Menstrual Suppression and the Pill

Contributor: Carrie Ann Carrie Ann
Is it good for you? Do you use it this way, use this sort of pill?

I'm old and fixed and don't use the pill any more but, man, what I wouldn't have given for no periods back when I did...
12/31/2009
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Contributor: FAM4LIFE FAM4LIFE
Quote:
Originally posted by Carrie Ann
Is it good for you? Do you use it this way, use this sort of pill?

I'm old and fixed and don't use the pill any more but, man, what I wouldn't have given for no periods back when I did...
I teach the Fertility Awareness Method, and I can't warn ladies enough against "the pill!" A family friend nearly died before xmas from taking YAZ (pulmonary embolism). When you suppress your period, you're suppressing hormones and if that's not bad enough, you add more into the mix. I totally understand not wanting the inconvenience of a period, but this is really getting scary. Please be careful ladies!
12/31/2009
Contributor: removedacnt removedacnt
Quote:
Originally posted by FAM4LIFE
I teach the Fertility Awareness Method, and I can't warn ladies enough against "the pill!" A family friend nearly died before xmas from taking YAZ (pulmonary embolism). When you suppress your period, you're suppressing hormones and ... more
I completely agree! I think this is very dangerous. Not to mention what it does to the body to mess with our hormones. I know exactly how much women hate dealing with hormones. But they serve a purpose. Actually they serve more purposes than just sexual and reproductive.

Believe me, being in the midst of menopause I'm hating many of the effects of my hormones right now. But I would not use unnatural drugs to try to control what I'm going through. Yes, periods suck! But trying to eliminate them is just plain dangerous!
12/31/2009
Contributor: FAM4LIFE FAM4LIFE
Quote:
Originally posted by removedacnt
I completely agree! I think this is very dangerous. Not to mention what it does to the body to mess with our hormones. I know exactly how much women hate dealing with hormones. But they serve a purpose. Actually they serve more purposes than just ... more
Thank you for agreeing! I get so afraid for women in my age group (early 20s) who want an easy fix, but when they hit menopause (if not sooner) they could be in for some real trouble! This family friend was prescribed YAZ to control excessive bleeding associated with early menopause by her doctor! I really hate the positive media birth control pills get but there's hardly any info about the complications.
12/31/2009
Contributor: Victoria Victoria
I also feel that suppressing a body's natural rhythms, cycles, secretions and so on is dangerous. It is literally unnatural and likely to have unforeseen consequences. The benefits must always outweigh the risks, in my opinion. If it is a pharmaceutical that has been on the market for some time and has little known risk, then consider it with advice from your doctor.
12/31/2009
Contributor: Jen&Clint Jen&Clint
No more periods! It does sound like a good idea but only in theory. I was on the Depo shot for 3 years when I was 16 and it just gave me so many other problems. I am short and a little on the thick side. 2 years before going on this shot I lost a lot of weight and was down to 110 lbs that is good being that I am 5 2. Well shortly after going on the shot and almost as soon as my periods quit coming I started packing on the pounds. LOL I hardly ate much and worked out all the time. The stupid doctor started telling my mom that I was eating too much. All my mom could say was I know she isn't. Well that went on for about 3 years and finally my mom got tired of taking me and hearing the doc bitch about my weight I hit 200 lbs but I hit is within the same year of starting the shot. I was pissed, really beyond that. It took a year for my periods to come back but they are not right anymore. Very painful very heavy and very annoying. I'm 27 now and I wish she would have never put me on that.

I tell anyone that says they are thinking about going on something like this NO don't do it. It really does mess up your body and really taking something to stop your periods just isn't good. Your periods clean your body, yes they suck to have but they really are good for your health. The pill that is just a whole different story they didn't help me and i was on 5 different kinds and had the same problems.

