Contraceptive pill - Dr not very helpful - so asking for comments from those who know

[cluelesss]

My 16yo daughter has rather painful periods, relying heavily on ibuprofen and paracetemol every month. We have discussed for a couple of years about the possibility of using the contraceptive pill to regulate the hormones and this can reduce period pain for some women.

In addition to that, she has come to the conclusion that it would be better to start on the pill before contemplating sex, so that when does feel ready to start exploring such activities, it is one less thing to worry about. (Yes, I've done my best to reccommend condoms, and I am confident she'll follow that advice, but she wants to be doubly-protected because they do sometimes fail.)

I personally have very minimal knowledge on the pill because I came to the conclusion it wasn't for me and I don't use it.

So we finally made the visit to the doctor to get all the information so she could make an informed decision about what was the right option for her. We wanted to find out about side effects.

My daughter opted to see the doctor alone - but I did speak to the doctor briefly first letting her know what she was after. And the doctor asked if I wanted her to prescribe it for her, to which I responded if that is what she wants.

Apparently, once alone in the room with my daughter, the doctor behaved as if she had no idea what the appointment was about. And then after being told, was rather judgemental with her questions about my daughters relationship.

Also, the only information she was given about side effects was weight gain (the doctor said she would put on 1-2kg). Nor was she given instructions about when to take it (I'm under the understanding that it is important to take it at the same time every day.) She did however say that if one is missed, then one wouldn't be protected for contraceptive purposes for seven days. (I thought it was for the rest of the month.)

The doctor also made it clear that she disapproved. After speaking to my daughter and finding out about the lack of information she received, I later commented on this and stated that we were after information about side effects, and possible benefits to regulating her cycle. The doctor was mainly only interested in saying that she made it clear that she didn't want her to be taking it. She said that side effects weren't worth worrying about, and when I commented on the severe menstral pain finally added "Oh in that case it might be good for her".

We then went to the chemist to fill the script, and found out she had written it in my name not my daughters. A minor error, but surely not a problem. The one we were prescribed was Levelen. (The script is for a four month supply, and the pharmacy seemed confused that there were no repeats.)

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So this has left us full of questions. I'm concerned about side effects, especially with regards to messing with a developing girls hormones. She also has a really basic question - where does she start? The card has every pill labelled with a day of the week and the instructions say to start in the red section on the corresponding day of the week. The red section runs Mon-Sun with white (presumably sugar) pills running Sat-Fri so begining two days prior and the last two days in the red section are yellow (active) pills. The doctor had said to begin on the first day of the period with an active pill. Thus we are confused.

Also, when I took them (likely a different brand) many years ago, I was told the white pills were not necessary and simply to get you in the habit of taking a pill daily. Thus if you didn't want to, you could choose to discard instead of swallow those pills on the appropriate day. But the information sheet that came with these ones says that if you forget to take a white pill, take it as soon as you remember, thus implying that they are necessary.

[me+he=3]

Hi,

I've been on Levlen for years so hopefully I can help.

OK, lets see. You start taking them on the LAST day of your period (can't remember how long it takes to take effect - it'll be in the info sheet). You are correct about skipping the white pills...they're just sugar and are there to keep you in the habit. Note though that I've found that if I skip periods for 4 or more months, I get breakthrough bleeding.

I honestly don't know if it'll help with her pain...I guess try it for a few months and see. That would be why she's not given you a years supply. Ooh and on that note, find another GP!! :yes:

Levlen are good in that there is some range for you to forget. Not days but a few hours either side is ok. Yasmin for example, I was told you have to take on the dot 24 hours later.

Hope that helps.

[delirium]

We use natural family planning, so it's been 14 years since I took the pill. But from memory you start on the 'active' section of that day. The sugar pills are there to give your system a break but like you say to keep you in a regular habit. If you skip the sugar pills altogether there will be no period at all. I asked a dr once if this was safe and he said yes it was, as long as you allow yourself a bleed a few times a year.

As far as the best pill, I'm no expert, but I had a friend on Dianne for period pain and acne. It's one of the highest strength pills.

Lastly have you considered having your DD checked out for something like endometrisosis? It may not be anything like that, but my endo started at 17 so it can start young. I would hate to see her symptoms masked when there is an underlying problem.

HTH

[*Cj*]

I would be taking her to a family planning clinic.

