Meee tooo! I found the first episode and it actually inspired me to come off the pill which then resulted in me discovering a lot about my body that the pill was hiding/covering up-I am so grateful that I found Hannah because I don't think I'd be where I am today if I hadn't decided to come off the pill like she did
Just good advice: Sync up stopping/starting hormonal birth control with your period! I once stopped my birth control (nuvaring, because of returning infection) abruptly and my gynaecologist kindly scolded me that you are not supposed to do that. SO always stop taking birth control when you run out of your pills AND always start when you start your period (Its even in the manual).
Yeah that is definitely why the 13 day thing is happening. And yes check in with your doctor just in case! I had a similar thing happen when I went off the pill and back on the pill.
Madilyn Rose Not definitely but probably, yes. I went on the pill on the first day of my period but I still had the same thing as Hannah, although I did it "right".
I'm glad that you've kinda changed your view on the hormone thing because as someone who takes the pill, I kind of feel a bit guilty or shamed almost by people telling me how much "better" I'd be off without hormones. Let people put what they want in their own body.
My gyno put me on the pill 2 months ago, because I have severe dysmenorrhea and we don't know from what yet (PCOS rulled out for now, kinda normal hormone levels, no cysts, getting tested in September for endometriosis, by an endocrinologist, and my GP just mentioned tilted uterus - which my mum has - so gonna ask about that too next time), and I have to say I kinda LOVE the pill. I'm on a 21 pill, 7 day stop, cycle, I bleed for a few days, thankfully not as heavy as I used to, AND without hardly any pain, my mood doesn't change as much, I'm much calmer, and I even lost weight. So for me, it probably tipped my hormones in a way better direction.
Réka Kis hey, can you tell me more about the tilted uterus thing? i know mine's tilted as well, i read online that this may be the cause of severe pain, but my doctor told me it doesn't cause pain at all and i dont know what to believe :/
GP told me that it very well can be the reason, specially because my cramps mostly paired with pain in my lower back. I couldn't get an appointment with my gyno since then to talk about it, but every site tells that bad cramps are often paired with it, specially if it's connected to something back there (endometriosis can cause that), if it's just tilted back, you have a good chance that it will be back to "normal" after a child birth. Although my mum's gyno noticed hers after her second birth (she visited her doctor regularly, and this was her 4th pregnancy, but still). If you can, maybe get a second opinion from another doctor?
My uterus is tilted backwards and doesn't cause me any pain at all. I think it really depends on the person and their specific circumstances like their other conditions and things like that.
I don't know if this is for me or the other commenter but thanks anyways. I know the best way is a laparoscopy, but although it's a tiny scar, it's still quite a big surgery, which I'll only do if I am having infertility problems in the future, till then if it's not getting worse even while on birth control, I just don't want to do the surgery if they don't advise it strongly
Thank you so much for doing the hormone diaries. I'm a cis gay guy and this type of information is so fascinating to me bc, as you can imagine, there is not much period talk or mentions arround me (except for my friends with vaginas). It was very useful to listen to someone like you Hannah who explains in detail what is going on down there so that, not only ppl with periods, but ppl like me, are able to understand what is actually going on in those moments and the moments in between. I hope you can bring other people to tell us their stories and experiences with their periods and contraception methods.
My best friend has a coil so I can tell you a lil' bit about it (from what I've heard from her): * The putting in didn't hurt as much (just for a lil') * Her body was confused and she had period-like stomach aches on and off for one month * She first had a period but now barely (her body is adjusting to the hormones, it's been 5/6 months) * She loves it and can recommend it to everyone now * It just hurts for a little while, the stomach aches are manageble and you can't tell the hormones (at least she couldn't in behavoir, skin and weight etc.) Hope this helps!? I love this series, you're doing a great job with these (& your other videos too, of couse). x I
I wasn't going to comment but after reading some comments, I realized that I'm on a type of birth control that no one else has mentioned. I've been using the patch for almost three years. When I started, I was nervous about inserting the ring and I didn't want to take a pill everyday so I went for the patch. It's been working for me since I haven't gotten pregnant, my periods are lighter and I have less cramps. I've been thinking about a hormonal IUD for a while now because I'm really sick of having a sticker on my body all the time. The one thing that is stopping me is the cost.
I used to be on the same pill you are on due to really really heavy and painful periods and I ended up coming off of it because I had constant spotting which turned into full on bleeding (the same amount as you'd have with a medium flow) which carried on for 3 months until I decided enough was enough and came off of that pill. I'm now on the combined pill and have been for the past 10 months and I'm loving life! I have no complaints whatsoever, best thing I ever did!
I was on the pill for a good 4 years, tried being free of hormones. I decided to get the Mirena and it is so worth it, the pain when being put in is horrid, BUT I've had practically no side effects and NO PERIODS- which for me is just grand. Girls, don't let the initial pain put you off, its so worth it! I know not having a period is scary, but I always keep some cheap pregnancy tests (they're all the same) and use one every 3 months so i know I'm definitely not pregnant!
I was surprised that you didn't start your pill again on your first day of your period. I hope that you find your new chapter with your hormones and periods (or lack of) more empowering. Good luck. Keep us updated. X
Hey Hannah! I'm very sorry that going off the pill didn't work out for you! I came off my hormonal contraceptive this year's February, and have been feeling much better ever since. Good luck with everything!
I just got a hormonal coil and I LOVE it so far. It stopped my period like, right away, and I haven't noticed any major symptoms or anything. Would recommend the coil!!!! It was pretty painful getting it in (and I had bad cramping for about a day after) but the pain was like, 15 seconds, and for 3 years of not thinking about my contraceptive, I'd say it's so worth it!
I feel you, Hannah. I was on yasmin for about 10 years (because of endometriosis) and had no problems. Then, like yourself, I wanted to try being off the hormones and got horrible acne as a result. Dealt with that for about 3 months and then surrendered and tried cerazette - as it can be taken without breaks and I thought that was a huge plus (having horrible cramps and all that). What followed were the worst months of my life. I basically bled exactly like you did, but for almost FOUR...MONTHS...STRAIGHT! I was starting to lose my mind in the end. Finally gave up and tried the shot (depo-provera). That ended up giving me random spotting for about 4-5 months (but still a lot less than cerazette did). Finally (FINALLY!) my body seems to be getting used to the shot and has stopped bleeding. Have been fine for the past couple of months and hope it lasts. So yeah, birth control can be a b*tch. And it can take a LONG time for your body to adjust. But in the end it's all worth it. I guess... ;) P.S. Love this series and I actually started watching it because of my birth control troubles. Keep up the good work, Hannah :)
Congrats on going a year off the pill! I will be a year off the pill myself next month! I'm actually loving being off the pill again & having a monthly cycle. I plan on staying off the pill for now & not sure if or when I will go back on it.
