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."