[~TCBF~]

Let me just start this by saying I don't need to be on OCP for contraception, DH had a successful vasectomy 3 (or 4?) years ago.

However, I have a crappy 25-26 day cycle often with mid-cycle bleeding. I feel like I have my period constantly.

I decided to go back onto OCP to help get me back into a regular 28 day cycle. I am about ten days into it and I feel like I belong on the funny farm. Immediately, I gained two and a bit kilos. My boobs are bigger and sore. My stomach is huge. I've started to really watch what I eat but the weight is not moving, which is very unusual for me. But worst of all, I'm cranky, impatient and little things (that would never normally bother me) and really upsetting me. To the point of tears. The fact I'm concentrating so hard on watching my diet to get this two kilos off and it's not happening is adding to the stress that my already fragile mood can't handle. I feel like a crazy lady!

Is this normal? I probably haven't been on a mixed OCP since before I had my first child (he's eight) so I can't really remember if this is what it's like. I'm going to stop taking it as of right now to see if I can start to feel normal again, but are there any alternatives for me? The 25 day cycle thing SUCKS!!!!

TIA.

[Jenflea]

I can't stand the pill, I get depressed and lose my libido and feel like cr*p. So I'd say yes, it probably IS the pill.

[MrsShine]

From what I understand and have been told by many friends this is how a LOT of people feel on the pill - I am 100% opposite and feel worse off it. But see your GP and see if you can go on a lower dose pill maybe?

When I've come off the BCP in the last year I've had to use acupuncture and vitamins to help me adjust from 10+ years on it so maybe you'll be the same but in reverse? I'd say see your GP first, then maybe try a Chinese medicine practitioner and/or a naturopath to help your hormones adjust.

Good luck!

[Sunnycat]

The pill made me depressed and psychotic. I'd never go back on it.

[barrington]

However, I have a crappy 25-26 day cycle often with mid-cycle bleeding. I feel like I have my period constantly.

I had this, even while on the pill. So I changed to a Mirena and I rarely have a period anymore.

[lozoodle]

I can't stand the pill, it makes me moody, depressed and killed my sex drive.

I'm never going back on it!

[melaine]

I lasted two months back in the OCP - it helped my skin. But I was needing to take panadol for my incredibly sore breasts. They felt like I had mastitis constantly (been two years since I've bf).

My skin is still good after going off it and my boobs went back to normal.

Apparently the symptoms tend to settle after 3 months... But it really put me off. I'm not quite what contraception to use now!