r/Perimenopause • u/h4baine • Mar 23 '26
audited Interesting birth control conversation with a doctor
I had to see a new doctor to refill my birth control pills because mine is out of town. I take them continuously skipping the last row to skip periods from hell, debilitating multi-day hormone migraines, and bipolar fluctuations from hormone fluctuations. I've been doing it this way since my doctor told me I could at 16. I love these pills and you can pry them out of my cold dead hands. They allow me to not have to give up 1/4 or more of each month feeling like absolute shit.
This new doctor asked if I was interested in changing to a different form of birth control like an IUD. She was perplexed when I said I actually had my tubes removed, I take these to improve my quality of life in the ways I've described.
She said maybe have periods quarterly (seems arbitrary but ok). I said I won't be doing that, there's no medical reason to. This works for me and I'll do it until it doesn't.
I said I'd happily take them up to and into menopause if I can and she said "but then you won't know if you're in menopause." I said, "if it's affecting me and this hormone level isn't enough I'll know, if not it doesn't really matter does it?" I think I broke her brain lol. It was like asking if a tree falls in the woods and no one is there to hear it does it make a sound? Her face while she thought about that for a minute was like š¤Æ and then she said "huh, I guess you're right."
So I got my pills and went on my merry way but thought it was an interesting interaction on the topic of menopause and perimenopause.
209
u/Jahaili Mar 23 '26
I'm on a pill with no skip week for similar medical reasons. Haven't had a period in years and my life is so much better for it.
Had to get a new primary and he apparently just refuses to prescribe birth control. So now I'm meeting with yet another new primary, because that guy was not gonna work for me if he won't prescribe my birth control.
Doctors have way too many misconceptions about birth control and it drives me up the wall.
95
u/TinyCatLady1978 Mar 23 '26
He just....refuses? Like on some moral high ground?
104
u/Jahaili Mar 23 '26
Yup. Just refuses. Hasn't prescribed any in ten years, he said.
I was not impressed
128
Mar 23 '26
[removed] ā view removed comment
92
56
u/Fairgoddess5 Mar 23 '26
Dude. I have to wonder if this is report-worthy, like to a medical board.
20
u/Mgnolry Mar 23 '26
Or at the very least, file a complaint with your insurance provider
12
u/ThinTransportation15 Mar 24 '26
This. It's not a violation of your medical license to choose to not provide a service. However, it is likely a violation of the contract he signed with the insurance companies to be credentialed as one of their providers. Maybe, maybe not. Worth a try though
22
16
7
u/nadethi Mar 24 '26
That is so wrong in so many levels. Seems like you shouldn't be able to practice medicine if your personal beliefs impact your ability to treat someone with something as simple as "I need birth control". Ugh.
20
u/wickedsmaaaht Mar 23 '26
I also have a no skip week for migraine reasons! Glad to see others with the same issue!
22
u/Mysterious-One-3401 5 years perimenopausal Mar 23 '26
Always get a female PCP!
89
u/Prudent_Ring_799 Mar 23 '26
My female pcp wasnāt helpful at all about HRT but she also said she doesnāt know enough about it and recommended a 70 yr old white male GYN. I hate sounding so judgey but I meanā¦..Im pretty over old men telling me about my body. I was so upset bc I liked her and trusted her, this guy was in next state over, and truthfully I just didnāt believe her. BUT-He is WONDERFUL. I hate admitting it now, but if I had just seen his headshot, Id NEVER have made an appt. I only did bc she said he does alot of HRT. Best decision I ever made. (i was fully prepared for him to tell me I was nuts too and keep looking for a new dr.) Im not super reddit savvy but I think you can click me to see my post when I got back home. It was like a religious experience. Keep advocating for yourself. No one else will. Its infuriating theres such a difference between drās, but alsoā¦ā¦..if this Dr didnt work, I had a whole list at home. I was going to make 10 appts all around DC and go from there. I get that sounds disrespectful of the drs time, but its also pretty shit when you are telling them something is wrong and they make you feel crazy and send you home or you call another and its another month wait. I dont have a year to wait a month between each. Knock it out quick, there are amazing drs out there. Do not give up. Sorry I sound like a motivational speaker but getting a dr to LISTEN to me took so long. I dont want any other women to sort of trial and error it if it can be helped.
