Thank you so so much for taking the time to share your expertise and lend some support to this…

Relatedly, I have rarely had any control over, or insight into, which generic my insurer provides me — sometimes what pill I’ve received…

Thank you so so much for taking the time to share your expertise and lend some support to this project, Rashmi! I’m so grateful. You’re right, I have been on a triphasic pill — it’s interesting to hear that it is an “old fashioned” option. I wonder why I’ve been on this option so consistently over the years, if it’s considered a bit outmoded? Every time I’ve told a new gyno that I was on generic ortho tri-cyclen, they’ve said some version of “Oh, good, I like that one, very few people have problems on that one.” So I’m surprised (but feel very validated) to hear there are some known potential issues with them.

Relatedly, I have rarely had any control over, or insight into, which generic my insurer provides me — sometimes what pill I’ve received has switched in the middle of a prescription period, even (I’ve gotten Tri-Estarylla one month, Tri-Sprintec the next, and then back again). I’ve definitely noticed mood & acne effects related to switching between triphasic pills. Yet even when I’ve tried to tell a Doc exactly which generic I’ve wanted, I haven’t been able to consistently get it.

I have read up on the side effects you’ve described, including the increased bleeding, and I’m going to try to weather that storm for 6 months, at least, to give my body time to adjust. Of course, if those or other side effects happen to be too intense for me, it’s good to know I have BC pill options that are less likely to affect my moods as intensely.

Thank you so much!