October 5, 2009

4 or Continuous use?

Filed under: Alesse birth control,birth control methods,birth control pills,birth control statistics,birth control types,estrogen,Menstrual Cramps,menstrual periods,menstural cycle,oral contraceptive,Uncategorized — Amanda @ 4:43 pm

18% of women ages 15-49 use a combined oral contraceptive (COC). Of all Canadian women who use a form of birth control, 32% chose COCs as their primary form of contraception. Birth control pills were first made to be taken for 21 days before a seven day hormone-free period. Today, this 21/7 regimen is the standard dosing regimen for oral contraceptives, however there is also a newer 24/4 regimen that may have even more benefits than the standard dose of 21/7.

Many of the Canadian women taking COCs today still follow the 21/7 dose, however it is not necessary. There are many women who choose to forgo their menstrual period all together by using contraceptives continuously without a hormone free interval. All available contraceptives (oral, trans-dermal, vaginal) can be used in a continuous regimen therefore eliminating a bleeding period. This contraceptive method is becoming popular among Canadian women who are comfortable with eliminating their menstrual period.

90% of all menstruating women have reported some form of premenstrual symptoms. 30% of these women have been diagnosed with PMS, and 8% have been diagnosed with an extreme form of PMS called premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Women taking COCs that contain progestin drospirenone, have noticed relief in minor PMS symptoms including physical and emotional PMS symptoms. COCS have even been successful in alleviating symptoms of severe PMS and PMDD in some women.

There are a number of benefits that the continuous/extended COC use has shown. Some of these benefits include the lessening of menstrual pain, headaches, bloating and swelling, acne, breast tenderness, and shorter periods. Continuous use, however, may cause spotting or unscheduled bleeding.

The benefits of the new 24/4 regimen include a more efficient suppressing of ovarian activity, that those who take a 21/7 hormone break increase their endogenous hormone levels which making ovulation more likely, therefore giving them a higher risk of becoming pregnant and developing ovarian cysts than women who use the 24/4 regimen. The 24/4 regimen prevents hormonal fluctuations helping to improve the quality of life for its users.Types of birth control pills and their dosage:

21/7 Regimen: Alesse, Yasmin, Cyclen

24/4 Regimen: Yaz, Loestrin 24 Fe

Extended Regimen: Seasonique

Birth Control Buzz is a service company that provides birth control prices, types of birth control(prescription required), health administrative services, and birth control statistics predominantly to US patients seeking to purchase pharmaceuticals on-line. For more information, call 1-866-868-8850 or visit http://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/.

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July 27, 2009

Benefits of Taking the Pill

Filed under: Birth Control Pill,Cramps,endometrial cancer,estrogen,Menstrual Cramps,menstrual periods,ovarian cancer,ovarian cysts,pelvic inflammatory disease,periods,pms,Uncategorized — Amanda @ 11:43 am

There are more benefits to Birth Control Pill use than you may think. The pill can provide medicinal benefits besides acting as a contraceptive and improve various issues you may be dealing with. There are many girls who take the pill just for its health benefits!

Clear Skin

Birth control pills improve acne in many women. Women with moderate or severe acne that cannot be cured by over the counter medicine usually turn to the pill to solve the problem. The hormones in the pill prevent acne from forming after several months of use.

Regular Periods

The pill will help regulate menstrual periods in women who experience periods that come too soon or too late. Birth control pills can also regulate the amount of bleeding and the length of menstrual bleeding. Many women notice that after taking the pill for 3 months, their bleeding period is lighter and only three or four days long.

No More Menstrual Cramps

The pill will help relieve most forms of cramps including severe menstrual cramps. Those who are not relieved by over the counter medicine like Midol usually take the pill to relieve the pain. Birth control pills prevent ovulation, so they can also help with any pains that come in the middle of the month.

Protection against Cancer and Ailment

Birth control pills prevent Anemia in women because they have less bleeding during periods. Chances of developing Ovarian Cysts, breast lumps, and Pelvic Inflammatory Disease are lower in women on the pill. Women who use the pill also have a lower risk of getting Endometrial (lining of the uterus) Cancer, and Ovarian Cancer later in life.

Increased Breast Size

Although the pill does not cause weight gain, it may increase breast size. Estrogen is a natural female hormone which is responsible for changes during puberty. The estrogen in birth control pills has the ability to stimulate breast growth- especially in women who are still developing.

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May 14, 2009

Which Birth Control Pill Reduces PMS?