When I started my periods they lasted for 6 months. I was put on the pill to regulat my menstrual cycle.

I have all ways started with an active pill on the first day of my period. As I have all ways been told by my Dr's. One said something about making my period longer if I took the sugar pill :confused:

I don't know if you have to take the white pills I all ways have. The only time I miss them is when I want to miss my period(I don't have the sugar pills I stay on the active pills).

Yes she should take it at the same time every day.

[Aaliyahsmummy]

I was put on levlen at the same age for the same problems.

It really did help alot, so hopefully your daughter has some luck re painful periods.


I have always been under the impression that its 7 days after missing it that your not protected.

Also, might be worth telling your daughter if she takes antibiotics the effectiveness is greatly reduced, I think it takes 7 days after finishing the antibiotics to be back to strength- they chemist should tell her about this when she gets the antibiotics:)

[cluelesss]

Thank you all for your advice. I've shown it to her and she is feeling more confident now and thinks she knows what to do.

[Feathers]

I went on the pill, a low strength one, for painful, heavy periods when I was 13. My Dr recommended it after being iron deficient from it, and paracetamol doing nothing.

I wasnt initially given a repeat prescription, as he wanted me to go back for a checkup, to make sure I wasnt experiencing any adverse reactions to it. When I get a new script each year, my Dr makes me have a thorough checkup to make sure I have no issues. Been on it for 15 years, and am still given the same big checkup each year.

I havent had any trouble with hormones and didnt gain any weight from it. I have gone off the pill twice, to get pregnant, and fell pregnant straight away with no problems. I have never taken a tablet from the placebo/white pills.

I love it. It has worked great for me. It did take a couple of months before the period pain went away altogether. After about 3 months I no longer needed to take paracetamol! I hope it works just as well for your daughter :)

[Thermolicious]

I'd recommend going to the family planning clinic too. I tried a few different brands when I was younger but they didn't do anything to adjust my cycle I always had 30 day cycles with a 7 day bleed, quiet painful, heavy and lots of clots, I've heard of a lot of people having more success with swapping to more natural hygiene products- cloth pads or cups. I've just bought some cloth pads but fell UTD before they arrived lol.

[overitand36]

a would be addressing the first issue first then the contraception issue

have you considered taking her to a gyno and seeing if their is anything behind the pain

also maybe have a look at the mirena
it is used for contraception but also used for people with period issues reduces the length and flow etc for most people

great thing is that is a complete set and forget no need to take something everyday and no one need know at 16 I would not want to be explaining myself to some people that don't get it re medical reasons

it also lasts 5 years of course can be easily removed earlier if needed

insertion would probably need to be done under a general as women who have not had a child sometimes have issues with insertion

i have had one done recently with no problems at all can recommend a female dr is you are in melb

best of luck

[Skibunny]

Hi :wave:

I went on Levelen when I was 15 from memory for similar reasons to your daughter (I have Chrone's disease and hence got hospitalised with every cycle :o).

Anyway... I didn't take Levelen for long as I put on 8kg in four weeks :laughing:

I swapped to Yasmin and have been taking it ever since without taking the sugar pills.

I have a break 3 or 4 times a year, as after a while, as with any contraceptive pill, your hormones do begin to break through and cause the occasional obligatory bleed anyway.

I don't think it has had any effect on my development, although I do understand that some women who begin the pill younger do develop larger breasts due to the hormones. I've been an 8F cup since I was 17. So I believe that theory! :laughing:

I also found that any period pain got significantly worse. But that could just be developmental, as I was so young when I started it.

It also made my skin very dry.

Other than those few minor things though, it's been great. I never did lose the entire 8kg though :rolleyes:

Maybe you should see another doctor? It sounds like that one did not understand your daughter's reason for requesting the pill at all. Another opinion may be in order!

[The C Team]

I was on the levlen pre-baby and found that it affected my moods quite a bit. But it doesn't affect everyone.
I also found this (http://www.ehow.com/about_5502108_levlen-ed-side-effects.html) site which lists all the possible side effects.
HTH

[trishalishous]

I haven't taken this specific pill, but did take it for around 8 years.
I used it to regulate my painful periods, and it really helped.
I was spending 3-4 days in bed with vomiting and the dire rear, not to mention the pain! I was on 200mg of tramadol to help with the pain, but would still have bad cramps!
we use zero family planning atm and we are TTC.