control? I deff dont want to have my period for 16 days!!!! But I cant live with it this way anymore, Im practically dead to the world 5 days out of every month..
Thanks
Jess -
I'm 25, and have just started (just over 2 months) Seasonique after not using bc for a couple years. I haven't had any problems with it at all. There are a few others on here who have also had minimal problems.
I think your best bet would be to give it a try and see what happens. Everyone's going to have a different reaction. If Seasonique doesn't help your problems, then you can try something else. But you won't know that until you've tried.
Has any one experienced any issues with gallbladder attacks? I know my diet is low in fat, but bcp and changes in estrogen can cause issues. Just wondered if anyone else was having problems with gallbladder. (its not this specific pill as most bcp can cause issues). Other then that 2 wks to go until finished first pack. Overall bleeding 2 days spotting and 14 days heavy bleeding (yes in a row). No issues with weight or mood changes. Actually without a period my mood doesn't fluctuate as much. Only on this because of complications with advanced endometriosis. As with most meds what may be great for one person may not be as beneficial for the next.
-julie
I started using Seasonique 16 days ago. I have had an IUD for 4 yrs and had some spotting and some irregular periods with it, so I decided to have it removed and go for the 4 periods a year....however on day 3 of the pill I started BTB and have not stopped. Some days are very heavy and others are light....not too happy, but going to give it a chance. I had a pituitary tumor removed a few years ago, so I have some damage and hormone issues anyway. Don't need more problems, so I am keeping my fingers crossed.
Renae, I can relate to you. Bled heavy for 16 straight days, but that was it for btb. I wanted an iud but couldn't because I have only one ovary left and couldn't take the chance of ovarian cysts associated with IUD's. Finally finished the first pill pack, got my period after 3 of the yellow pills. Much better then the excruciating pain I had every 25 days from severe endometriosis. Gained about 5 lbs which was my own fault, eating on the run, lack of healthy fruits and veg. (not much selection in winter in sw PA). Not every pill will work for everyone. They say spotting will occur less on following pill packs so we'll see. I wouldn't take this unless I had too.
-julie
I started Seasonique in October right before I got married.The first three weeks I didn't experience btb but did have weight gain. I just attributed it to the change in routine due to getting married. In week four when I would have normally started a period I started having btb. It has not stopped since.I am now on the 6th day of my yellow pills and am experiencing heavy bleeding,bloating,cramping and a nasty headache. I have had some sort of bleeding EVERYDAY for the last 64 DAYS! This is ridiculous and not worth it. My ob keeps saying it will get better but I don't think I'm willing to wait and see. Especially after reading all your comments. I look forward to days without wearing a pad or a tampon again! Good luck to all those who give this a try but unless you're up for annoying bleeding all the time...I'd steer away from this pill!
I started taking Seasonique about a month ago and have had bleeding since I started. Enough for a tampon every single day. I started it to control the massive migraines I get every period, but I'm even beginnning to wonder if it's worth it.
I'm eighteen years old and this is my first birth control pill. I will hang on for a couple more weeks to see if things get better, but if they don't I'm giving up. There is no way I want to pay money for something like this. Bleh.
I've been taking this pill for about 3 months and have 10 pounds weight gain to show for it. Really glad to hear others experiences because couldn't decide if it was just me. Was on triphasil for 9 years with NO appreciable side effects before started this hell pill and am going to switch again as soon as make it to the end of this cycle!!!
I came across this blog by searching for info on seasonique on google.
I've been on this pill for 6 weeks now, and i think I've had more days of break-through bleeding than not. Or maybe half and half.
Also, I had VERY sore breasts for a few weeks. They are not as bad now, but are still somewhat tender, especially if I hug my boyfriend too hard or something.
I'm reading a lot about everyone's frustration with the break-through bleeding and I'm not sure if I want to stay on the pill. My bleeding right now is actually somewhat of a bright RED rather than a dark, sparse drip. It's aggravating and is the exact opposite of my expectation with this pill.
