Marvelon pill and lighter periods

I came on this pill after being on Lucette for many years but I didn't get on with anymore. I did a lot of research as I originally used Lucette to help my acne, which it did but eventually turned me into a crazy emotional monster. Marvelon was a welcome change! I felt so in control of my emotions and actually felt like a normal human! I had no real major side effects apart from one. Around month 2-3 of taking this pill, I developed a hive like rash on my neck/chest that eventually spread to my whole body. I was so self-conscious and taking anti-histamines like tic-tacs. I consulted my doctor and pharmacist but they didn't really care, just told me to keep taking anti-histamines, so I did. Around month 5 I randomly had a brain-wave and realised the timing on my hives was extremely suspicious considering at this point I'd been covered head to toe for about 2 months. Sure enough, I checked the leaflet and 'hive-like rash' was a rare symptom. I stopped taking this pill and within a month my hives had disappeared. Really weird - but that was my only issue. I'm really sad about it too because everything else about this pill was amazing for me.

The only reason I came off marvelon is because my boobs were so sore whilst using it. I had some mild cramping when starting this pill but that soon resolved. The sore boobs were a dealbreaker for me unfortunately, so I switched to mercilon, the same ingredients just less oestrogen and now no boob pain!

I was recommended “marvellous” Marvelon by an NHS women’s health nurse when I was 23 and looking for a pill that would t leave me moody with breakthrough bleeding. 36 years later (!!) I’m still taking it. I now run it on every month so zero bleeding. Every few months I’ll skip a day to see if I still ovulate (and I do). After 10 years (age 33) I stopped it to conceive. Ovulated the first month (I get distinct ov pain) and resumed regular cycles immediately. I conceived 2 months later. After my second baby I had a Mirena which was fine but couldn’t get the little wire sitting there out of my head so had it removed and went back on Marvelon. So all up about 5 years off. Hairdresser noticed my hair thickened up (after loosing lots postnatal).again I noticed no side effects apart from no ov pain. I’m planning to stay on it until my early 50s or so and will then consider HRT options. So I’m very happy with my oestrogen topped up! I’ve had zero negative symptoms and am a very well, fit, optimistic and thriving GenXer!! Marvellous.