Eloine pill and vaginal dryness

I’ve been taking this pill only for a month so far but it’s a whole lot better than the previous pill i was taking a year ago (rigevidon) first few days of this pill i noticed i was a bit more emotional and irritated but it went away in a week i think i was just getting used to it. I have gained a little bit of weight but nothing too significant however i think that might just be because of my diet. My breasts have gotten bigger but they’re very tender hopefully that goes away a bit as i continue taking it. Slight loss of sex drive but not complete loss and a bit of vaginal dryness but it’s not too bad. I’ve gotten a few spots on my forehead but this could just be a result of my diet or travel and they’re only tiny for now but i’ll see how that goes. Overall pleasantly surprised at my experience so far compared to the absolutely demonic pill i was on previously, would recommend x

I started taking this medication after doing research into combined pills. I started birth control from pre-teen age and had bad experiences, especially related to low mood, anxiety and depressive symptoms (using cerzette and logynon). I wanted to find a pill which would not affect my mental health, but would improve my acne, lessen menstrual symptoms and be effective as a contraception. I came across Yaz, which was discontinued so requested this alternative from my GP. My doctor warned me about increased blood pressure, which I have experienced but I'm still in the normal range. I have gained weight on this pill, but I have also gone through the later stages of puberty while using this pill (so my body has changed anyway). I may have gained weight for other reasons, but I have noticed my appetite increase. Compared to other pills, the notable effects on mood were probably external environmental factors rather than due to the pill. I do experience anxiety anyway. After being on this pill for about 3 years, which included the coming out of lockdown phase, I would say my mental health is now stable and I'm still using this pill. In terms of sex drive, it has decreased slightly, but this could be due to being in a long-term relationship too/other environmental factors. My skin has significantly cleared. I choose to not take the break on this pill, which I did double check with a doctor about. I wouldn't do this without checking. I have experienced breakthrough bleeding as a result of this, but it stops if I take the pill consistently every day at exactly the same time. I have never been pregnant while on this pill and plan to stay on it. Overall, at 19, I feel I am very stable, mentally and in terms of menstruation. I would recommend it. I do advise trial and error as birth control effects everyone differently :)

Dr Fran recommended this pill as an option to help me manage my pain levels without affecting my mental health. I have suspected endometriosis and some significant mental health issues too. Prior to trying this pill, I was at my wits end. I was in severe pain every day with frequent flare ups leaving me stuck in bed or throwing up for hours on end. I’d tried a few GP prescribed pills which had been devastating for my mental and physical health. My appointment with Dr Fran was a last attempt to try hormonal methods of management. Overall the experience has been positive. Dr Fran recommended I take the pill continuously for as long as my body could tolerate to a maximum of three months. Half way through month two I had break through bleeding for a few days so took a 4 day pill break. I’m now trialling a two month continuous cycle with a 4 day break. I can definitely feel period like symptoms as my hormone levels change. And I can tell when my body needs a break - my endometriosis symptoms push back through but after a break they abate again. It’ll take some playing around with to get it right but I feel positive that this could be a long term solution to improve my quality of life. Side effects have occurred but nothing significant really. I’ve definitely had a slightly lower libido. Otherwise I’ve noted some vaginal dryness/soreness. This seems to be easing up now I’m into my 4th (ish) month of taking this pill. The only side effect that is proving to be quite a problem for me is hormonal mouth ulcers/mouth soreness. This has never been a problem for me until now so has most definitely been brought on by this pill. They seem to occur mid-way through each packet but do stick around for a good week or two so it feels like I have them a lot. They are rather painful and nothing really helps to get rid of them quickly or to relive the pain. I am hoping this will also abate once I settle into a routine with how I take this pill. I plan on booking an appointment to discuss it and get some further advice. Compared to the pain I was in, this is minor but it is starting to get me down. My mental health has actually been more stable on this pill which was unexpected! I haven’t gained any weight despite having more of an appetite. I actually think I’ve lost a little weight. Regardless, I actually feel better about my body than I have in years. I’m recovered from anorexia and have avoided looking at myself for years. Since being on this pill I seem to see my body differently and have way more positive days than negative. I do get bloated still but not as often as I did. Planning to keep going with this pill - huge thank you to Dr Fran for validating my pain and making me feel like I was worth listening to.