Side Effects of Esmya Contraceptive Pills: What to Do?

Side effects of Alesse birth control pill?

Hello Doctor, I have never taken oral contraceptives before, and my menstrual cycle has been irregular since menarche.
During health check-ups in high school and college, I had slightly elevated cholesterol levels.
My weight is about 45 kg and my height is 156 cm.
Due to contraceptive needs and the desire to regulate my menstrual cycle, I consulted a gynecologist on April 29.
I informed the doctor of my health status, and he recommended that I use oral contraceptives to regulate my menstrual cycle and for contraception.
He advised me to purchase a specific brand of oral contraceptives from a nearby pharmacy.
My period started on April 28, and I began taking the contraceptive pill the day after.
After finishing the first pack, I started experiencing significant side effects the next day, including insomnia, headaches, and nausea.
I consulted another gynecologist, who mentioned that my body was just adjusting.
The pharmacy where I purchased the pills provided me with anti-nausea medication to take alongside the contraceptives.
Although the nausea has decreased due to the medication, I have started experiencing chest tightness and dizziness.
The side effects have severely impacted my daily life.
I would like to know if I can stop taking the pills on my own given my current condition, or if I should switch to another brand of contraceptive.
Additionally, if my menstrual cycle is irregular, can I use an intrauterine device (IUD) for contraception? Would the side effects of the IUD be as pronounced as those of the oral contraceptives? Thank you for addressing my questions!

ting, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/05/03

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

I have never taken oral contraceptives before, and my menstrual cycle has been irregular since menarche.
During health check-ups in high school and college, I had slightly elevated cholesterol levels.
My weight is approximately 45 kg and my height is 156 cm.
Due to contraceptive needs and the desire to regulate my menstrual cycle, I consulted a gynecologist on April 29.
I informed the doctor of my physical condition, and he recommended that I use oral contraceptives to regulate my menstrual cycle and for contraception.
He advised me to purchase a specific brand of oral contraceptives from a nearby pharmacy.
My menstrual period started on April 28, and I began taking the contraceptive pills the following day.
After finishing the first pack, I started experiencing significant side effects the next day, including poor sleep, headaches, and nausea.
I consulted another gynecologist, who mentioned that my body was adjusting to the medication.
The pharmacy where I purchased the pills provided me with anti-nausea medication to take alongside the contraceptives.
Although the nausea has decreased due to the medication, I have started to experience chest tightness and dizziness.
The side effects have severely impacted my daily life.

I would like to ask the doctor if I can stop taking the pills on my own given my current condition, or if I can switch to another brand of contraceptive pills.
Additionally, if my menstrual cycle is irregular, can I consider using an intrauterine device (IUD) for contraception? Will the side effects of the IUD be as pronounced as those of the oral contraceptives?
Answer: If your body cannot tolerate oral contraceptives, you may consider using an IUD.

Reply Date: 2019/05/03

More Info

When considering the use of contraceptive pills like Esmya, it's essential to understand both their intended effects and potential side effects. Esmya, primarily used for managing uterine fibroids, is not a traditional contraceptive pill but may have implications for menstrual regulation and fertility. However, your concerns about side effects and the impact on your daily life are valid and warrant careful consideration.

Firstly, the side effects you are experiencing—insomnia, headaches, nausea, chest tightness, and dizziness—are not uncommon when starting hormonal contraceptives. These medications work by altering hormone levels in the body, which can lead to various side effects as your body adjusts. While some individuals may experience mild side effects that resolve within a few weeks, others may find them more severe and disruptive to their daily lives.

If you find that the side effects are significantly impacting your quality of life, it is crucial to consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication regimen. Stopping the medication abruptly without medical advice is not recommended, as it can lead to withdrawal symptoms or a return of the symptoms the medication was intended to manage. Your healthcare provider can assess your situation and determine whether it is appropriate to switch to a different brand of contraceptive pill or consider alternative methods of contraception.

Regarding your question about using an intrauterine device (IUD) for contraception, it is indeed a viable option, especially for individuals with irregular menstrual cycles. IUDs can provide effective long-term contraception and may even help regulate menstrual cycles for some users. However, the side effects associated with IUDs can differ from those of hormonal contraceptives. Some users may experience cramping, heavier menstrual bleeding, or spotting, particularly in the initial months after insertion. It is essential to discuss these potential side effects with your healthcare provider to determine if an IUD is suitable for you.

In summary, while Esmya and other contraceptive pills can be effective for managing menstrual irregularities and providing contraception, they can also lead to side effects that may affect your daily life. If you are experiencing significant side effects, it is essential to communicate this with your healthcare provider. They can help you navigate your options, whether that means adjusting your current medication, switching to a different contraceptive method, or considering an IUD. Your health and comfort should always be the priority in any treatment plan.

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