Seasonale Side Effects
Overview
Seasonale is a type of birth control pill (oral contraceptive) used to prevent pregnancy, but like all medications, it can cause side effects. People who use Seasonale may notice common side effects such as nausea, headache, irregular bleeding, or changes in their periods. These effects often become less noticeable over time as the body adjusts to the medicine.
More serious side effects can happen, although they are less common. Knowing how Seasonale might affect your body helps you make informed decisions about contraception. Anyone interested in Seasonale should be aware of both the benefits and the possible risks before starting this medication.
What Is Seasonale?
Doctors prescribe Seasonale as a birth control pill that combines two hormones: ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel. People use this medication to reduce the number of periods they have each year by following an extended-cycle dosing schedule.
How Seasonale Works
Seasonale contains ethinyl estradiol (a synthetic estrogen) and levonorgestrel (a progestin). Both hormones work together to stop ovulation, so the ovaries do not release an egg each month. Without ovulation, sperm cannot fertilize an egg. Seasonale also thickens the cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to enter the uterus, and changes the lining of the uterus to make it less likely for a fertilized egg to attach.
Users take Seasonale as an oral tablet once each day. The package usually has 84 active tablets followed by 7 inactive tablets. During the week of inactive tablets, most people have a withdrawal bleed, which is like a period but often shorter and lighter.
Seasonale vs. Traditional Birth Control Pills
Traditional birth control pills, also called cyclic or monthly pills, provide 21 days of active hormone tablets followed by 7 days of inactive tablets. This cycle results in a period every month. Seasonale, as an extended-cycle birth control pill, stretches the active tablet phase to 84 days, so users only get their period once every three months. This means fewer periods per year—usually just four.
Aside from changing the timing of periods, Seasonale uses the same hormones (ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel) found in many monthly pills. It is different from some other forms of contraception like the transdermal patch or non-hormonal birth control methods. Seasonale does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. This schedule can help those who experience heavy, painful, or frequent periods and want a more predictable menstrual cycle.
Common Side Effects of Seasonale
People who take Seasonale may experience some common side effects, especially when starting the medication. These side effects are typically mild and do not last long. Some of the most commonly reported side effects include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headaches
- Breast tenderness or pain
- Bloating
Many users also notice changes in their menstrual cycle. These may include:
- Spotting or breakthrough bleeding
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Heavy periods
Other possible effects are abdominal pain, diarrhea, and breast enlargement.
| Side Effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Nausea/Vomiting | Feeling sick or throwing up. |
| Headache/Migraine | Head pain or severe headaches. |
| Breast Tenderness | Soreness or swelling in breasts. |
| Bloating | Feeling of fullness in the abdomen. |
| Spotting/Bleeding | Light bleeding between periods. |
Most of these effects become less noticeable after the body adjusts to Seasonale. If any side effect is severe or does not go away, talk to a healthcare provider for more information.
Serious Side Effects and Health Risks
Seasonale can cause serious side effects. Some of the most significant risks involve the heart and blood vessels. These include blood clots, stroke, heart attack, and high blood pressure. Blood clots can form in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) or travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism).
People who smoke, have high cholesterol, or a history of heart disease face a higher risk of these problems. Watch for signs of blood clots, such as sudden pain, swelling, shortness of breath, or chest pain. A table of cardiovascular risks:
| Condition | Description |
|---|---|
| Deep Vein Thrombosis | Blood clot in deep veins, usually in legs |
| Pulmonary Embolism | Clot travels to lungs, causing breathing problems |
| Stroke | Blocked blood flow to the brain |
| Heart Attack | Blocked blood flow to the heart |
| High Blood Pressure | High blood pressure |
Seasonale can also affect the liver. Liver problems may include tumors or yellowing of the skin. People with liver disease should not use Seasonale. Seasonale can make gallbladder disease worse. Some people may have pain, nausea, or digestive issues. Swelling of the pancreas is rare but possible. The risk of serious side effects goes up with age, smoking, and other health issues like high cholesterol or uncontrolled high blood pressure.
Serious Side Effects to Watch For
- Sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body)
- Severe chest pain
- Severe headaches or problems with vision
- Yellowing of skin or eyes
- Difficulty breathing
If you notice any of these symptoms, get medical help right away.
