Low Dose Birth Control Pills

Reducing the side effects of birth control pills (cheers in the gallery!) led to the reduction of the amount of synthetic hormones, estrogen and progestin, that they contained and to the development of the 'new generation', low dose birth control pills. "Low dose' won't have much meaning for you if you don't know what this term refers to so the basic information below may help.

So How Low can I go with the dose of hormone ingredients to still be effective at preventing pregnancy?

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Good question, as not all birth control pills contain exactly the same amount of estrogen and progestin. I thought a useful reference for you would be a list of low dose and ultra low dose pills so that you can at least discuss the pros and cons with your doctor and see if you are a good candidate to move from say, a low dose 0.035mg estrogen pill down to an ultra low dose 0.020mg estrogen pill. You may find you experience fewer or reduced side effects. Generic brands in low dose birth control pills are also available.

Low Dose Birth Control Pills

Birth control pills with the very lowest amount of estrogen, that is 0.02mg of estrogen (usually ethinyl estradiol) are classed as 'ultra low dose' contraceptive pills. 0.020mg of estrogen is sufficient for contraception but the side effects of spotting and breakthrough bleeding are more common with these types of ultra low dose birth control pills than with low dose pills containing 0.030mg or 0.035mg of estrogen.

Here are some brand names of the "ultra low dose" birth control pills on the market , you may find a generic version on line now that you know what amount of estrogen to look for. The estrogen component is listed first and the progestin component second.

• Alesse (Aviane,Lessina,Lutera,Sronyx) contains 0.02 mg ethinyl estradiol and 0.1 mg levonorgestrel
• Mircette contains 0.02 mg ethinyl estradiol and 0.15 mg desogestrel

Pills containing 0.02mg- 0.035mg.of estrogen are classed as 'low dose' pills. Here are some brand names of "low dose" birth control pills :

• LoOvral contains 0.03 mg ethinyl estradiol and and 0.3 mg nogestrel
• Nordette contains 0.03 mg ethinyl estradiol and 0.15 mg levognorgestrel
• Ortho-Cept (Reclipsen, Solia) contains 0.03 mg ethinyl estradiol and 0.15 mg desogestrel
• Desogen contains 0.03 mg ethinyl estradiol and 0.15 mg desogestrel
• Levlen21 contains 0.03 mg of ethinyl estradiol and 0.15 mg of levonorgestrel
• Seasonale/Seasonique contain 0.03mg of ethinyl estradiol and 0.15 mg of levonorgestrel

If you are a fan of triphasic pills, here are some low dose ones: Cyclessa

Phase 1: ethinyl estradiol 0.025 mg and desogestrel 0.1 mg

Phase 2: ethinyl estradiol 0.025 mg and desogestrel 0.125 mg

Phase 3: ethinyl estradiol 0.025 mg and desogestrel 0.15 mg

In a study of 5,654 women, over six menstrual cycles, some used the popular triphasic Ortho-Novum 7/7/7 and others used Cyclessa. It was found that women who used Cyclessa had significantly less breakthrough bleeding or spotting and experienced an average weight loss of 4lbs. versus an average weight gain of 2lbs. with those who took Ortho-Novum 7/7/7.

Ortho Tricyclen Lo : 3 types of pill in the pack

• each white tablet contains 0.025 mg ethinyl estradiol and 0.180 mg of norgestimate
• each light blue tablet contains 0.025 mg of ethinyl estradiol and 0.215 mg norgestimate
• each dark blue tablet contains 0.025 mg of ethinyl estradiol and 0.250 mg of norgestimate

(Ortho Tricyclen and Ortho-Cyclen, each with 0.035 mg of ethinyl estradiol, contain slightly higher amounts of estrogen in each type of pill than Ortho Tricyclen Lo)

YASMIN and YAZ are two more low dose birth control pills containing 0.03 mg and 0.02 mg respectively

of estrogen but they have a different type of progestin from the other pills called drospirenone (3.0 mg). On the down side, since Yasmin/Yaz can increase levels of potassium, it is not recommended for women with liver, adrenal or kidney problems but on the up side, Yasmin/Yaz appear to reduce water retention and therefore bloating and in some women gives a sense of well being. These pills also have a following among acne sufferers as they seem to improve this skin condition in a lot of cases.As with many other types of birth control pills, Yasmin may not be suitable for you if you also take other over-the-counter pain relievers, potassium sparing diuretics, potassium supplements or specific medications so you MUST check this out with a physician first.

Nursing Moms

You will have heard of the 'mini' pill (progestin only pill or POP) which is usually prescribed for women who are breastfeeding or who have an intolerance to estrogen. A 'Mini pill' can be started immediately after childbirth or abortion. There is no 7-day break or dummy pills as there are with the combined pill and it must be taken at the same time every day. Micronor contains 0.35 mg norethindrone and NO estrogen whatsoever. In other countries some brand names include: Microlut 28, Microval 28, Locilan 28 and Noriday.

