Changing from combined to mini pill

[purplek1]

Has anybody had experience in changing from the combined pill to the mini pill? I have been on the combined pill for the past 15+ years as treatment both pre & post surgery and now my Dr has suggested the change but I am worried about how this may affect me.

[Boxclever1]

I haven't, but I'm interested in any answers because I'm thinking of switching (due to my age - 44). Having said that, my GP said they are happy to continue prescribing the combined pill until menopause so I'm torn. I've had a great response with the combibed pill (been on it since March) - I'm entirely pain free and its actually shrunk the size of my endometrioma over that time so I don't want to risk a switch to the mini pill that wont work, but I am also concerned about the increased clots and breast cancer risk from the combined pill...

How old are you and why does your GP want you to switch?

[purplek1 in reply to Boxclever1]

I am 35 and they have suggested the swap due to my age and risk factors, apparently 35 is the magic number! I think both pills have advantages and disadvantages. The combined pill has generally worked for me in helping to control the pain but it sounds like my long term use of it may also be a factor.

[astrocat]

I used to be on femodette (combined) but was getting terrible pain still, and a lot of breakthrough bleeding when I took it continuously. Then my consultant put me on desogestrel (mini), about 3 months ago. At first I got terrible side effects - nausea, breast pain, spots, mood swings. Now, it has mostly settled down (except the breast pain which still comes and goes). The really good thing on this pill is that I have much less pain, and it is also supposed to help slow the growth of endo/cysts which reassures me. The first couple of months I had one week of light period followed by 3 weeks with no bleeding. The third month I've been bleeding most days, but only very very lightly. This is overall an improvement on where I was before, so I'm quite happy with it. I think the Mirena would potentially suit me better, but I am scared about having it put in... Just my experiences but hope it helps 🙂 If you are going to try desogestrel, I recommend persevering through the first month or two.

[purplek1 in reply to astrocat]

Thanks, it does help 😊 its a big decision in my treatment so all advice is good advice!

I have never had the Mirena so can't offer any advice but if you think it may be the best option for you I would go ahead with it.

[astrocat in reply to purplek1]

Yeah, part of me thinks I should just stop being a wimp. But also don't want to do something that might make things worse... And I'm waiting for surgery (don't have a date yet), when they could put it in while I'm asleep - that's much more appealing, but could be a long way off

Good luck with your decision. xx

[purplek1 in reply to astrocat]

Its always tough to work out what will be for the best. Fingers crossed you won't have to wait too long for surgery x