Birth control pill/patch/etc. options with few side effects?

Question

Hey all, so I just got back from a trip to the E.R., where they had to give me morphine to stop my menstrual cramps. Several people, including the E.R. nurse and doctor, told me I should consider taking the Pill to help with cramps. I've had bad luck in the past (about 4 - 6 years ago) with mood swings, breast tenderness, and/or even worse stomach and menstrual cramps.

about 5 or 6 years ago i tried the Pill (Ortho-tricycline, I think, but not sure) - HORRIBLE issues with mood swings and irritibility.
4 years ago I tried the ortho-evra patch - no mood swings but bad menstrual cramps, nearly constant stomach cramps, and breast swelling and tenderness (took it for 3 months, these didn't significantly decrease).

Has anyone who is sensitive to BC had good luck with some of the low-dose pills or other options? Since I'm just using it for cycle control/cramps, not as a contraceptive, I want to minimize the side effects.

Answer 1

I would try the othro tricylin low if not then i would try Mirena its used to treat endometriosis which causes cramping and sever bleeding

the only thing is if its for this treatment you should be atleats 25 and in a monogamous relationship. Some Dr require you to have at least one child but if its for treatment the Dr should measure your uterus to ensure it will fit.

I too suffered from sever menstrual cramps but not to the extreme of morphine and the MIrena has helped me alot and Ive tried all the birth controls in the market and have had severe side effects moodiness spotting etc...

Answer 2

Menstrual pain (menstrual cramps, dysmenorrhea) is believed to be associated with an elevated level of PG2 prostaglandins.

PG2 prostaglandins are synthesized from the omega-6 fatty acid, arachidonic acid and are known to be pro-inflammatory.

The formation of PG2 prostaglandins competes with the formation of PG3 prostaglandins from the omega-3 fatty acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), the main component of fish oil. PG3 prostaglandins are anti-inflammatory.

The ratio between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in the diet is associated with menstrual pain. And American standard diet is more on the O-6 side.

You might try the following natural approach:

1. Essential Fatty Acids - 1 tbsp. (14 grams) flaxseed oil a day. Or Fish oil , 3 times a day.

2.Vitamin C/Flavonoids - 1,000 mg vitamin C and 500 mg flavonoids twice a day.

3. Iron supplements - get a liquid one in combination with other vitamins

4.Take a hot bath or use a heating pad to relax the uterus to relieve cramps.

5.Exercise -- activity releases endorphins, the body's natural painkillers.

6.Different herbal teas can help ease menstrual disorders. For cramps, try chamomile tea - if there is not history of ragweed allergy.

7.Bromelain at 250 to 500mg can be taken 3 to 4 times per day on an empty stomach. Fish oil and bromelain make a powerful anti-inflammatory combination.

8. Bcomplex supplements

9. Cal/Mag - Restoring magnesium sufficiency by consistent supplementation can work to prevent this problem.

Answer 3

I have had horrible cramps and back cramps for a few years So I just got on the shot. My doc told me it also help prevent types of cancers and I haven't had any side effects. My best friend tried the low dose pill with her horrble cramps and she didn't have any luck with it.

Answer 4

for the fewest side effects the pill is usually the best bet. see which is best for you, a monophasic (meaning the same hormone dose in every active pill) like ortho-cylin or a triphasic (meaning diff hormone levels from week to week) like ortho tri cylcin. fid out which one you used to be on and try the other kind

Answer 5

i used the depo shot and it took my periods completly away. i got one like every 6 months and it was clock work if i started on the 2nd and stopped on the 7th then i would start on the 7th six months later.