Pill (Gemina) Experience: Side Effects and Efficacy? Summary of Differences from Yaz Flex and Droeti
It has been almost three weeks since I switched from Droeti to Gemina.
After starting the pill around last September to manage PMS and PMDD, I suffered from loss of energy, breast tenderness and pain, and vaginal dryness as side effects of Yaz Flex and Droeti. After consulting with my doctor and switching from Droeti to Gemina,the aforementioned side effects have almost completely improved,so I am recording this again.
What is Gemina? What kind of pill is it?
First, let me explain what Gemina is.
Gemina is a low-dose pill containing two types of hormones: estrogen and levonorgestrel. It is covered by insurance for dysmenorrhea and endometriosis, and is expected to be effective in relieving menstrual pain and reducing menstrual blood volume. Also, it is said to have a contraceptive effect of over 99% if taken correctly. A feature is that it can be taken continuously for up to 77 days.
List of side effects improved after switching from Droeti to Gemina
In conclusion, the following side effects I felt while taking Yaz Flex and Droeti began to improve immediately after switching to Gemina.
Loss of energy: I was sleeping all day and my motivation to work had dropped, but since switching to Gemina, my "intense energy" has returned. I was even able to work overtime until late at night for days while vomiting and having diarrhea from gastroenteritis (true story).
Breast tenderness: The breast pain and the abnormal hardness have disappeared. It is very comfortable. Although they have remained slightly larger in size, it is to a degree that doesn't bother me.
Vaginal dryness: This hasn't completely healed yet, but there are signs of improvement. It had become like a dry, parched piece of paper that didn't feel like a mucous membrane, but now it feels like it has returned to being a mucous membrane for the time being. You might wonder if vaginal dryness is really that bothersome, but if you imagine a state where there is absolutely no moisture in your mouth and you cannot produce saliva, you will understand how abnormal it is.
Conversely, as soon as I switched to Gemina, 4-5 chin pimples appeared, so I believe the effect of Yaz Flex and Droeti in suppressing acne is real.
However, compared to the side effects mentioned above, small pimples are no big deal. They are already starting to heal as well. I was a bit resistant because Gemina is about twice as expensive as Droeti, but in the end, I'm glad I switched!
Why do such major changes occur just by changing the pill? The reason lies in thedifference in the actions of Gemina and Yaz Flex/Droeti.
Differences in the effects of Gemina and Yaz Flex/Droeti
Yaz Flex and Droeti (+Yaz) contain a progestin component called "drospirenone," so they have "anti-androgenic" and "anti-mineralocorticoid" effects.
Anti-androgenic effect: An effect that suppresses the excessive action of male hormones. It leads to the improvement and reduction of acne, sebum secretion, and hypertrichosis.
Anti-mineralocorticoid effect: An effect that adjusts the balance of water and salt in the body. It leads to the reduction of swelling, etc.
On the other hand, Gemina contains a component called "levonorgestrel" and does not contain drospirenone, so the biggest difference is that it does not have the above effects.
It is thought that PMS and PMDD occur because the brain reacts strongly to hormonal fluctuations before menstruation, causing symptoms such as irritability and depression. Drospirenone contained in Yaz Flex and Droeti has less negative impact on mood compared to conventional progestin preparations, and the design with a shorter pill-free interval (24 days of active pills) reduces the hormonal drop.
As a result, it is considered easier to improve premenstrual mood symptoms, and Yaz, Yaz Flex, and Droeti, which are the only pills distributed in Japan containing drospirenone, are prescribed for the purpose of treating PMS and PMDD.
In terms of cost, the price of Droeti when covered by insurance is about 950 yen, whereas Gemina is about 2,000 yen (21-tablet type), a difference of more than double. (Yaz Flex is about 2,500 yen with insurance coverage, which is almost the same as Gemina.)
Reading only the above, you might think, "Gemina (levonorgestrel) has no merits!" but a merit of Gemina is thatit has a lower risk of thrombosis compared to Yaz Flex and Droeti.Also, because the male hormone-like action (androgenic action) is not canceled out, some people feel thatmotivation and vitality are less likely to drop.I seem to be exactly that type. Because of that, I feel there are some emotional ups and downs, though not to the extent of PMS. But it's at a level where I can think, "It's human, so it's fine!" and there are no painful suicidal thoughts!
By the way, the main cause directly linked to vaginal dryness is the amount of estrogen, but in that respect, there is no difference between Yaz Flex/Droeti and Gemina (both contain 0.02mg of ethinylestradiol). I suspect that in my case, it was drying out due to the nature of drospirenone (anti-androgenic effect).
It's not necessarily the case that Yaz Flex is the only choice for PMS/PMDD
As mentioned above, while Yaz, Yaz Flex, and Droeti are theoretically considered effective for improving PMS and PMDD, it is important to note that this does not necessarily mean that "the emotional ups and downs will disappear = you will always be stable in a good state." In my case, instead of the roller coaster-like fluctuations disappearing, I ended up in a state of being completely stuck at the bottom without any change.
While taking Yaz Flex, the intense suicidal ideation disappeared, but it would be more accurate to say that it wasn't because I felt better, but rather that the energy to even think about "wanting to die" was taken away. By the way, my period (withdrawal bleeding) became incredibly light.
*By the way, the loss of energy was less severe with Droeti than with Yaz Flex. Why did the feeling change despite them having the same ingredients? I explore this in the article below.
If you feel the pill doesn't suit you... consult a doctor immediately!
If you started taking Yaz Flex or Droeti to improve PMS or PMDD but feel that your condition has actually worsened, please consult a doctor. Not limited to Yaz Flex or Droeti, low-dose pills in general are considered to have some expected effect in improving PMS. By switching to a pill that does not contain drospirenone, it may be possible to obtain the desired effect while suppressing side effects.
Conversely, I think there are people who feel more comfortable switching from levonorgestrel to a drospirenone-based pill. Hormone preparations really depend on compatibility, so if you feel like something isn't right, don't endure it—switch after finishing one sheet!