BC Pills & Hormonal Changes

[Gladiola]

I know that changes in your life such as how much sex you have or how much you exercise can affect your period. Well, if you are on the pill, can these things still have an impact – or does the pill dictate hormonal fluctuations & have sole control?

I ask because I’ve been on the same pill for years & typically bleed for 3 days or so – barely anything. I’ve been bleeding now for SIX straight days - & more than usual. It’s driving me nuts! I’ve had problems with break-through bleeding before & decided to just put up with it. I have free samples in my closet of pills with a higher progestin (that’s supposedly what helps prevent the breakthrough bleeding), but same amount of estrogen (since the higher estrogen would make me fat & depressed!)

I’m debating starting them – or should I wait out these changes – since they may be due to other factors in my life (less sleep, less sex, more exercise, more stress.)

 

[newgirl-chargeback]

Gladiola -- I am not one to really jump from one pill to the next, however, I have learned that the pill I had taken FOR YEARS, orthocept was very sensitive.

If I missed the dose by an hour even...i would have break through bleeding. So I needed to be strictly diligent in when I took it. And yes, if I had been taking over the counter cold medications or other meds, it would have an effect on it as well. Have you had a similar experience?

I am sure you will get a more pharmacologiclly correct explanation.

 

[oicu812 - chargeback]

This subject just gets my temper flaring... I have always had problems with my period.. I was a late starter, didn't start until I was 16... But all the hell I have been through made up for that... I started taking the lowest dose possible and through the years I have had to move up and take stronger and stronger ones.. i once tryed the shot, and I bled for 6 months.... MISERY
Now I take Ovral 28.. It is the strongest pill with the most estrogen .5mg... Its the only way to regulate my period... It really sucks because it is hard for me to shed pounds and I really have to watch what I eat... And as far as sex goes... well, I really think it has made my sex drive plumet... And it had really made me dry.. which I have never had a problem with...
I do not have kids, and do not want any... (i know everyone says I'll change my mind--- but I hate to dissapoint them) Don't get me wrong, I love kids... I just do not want any of my own. I really want to quit taking pills all together and let my period try and regulate itself... But my S.O. is totally against that idea... I would really like to have a histerectomy (don't laugh at the spelling-- it's friday) But it is really hard to find a doc that will give a 23 yr old one... --- i'll step down form my soap box---

As far as your question Gladiola, I really believe that b.c. pills have total control....

 

[KEL]

Gladiola it happens. If it's only in a blue moon then why change your pill? Are you willing to give up the 3 day cycles while looking for a new pill? You might not be so lucky with the next one.

oicu812: Good luck finding a board certified OB/GYN to preform a hysterectomy on a healthy 23 year old. I'd say a you have a snowballs chance in hell. Try an IUD you have a better chance of getting that.

 

[FitFossil]

...I do not have kids, and do not want any... (i know everyone says I'll change my mind--- but I hate to dissapoint them) Don't get me wrong, I love kids... I just do not want any of my own. I really want to quit taking pills all together and let my period try and regulate itself... But my S.O. is totally against that idea... I would really like to have a histerectomy (don't laugh at the spelling-- it's friday) But it is really hard to find a doc that will give a 23 yr old one... --- i'll step down form my soap box---

I too am childless by choice. Been that way ever since I was a kid myself. I like kids, but always knew I didn't want to be a parent. Still don't, and I'll be 40 next year. Fortunately my husband always felt the same way himself.

You really don't want a hysterectomy unless your health absolutely depends on it, at least not a total hysterectomy - that comes with its own set of problems. For one thing, a good part of the testosterone women produce is produced by the ovaries. Some is also produced by the adrenal glands, but you really want to keep your ovaries if you can. Also, removal of the uterus and/or just the surgery itself can later result in sexual difficulties, lack of sensation, etc.

As a form of permanent birth control, you might consider tubal ligation, aka "getting your tubes tied", you keep your ovaries and your uterus, they just tie off the fallopian tubes so you can't release any eggs.

While they don't recommend IUD's for women who might want children in the future, it's not as drastic or permanent like tubal ligation. I have an IUD and love it. With either method, it'll be difficult (though not impossible) finding a doctor, because of your age.