Pills that contain high amounts of estrogen or progestin are used for emergency contraception and are known as 'the morning after pill' or Plan B. One common pill is Preven -each blue film-coated pill contains 0.25 mg levonorgestrel and 0.05 mg (that's MILLIGRAMS not micrograms) of estrogen - usually you take 2 doses, 12 hours apart. Plan B is a 'morning-after' pill that contains only one hormone, progestin (Levonorgestrel) Tablets, 0.75 mg.

Low Dose Birth Control Pills

Sources; Donnica Moore, M.D.
Carole Pemberton brings you up to date with the latest information on contraceptives, including Alesse, and Yaz to empower you to enjoy your sexuality while successfully managing your birth control.

For A FREE E-BOOK that answers common birth control questions, lighthearted videos and a 'no nonsense' website that tells it like it is, visit: http://www.contraceptivereviewer.com

Birth Control and Perimenopause: When Do I Stop Taking the Pill?

Perimenopause is the time just before menopause. Officially, menopause starts the year after you have finished menstruating, and perimenopause starts three to five years earlier. As your body changes, should you be reconsidering your birth control options?

So you're in your late forties, or your fifties. Your body is acting differently. You aren't sure if the changes are your birth control or your body, how do you react? If you are still getting your period, you can still get pregnant. You should still use birth control until a year after your last period, because often periods become irregular and have a longer time between them during perimenopause. If you have been relying on fertility awareness based methods of birth control, they will no longer work, because you will no longer be able to track your cycle accurately. If you are using barrier based methods of birth control, then you can continue using your regular method (diaphragm, sponge, condoms, etc). The difficulty at perimenopause comes if you are using hormonal birth control, such as the pill, the patch, or the vaginal ring among others.

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Some doctors recommend switching birth control pills to a low-dose birth control pill at perimenopause. This would mean switching to a pill that has 20 micrograms of estrogen (such as Alesse or Loestrin), instead of the normal 30 to 50 micrograms of estrogen in a combination pill. The benefits of changing to a lower dose hormonal birth control are that you will still be protected against pregnancy, and your final periods will probably be more regular. Many women find that their side effects are fewer with lower doses of estrogen. NuvaRing is a vaginal ring that is inserted once a month and removed 21 days later; it also has a lower dose of estrogen than most birth control pills.

Birth Control and Perimenopause: When Do I Stop Taking the Pill?

You are going to have to stop taking birth control at some point in your life. In the past, doctors would randomly choose when to stop you on birth control and when to begin you on hormone replacement therapy for menopause. This often happens around the age of 50. Now, doctors can measure your FSH, or follicle-stimulating-hormone to tell if you are in menopause. This way you can switch hormone therapies directly when it suits your body.

However, being medicated on hormones your entire life is not appealing to many women. You might choose to change to alternative forms of birth control. These include getting an IUD, or switching to a barrier method of birth control (like a cervical cap, condoms, etc.).

Going off birth control can cause difficulties for some women. A woman's body can become accustomed to being on contraceptive pills for years. It will take months for the pill to leave your body. Your body will learn to create different hormone levels for you.

There are many natural ways to deal with the side effects of perimenopause. The most important thing to remember is to maintain a balanced diet and exercise. It sounds overly simple, but for most of us, it can be one of the biggest challenges we face in our busy lives. Proper diet and exercise can help minimize side effects of perimenopause, and it will help you to feel better about yourself.

If you want to try going off birth control pills, you can stop at any time (though many women choose to finish one monthly cycle before ending. Try lowering your caffeine and alcohol intake. Other women use progesterone-cream to help lessen their side effects.

Perimenopause and menopause is a time of great change in a woman's life. This is a time to step back and begin listening to your body. Many women rush around their lives putting everyone else first: take this time to improve your own life by talking to your doctor and making informed decisions about your hormone use during perimenopause.

Birth Control and Perimenopause: When Do I Stop Taking the Pill?

For more information on birth control, including hormonal, barrier-based, and biological methods, and more information on your fertitility, visit The Guide to Birth Control [http://www.theguideto-birthcontrol.com/birth_control_myths].

Birth Control Safety - Women's Power to Freedom

In 1960 the first birth control pills were presented. It was one big medical achievement and it brought more safety into women's life. It was a relief to know that women can control their childbearing simply by taking a pill.

Since it was first introduced on the market, the pill has been taken by more than 60 million women all around the world. Many people consider it better than any other medication ever made. Among the world's women, the American ones were quicker to accept it. In the first two years, 1.2 million women used it and then in 1973 the numbers rose to 10 million. The usage numbers dropped in the 80s after some news on their side effects. But then the number went back again. Right now almost 10.7 million American women take these pills. It is one of the most popular methods of birth control options.

