RayeofSunshine

Hello, all.

I have just started taking birth control for the first time, and I am on Altavera, which is another form of Levora. It's a combination pill.

I have been reading many reviews on it, and a disturbing amount of people have complained about loss of sex drive, bad acne, and hair loss, etc. These are the 3 side effects that concern me the most.

I know some people don't have side effects, but on this pill, those people would be in the minority...

Is anyone on this medication (or has been on it in the past)? Can you tell me about your experience? If you haven't, please tell me what BC you have had experience with, and how you liked it.

I'm hoping all goes well on this pill, but if it doesn't I'd like to have some other ones in mind.

Thanks!

ETA: I'm 19, if that makes a difference.

Corrina777

I was on this for a number of years (different brand, same drug). I started on BCP when I was 16 because of issues with my cycle. I stayed on the tri-phasic pill until seasonale was released (not sure how long ago that was). The hormone combination was the same and I loved the idea of only getting a period 4 times a year.

I didn't really have any major side effects from the pill. I had a much worse time when I decided to stray and try the depo shots for a year.

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RayeofSunshine

Thanks for your reply! With my BC, I will be having my period every month, but I'm fine with that. I just hope the dose is low enough for me, being that I'm quite underweight. Will that make a difference?

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RayeofSunshine

I'm tired of weighing the risks/possible side effects of each and every pill or other form of hormonal BC. I'll give this pill a month or so, and if I hate it, I will switch to a diaphragm. I know they are not as effective, but I'm not willing to put my body through anything too rough.

Corrina777

The tri-phasics are designed to more closely mimic your natural cycle. With any hormonal birth control you should give it about 3 months before you decide (unless you're having serious issues). Often minor side effects will resolve during this time.

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__________________

3a/f/iii Before the chop- Donated to Locks of Love, January 2013
Modified CG since 11/5/11
CO-WASH: VO5 Vanilla Mint Tea Clarifying, DevaCare No-Poo
CLARIFY: CHS Treatment Shampoo (used prior to PT/DT)
RO: DevaCare One Condition, Regis Olive Oil
LI: Cure Care, As I Am Leave-In
STYLE: Re:Coil, Curl Keeper, Biotera Gel, Deva Ultra Defining Gel, GVP Liquid Sculpting Gel, Curls Rock Amplifier and Strong Hold Mousse
PT/DT: IAGirl's PT, One n' Only Argan Hydrating Mask

RayeofSunshine

Levora is a monophasic pill. Same amount of hormones in every pill, except for the 7 filler pills at the end.

cmb4314

I haven't noticed any of the side effects you are worried about. Certainly not any hair loss or increased acne.

As for sex drive, mine tends to be low anyway so I might not be the best example, but I don't think it is any worse than normal on the Altavera. It seems pretty much the same as when I wasn't on the pill, and when I was on different pills.

Corrina777

My bad- they had some tri-phasic brand names listed on the pharmacy reference site I checked. So it must be based strictly on the hormones used. It's generally overweight women that will have potential issues due to weight, so I suspect you will still be fine. Your pharmacy insert should provide info about the frequency of side effects. It's hard to just go by personal accounts because unhappy people are generally more likely to speak up than happy people.

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__________________

3a/f/iii Before the chop- Donated to Locks of Love, January 2013
Modified CG since 11/5/11
CO-WASH: VO5 Vanilla Mint Tea Clarifying, DevaCare No-Poo
CLARIFY: CHS Treatment Shampoo (used prior to PT/DT)
RO: DevaCare One Condition, Regis Olive Oil
LI: Cure Care, As I Am Leave-In
STYLE: Re:Coil, Curl Keeper, Biotera Gel, Deva Ultra Defining Gel, GVP Liquid Sculpting Gel, Curls Rock Amplifier and Strong Hold Mousse
PT/DT: IAGirl's PT, One n' Only Argan Hydrating Mask