When should enough be enough? Do I stick it out for months and months in hope it improves?
JH
To JH,
I bled for 16 days straight, very heavy and it required a use of a tampon each of those days. But that was all I bled with the pack and then it was done. When on the yellow pills only bled lightly for 3 or 4 days. Giong back on the diet to see if I can attribute the 8lb weight gain i've had since starting the pill on the pill. I can't really blame the pill yet because my diet hasn't been the best.
Good luck
julie
I had surgery in early October to remove a 4in cyst that had burst off my right ovary and a smaller one off the left. I had been on ortho tri-cyclen lo for about 6 years beforehand and loved it. Well, the doc decided the cysts were caused by a hormonal imbalance and I needed something stronger...seasonique.
I HATE it. I must've started beginning of December, and now, 7 weeks later (Jan 20th) have gained 15 lbs. Not only does that suck, but my New Years resolution is to eat better and work out. I've tracked every calorie and gram of fat and have been doing great. But I've GAINED TEN POUNDS in a little less than 3 weeks.
I have zero desire in my boyfriend sexually. To the point it almost disgusts me when he hugs me. On top of that he tells me how moody and irrational I am. I never realized it but looking back I have been depressed, stressed, and angry with anyone and everyone for awhile now. I'm normally a relaxed, laid-back person.
I have terrible headaches and panty-liner/light tampon worthy bleeding since the 2nd week on the pill DAILY. I have recently put all this together, wondering what the hell is wrong with me.
I plan to finish the pack, about 2 more weeks, and hope to get on something else. I'm just hoping the ob will give me something different since he believes this will keep my cyst formation down. If not, honestly I'll find another doc that will let me take something else. I'd rather spend another 2 weeks in the hospital than live like this.
I started Seasonique December 21st and a week later I started a period and havent stopped since. Its now January 23rd and I am still bleeding, not to mention very sad, grumpy and extremely tired. I know Seasonique works for a lot of women, but I am not one of them. I am stopping the pill as of today...I cant take the side effects anymore. I just put my finger on my depression today and realized its because of the pill. I hope I can get back to my regular self and my regular periods again soon!
I am currently in the third month of my first pack of Seasonique. I am 24 and this is the first time I have ever taken a birth control pill. I had a bit of spotting, some nausea and major mood swings during the first few weeks (no weight gain). After that, things were great until about 4 weeks ago - I have been bleeding every day since. It started very light, but is now like a regular period. I am due to start the yellow pills in two weeks and I am hoping that maybe after my first period things will improve. But after reading others comments, I'm not so sure. I probably try one more pack to see if it improves, but really, what is the point to birth control when you can't even have sex?
So I'm 25 and have tried lots of different birth control pills. All have made me have major mood swings and I'm in general irritable and/or depressed all the time. I started Seasonique over 3 weeks ago and I'm as irritable as ever. Should I just give up on the hormonal birth control all together? I'm so tired of not feeling like myself. The only good thing so far is I haven't had any btb. Other than that, I'm miserable.
Well, I only made it to week six with seasonique. I started the breakthrough bleeding. I was on Yaz, ortho and Seasonale before this pill. My doc only had the samples of it left. I was very skeptical of this pill. I noticed my mood swings were horrible some weight gain ( with anything) and then the period that won't stop. I quit taking my pill on Sunday night. I am hoping that I will not have my period by next week. If I do its time for the doctor!
Update,
So far on at the end of the second month of my second pill pack with no btb. Much better then the first pill pack in which I bled for 16 days straight which justified use of a tampon. I think its a matter of getting regulated. Sadly my gallbladder was functiong at only 5% and had to be removed. Gallbladder dysfunction is linked to oral contraceptives, but it didn't help that an artery from my liver was wrapped around my gallbladder. My mood is much more stable then it was prior to beginning seasonique. PMS was disatorous for me. No weight gain or breast tenderness with the second pill pack. When I first started seasonique I too felt tired, but things are much better this second pill pack around. If I didn't have endometriosis so bad I would never mess with my hormones by taking a ocp. However it has kept those symptoms at bay. When my gallbladder was removed my surgeon check my remaing ovary and falliopian tube and said there was no growth of endo. Hope this helps someone.
