Switching from Depo to Levlen

[nexussix.livejournal.com]

Cross-posted to birthcontrol.

So after 6 years of Depo-Provera I’m finally switching. I did 8 weeks worth of research and credit this community with providing a wealth of useful information.

I’m stopping because I’m in a high-risk category for bone depletion due to hereditary osteoporosis. I’m also stopping because I suspect some of my moodiness and libido related problems could also be attributed to Depo.

Regardless I went to the Dr’s yesterday with specific requirements in mind. I wanted something with the lowest possible amount of estrogen, monophasic and containing the same kind of progestin that was in Depo. I asked for Alesse and she told me that she wanted to give me Levlen instead. Since it was still monophasic, had the same progestin as depo and was still relatively low in Estrogen I didn’t protest too loudly.

So here are my questions

1.) When I asked about the Estrogen level she said she wanted to give me a bit more estrogen to encourage my body to start menstruation again. Is this valid? Honestly I really don’t miss having a period and I think that being on Depo and hence, stopping menstruation got rid of my anemia. I guess she thinks a regular cycle will help make managing or identifying side effects easier?

2.) While I realize that everyone’s experience is different and there are no hard and fast rules or symptoms for BC for anyone, I see very little information about Levlen. Anyone else taking it? Have any positive or uplifting information to boost my cautious optimism. I mean, I’m 26 years old and I’ve never been on anything other than Depo so I’m trying to trust that this lousy HMO Dr I’ve never spoken to before had some wisdom when she said her experience led her to believe that this BC was the best to deal with the complaints I had.

3.) Can someone please direct me to that nifty entry/link about the birth control pill holder with the alarm on it !!!

Thanks <3