I'm going to start taking tri-cyclen this Sunday. I was wondering if there would be anything I should be wary of. I know about taking it everyday at the same time and to use condoms as a backup. I've heard it lessens cramps and bleeding during periods, which I an very happy for. But I have also heard that it can cause breakouts. I already have acne, it's not bad but I don't want it to get worse. Plus you either have weight gain or loss. I don't need weighjt gain, I have been on a diet and exercise plan. So I would like any comments about how tri-cyclen affected you. Thanks!

I'm going to start taking tri-cyclen this Sunday. I was wondering if there would be anything I should be wary of. I know about taking it everyday at the same time and to use condoms as a backup. I've heard it lessens cramps and bleeding during periods, which I an very happy for. But I have also heard that it can cause breakouts. I already have acne, it's not bad but I don't want it to get worse. Plus you either have weight gain or loss. I don't need weighjt gain, I have been on a diet and exercise plan. So I would like any comments about how tri-cyclen affected you. Thanks!


First of all, all birth control has the same side effects. Secondly, I recommend that you read your package insert that came with your pills for more detailed information.

To briefly answer your questions though, all birth control can lighten periods and lessen cramps. This doesn't happen to every woman, but many women experience this "side effect."

All birth control can cause breakouts, however, Ortho Tri-Cyclen is specifically indicated and FDA-approved for the treatment of acne and breakouts. This isn't to say that you won't get any pimples, but many women see an improvement in their skin condition with the pill.

Most professionals say that the pill does not cause weight gain, but can rather cause an increase in appetite, which results in weight gain. If you maintain a balanced and healthy diet and exercise regularly, you should have no problems. The pill can cause water weight, but this is minimal.

I did very well on Ortho Tri-Cyclen.

Thank you. I'm not sure which Tri-cyclen it is though. I haven't recieved the pills yet. And thank you about the weight gain part. I didn't know it just increased your appetite.

I found out that it's Ortho Tri-Cyclen. Did the acne get worse before it got better and if so, how long?

I was on that birth control for one year and it didn't improve my skin, nor did it make it worse. I got pregnant on it though and have a 1 month old son now.

I was on that birth control for one year and it didn't improve my skin, nor did it make it worse. I got pregnant on it though and have a 1 month old son now.


Lynn, you just stated in another post that you got pregnant on Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo. We're talking about the original brand, not to "Lo" version.

Anyway, most women find acne improvement after a few months of use. I was fortunate enough not to have acne, however, I had no problems with my skin after starting the pill, either.

Oh, well, we're using condoms still though. Thanks for the replies.

ive been on ortho tri cyclen for close to 3 years now and am thinking about changing, it may work different for you since everybody is different, :)

it has cleared up my complexion but i still get break outs usually a week before the placebos or green pills. i dont want to discourage you on this because bc is a good thing... anyways, since ive been on bc (which has always been ortho) ive gained A LOT of weight from it, im wondering if its making me retain water. i even eat healthy and i still gain weight and sometimes ill gain a lot in such a short period of time. since ive started taking the pill i have gained anywhere between 30 to 50 lbs !!!! and a lot of it is around my stomach area. i have also noticed a huge decrease in libido, dryness, horrible mood swings and periods that keep getting lighter and later... it also gives me horrible cravings for usually stuff w/a lot of sodium which is kinda weird. anyways i wish you good luck w/it

I've been on it for a little more than two weeks, and I can't really tell if anything is changing. But my period was alot better. I think my libido is increasing, but as for my weight and complexation, I don't know. My appetite has gone down though, but my weight is the same. But two weeks don't really show a difference.

I'm also confused about something else. Each color, what does it mean? I tried reading the instruction thing, but I was just confused.

Its called tri-cyclen because its tri-phasal, meaning that each of the different colors is a different amount of hormones. The green ones are inert meaning they're just made of sugar...they're simply 'reminder' pills during your period week. You can skip those if you want.

I was on ortho tri-cyclen for years, loved it & had absolutely no problems. My insurance quit covering it so I've been trying to find a replacement I like as much!

Oh, okay. Thank you. I feel kind of dumb now. Tri... it makes sense now.

Don't feel dumb- you were smart enough to ask!
Hope you have good luck on it,
amaranthine

Aww thanks!

i am starting ortho tri cyclen lo in about 2 sundays... As of right now I am not sexually active but from what I have read here, the chances of getting pregnant are INCREASED because this is ortho tri cyclen lo instead of just the ortho tri cyclen? thanks

My cousin just found out she was pregnant.She was on ortho lo. She took it around 11 pm every night, she's not overweight, and wasn't taking antibiotics.
I took Ortho Tri-Cyclen AND Ortho Tri-Cyclen lo. I disliked both the same.
*Ortho Tri-Cyclen put an extra 15 pounds on me in 7 months (i'm a runner too!), I had the most HORRIBLE mood swings, my breasts would balloon bigger every week, and I actually had bad cramping during my placebo pills and the first week of pills every month. My periods did not improve on this pill.
*Ortho Tri-Cyclen lo i was only on for about 2 months and just could not stand it! Breakthrough bleeding, horrible acne, swollen tender breasts, you name it!

I just switched from Ortho Tri-Cyclen to Ovcon-35 and I really like the switch. I am very very happy with my new pill. :)

gosh it is crazy how people have so many different experiances and opinions. It's all so confusing LOL. It seems though that the majority of people do not like this ortho tri-cyclen lo though. :( I am only taking it for my mood to regulate my hormones...but i do NOT want to have all the side effects. especially weight gain or acne. I am on 2 different acne medications so i think that may help but im still nervous to start this.

Well, I guess it's a good thing I'm not on Lo then. But I haven't noticed anything bad yet. I just ended my first month on it. My cramps are so much better.