Happy One Year!! Because of the hormone diaries I've already had a consultation and a failed try (my fault) to get the mirena coil fitted. For five-fifteen minutes of pain it seems more than worth it! Hopefully I will finally be able to get it fitted at Christmas! Thanks for this series though Hannah, it's been super fun and informative and I have recommended it to several friend who are interested in going hormone free. Best of luck with the rest of your hormone journey x
This series is one of the best I've encountered and even though I don't experience the same symptons as you on my period I do know what you mean by stress! It's obviously a great privilige we get to choose how we want to handle our period and contraception, but it brings much more stress than anticipated.. Trying to find out what works for you and your body is difficult! Thank you for showing me that it's not just me struggling with that!
I pretty much did the same as you. took a year of cerelle and then went back on it 6 months ago. Then same, spotting and bleeds in between period , but I'm 6 months in and the past 2 ish months have been bliss!!!!! Literally no bleeding, feeling great and NO PAIN!!! hope things go back how they were for you x
The constant bleeding is what happens most of the time with progesterone only birth control. Everyone I've known whose gotten the implanon (progesterone only) including myself has had light or even heavy bleeding for a few months. This spotting stopped around 5 months after I got the implanon and I've now been period free for 2 years! It can be difficult to get through this time but its definitely worth it
Hi Hannah! I just went back on the pill after a few years and have had something similar. I had such a weird period! Before I started taking the pill I was late (which was worrying) and then had some light spotting, so started taking my pill. Then had a few days of nothing. And then I had the looooooongest period, between 2 and 3 weeks. It has been so frustrating! I've been worried that I'm really ill and that my pill may not be working because my cycle was all over the place and I may not have started taking it on the right day. Has anyone else had this problem?! Thank you so much for making this, you've put my mind at ease that I'm not alone!
I've had the Mirena for over a year now and I love it! The higher hormone doses of the pill always messed with my emotions, but on the Mirena I don't have that issue at all. The first few months on the Mirena were quite painful (but I was recovering from surgery at the same time, so not everyone's experience). I'm definitely aware of my cycle more on the Mirena even though I don't bleed, but I can't see myself trying any other method because this one works so well. Also, you can definitely use a menstrual cup with the Mirena, especially if you get the string from the bottom of the Mirena cut off.
Hey Hannah! I'm on Cerazette as well, only since October 2016. I bled for a good month before the periods really stopped. It just takes a few months for your body to adjust (days of spotting now and then) and it'll be all worth it again! Its great not to have unbearable pain and periods! Life is so much easier now.
THANK YOU for making this series! I'm 17 right now and am on a similar pill to yours (also not combined contraception) since ive been about 15. And I'm just really thankful for you documenting your experiences so that when i get similar feelings about it ("what is my body like without the hormones") i can go back to this and not have to go through it myself :D
"...and I don't think I'm going to be having kids in the next 5 years, so..." And it's 5 years from this video and you will very soon have a baby! Watching these vids as I come off birth control for the first time in 11 years.
When I first went on the pill I bled for a month because I didn't listen to the doctor. She said start on the day that my period finishes, which I didn't do because I was too eager, and later found out it was because my body couldn't adjust properly with the mix of hormones and ovulation schedule. It happened multiple times too with different pills that I was too impatient for! Come off the pill for 2 cycles, and then follow that medical advice that all doctors should've given at the time you got your pill x
I would love it if you could do an episode with some other friends/UA-camrs who have different forms on contraception to you so you can all discuss how they work for you etc, I think that would be so interesting and informative!
I have that coil now for about 4 years (i got the smaller one, which lasts for 3 years, last year i got it "replaced" by a new one) i am VERY happy with it. It hurts to get it placed, but only for a short moment. I like that i dont have to think about my contraception, i have little to no period anymore and the negative effects of hormones from the Pill which i had before are gone.
Fully recommend the Mirena coil! Short term pain for five years of never having to think about it and rare/light periods (different for everyone - some get no period, others get like 3-4 a year).
When I was on Yasmin, it was ridiculous!! I started it in April and I genuinely bled consistently for 4 MONTHS! I was so scared to try another pull because my adaptation to the hormones was so horrific (physically and mentally!) that I didn't want to risk it again! When I went to the doctor, she said for me to go on my break week and I had like a MEGAPERIOD. But once the week was out, I was just spotting. I've swapped pills to a new combined one called "Katya" and it is amazing for me! No more driven appetite or constant bleeding or mood swings or general sadness!! So crazy how pills effect everyone so dramatically differently!!
I've never taken any kind of hormonal contraception because I'm gay and don't need it for reasons like severe cramps..but I still love this series and find it really interesting to listen to you :D I think you would make a great teacher, Hannah!
idk if this is too off topic but when I make lists of pros and cons, I rate each pro/con out of five stars. Five means that it's major and decision changing, and one means that it's practically insignificant. then, instead of comparing the number of things on the list, I compare the number of stars and the number of higher ranked things on each list. Idk, I just think it's a more precise way of weighing the impact of my big decisions
Finally plucked up the courage to ask my mum about going to see a doctor to discuss going on the pill, because my periods are actual hell and I'm so over it. I've been having them for almost three years and STILL don't have a regular cycle which is infuriating and very stressful when I'm trying to plan my life around when I'll actually be able to move out of bed! Also, the slightest thing will throw off my cycle- I went on holiday recently and the change in temperature and water threw my cycle off completely, so I skipped a period entirely and now I've been treated to the worst one I've ever experienced in my life, it's just been days of agony. I also don't know whether I'm being a wuss or not, but the pain in the first two days is absolutely horrendous, sometimes so bad that I can't move for fear of throwing up. I'm just so done with it and am desperate to go on the pill even to just regulate and lessen them, I'll take that at this point over nothing at all! Non-period having humans will never know the pain and struggle of this unwanted biological function...
Hannah, I just wanted to thank you and tell you how your menstrual journey has helped me. I am so grateful for your honesty through out your journey and I want to thank you for sharing your coming off the pill experience. When you came off the pill I decided I wanted to try that too. I had been on the pill (ones where I experienced a regular withdrawal period) for close to two years, maybe. I was put on the pill because I was very irregular (anywhere from 4 to 10 months irregular) and my doctor hoped that putting me on the pill for awhile would regulate me. While I was on the pill, I was regular. But once I came off I went back to being extremely irregular. I am 19 and being this irregular at my age is no longer considered normal. So I decided to go to the doctor to make sure everything was okay. We did some testing and my doctors and I discovered I have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome/Disorder (PCOS/D). To be diagnosed, a persons LH and FSH levels have to be off. They are usually at a 1:1 ratio, and if it is at a 2:1 ratio then you can be diagnosed. Mine is at a 3:1 ratio. I probably would not have known at this point in my life about my condition if you hadn't inspired me to try coming off the pill. So, again, thank you! The lovely irony is that the treatment is basically "go on the pill". But that's okay, my body needs it and it will be beneficial for me. So yay. It's funny that we both ended up back at the beginning with new insights. Thank you for all that you do. Please continue to make wonderful videos and books, and filling the world with your loveliness. I love you so much ♡♡♡
Hannah, last year I tried the implant and I bled "the brown stuff" FOR 5 MONTHS until I had it taken out. Absolutely dreadful. Also my face was a hideous spotty mess. Went straight back on the pill and I'm all back to normal now. Praise the pill 💊
Since I've seen a lot of comments about how you're supposed to start the pill on the first day of your period, I wanted to point out that doctors now say that you can start it any time, but a) you'll need to wait 7 days for it to become effective as contraception and b) spotting might be more likely. Cerazette is also progestin-only, and spotting on these methods is really common even if you do everything right. Some say that taking the pill at the exact same time every day helps with spotting, but it's also a matter of luck. It's also common to spot on methods that contain estrogen in the first few months of use.
