Hana pill and migraines

Hana was my first experience of taking a contraceptive at the age of 33. It was generally a positive experience. It really reduced the PMDD symptoms I was experiencing and made the week before my period more manageable. My period was lighter and less painful overall. There were some negatives,my sex drive completely disappeared and I experienced vaginal dryness. My periods were less regular and sometimes I would have two back to back with just a few days in between. Because they were so light it wasn't a huge problem. The biggest issue was I realised that in balancing out my hormonal mood swings it felt like it had gone too far and I was overall emotionally flat. I realised that I wasn't really myself, it was subtle and it took me a while to realise.

It started off well 3 weeks no bleeding then a light period for a week, mood was more mellow and just abit lower, no sex drive at all. Started second pack and had a week no bleeding at beginning and 3 weeks non stop bleeding to the point I just finished my lst pill and I’m giving up. I currently have another migraine and bleeding is getting heavier again I have no sex drive my mood is mellow in a way I’m just so frustrated about the bleeding it just making me feel gross so my mood is getting worse by the day . I think all mini pills are like this with me I tried another one three years ago and had similar side effects. Definately not for me. If I didn’t get the headaches still and had less bleeding maybe I’ll stick with it but maybe some women are just not meant for this synthetic hormone pill.

I deeply appreciate the ease it took for me to get this medication. The pharmacist helped me understand what I was getting, and the pharmacist was so kind and helping ease my fears. She actually recommended that I go to my GP if I want to remain on this medication because the GP can prescribe it for free. The side effects were horrific and got worse the longer I was on them. I got halfway through my second pack before I genuinely couldn't do it anymore. I was sweating so much I was having to shower three times a day, my tummy was hard and distended. My anxiety got so bad I couldn't bring myself to even open my curtains and I couldn't even self-soothe. I was writing on a whiteboard and my head felt it was about to explode. Multiple times it felt like my eyes were coming up from my socket (this side effect is not written on any slip and I believe it is described as having difficulty putting contact lenses in, I don't wear contact lenses but my eyes fell out they were coming out) I thought after I finished my first month things would get easier, They didn't The side effects just got worse and worse and worse. To the point I was considering calling for an ambulance because I had a severe migraine with an aura that lasted for 3 days (I have not experienced one since stopping Hana) Just because Hana doesn't work for you don't write off all birth control. After some trial and error I have found something that works for me. I am sad that Hana caused me so much grief because it fitted in so well with my lifestyle, being able to walk into any pharmacy and getting it over the counter.