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During its history, the birth control pill has dogged a lot of scandals dealing with side effects. The pill has put some stress on the society and has caused a lot of rumors. FDA has also noted that nobody took such big amounts of this pill over a short period of time, without the purpose to cure a disease. People even joke that it is not as common as the table salt. For 30 years now the oral contraceptive have been on surveillance. Researchers are still investigation some of the side effects, in order to create better oral contraceptive pills.

Birth Control Safety - Women's Power to Freedom

The fears about strokes, heart attacks and blood clots, have been on the mind of women for ages and concerns about the health still exist. But current researchers are now investigating possibilities to change that and to diminish the risks. Still, concerns remain and in some cases they are worth looking into. There are studies that shown no significant risks to women but there are also studies that shown grave damage. The cause and effect relationship it is still up to debate.

Birth Control Safety - Women's Power to Freedom

Read more on birth control and womens freedom... Birth Control Safety

Weight Gain After Stopping Birth Control Is Very Common

Weight gain after stopping birth control is very common in many women. In fact, you can gain as much as 30-40 pounds in a very short period(couple of months). The reason for this, is that birth control screws with your body's cycle...so when you stop taking it...it takes a couple of months until your body gets back on track. And during this time you gain weight.  

If you think that you have nothing to worry about because you exercise and diet...think again. Yes...diet and exercise can help you mitigate some of the weight gain...but if you continue doing what you've been doing, you'll still gain 15-25 pounds during this period.

\"Acne Body \"

The reason you get weight gain after stopping birth control is because most of your BC options have a diuretic in them. This is used to make sure that your body doesn't retain as much water and helps with your period. The second reason is that most of these BC options can act as an appetite suppressor in many women. So once you add these two together, you end up gaining a lot of weight in a very short time.

Weight Gain After Stopping Birth Control Is Very Common

If you want to avoid weight gain after stopping birth control...you need to start a more effective weight loss program. Forget the one size fits all solutions...they barely work in normal situations...let alone in someone who just got off the pill/patch. If you want to lose weight/stay in your current shape...you'll need to start a custom weight loss plan. These custom weight loss plans are designed for your specific height/weight...so you end up getting much better results with less effort. Essentially each plan safely gets you the best possible results that your body is capable of.

Weight gain after stopping birth control is a very big problem...if you don't nip it in the bud...you will eventually end up like some of these 200-300 pound women. 

Weight Gain After Stopping Birth Control Is Very Common

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Foods That Help to Control Acne

Acne affects about 85% of people at some time between their teen years to their twenties. Understanding what can contribute to the outbreak of acne is a step closer to knowing how to get rid of acne and how to control it. There are many kinds of acne treatments available, from acne medicinal products, home remedies for acne to natural acne treatment. As a majority of these treatments are for external use, they may only provide a temporary solution to the problem. The underlying problem could be their diet.

Until recently it was popular belief, though never proven, that it was high sugar and high fat content in a diet of fries, burgers, chocolates and soft drinks that caused acne. Although junk food is still though to be linked to the problem, there are other prime suspects, such as sugar, saturated fat and chlorine-containing chemicals. These are often added freely to fries, potato chips, and many other convenience foods.

\"Acne Body Wash\"

Saying that, a bad complexion or dull looking skin may have more to do with what you are not eating than what you do eat. A diet based on fast foods, sweets, snacks and alcohol will be low in several vitamins and minerals. Either way, those who do suffer from acne should cut down on refined carbohydrates found in sugary foods, fatty and fried foods such as burgers and fries, highly salted snacks, soft drinks and confectionery, and in favour of whole grains, fresh fruit and vegetables, lean meat and a moderate intake of polyunsaturated oils.

Foods That Help to Control Acne

Research has also suggested that many acne sufferers are deficient in zinc. Food such as burgers, poultry contain plenty of this mineral, healthier sources include shellfish, nuts, lean meat and skinless poultry. Yoghurt and skimmed milk supply zinc in smaller amounts.

Vitamin A, is beneficial to help maintain a healthy skin, and is abundant in liver and eggs, while beta carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A, is found in dark green or orange vegetables such as spinach and carrots, and also in orange fruits such as apricots and mangoes.

Foods That Help to Control Acne

People with acne should make sure that their diet contains plenty of polyunsaturated fats, which have also been claimed to counteract acne. Several B vitamins, normally supplied by a well-balanced diet, are believed to prevent blackheads and leave the skin less greasy, while a lack of vitamin C is known to make people more vulnerable to infection. Vitamin E, found in wheatgerm, eggs, and cold-pressed vegetable oils, helps to heal the skin.

Clear Your Acne - Naturally!