With #3 on the way I am so looking forward to being fixed. LOL I don't have to worry about condoms to keep me from getting pregnant again. I'm going to be setting in the OR after the c section telling the doc Hey while you are in there fix me!!!
12/31/2009
Contributor: FAM4LIFE FAM4LIFE
Quote:
Originally posted by Jen&Clint
No more periods! It does sound like a good idea but only in theory. I was on the Depo shot for 3 years when I was 16 and it just gave me so many other problems. I am short and a little on the thick side. 2 years before going on this shot I lost a ... more
Thanks for sharing your experience! One word of warning on getting fixed (this is something I have read and heard, not experienced) : If you get your tubes tied, you can have lots of hormone difficulties during menopause. The reason is that your ovaries produce a large amount of hormones, and especially become important during menopause (they're not just for egg production). The fallopian tubes deliver these hormones to the uterus, which then distribute them in your bloodstream. I totally understand the desire to get fixed, but please consider this. Hysterectomy is the second most commonly performed major surgery in the US, and C section is the first! 65% of ALL women in the US(as of the late 90's) have had hysterectomies. In general, doctors agree that your uterus and ovaries aren't good for anything but "growing babies and growing cancer," but it's just not true! Check out the book "Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom" by Christiane Northrup for more info.
12/31/2009
Contributor: removedacnt removedacnt
Quote:
Originally posted by FAM4LIFE
Thanks for sharing your experience! One word of warning on getting fixed (this is something I have read and heard, not experienced) : If you get your tubes tied, you can have lots of hormone difficulties during menopause. The reason is that your ... more
FAM4LIFE,

I had an eptopic pregnancy that caused me to have a tube removed on one side. From what the DR told me, there are two fallopian tubes on each side. One carries the egg, the other carries the hormones. So basically if the tubes that carry the eggs are cut and tied but not the others, there should be no hormonal issues.

And anyone is welcome to correct me on this. I'm not a Dr. I was just told this by a Gynecologist.
12/31/2009
Contributor: FAM4LIFE FAM4LIFE
Quote:
Originally posted by removedacnt
FAM4LIFE,

I had an eptopic pregnancy that caused me to have a tube removed on one side. From what the DR told me, there are two fallopian tubes on each side. One carries the egg, the other carries the hormones. So basically if the tubes that ... more
It could be true. I'm not a doctor either lol. The Christiane Northrup book goes into more detail about this. We just have to be so careful about what experts on both sides say. I hate going to doctors for this reason, but unfortunately women are kind of dependent on this information. I'm not against getting fixed. It can really have more pros than cons, even considering the hormones. Just something to consider/ask about.
12/31/2009
Contributor: Raven Raven
Quote:
Originally posted by Victoria
I also feel that suppressing a body's natural rhythms, cycles, secretions and so on is dangerous. It is literally unnatural and likely to have unforeseen consequences. The benefits must always outweigh the risks, in my opinion. If it is a ... more
Absolutely! Well said, Victoria.

I will probably be the only one here, though, that has never minded my periods. I see them as a special reminder that my body is capable of carrying and giving birth to new life. It's part of being female and I really don't mind it at all. I wasn't crazy about the cramps I used to get, but the bleeding and all that goes with that never have bothered me. That's one of the reasons, I suppose, that I am opposed to the suppression of our natural cycles.
12/31/2009
Contributor: Kayla Kayla
Quote:
Originally posted by FAM4LIFE
I teach the Fertility Awareness Method, and I can't warn ladies enough against "the pill!" A family friend nearly died before xmas from taking YAZ (pulmonary embolism). When you suppress your period, you're suppressing hormones and ... more
So does this apply to all birth control pills (I know they all have some risk, but Yaz has been getting ridiculous coverage because of the huge risks) or just to the ones that promise no periods? Because I'm on regular birth control pills (Orthocyclen) and I haven't noticed any problems.
12/31/2009
Contributor: Jen&Clint Jen&Clint
Ortho isn't bad it was the last one I was on and really didn't have many problems but I had to switch over to the low dose due to some water weight gain issues. Yaz even when it first came out I heard bad things about. Now they do have things out that stay in place for up to 5 years you still have your period with some of these, and haven't heard anything bad. All it really does is keep you from getting pregnant and doesn't give many of the side effects that reg BC pills can give.

Really in the end you have to know all the pros and cons of all the different types of Birth control from pills, shots to the IUD's. They all have the side effects some are just a little better then others.

Fam4life I love this post that gives me something to look into and read up on. I have til August to look up all the info on being fixed and what kind of issues it could cause later. As for the post on BC I think it is important that women that are looking in to the many different types to know what they are getting into. This is just great. Thank you for all the info.
12/31/2009
Contributor: Holly Hox Holly Hox
all birth control pills carry risks for high blood pressure and blood clotting.

I was on the pill for a couple of years, and I even tried the patch. My body HATED it. It was so bad. I had to get off all of that to feel normal again.

