Health effects of cessation of menstral cycle

[pharmher]

Have/has your doc(s) offered any explanation as to why you have been experiencing boss loss despite lifting weights throughout that time? Have any other factors been IDed which may explain it?

Actually, my first discussion with my MD will be next Wed. - I just got these results and I'm doing lots of research before we talk.

Part of the bone loss is due to the depo. While one is on depo, their circulating levels of estrogen decrease, and due to this, bone density levels decrease. The only other risk factors I have (that I know of) are small stature and lower body weight (people who are small framed and weight <127lbs automatically have a risk factor for osteoporosis) and a prolonged period of amennorhea. Luckily for me, I have no family history of osteoporosis or any family member with fractures, which is also important when looking at the big picture.

 

[RottenWillow]

Actually, my first discussion with my MD will be next Wed. - I just got these results and I'm doing lots of research before we talk.

Part of the bone loss is due to the depo. While one is on depo, their circulating levels of estrogen decrease, and due to this, bone density levels decrease.

And because you were on for 10 years the cumulative effect was substantial. I see now.

You've IDed yet another reason to use bc alternatives to Depo Provera.

Luckily for me, I have no family history of osteoporosis or any family member with fractures, which is also important when looking at the big picture.

Wow, I really wish you the best. It sounds like you've done the research you need to make sure you can ask informed questions of your doc(s).

 

[musclemom]

I was one of those lucky people that enjoyed being on Depo w/no side effects after about the first 6 months - no period and no decrease in sex drive. I have been on it for 12 yrs and haven't had a period for about 10. Recently my doctor decided to do a bone density scan due to the new findings regarding bone loss while on Depo. My femur score was ostopenic (-1.7) and my spine was on the border of osteoporotic (-2.3). This is all in spite of the fact that I have been an avid weightlifter for 16yrs and have taken 2grams of calcium every day for at least 14yrs. I've been doing some research into what options I have to reverse some of this bone loss as well as what type of bc I wil be using next since Depo is no longer an option.

Can't help you with the birth control, but regarding the bone loss I would strongly recommend you look into transdermal natural progesterone supplementation, after checking out the works by Dr. John Lee, as well as his website.

Long story short, Depo contains synthetic progesterone, which will either block your body producing natural progesterone or take up the receptor sites for the natural progesterone. Progesterone is critical to bone building and Dr. Lee is one the few physicians who's ever waved a flag about this point. I seem to recall a study he published on his website about increasing bone density in geriatrics through supplementing with natural progesterone.

I could go on about calcium too, the thing about minerals is that they only work in concert with other minerals ... if you don't have the right balance in your body you screw up your chemistry worse than if never supplemented at all. Nancy Appleton, Ph.D. has produced some facinating books that revolve around nutrition and minerals. Essentially, if you read any of her books you learn that calcium deficiency is NOT due to a lack of calcium in the Western diet, we're actually consuming more calcium than ever before. HOWEVER, calcium cannot function properly without the proper amount of phosphorus to facilitate it's functioning. She wrote a book entitled "Healthy Bones, what you should know about osteoporosis" that you should REALLY look into.

The works of these physicians goes against conventional medicine, but it's your body and your bones. I say go for education and be willing to think outside the box. If they say things that you totally disagree with, fine, but if that is combined with valuable information, you don't throw the good out with the bad (which is what conventional medicine just LOVES to do). But let's face it, if doctors knew it all your bones would be as strong as ever.

 

[pharmher]

Can't help you with the birth control, but regarding the bone loss I would strongly recommend you look into transdermal natural progesterone supplementation, after checking out the works by Dr. John Lee, as well as his website.

Long story short, Depo contains synthetic progesterone, which will either block your body producing natural progesterone or take up the receptor sites for the natural progesterone. Progesterone is critical to bone building and Dr. Lee is one the few physicians who's ever waved a flag about this point. I seem to recall a study he published on his website about increasing bone density in geriatrics through supplementing with natural progesterone.

I could go on about calcium too, the thing about minerals is that they only work in concert with other minerals ... if you don't have the right balance in your body you screw up your chemistry worse than if never supplemented at all. Nancy Appleton, Ph.D. has produced some facinating books that revolve around nutrition and minerals. Essentially, if you read any of her books you learn that calcium deficiency is NOT due to a lack of calcium in the Western diet, we're actually consuming more calcium than ever before. HOWEVER, calcium cannot function properly without the proper amount of phosphorus to facilitate it's functioning. She wrote a book entitled "Healthy Bones, what you should know about osteoporosis" that you should REALLY look into.