Hey Hannah, I've been loving your series and I hope this is not the end of it, although it doesn't seem like it is (YES!!). I just got on the pill this month and it's really interesting because I too have been bleeding for two weeks straight. I've also noticed quite a change in my mood and even productivity/motivation. Spoiler alert: it's kinda shit. Also, before going on the pill I had next to no cramps but now the first two to three days of the cycle are terrible, I can barely move. I don't have any suggestions for guests but it's a lovely idea to bring other people to this show. Lots of love!!
Interviewing some guys and talking about birth control would be interesting, especially talking about where the responsibility of protection often falls and how that affects relationships. I know the BF doesn't want to be on camera but hearing his perspective in some capacity would be interesting.
Definitely wasn't expecting an update video like this. Although I haven't tried this, in my cycle review for Clue a few months ago it said that taking a vitamin e supplement can help relieve boob pain associated with your cycle.
I had a similar thing when I started retaking my pill, just constant spotting. What I found was this was because I had started taking it halfway through my cycle. So I stopped taking it and then started again on the first day of my period and I no longer had spotting after it had finished. So this could be a possible explanation for why you were bleeding, however that just might have been coincidence but I thought I would let you know! I love the hormones diaries series 🙂 xx
Hey, I know it's probably gonna get lost in here, but I just had to say this (and I really don't comment often). I just finished reading your book and it's so. Freaking. Perfect. Thank you. Thank you for sharing your experiences, thank you for talking about sex so openly. I live in a country where (as far as I know) there are no set rules about sex ed and I know a lot of people my age struggle because of that. I personally am a pretty open and curious mind, so I have pretty much already heard about all you mention, but oh my god how lifechanging I see the book for other people my age. Thank you, thank you for all you're doing. It's so precious and so important ❤
I have the mirena best decision ever. I've never had a kid it was super uncomfortable getting it put in but nothing you can't handle. Get the mirena!!!
My sister had the Depo shot (bad idea in so many ways. Don't even consider getting it) and she was bleeding with debilitating migraines for six months straight. They got rid of the bleeding but the migraines never stopped and that was two years ago. This is not to like SCARE you off of the pill or something. It's just one of the possibilities when experimenting with birth control. Do your research on the hormones you put in your body. They can REALLY screw things up. Best of luck to you though, keep us updated. And keep this series going, it's been so informative. :)
Oh Hannah, don't worry, it's gonna be okay. I am also on Cerazette and the exact same thing happend to me...for four whole months! I was so close from coming off it many times but I stuck it out and haven't seen a period or pain in any way since. It's all gonna work itself out!
Ok I've seen some youtubers now and everyone seems to think the coil hurts upon inserting. But here's my experience: it hurt a bit when I was at the gynaecologist, but it was a passing pain. And now, three years later I can say it's TOTALLY worth it because it's no hustle, I can't forget anything and I don't get periods. Best three years of my life! (I'm 27 with no kids)
I'd love to see videos about what different options of contraception there are and how they've effected different people, maybe like inviting a couple of people(who have periods whether they identify as women, men or other) and having them talk about and discuss their experience!
I totally understand the frustration you are feeling over your cycle/birth control/hormones!! Ive also recently gone through this decision before deciding on Mirena. Its potentially life changing and a very difficult decision :( good luck!
I'm so sorry that you are having such a hard time! I completely understand your frustration, since how you felt off the pill was how I felt while I was on it. As far as arguments against taking hormonal BC, the effects on the environment are something to consider. The artificial hormones are released through urine and other fluids and make it back into the ecosystem, which can have negative effects on people and animals. I don't have research in front of me, but I just wanted to put that out there. For me, even if HBC had worked out for me, I would still hesitate to take it for environmental reasons.
Hi, Hannah! I started watching your series after I developed blood clots while on the pill. So now I definitely can't take hormones. (Having a pulmonary embolism was definitely the scariest moment of my life.) I just came off blood thinners (talk about HORRENDOUS periods), and it's been weird. I *feel* totally normal again, but I'm not, especially on the birth control front. Anyway, I just wanted to say thanks! You helped me feel less weird embracing the no-hormones life. You're so lucky to have the choice to go back on the pill.
I've had 2 Mirena IUDs. After the first one was inserted, I spotted for a year. No periods, just spotting for an entire year! Insertion did hurt, but not as badly as I thought and removal was nothing. After the year of spotting, I had 6 wonderful years of even hormones and light periods. The second insertion was even easier and no year long spotting!
I just started the pill back up about a week ago. I am SO EMOTIONAL. i think it's a combined factor of the medicine and my breakup (which was a few months back) but I am crying at EVERYTHING. Hopefully everything normalizes soon I didn't have this reaction last time.
I would love to continue seeing your journey with birth control and experiences. Talking to people with different types of birth control or even various people on the same birth control would be really neat. I think one thing we do is look in symptoms and few experiences even though EVERYONES can be different.
Definitely have had a similar experience with the brown spotting and everything! Once I started birth control, that went on for about 15 days and it was SO ANNOYING. I think it was my body just adjusting to the hormones because after those 15 days, everything has been great! I'm coming up on 2 years on the pill and it's been wonderful! I used to have horrible cramping (laying in bed, call out sick cramping) and now the pain has been halved I would say. Also, instead of a 5-6 day period, when I'm on the placebo section of my birth control, I bleed for 2 days! I'm normally pretty concerned with what exactly I'm putting in my body, like you Hannah, but not with birth control! I'm so happy I'm on it that I don't know if anyone would be able to convince to get off of it until i'm ready for kids! Thanks so much for documenting this journey, I've loved watching you go through this and explore! Much love! x
Maybe a video on the effects of hormones of your mental health/state? For me hormones affect me way more mentally than physically (eg cramps not too often etc) Love your channel xxx
I don't know if this is helpful (or if you'll even read this), but I was on cerazette for 6 months. It was the only pill I could take because I occasionally get the type of migraine that means I can't take a pill with oestrogen. Cerazette gave me two periods per month, at pretty much exact two week intervals. They weren't 'proper' periods, but sound similar to what you were describing at the end there: spotting, brown, generally unpleasant etc etc. I also had a semi-constant UTI when I was on cerazette that seemed to magically disappear as soon as I stopped taking it. I hope that you don't have these symptoms, but thought I'd share my experience on the same pill! It's possible that it might affect you differently now that you've stopped taking it for a year. Best of luck Hannah!
