Lyza

Lyza relies solely on 0.35 mg of norethindrone to work its magic, which you might know better as progestin. This hormone makes the vaginal fluid so thick, the sperm can't swim up it. It also changes the lining of the uterus so the egg can't attach. And in 50 percent of women, it stops ovulation altogether.

The great news is that you can get Lyza at nearly any local pharmacy as long as you have a prescription from your OB/GYN. Because it requires a prescription, many health insurance policies at least offer some coverage or discount for Lyza, meaning it shouldn't break your budget too much. But if you don't have insurance or Lyza isn't covered, you can expect to pay around $15 for a one-month supply of the drug. Remember to shop around different pharmacies, such as CVS, Target, or Walgreens to find the best prices.

Before starting Lyza or any other birth control method, you should always talk with your OB/GYN to make sure it's safe for you. There are some conditions you could have that might not make it the best option. For example, women with glucose tolerance issues, diabetes, depression, heart issues, breast cancer, or liver disease should avoid Lyza.

Like nearly any kind of birth control, Lyza does come with some side effects. However, these side effects are mild and should not cause you any trouble. If you find they're still bothering you after a few months of use, talk to your doctor about finding a birth control method that's better suited to your body.

Some of the most commonly reported symptoms include dizziness, nausea, breast tenderness, and headache. Rarer side effects include weight gain, hirsutism, and acne. Additionally, many women find their periods will become irregular until they get used to Lyza. This might include frequent or irregular bleeding.

Lyza does interact with other medications, and mixing these drugs can either limit the effectiveness of Lyza or make you sick. To avoid either of these things happening, don't take Lyza if you are already on hepatic enzyme-inducing drugs like barbiturates, carbamazepine, rifampin, or phenytoin. St. John's wort should also be avoided, as this can reduce Lyza's effectiveness while also causing you to bleed between your periods.

Lyza should not stop your period. Even if you're in the 50 percent of women who stop ovulating while on Lyza, you'll still need to shed your uterine lining each month. Rather, Lyza should gradually reduce your bleeding each cycle until your period is lighter than it has ever been before. If your period stops entirely, talk to your doctor, as it's possible you could be pregnant.

Research is mixed on whether or not birth control makes you gain weight. While many women report gain, this is often due to bloating and water retention, not actual fat. In many cases, once the symptoms of bloating and water retention clear up, women find they are back to their normal numbers on the scale.

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