The works of these physicians goes against conventional medicine, but it's your body and your bones. I say go for education and be willing to think outside the box. If they say things that you totally disagree with, fine, but if that is combined with valuable information, you don't throw the good out with the bad (which is what conventional medicine just LOVES to do). But let's face it, if doctors knew it all your bones would be as strong as ever.

Thank you for the information- I am always willing to research all perspectives. As for the BC, I have a feeling that my MD is going to want me to go on a higher-estrogen BC pill, but I am really leaning away from that. From what I have read, that is the most current treatment option for premenopausal osteoprosis, but the data is not conclusive about whether it really increases bone density (plus all the nasty side effects of excess estrogen that we weightlifters hate I believe that the best thing for me is to go off all hormonal forms of BC for now, and I've been looking into getting an IUD.

One thing I'm confused about: Dr. Lee's website regarding progesterone talks about using this as a way to decreas "estrogen dominance." My body actually has lower amounts of estrogen, so I'm not sure how the cream would help at this point in time. I do see how it might help once the depo has finally cleared from my body because when I begin menstruating again, it can alleviate PMS symptoms & reduce cortisol levels.

 

[pharmher]

P.S., Rottenwillow, I hope I didn't hijack the thread you started I just hope you can take my expericences with you into whatever choices you make.

 

[RottenWillow]

P.S., Rottenwillow, I hope I didn't hijack the thread you started

hijack? No way. This is useful information on a related topic.

 

[courtneybcca]

I haven't had a steady period in I dont remember how long.. I am only 23 so I dont know yet how this is going to effect me.. I have talked to dr's about it though and there has been increasing numbers of studies that show that women really dont need to have there period every month... they have told dr's that its okay to allow there patients on birth control to go 3 months without the sugar pills therefor only having a full period once every 3 months.

as far as birth control for me I dont take any because I dont like the way it makes me feel and I dont need another foreign substance in my body.. I make my partners wrap it up... my suggestion to you if you are married and no longer desire to have children have your man sniped!!!

 

[superqt4u2nv]

I was under the impression that right around 12% or less period is gone. I still get mine but I am around 13-14% right now. It has been getting short and lighter though since dropping the bf like every month period is less. I can't wait tell it stops. LOL

 

[musclemom]

I believe that the best thing for me is to go off all hormonal forms of BC for now, and I've been looking into getting an IUD.

One thing I'm confused about: Dr. Lee's website regarding progesterone talks about using this as a way to decreas "estrogen dominance." My body actually has lower amounts of estrogen, so I'm not sure how the cream would help at this point in time. I do see how it might help once the depo has finally cleared from my body because when I begin menstruating again, it can alleviate PMS symptoms & reduce cortisol levels.

I CAN help you about the IUD!!! I had one for years and LOVED the convenience! I had the Lippes Loop, may be tough to find but it IS one without a) points or sharp edges; b) hormones; c) metal. The thing is, an IUD -- any IUD -- will result in more painful cramps and heavier bleeding. It's a lot easier if you've already had a child (now why this is, is it a perspective thing (???) I'm not sure. Personally for me no cramps were so bad that Advil didn't blunt them and I always compared them to labor and delivery and went, "well, I survived that and this ain't worse than that.") The heavier bleeding was actually a bigger PITA.

About the progesterone ... really it's easier if you read the book, but essentially, progesterone is a "mother" hormone, estrogen and testosterone are made from progesterone. Just my opinion, but I don't think any hormone levels done currently are a true reflection of your natural state, and if it wasn't a 30 day salivary hormone level then it's definitely not a true reflection of what's going on in your body.

Actually when Dr. Lee is talking about health issues related to estrogen dominance, that's partly caused by the environment. Your body may very well not be producing sufficient estrogen but I would suspect that it's not producing sufficient amounts of many hormones. Taking another synthetic hormone isn't going to make you better. You may want to try to find Suzanne Somers' book about natural hormone replacement, the thing is, there is a big difference between natural hormones and what is prescribed by conventional doctors. Conventional doctors don't want to hear it and totally blow it off, it's something you have to research on your own, and you have to be willing to go to the mat or find a doctor who understands and is willing to work with you.

Trust me, natural health isn't EASY but the results are more satisfying and more permanent in the long run. Natural health is truly healing, addressing and correcting what is truly causing problems, versus slapping a figurative bandaid on things and covering up symptoms.