Hello all,

I am a 22 year old who has recently been diagnosed with some form of arthritis that has caused softening of bones in my hands and feet. I eat well and exercise but my doctor determined that this was a side effect of birth control pills. Apparently, my ortho-tri cyclin (regular and lo - I have been on both) has caused a manifestation of lupus - like - arthritis symptoms.

Has anyone had a similar side effect?

Thanks!

I was on Ortho Tri Cyclen (regular & lo) for a little over 5 years (I quit almost 2 weeks ago!!). I'm 28 now, but I was about your age when I started taking the pill. Over the last 5 years I have experienced joint pain & back pain (severe at times). I attributed the pain to genetics (my dad has arthritis), and from playing sports in high school. Two MRI's showed the beginnings of degenerative disks in my back, so I didn't really think that my birth control could be causing it. I always thought I was too young to be having these problems, but I just shrugged it off and learned to deal with it. But now, I'm not surprised by any of the weird side effects from the pill. Birth Control pills have caused me so many other problems, that maybe this is just another to add to the list. Now that I'm off the pill entirely, I'll monitor my pain and see if it subsides.

Definitely monitor your pain - I have also been on the pill for 5 years. The doctor took me off in December and my symptoms rapidly improved. I had gone from a person who ran 5 miles at least 6 times a week to a person who couldn't walk at normal speeds and had trouble writing. Thankfully, the condition is improving.