Ortho Tri-Cyclen and Breast Changes: Birth Control Alternatives

Question
I've been taking ortho tri cyclen for about a year and i noticed that my breasts have gotten about two cup sizes bigger. i was wondering if you know of a good birth control pill i could switch to that could possibly help the situation because i would like them to go back to normal.  I was looking at a pill called mircette, maybe that one would be better? well if you could email me back i would appreciate it.

Answer
It is ethinyl estradiol (the oestrogen component) in Ortho Tri-Cyclen that causes the increase in breast size. You would have to choose a pill brand with lower oestrogen in it. Alesse, Levlite, Loestrin 1/20, Mircette and Ortho Evra (patch) are good options.

I have to warn you that low oestrogen doses sometimes cause breakthrough bleeding. The pills with higher androgen activity and low estrogen content (Alesse, Loestrin) are most likely to promote acne and excessive hair growth in people with these tendencies.

The different hormone levels have their advantages and disadvantages. You'll have to decide what's most important to you.

I hope this helped you, good luck!

Marina