Filed under: Birth Control Pill,estrogen,oral contraceptive,PMD,PMDD,progestin,Uncategorized,Yaz — Amanda @ 5:20 pm

Those who suffer with severe PMS, (premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)) or just plain old mild PMS know how much of a pain in the butt it can be. Some of you may find yourself in severe pain and exhaustion locked in your room for days; while others will be more courageous and step into civilization… turning the friendly greeting from your neighbor into a scene from the Texas Chainsaw Massacre.

What is PMDD?

PMDD is a severe form of PMS. Only 5% of women suffer from PMDD, and although it is not very common, some of us have “in-between” cases of PMS and PMDD that continue to affect the way we live.

Symptoms of PMDD include:

Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or worthlessness
Anxiety or tension
Unstable mood and frequent crying
Persistent irritability causing conflict in relationships
Loss of interest in usual activities or relationships
Lack of concentration
Lack of energy
Changes in appetite, possibly including cravings or binge eating
Sleeping too much or too little
Feeling out of control
Physical symptoms including breast tenderness, breast swelling, headache, joint/muscle aches, bloating, and weight gain.

However severe your PMS symptoms are, there is a safe and convenient way to treat it.

So what exactly is this miracle medicine that is capable of taming the premenstrual beast in you? It’s Yaz. Yaz oral contraceptives are the only birth control pills that will treat cases of PMDD. This has been proven by the FDA, when a study showed that women taking Yaz reduced their PMS symptoms by at least 50%. Wow. That would also mean, if you took Yaz, you would have less arguments with mothers, sisters, significant others – and anyone else that gets in your way!

Yaz birth control pills contain levels of the female hormones estrogen and progestin. Together, these hormones exist in harmony and balance the natural processes of the female body. Dr. Andrea Rapkin, professor of obstetrics and gynecology at UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine, states: “Like other birth control pills, Yaz contains the female hormones estrogen and progestin. Unlike other versions of the pill, Yaz uses a form of progestin that has unique properties. This, plus its 24-day dosing regimen, may help account for its positive effect on PMDD” These hormones, when working together stimulate the bloodstream, the heart, and the brain. This means, that stressed-out organs can finally relax when a balanced dose of the hormones are present.

For those who are already using a prescribed contraceptive, yet continue to suffer from PMDD or PMS, consider trying Yaz and consult your doctor.

“For my PMDD patients who need a treatment to reduce their symptoms — as well as a safe and effective contraception to prevent pregnancy — YAZ is an important option that can meet both of their health care needs in a single pill” – Dr. Andrea Rapkin

Yaz Birth Control

It’s okay if you aren’t currently taking birth control pills, or if you aren’t sexually active. Yaz has lots of other attributes that you can benefit from. Yaz can help you deal with PMS, heavy periods, acne, irregular periods, cramps, and despite what rumors you have heard about birth control pills, it will NOT make you gain weight! Yaz is a low-does pill that will have no negative effects on your metabolism, weight-gaining abilities, or water retention. If you are interested in using Yaz birth control to treat PMDD or for other purposes, speak with your healthcare provider.

Birth Control Buzz

is a service company that provides birth control prices, types of birth control (prescription required), health administrative services, and birth control statistics predominantly to US patients seeking to purchase pharmaceuticals on-line. For more information, call 1-866-868-8850 or visit https://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/.

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December 18, 2008

Birth control and its side effects

Filed under: androgen,birth control,Birth Control Side Effects,estrogen,progestin,side effects,Uncategorized — Janine @ 3:30 pm

If you are experiencing side effects from a birth control pill that you are not comfortable with, learning about the effects of estrogen and progestin in birth control pills can help you choose which is the best birth control pill for you. Oral contraceptives contain estrogen and progestin.

What is Progestin?

Progestin is a man made substance with similar properties as the natural progesterone developed in woman’s body. It stimulates progesterone receptors, preventing ovulation and lessens menstrual bleeding.

What is Androgen?

Androgen refers to the likelihood of progestin causing unpleasant side effects. When Progestins have high androgenic activity, chances of androgenic related side effects (such as acne and hirsutism-unwanted female hair growth) may increase. Progestins with low androgenic activity may have minor or no effect on carbohydrate metabolism (breaking down and creating sugars in small quantities for the body to produce energy).

What is Estrogen?

Estrogen is the main sex hormone in women, essential to the menstrual cycle. It consists of estrone, estradiol, and estriol. Estrogen works in two ways; it regulates the menstrual cycle and prepares the uterus for pregnancy by enriching and thickening the endometrium. The more estrogen there is in a woman body, the least amount of side effects your body will experience from progestin.

