"desperate to get off hormones, i decided to try skyla. my doctor told me there is 0% estrogen and only 3% of the progesterone that was in my pill.  close enough for me! she had me take the cervix softening pill the night before. studies are showing that it doesn&#039;t help pain reduction during insertion, and can even make the pain worse. do your own research and ask your doctor. insertion was more painful than i was hoping, but i was able to work that evening. my cramps have tolerably increased during my period. my flow has lightened, but my period lasts 2 weeks now. the last week is so light i only need a liner, but still. i&#039;m being patient because i know some of my symptoms are from getting off the pill. overall i&#039;m happy with my decision."