HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Period question for the ladies

Support Forums
>
Ulcerative Colitis
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 11/10/2014 12:44 PM (GMT 0)
Hi all! I have been on the pill for a zillion years (well probably 15 except when I was pregnant). My GI and Gyno think it is best I stay on the pill to regulate my hormones. I went off it a few years ago and my UC managed to get worse.

Anyway the last 6 months or so I have been taking the pills straight through so I don't get my period. I have enough bleeding w/ UC. However this week I started breakthrough bleeding in the middle of a pack of pills. I am also having fairly heavy rectal bleeding.

I'm not sure if they are tied in or not. Or it is b/c I have skipped my last few periods. I'm 37 and haven't ran into this so definitely confused. I'm taking notes so if it keeps up I will call gyno.

This probably makes zero sense but if you happen to have any info/thoughts let me know! Thanks!
Posted 11/10/2014 1:25 PM (GMT 0)
Two thoughts:

1) I also take my active pills straight through but I have breakthrough bleeding 2-3x per year. When that happens I switch to the inactive pills for a week -- basically have a regular period. After that I'm able to go back to the active pills and be period free for 4-6 months. That's normal for me, I don't think it's atypical.

2) If you're flaring, your pills might be going through your system before they're fully absorbed, which would be the equivalent of going on inactive pills/triggering your period. So that could explain why the breakthrough bleeding is also coinciding with rectal bleeding.

I hope this helps! It's always a good idea to check in with GI or gyno if you're uncomfortable about something but I think this isn't too unusual.
Posted 11/10/2014 2:17 PM (GMT 0)
That all makes sense. Thanks for taking the time to explain!
Posted 11/10/2014 6:24 PM (GMT 0)
I'm thinking of going on the pill after my next and last baby and not coming off it. Has it generally kept you well?
Posted 11/10/2014 7:07 PM (GMT 0)
I never have breakthrough bleeding but I do have proctitis issues more than I'd like to. I wish the hormones in the pill kept things in good shape for me. I've often wondered if a different pill might help but I like that the one I take has no estrogen, it's low dose and I don't have a period so I've stuck with it. I think pluot's idea of having a period if you have the bleeding, that makes sense to me. Hopefully it's only every few months.
Posted 11/11/2014 7:49 AM (GMT 0)

notsosicklygirl said...
I never have breakthrough bleeding but I do have proctitis issues more than I'd like to. I wish the hormones in the pill kept things in good shape for me. I've often wondered if a different pill might help but I like that the one I take has no estrogen, it's low dose and I don't have a period so I've stuck with it. I think pluot's idea of having a period if you have the bleeding, that makes sense to me. Hopefully it's only every few months.

Apparently it is the oestrogen level in the combined pill that keeps our UC in check so the mini pill should not be any use for uc. I have been on both in the past and was told it was the oestrogen combined pill I needed. Both pills kept me well tbh. The combined pill you do have a monthly period but it's not classed as a real period anyway and oestrogen levels remain in tact which should keep uc under control during menstruation.

I am definitely going back on the pill after I have the next baby. The reason why I am not taking it now is because I find that when I come off the pill I have flared in the past and I obviously need to come off it at some point to conceive. So just using other protection at present to keep hormones regulated.
Posted 11/11/2014 10:35 AM (GMT 0)
I'm never lucky when taking the pill/Nuvaring without a break. I always get breakthrough bleeding. And it lasts for a nasty month...

True about the pill. How do you know if you really absorb it well? I switched to the Nuvaring because of UC.

Remember to take some iron or eat meat in combination with vitamin C to regulate your iron level in your blood.
Posted 11/11/2014 10:39 PM (GMT 0)
i've read some theories that high oestrogen level may be responsible for uc
Posted 11/11/2014 11:22 PM (GMT 0)
I saw some posts here where people were trying progesterone for controlling UC symptoms. I don't think there are any real answers to what works and what doesn't. My UC started while I was on a standard pill - I had a very time getting into remission. I was in remission while on a minipill, that remission lasted years, I actually thought maybe the minipill was helping. Eventually I flared. I am curious if a switch back would provide positive benefit but I do not want to risk stroke as I am not that young and it runs in my family.
Posted 11/12/2014 10:56 AM (GMT 0)
Yeah this is an interesting one and one that is closely linked to my UC. I am also not sure whether to go back on the mini pill or combined pill. However I spoke with a leading blood specialist (I think they are called Encryologists) and he stated that it was the dip in oestrogen levels that could be responsible for UC flares not progesterone. That is why he recommended I try wearing oestrogen patches three days before my period to regulate the oestrogen and to prevent flares.

Either way, I am going back on it after baby number 2.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply