Questions about birth control: Microgestin Fe 1/20

I considered putting this in the Drug Questions forum, but since it pertains to a drug only women take, thought I'd be better off putting it here.

I just went for my annual exam and I mentioned to the doc (a new one) that I wanted to start taking BC again (I haven't been on it since mid-2007). At first she agreed when I told her I'd like to start taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo again, but when she found out I have extremely heavy and painful periods that frequently leave me nauseated and so weak/tired I require frequent naps, she told me she wanted to put me on Microgestin Fe 1/20 and instead of taking the placebo pills, I am to immediately start a new pill pack after three weeks of active pills - the idea is to "trick" my body into not having my typical weeklong period from hell. Eventually, I'll have only three or four periods a year and they will be very light.

I had never heard of this pill before and Googled it a few minutes ago, and virtually every post I read about it on various message boards complained about low or no sex drive, extreme breast tenderness and horrible depression - and some of these women had been on it for 6 months or more.

Any of you familiar with this pill and its potential side effects? I know everyone's different but I'm a little nervous about the depression risk since I already struggle with it. Any feedback would be great. Thanks!

I took it for years starting at about age 45 (slightly higher dose, 1.5/30 because of breakthrough bleeding on the 1/20 dose). Same problem as yours, heavy debilitating periods. With the MD's OK, I began taking it continuously.

It was very effective and a great relief not to be bothered with the horrible periods. Only side effects I really noticed was a reduction in (excess) body hair. It also smoothed out my moods quite a bit.

I took them until age 53, when I finally had a hysterectomy (why did I wait so long? <shrug>). Turns out I had "adenomyosis" which is a type of endometriosis restricted to the uterus rather than spread out all over the abdomen.

If you're done having kids and really don't want to put up with the periods or the pills any more (adult diapers, vicodin, that kind of thing), it's worth following up with your MD and/or OB/GYN. I wish I'd done the H decades ago, it made a huge improvement in my quality of life.

Hello there
I am only 26 But was takin microgestin 1/20 for about two years. I did have heavy periods before bc, But not as bad after my first child was born. Last summer i was switched to Loestrin 24, Basically its the name brand but there is 24 active pills and only 3 days of placebo pills instead of the 7 that your gyn is saying to skip. Well i dont skip any placebo pills and i didn't get my period for about 3 months at a time. When i do it is usually for about two days and its very light, sometimes barely enough to use tampons. My best friend is also on it she is 23 and hasn't had a period in five months.
The issue of sex drive.... I haven't noticed any difference. I started it right after my ex moved out. So i really wasn't in the mood too much. But have been dating a wonderful guy for 5 months now and don't have any problems with my end of the sexual relationship.
Hope this helps!