I totally get dreading your cycle. My situation is also wrapped up with my anxiey disorder so I get very anxious over it. I tried BC but the hormones really messed me up (body aches, nausea, severe anxiety/agoraphobia, lost ~25lbs from not eating, breast pain, etc). I hope your return to BC goes well. When I was bleeding for a long time on the arm implant they added the patch to help my hormones balance out quicker. Maybe you can try that?
Woah i'm kind of amazed by you. To be open with yourself and sharing it publicly... You have dealt with depression,,i think (?). I couldn't say I'd put myself on the spot like that...
I love my Mirena! I had my first one put in at 26, I took ibuprofen before & the nurse told me to have a glass of wine & put my feet up that night & that was all the pain taken care of! I've since had another one put in (and obvs the first removed) and that was fine too. My periods stopped when I had it put it so I haven't had one for 6 years! I can't recommend it enough 👍🏻
The Mirena coil was the best decision I've ever made. It hurts like a bad period cramp when it's put in and only takes a few minutes. You'll get cramps for a couple of days and then BAM(!) no more cramps or bleeding or boob ache for 5 years 🎉🎉🎉🎉
Getting the coil put in hurts a bit but the insertion pain isn't really something that should deter you from it. Something you should know that the doctors didn't mention to me at all was that the coil can give you random cramps in the middle of your cycle and they can be more painful than normal cramps from your period. Nobody seems to mention this online but I have experienced this as well as some of my friends that have an IUD.
I'd still be interested in guests! like people that use different kinds of contraceptions and talk about the cons and pros. I came off the pill two years ago and I haven't found a contraception that convinced me so far. I think that would help me and others a lot! Love your videos! :) xx
It's normal to have spotting when having a break/starting the pill. I had it when I first started, you can also have it when on the combined pill if you push 3 packs together with no breaks, from experience. I think it took my body about 2-3 months to sort it's life out, so fingers crossed yours will soon too :)
I've had an IUD for three years now and have only had one or two periods. Yes, the insertion was painful but it only hurt for about 5 minutes and then it was over. I highly recommend IUDs!
Mirena stuff: The mirena coil was a great decision for me personally. Best decision I've made for my body. I still get a very minor and spotty periods but they're like clockwork. For some people, they lose their period entirely. The pain is over within seconds and it's more of a discomfort followed by a hard pinch. I winced, but it was not horrendous pain. Once it's in, there is some cramping for a few days, and typically a bit of bleeding (very minor in my experience) but after that there's no pain. I also experienced little to know shifts in mood from the hormone since it's such a low dosage. I love that I don't have to think about it, remember to take a pill, or remember my pills wherever I travel. I also love never having to fill a prescription. There is a risk in using diva cups with the mirena if you still get a period as the cup can actually trap the IUD's strings and could potentially pull the IUD out with it.
I'm no doctor but when I started the pill my doctor said to start it on the first Sunday AFTER my period, that's my best guess at why it made your period a living hell lol
A guest with endometriosis? I'm currently in the process of being tested for it. Was on the pill for 12 years solely to help me deal with my periods and I know a lot of women are offered hormonal options to help deal with endometriosis symptoms.
Hi Hannah, I'm in exactly the same position as you. I've also had 'continuous bleeding'. I went to the drs and they said that it's usual for this 'spotting' to happen for the first 3 months and if it continues after that then to go back. I'm also thinking about the coil and have the same pros and cons as you ... I think I'm going to sit this pill out for a while longer and see how I settle down but I'm looking forward to hearing what you decide and how it works for you. Thank you so much for making this series. It's been great to travel this journey with you. X
I stopped getting my period on Mirena, so I haven't really had any of my previous symptoms regarding that. As far as pain when it goes in, it was the slightest pinch and that was literally it. It was great.
I've been trying to get on the pill due to severe cramps and for protection but I've completely failed. I started with my period and it never ended just like you Hannah! Spotting everyday, feeling depressed, nausea, vomit, so much more! It all stopped after I came off the pill and had my period. Anyway you should try other pills from different brands that fits you better. Start a new pack with your period but side effects from hormone pills are ever so common. I hear it lasts about 2-3 months but will get better when your body finally adpats😭 In the meanwhile I should seek other methods for protection. Please stop failing me condoms!!!!
I would love a video about the patch! I learned about it in your book and I've been thinking about asking my doctor if I can use the patch instead of the pill, but I'd like to hear more about it first :)
When I started the pill (like 2 months? ago) I literally bled for a month straight. We changed the pill and it has been better. I can tell you that it was really scary and I broke down several times, but eventually when I changed my pill it stopped, so that was good. I hope you are doing okay now!
Had the depot shot. Bled for 2 months straight and the doctor said that he didn't have a concern until I bled for 3 months. At that point he said that he'd put me on an iron supplement and wait until it ends. Some women online said they were bleeding for 7 months straight after getting the shots done.
I just came off Gedarel 30/150 last month (for an indefinite period, but may go back on). I found it to work really well (combined pill) - robust to forgetting or taking it late, periods like clockwork, better skin & better hair, slightly lighter periods, shorter PMS but I still wanted to come off it. Hope it goes well for you Hannah! :)
It's strange how in a year I started caring so much about someone's period. I loved the hormone diaries
That means I've been watching you for a year now! How time flies! 😮👌
I am the same! I am so glad to have found Hannah
Meee tooo! I found the first episode and it actually inspired me to come off the pill which then resulted in me discovering a lot about my body that the pill was hiding/covering up-I am so grateful that I found Hannah because I don't think I'd be where I am today if I hadn't decided to come off the pill like she did
Same
Annabel Yates I
Just good advice: Sync up stopping/starting hormonal birth control with your period!
I once stopped my birth control (nuvaring, because of returning infection) abruptly and my gynaecologist kindly scolded me that you are not supposed to do that. SO always stop taking birth control when you run out of your pills AND always start when you start your period (Its even in the manual).
Indeed!
Yeah that is definitely why the 13 day thing is happening. And yes check in with your doctor just in case! I had a similar thing happen when I went off the pill and back on the pill.
Madilyn Rose
Not definitely but probably, yes. I went on the pill on the first day of my period but I still had the same thing as Hannah, although I did it "right".
I never knew that this was a thing-I started and stopped birth control in the middle of cycles both times...that explains a lot
Eszter Kate Isi
I'm glad that you've kinda changed your view on the hormone thing because as someone who takes the pill, I kind of feel a bit guilty or shamed almost by people telling me how much "better" I'd be off without hormones. Let people put what they want in their own body.
