Hi There!
Your breasts have gotten bigger and everywhere else you have lost weight? Do you know how many women ask me how to do this?
All kidding aside as I know you are in pain, there is one thing that should help and that is strictly monitoring your sodium to no more than 2300 mg per day to prevent any possible bloating that typically occurs on this pill.
Because it is a hormone, some of the things you are experiences with the bloating and breast enlargement is a side-effect from the medication. Let me post an excerpt from the physicians desk reference for this medication:
Acne; breast tenderness or enlargement; changes in appetite; changes in sexual interest; changes in weight; dizziness; hair loss; headache; nausea;
stomach cramps or bloating; unusual spotting or bleeding;
Furthermore, the recommendation if the above occurs is to see your physician. The physician will determine if he needs to change your medication again or if there is something he can add to your regimen to decrease the side-effects.
Here are the diet recommendations to follow while on this medication:
1.Take medication with food at the same time each day;
2.May need a Calcium/Vitamin D supplement; consume dairy products regularly especially those fortified with vitamin D;
3.
Magnesium, folacin and
pyridoxine may be low.
Ask doctor for a Magnesium test and consider a B-complex pill along with a colorful array of vegetables;
4. Large amounts of
vitamin C may increase drug toxicity. Stick to the Recommended Dietary Intake of 2011: 75 mg/d;
5.No grapefruit or related citrus;
6.Limit caffeine (
estrogen inhibits caffeine
metabolism which in turn may aggravate the swollen breasts);
If you follow the above suggested dietary guidelines, perhaps the side-effects will lessen. The only other alternative is to see your doctor for a medication evaluation. I sense you are essentially happy with this pill except for these particular side effects.
I hope the game plan I have laid out for you helps your situation. Healthy Regards, Kathryn Shattler, MS,RDN