I've been doing boatloads of reading on different hormonal contraceptives, BCPs, and the various experiences women have had with it... seems like almost all of them are very negative/frustrating/more trouble than they're worth.

I was on Depo-Provera for about a year, it really shut down my entire system and messed me up until I decided to go off of it. I had absolutely no libido and always felt depressed, moody, quick-tempered. I just switched to Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo three months ago and it's definitely an improvement over the Depo (read: I don't feel like a complete psychotic), but my libido has only marginally improved. My skin's gotten better, I've gained a full cup size, and I don't see much water retention or weight gain... but I still definitely feel the effects of the pill on my moods and sex drive. When mentioned this, all my doctor really said was that yes, all BCPs contained a testosterone-binding agent that decreased libido-- I could try switching different pills, but overall it would just be a random shot in the dark to find one that didn't completely dampen my sex drive. And now, with the Ortho Tri-Lo, I've had weeks of heavy spotting and I just want it to GO AWAY.

I guess my question here is, has ANYONE out there found a "perfect pill" for themselves? I'm not unrealistically expecting that my body won't change with the manipulation of these hormones, but it's ridiculous that just about every single pill shuts down my libido so noticeably-- I just don't feel normal. Should I try switching brands? It seems like everyone who's been through a slew of different pills has had significant problems with all of them, and the "best" pills are actually only ones that are "tolerable" and don't mess you up TOO badly.

I'm trying to decide whether to just give up on this whole endeavor completely or if it's worth sticking with-- some days I feel all right, but overall the changes are really obnoxious. Maybe I'll just wait for medical research to perfect the male BCP, because their hormones are considerably less complicated... I'm sure it would be a lot less detrimental than messing with the female cycle. This is just nuts.

I think I am officially quitting BCPs. I've been on so many and each one had its problems -- if it wasn't depression, it was weight gain, if it wasn't weight gain, it was low libido. I was on OTC-Lo for 1 month and it made me cry all the time. I was then on Estrostep FE which made me gain weight. Then, Seasonale and I had spotting the last 2 weeks of each pack. Now, I've been switched to Loestrin 1.5/30 which is supposed to help with sex drive (it is the most androgenic BCP on the market, which increases sex drive). I am on Day 3 and will my drive seems better, I have pounding headaches.

I remember a happier, easier time when I wasn't on the Pill and didn't have all this to worry about -- it is just trial and error -- hopefully you will find a pill that works. My fiance and I have just about had it with BCPs. Good luck!

Thanks for your response. I'm definitely feeling the same way-- especially since my insurance won't cover any BCP prescription, and I'm so tired of putting up with hassles of self-paying, obtaining prescriptions, etc., and THEN having the BCP cause more physical and emotional duress after I go through all the hoops to get it.

I think it's bye-bye BCP for a while. I'll still keep reading up on it and hoping for progress in research, etc., but as of now there is no way to mess with the female hormonal cycle without unpleasant, taxing side effects. Good luck to you and your fiance, I think I'm going to follow suit-- in retrospect, life was much more simple with good ole' condoms.

If it wasn't for the fact my health insurance covers my bc I would be off it. I too have virtually no sex drive, my boobs have gotten bigger (a downside for me), and I seem to break out more. (Luckily I have clear skin to begin with and a break out here and there doesn't do too much damage.) Oh and I am more emotional as well. Luckily I wasn't emotional at all before birth control or I may be in trouble!