What are the birth control side effects and their Progestin/Estrogen levels?

Below is a general guideline of Birth Control side effects; it may not apply to every woman.

Absent period or too light menstrual flow-High estrogen, Low progestinpotency

Types of birth control brands that will minimize the side effect: Brevicon

Acne-High estrogen,low androgen potency

Types of birth control brands that will minimize the side effect: Brevicon, Mircette,Ortho Tri-Cyclen,Yasmin

Breast Soreness-Low estrogen, low progestin potency

Types of birth control brands that will minimize the side effect: Alesse

Depression-Low progestin potency
Types of birth control brands that will minimize the side effect: Alesse, Brevicon, Ortho Tri-Cyclen

Endometriosis or Endometriosis Prevention (Growth outside the uterus)-Low estrogen, higher progestin potency, higher androgen potency

Types of birth control brands that will minimize the side effect: Levora, Loestrin 1.5/30, Loestrin 1/20 Fe, Nordette.

Headaches (not menstrual migraines)-Low estrogen, low progestin potency
Types of birth control brands that will minimize the side effect: Alesse, Brevicon, Ortho Tri-Cyclen

Moodiness or Irritability-Low progestin potency

Types of birth control brands that will minimize the side effect: Alesse, Loestrin 1/20 Fe, Yasmin

Severe Menstrual Cramps-High progestin potency

Types of birth control brands that will minimize the side effect: Mircette, Loestrin 1.5/30, Yasmin

Spotting (Break through bleeding)-High estrogen, high progestin potency, low androgen potency

Types of birth control brands that will minimize the side effect: Yasmin

Weight Gain-Low estrogen, low progestin potency

Types of birth control brands that will minimize the side effect: Alesse, Loestrin 1/20 Fe, Yasmin

Birth Control Buzz is a service company that provides birth control prices, types of birth control (prescription required), health administrative services, and birth control statistics predominantly to US patients seeking to purchase pharmaceuticals on-line.

For more information, call 1-866-868-8850 or visit http://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/.

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April 28, 2007

Ortho Evra Patch Side Effects

Filed under: birth control,birth control prices,birth control statistics,birth control types,estrogen,ortho evra,patch,progesterone,side effects,Uncategorized — Ashlynn @ 7:18 am

Ortho Evra is a small, thin patch that is placed on the skin. The patch releases small amounts of estrogen and progesterone which is absorbed through the skin. By releasing these hormones Ortho Evra suppresses ovulation, thickens cervical mucus, and thins the uterine lining, which combined can prevent pregnancy. It is 99% effective and very convenient to use.

Side effects of Ortho Evra

Minor side effects that usually go away within the first 3 months of use include:

nausea
breast tenderness
weight gain or loss
water retention
increased blood pressure
mood changes
headaches
skin irritation (near the Patch)

Serious risks, which can be life threatening, include:

blood clots
stroke
heart attacks
a increased risk of breast cancer

Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects, especially if you are over 35. Women who use the Patch are strongly advised not to smoke. Some women should not use the Patch, including women who have blood clots, certain cancers, a history of heart attack or stroke, as well as those who are or may be pregnant. Ortho Evra will not protect against sexually transmitted diseases or HIV/AIDS.

BirthControlBuzz is a service company that provides birth control prices, birth control types (prescription required), health administrative services, and birth control statistics predominantly to US patients seeking to purchase birth control on-line.

For more information on types of birth control call 1-866-868-8850 or visit http://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/.

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April 18, 2007

Can hormones from birth control cause hair loss?

Filed under: alopecia,androgen,birth control pills,estrogen,hair growth,hair loss,hormone replacement therapy,hormones,male pattern balding,testosterone,Uncategorized — Ashlynn @ 8:38 am

Yes. Both birth control pills and hormone replacements contain estrogen which stimulates hair growth and prolongs the anagen growth phase. Most women say that their hair becomes thicker when first starting birth control or hormone replacement therapy. Some women describe an increased rate of hair sloughing or loss several months after starting the hormonal medications. This is not a reason to stop the hormones; the hair loss will go away with no change in the amount of hair.