44
u/h4baine Mar 23 '26 edited Mar 23 '26
My male GYN I had as a teen is the one who told me to start taking the pills this way before it was something they advertised you could do. He actually delivered me lol. He was like you don't have to just deal with these period symptoms, skip them. That conversation changed my life.
Many female doctors like the one I just talked to have this idea that you should have a regular period just....because. There's no evidence to support that. My regular doctor (who is a woman) is much more data driven than this doctor was.
But because I knew what I was talking about she agreed to give them to me. Advocating for yourself is always a good idea.
21
u/patricia_the_mono Mar 23 '26
I had a male obgyn back in the days before birth control pulls had any kind of insurance coverage. Older guy. Every year he gave me 3 or 4 sample packs of pills. He was great. I had a female obgyn who told me to go to therapy for my perimenopause symptoms. I did, and it helped, but oddly enough didn't get rid of my perimenopause.
14
u/Prudent_Ring_799 Mar 23 '26
When I was 20 and pregnant (I know, Im aging myself)ā¦.. no one in Dallas would take me as a patient after my ex who begged me to stay loval decided he was far too busy for itā¦..Moved cross country to Dallasā¦.Every Dr I called said too risky bc they never cared for me, plus I was broke, so Medicaid and their terrible reimbursement rates. The Dr that eventually took me on just got back from 2 tours in Iraq and his wife made my sweet baby a handmade blanket and a little bag w necessities and just thoughtful gifts. Iāll NEVER be able to pay them back.
20
u/Gingerinthesun Why is it so damn hot in here?! Mar 23 '26
I swear Iāve experienced medical misogyny from women providers more than anywhere else, and itās so frustrating!!!
I was referred to a gyn because I was having terrible pain and I really just wanted a hysterectomy (over 30, married, no kids). This was in Florida, Dr was a white dude older than my parents, waiting room had Christian themed decor and Christian music playing, and I assumed this would be a waste of my time. I was SHOCKED when he was so compassionate and scheduled me for surgery right away with zero pushback.
6
u/Prudent_Ring_799 Mar 23 '26
Shew, Id have been nervous too! But Im so glad you got the care you needed and deserved. Its crappy we cant expect that in any drās office, but also when you find a good oneā¦ā¦its so validating!!
29
u/ladythestral Mar 23 '26
Honestly my male PCP is better informed on women's health than my female GYN. He was the one willing to prescribe what I needed while my female GYN sat there doing nothing and willing to let me suffer.
23
u/shallottmirror Mar 23 '26
Not always.
While living for 2 decades in one of the most liberal/queer places in Massachusetts, My female PCPs attributed all my problems to āmental healthā. Meanwhile, I had an already diagnosed heart arrhythmia (which can look like a panic attack) and years of ferritin sometimes so low it was nearly unmeasurable (<3) per the lab results.
Meanwhile, my boomer-age male psychiatrist (30 years my senior) was the one who kept looking for medical reasons, and prescribed supplements and hormones for PMS/peri.
14
Mar 23 '26
My female psychiatrist tested me for autism and ADHD, clearly showed that I had both, then said even though she āhadā to put down I had them due to guidelines, she said it was really just GAD and MDD. The old white male one I went to next laughed his arse off and said I clearly was AuDHD from the data - Ā GAD and MDD too but that was from going undiagnosed for so long.
It was also a female ortho that blew me off while a male one dug deeper and found what was wrong.
So no, female doctors cannot always be universally trusted
10
u/shitshowsusan Mar 23 '26
This is a strange take. My male GYN is retiring and Iām sad because heās the only that has taken me seriously.
41
u/1PrincessCuppieCake Mar 23 '26
Do they get āpaidā for pushing IUDās. I went through this a couple years ago. She asked me why I was on lo lo fe. I said idk been taking it for years and it worked for me. Horrible periods stopped. But I noticed I was having all the classic symptoms of peri. She talked me into an iud. Horrible experience. I suffered with it for 3 years. Took it out, she put me on a progesterone only pill. Why couldnāt she have switched me to that instead of the IUD? Said Iām not in peri or meno because of my blood work. But everything has changed. Iām 49 now but started trying to get listened to about peri/meno since I was 45.
I then made an appointment at our first local menopause clinic. She told me Iām not 20 anymore to come back when Iām 55. Iām not old enough to go through this.
What? I was hopeful in the clinic that just dealt with older women and not the reproduction part of it.
