Yasmin is a combined oral contraceptive. It contains drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol. Drosperinone is a fairly new progestogen, and is the closest to the natural female progesterone hormone. It also functions as an anti-androgen and when combined with ethinyl estradiol (the "oestrogen" component), it can be highly effective as an acne and hirsuitism treatment without the harsher side effects of other drugs. Yasmin contains Ethinylestradiol 30 micrograms plus drospirenone 3 mg. It is a monophasic pill - 1 pill per day for 21 days followed by a pill-free interval of 7 days, where a period-style bleed can take place. Yasmin can be used continuously in different regimens (3-6 months) as treatment for PMT, PCOS, endometriosis and other gynaecological issues.
I use Yasmin as contraception and also because I have had PCOS in the past (and tend to be susceptible to androgenic side effects such as acne and weight gain). This is the second time I have been on Yasmin. The first timeI was very ill with depression as a result of PCOS and perhaps it made me more sensitive, so overall it wasn't a great experience. Two years later I am back on it, after being on Marvelon, having an IUD and trying Cerazette in between. I must say that after 4 months, my skin is the best it has been in so long! My hair is thick and glossy (tends to thin and get lank and greasy on other pills), I have lost over a stone as I'm not comfort eating or feeling overly hungry.
The only problem I have is chronic pelvic pain, which is not due to Yasmin but to possible endometriosis. My gynaecologist is confident that Yasmin is still right for me, and in the future he has recommended I take it continuously for 3 months at a time. I'm happy with that as it helps me to maintain good skin, and minimise bad effects associated with my pill-free week.
I will say that before my skin got better, it seemed to get worse, but this happens with pretty much every drug which has anti-androgenic properties (Dianette, Marvelon, Cilest..) so I am glad that I persevered because the results are great!
I'm about to start my 5th cycle and I think I will happily continue with it for the rest of the year, as I think it is one of the best pills around at the moment.
For me, the advantages of Yasmin are:
clearer skin
loss of water retention
healthy, shiny hair
ease of obtaining it free on the NHS
excellent contraception
easy to swallow pills
lighter periods
overall feeling of wellbeing is better in comparison to other pill experiences
great cycle control
less undesireable effects in comparison to other pill experiences
firmer breasts due to loss of excess water and weight!
no blood pressure problems (though I never have had high bp)
slight reduction in any unwanted hair.
And the disadvantages:
skin got worse for 2-3 months
sore breasts towards pill-free interval
slight nausea at times but this settled after 2-3 months and was worth going through.
not for me, but for the NHS - this pill is expensive therefore some GPs don't prescribe it unless absolutely necessary.
Overall I am very happy on Yasmin. I don't want to try another unless I absolutely must, but so far so good! I would definitely recommend it. I think with every pill, the doctor must counsel the patient properly. So often women don't know what they are taking, what to expect, and how to cope.
***UPDATE***
I just felt I had to update my post because I am so incredibly happy on Yasmin. I am having the first pain-free period I have ever had in my entire life (so, for the past 12 years of periods anyway). I can't describe what a wonderful thing this is to me, and I am really hopeful that it will continue!
All the best!
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Advantages: Lighter/regular periods, no pregnancy, no side effects. Disadvantages: Can be difficult to remember to take it, other than that no problems.
lindtoholic 13.01.2009 (13.01.2009)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Yasmin Contraceptive Pill
Advantages: Lighter/regular periods, no pregnancy, no side effects. Disadvantages: Can be difficult to remember to take it, other than that no problems.
lindtoholic 13.01.2009 (13.01.2009)
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Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Yasmin Contraceptive Pill
Jan 6th, 2009
(Feb 9th, 2009)
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