I'm 18, and started on Junel Fe 1/20 at the end of April. It was for acne and unexplained abdominal pain. This week, I really started seeing the effects of it. My period was way lighter, I barely had any cramps, that pain disappeared, and my acne was way way down. However, acid reflux seems to have replaced everything. Every time I eat something - it doesn't matter what - about an hour or so afterwards I'll get slightly nauseous, get killer heartburn, slight dizziness, and hot flashes. This lasts for about an hour before subsiding.
Because it appeared just as my other symptoms dissipated, I'm wondering if this could be a side effect of the Junel. If so, what can I do about it (aside from the obvious switch of contraceptive pill, which I will certainly talk to my doctor about)?
Can Junel Fe 1/20 cause acid reflux?
Question posted by CorynMac on 20 June 2019
Last updated on 21 June 2019
Answers
These symptoms are the result of an elevated estrogen from the pills, which can irritate the stomach. It will most likely to cause stomach upset. Nausea is also common when you first start taking the pill.
Since the side effects have been bothering you consistently, as you have said, it is of utmost importance (and obvious) to talk with your doctor for a switch of contraceptive pill. These symptoms affect your appetite, weight, and nutrition which are detrimental to maintain good health.
For the meantime, while you haven't talked with your doctor yet, you may try the following and see which one would be effective for you in managing the symptoms:
- Consume only light, plain foods, such as bread and crackers.
- Drink cold liquids.
- Avoid any activity after eating.
- Drink a cup of ginger tea.
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals.
- Take a series of deep, controlled breaths.
- Remain upright after eating. Remain upright for at least three hours after eating. During this time, don't bend over, strain to lift heavy objects, or lie down.
- Avoid foods that can trigger reflux. These include: high-fat foods, spicy dishes, tomatoes, and tomato products, citrus fruits, garlic and onions, milk, carbonated drinks, coffee (including decaf) and tea, chocolate, mints, alcohol
- Chew gum. This increases saliva production, soothing the esophagus and washing acid back down to the stomach.
To prevent nausea, don’t take your birth control pill on an empty stomach. Instead, take it after dinner or with a snack before bed. You can also take an antacid medicine about 30 minutes before taking the pill. This may help keep your stomach calm.
Hope you'll feel better soon! =)
Thanks for the advice! I actually decided to stop the birth control to see what happened and the reflux completely stopped with it (but now my acne and other things are returning, which isn't amazing). I'll definitely talk to my primary at my appointment on Monday about switching to a different pill.
Related topics
junel fe 1/20, birth control, gerd, period, junel
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