Endocrine doc suggested starting oral contraceptives to help with a few hormonal issues and acne.
After a few days, the regular Lyme aches and pains are much worse. Since this treatment is optional, I'm thinking of just stopping- don't need another reason to feel icky - especially if it isn't that medically necessary.
Posted by tanzi2u (Member # 9237) on :
Grrr, hit send by accident. To finish up, just wanted to add that been infected since 2002, and on fulltime Abx since 2006.
LLMD is next to impossible to get a hold of, so won't get his feedback until the end of the month.
Any thoughts, anyone?
Posted by Aniek (Member # 5374) on :
When I first started oral contraceptives, I was in intense pain for the first month. Then it stopped and my monthly cramps, which had been debilitating, were much easier.
I actually changed pills after the first month, so it might be the pill you are on that is bothering you.
I since stopped, because I found out I have a clotting issue and I'm looking into other options.
Posted by sixgoofykids (Member # 11141) on :
Personally, I don't think throwing artificial hormones into the mix is any way to fix hormonal issues. I think it just masks the symptoms. I'd look for the underlying cause of the hormone imbalance rather than the quick fix.
Posted by tanzi2u (Member # 9237) on :
quote:Originally posted by sixgoofykids: I'd look for the underlying cause of the hormone imbalance rather than the quick fix.
The underlying cause here is hypopituitarism caused by Lyme.
The endo doc (not Lyme literate but willing to learn) feels that if you get the hormones more in balance, that will help your immune system and the Abx to fight the bacteria.
Knowing that Bb has some sort of relationship with estrogen and that's why flare-ups tend to coincide with monthly periods, I am torn as to what to do.
Posted by sixgoofykids (Member # 11141) on :
I've never really understood how taking the Pill, which mostly stops ovulation (some break through), and thickens cervical mucus helps balance hormones.
It does artificially regulate menstruation, so it appears that hormones are normal, but it makes your body think/act like it's three months pregnant.
I just wouldn't throw more into the mix. IMHO.
Posted by sparkle7 (Member # 10397) on :
I took Seasonale for about a year or two. I gained about 40 lbs on Seasonale. I was taking it since I had excruciating cramps. It did help for that since you only get your period 4 times a year.
My doctor recommended that I switch to bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. That has been helping but the cramps are still quite bad. I had bad cramps before I had Lyme, though.
I just never felt comfortable altering my body like that with the Seasonale. I'm not against drugs but if you are fairly young - you may not want to alter your body like that. They don't really know the long term effects of some birth control pills.
I agree with sixgoofy. If anything, look into bio-identical hormone replacement therapy or something to treat the source of the problem.
Posted by just don (Member # 1129) on :
OBVIOUSLY,,,I am NOT the person to ask this.
Just wanted to pass a tidbit of FACT,,,If you are relying on THEM to keep you NON pregnant,,,they often fail with accompanied use of abx,,,it renders it non useful for this.
JUST wanted to avoid an OOPS situation,,,planned is better, ooops are blessings too, just a different way!!bashfully--just don--
Posted by Larkspur (Member # 5131) on :
My LLMD had me get off of the pill soon after I stopped seeing her - if I remeber correctly she said I didn't need anymore stress on my liver - I personally don't know about the relationship btwn b c pills and the liver, but my LLMD did not advocate me taking them at all.
Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
Good for YOU, Just Don!
Exactly what I was concerned about. Thanks for jumping in the ladies conversation and preveting an "oops"!!!
Also... to tan....
If you had a broken leg and were also fighting depression ... would you ignore or not treat the depression figuring it might go away when your leg healed?
No.
If you have multiple symptoms with Lyme... and not many don't... may I suggest doing all you can to minimize or reduce those symptoms until you CAN get the right treatment for the right length of time to actually get to the source of the problem?
After all, it can take years to "get to the source". No need to suffer in the meantime.
That is a waste in my opinion. We all can use "better days".. and should be on a track to achieve it.
Also note.. it MIGHT be you need progestrone rather than estrogen. Many Lyme ladies have discovered that the estrogen makes them worse... and have quit it and used progestrone with great results.
Usually when you hit the right medication for your situation... there is a dramatic improvement.
Don't stop trying. OK?
Posted by kelmo (Member # 8797) on :
The pill actually puts the body into menopause. The time you have a 'period', is a forced bleed.
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