Combined pill vs Patch

I was tri-cycling this pill and passed a a decidual cast after the first 6 weeks with no bleeding ( was not painful to pass). My periods were lighter when breaking between 3 packs. I did get some breakthrough bleeding during my second tri-cycle. I had really tender breasts in the first few months with some breast enlargement but that passed and no other issues.

I was switched from taking the Yasmin pill to Dretine. I was told they had the exact same hormones. I have polycystic ovaries and Yasmin had been working perfectly for me. The first few months on Dretine were hell. I became severely depressed. Crying every day, anxious and mood swings. This lasted 2-3 months. This did get better. But it shouldn’t be the case that you have to go through this when taking the pill. I’ve taken the pill in different ways to help control pain and breakthrough bleeding but nothing something seems to stop the breakthrough bleeding. It’s always dark brown and clots. I also experienced a major increase in my blood pressure. My skin has been clear and pain levels are low.

I didn't start it on day 1 of my period. So this month I got my period anyway. I went to my GP (who prescribed it to me) and we determined it's my period due to timing, consistency etc. Good to note however that since I took it to control menhorragia. 10 days into taking it, my cycle lengthened to a week (minus spotting) and it's a lot less heavy than I know it. I'm hoping to feel better next month and thinking to skip the placebo entirely but I was told it can lengthen the spotting/breakthrough bleeds. There doesn't seem to be a right or wrong. Just trial and error then adjust. Note : Don't take it mid cycle. Take it as they tell you day 1 of your period. I did this because of severe reasons at the time and was also very sick. I hoped it would prevent the usual mess. In a way I succeeded somehow, just not the way I'd have liked. But then I'm too hard on myself too.

I was really getting on with the patch, ive been on it since 2024 and was on it previously for a couple years. But the last few months ive been really suffering which the patch is definitely contributing to. The last few periods I have been experiencing migraines with aura, I've been getting a lot of brown bleeding, the fatigue is unbearable and I almost passed out. Since ive been experiencing these side effects the last few months, I noticed lumps in my breast around the same time and I have just been diagnosed with fibrocystic tissue disease, which the hormones in the patch is not helping. I also experience a lot of breakthrough bleeding and bleeding after sex since being on the patch. Although, my periods are a lot lighter but I still bleed for 7 days. The period pains have not been as severe as they would be off the patch. It has definitely helped my pcos and adenomyosis.

I started using the Evra patch for my hormones. Before, I experienced frequent shifts in emotions within just a few minutes, including crying for no particular reason and then feeling fine 10 seconds later. I was advised to wear the patch continuously. Once I began, I found my symptoms were not too severe; they included back pain and cramps, some spotting, feeling nauseous but vomiting a few times a month during the first few months. I have now been on the patch continuously for six months, and I no longer experience any symptoms. My mood can sometimes drop randomly, but overall, I have no regrets about starting the patch.

No side effects

noticed that the side effects were less or more intense depending on where i put the patch on my body. i used to have it on my arm and had intense nausea nonstop and after putting on my hip/ bum it stopped. also cystitis symptoms however i’m not sure if they are related

Started taking the Evra patch to help regulating my hormones and to help with bad health anxiety. The 3rd day I had it on resulted in me taking the patch off straight away due to immense nausea, panic, shaking and complete loss of appetite. 3 months later my hormones have been worse than ever with random crying and anxiety increasing throughout my cycle.

Overall good birth control. I do get random cramps throughout the day ever since I started it and my skin is irritated and itchy where I place my patch.

Overall good, so far effective. But my periods are a lot heavier and a lot more painful. Tender breasts for at least half of the month and random cramps throughout the month even when I’m not on my period.

I got pregnant twice in 3 months…

The Evra patch has been a good choice for me so far, and it’s my first time on birth control! I would say the only downfall is around the edge of the patch gets dirty from adhesive, and that it’s nerve racking to swim a lot in fear it will come off! I went on vacation and was nervous but I used a tagaderm to keep it on when swimming!

The patch made me feel extremely unwell. I had nausea, heavy headed feeling, headaches, tiredness, sweating and soreness where the patch was placed. I ended up removing it before 24 hours was up because I couldn't sleep and felt so out of sorts.