posted
Have any other women had their llmd suggest using birth control pills to suppress ovulation and menses during treatment?
Not for actual birth control, but to help treatment and recovery go more smoothly?
Besides my co-infection flares and monthly Lyme flares, I also flare badly during my period. My body basically gets no break.
My llmd said that my periods are making an already difficult case even more complicated to treat.
Because of how fragile I am, he says that I would be better off not cycling during treatment.
His reasoning is that the inflammation caused by the release of prostaglandins during menstruation is more than my body can handle. He mentioned that the hormonal fluctuations throughout each cycle are additional stressors.
This llmd is top notch and I trust his advice. I am SO sick and am willing to do what it takes to get better, but I am feeling really apprehensive and conflicted about this.
I have never been on any form of hormonal birth control and have some pretty strong objections to it, so this is a difficult decision for me.
Anyone have any thoughts? Thanks!
-------------------- Posts: 22 | From california | Registered: Jan 2009
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- If I had known about this option, it would have made life so much better for me even in college. The stress on my body from periods from hell cost me dearly in many, many ways.
I think your LLMD has a very good point. The dosages are lower now and there may be some supplements that can balance out any concerns you have about this particular medicine. And that is what it is, medicine to help you.
I would definitely consider this as a way to help support your body and decrease the torture. You might consult a LL ND (naturopathic doctor) or their advice. But be sure they are ILADS -educated so they know all about the complications that lyme patients face.
You may find that a LL ND can help you without the pill. Seriously, finally, just before menopause I found a ND who helped decrease pain from periods. It was a miracle. Really. After 3 or 4 decades of sheer misery and a week missing out of my life every month, the problem was solved with just the right herbal formula. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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sixgoofykids
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11141
posted
I don't think messing up the hormones would help in any way. The Pill doesn't work with the natural hormones, it uses artificial hormones.
I understand the concept of what he's talking about, but I think it would just stress the body further in messing up yet another bodily system.
Just my opinion. I wouldn't do it, even if I trusted my doctor.
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
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posted
Thanks, Keebler, I agree that in this case, it could very well be a supportive measure. I feel like I've got to choose between the lesser of two evils.
Sixgoofykids, I have the same concern about hormonal BC because the hormones are synthetic. I am also concerned that it would be a stressor.
I forgot to mention that I have polycystic ovaries and my gyn suspects I have endometriosis as well, so I'm already pretty beat up in that area.
Has anyone used bioidentical progesterone cream to successfully suppress ovulation?
-------------------- Posts: 22 | From california | Registered: Jan 2009
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randibear
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11290
posted
new one on me. i took bc pills for over 15 years and finally had a hysterectomy.
personally, i'd go for something else. just saying it...
i think we're screwed up enuff as it is.
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
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I was doing this with the pill well before I got sick. (Skipping placebo pills except 4x/year, so I only get my period every three months.)
I'm using a pill with very low levels of hormones, and it's made my life so much easier.
My gyn, PCP, and LLMD are all on board with the idea.
If you have concerns, you might want to talk to your gyn about it. She might know better than your LLMD which pill would be right for you given your other medical issues. There are many different options, with varying hormone levels and whatnot.
I would mention that if you are on abx, the pill might not work to prevent pregnancy, so if you do decide to take it, be sure to use a back-up birth control method (condoms, diaphram, etc).
-AnnaL
Posts: 398 | From By the Salish Sea | Registered: Dec 2008
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seekhelp
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Member # 15067
posted
Seems very risky territory to me, but out of my expertise. Posts: 7545 | From The 5th Dimension - The Twilight Zone | Registered: Mar 2008
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massman
Unregistered
posted
PCOS + endometriosis pretty much = estrogen dominance.
The bioidentical cream may relieve symptoms but cannot balance hormones. Getting them balanced should be possible with mixed herbals from www.inno-vita.com
If you call them they should be able to refer you to a practitioner in your area.
I have worked for years helping ladies with hormone imbalances.
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posted
Thank you so much for the input, everyone - I really appreciate hearing from fellow Lymies.
Today's been a rough day, so I can't reply to each of you, but again, thank you.
I'm going to have a chat with my gyn who thankfully has a clue about Lyme and see what she has to say.
Thinking that I probably won't go on the pill and look more into dietary and supplemental help.
-------------------- Posts: 22 | From california | Registered: Jan 2009
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- In addition to your LL GYN, Please find a LL ND. Believe me, their years of training will help you so much more effectively and faster than trying to figure it out on your own.
You can search at Google for the Naturopathic licensing organization in your state as well as ask your LLMD for a referral to a LL ND to help with this matter.
In the meantime, go to Amazon and look up books by Tori Hudson, ND. You can also find her books at many libraries. She is a primo voice in women's naturopathic medicine. But you would still do best with individualized attention from a LL ND who has some years of experience.
If the LL ND also has certification in acupuncture, all the much better. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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sixgoofykids
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11141
posted
Hmm, endometriosis, yeah, it helps with that. I don't know what I'd do ....
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
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massman
Unregistered
posted
Keebler - are LLDCs allowed to help with hormone imbalances ?
I see you recommend NDs a bunch but not DCs.
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posted
thanks for the additional info, Keebler, I appreciaate it. I agree that a LL ND would be great.
sixgoofykids, yeah, the endo does make me more inclined to consider it.
