Women can you help me?

Becky77

Veteran Member

Joined : Dec 2005

Posts : 1768

Posted 11/18/2009 1:15 AM (GMT 0)

I was on birth control for quite some time not only to keep from getting pregnant, but to regulate my periods, lessen PMS symptoms, and to level my hormones. I found that I was up and down emotionally and birth control helped that significantly.

I had blood clots in both lungs recently and now can't take birth control

I've already had one period, lots of cramps, breast tenderness, and weakness because my period was very heavy.

I'm wondering if there's any other way to regulate your hormones? Do any other women take things like biohormones? I don't think I'm in peri or premenopause by any means, so I don't want hormones that I don't need, but I'm interested to see if any other women have been in similar situations, or have any suggestions.

Thanks in advance if you have any input.

Tirzah

Veteran Member

Joined : Jul 2008

Posts : 2323

Posted 11/18/2009 2:45 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Becky,
I take B12 supplements to help with my mood. Also, you might try getting your iron checked. Often one of the things that BCP can help with is borderline anemia (since it keeps you from bleeding so much). Even if your iron isn't low enough to warrant iron vitamins, sometimes a slight decrease in anemia can make a big difference. There are a lot of foods that are naturally high in iron (spinach salad is my favorite, but there are plenty of other choices if you google it). My GYN has me eating more iron plus I take Slow FE a few days before, during & a few days after my period. It is better than regular iron vitamins because it doesn't usually irritate people's stomachs like regular iron can. It not only gives me more energy, but also makes my periods a bit shorter.

For the cramps & such, I use those Thermacare heat wraps. They are sooo wonderful. :) Unfortunately, they seem to make the bleeding slightly worse -- uggh! Other thing that helps me a bit with that is Vitamin K -- also found in spinach. However, you probably should stay away from that unless your doctor specifically tells you to do that because Vitamin K makes blood clot more (which I need) & I think that probably isn't what you want.

A friend of mine had a pulmonary embolism & she can't be on oral BCP, but her doctor does let her use the Nuvaring. Have you talked to your doctor about that possibility? Maybe it isn't an option for you. idk. But it did help my friend some. She said it is not as good as oral BCP (which was my experience as well, since it is not as strong), but it is definitely better than nothing. Coupled with nutrition, she is finding herself stronger each month.

One other thing, have they checked your TSH? Thyroid disorders can often cause menstrual irregularities. While it is not as helpful for me as BCP, the Synthroid definitely helps me with that (though, gosh, if I ever forget a dose ... I'm 3x worse than before). I hated being on BCP myself so I went for some time with just the Synthroid & vitamins. It was pretty okay, but I have been so run down lately that now I'm going back on the BCP.

I sure hope you find something that works for you. I can definitely relate to feeling so run down, exhausted, achy & miserable.

peace,
frances

✚ New Topic ✚ Reply