Hi Everyone,

I recently went to my dermatologist who suggested that I switch my current BC pill (desogen) to either Yaz or Yasmin. I noticed on the websites of each that Yasmin has 21 active pills and Yaz has 24 active pills. I've read quite a bit on both and I'm really freaked out about the side effects!

I have moderate acne...which definitely gets worse during the week of my period. I also get horrible headaches for that week that I'm on the placebo pills...aka the week of my period...to the point where I lose my appetite and need to just lie down and sleep to get away from the pain of the headache.

Other than the acne and the headaches, that's the only thing that I've experienced being on the pill...I've never gotten pregnant, never had any spotting, my periods are always regular and quite short and I really don't get bad cramps. As far as mood swings go, I do get them but I'm not sure if its a period thing or something else.

My concern/question is: Because I've had such good luck with no really severe symptoms on my current pill (except for the headaches which may just be menstrual because I'm not getting the steady flow of hormones) I'm a bit freaked out about changing to either Yaz or Yasmin..and if I do decide...which one should I go for?

The only thing at this point that I'm thinking may make me lean a bit more towards Yaz is the fact that there are 3 extra days one is taking an active pill...therefore perhaps less chance of a crazy migrane?

Please help! I would love to hear what everyone else thinks!

from what i've being able to ascertain is that Yasmin is the named-brand and Yaz is the cheaper alternative no-frills variety....

I absolutely love Yasmin, had no side-effects and it made my skin, hair and nails beautiful. the only thing i didn't love was the price :D

I actually found out late yesterday that Yaz is the lower dose version of Yasmin. It's also the only pill on the market right now that is FDA approved to not only prevent pregnancy but to also help acne and people who suffer from PMDD...so I'm really leaning towards Yaz at the point...but if anyone has anymore comments please share!

I get horrible pms and I'm on yaz. I get really bad cramps and bloating. I also bleed heavily for the first two days of my period (to the point of wearing a tampon AND a pad at all times.) But everyone is different. I've been on it since july '06.

Cassie: Did you have a choice between Yaz and Yasmin? This is so confusing! I'm on Desogen right now and everything works fine...except for my acne when I get my period and the headaches in the week of my period when I'm off of the pills...I always get my period right on time with no really heavy bleeding and almost no cramps. I almost would rather just stay on my current pills because why mess with a good thing you know?

I am on Yasmin. I've been on it for about 6 years and I'm not too sure when Yaz came out and if it was there when I decided to go on Yasmin. I really am happy with Yasmin. I was getting BAD stomaches and lots of vomiting during my periods and it completely took those away. It helps with bloating too, but of course I can still get a minor stomachache if I eat something that bothers me.

I don't get any strange side effects from it. I get migraines occasionally but it's usually just from being too tired after not sleeping enough. I think I only get GOOD side effects.

To foxyfishy: I would stick with what you're on or switch to something closer than Yaz or Yasmin if Desogen is working for you otherwise. I tried Yaz and reeeeeeally didn't have a good experience with it... tried it because of the PMDD claims, but it seemed to actually make it worse. If they still made Triphasil, I would definitely be on that - it was great for me, but nothing has been since! As every woman's body is different, it's probably best to get a second opinion from your OB/Gyn; there are many skin-helpful alternatives that might be closer in formulation than Yaz.

Just my two cents - good luck! :)