Question:
Has anyone tried the new Seasonale birth control pills? Have you gained weight on it

I just got a new perscription for Seasonale birth control pills. I was wondering if anyone has tried them & if they gained weight on it? If you did gain weight what b/c pill have you found works best for you with the battle to gain weight? Thanks for your input!    — Allison T. (posted on April 28, 2004)

April 28, 2004
I think most any birth control pills out there can cause weight gain. Have you considered getting an IUD (Intrauterine Device) instead?
   — Teresa Green

April 28, 2004
I used the patch for about 6 months. I didn't gain any weight but I also didn't lose any either. When I stopped using it, I lost 5 pounds really fast. However, the patch is really only effective for people who weigh less then 198 pounds.
   — Patty H.

April 29, 2004
I was told that oral contraceptives are not recommended for gastric bypass patients because of absorbtion. I have been on the patch for only a few weeks thus far and have noticed no change in my weight loss pattern. I have lost 5lbs in those two weeks. I think everyone is different. I have not heard anything about the patch being only effective for those under a certain weight. My gyn also recommended the Nuva-ring. might be something to look in to. Good luck.
   — Michelle B.

May 1, 2004
OB/GYN Nurse Practitioner weighting in here. #1)I have searched high and low and have found no evidence that we cannnot use the pill and I have consulted many experts. #2)The pill, patch and Nuva Ring all have the same two hormones. Approx. 3 lbs of increased (fluid) weight can be expected and, as proved earlier, when you stop the meds you urinate it out. #3) The patch is less effective for birth control if you weight over 198 lbs. If you are taking it for that reason and you still want to use it, just add a spermacide. I like VCF (Vaginal Contraceptive Film) b/c it is a film and is not messy. #4) Seasonale is not the only game in town. If you are currently on a pill you like, just skip the inactive pills in three packs and you have it.
   — Kerijohnson

May 3, 2004
I began yasmin in August, 2004. I had no problems with Yasmin, but began Seasonale in March because I liked the idea of fewer periods. However, I did not like Seasonale. I had night sweats, and my appetite increased dramatically. I HAD been steadily losing since my lap rny in July 2002 until I started Seasonale, and then I began gaining. Although it was only 4 to 5 pounds, it did freak me out. I stopped the Seasonale after three weeks, and then spotted for three weeks before I got my period. I am back on Yasmin, and very happy with it.
   — juvpd