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This consumer's report: Seasonale
November 27, 2004
I’ve been on various birth control pills for about five years now. I started out on OrthoTricyclen, probably one of the more popular pills because it is low in estrogen (which does not make it any less effective) and can also help to reduce acne. The big side effect it had on me was that it make my D-cup tits grow another cup size - and it also made them weirdly firm and painful to the touch. So Ortho didn’t last too long. I then switched very happily to another low-estrogen pill, Alesse, which I was on until last spring, when Seasonale made is debut on the scene.
Before Seasonale, I’d done a bit of research (though this article is almost taken word-for-word from a Seasonale press release, for the skeptical) on continuous birth control, and had been taking Alesse continuously for sixth months, with a break every three (after consulting with my doctor of course). This means I wasn’t using the period break of a week of sugar pills, and so menstruating less often. Seasonale is a pill that you take continously, taking a break to menstruate every three months - and though many women take other pills continuously and have for years with the blessings of their doctors, Seasonale is the first to be advertised and packaged this way.
There has been a lot of hype and fear about how continuous birth control just isn’t natural - well folks, there are a hell of a lot of unnatural things we do to our bodies (like, oh, consume dairy products and genetically altered foods), so to this I will say - do your research and pick your poisons. The big arugument for continuous birth control and the realignment of thoughts around this issue is the fact that when the Pill was developed in the late 1950s, it was created to give women their period for espoused “cultural reason” and these have stuck. Seasonale is definitely awesome for women with dsymenorrhea (extremely painful periods) and has also been recommended for sufferers of endometriosis. And of course it’s great for girls like me, who just dislike having the monthly visit from Aunt Flo.
My first three month cycle of Seasonale was ok - I had some spotting during the last three weeks but then I had a horrendous period, with heavier bleeding than I’ve had before. I’ve just completed the second cycle, and this time around was much better. I had some premenstrual cramping but I’m totally spoiled by the rarity of my period, so you should probably shouldn’t listen to me about that. As any new pill, it’s supposed to take two cycles for your body to adjust.
I would say that the biggest argument against trying Seasonale - other than being suspicious of it generally, which is reason enough if that’s how you feel - is the price. I believe the sticker price is $120 for a three month pack, though most major health insurance carriers are now covering part of the expense (cost to you $60 on Oxford, $50 on Aetna). Depending on what your prescription copay is, it might not be financially worth it. The other option, which is how I got on it, is asking your ob-gyn for a sample pack or two, as most docs are interested in hearing feedback and can hook you up (I speak from experience on that one).
Anyway, since I know a lot of women are curious about Seasonale but don’t know a lot of ladies on it, I thought I’d share my experiences. But remember: these are my experiences, and someone with a different set of hormones will likely have a different experience (which I’m happy to hear about). Consult your doctor and all that responsible stuff.
Posted by Dacia at November 27, 2004 02:40 AM
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