This was a wild ride
My gyno put me on the pill 2 months ago, because I have severe dysmenorrhea and we don't know from what yet (PCOS rulled out for now, kinda normal hormone levels, no cysts, getting tested in September for endometriosis, by an endocrinologist, and my GP just mentioned tilted uterus - which my mum has - so gonna ask about that too next time), and I have to say I kinda LOVE the pill. I'm on a 21 pill, 7 day stop, cycle, I bleed for a few days, thankfully not as heavy as I used to, AND without hardly any pain, my mood doesn't change as much, I'm much calmer, and I even lost weight. So for me, it probably tipped my hormones in a way better direction.
Réka Kis hey, can you tell me more about the tilted uterus thing? i know mine's tilted as well, i read online that this may be the cause of severe pain, but my doctor told me it doesn't cause pain at all and i dont know what to believe :/
GP told me that it very well can be the reason, specially because my cramps mostly paired with pain in my lower back. I couldn't get an appointment with my gyno since then to talk about it, but every site tells that bad cramps are often paired with it, specially if it's connected to something back there (endometriosis can cause that), if it's just tilted back, you have a good chance that it will be back to "normal" after a child birth. Although my mum's gyno noticed hers after her second birth (she visited her doctor regularly, and this was her 4th pregnancy, but still). If you can, maybe get a second opinion from another doctor?
My uterus is tilted backwards and doesn't cause me any pain at all. I think it really depends on the person and their specific circumstances like their other conditions and things like that.
I don't know if this is for me or the other commenter but thanks anyways. I know the best way is a laparoscopy, but although it's a tiny scar, it's still quite a big surgery, which I'll only do if I am having infertility problems in the future, till then if it's not getting worse even while on birth control, I just don't want to do the surgery if they don't advise it strongly
Exactly the same as me!
Thank you so much for doing the hormone diaries. I'm a cis gay guy and this type of information is so fascinating to me bc, as you can imagine, there is not much period talk or mentions arround me (except for my friends with vaginas).
It was very useful to listen to someone like you Hannah who explains in detail what is going on down there so that, not only ppl with periods, but ppl like me, are able to understand what is actually going on in those moments and the moments in between.
I hope you can bring other people to tell us their stories and experiences with their periods and contraception methods.
oh please do not stop this series.. it was so much fun to watch and very educational too
My best friend has a coil so I can tell you a lil' bit about it (from what I've heard from her):
* The putting in didn't hurt as much (just for a lil')
* Her body was confused and she had period-like stomach aches on and off for one month
* She first had a period but now barely (her body is adjusting to the hormones, it's been 5/6 months)
* She loves it and can recommend it to everyone now
* It just hurts for a little while, the stomach aches are manageble and you can't tell the hormones (at least she couldn't in behavoir, skin and weight etc.)
Hope this helps!? I love this series, you're doing a great job with these (& your other videos too, of couse). x I
I wasn't going to comment but after reading some comments, I realized that I'm on a type of birth control that no one else has mentioned. I've been using the patch for almost three years. When I started, I was nervous about inserting the ring and I didn't want to take a pill everyday so I went for the patch. It's been working for me since I haven't gotten pregnant, my periods are lighter and I have less cramps. I've been thinking about a hormonal IUD for a while now because I'm really sick of having a sticker on my body all the time. The one thing that is stopping me is the cost.
I used to be on the same pill you are on due to really really heavy and painful periods and I ended up coming off of it because I had constant spotting which turned into full on bleeding (the same amount as you'd have with a medium flow) which carried on for 3 months until I decided enough was enough and came off of that pill. I'm now on the combined pill and have been for the past 10 months and I'm loving life! I have no complaints whatsoever, best thing I ever did!
I'm a guy and I honestly love going through the comments and learning more. Thanks Hannah :)
I was on the pill for a good 4 years, tried being free of hormones. I decided to get the Mirena and it is so worth it, the pain when being put in is horrid, BUT I've had practically no side effects and NO PERIODS- which for me is just grand. Girls, don't let the initial pain put you off, its so worth it! I know not having a period is scary, but I always keep some cheap pregnancy tests (they're all the same) and use one every 3 months so i know I'm definitely not pregnant!
I was surprised that you didn't start your pill again on your first day of your period. I hope that you find your new chapter with your hormones and periods (or lack of) more empowering. Good luck. Keep us updated. X
Hey Hannah! I'm very sorry that going off the pill didn't work out for you! I came off my hormonal contraceptive this year's February, and have been feeling much better ever since. Good luck with everything!
I just got a hormonal coil and I LOVE it so far. It stopped my period like, right away, and I haven't noticed any major symptoms or anything. Would recommend the coil!!!! It was pretty painful getting it in (and I had bad cramping for about a day after) but the pain was like, 15 seconds, and for 3 years of not thinking about my contraceptive, I'd say it's so worth it!
I feel you, Hannah. I was on yasmin for about 10 years (because of endometriosis) and had no problems. Then, like yourself, I wanted to try being off the hormones and got horrible acne as a result. Dealt with that for about 3 months and then surrendered and tried cerazette - as it can be taken without breaks and I thought that was a huge plus (having horrible cramps and all that). What followed were the worst months of my life. I basically bled exactly like you did, but for almost FOUR...MONTHS...STRAIGHT! I was starting to lose my mind in the end. Finally gave up and tried the shot (depo-provera). That ended up giving me random spotting for about 4-5 months (but still a lot less than cerazette did). Finally (FINALLY!) my body seems to be getting used to the shot and has stopped bleeding. Have been fine for the past couple of months and hope it lasts. So yeah, birth control can be a b*tch. And it can take a LONG time for your body to adjust. But in the end it's all worth it. I guess... ;) P.S. Love this series and I actually started watching it because of my birth control troubles. Keep up the good work, Hannah :)
Congrats on going a year off the pill! I will be a year off the pill myself next month! I'm actually loving being off the pill again & having a monthly cycle. I plan on staying off the pill for now & not sure if or when I will go back on it.
Happy One Year!! Because of the hormone diaries I've already had a consultation and a failed try (my fault) to get the mirena coil fitted. For five-fifteen minutes of pain it seems more than worth it! Hopefully I will finally be able to get it fitted at Christmas! Thanks for this series though Hannah, it's been super fun and informative and I have recommended it to several friend who are interested in going hormone free. Best of luck with the rest of your hormone journey x
"This isn't TMI, this is the hormone diaries"... and this is why I love this series!
This is a roller coaster of a series. I love it
This series is one of the best I've encountered and even though I don't experience the same symptons as you on my period I do know what you mean by stress! It's obviously a great privilige we get to choose how we want to handle our period and contraception, but it brings much more stress than anticipated.. Trying to find out what works for you and your body is difficult! Thank you for showing me that it's not just me struggling with that!