Hormonal and Emotional Changes
Taking Seasonale can cause hormonal shifts that might affect how a person feels and behaves each day. These changes often show up in both emotional symptoms and sleeping patterns. Estrogen and progestin in Seasonale can affect brain chemicals linked to mood. Because of this, some people may notice new or stronger emotional symptoms.
Common Emotional Changes
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Sadness or depression
- Anxiety
Some people also report increased worry or feeling more stressed than normal. Mild to moderate mood swings are typical, but stronger feelings like depression can also happen for some users. Emotional changes can sometimes lead to sleep problems such as trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, which might make daytime mood changes feel worse.
| Symptom | How it Might Feel |
|---|---|
| Mood swings | Ups and downs in feelings |
| Depression | Feeling down or hopeless |
| Anxiety | Nervous or uneasy |
| Insomnia | Trouble sleeping |
Not everyone will get these side effects. Some may feel only mild changes, while others may notice stronger issues. If symptoms last a long time or become hard to manage, talk to a healthcare provider.
Gynecological and Reproductive Concerns
Seasonale can change the menstrual cycle. Many people notice fewer periods, but some may have spotting or light bleeding between periods. This is called breakthrough bleeding. It is common to have irregular periods or abnormal vaginal bleeding, especially during the first months. Sometimes, bleeding can be heavier or lighter than usual.
| Symptom | Common with Seasonale? |
|---|---|
| Irregular Periods | Yes |
| Spotting/Breakthrough | Yes |
| Heavy Bleeding | Rare |
| No Period | Sometimes |
Some users notice changes in cervical mucus, which can affect how the vagina feels and sometimes cause irritation or discomfort. Issues like vaginal infections or yeast infections may happen, but they are not common. Any persistent itching or unusual discharge should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Menstrual pain can sometimes improve while using Seasonale, but for some, pain may continue. Experiences can differ from person to person. If periods become very heavy or irregular bleeding does not improve after a few months, speak with a doctor.
Usage Guidance and Managing Side Effects
Take Seasonale at the same time each day for best results. This helps keep hormone levels steady and prevents missed doses. If you miss a dose, follow the instructions in the patient information. Missing active tablets might lower effectiveness.
If you miss two or more active tablets, use extra birth control like condoms. Take inactive tablets during the week when a period could start. If you take too many tablets, contact a healthcare provider or seek emergency help right away. Symptoms may include nausea and unusual vaginal bleeding. Common side effects are mild and often improve over time. These may include:
- Nausea
- Headache
- Breast tenderness
- Breakthrough bleeding (spotting)
Tips for managing minor side effects:
| Symptom | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Nausea | Take with food, use at bedtime |
| Headache | Rest, drink water, tell provider |
| Breast tenderness | Wear supportive bra |
| Spotting | Usually passes over time |
Who Should Avoid Extended-cycle Birth Control Pills?
Extended-cycle birth control pills like Seasonale are not safe for everyone. Some groups of people should avoid these pills due to higher health risks. People who are pregnant or think they might be pregnant should not use extended-cycle birth control. These pills will not help and could cause harm.
Those with heart disease, a history of heart attacks, or stroke should avoid these pills. The hormones can make blood clots or heart problems worse. If someone has liver disease or liver cancer, they should not use extended-cycle pills. The body processes birth control hormones in the liver, which can add stress or cause more liver issues. Women over the age of 35 who smoke have a higher risk for blood clots, heart attacks, and stroke. Using this type of birth control increases those risks even more.
People with high blood pressure should talk to their doctor. The hormones can raise blood pressure and lead to other health issues. Anyone who has had blood clots in their legs or lungs should avoid hormone birth control pills. These medicines can increase the risk of another clot.
Contraindications Checklist
| Condition | Use with caution or avoid? |
|---|---|
| Pregnancy | Avoid |
| Heart disease | Avoid |
| Liver disease/cancer | Avoid |
| Smoking (age 35+) | Avoid |
| High blood pressure | Use with caution/avoid |
| Venous thromboembolism | Avoid |
Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before starting any new birth control to see what is safest for your health history.