Women who start the Pill may not notice the increased hair growth and thickness as much as an older, menopausal woman who has thinner hair to start with, but the gobs of hair in the hair brush several months after starting birth control pills will not go unnoticed. This loss of hair following estrogen stimulation by birth control pills, HRT or even pregnancy is called telogen effluvium. This is not a reason to stop taking your birth control. Both the use of Depo-Provera and Norplant contraceptive implants have about a 10% incidence of increased hair loss.

What can I do to decrease hair loss caused by birth control or hormone replacement?

It is best to continue taking the hormonal medications rather than stopping them. The new growth, resting and sloughing phases eventually come to a stop and your hair growth will start it’s normal course of action. Stopping your birth control or HRT may just prolong the hair loss.

One thing women should look for when hair loss is due to hormone therapy is to make sure that they are not receiving hormones that have too much testosterone-like activity. Some women who are genetically sensitive may develop a male pattern hair loss (balding on the side of the head) if their total androgen hormone level is too high. If this is the case, there should also be excess hair growth on the face, chest and lower abdomen in addition to the balding. The androgen hormone effect may come from the type of progestin in the birth control pills or it may come from a combination of estrogen and testosterone in the menopausal hormone replacement. If there is any suspicion that the hair loss follows a male pattern balding, then any androgenic compounds must be eliminated.

For more information on types of birth control call 1-866-868-8850 or visit http://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/.

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April 3, 2007

Acne and Diane 35

Filed under: acne,acne treatment,androgen,birth control pills,Diane-35,estrogen,Uncategorized,women — Ashlynn @ 8:52 am

Diane 35 is used for the treatment of androgen-dependent diseases in women, such as acne, especially pronounced forms and those which are accompanied by seborrhea or by inflammation or formation of nodes (acne papulopustulosa, acne nodulocystica), androgenetic alopecia and mild forms of hirsutism. Diane 35 can also be used as a type of birth control in women with androgen-dependent diseases and for the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome. The aim of treatment with Diane 35 is to block the peripheral action of male hormones commonly present in the female body.

Diane 35 contains two hormones: cyproterone acetate, a progestogen, and ethinyl estradiol, an estrogen. Cyproterone acetate halts the influence of androgens, and reduces the activity of the sebaceous gland which plays an important role in the development of acne and seborrhea.

While all birth control pills may decrease the production of androgens to some extent, only Diane 35 decreases the ability of androgens to bind to their receptors, improving signs of androgenization such as acne, seborrhea and hirsutism in women.

The recommended duration of treatment is at least several months, as improvement may not be observed until four or five cycles of use. Research has shown that within three to six months of therapy with Diane 35, acne can be improved and suppressed.

Recently there has been much publicity in Canada about a possible increased risk of blood clots with Diane 35 compared to other birth control pills. It is not clear if this risk is real or not. There are other nonandrogenic birth control pills that should work just as well. These include Yasmin, OrthoCyclen, OrthoTricyclen, OrthoTri Cyclen Lo, OrthoEvra (the patch), Desogen, Mircette and others. If you are using Diane 35, discuss with your doctor as to whether you should continue on it or change to another pill. The risk however for an individual is very small.

For more information on birth control pills call 1-866-868-8850 or visit http://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/.

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March 22, 2007

Femcon Fe chewable birth control pill

Filed under: birth control,birth control pills,birth control prices,birth control types,breast cancer,estrogen,femcon fe,hormones,pregnancy,pregnant,progestin,Uncategorized — Ashlynn @ 8:27 am

Femcon Fe is a spearmint-flavored birth control pill that can be swallowed or chewed. It combines 2 different hormones – progestin and estrogen. Together, these 2 hormones suppress ovulation and other related changes your body goes through. That means an egg is not released from your ovary and therefore cannot be fertilized by sperm. Birth control pills also thicken your cervical mucus (making it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus) and change the lining of your uterus (making it difficult for a fertilized egg to implant itself in the uterine wall).

Using Femcon Fe, or other oral contraceptives, is one of the most effective methods of birth control available. If taken correctly on a daily basis, birth control pills are as much as 99% effective in preventing pregnancy, meaning there is still a 1% chance that you could get pregnant.

What are some advantages to using Femcon Fe?

Chewability – Femcon Fe is the only oral contraceptive to offer chewability. Perfect for women who have difficulty swallowing even the tiniest pill.
Cycle control – There is low incidence of spotting or bleeding between periods.
Low-dose – Most available birth control pills contain the same type of estrogen as Femcon Fe but in different amounts. Femcon Fe is considered a low-dose pill because it contains 35 micrograms (mcg) of estrogen.
Menstrual relief – Femcon Fe can help reduce menstrual cramps, regulate irregular periods, and lighten menstrual flow.