Really need a video about stopping your period, which contraceptives are suitable for it and how does it actually work 🌸 love you
I'm not sure I've enjoyed it, but I've certainly found it insightful, and I've continued to watch.
I pretty much did the same as you. took a year of cerelle and then went back on it 6 months ago. Then same, spotting and bleeds in between period , but I'm 6 months in and the past 2 ish months have been bliss!!!!! Literally no bleeding, feeling great and NO PAIN!!! hope things go back how they were for you x
The constant bleeding is what happens most of the time with progesterone only birth control. Everyone I've known whose gotten the implanon (progesterone only) including myself has had light or even heavy bleeding for a few months. This spotting stopped around 5 months after I got the implanon and I've now been period free for 2 years! It can be difficult to get through this time but its definitely worth it
Hi Hannah! I just went back on the pill after a few years and have had something similar. I had such a weird period! Before I started taking the pill I was late (which was worrying) and then had some light spotting, so started taking my pill. Then had a few days of nothing. And then I had the looooooongest period, between 2 and 3 weeks. It has been so frustrating! I've been worried that I'm really ill and that my pill may not be working because my cycle was all over the place and I may not have started taking it on the right day. Has anyone else had this problem?! Thank you so much for making this, you've put my mind at ease that I'm not alone!
I've had the Mirena for over a year now and I love it! The higher hormone doses of the pill always messed with my emotions, but on the Mirena I don't have that issue at all. The first few months on the Mirena were quite painful (but I was recovering from surgery at the same time, so not everyone's experience).
I'm definitely aware of my cycle more on the Mirena even though I don't bleed, but I can't see myself trying any other method because this one works so well. Also, you can definitely use a menstrual cup with the Mirena, especially if you get the string from the bottom of the Mirena cut off.
I really like this style of video where it chops and changes time frames to give updates!
Hey Hannah! I'm on Cerazette as well, only since October 2016.
I bled for a good month before the periods really stopped. It just takes a few months for your body to adjust (days of spotting now and then) and it'll be all worth it again! Its great not to have unbearable pain and periods! Life is so much easier now.
Definitely would like an update on how your body adjusts later on and your ultimate decision about birth control for yourself!
THANK YOU for making this series! I'm 17 right now and am on a similar pill to yours (also not combined contraception) since ive been about 15. And I'm just really thankful for you documenting your experiences so that when i get similar feelings about it ("what is my body like without the hormones") i can go back to this and not have to go through it myself :D
"...and I don't think I'm going to be having kids in the next 5 years, so..." And it's 5 years from this video and you will very soon have a baby! Watching these vids as I come off birth control for the first time in 11 years.
When I first went on the pill I bled for a month because I didn't listen to the doctor. She said start on the day that my period finishes, which I didn't do because I was too eager, and later found out it was because my body couldn't adjust properly with the mix of hormones and ovulation schedule. It happened multiple times too with different pills that I was too impatient for! Come off the pill for 2 cycles, and then follow that medical advice that all doctors should've given at the time you got your pill x
I would love it if you could do an episode with some other friends/UA-camrs who have different forms on contraception to you so you can all discuss how they work for you etc, I think that would be so interesting and informative!
I stopped taking the pill and it took 2 cycles to get back to having no periods. Back to none now and full of joy 👍🏻
I have that coil now for about 4 years (i got the smaller one, which lasts for 3 years, last year i got it "replaced" by a new one) i am VERY happy with it. It hurts to get it placed, but only for a short moment. I like that i dont have to think about my contraception, i have little to no period anymore and the negative effects of hormones from the Pill which i had before are gone.
Fully recommend the Mirena coil! Short term pain for five years of never having to think about it and rare/light periods (different for everyone - some get no period, others get like 3-4 a year).
I have my GCSE results today (it's 12:05am) and I stayed up to watch this, glad I did though
When I was on Yasmin, it was ridiculous!! I started it in April and I genuinely bled consistently for 4 MONTHS! I was so scared to try another pull because my adaptation to the hormones was so horrific (physically and mentally!) that I didn't want to risk it again! When I went to the doctor, she said for me to go on my break week and I had like a MEGAPERIOD. But once the week was out, I was just spotting. I've swapped pills to a new combined one called "Katya" and it is amazing for me! No more driven appetite or constant bleeding or mood swings or general sadness!! So crazy how pills effect everyone so dramatically differently!!
I've never taken any kind of hormonal contraception because I'm gay and don't need it for reasons like severe cramps..but I still love this series and find it really interesting to listen to you :D I think you would make a great teacher, Hannah!
I'm on cerazette and had the same problems when I went on it! It's all settled now and I don't have any periods, so it's GREAT!
Aww i hope youre not going to stop doing these though....another great video Hannah i love your confidence, the boob pain is the WORST ever!
for the first year of cerazette I had my period 5/7 days but then it stopped entirely and all has been well after that. you got this, good luck!
idk if this is too off topic but when I make lists of pros and cons, I rate each pro/con out of five stars. Five means that it's major and decision changing, and one means that it's practically insignificant. then, instead of comparing the number of things on the list, I compare the number of stars and the number of higher ranked things on each list. Idk, I just think it's a more precise way of weighing the impact of my big decisions
Finally plucked up the courage to ask my mum about going to see a doctor to discuss going on the pill, because my periods are actual hell and I'm so over it. I've been having them for almost three years and STILL don't have a regular cycle which is infuriating and very stressful when I'm trying to plan my life around when I'll actually be able to move out of bed! Also, the slightest thing will throw off my cycle- I went on holiday recently and the change in temperature and water threw my cycle off completely, so I skipped a period entirely and now I've been treated to the worst one I've ever experienced in my life, it's just been days of agony. I also don't know whether I'm being a wuss or not, but the pain in the first two days is absolutely horrendous, sometimes so bad that I can't move for fear of throwing up. I'm just so done with it and am desperate to go on the pill even to just regulate and lessen them, I'll take that at this point over nothing at all! Non-period having humans will never know the pain and struggle of this unwanted biological function...
this has probably been my favorite ep
Hannah, I just wanted to thank you and tell you how your menstrual journey has helped me.
I am so grateful for your honesty through out your journey and I want to thank you for sharing your coming off the pill experience. When you came off the pill I decided I wanted to try that too. I had been on the pill (ones where I experienced a regular withdrawal period) for close to two years, maybe. I was put on the pill because I was very irregular (anywhere from 4 to 10 months irregular) and my doctor hoped that putting me on the pill for awhile would regulate me. While I was on the pill, I was regular. But once I came off I went back to being extremely irregular. I am 19 and being this irregular at my age is no longer considered normal. So I decided to go to the doctor to make sure everything was okay. We did some testing and my doctors and I discovered I have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome/Disorder (PCOS/D). To be diagnosed, a persons LH and FSH levels have to be off. They are usually at a 1:1 ratio, and if it is at a 2:1 ratio then you can be diagnosed. Mine is at a 3:1 ratio. I probably would not have known at this point in my life about my condition if you hadn't inspired me to try coming off the pill. So, again, thank you!
