I've started hormonal birth control (Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo) for the first time, and am currently on my third day. I've heard/read of the accompanying depression and mood swings. When can I expect side effects, so that I can assess myself and decide whether or not to continue with the pill? What sort of red flags should I look out for, in case I don't realize I'm being depressive, mood-swingy, or sans sex drive? [more inside]
posted by Xere on Oct 21, 2009 - 21 answers

I want to take birth control pills again. But in the past I've had lots of problems with the three different pills I've tried. I know you are not a doctor, or my doctor, and I will see my doctor. But your experiences with birth control might help me make my choice when I do see the doc. So please, tell me, have you ever taken a birth control pill WITHOUT loss of libido, mood swings, madness, weight gain and skin issues? If so, what pill did you take? [more inside]
posted by t0astie on Jan 2, 2009 - 41 answers

Trying to decide if I should stay on birth-control pills or not. Please help. [more inside]
posted by CrazyLemonade on Dec 9, 2008 - 30 answers

Is there a way to shorten my period that does NOT involve birth control? I have a period that lasts seven to nine days, seven if I'm lucky. At least three to four of those days are quite heavy. It's a huge pain, for reasons detailed under the cut. Would weight loss work? Diet? Increased exercise? Ancient herbal secrets? Is there anything, anything at all? Has anything caused a permanent shortening of your cycle? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jun 11, 2008 - 37 answers

Does anyone know where I can find a comparison chart for different kinds of hormonal birth control? [more inside]
posted by arianell on May 21, 2008 - 4 answers

Is there a way to tell the difference between real emotions and crazy emotions caused by temporarily messed up hormones or brain chemicals or whatever? Is there even a difference? [more inside]
posted by kerfuffled on Dec 13, 2007 - 30 answers

Could birth control cause a phobia to rear its ugly head? [more inside]
posted by ElectricBlue on Jun 30, 2007 - 13 answers

Hormonal Birth Control woes... [more inside]
posted by sunshinesky on Jun 8, 2007 - 36 answers

Birth Control filter: Is it going to negatively affect my health if I skip taking my birth control pills for a month (during which time I will assuredly be abstinent) and then go right back on them once I'm back home where I can renew the prescription for cheap? [more inside]
posted by np312 on Mar 6, 2007 - 25 answers

BirthControl filter: Does anyone else experience fairly extreme side effects from hormonal birth control? I'm on Ortho-TriCyclen Lo (the low estrogen version) and have been for a year. Cons include complete loss of libido, about thirty pounds of weight gain, monthly morning-sickness type symptoms (during the first week of the cycle) and mood swings. Pros seem to be that the anxiety that hit me at thirteen and never lifted seems to be negated while on the pill. In fact, there is about a three-foot thick wall between me and any emotion whatsoever (unless I'm on the placebo). So...am I just a freak? Or has anyone else experienced anything like this? I'm especially concerned with the mental side effects - the extreme distance from emotion & enjoyment.
posted by anonymous on Dec 14, 2004 - 39 answers

An ex-girlfriend of mine was telling me that she recently went off of birth control for the first time in years because she found out it was made through some form dehydrating female horses and then processing thier piss. Sounds like an urban legend to me, but I can't find anything on google in either direction. Any clues?
posted by woil on Aug 27, 2004 - 22 answers