Hello - I am starting Ortho Tricycline LO this weekend after being off the pill for 7 months and then also trying several other pills like Loestrin, Desogen, Yasmin, Kariva, and regualr Ortho tricycline. Can anyone tell me what will they feel works best that isn't one of these?

I am so tired of trying all of these pills and not really hearing from Dr's or other people what they think works best. I know we are all different, but I need some direction. I am just really tired of the weight gain, mood swings, weight gain...lol did I mention weight gain?

I was on OTC Lo for 2 years and at first it was great, but gradually I gained almost 10lbs. My skin was consistently clear on the pill, but I didn't have that many issues with it in the first place, except before periods I'd get a few zits here and there. After being on the pill all that went away.
Overall I really liked it except for the weight gain, water retention, complete loss of libido and natural lubrication, and major moodswings. I didn't link the moodswings back to the pill at first till I read other people's experiences.
After realizing all the issues it was causing, I decided to quit. A little pill is just not worth ruining my body and relationships. (My boyfriend was super irritated with my crazy behavior... so that definitely motivated me to quit even more.)
Everyone reacts differently though. Good luck. I hope it works better for you.

Thank you for the feedback - what works for you that you like now?

I am moody OFF the pill more than I was when I was ON the pill....AND, I have gained 10 lbs since I went OFF the pill. :(

I've been taking OTC lo for almost a year. So far it's alright. I kept gaining weight on the other pills I was on but NOT THIS ONE!! I'm actually able to LOSE some!!! However, my face isn't as clear as it was. My periods are different on this pill too. one month it will last like half a day or so, then the next month it will be heavier and last 4 days. but over all it works well for me. I didn't want to gain any more weight. and this works great for that FOR ME. It's not the same for everyone! I also want to add, I don't use it alone for BC, we use condoms, and my husband pulls out. I've read were this pill seems to have a higher failure rate then others, so I don't like to take risks. I'm actually deciding on getting "fixed"!.
HTH
Rachel

Yes, my fiance is fixed so I am actually going back ON the pill ONLY because of my mood swings and face breaking out, bad cramping during periods etc. Thank you for your comment. I am going to try this pill and see if it works for me. How is your sex drive if you don't mind me asking? I know I read other people's posts where they say OTC LO reduced their sex drive and ability to naturally lubricate.

Thank you for the feedback - what works for you that you like now?

I am moody OFF the pill more than I was when I was ON the pill....AND, I have gained 10 lbs since I went OFF the pill. :(

I'm not using anything right now. I'm much happier off the pill and my mood has improved so much. My boyfriend and I just use condoms and we're okay with it since the pill was causing issues in our relationship. I'd much rather use condoms than go through all the negative side-effects.

It's strange that you've actually gained weight being off the pill. I don't know whether or not I've lost any weight since quitting, but the water retention is definitely almost completely gone. My fingers don't swell anymore. It's a great feeling.
Good luck. I hope you find the pill that works for you.

My sex drive is good. I haven't noticed any decrease! I'd recommend this pill. I don't think my mood is moody or anything else. Try it, if you don't like it you can always switch to something else,

My sex drive is good. I haven't noticed any decrease! I'd recommend this pill. I don't think my mood is moody or anything else. Try it, if you don't like it you can always switch to something else,

Thank you!!! :)

Hi,

I started on Necon when I was 18 and I was on that pill for about a year. I liked it a lot--period was light, no cramps, no decrease in sex drive. My boobs got bigger too, which I was indifferent too (went from C to D cup). No weight gain but I am naturally very skinny and it's hard for me to gain weight.

Last year I switched to ortho tricyclen lo, only because I can get it for free. It's not as good as Necon, but still not bad. My boobs went back to their original C cup, no weight gain, but my periods are a bit lighter. Still no cramps, but sometimes I get bad headaches.

Hope that helped. Try Necon if the ortho doesn't work out for you!

Thank you so much! I appreciate your feedback more than you know. It's so frustrating not being able to find the pill that works with your body. :)