The pill - your questions answered

It's one of the most common forms of contraception but is not without side effects. Concerned iVillagers talked to Dr Sarah Brewer about the pill

  • My pill gives me headaches

  • Will Dianette cause fertility problems?

  • I don't want my period on holiday

  • Why are my cycles so long?

  • Why am I spotting before my period?

  • Thyroid problems and the pill

    My pill gives me headaches
    Q: I've been taking Yasmin for three-months after suffering side effects from my previous pill. I had extremely tender breasts and terrible headaches. I am now really unsure whether to persevere with Yasmin as my headaches appear to be getting worse and the breast tenderness has only reduced very slightly. My partner and I are going to try for a baby over the next year and are wondering if I should stop taking the pill altogether and try a different form of contraception. What would you recommend?
    tiny722004

    A: If the pill isn't suiting you, and you are planning a baby in the near future, then it is probably best to stop hormonal methods of contraception (especially if they are affecting your migraine) and use a barrier method such as condoms/diaphragm. Another option is natural fertility awareness, which you need to be trained in to use properly. If your GP does not have a dedicated family planning clinic, you may benefit from visiting one in your area for a longer chat about your options.

    Will Dianette cause fertility problems?
    Q: I asked to go on the pill for contraceptive purposes. The doctor prescribed Dianette because I was suffering from more spots than normal. Having spoken to friends about this, I keep hearing that Dianette is a strong pill, which is bad for any length of time. I stopped taking it last month, as I'm worried it will affect my fertility. My doctor hasn't raised any concerns, am I right to be worried about the long-term impact?
    an8elica

    A: It's usually recommended that Dianette is withdrawn (and another pill used) 3 to 4 months after acne/excess hair has been resolved. It should not be continued simply to provide contraception. Although it is unlikely to have caused you any harm, it is a good idea to ask your doctor whether or not it should be changed if your acne has cleared up.

    I don't want my period on holiday
    Q: I am going on holiday and am due to stop my taking my pill so I will have my period, but I will feel uncomfortable and unable to relax if I do this so I want to carry on taking it. The problem is that I am going away again a few weeks later and don't want a period then either. Is it okay to take three packs of pills without a break?
    Lys

    A: Check with your doctor first, but I suspect he/she will be fine with you running three packs together this once. Don't do this without your GP's permission, however.

    Why are my cycles so long?
    I am 31 years old. I came off the pill after 12 years because we want to try for a baby in eight months. I've been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome but haven't developed any cysts. Since coming of the pill my initial cycles were 28 days, but for the last two months they've been much longer. I am getting increasingly worried about what is going on, and am considering bringing forward having a baby in case the PCOS is having an effect.
    petals2004

    A: Studies have shown that the different causes of lack of menstruation or changes in menstrual patterns are the same between women who have recently taken the pill and those who have not, and that they occur with the same frequency so it is likely to be the PCOS rather than the pill that is affecting your cycle.

    One study, looking at women aged 30 to 35 years who had not previously had a child, suggested that, after stopping the pill, 50 per cent took up to a year longer to conceive compared to those of the same age who had previously used a diaphragm. Conception rates were almost identical after 72 months, indicating no permanent impairment to fertility. However, few women aged 30 to 35 would want a delay of up to six years before conceiving once they had decided to start a family.

    Only you and your partner can decide whether or not to bring forward trying to conceive. If there isn't any desperate hindrance to starting now, then it may be worth going for it. If you get pregnant straight away, great! If you do have difficulty in conceiving, at least you will have brought forward the time when investigations and assisted fertility techniques can be started.

    Why am I spotting before my period?
    Q: I've recently changed pills from Microgynon 30 to Eugynon 30 because I was experiencing spotting and sometimes bleeding in the seven days leading up to my pill-free week. It didn't hurt - it was just annoying. Now the same thing is happening with this pill.

    Is this something I should be worried about? I've recently moved so will be booking an appointment with a new doctor for my next prescription. Should I mention to him/her and see what he/she advises or is this just something that happens?
    psc_loves_her_moosey

    A: Although breakthrough bleeding can occur 'normally' during the first couple of months of being on the pill, it is a sign that you are not getting a high enough dose of hormones. If this continues, it may increase your chance of an unplanned pregnancy. You must mention it to your doctor as you probably need either a different blend of hormones, or a slightly higher dose of your current blend. Your doctor is in the best position to decide whether to change your prescription, or to 'wait-and-see'. If it is vital that you do not get pregnant in the meantime, you might want to either abstain or use condoms just in case to be doubly safe.

    Thyroid problems and the pill
    Q: I have a hair growth problem and have also recently developed small, red spots on my face and neck. I've had blood tests to check if I suffer from PCO syndrome but the result was negative. I've had other blood tests that confirm there is no hormonal imbalance. Five years ago I was diagnosed (in Greece) with an under active thyroid and I took T4 for two years. I did not quite trust my doctor so I visited another one who said that I had no thyroid problem. I am not sure if the unnecessary treatment made my hair growth problem worse (I already had hair around my nipples) but my hair became kind of stronger and grew quicker.

    As I have developed spots on my face my GP prescribed Dianette for a trial period of six months. I have been taking it for a week now but my breasts are sore and swollen and I have sore eyes and problems focusing. Should I discontinue Dianette and contact my GP regarding the breast tenderness or is it a normal 'symptom' and will it settle down?
    smskar

    A: Your symptoms may well be due to the Dianette as we all respond differently to drugs. You need to see your doctor as soon as possible for advice on what to do - without risking unplanned pregnancy by stopping the pill suddenly. Bear in mind that you can have very low thyroid levels and still be declared 'normal' in the UK. If you have symptoms of excess hair, slowing down, feeling the cold, weight gain etc, you may need your thyroid checked again. The T4 replacement therapy is unlikely to have affected your hair growth - you are probably one of the one-in-four women who are unusually sensitive to 'normal' female levels of testosterone hormone. If this is the case, Dianette will help but it depends on whether your GP is happy for you to continue with it.