First period on progesterone only pill

[endo_the_stigma]

Hey everyone💗

I was put on Desogestrel (the progesterone only pill) around 2.5 weeks ago to help 'manage' my endo while I wait for surgery and I would normally be due on my period in a few days time but I'm not really sure what to expect now I'm on the POP. My consultant said that I won't bleed and my pain should be almost non existent but I don't tend to take their word as gospel anymore so I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions as to what I should expect with my first period?

I have been having my usual PMS symptoms that I normally get in the lead up to my period (cramping, sore boobs, frequent urination, fatigue, headaches etc etc) so I don't feel any different than normal and am worried that my period will be the same as normal even on the pill. I am very aware that everyone is different but it doesn't hurt to be prepared for any scenario...

Any experiences to share would be much appreciated 😘

[Leahgal]

Hey there. I started on the progesterone only pill back in December and I am still having periods and breakthrough bleeding sadly. It has also not helped at all with my pain. I was told that if it helps, it would take a few months.

I hope you feel some benefit and perhaps your experience is different to mine.

Best wishes.

[Starry1977]

my periods are lighter but still same length. I never got very painful periods but it as eased the week I ovulate. I haven’t been on it long enough yet though to give it a proper review.

[siob96]

Hey! Yeah doctors seem to tell everyone they will stop bleeding completely even though that’s often not the case! I started the pill early December and have had two periods since. They’ve lasted longer (around 12 days) but the bleeding has been less. I’ve been cramping but it’s been bearable and much less intense than it was pre-pill. Hoping this stops eventually once my body is full used to the pill, but if not i’ll still probably keep going with it as I can’t deal with the intense period I used to have! Hope it works for you ☺️

[KiwiCookie]

Hi,

I’m keen to find out other people’s experiences too! I’ve been on Desogestrel as well for nearly a month on top of a mirena coil. I was supposed to start my period 3 days ago and haven’t yet, but I’ve been having my usual pre-period symptoms like cramps, more general body pain and headaches. I figured it would take a little bit of time to have some effect but it just feels like a waiting game now seeing if a period happens or not.

Wish you luck!

[Audrey4]

Hello,

I have taken Cerazette (Desogestrel) in the past and it completely stopped my period after a couple months. I didn’t have any period for 1,5 year until I stopped taking the pill.

I hope you feel better soon.

Audrey

[Gosia360]

Hi, I've been on Desogestrel for nearly 2 years and it's been a game changer for me. Before I had regular but very painful and heavy periods lasting 7 days. Since starting on the pill they've become light with little pain, although very irregular. Couple of times they've been over two months apart, other times every month. The pill helped me a lot with endo symptoms.

[Rainbow2468]

Hi I was on it for 11 weeks and I'd had enough only had one bleed free week, now in prostrap injections. Hope it works for you though x

[Avourneen]

It works for some women but not for others. Initially it made me bleed much mor ebut my specialist said I should yake a double dose, after about two months it stopped my periods completely and it has made so much difference to my life. Before I was unable to walk or get out of bed at all when i had my period, now no problem no period for four years. I think a lot of people give up because they aren't told about the double dose or they don't give it enough time to settle. It takes about 3 months.For the lady below try asking about the double dose or just try it yourself the breajkthrough bleeeding completely stopped for me.

[zytajones]

I was on Desogestrel for nearly a year, while waiting for a surgery. It made wonders to my pain. I had my life back

But I had to take double dosage as otherwise I was spotting all the time. Double dose stopped my period completely.

I also totally second Avourneen's comment. We need to wait a bit longer then 1 month to see the effects of the pill.

[ThinkitsEndo]

Been on it for nearly 4weeks, big difference in pain and period is a steadier flow and spread out over 5 days instead of the usual pouring out of me the first 2 days. Period was a week early though and unfortunately still getting the break through bleeding on and off.

As others have sad, hoping more time on it makes a difference. Good luck!

[endo_the_stigma]

Thank you all for sharing, I really appreciate it😊 Hopefully it will work for me and not cause further problems🤞

[Parys156]

hey,

I started on desogestrel in December with them saying it should stop my periods as the merina coil I have fitted hasn’t. I’ve had two periods since and still experiencing the same pain! I have a follow up in 6 months time so hoping by then they have stopped as she told me I’m too young (21) for the surgery and she wouldn’t feel comfortable doing it…. I feel lost at what to do if it doesn’t stop them and the pain!

[endo_the_stigma in reply to Parys156]

Oh babe thats so rubbish I'm sorry However, you are not too young for the surgery... my 18 year old cousin had a laparoscopy last year and I have read other people's stories that they had it done before the age of 20 so I would maybe seek a second opinion if you can? Or if you can afford to have a private consultation, even better, and they might refer you for the surgery on the NHS (that's what they did with me) xx

[Kirsty7]

I’ve been on desogestrel 15 months. It took 10 months to stop my periods. I still have daily pain but much less severe. I still get the usually cycle pains, tender breasts etc and have had 2 episodes of light spotting that have lasted two weeks. Much more bearable than my periods before the pill. My consultant said it would take a good 6 months to work well. I have severe endo, my uterus and fallopian tubes are attached to my sigmoid colon, multiple small fibroids, adenomyosis and endometrioma. Had a small polyp removed before starting the desogestrel.

[endo_the_stigma in reply to Kirsty7]

Oh wow, your consultant sounds like they’re much more clued up than mine🙄 I have come on my period today (2 days late) and so far it’s not great but better than normal although the first day isn’t always the worst for me so just gonna see how I get on and hope for the best! My consultant basically said that if I bleed and have pain on this pill then I don’t have endo🙃🙃 slightly concerning because my private consultant MRI diagnosed my endo and adeno so I don’t know why the NHS consultant seems completely clueless but hey ho🤣 glad to hear it’s working for you lovely💗

[Avourneen in reply to endo_the_stigma]

That's really stupid as almost everyone has breakthrough bleeding on this pill for 3 -4 months. Seriously who are these "consultants" are you sure she is a real consultant not a junior doctor standing in for a consultant?

[Avourneen]

It takes about 3 months on this pill for the bleeding to stop, your doc should have told you this. For some people it doesn't stop then and the doc will double your dose I did this and I have not had any bleeding now for four years, but it is not instant it takes a while and women often need to double the dose It has totally stopped my bleeding and massively reduced my pain but loads of people don't get the double it advice and they give up due to constant breakthrough bleeding. It can work really well for some people, the different pills have really different effects on different people. Give it time and if it still doesn't work check about the double dose.