-julie
I've been on Seasonique for 6 months. It's great not having my period every month; and I don't spot. BUT....I've gained 12 lbs that I can't seem to lose. I work out every day; lift weights - am super careful about what I eat; I'm seriously thinking of going off of this pill because I'm so frustrated! I have extreme pain prior to my period; someone mentioned taking a perscribed pain pill - if you could please share the name of this, I'd appreciate it. Is there a pill out there that doesn't make you gain weight?!
I am trying to prove to my father that seasonal/ique is not harmful to my health. I am 28 yrs old & started taking seasonal 6 yrs ago & have been on seasonique since it came out. I have abnormal cells in my cervix which cause very painful cycles as well as having two rounds of dysplacia....I have not had any btb since the very first pack I started. My cycles are dead on, very short(1-2days)(tiny clots), & not nearly as painful as I know they can be. I have been reading all these comments & so far have not experienced any of the side effects mentioned. I am a small girl, I eat whatever I want, never work out & have not experienced weight gain( I do not have a high metabolism, the lil weight I have gained & lost are normal from eating not the pill)....I get headaches occasionally, migrain like, but I think its mostly because I dont wear my glasses as often as I should....Does anyone have any helpful information I can give my father to help him cope with this "taking a pill thing". I think it helps me in so many ways he could never as a male understand. So any advice would be greatly appriciated...........please be kind, I am in a huge hurry & on my handheld phone, so YES there will be MANY grammer & spelling mistakes!!!!! sorry!!!
I had previously posted a positive experience after having been on Seasonique for a few months. I have not had any break through bleeding *at all*. It is now at about the 15 month mark and I am having frequent headaches, a lack of sex drive, and most recently mood swings/crying episodes. I have had no life changes that would explain these changes and do not take any other medications.
I will be filling my prescription for Ortho Cyclen very soon.
I hope this is helpful.
I have been taking Seasonique for about 15 months now. I have been following this blog since the beginning. I wanted to let people now that it does get better, just takes some time. I experienced lots of random btb for the first year. At first I tried to wait it out and just keep taking the pill but that became frustrating. Instead I would just take a week off or skip to the yellow pills and have a period. I've now made it through my first 12 weeks with no btb. I am also less sensitive to changes in the time I take the pill. In the beginning if I took it a couple hours late one night I would have btb the next day or so. It is much better now. If you can stick it out it is worth it. I have no cramps, no bloating, no mood swings and my periods are short and light.
I am ending my 5th pack of Seasonique and am ready to return to condoms and heavy, irregular periods.
I only struggled with a two instances of btb; however, my doctor had already expalined one way I could deal with those. She told me when btb happened and seemed like it might last more than a day that I should just allow my body to have a week long period. This way my body would get used to holding on to the lining for longer periods of time before menstrating. That was easy to deal with.
Now, I simply feel as if I am going crazy. My moods are all over the place. One moment I am fine and the next I am crying or simply moody over nothing - well that isn't quite true. I have gained between 8-12 pounds in the last four months. I fluctuate between this weight gain. I excericise 3 times a week and I haven't changed any eating habits. I also feel bloated, and not just my abdomen - my ankles, my arms, etc.
I am relieved to know that others experience the same results and happy to know that others are doing just fine.
Thank you for sharing all of your thoughts, and I am going to dscuss all the options with my partner tonight.
Best wishes
i have been on the pill for five months, i wanted to skip a period so i kept taking the pill and my period still came so i came of the pill and i have now been on my period for about 4 weeks!.. What does this mean? when will it stop?