For the symptoms you're having, I highly recommend the book Natural Hormone Balance for Women by Uzzi Reiss. It helped me understand how hormones work and how to find the right treatment.

 

[newgirl-chargeback]

FF - that is a great book...I have it myself. Have not used the techniques but an interesting read nonetheless.

 

[sktle]

Here's an alternative to getting your tubes tied...

http://www.essure.com/

 

[VeggieLifterChick]

Wow, I thought I was like the only girl who really doesn't want to have kids and never has...its cool to see that others have chosen the childless route.

 

[JJFigure]

I've pretty much decided on the childless path as well. I've given the subject a lot of thought, and even though I love children, I really don't want to be a parent. Of course, being the oldest girl in a family of nine children has probably helped me along that path - I feel like I've already put in my time.

 

[Gladiola]

A friend of mine is 'child-free' by choice. Apparently there are even web-sites about the CF life. There was a local newspaper article in Florida that quoted her. So no, VLC, you are not alone.

However, I would be willing to bet that the vast majority of people say to you, "Oh, you'll change your mind." Particularly in light of your age. That's always been my experience.

Typically they are exceedingly condescending about it to, "Oh, he he, sweetie, you think you'll overcome your genetic destiny. Oh that's so CUTE. No, you won't continue to think that. As if they way they felt as they got up in years MUST be the way I'm going to feel."

 

[Ceebs]

I've never been particularly fond of going forth and multiplying - I always thought it was because I hadn't met the right person, but the guy I'm with now couldn't possibly be MORE right, and I'm still not inclined to procreate.

Oh well.

 

[valerie]

I'm childless by choice as well. Grew up in a large "blended family" which did'nt. Have never regretted it. Think parenthood is the most important decision a person makes. For what I have observed not many folks agree with me!!!!!! Had a young woman in my store yesterday, she is 26 with 5 kids and they were taking a lot of pleasure in creating chaos. It s a tough job and deserves all of ones attention and not a little cash-valerie

 

[JJFigure]

I'm so glad so many of you are fessing up! At times, I feel selfish for not wanting to procreate; that feeling disappears very quickly though, and I'm mainly just relieved I don't have children!

I'll let my brothers and sisters do the procreating - that way my only job is to be the cool Aunt.

 

[VeggieLifterChick]

JJ,

That is exactly my thinking! My little sister wants children someday (she's 17), and I'm totally excited to be the cool aunt.

My boyfriend always intended to have kids but after hearing my opinion has said that being the cool uncle would be great too. I hope that once we get older and it seems like all his friends have kids, he'll be thinking the same way. His uncle, who was childfree, was the male relative he most admired and wanted to be like in his life.

 

[newgirl-chargeback]

I'm so glad so many of you are fessing up! At times, I feel selfish for not wanting to procreate; that feeling disappears very quickly though, and I'm mainly just relieved I don't have children!

I'll let my brothers and sisters do the procreating - that way my only job is to be the cool Aunt.

The only way one should feel guilty about this is when they DO have children -- say out of duty or for their partner and are less than the best mother they can be...I know too many women that did it to satisfy others and ending up resenting their children. While the love was their, the children KNEW deep down that they were not had out of sheer want.

So never feel guilty about it....It is a HUGE responsilbility and not wanting them is not selfish at all. Having them for the wrong reasons or not giving it enough thought is really just plain unfair to the child.

One does not need to have children in order to feel complete.

Oh one more thing.....for those who believe that having children is their legacy -- I don't subscribe to that either. Your legacy is the goodness you have done - and the hearts/souls you have touched. How you made a differnece is YOUR legacy.

 

[MS]

Not only have I NEVER wanted to have children of my own (and got very upset when I was repeatedly told I couldn't have an IUD or tubal ligation because of my age), but I honestly don't like children at all. I certainly don't like other folks kids, I can't imgine I would like my own any more........Of course I was a perfect child, but that's hardly guaranteed!

Anyway Glad (and others), you should keep an eye on the Centchroman thread to see how Ceebs and JJ get on with their non-hormonal OC. I am also curious because of the possibility of getting rid of my periods completely (rather than contraceptive issues).