Does Femcon Fe offer any health benefits?

Your menstrual cycles may become more regular.
Blood flow during your period may be lighter and less iron may be lost.
Pain or other symptoms, like menstrual cramps, may decrease.
Lesser chance of ovarian cysts occuring.
Ectopic pregnancy may occur less frequently.
Noncancerous cysts or lumps in the breast may occur less often.
Lesser chance of acute pelvic inflammatory disease occuring.
Using birth control pills may provide some protection against developing two forms of cancer: cancer of the ovaries and cancer of the lining of the uterus.

Does Femcon Fe have any side effects?

Birth control pill side effects are generally not serious. The most common side effects include breast tenderness, nausea, vomiting, and spotting or bleeding between periods. These side effects often go away within the first 3 months. While more serious side effects occur infrequently, some medical conditions have been associated with Pill use, including:

Blood clots, blockage of blood vessels
Gallbladder disease
Liver tumors (extremely rare)
High blood pressure, which returns to normal when you stop taking the Pill

Is there anything else I should know about Femcon Fe?

Cigarette smoking while using the Pill increases the risk of serious adverse effects on the heart and blood vessels. This risk increases if you are a heavy smoker (15 or more cigarettes a day) and with age (especially if you are over 35). Women who use birth control should not smoke.

You should not take the Pill if you have or have had blood clots, certain cancers, a history of heart attack or stroke, or are pregnant.

Femcon Fe does not protect against HIV/AIDS or sexually transmitted diseases. Always use a nonhormonal backup contraceptive like a condom for extra protection.

Missing a pill or taking a pill a few hours later than normal can decrease the effectiveness. Certain medications like antibiotics are also known to increase the chance of your birth control pill failing.

For more information call 1-866-868-8850 or visit http://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/.

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March 3, 2007

What are monophasic, biphasic and triphasic birth control pills?

Filed under: biphasic pills,birth control pills,birth control prices,birth control types,estrogen,hormones,monophasic pills,pregnancy,pregnant,progestin,triphasic pills,Uncategorized — Ashlynn @ 12:46 pm

The early forms of birth control pills had a good deal of estrogen in them. Today’s birth control pills have a lot less hormone in them than even 10 years ago. That’s because we have learned that they work at much lower doses than we originally thought.

Most birth control pills contain the hormones estrogen and progestin. They are categorized as monophasic, biphasic, or triphasic pills depending on whether the level of hormones stays the same during the first three weeks of the menstrual cycle or changes. Pills for the fourth week, when included, are usually “reminder” pills. They contain no active drug and are there to keep you on a daily schedule.

Monophasic pills contain the same amount of estrogen and progestin in all of the active pills in a pack. Examples of monophasic pills include Brevicon, Loestrin, Alesse, and Ortho-Cept. Because of the uniform hormone level in all the pills, monophasics are least likely to cause side effects, such as mood changes, that can result from fluctuating hormone levels in the body.

Biphasic and triphasic pills contain different dosages of progestin or estrogen throughout the pill pack. Compared with monophasics, these pills reduce the total hormone dosage a woman receives and are thought to better match the body’s natural menstrual cycle. Biphasic pills change the level of hormones once during the menstrual cycle. Examples of biphasic pills include Ortho-Novum 10/11, Mircette and Necon 10/11.

Triphasic pills contain three different doses of hormones in the active pills (changing every seven days during the first three weeks of pills). Triphasic pills include Ortho-Novum 7/7/7, Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Triphasil, Tri-Levlen, and Tri-Norinyl.

When taken regularly and according to the directions, birth control pills are 98% to 99% effective in preventing pregnancy, depending on how much estrogen they contain. The most common reason for pregnancy in a woman taking birth control pills is a failure to take them as directed. You should be familiar with the instructions that come with the dispenser for what to do if you miss a dose. It is a good idea to use a second method such as a condom or diaphragm for the rest of the month, even if you miss only one dose.

Despite the differences, no single pill or pill type rates as the “best” one. Experts consider all combination pills equally effective in preventing pregnancy, provided the pills are used appropriately. Your doctor can help you choose a birth control pill based on your age, medical history, and lifestyle, and cost.

BirthControlBuzz is a service company that provides birth control prices, birth control types (prescription required), health administrative services, and birth control statistics predominantly to US patients seeking to purchase birth control on-line.

For more information call 1-866-868-8850 or visit http://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/.

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