I can't even keep track of what month I'm on but started it sep 07. Still with long term btb, and I am frustrated because lately and just recently in the last 2 mths I gained 7 lbs and actually eat healthier because I have been watching with the pill, ecercise 1.5-2hrs 5 out of 7 days. Also I feel like my mood too is quite labile. Wonder why its just starting to get this way,.
-julie
I've been on Seasonique now for 5 1/2 weeks and have been bleeding the entire time! And not just a little spot here and there either. Since I've been bleeding for so long, my coochie is now sore and irritated. I'm also extremely irritable and have been having terrible cramps. I've decided that my body just can't tolerate this pill anymore. Does anyone know what happens when you stop taking it? Surely the bleeding will stop soon???
Not sure how long you'll spot from afterwards. I can tell you I bled for a month solid and actually needed a tampon most days. I had a theory the company was in cohoots with the tampon manufacturing company. I have noticed vag irritation and read the prescribing info and it clearly states vag irritation as a side effect. If I hear "you didn't get it from me" one more time! Its funny since I dated my husband for 9yrs prior to getting married (we were 17 when we started dating lol)!
-julie
I've been on seasonique for a month now. My Dr. prescribed it becuase i experienced a ruptured ovarian cyst and she though this would help prevent them in the future along with my painful, heavy periods. I have been experiencing breakthrough bleeding for the past 15 days and heeaaavy bleeding for the past 5 with extremely painful cramping and nausea. I take the pills religously everyday like my Dr. advised and this doesnt seem to be helping at all! I have more bleeding now than I did just getting my regular period. I dont think I can even deal long enough to finish the first cycle.
you guys are really scaring me.
i had my first visit to the gyno today. (19, never been sexually active)
i'm leaving for boot camp in a month and with the open showers i don't want to be bleeding all over the floor. how embarrassing, right?
so he suggested seasonique. i have a whole month to adjust to the change, so hopefully I'll have no btb/cramping/tenderness
*cross your fingers*
i start on the first.
good luck with both! You'll need it for the seasonique more then boot camp. Every pill pack I have had btb for 15days solid, tampons needed, in a row. I've been on it for a year in a few more weeks and it hasn't gotten any better.
-julie
Kristen,
Did you ask him why he Rx'ed Seasonique? In any case, good luck with boot camp and, should you have any questions/problems, don't hesitate to email me.
If you only have a month to adjust you might be pushing it. i had a lot of btb for the last month n 1/2 of my first pack. on top of that i also have heavy discharge in the beginning of the pack. i'm now on my second pack and have the discharge again. i have not gain any weight.
I've been on Seasonique for less than 2 months now, and have almost completely lost all sex drive. I have also had 2 occasions of vivid suicidal thoughts; which is really freaky because I'm not at all like that.
sooo i haave been on seasonique for almost a year and yea having ur period only 4 times is awesome but ive come to realize seasonique really sucks.. it comes in packs with 3 months the first month is always good for me no spotting until half way threw the second month bamm almost every time.. and then i spot for like a month its horrible really it is. its not enough for a tampon or a pad so alot of ur fav undies will end up in the trash
I am 20 years old, never been sexually active. I need something for my extremely heavy periods, migraines, severe cramping, etc. My cramps now start about 2 weeks before I start. I am going off to school next August and would rather not have to deal with my menstrual cycle all the time, along with stress from school. I think a year to get used to it may be good.
I was actually thinking about asking my doctor about Seasonique. Now I am a bit hesitant. I don't mind BTB because it would be better than what I am used to.
I may still take it just to try it out.
