Ortho Evra 2

Top 275. Apr 22, 2004 11:56 AM

» grannypants - Re: weight gain and patch-free week of first cycle

In response to message posted by CaitlinRose:

Sounds like this reply is a little late. . . but you should have no problem skipping your period and going on to the next patch if you only want to delay your period a week or two--especially if you did this successfully with pills in the past. You could get an "extra" patch from your doctor or pharmacy; you might lie and tell them you screwed one up, or it came off, and they'll give you a replacement. You might have a little spotting if you try this, but it wouldn't be nearly as bad as a full-fledged period. If you delay your period for longer than a week or two, I almost guarantee you'll have spotting.

Me, I'm on my 9th continuous week of the patch (no patch-free weeks, no periods), and I love it! My period is normally heavy and lasts a long time and I get horrible cramps and bowel problems; that's all gone. I have been spotting (just a little leaky--like my normal moisture is a transparent brown instead of clear) frequently for the last couple weeks, and I've ruined a couple pairs of panties, but it's 100% better than my period. From what I've read this should improve after a few months, but even if I spotted constantly it would still be better than menstruating 1/4 of my life.

Can anyone else report on their experience with continuous use of the patch? Has anyone been doing this successfully for longer than 3 months?

-- posted by grannypants

Top 276. Apr 22, 2004 11:59 AM

» grannypants - Re: Re: Weight Gain and other issues

In response to message posted by lisa2377:

I'm still on the patch, and I haven't gained much weight (except in the breasts--yay!) because I take other medication that suppresses my appetite, but I've been on and off birth control pills a few times in my life and I always gained weight on them and I always lost it again afterwards (with no dieting or anything). It would be different for everyone, though.

-- posted by grannypants

Top 277. Apr 22, 2004 12:03 PM

» grannypants - Re: appetite increase/labile mood

In response to message posted by sameasalways:

Whenever I've had increased appetite due to birth control, it went away after the first month or so. When I first started the patch, I had to eat to keep from being nauseous all the time, but it went away after 4 or 5 weeks.

-- posted by grannypants

Top 278. Apr 27, 2004 12:00 PM

» shortsweetypie - Re: Re: weight gain and patch-free week of first cycle

In response to message posted by grannypants:

So what you are telling me is that, in order for me to delay my period for a week, all I have to do is wear the patch the week, I would normally be on my period? this information will be of great help, because I am getting married in june, and will be getting my period, the week of the honeymoon. Please help!!!! Thanks

-- posted by shortsweetypie

Top 279. Apr 27, 2004 6:44 PM

» Ponygrl - the patch

I just finished my 2nd week on the patch and I'm having very mixed feelings about continuing to use it. I feel like I'm experiencing increased depression with this method of birth control and don't know if it's worth it. Does anyone have any experience with this? My depression is kept in check by Zoloft and Lamictal, but ever since I put the patch on I feel like the bottom has fallen out.

-- posted by Ponygrl

Top 280. Apr 30, 2004 5:05 AM

» katey2004 - Re: Re: Re: weight gain and patch-free week of first cycle

In response to message posted by shortsweetypie:

Be careful about continously using the patch instead of taking it off for a week, I did this with the pill and I spotted non-stop for 2 months! I wouldn't recommend that to anyone.

-- posted by katey2004

Top 281. Apr 30, 2004 5:13 AM

» katey2004 - Appetite

I have been on the Patch for almost 3 months now and I am hungry 24/7. I eat a big dinner and then an hour later I am starving.If I go to burger king I'll get a whopper meal king sized and I am not even full after I eat. I am gaining weight very quick thank God I'm tall so I carry it well- for now.I went from a size 7 to border line 11 in three months. My breasts are always tender, but overall I like the patch. It's convienient and the side effects aren't overwhelming.

-- posted by katey2004

Top 282. Jun 23, 2004 6:06 PM

» lilmon61977 - Re: HELP! does anyone suffer from this side effect??

In response to message posted by bailleycat:

You are not alone. I have been on the patch for 6 months and feel sick a lot. I either throw up or walk around feeling like I could all the time. I can't take it anymore and I am getting off of this horrible medication. It also makes me moody!!

-- posted by lilmon61977

Top 283. Jul 7, 2004 12:30 AM

» Saraphy - Delaying Periods

I've been searching the forum for an hour now and I want to express my gratitude. I'm happy to know that my stomach aches, thinning hair, and soreness are not just my imagination. I've been lucky because my sex drive hasn't decreased, its gone through the roof! My boyfriend has actually turned me down because he's too tired. Isn't that a pip?

But anyway. I have a question. I am supposed to take off my patch this sunday to start my patch free week. I want to go to delay my period until the week after next. Can I actually just put on another patch this week and have my patch free week after this? Are there any odd side effects with that?

-- posted by Saraphy