No I'm no longer taking the Aygestin

I could not tolerate the side effects on Aygestin - severe bloating which increased pain, severe fluid retention (all over), severe constipation, cystic acne. My periods did stop but I felt awful. Yes, the lack of options is very disheartening. I don't know why researchers in the US aren't doing more clinical trials. I am interested in trying Dienogest 2mg alone or Estradiol valerate 1mg/ Dienogest 2mg. Neither are available in the US. From what I've read, Estradiol valerate 1mg is the equivalent of 10 mcg ethinyl estradiol or 0.76 mg estradiol. So, ultra low dose. It seems to me the the combination may lower the side effects of being on progestin-only therapy, although not well researched for use in endometriosis.

Hey there. Honestly, my biggest complaint with the mini-pill is that I bleed a lot more often, which is why my OB wants me to try the higher dose.
Other than the erratic bleeding and low iron, I have tolerated it pretty well... no strange side effects like weight gain or acne or mood changes.
I am with you though, that I wish we didn't have to take birth control at all. I hope that helps a little:-)

Thanks for the input btw are you still taking the pill?

Thank you @ewalton I appreciate your insight