Expert: Norman Solberg - 1/19/2009

Question
I have taken Necon birth control over a year now.  I have noticed for the last 5 months, I get a really bad headache starting on my 2nd day of the placebo pills.  In the first three weeks of the pills, no headaches!!!  Only the week I am not taking the pills, do I get a super bad killer headache.  Is this normal?

Answer
I think you are experiencing estrogen withdrawal headaches, such that when your estrogen level drops from stopping the active pill, your body responds with a headache.  It's not dangerous, but it's a headache.  The two possible solutions are to either take a lower estrogen pill (Necon comes in various estrogen sizes) or to take a very small amount of estrogen during your 7 days off.  Talk to your doctor about it.