AboutEric Brandt Expertise I am a practicing pharmacist.On my drug information website, I have answered hundreds of questions to date. The articles posted on my site include Parkinson`s disease. depression, menopause, diabetes, sleep and aging, congestive heart failure, calcium channel blockers, thyroid hormone replacement therapy, ADHD, multiple sclerosis an more.
Experience I have experience in retail as well as hospital pharmacy pracice. Currently working in a hospital pharmacy. I am experienced in drug information. Over the last 6 years I have developed a successful web site for drug information.
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Expert: Eric Brandt Date: 4/25/2008 Subject: jolivette
Question QUESTION: hello,
i am sexually active, however, i was placed on combination birth control pills to help with my horrible cramps & heavy periods. i first went on femcon fe but it didn't work so i switched to yaz. i developed high blood pressure, 160/98 & had to be switched to progesterone only (mini pills). the doctor put me on jolivette. i've heard conflicting information. will progesterone only pills also help me with my excruciating cramps? is progesterone effective in easing cramps & making periods lighter? i was so nervous that if i gave up combination pills my horrible cramps would return. can i expect relief with jolivette?
ANSWER: Hi Britt,
Progesterone prevents ovulation and thins the endometrium. this shoud help with the cramps you experience during your menstrual cycle.
Thank you for using Allexperts
Sincerely,
Eric Brandt, B.Sc. Pharm
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: so is it the progesterone or estrogen thats more helpful when it comes to relieving menstrual pain?
Answer Hi Britt,
Menstrual cramps and heavy priods are relieved with oral contraceptives when ovulation is inhibited. Progesterone is responsible for that action.
In combination drugs, estrogens simulate pregnancy which also prevents ovulatio by fooling the body. So both can be effective in relieving menstrual cramps. We do not give estrogen by itself because it is responsible for endometrial thickening and you need the action of progesterone to slough off the thickened endometrium.
Thank you for using Allexperts
Sincerely,
Eric Brandt, B.Sc. Pharm
