The NO ESTROGEN bc pill

[Tami Bellon]

Progestin-only pills (POP). This type of pill contains no estrogen. Called the progestin-only pill, or "mini-pill," it's ideal for breastfeeding women because estrogen reduces milk production. It's also ideal for women who cannot take estrogen. Progestin-only pills primarily work by preventing ovulation, thinning the endometrium and thickening the cervical mucus, thereby preventing sperm from entering the uterus. However, with progestin-only birth control pills, ovulation isn't consistently suppressed, so the actions on cervical mucus and the endometrium are the critical factors. To work effectively, they must be taken at a certain time every 24 hours.

Advantage of POPs:

* decreased menstrual blood loss
* decreased menstrual cramps and pain
* can be used by breast-feeding women immediately after delivery
* an option for women who cannot use estrogen, such as those who are over 35 and still smoke
* easily reversible

Disadvantages:

* irregular bleeding patterns, spotting or breakthrough bleeding
* must be taken at the same time every day
* do not protect against sexually transmitted infections; women at risk must use condoms
* increased risk of follicular cysts
* may be slightly less effective than combination oral contraceptives

Possible side effects:

* amenorrhea (absence of a monthly period)
* irregular bleeding
* tender breasts
* nausea
* headaches

Ask yourself the following questions to determine if POPs are the right choice for you:

* Are you the type of person who can remember to take a pill at exactly the same time every day?
* Will irregular bleeding or spotting bother you or interfere with intimacy?
* Are you breastfeeding, but feel that you need contraception?
* If you are at risk for sexually transmitted infections, will you use condoms for protection?
* Do you need to avoid taking estrogen?



REFERENCE: healthywomen.org

 

[Tami Bellon]

I did a little research and progestin can actually increase the intensity of cramps.

But I did find this:
About Getting Rid of the Cause of Menstrual Cramps

 

[Tami Bellon]

This was the part that caught my eye. Also, using the natural progesterone is supposed to stop the cramping.

If natural progesterone is so wonderful, why isn't it used by my doctor ?

This is the question most frequently asked of Dr. Lee during his more than 30 years of active clinical practice.

To quote from Dr. Lee: "The medical-industrial complex refers to the close knit association of organized medicine with the pharmaceutical manufacturers and governmental medical regulatory agencies....The system taken together is neither necessarily corrupt nor evil, but, like any human agency, is subject to the frailties and faults of humankind. Medical research is dependent on the $billions of grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the private pharmaceutical industry. The two are closely interlocked...

Any given pharmaceutical company, like any private enterprise, must make a profit to stay alive. Profit comes from the sales of patent medicines. The system is not interested in natural (non-patentable) medicines, regardless of their potential health benefits. Thus the flow of research funding does not extend to products which cannot be patented.

Few people know that the definition of malpractice hinges on whether or not the practice is common among one's medical peers and has little (usually nothing) to do with whether the practice is beneficial or not. A doctor willing to study, to learn the ins and outs of an alternative medical therapy, and to put what he has learned into practice in helping patients is potentially exposing himself to serious charges of malpractice.....

But what does all of this have to do with Natural Progesterone? The answer is quite simple, really. Ample medical research regarding progesterone was carried on in the 1940's through the 1960's, and amply reported in mainline, recognized medical literature. Since the early 1970's, however, medical research has become much more expensive and the grants subsidizing progesterone research, (or any unpatentable medicine or treatment technique), have dried up and been blown away by the contemporary trade winds of synthetic drugs, particularly the progestins. The potential market for patentable progestins is vast -- contraceptive pills, irregular menses, osteoporosis, .... -- literally every woman through the age of puberty on is a target for a sale. Do you think the prevailing powers wish to see this lucrative market left to an over-the-counter natural product not in the hands of physician prescribers and not controlled by the pharmaceutical industry?

Thus, when he or she (the physician) hears of the use of Natural Progesterone, they wonder why none of their associates know about it. If it is not commonly known, 'it must in some way be false and/or unapproved.' Having given lectures on the role and medical uses of Natural Progesterone, I have observed numerous instances wherein perfectly fine physicians will inquire about obtaining the product for use by their wives or mother-in-law but not for their patients. What can account for such behavior by professionals? I suspect that it is fear of alienation from the flock that is paramount in their minds....

If progestins were the equivalent of Natural Progesterone in effect and safety, the argument would be moot. But progestins are not the equivalent of Natural Progesterone and never will be.......

Patients are aware that they cannot leave their health care solely in the hands of the doctor. They must assume responsibility for their own health...." Dr. John R. Lee, California, USA.

 

[Tami Bellon]

Damn...

Again, thank you for the research. I didn't even realize that such an agent existed (natural progestin). You know damned well I will ask my endocrinologist about it my next visit.

Go get 'em!