I've been on Seasonique for 6 weeks and after the first 25 days, my period started (within three days of when it normally would have) and it hasn't stopped, but the bleeding became very, very light after 5 days of the normal heavy bleeding, but cramping was much, much less than what I normally experienced. I also seem to have the opposite effects of you other ladies in that my moodiness and "psychotic" behavior, as I call it, was horrible before, crying and emotional constantly and now it's non-existent, which is the reason I went on Seasonique to begin with. I have actually lost weight (due to the minor nausea). I have noticed a bit of gall bladder pain, but only for a couple days and after a fatty meal. My breasts have been a bit more tender, but nothing like the severe pain I experienced prior to Seasonique. No bloating or enlargement of the breasts. I am still bleeding after 17 days but as I said before, very, very light. So I am going to stick it out because I believe the hormones are doing wonders for my mental state! I hated the prior depression and to me this is worth the light bleeding. Time will tell.
-Brenda :)
I've been on Seasonique for 5 weeks. I went on it solely for the purpose of not having a period this summer. Since having my second child, my periods had become so heavy that I had to take days out of work to be by the bathroom. We have been gone on vacation all summer, boating and swimming and traveling, so I could not see doing all of this with the kind of periods I have been having. Everything went great for the first 4-5 weeks, and then low and behold, on my 10-year wedding anniversary night, the breakthrough bleeding started. At first it was no big deal- just spotting. But now I am cramping and having a regular period! Why bother being on it if I am going to bleed this long and this heavy? I am just going to stop taking it since I do not need it for birth control reasons. I was enamored at first, but the cramps and bleeding are not worth it. I'd rather get a period every month!!
I'm on my second pack. When I firt went on this pill (my first BC pill), the gyno told me to take a break every four weeks during the first pack to lessen btb later. THAT DID NOT WORK. About five weeks into the second pack, I bled for over three weeks, though only one or two days required a tampon. It eventually stopped, though. A week later, I did the unthinkable a SKIPPED a pill! That led to another week of bleeding. It's tapering off now. I'm going to weather this storm with jumbo packs of panty liners.
I am 21 and this is my first experience with birth control. I have been on Lo Seasonique for 5 1/2 weeks and have had a week of bleeding every other week the whole time... my period before lasted about 5 (maybe 6) days, this bleeding lasts 7 full days. Also, I have definitely gained weight, and in the last couple of weeks I have become very moody, and am very often on the verge of tears. Which sucks cause I am getting married in 2 1/2 weeks and I am busy enough without trying to figure out why I want to cry for no reason (or a reason that doesn't call for crying) I am going in now to switch to something else. I specifically told my doctor I wanted to be able to skip my period next month as my wedding is at the beginning of the month and my honeymoon is at the end, and I would rather it didn't pop up inconveniently, strange that she didn't mention how common irregular bleeding was. She made it sound as if it were a remote possibility, and if it did, it would be around the time I normally would have my period. I also frequently feel nauseated right after I take it (before bed) and when I wake up in the morning. I wish I had read some reviews before deciding on it, it seems like most of them site lots of btb. I wouldn't recommend this if you are looking for immediate results in not having a period.
I started seasonique 2 1/2 months ago and so far I have experienced no bleeding in between. I havent had the pill period yet (2more weeks left) so I can not comment on bleeding during that week. I have experienced random moments of crampings during the first two weeks of each month. They usually last literally only for a minute or so and require no medicine. But, normally I have intense menstrual cramps and lower back pains that have on more that one occasion has caused me to pass out and has sent me to the hospital. So just the fact that I have gone 2months with out such scares has been miraculous. I have however gained 10 lbs since beginning the pill (w/ no change in my diet or exercise regiment). Does anyone have any ideas how to get this under control. Im only 18 and feel like it should be easier to rid my body of this extra weight gain.
I haven't started to take seasonique yet Im just currently looking into it. I'm 19 years old but my periods cause to make me sick and i cant sleep or hardly function for that matter so i'm looking for a different option. can anyone tell me if this has helped there cramping at all? i love the sound of only 4 periods in a year but will i be left with the same pain? and how much does this seasonique cost? i imagine it can not be cheep.