Tonight I was writhing around and crying because my cramps were SO bad. Between my insane (literally) mood swings and all the pain I endure, my husband said, "maybe the pill WOULD be a good thing..." lol. and he is even more against hormonal BC than me.
Ugh, perplexed, but thankful for the feedback, once again
-------------------- Posts: 22 | From california | Registered: Jan 2009
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- massman,
I've just never met a DC who had extensive training and knowledge in herbs and there are none in my area with more than a passing knowledge of the basics - but we have many NDs since we have two naturopathic colleges within 300 miles of each other and another college of acupuncture. They have studied thousands of herbs from all over the world.
Sure, there are some DCs with advanced training in herbs and others with supplement knowledge for sure, but generally, they don't have four + years studying thousands of herbs and combinations - and principles of Chinese Medicine and meridians - like the NDs study. It's not just about choosing herbs but knowing the principles of Chinese Medicine and how to evaluate and treat a patient according to that.
Just as most NDs don't have 4+ years with chiropractic training but they have some training and do cranial-sacral manipulations - I'd rather go to a DC or DO for that as they have more 4 + years training in than the NDs in that specific area who may have one semester or two.
Occasionally, one can find a person with both degrees: ND and DC - or ND and MD or DO. Such combinations are good.
I've know some MDs who took weekend seminars on acupuncture and while they can do some basics for tennis elbow, for the acupuncture that requires deep knowledge, such is not usually taught at these kind of seminars. But they can go on to more advanced levels. It's good to know the training of any doctor in each discipline in which they work.
Some MDs or DCs or DOs who take course on nutrition usually focus on vitamins and supplement and a handful of herbs. For someone with a complex case, it's great to have a doctor who has the most thorough knowledge of every medicinal herb every used in the whole world.
It's all about education, training and experience for what is needed. One can certainly inquire about all that from the doctor in question - and ask the local support group who is good in your area.
For women's issues, A ND with many years focusing more on women's healthy issues is usually better than a ND who has a general practice. Not all are equal in skill.
If you find a DC or DO who also treats with herbs, you can ask about their training and certification in herbal or Chinese medicine - or who they've studied with, post graduate. Usually, they are glad to offer that information and it helps you know more about them. You can also ask for what they've written or who their favorite author is for a clearer picture to their thinking.
A DC (chiropractic doctor) who uses a very gentle approach or a D.O. (Osteopathic doctor) who also might use a gentle approach to align your skeleton might offer relief if from skeleton problems. Avoid any quick, sudden, harsh adjustments - just ask before making an appt. what techniques they use and then look those up.
UPLEDGER is a good technique that is gentle. There are techniques for skeleton adjustments and also soft tissue visceral adjustments, both of which may be of help, depending upon the problem.
In answer to another question, Melyody,
Just because it's used by some as BC does not mean that this is not also medicine for some very serious disorders. Anything that would stop the pain would be good.
Also, some low dose BC are not necessarily the right dose for effective BC, so be sure about all that if you rely on it.
Also, at this time, it would not be good for a baby to be born with lyme. That would be best after successful treatment.
The Tori Hudson book explains the pros and cons of the hormones. I still think there is a way without the BC pill but that might be good for immediate relief while you get into to see someone who can get the bottom of the problem.
Often, liver disorders contribute to painful periods. And porphryia (one kind of liver disorder) can also be a connection. More about that here:
posted
Hey I know its much later...but for anyone else that might be interested: I was on the pill until I started ABX for my Lyme; however pulsing ABX caused the BCpill to fail and I ended up having my period all the time, or everytime we changed my ABX regime. I do have Poly cystic ovaries. For what its worth..I most likely contracted Lyme in the late '70's and promptly started with run away hormones, endometriosis and Polycystic ovaries. I am glad now and better understand now that I am diagnosed that I would have likely had transmitted Lyme to any children I would have had, so it makes bittersweet for me. I'm having a total hysterectomy in the next few weeks. Im 46 and agree that my menses are keeping me weak since I have a period every 14 days. Surrender to win right?!
-------------------- AzDaisy life requires action Posts: 58 | From Tucson, AZ | Registered: Apr 2010
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Tammy N.
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 26835
posted
I think hormonal balance is so incredibly important to our health. I would not mess with it. I think we were created a certain way for a reason. To override what the body was intended to do can be very risky. [btw - have you ever read any of Suzanne Somers books on hormones? Her books are not so much based on her opinions, but are loaded with info from the top docs in the field. I don't agree with everything she says and does, but she's put together some impressive books. Very informative.]
All of us always have to weigh out so many aspects of our decisions....it gets tiring. Smart that you are looking at it from all angles. Hope you make the right decision for you. Best always, Tammy
Posts: 2238 | From East Coast | Registered: Jul 2010
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sutherngrl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 16270
posted
I would have to say it depends on the circumstance.
I started taking hormones about 2 months ago because it seems that I am beginning to go through peri-menopause. LLMD says you can't go through menopause and LD at the same time. Its just too much for the body to deal with.
I won't go into all the details; but I needed to take hormones to try and shut down my ovaries. I would start having non stop periods or they would stop and start back a week later. My hormones were bouncing off the walls. Needless to say it was awful!
It added to the already misery that comes with LD. Way too much stress on the body! So in some cases hormones are defintely neccessary.
Posts: 4035 | From Mississippi | Registered: Jul 2008
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I wouldn't do it, even if I trusted my doctor.
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