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Jolivette and weight
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An_247018 posted:
Due to constant tiredness, constant pelvic pain, and mood swings, I am currently switching from Reclipsen to Jolivette. After reading all the reviews about Jolivette's possible side effects, I was really nervous to try it out. However, after about five days of taking it, the initial side effects are going away very quickly, I already feel "more stable" in the pelvic area, and I am not as tired, so I think I am might stick with it for awhile.

Are there any studies showing women who have actually LOST weight on this pill? This is a really big concern for me, as the Reclipsen made me so fatigued and bloated I gained a little, and the idea of gaining more scares me.

Thanks!
3 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Jolivette and weightDue to constant tiredness, constant pelvic pain, and mood swings, I am currently switching from Reclipsen to Jolivette. After reading all the reviews about Jolivette's possible side effects, I was really nervous to try it out. However, after about five days of taking it, the initial side effects are going away very quickly, I already feel "more stable" in the pelvic area, and I am not as tired, so I think I am might stick with it for awhile.<br /> <br />Are there any studies showing women who have actually LOST weight on this pill? This is a really big concern for me, as the Reclipsen made me so fatigued and bloated I gained a little, and the idea of gaining more scares me.<br /> <br />Thanks!
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Jane Harrison Hohner, RN, RNP responded:
Dear An: Jolivette is a generic form of Micronor; it contains .35 mg of a synthetic progesterone/progestin norethindrone. It is what has been called a progestin only pill or "minipill".

This pill contains no estrogen and only one third of the progestin contained in a regular birth control pill. Thus the usual birth control pill side effects tend to be minimal (except for breakthrough bleeding). Weight gain, nausea, breast changes, etc. tend not to occur.

On a personal note I have both prescribed and used this type of pill. My opinion is that this type of pill is under utilized, because the risk of pregnancy is slightly higher. In the right patient it can a very good fit.

Yours,
Jane
Report This| Share this:Jolivette and weightDear An: Jolivette is a generic form of Micronor; it contains .35 mg of a synthetic progesterone/progestin norethindrone. It is what has been called a progestin only pill or "minipill".<br /> <br /> This pill contains no estrogen and only one third of the progestin contained in a regular birth control pill. Thus the usual birth control pill side effects tend to be minimal (except for breakthrough bleeding). Weight gain, nausea, breast changes, etc. tend not to occur. <br /> <br /> On a personal note I have both prescribed and used this type of pill. My opinion is that this type of pill is under utilized, because the risk of pregnancy is slightly higher. In the right patient it can a very good fit.<br /> <br /> Yours,<br /> Jane
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JJwilder replied to Jane Harrison Hohner, RN, RNP's response:
Hi,

Thanks, for your quick response.

I know breakthrough bleeding is a common side effect, but is constant breakthrough bleeding when the pill is taken correctly a sign the pill is not effective enough against pregnancy?

Thanks,
Joan
Report This| Share this:Jolivette and weightHi, <br /> <br />Thanks, for your quick response. <br /> <br />I know breakthrough bleeding is a common side effect, but is constant breakthrough bleeding when the pill is taken correctly a sign the pill is not effective enough against pregnancy? <br /> <br />Thanks,<br />Joan
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Jane Harrison Hohner, RN, RNP replied to JJwilder's response:
Dear Joan: No, pregnancy protection should not be compromised by breakthrough bleeding (BTB) if the pill is being taken correctly. The only exception to this rule would be if the woman has been started on one of the older anti-seizure medications known to decrease hormone levels.

In the specific case of progestin only pills, BTB is way more common because estrogen helps stabilize the uterine lining. The progestin can make the lining very thin. While a thin lining is a healthy lining, it can be more unstable leading to increased BTB. The same problem occurs with other progestin only forms of contraception (eg DepoProvera, Implanon, Mirena IUD).

Hopefully your BTB will level out. Occasionally a GYN will use a short course of very low dose estrogen (eg menopausal estrogen for 7 days) to get BTB to abate. It's unfortunate that some women will have BTB, because the minipill can be so side effect free.

Yours,
Jane
Report This| Share this:Jolivette and weightDear Joan: No, pregnancy protection should not be compromised by breakthrough bleeding (BTB) if the pill is being taken correctly. The only exception to this rule would be if the woman has been started on one of the older anti-seizure medications known to decrease hormone levels.<br /><br />In the specific case of progestin only pills, BTB is way more common because estrogen helps stabilize the uterine lining. The progestin can make the lining very thin. While a thin lining is a healthy lining, it can be more unstable leading to increased BTB. The same problem occurs with other progestin only forms of contraception (eg DepoProvera, Implanon, Mirena IUD). <br /><br />Hopefully your BTB will level out. Occasionally a GYN will use a short course of very low dose estrogen (eg menopausal estrogen for 7 days) to get BTB to abate. It's unfortunate that some women will have BTB, because the minipill can be so side effect free.<br /><br />Yours,<br />Jane
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