I just started using Seasonique and after about 2 weeks of use I started bleeding and have been for 3 weeks!!!!! It's horrible and annoying so be forewarned. I've read about bleeding for 2 months straight. I will probably discontinue use if I bleed much longer.
Soo a lot of people have been having problems with breakthrough bleeding and my doctor actually told me how to stop that. Instead of starting on the Sunday of my period, she had me start on the 4th day: therefore my period was ending and the pills took over from there.. Also she says that it has to be take "at the exact time everday". Even missing by an hour can cause spotting... I followed these instructions TO THE T!, and have had no breakthrough bleeding at all.. Plus I was on the patch (was to much hormones in it fyi) and since being on seasique, my hormones have leveled out, and I have my libido back (which my husband loves).. A three day period was it and then back to my three months of period free bliss. I love this pill!
Hey all.. been on seasonic for the first round.. almost at the placebo pills. I had btb at the beginning lasted 6 days.. what my usual cycle would be. was very light. I switched from Marvelon 21. I have not had any problems or issues. I had weight gain and irregular periods on Marvelon. Was on Depo before that and had a week of now cycle then the rest of the time was spotting. Seasonique has been great, and like the last person mentioned you must take it the same time everyday, i have noticed if I missed it by an hour or two each day I had a little spotting. I haven't had an side effects from it. I love this pill.. it's been nothing but the best by far. And very convenient.
I was on Yaz and felt out of control moody. So now I am trying Seasonique and feel bloated. I am not changing anything as far as work outs and diet and feel my heaviest ever, like right after I had my babies! Lately I can't sleep, either. I am thinking it is due to this after reading similar experiences? I am not happy with any BC. They mess me up! No matter which ones I try!!
I'm into my 6th week taking Seasonique and I've been having heavy btb for the last 15 days, with no end in sight. I'm also debating, like many of the people on here, on whether to see it through my first 3 months, or to just give up here and switch. I've also gained 7 pounds, despite no changes in my diet. In fact, I've been exercising more to try to lose the weight, and I can't. So b/w the weight gain and continuous btb, I'm frustrated. This blog is very helpful...thanks to all for sharing.
I've notcied alot of the women that have posted comments, has only been on the pill for a couple of months. I would like to here from someone that has been on this pill for at least 6 months or more. I've only been on this pill for 2 months and have alot of the same symptoms as others, but would like to here from someone who has been on longer to see if these symptoms decrease or go away all together.
I just started my second pack of Seasonique. No break through bleeding or any other ill side effects. Periods are very light. No sex drive though. Wondered if I wasn't interested in my partner anymore but then realized that I'm not even interested in doing it myself. Because it's so new I'm not sure if the doctor can tell me it's this pill or me. Do love the convenience of no periods for 3 months! Miss the urge!!
I've always had success with seasonique, & I've never experienced btb, surprisingly; however, holy hell, my boobs hurt terribly. They're bigger too, more plump, which is the part I like, but the sorness is not appealing. I find myself carrying my boobs around in my hands to make the ache go away. I hope this will taper off soon (just the soreness part, not the enlargement part, hehe).
i just had a baby about 4 months ago and after she was born i started tri sprintec (which is generic for ortho i believe) and i had no problems with that except a little break thru bleeding at the end of the 3rd week
after 3 months of taking that and the break thru bleeding almost completely gone i started seasonique.. i thought it'd be great.. only 4 periods a year!
the day i started taking it i started bleeding and haven't stopped since.. it's not a lot but it's still annoying and enough to where i can't enjoy not having a period because i'm always bleeding.. i'm extremely tired and couldn't figure out what it was.. but after reading everyone else's experiences i'm definetly done with this pill as of now..
not to mention i just feel so bloated and i'm sure like almost everyone else i've gained weight.. i just have felt terrible since starting this pill!!!
I started this drug reluctantly. My husband is a physician and encouraged me to try it despite all of the negative reviews I read.