 

[Twigz]

Amen!

I thought I was alone in my dream world of being child free!

Anyways to add to the ever so popular discussion about BC. I work at a Teen Clinic through the local health department. So I actually teach a contraceptives class once a week. Between my job and personal experience I am used to the BC talk.

To add to the discussion.... I have now tried 7 different kinds of OC's since I was 17. My Dr suggested I switch once again due to side effects. One option was Depo. I have heard terror story after terror story. But more and more I'm hearing from friends who love Depo. I'm going tomorrow to discuss this firther with my Dr. Does anyone have any Depo info or insight to share?

 

[Ceebs]

One option was Depo. I have heard terror story after terror story. But more and more I'm hearing from friends who love Depo. I'm going tomorrow to discuss this firther with my Dr. Does anyone have any Depo info or insight to share?

The vote is undeniably split here, so it seems like you won't know how you'll react to Depo-Provera until you actually try it.

Unfortunately it's long-acting, meaning that if you have a negative experience with it, you're stuck with the side effects for 13+ weeks. Scary.

BTW, welcome to the boards.

 

[Twigz]

Thanks for the welcome!

And I got my first Depo shot today, luckly I work at a teen clinic so the Dr said if the side effects are REALLY bad she will give me regular oc's to counteract them, but serious it takes two shots to get the FULL effects of the Depo through the entire system.

 

[Gladiola]

stuck with the side effects for 13+ weeks. Scary.

I actually had my gyno when I was 21 YO & a junior in college tell me she doesen't reccomend it for that very reason!!! Very scary indeed. I had never heard you could counteract the 3 mos of affects with OC's.

The idea of being out of control of my own body & having this substance in my system that is messing me up but I can't get out really freaks me out more than anything.

 

[Littlerippedgirl]

i guess I have to put in my 2 cents too. I have no inclination of having kids either. Thank god my boyfriend feels the same way. !

 

[Ceebs]

And I got my first Depo shot today, luckly I work at a teen clinic so the Dr said if the side effects are REALLY bad she will give me regular oc's to counteract them, but serious it takes two shots to get the FULL effects of the Depo through the entire system.

Well? Update?

 

[JJFigure]

You too, Ceebs! Have you started the Centroman yet? I either start my period next week or the week after (haven't been very consistent), so I'm still waiting...

 

[Ceebs]

No period yet, JJ - but it should be coming any day now judging by my moods and food cravings.

 

[nbusch1128]

I am PMSing really bad too! My husband and I are waiting to have kids. Waiting for what? I don’t know? What makes things tricky, I cannot take birth control pills or anything with estrogen because of a blood disorder I have. It also makes for a complicated pregnancy. If I were to get pregnant I would have to have daily injections. That doesn’t sound too appealing to me. Besides I am still having too much fun, why ruin it with kids?

 

[Nonerz]

Unfortunately it's long-acting, meaning that if you have a negative experience with it, you're stuck with the side effects for 13+ weeks. Scary.

I've had really bad experiences with Depo...talk about the period from hell...try like 18 months of some kind of bleeding...ongoing suffering! AAAHHHHHhhh! I tried to balence it out with the oral version of Depo from my physician, but that didn't work. Then I tried the pill again...didn't work! I got so frustrated taht I finally quit everything and let my body recoup on it's own...

My body finally started to cylce on a reasonably regular schedule after about 2 1/2 years. I'd be very wary and do a lot of research before shooting that shit in my body if I were you...oops, too late.

My $0.02 worth---can you tell I don't like Depo at all?!

 

[Friscochick]

G-

I use Mercet BC pill, it is a low Estrogen pill. I'm always deathly afraid of gaining alot of weight from those damn pills, cause it has happend it the past with Ortho.

The shot, almost always cause problems with weight and depression.

I say stick to your same pills. When you take your body off one pill and on to another you most likely WILL have a weird effect.

I ALWAYS have had my period for 7 FULL GLORIOUS DAYS.. So i'm never missing much

If you like, ask your doctor about Mercet as a option for you, Since i started taking it 3 years ago, no side effects and, no weight gain, and no more cramps!

Good Luck