I do support FAM4LIFE here. We have basically used the FAM our entire marriage, and even used it when we decided to get pregnant and have a baby. When you know your body and it's cues, things seem to work out. I have no regrets.
12/31/2009
Contributor: FAM4LIFE FAM4LIFE
Quote:
Originally posted by Holly Hox
all birth control pills carry risks for high blood pressure and blood clotting.

I was on the pill for a couple of years, and I even tried the patch. My body HATED it. It was so bad. I had to get off all of that to feel normal again.

I ... more
It's great to hear from other people using this! There isn't much coverage on FAM because nobody can really make money off of it (besides book sales haha). Most people I talk to only hear about the rhythm method which has a high failure rate due to guessing your fertile phase. In reality, FAM is 98% effective. I have a small introductory zine that I'm trying to get up on the internet in PDF format. I'll link it to my profile when that happens!
12/31/2009
Contributor: EffinSara EffinSara
As long as you're not on a mini pill, you can do the no/fewer periods thing with just about any normal birth control pill. I've done it with Yasmin and now Orthocept with no problems for the last 6 years. I have periods only when I feel like making sure I'm not preggers, so about 4 or 5 times a year.

The pill has done nothing but improve my quality of life, but then I was one of the unlucky ones who needed to start on the pill for non-contraceptive reasons. My periods weren't just bad, they were painful enough to take me out of school, and they were so frequent, heavy, and long that I was anemic. Like 9 days on followed by two weeks off. The pill has made them regular, properly spaced out, lighter, and shorter (though still 7 full days). The pill also completely cleared my absolutely horrific acne (like... I needed steroid injections in my face to calm those fuckers down) and took me from a B cup to a D cup.
12/31/2009
Contributor: FAM4LIFE FAM4LIFE
I also wanted to add a few more resources (jen&clint especially):
"Our Bodies, Ourselves" by Boston Women's Health Book Collective
And "A New View of a Woman's Body" by Federation of Feminist Women's Health Centers
Best anatomical pictures I have ever seen!!

Enjoy Ladies!
12/31/2009
Contributor: Envy Envy
I don't agree with any hormonal birth control anymore. I was put on it for 2 years for extreme menstrual cramps, and now it's cost me my libido, has given me depression, etc. Totally not worth it. Yes, the pain I felt each cycle was excruciating, but it's worse to be depressed all the time and see the pain in your significant other's face when you tell them you no longer feel for them. I'll deal with the physical pain, thanks.
12/31/2009
Contributor: FAM4LIFE FAM4LIFE
Quote:
Originally posted by Envy
I don't agree with any hormonal birth control anymore. I was put on it for 2 years for extreme menstrual cramps, and now it's cost me my libido, has given me depression, etc. Totally not worth it. Yes, the pain I felt each cycle was ... more
Yes, I too suffer from extreme cramps. But, I have come to find these days as a pleasant break. A chance for me to curl up, drink tea and take some time to pay attention to my body! Thank you for sharing
12/31/2009
Contributor: Envy Envy
Quote:
Originally posted by FAM4LIFE
Yes, I too suffer from extreme cramps. But, I have come to find these days as a pleasant break. A chance for me to curl up, drink tea and take some time to pay attention to my body! Thank you for sharing
I wish i could do that, too, but I have a physical labor job that leaves me in pain at the end of the day. Coupled with cramps, needless to say I dive for that ibuprofen like a hawk divebombing a hare. But I'd rather deal with that than to make my bf cry over me pushing him away because I'm just not interested anymore.
12/31/2009
Contributor: EffinSara EffinSara
Quote:
Originally posted by Envy
I wish i could do that, too, but I have a physical labor job that leaves me in pain at the end of the day. Coupled with cramps, needless to say I dive for that ibuprofen like a hawk divebombing a hare. But I'd rather deal with that than to make ... more
Have you considered that you really just *aren't* interested in him anymore?
12/31/2009
Contributor: FAM4LIFE FAM4LIFE
Quote:
Originally posted by Envy
I wish i could do that, too, but I have a physical labor job that leaves me in pain at the end of the day. Coupled with cramps, needless to say I dive for that ibuprofen like a hawk divebombing a hare. But I'd rather deal with that than to make ... more
I'm sorry. If I have to do something I take the Herb Black Cohosh in tincture form, but there's lots of things that might work better for you, like ginger tea or yarrow. If you try an herb, make sure and look into it and take a small amount at first.
12/31/2009
Contributor: Envy Envy
Quote:
Originally posted by EffinSara
Have you considered that you really just *aren't* interested in him anymore?
I am, I love him a lot. But it's not just him. I don't find any males or females interesting, and reading boy x boy stories online doesn't excite me anymore. I don't feel like using toys anymore, or hadly at all if I use them. I.E. no drive at all.

