In addition, there seems to be some debate where pregnancy is concerned. ![]() While these side effects are highly subjective, they have been reported by some women. There have been studies linking use of birth control pills with an increase in strokes and blood clots - one reason why doctors will tell you not to go on the pill if you’re over age 35 and smoke, have untreated hypertension, or a history of stroke, and other blood clot related disorders (such as thrombosis or pulmonary embolisms) ( source).īirth control pills also may cause breast tenderness or nausea. It is less easily metabolized - which makes your liver work harder. The synthetic estrogen in birth control pills also has its drawbacks. It’s a potent form of estrogen that is roughly four to ten times stronger than that used in different types of HRT.īecause it’s so much stronger, a number of doctors feel it’s a wise choice for younger women going through POF or EM, as young women’s hormonal needs are often far higher than those of older women in menopause. The estrogen in birth control pills is most commonly a synthetic form called ethinyl estradiol. This is one of the key reasons doctors may suggest going on birth control pills for women with EM or POF. Many doctors feel that younger women with low estrogen levels need higher dosages of estrogen than that in standard HRT - and the estrogen in birth control pills is more potent than that in regular HRT. ![]() In this case, the issue isn’t simply helping with symptoms, but also making sure your hormonal levels are high enough to prevent consequences like osteoporosis. If you’ve been diagnosed with early menopause (EM) or premature ovarian failure (POF), though, it’s a somewhat different story. It’s also a key reason why birth control pills are often prescribed if you’re perimenopausal and suffering with symptoms: In perimenopause, you’re still producing non-menopausal (that is, higher) levels of estrogen and progesterone on your own, so adding more hormones (as you would if you went on standard HRT) might actually make you feel worse. This can be a welcome relief in stabilizing your hormones during perimenopause - a time when fluctuating hormones can be the source of problems. You’re not adding hormones on top of what you’re producing on your own, but literally replacing them. ![]() In other words, you get just what is in the pill. They override your own hormonal production - in effect, signaling your ovaries to take a breather and stop producing estrogen and progesterone - and supplant it with the hormones in the pills themselves. And, unlike typical HRT which supplements hormones in your body, birth control pills literally take over. This is becoming a fairly common treatment, because, although you’re getting menopausal symptoms (like hot flashes, night sweats, and so forth), you’re still producing a fair level of hormones on your own. In this case, it’s likely that your doctor has suggested birth control pills as a way of helping you cope with symptoms. Most often, your doctor will suggest birth control pills for you if you’re perimenopausal - that is, you’re still getting your periods, your hormones aren’t testing at post-menopausal levels, and you haven’t been diagnosed with POF or early menopause.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |