So this is kind of lengthy...I have a 14 month old. I breastfed for 8 months with regular periods then when I weaned my cycle started getting longer and longer so I went on the pill to help regulate. I was on Loestrin for 3 months with headaches and consistent breakthrough bleeding halfway through pack. OBGYN switched me to Ortho Cyclen and then I felt even worse: nausea, heartburn, dizziness. So I went for yearly and OBGYN told me to stop taking pill as I was having so many side effects. I stopped at the end of the pack and had cycle 5 days later. Now I have been off the pill for 3 weeks and feeling dizzy and nausous again. Not to mention my face is broken out and I feel bloated, gassy, and breast tenderness/heaviness. I periodically take pregnancy tests just to be sure, all negative. Pap smear normal.
Are all the symptoms just from hormones trying to regulate? How long until I start to feel like a normal human being again?
I tried to use the pill several years ago and found out my body just won't tolerate it. My PMS became so severe I felt sick for 2 weeks every month.
I went off the pill in about 1984 and never looked back. I was able to successfully use the Today Sponge. It worked for me and no hormones -- no side effects.
I can't take hormonal BC of any kind either. In addition to all the physical problems I get massive depression problems too.
Once I stopped it took a month before I really felt like I could function again and another month before I felt like I was finally myself again. I would feel better a little bit each day as things slowly flushed out of my system and my body started working on it's own again.
I use Thoroughly Clean Face Wash http://www.desertessence.com/skin-care/thoroughly-clean-f... and that really helps with the break outs. I use the Trader Joes brand now but I used the Desert Essence brand before. Expect them for several months as your body works though all the hormones.
Your periods could end up being a bit messed up for a couple months as well as your body figures out what it's supposed to do.
Try depo - it's progesterin only... your body may not handle synthetic estrogen well.
i couldn't take the pill either. it made me feel the same way. it didn't take me 3 weeks to get back to normal, though. but i don't know the strength of pills that i was given. that may have something to do with it.
Yes! I can't take hormone bc even the lowest does. It makes me feel pregnant and why on earth would I want to feel that way with no lovely outcome! I have the non hormal iud, paragard and I love it. No side effects like the pill and has same failure rate as a tubal. Maybe you can check in to it?
I am sorry you feel so terrible. I agree that getting your hormones tested might be a good start (or maybe a whole blood panel just to rule out anything). To help regulate mine (to avoid breakouts really) I take evening primrose and fish oil. It does a pretty good job of that but I'm not sure about the dizzy and nauseous. It might be worthwhile to do a little more digging with your doctor to make sure something bigger isn't being missed. On another note, as far as contraceptives go, I have the IUD with progesterone and I LOVE it. I am very sensitive to the hormones in oral contraceptives and refuse to take them, but the IUD has been a godsend. I wish you wellness.
There are supplements that help balance your hormones. Let me know if you are interested in information about them.
Or, I can give you the name of a good clinical nutritionist who can help you.
Have you ever had your hormones tested? Sounds like you have an imbalance. I recommend you check your LH, FSH, estradiol, progesterone and testosterone to start. It would also be good to check your thyroid and blood glucose levels. Have some labs done before you try another BCP. Not all BCPs are the same and you need to know what your hormones are doing before adding any hormones to the mix. Until then, please take a good multi vitamin, try to eat a healthy lower carb/higher protein diet and exercise 20-30 min 5 times a week (I know you are busy, but even a walk every day would do you good). Hope that helps. I have PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) and I have had some similar symptoms in the past. Nurse Midwife Mom of 3