I have been taking this pill for about a month now and has been a nightmare.
It's just not right, doesn't seem healthy and I think I need a new wardrobe from all of the bleeding.
I've been on numerous birth control pills in my life before and never have I bled like this. I understand that your body needs to "adjust" but this is rediculous. It shouldn't take 3 months of bleeding to adjust. That is just not HEALTHY.
Ladies....it's not worth it. Stay far far away! 90% of the user reviews you will read about this drug I have found tend to be negative. Don't make the same mistake I did!
I started the Seasonique about 5 weeks ago, and the reason I chose it because I like the idea about 4 periods per year instead of 13. I have been btb since the week 3 and have not been stopped (I usually have my period for about 4-5 days, but now it's been more than 11 days. I wonder if I should continue taking this pills as it seems to me that it's not worth and not healthy. I am tired of the bleeding and can't wait to have my non-beeding dates back.......
Ladies: If you are thinking about taking Seasonique, all I can say is "Good Luck" I will tell you why in a seconds.
Here are my stories that I would like to share with you (I don't write comments often, and actually this is my first one).
I took this drug because I liked the idea of 4 Periods instead of 13 per year. (Wow! what a great idea, and can't wait to be on this drug). Guess what happen after that? I took this drug about 5 weeks ago. 3 weeks ago, I started notice bleeding, and I said to myself "it's normal, because it's your monthly time" but then, I have been suffering about 2 weeks now of bleeding (not Spotting), and it still has not stopped yet. No wonder it's called Birth Control, because there is no way that I can have sex with my partner with all this bleeding, cramping, bloating, headaches, etc, not to mention that my mood has changed too. Just like there are ladies out there stated that "I am tired of the bleeding and can't wait to have my non-bleeding dates back!" Today, I woke up this morning and still bleeding, I decided to stop this drug (of course, it's still bleeding). I am now so regret that I did not do enough researches and read more comments and reviews regarding to this drug's side effects before I asked my OB to put me on it. That's what I get to mess with my hormones and what I deserve (I guess). I read some reviews stating that they will keep trying even though they are bleeding and/or spotting. But to me "No is No". You can call me chicken and looser and whatsoever. Let me tell you "It's 100% not fun if you have to suffer more than 10+ days bleeding", and no woman should deserve the suffering as they already have to deal with monthly periods along with others surprise/unsurprise events, incidents, and so on in their lives. Let's do some caculation here. I normally have my Periods 4-5 days monthly. so, for 13 periods per year will be 42 - 45 days, and at least I know the approximately beginning date ending date every month. But when I was on this drug, I have no idea about the ending date, and also I have no idea when it will come back again whether it's Bleeding or Spotting. I asked my OB and she kept saying it's normal. I don't think so, it is completely not normal to me especially I don't know when the bleeding will be ended (I don't think any of the woman likes that too). The worst part is my mood changes from okay to bad, of course not. How can I be in a good mood if my vagina keeps bleeding on me every single day?
Ladies: I am not saying all the women are the same, because some women have a really positive comments. but most of them don't. For the ones that do not have positive comments, and are now suffering. But still do not want to discontinue this. I would advise and ask myself the questions "Is it worth for me to suffer like this? Is this behavior ruining my daily life? Is it normal (Bleeding/Spotting) like my doctor said it is? Will it be okay if it never stops bleeding/spotting?" well, if the above questions that you answered "yes!" then, all I can say is "Lady, GOOD LUCK to you"
Hi, I used to be on Depo-Porvera but had to stop because the supplier was out. (I have had no periods for a year). I was Interetsed in seasonique because I like not having a period and would like to get rid of my headaches that I thought were due to the depo. I am on week 7 of the pill and I am loving it. Sometimes I have cramping, but no BTB that other women decribe. I wounder though, is this due to the depo still being in my system? I don't know but I do feel sorry for the women who are having issues with Seasonique, and good luck.