I haven't even had sexual dreams in years now....
12/31/2009
Contributor: deceased deceased
I'm not a doctor, but I have been a nurse in surgery (etc) and gynecology (over 20 years) and would like to tell you there are no disposable organs in the body. Its wrong to take out healthy organs, uterus, ovaries, etc,not only does it cause adhesions that could choke off your bowels and cause gangrene, not to mention all the other risks intra and post op, but removal of organs like the uterus can cause bladder prolapse or incontinence, enteroceles,rectoceles , cystoceles (tears were urine or stool leak out the vagina), and quite often ureters or intestines get nicked during surgery.,especially at teaching hospitals where your surgeon lets each student get a turn or a dug during the procedure.

I know plenty of female physicians who take the Pill continuously so they don't get a period, and when they stop, they have no problem getting pregnant. I recommend being followed by an endocrinologist rather than a gynecologist for hormones.
01/01/2010
Contributor: deceased deceased
Quote:
Originally posted by Envy
I am, I love him a lot. But it's not just him. I don't find any males or females interesting, and reading boy x boy stories online doesn't excite me anymore. I don't feel like using toys anymore, or hadly at all if I use them. I.E. no ... more
I would see a psychologist or psychiatrist first. Its also normal for some people to feel nothing or even disgust reading erotica. But there can be other underlying psychological problems tha t prevent any sort of arousal from happening.
01/01/2010
Contributor: Envy Envy
Quote:
Originally posted by deceased
I would see a psychologist or psychiatrist first. Its also normal for some people to feel nothing or even disgust reading erotica. But there can be other underlying psychological problems tha t prevent any sort of arousal from happening.
I was seeing one for a little less than 2 years, and after she kept saying I needed to go on antidepressants, I stopped seeing her. I don't want to worsen things with more medications.

And I used to love reading fan fiction erotica, it's porn I was never one for.

You mention an endocrinologist, are they part of a health plan? Do you need a referal to see one usually? I used to need a referal to see my OBGYN every time (which was always a waste of 20 bucks to see my GP first) but not sure about that one.
01/01/2010
Contributor: Carrie Ann Carrie Ann
Quote:
Originally posted by deceased
I'm not a doctor, but I have been a nurse in surgery (etc) and gynecology (over 20 years) and would like to tell you there are no disposable organs in the body. Its wrong to take out healthy organs, uterus, ovaries, etc,not only does it cause ... more
Your posts have been very missed lately! Glad to see you checkin' in now and again.
01/01/2010
Contributor: Airen Wolf Airen Wolf
Quote:
Originally posted by Envy
I was seeing one for a little less than 2 years, and after she kept saying I needed to go on antidepressants, I stopped seeing her. I don't want to worsen things with more medications.

And I used to love reading fan fiction erotica, ... more
Most insurance plans do stipulate that to see an endocrinologist you need a referral but some don't anymore. If you have been diagnosed with an endocrine problem such as hypothyroidism, which should be followed up with an endocrinologist especially if relief isn't found with drug therapy, then you might be able just to make an appointment without a referral. Be prepared to wait though most specialists have a waiting list a mile long! It's worth it though if your problem is physiological often times the "cure" is simple and easily done.

Good luck!
01/01/2010
Contributor: deceased deceased
Not just for thyroid problems and diabetes anymore.....an endocrinologist can balalance your estrogen and progesterone better than a gyn. They also have a subspecialty reproductive endocrinology. Its not just for bleeding.
If you have a PPO, no referral, an HMO rquires a referral. If you have a general practioner, who you really like, she can get you in faster even if you have a PPO. They treat lots of people from people with pituitary problems to diabetics, to people with low sex drives. When They even treat certain hormoally driven cancers. They are busy docs. You are lucky to live on the mainland where there are a wide variety to choose from, doctor wise!
01/01/2010
Contributor: deceased deceased
link


Lybrel is the brand name for the "continuous pill".
01/01/2010
Contributor: Saraid Saraid
If you're on the pill you're suppressing your period. It doesn't make a difference if you take it continuously or not, all you experience in the "period" time is release bleeding, not a real period. It makes no difference if you take the sugar pills or not.
01/02/2010