Expert: Diane Cheryl - 1/24/2009

Question
Hi,
Before I was pregnant, I was taking Trivora and seemed to have no problems with it (regular periods, no weight gain).  After having my baby, my doctor put me on Erinn for breastfeeding (I lost all of my pregnancy weight and then some).  Later I switched to Yaz and then to Lo-Ogestrel to get my period regulated.  I was on Yaz for 3 mos and had irregular periods.  I've been on Lo-Ogestrel for 4 mos and stil have irregular periods.  I've also gained about 15 pounds.  My question is this, I've heard that higher estrogen can cause weight gain.  Lo-Ogestrel seems to have lower estrogen than Trivora, however, with Trivora I didn't gain weight.  If I switch back to Trivora, can I expect to have the same weight gain as Lo-Ogestrel?

Answer
Dear Erika,

Thanks for your question. I really don't know about all these different kinds of birth control pills. Every birth control pill is different (from what I understand). Just because one doesnt have as much estrogen might not automatically mean that it will or won't cause weight gain. There might be other ingredients that would be affecting your natural cycle.

I don't recommend hormonal birth control at all. Especially for all these different reasons, such as breastfeeding and regulation periods, etc. Please consider Natural Family Planning for your birth control method. I don't have a link onhand for that but perhaps you can do a search for it. In my opinion, natural is better than hormonal. I'm not a doctor so just wanted to let you know that. Email me at DCHERYL51@yahoo.com if you want to talk more.

Sincerely,
Diane Cheryl