i was bleeding for a month nonstop and it was very heavy bleedind too. now im on my second week. but im afraid that i will not be able to have children in the future because i heard that you will not be able to have children if you stay on birth control pill for a long time.im really young and i would like to be a ble to have children
i was bleeding for a month nonstop and it was very heavy bleedind too. now im on my second week. but im afraid that i will not be able to have children in the future because i heard that you will not be able to have children if you stay on birth control pill for a long time.im really young and i would like to be a ble to have children
Sam, Seasonique is indeed currently available. My doctor prescribed it for me last week and I was able to pick it up at a local drug store. Mine happens to be prescribed for chronic headaches that are hormone-related in cause, thus my doctor's choice of something that won't drop me completely off the estrogen.
So far, so good (as in no bad side effects)! But I've only been on it for 5 days. heh.
~Christine
I've been on seasonique for a week now, and I've been extremely tired for the last three days or so and two nights ago I had a monster migraine. I'm talking throwing up, crying,unable to move. My boyfriend said it was probably the new birth control. I'm 19, I was on the generic for ortho tricyclen for about two six month spans. The first time, I was forced to stop taking it because I was continually nauseous and also very moody. I started taking it again after maybe an 8 or 9 month hiatus. This time the effects were mild, but I had severe break through bleeding. I decidedto take seasonique because I hoped the side effects of normal bc wouldn't be so prevalent. I've never experienced a migraine like what I had the other night. If this is a regular or effect of seasonique, I'd like to know. Has anyone else experienced this?
It's 2011! I' 21 years old and I've been on Seasonique for almost 4 years!! I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT! I've had no weight gain and my skin is flawless! I had never heard of BTB until I read some of the comments because I've never experienced it! I have primary dysmenorrhea and I can get a little crazy but Seasonique has returned my sanity! My periods usually last only 1 day and that's all the bleeding I have every 3 months! IT'S AMAZING! Its also pretty cost effective! With my insurance I pay 60$ per refill!! Also,My husband loves it! No mood swings or bitchiness!!
I was a part of the Seasonique clinical trials in 2006 which were held to fix the bleeding issues women were complaining about. In the group of women I was in, very few of us experienced the bleeding associated with the original dosage.
In fact, after the trial, I was able to continue on the drug & am still on it to this day with no breakthrough bleeding at all. My periods are short (2-3 days) and very light, with minimal cramping.
I am not paid for my endorsement of this drug, I'm just a very happy consumer and happy to have been a part of the clinical trials.
On my 3rd pack of Seasonique, age 44. Have had btb for 15 of the last 30 days. However, my mood is much more even and stable than before Seasonique. I have always been hormanal sensitive and trying to wait out the btb because my mood swings are so much improved that it's worth it.
I hope someone sees this and can help calm me down I take lo seasonique not seasonique but I take the pill daily religiously but I do not always take it at the same time because I take it as soon as I wake up most days it is between 6 and 730 but I was wondering how much of an effect it has I got drunk had unprotected sex I bought next choice which is like plan B but I am still freaking out i can't get a pregnancy test yet because it is too soon happened less then 48 hours ago what should I do do you think I will be safe I just want an answer from someone
I take my pill between 7 and 9 am everyday. My husband & I have sex at all times of day & I haven't had any surprise pregnancies in the 5 years I've been on this pill or any other pill since 1994. There must be a built in dosage safety valve (of a few hours). Ask your doctor but don't freak out. We never use any back up birth control - EVER.
Been on Seasonique for 2 months and hate it. My pelvic pain is worse, I've gained 5 lbs for no reason, my blood pressure is through the roof, I'm suicidally depressed and am so constipated it hurts.
I've never reacted so badly to birth control in my life. I plan to go back on Loestrin when I see the gyno.
Seasonique is no panacea for endometriosis, if such a thing exists (j/k: I know it doesn't).
Rating: 2/10
(Thumbs up)
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