So I'm pretty sure I have found a pattern of my peri symptoms being much worse after my period. My good weeks are after day 14, so I'm assuming it's that my estrogen is not kicking in when it's supposed to. Talked to my GYN and we decided that I could give bcps a go to see if that helped. He gave me YAZ, but now I've read so many bad reviews of YAZ that I'm scared to death to try it. Today would be the day, if I'm going to start it this month. Any input bcp users?

Hi Mainer: I don't have anything insightful to say, but just wanted to send a line anyway because I sympathize with your plight. My doc gave me a sample pack of the Yaz to try as a means of regulating my cycle, and I was too much of a chicken to try them! They still sit in my medicine cabinet -- mocking me. lol It's interesting how that brand seems to be the "go to" brand for perimenopausal women. I'm not sure why that is the case. At the time I got them I was having all sorts of bleeding issues and the bcp was presented as a stopgap until I could get in for a regular appointment, which was going to be like a month off (lovely and convenient scheduling options). I figured I would just tough it out until the real appointment for fear the bcp would mess up something ELSE, or mask something else -- so that was my rationalization. You sound like you're at a different place, but I know how you feel. It would be so much better if you could hear someone else's experience who had taken them. When I gave a shout out for info about Yaz, I think it must have been too new, because there were like no responses.

DO NOT TAKE YAZ - (google it and see the problems it has- there was a whole thread on it at PS a few months ago) the progestin in it causes more blood clots than any other bcp. Try Aviane - I have been on it for 4 years and have no problems - good luck

Hi Maine Mom--

Hope you get some good feedback to help you make your decision. Just wanted to add that I don't think it is a problem to start a day or so after your period ends ..or a week or so later. I started a few days late--just remember to take a pill a day.

My first cycle on microgestin I had spotting and two light periods--your first cycle or two will be funky. Not sure it has full birth control effectiveness during the first cycle either, just in case you don't want a peri pregnancy to add to the hormone fun!

I have no experience with Yaz, but if you have read horror stories about that pill, you may be scared about it which may add to your anxieties. Maybe one of the older more tested pills might make you more comfortable?

I will be rooting for you if you take the plunge!

I used it and had a bad reaction on it..added to my symptoms big time !! and had scary chest pains !! Just say NO to YAZ

Thank you all for confirming. I am not taking YAZ. I think I'll ask for Alesse, which I think is the same as Avianne.

http://www.yazclaim.com/ this might help make your decision easier.......

Thank you NC. I don't think I'll do the Yaz.

I don't think Alesse is on the market anymore - they have discontinued it - its now only Aviane - I think you will like it - also no weight gain problems on it - good luck

Best

Lara