The Dr. told me that once I'm on the pill, my periods will be lighter and there will be less cramps, but that doesn't seem to be the case.

My periods start out quite heavy. I usually have to double up and use a tampon and a pad at the same time (don't know if that's ok or not, but I do it). It gets lighter after a couple days, but should it be that heavy to start out with?

I'm getting more cramps now than I would normally get when I wasn't on BC. I've never had to use Midol before, but I recently had to buy a big bottle of it to take care of the pain.

Any ideas?

I know what you mean. I had the same problem! I tried every different brand over the 15 years that I was on the pill, and NONE of them helped with heavy flow or cramps. Since I've quit, over a year ago, I've noticed less pain and the heavy flow only lasts 3 days instead of 7, like it did when I was on the pill.

A lot of women have reported not having a period at all on Loestrin24FE. If you don't mind not having a period, you might want to look into it. But recognize that every pill carries side effects, some of which are more unbearable than others for most normal people.

First you should talk to your doctor about this. It is not the norm and you could be experiencing some other problem. You must talk to your doctor about this and if it is your pill there are many many other pills to try. COMMUNICATE with your doctor and if he or she does not listen get another.

After many years on the pill and being older the pill is no longer a good option for me. I definetly had less cramps and bleeding on the pill no matter which ones I was on.

Your first thought should be to call the doctor before you ask people here. Hope you feel better

The fact of the matter is that the pill doesn't help ALL women with heavy bleeding/painful cramps. It's important to know that some women just don't respond to being on the pill for those problems while others find some relief, however fleeting it may be.

I am on Aviane and it has helped me wuite abit with pain and regularity. My periods are a little shorter but not much and still rather heavy at the begining, but lighter in the last days.
You might want to change brands, but also the pill might not help you. we are all different.

Thanks for your replies. I will talk to my doctor about it and possibly change the brand.

You may also have fibroids. These are caused by too much estrogen and can cause heavy, painful periods. I would ask your doctor about the possiblilty of going on a progestrone only pill for awhile. I use Joviette and have stopped having a period for the last 8 months. No side affects either. It has been a blessing!
Good luck and hope you get some relief soon.

You may also have fibroids. These are caused by too much estrogen and can cause heavy, painful periods. I would ask your doctor about the possiblilty of going on a progestrone only pill for awhile. I use Joviette and have stopped having a period for the last 8 months. No side affects either. It has been a blessing!
Good luck and hope you get some relief soon.


That is great that you are doing well. I hope her doctor determines the problem before that. I have heard about people having major problems and side effects on porgestrone only pill or methods. Hormones can vary greatly.

Better to get all necessary testing before that. Good sugestion