Okay, so for the last few months, life had been awesome. I'm going to school, job's great, boyfriend and I's relationship going well, and family coming around. I mean, everything's been great. Except I've been feeling a little weird over the past few months, especially since I spent a couple weeks down in California with my boyfriend and started medication (okay, it's birth control, I'm not going to beat around the bush). One, I've been having more migraines. I've been having headaches since I was a kid but not to this degree. It feels like every other day I'm having a migraine. You know, the kind where you're sensitive to light and you feel like a vampire? Well, they're easily managed with medication most of the time. But still, my boyfriend's finding it weird. I wasn't having them at all when we first got together but a couple months after I got back, I started having them. Also, acne. I think it's related to the medication and work/school stress though. Gained a little weight too, but it's been gradual. Since working from home I've been more sedentary since most of my work involves sitting at the computer. I've been trying to eat less and take breaks but it seems like I still accumulate weight around my gut no matter what I'm doing. Last couple of days I've felt weirdly bloated. I'm thinking it's something I ate. Also, here's the really really TMI part and it's a little FTM specific. I had a shark "week" that lasted about 2 weeks. It was mild but it happened right after I came back to Oregon and had to switch the time I took the pill because my usual time wasn't working with my schedule (pill is a mixed hormone, was told the time of day didn't matter too much) Do you think some of this could be related to the medication alone or are they all separate issues? Thanks.
There are many different birth control pills... I would do a thorough research and read a lot of customer opinions, often a kind of pattern is visible... Healthy eating is of advantage, too... vegetable and fruits, and in a healthy variety... cutting high sugar drinks, maybe tea or table water instead... some stress management/relaxation techniques might help... and for those who are so inclined: placing a crystal next to electronics might help... (*hug*)
So what are you saying? I go on a different medication? Yeah, I've been trying to eat healthier too. I'm cutting out soda (I used to drink one every school day), starting to slip in more fruit. So that's been helping a little bit and I'm starting to notice a difference in energy levels. I've also been having some subtle stomach pains too. I mean, they don't bother me but they're always concentrated like around my gut. I don't know where the hell those came from, if they're just side effects or what.
You might try some organic yoghurt or sauerkraut to restore intestine flora... they usuallly contain active bacteria which is needed there... maybe eating more soup, or drink warm tea... this might soothe the stomach... well if in doubt ask a doctor or nutrition specialist... do you eat a lot of fast foods or eat in a hurry ? If you take time for eating, it should help, too... Yes, of course. There are many different birth control pills. There are some who more closely resemble natural estrogen, for example. They might be more expensive, but possibly have less grave side effects. You should discuss this with a doctor.
I'll try but I don't think it's a stomach issue. It's concentrated lower than that- sort of on both sides of my belly button and on my left side right under my lung.
Different people have different reactions to birth control. I know that weight gain is a common complaint on birth control. I also know that some people will have longer cycles on it can be a bit weird when first starting it, since it does mess with your hormones. It may be worth looking online and seeing if the other things that you are feeling are possible symptoms of the method that you are using. It also may be worth talking to a doctor if you feel that you are having issues with it
Birth control gave me headaches too. I have chronic migraines, and the pill just increased them. I've heard that gaining weight can be a side effect. I had to go completely off the pill, but you can try around with different kinds to find one that works for you
