WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for July, 1998: Re: Triphasic versus Monophasic Birth Control Pills

Re: Triphasic versus Monophasic Birth Control Pills

From: Christina (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Fri, 31 Jul 1998 08:33:06 -0400

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>From my experience, if you have trouble with headaches and migraines before getting on the Pill, don't try the monophasic pills. I had a horrible time with migraines whenever I got to the second placebo pill in my pack. It occurred at the exact same time every single month. My dr attributed it to the sudden drop in estrogen. With triphasic, the drop is gradual throughout the month and so you're eased into the placebo pills. With monophasic, the drop triggered these debilitating headaches that kept me up all night throwing up and in severe pain. This might have been something with me, but I just thought I'd share my experience. I still get headaches, but they are throughout the month and not migraines. And, when I do get migraines, they are so sporadic that I don't think it has anything to do with the Pill. I did have to experiment with triphasic before I found the right dosage. I had problems with severe breast tenderness, bloating, breakthrough bleeding, and clots. I've finally found the right dosage with Orthocept. Just keep in mind that finding the right pill is a trial and error process. You might not like the side effects of one brand, but then another brand could be perfect for you.

Just my 2 cents, Christina Mitchell

-- ---------- From: Thomas Ind[SMTP:anonymous@obgyn.net Sent: Friday, July 31, 1998 4:10 AM To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: Re: Triphasic versus Monophasic Birth Control Pills

Ortho-Cylen is not a pill we get here in Australia so it is difficult for me to comment not knowing what is in it. However, I have strong views on this issue and thought you would like to hear them.

Triphasic pills were initially introduced to mimic the hormone changes in the cycle more and therefore cause less side effects. In reality, because of this, they may potentiate the unwanted effects of a mentrual cycle such as PMT, breast tendernes or ovarian cysts which the pill normally protects against.

Furthermore, more modern monophasic pills have a lower dose of estrogen in them and are theoretically safer. Many triphasic pills still have days with tablets of higher dose estrogens.

Finally, one benefit of monophasic pills is that you can omit the 7 day break and therefore have no period at important times such as holidays. Furthermore, it can be used in such a way to treat conditions such as period pains, heavy bleeding and endometriosis. (Don't go using your pills in such a way without speaking to your doctor first).

I think that triphasic pills were the technology of the 1980s and that most women do much better on the low dose monophasic pills. Ofcourse, different things work best for different individuals.

--
Dr Thomas Ind MB BS MD MRCOG
St George Hospital
Kogarah
Sydney
NSW 2217
AUSTRALIA

Next message: Nina: "menses"
Previous message: Thomas: "Re: inducing amenorrhea in brides"
Maybe in reply to: Stephanie: "Triphasic versus Monophasic Birth Control Pills"
Next in thread: Christina: "Re: Triphasic versus Monophasic Birth Control Pills"

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