I should start by stating that I was not on Cerazette for contraception; I already have a copper IUD in place for that. My gynaecologist prescribed Cerazette as a treatment for PMS, and I was on it for just under 3 months. It is possible that the side-effects would have improved if I'd kept on it after that, but since they were still pretty dreadful and my PMS wasn't much better, there was no point in staying on it.
Cerazette is a third-generation progestogen-only pill (POP) which contains 75mcg of the active ingredient, desogestrel. It is therefore suitable for women who cannot take the combined pill, for example those at high risk of blood clots. Unlike other POPs, it has a twelve-hour window in which you can take it, which is the same as the combined pill. It is a pill which is taken continuously, and it inhibits ovulation in 97% of women. It also has a pretty good chance of eventually stopping periods altogether; I kept hearing different stats for that one, but the most common one was that 50% of women would cease to have periods. Unfortunately, there is a very high rate of irregular bleeding and spotting on Cerazette, and this is the main reason for discontinuation.
I use Fertility Awareness Charting to monitor my periods and PMS, so I have more of an inside view of what was going on. I started Cerazette on the day that I ovulated. My next period was slightly longer and heavier than usual, and I ovulated during that cycle, which was of a normal length for me. For the next cycle, however, the Cerazette really kicked in. I was on Day 45 when I went to see the gynae and she took me off the Cerazette, and during that time I did not ovulate. I also bled lightly for fifteen days, the longest period I've had in years. I did experience spotting on Cerazette, but since I also had a cervical polyp at the time which was causing spotting, this should be discounted as it may not have been caused by the Cerazette. Had I continued on Cerazette, I would probably have remained without periods.
While I was on Cerazette, my PMS was a little milder than usual, at least if we're talking about the symptoms I experienced in the week before menstruation. However, the side-effects more than made up for that. I experienced:
Temperature control problems for the first six weeks - mostly feeling very cold all the time, though sometimes I had wild temperature fluctuations.
Breast tenderness that went on for weeks on end.
Slightly lowered sex drive (though this was harder to judge).
Hugely increased appetite for the first month or so, resulting in weight gain.
Vulvo-vaginal problems (may not have been the Cerazette, but hell of a coincidence if not as I never get these problems) - cystitis during the first period, and vulval/vaginal pain and itching that started during the second period and still hasn't stopped five months later.
So Cerazette wasn't for me. It's hard to tell how many women get on with it. According to the research, it's great stuff and really good for PMS. According to the anecdotal evidence you'll find from users on the internet, it's big trouble. It's generally advised to try a new contraceptive method for at least 2-3 cycles in order to give the side-effects time to settle down, although if they're truly horrendous you should stop earlier.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Advantages: no periods, no side effects for me, taken each day, 99% effective if taken correcly Disadvantages: no periods - no reassurance that you're not pregnant, side effects for some people
Advantages: Safe and effective for women who suffer from migraines or who can't take oestrogens. Disadvantages: None for me so far. Irregular bleeding for some women.
Advantages: Prevents pregnancy, you don't have to remember to take pills Disadvantages: Almost constant bleeding, No sex drive, Headaches, Mood swings, depression, Significant bruising
Oct 25th, 2007
very helpful by (100%):