Most people who suffer from acne go out and spend good money on common over-the-counter acne treatment products. The truth is, most of these products are full of chemicals that can actually slow down the healing of acne, and irritate your skin, causing farther breakouts.

When an acne product has 20 ingredients listed on it, it can be hard to know if one of those ingredients is actually stopping you from having success. It can be even harder when you can't pronounce the ingredient, much less know what it is and how it is going to affect your skin.

\"Acne Body Wash\"

Most mainstream acne treatments are not only much more expensive than common household items, but they also don't always work as well either. With that in mind, I will list some basic household items that can work wonders on clearing up your skin.

Clear Your Acne - Naturally!

Baking soda - A very cheap cooking ingredient that most people have in their homes already, baking soda can be used as a great scrub. The purpose of a scrub is to exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin that can eventually clog pores and lead to acne spots.
To start off, you'll want to mix a small amount of baking soda with some water for form a paste. Baking soda is very effective as a scrub, so you want to be sure to be extra careful when applying it to your face. Gently massage the paste into your skin for ten to fifteen seconds. Then rinse the baking soda off, and pat your face dry with a clean towel.

Apple Cider Vinegar - Though most people that use vinegar to treat acne use the apple cider form of vinegar, you can also use plain old regular vinegar. Regardless of which type you use, vinegar can be very helpful with it comes to clearing up acne. It can kill off acne causing bacteria, balance your skin's pH, and absorb extra oil on your skin.

Starting with clean, dry skin, apply diluted vinegar (eight parts water to one part vinegar) directly to your skin with a cotton ball, and leave it on. If you want, you can also use a stronger vinegar solution (say, 2 or 3 parts water to 1 part vinegar), and apply it directly to problem areas, rinsing it off after ten minutes.

Lemon or lime juice can also be substituted for vinegar. Both of these juices are rich in citric acid, and can exfoliate your skin very well, halting the growth of acne spots, as well as fading previous, non-active acne quicker.

Egg Whites - Rich in protein, egg whites can be used as a mask to heal and rebuild your skin. It can also help to absorb excess oil from your skin.

To start off, crack an egg, removing the yolk so that just the egg whites are left behind. Beat these egg whites, and apply them directly to your face. Let it sit for fifteen minutes, and then rinse the egg off.

Oatmeal - As odd as it may seem, oatmeal can absorb unwanted oil and draw out impurities which reside deep in your skin. Cook some plain oatmeal like you would for consumption. Let it cool off, and rub it over your clean skin. Let it sit for a while, like you would a mask, and then rinse off. If you do this on a regular basis, you should begin to start noticing results soon. It may feel funny, but it works!

Tea Tree Oil - TTO is a commonly used all-natural household antiseptic, which you can pick up at most drugstores or supermarkets. You can apply TTO directly to acne spots to kill bacteria, or, if you strongly dilute it with another oil (such as jojoba oil), over your entire face.
Tea tree gel can be easier to apply than the oil, and many are made for applying over large areas of skin, so they aren't quite as strong as straight TTO and do not need to be diluted.

Pantothenic Acid (Also known as Vit. B5) - Pantothenic acid can be taken in large quantities for the benefit of acne reduction. B5 works by helping your body to metabolize fats which would otherwise be later turned into sebum (oil) and excreted through the skin. Small amounts of B5 won't help though, and it has to be taken several times a day.

To help with acne, you will need to take 2.5 grams of pantothenic acid (the powder form is much easier to take), 4 times per day, for a total of 10 grams per day. Powdered B5 can be purchased from vitamin stores.

Aloe Vera - Aloe Vera has been used for many years in kitchens for topical application to burns. Another benefit of aloe is that it can prevent scaring, fade marks and help heal acne spots.

You now have an idea of some basic household items you can use on your skin, that work better than many OTC acne products, and are much cheaper to use. Since we have only really covered basic acne treatments, you can always take this to another level and take all natural, internal acne treatments.

This sums up our basic list of natural alternatives for chemical based acne treatment products. You can take this a step farther by attacking your acne from the inside out. Acne has been shown numerous times to be very closely affected by the digestive system, so keeping your entire digestive system working as smooth as possible can help reduce acne. I will help give you a basic idea of some all natural products you can take to help clear up acne.

Cucumber, lemon and carrot juice, brewer's yeast, and active charcoal pills are all capable of helping the digestive system function normally. Since the digestive system is closely related with the health of the skin, they should help reduce acne breakouts. Flax seed can also be wonderful for helping your skin heal faster.

Clear Your Acne - Naturally!

Ryan Bauer is a former acne sufferer who changed his entire life once he cleared his skin. He used the Acne No More Treatment System [http://www.100pointsin100days.com/acne/index.html] to completely cure his acne in only 3 weeks.

His life goal is to tell others about this Secret Acne Cure [http://www.100pointsin100days.com/acne/index.html] so they, too can live a happy life!