The lovely irony is that the treatment is basically "go on the pill". But that's okay, my body needs it and it will be beneficial for me. So yay. It's funny that we both ended up back at the beginning with new insights.
Thank you for all that you do. Please continue to make wonderful videos and books, and filling the world with your loveliness. I love you so much ♡♡♡
Hannah, last year I tried the implant and I bled "the brown stuff" FOR 5 MONTHS until I had it taken out. Absolutely dreadful. Also my face was a hideous spotty mess. Went straight back on the pill and I'm all back to normal now. Praise the pill 💊
Since I've seen a lot of comments about how you're supposed to start the pill on the first day of your period, I wanted to point out that doctors now say that you can start it any time, but a) you'll need to wait 7 days for it to become effective as contraception and b) spotting might be more likely.
Cerazette is also progestin-only, and spotting on these methods is really common even if you do everything right. Some say that taking the pill at the exact same time every day helps with spotting, but it's also a matter of luck.
It's also common to spot on methods that contain estrogen in the first few months of use.
Hey Hannah, I've been loving your series and I hope this is not the end of it, although it doesn't seem like it is (YES!!). I just got on the pill this month and it's really interesting because I too have been bleeding for two weeks straight. I've also noticed quite a change in my mood and even productivity/motivation. Spoiler alert: it's kinda shit. Also, before going on the pill I had next to no cramps but now the first two to three days of the cycle are terrible, I can barely move. I don't have any suggestions for guests but it's a lovely idea to bring other people to this show. Lots of love!!
Interviewing some guys and talking about birth control would be interesting, especially talking about where the responsibility of protection often falls and how that affects relationships.
I know the BF doesn't want to be on camera but hearing his perspective in some capacity would be interesting.
Definitely wasn't expecting an update video like this. Although I haven't tried this, in my cycle review for Clue a few months ago it said that taking a vitamin e supplement can help relieve boob pain associated with your cycle.
I had a similar thing when I started retaking my pill, just constant spotting. What I found was this was because I had started taking it halfway through my cycle. So I stopped taking it and then started again on the first day of my period and I no longer had spotting after it had finished. So this could be a possible explanation for why you were bleeding, however that just might have been coincidence but I thought I would let you know! I love the hormones diaries series 🙂 xx
Hey, I know it's probably gonna get lost in here, but I just had to say this (and I really don't comment often). I just finished reading your book and it's so. Freaking. Perfect. Thank you. Thank you for sharing your experiences, thank you for talking about sex so openly.
I live in a country where (as far as I know) there are no set rules about sex ed and I know a lot of people my age struggle because of that. I personally am a pretty open and curious mind, so I have pretty much already heard about all you mention, but oh my god how lifechanging I see the book for other people my age. Thank you, thank you for all you're doing. It's so precious and so important ❤
I have the mirena best decision ever. I've never had a kid it was super uncomfortable getting it put in but nothing you can't handle. Get the mirena!!!
I have genuinly learnt so much from you Hannah, thank you
My sister had the Depo shot (bad idea in so many ways. Don't even consider getting it) and she was bleeding with debilitating migraines for six months straight.
They got rid of the bleeding but the migraines never stopped and that was two years ago.
This is not to like SCARE you off of the pill or something. It's just one of the possibilities when experimenting with birth control.
Do your research on the hormones you put in your body. They can REALLY screw things up.
Best of luck to you though, keep us updated. And keep this series going, it's been so informative. :)
Oh Hannah, don't worry, it's gonna be okay. I am also on Cerazette and the exact same thing happend to me...for four whole months! I was so close from coming off it many times but I stuck it out and haven't seen a period or pain in any way since. It's all gonna work itself out!
Ok I've seen some youtubers now and everyone seems to think the coil hurts upon inserting. But here's my experience: it hurt a bit when I was at the gynaecologist, but it was a passing pain. And now, three years later I can say it's TOTALLY worth it because it's no hustle, I can't forget anything and I don't get periods. Best three years of my life! (I'm 27 with no kids)
this is an awesome series! can't believe it's been a year
I'd love to see videos about what different options of contraception there are and how they've effected different people, maybe like inviting a couple of people(who have periods whether they identify as women, men or other) and having them talk about and discuss their experience!
I totally understand the frustration you are feeling over your cycle/birth control/hormones!! Ive also recently gone through this decision before deciding on Mirena. Its potentially life changing and a very difficult decision :( good luck!
I'm so sorry that you are having such a hard time! I completely understand your frustration, since how you felt off the pill was how I felt while I was on it.
As far as arguments against taking hormonal BC, the effects on the environment are something to consider. The artificial hormones are released through urine and other fluids and make it back into the ecosystem, which can have negative effects on people and animals. I don't have research in front of me, but I just wanted to put that out there. For me, even if HBC had worked out for me, I would still hesitate to take it for environmental reasons.
Hi, Hannah! I started watching your series after I developed blood clots while on the pill. So now I definitely can't take hormones. (Having a pulmonary embolism was definitely the scariest moment of my life.) I just came off blood thinners (talk about HORRENDOUS periods), and it's been weird. I *feel* totally normal again, but I'm not, especially on the birth control front. Anyway, I just wanted to say thanks! You helped me feel less weird embracing the no-hormones life. You're so lucky to have the choice to go back on the pill.
I've loved the hormone diaries. Thanks for the great content. Hope you get that cycle sorted out
I've had 2 Mirena IUDs. After the first one was inserted, I spotted for a year. No periods, just spotting for an entire year! Insertion did hurt, but not as badly as I thought and removal was nothing. After the year of spotting, I had 6 wonderful years of even hormones and light periods. The second insertion was even easier and no year long spotting!
I just started the pill back up about a week ago. I am SO EMOTIONAL. i think it's a combined factor of the medicine and my breakup (which was a few months back) but I am crying at EVERYTHING. Hopefully everything normalizes soon I didn't have this reaction last time.
Fascinating series, Hannah.
I don't know how you girls walk around with those things ....
I would love to continue seeing your journey with birth control and experiences.
Talking to people with different types of birth control or even various people on the same birth control would be really neat. I think one thing we do is look in symptoms and few experiences even though EVERYONES can be different.
Definitely have had a similar experience with the brown spotting and everything! Once I started birth control, that went on for about 15 days and it was SO ANNOYING. I think it was my body just adjusting to the hormones because after those 15 days, everything has been great! I'm coming up on 2 years on the pill and it's been wonderful! I used to have horrible cramping (laying in bed, call out sick cramping) and now the pain has been halved I would say. Also, instead of a 5-6 day period, when I'm on the placebo section of my birth control, I bleed for 2 days! I'm normally pretty concerned with what exactly I'm putting in my body, like you Hannah, but not with birth control! I'm so happy I'm on it that I don't know if anyone would be able to convince to get off of it until i'm ready for kids! Thanks so much for documenting this journey, I've loved watching you go through this and explore! Much love! x
I can't believe its been a year since the start of this series, wow that went so fast
Maybe a video on the effects of hormones of your mental health/state? For me hormones affect me way more mentally than physically (eg cramps not too often etc) Love your channel xxx
The patch....People?! no one talks about it and I think it's one of the most reliable and handy contraceptions out there!
