Expert: Diane Cheryl - 11/30/2006

Question
The breast tenderness doesn't just last the second week of the pills, it lasts until I get my period (at least hopefully this is the case right now). As far as using birth control my husband and I are going to start trying next year, so if I were pregnant it wouldn't be a major issue. Im basically just wandering if its normal to have breast tenderness that starts the second week of my pills and lasts till the placebo week even after being on them for 4 years.
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
I have been on the pill for about 4 yrs now. Currently I am on Ortho Tri Cyclen and have been since February of this year. The first few months I had no breast tenderness, then around August I started getting it about 2wks or so before my period. Now it seems to start the beginning on my second week of pills. Is this normal? I basically go a whole week without tenderness each month. Is something wrong? I am due for my annual exam the end of December so I will mention something. I have taken pg test and they have come back negative. My main question is it normal after being on a certain bcp to have breast tenderness that starts the second week of pills? Ive heard of it when you first start a pill for the first three months but not after being on it for several months. Thanks.
-----Answer-----
Hello Jennifer,
Thanks for your question. I'm not a medical professional so I am glad to hear that you are going to the doctor to have your exam. I have heard of breast tenderness being a side effect of the pill but not just specifically the second week of pills. That is new to me. Could you consider an other method of birth control and/or do you need to be on any kind of birth control right now? I only recommend condoms (not very effective) or Natural Family Planning. Please email me at DCHERYL51@yahoo.com if you want to talk more. Sorry I could not be of more help but I would like to hear from you again after your appointment.
Diane Cheryl
DCHERYL51@yahoo.com

Answer
Hi Jennifer,
Thanks for your follow up question. It just seems strange to me that you would just have the breast tenderness for the amount of time you stated. Did you ever go to the doctor yet?
I read some articles that stated that breast tenderness was a side effect but didn't mention timing. So anyway, sorry I can't help you more but I would love to find out what happens or what the doctor said. What do you think about Natural Family planning? You can go to the allexperts.com site and go to birth control and ask Ramona.
Talk later.
Diane Cheryl
DCHERYL51@yahoo.com