I don't know if this is helpful (or if you'll even read this), but I was on cerazette for 6 months. It was the only pill I could take because I occasionally get the type of migraine that means I can't take a pill with oestrogen. Cerazette gave me two periods per month, at pretty much exact two week intervals. They weren't 'proper' periods, but sound similar to what you were describing at the end there: spotting, brown, generally unpleasant etc etc. I also had a semi-constant UTI when I was on cerazette that seemed to magically disappear as soon as I stopped taking it. I hope that you don't have these symptoms, but thought I'd share my experience on the same pill! It's possible that it might affect you differently now that you've stopped taking it for a year. Best of luck Hannah!
I totally get dreading your cycle. My situation is also wrapped up with my anxiey disorder so I get very anxious over it. I tried BC but the hormones really messed me up (body aches, nausea, severe anxiety/agoraphobia, lost ~25lbs from not eating, breast pain, etc). I hope your return to BC goes well. When I was bleeding for a long time on the arm implant they added the patch to help my hormones balance out quicker. Maybe you can try that?
Woah i'm kind of amazed by you. To be open with yourself and sharing it publicly... You have dealt with depression,,i think (?). I couldn't say I'd put myself on the spot like that...
I love my Mirena! I had my first one put in at 26, I took ibuprofen before & the nurse told me to have a glass of wine & put my feet up that night & that was all the pain taken care of! I've since had another one put in (and obvs the first removed) and that was fine too. My periods stopped when I had it put it so I haven't had one for 6 years! I can't recommend it enough 👍🏻
woah!! it's been a year since i first started watching you! that's crazy
The spotting happened to me for about a month when i came on the pill. Stick with it! Its normal! It will go.
The Mirena coil was the best decision I've ever made. It hurts like a bad period cramp when it's put in and only takes a few minutes. You'll get cramps for a couple of days and then BAM(!) no more cramps or bleeding or boob ache for 5 years 🎉🎉🎉🎉
Getting the coil put in hurts a bit but the insertion pain isn't really something that should deter you from it. Something you should know that the doctors didn't mention to me at all was that the coil can give you random cramps in the middle of your cycle and they can be more painful than normal cramps from your period. Nobody seems to mention this online but I have experienced this as well as some of my friends that have an IUD.
I'd still be interested in guests! like people that use different kinds of contraceptions and talk about the cons and pros.
I came off the pill two years ago and I haven't found a contraception that convinced me so far. I think that would help me and others a lot!
Love your videos! :) xx
It's normal to have spotting when having a break/starting the pill. I had it when I first started, you can also have it when on the combined pill if you push 3 packs together with no breaks, from experience. I think it took my body about 2-3 months to sort it's life out, so fingers crossed yours will soon too :)
I've had an IUD for three years now and have only had one or two periods. Yes, the insertion was painful but it only hurt for about 5 minutes and then it was over. I highly recommend IUDs!
The format of this video was hilarious! We need more videos where past-Hannah and future-Hannah talk to and react to each other. :-)
You should read up on the ring! I switched to it about 4 months ago now and I love it
So ive been watching you for 2 years 😱😱😱 luv u hannah ❤️
I got my paraguard in July and honestly it was not that bad. It felt like an intense cramp for like 20 seconds. Worth it.
Mirena stuff:
The mirena coil was a great decision for me personally. Best decision I've made for my body. I still get a very minor and spotty periods but they're like clockwork. For some people, they lose their period entirely.
The pain is over within seconds and it's more of a discomfort followed by a hard pinch. I winced, but it was not horrendous pain. Once it's in, there is some cramping for a few days, and typically a bit of bleeding (very minor in my experience) but after that there's no pain.
I also experienced little to know shifts in mood from the hormone since it's such a low dosage. I love that I don't have to think about it, remember to take a pill, or remember my pills wherever I travel. I also love never having to fill a prescription.
There is a risk in using diva cups with the mirena if you still get a period as the cup can actually trap the IUD's strings and could potentially pull the IUD out with it.
I'm no doctor but when I started the pill my doctor said to start it on the first Sunday AFTER my period, that's my best guess at why it made your period a living hell lol
A guest with endometriosis? I'm currently in the process of being tested for it. Was on the pill for 12 years solely to help me deal with my periods and I know a lot of women are offered hormonal options to help deal with endometriosis symptoms.
Hi Hannah, I'm in exactly the same position as you. I've also had 'continuous bleeding'. I went to the drs and they said that it's usual for this 'spotting' to happen for the first 3 months and if it continues after that then to go back. I'm also thinking about the coil and have the same pros and cons as you ... I think I'm going to sit this pill out for a while longer and see how I settle down but I'm looking forward to hearing what you decide and how it works for you. Thank you so much for making this series. It's been great to travel this journey with you. X
I stopped getting my period on Mirena, so I haven't really had any of my previous symptoms regarding that. As far as pain when it goes in, it was the slightest pinch and that was literally it. It was great.
I've been trying to get on the pill due to severe cramps and for protection but I've completely failed. I started with my period and it never ended just like you Hannah! Spotting everyday, feeling depressed, nausea, vomit, so much more! It all stopped after I came off the pill and had my period. Anyway you should try other pills from different brands that fits you better. Start a new pack with your period but side effects from hormone pills are ever so common. I hear it lasts about 2-3 months but will get better when your body finally adpats😭 In the meanwhile I should seek other methods for protection. Please stop failing me condoms!!!!
I would love a video about the patch! I learned about it in your book and I've been thinking about asking my doctor if I can use the patch instead of the pill, but I'd like to hear more about it first :)
May I just say your hair looks fabulous in this video👌
When I started the pill (like 2 months? ago) I literally bled for a month straight. We changed the pill and it has been better. I can tell you that it was really scary and I broke down several times, but eventually when I changed my pill it stopped, so that was good. I hope you are doing okay now!
Had the depot shot. Bled for 2 months straight and the doctor said that he didn't have a concern until I bled for 3 months. At that point he said that he'd put me on an iron supplement and wait until it ends. Some women online said they were bleeding for 7 months straight after getting the shots done.
I just came off Gedarel 30/150 last month (for an indefinite period, but may go back on).
I found it to work really well (combined pill) - robust to forgetting or taking it late, periods like clockwork, better skin & better hair, slightly lighter periods, shorter PMS but I still wanted to come off it.
Hope it goes well for you Hannah! :)