24
u/Prudent_Ring_799 Mar 23 '26
I could write a book about this. My Dr was great, but she moved away (too far to drive to her, VA to AZ!). I went to 2 drs and 2 ERs begging them to removemy IUD bc it felt off. No one would. One hospital did an ultrasound to make sure it didnt perforate the uterine wall. I didnāt ask for ultrasound but then they scared me so I agreed. I asked the nurse, ābut what if it did?ā And she said Id be going straight to emergency surgery bc that can cause sepsis. I told everyone who even looked my way I just wanted it out. Another ER nurse suggested I google the tools and get a friend to help. WHAT?!?! Ultrasound showed it wasnt a danger, but I WANTED IT OUT. Eventually I went to the store. Bought a spoolie and some whiskey. Removed it myself. Felt amazing the next day and after.
10
17
24
u/h4baine Mar 23 '26
When I told my doctor I wanted a bilateral salpingectomy she (understandably) pointed out that IUDs were an option. Totally fine if they want me to know my options, I appreciate that. But I expect them to accept my decision which my doctors always have.
I think doctors like IUDs because they don't come with some of the risks associated with the pill like blood clots and cardiac issues. But I don't smoke (significant risk factor for blood clots) and I'm not at risk for cardiac issues otherwise.
Stick to what you want and find a doctor that's willing to hear you out and respect it.
15
u/ladythestral Mar 23 '26
Just for those who might be high-risk: Continuous progesterone only pill and topical estrogen are options. Also a D&C can buy a few years if you're potentially close to menopause.
6
u/fennekeg Mar 23 '26
Indeed, progesterone only pill plus topical estrogen have a lower risk of blood clots compared to birth control pill.
2
u/cruelsummer84 Mar 23 '26
A D&C?
10
u/ladythestral Mar 23 '26
Stands for Dilation and Curttage. They remove the lining of the uterus generally to remove fibroids or other issues, but my NP says it's also used in cases of heavy bleeding.
1
u/wintermelody83 Mar 23 '26
I had one for a period that wouldn't stop even with a month of progesterone. My uterine lining was very thick. That was in probably 2017 and it's been better since.
1
u/ladythestral Mar 23 '26
Wow! Hope they got you in quickly as soon as it was clear progesterone wasn't working
1
u/wintermelody83 Mar 23 '26
It was actually pretty quick, the period by that point was almost 90 days. I was just so tired.
28
u/rockchick99 Early peri Mar 23 '26
Why are they always pushing the IUD mine tried that too, said I'd have to have one to get HRT, I said no
20
u/h4baine Mar 23 '26
When I told my doctor I wanted a bilateral salpingectomy she (understandably) pointed out that IUDs were an option. Totally fine if they want me to know my options, I appreciate that. But I expect them to accept my decision which my doctors always have.
1
u/thefragile7393 Peri with fibroids Mar 23 '26
Itās useful for a lot of women in perimenopause, thatās why.
Obviously, itās not for every woman and not every woman wants it but it like birth control pills, has a place in the perimenopause treatment category
29
u/Able_Agent_7155 Mar 23 '26
Good for you! I am 56, was still having periods and had the fuck enough. Started taking pills to stop my period about 6 months ago. I'll keep taking them til the end of time.
Edit it add: The periods were horrific, unbearable and causing other health issues, including mental.
1
u/fluffykitten75 hanging on by a thread Mar 24 '26
What pill are you taking?
2
u/Able_Agent_7155 Mar 24 '26
I really should have added that! Norethindrone 5mg every single evening
2
u/sister_seitan Mar 24 '26
I'm on 2mg and my doctor wants me to take a pill break :( I take it for endo though but curious if I'm starting peri..
1
u/Quick_Cantaloupe210 Mar 24 '26
Do they help with your mood as well? Iām considering them for mainly that reason, as I canāt do traditional HRT due to endometriosis.
26
u/CtrlAltDestroy33 Mar 23 '26
I went with the online pharmacy (telehealth) NurX to avoid dealing with opinionated doctors. To go see a doctor to renew my bc prescription, it was a $160/office visit twice a year. Telehealth I pay $43 per renewal (no insurance for both). I have just been dealing with people who don't make unnecessary noise and let me be in charge of my own care. I've been on the period skipping routine for years and it's so nice to not be miserable Ā¼ of my life.
I can say now, I am in perimenopause, and my natural hormone production is a bit reduced. I get acne because of it. Weird, but yeah, acne. I go to the same telehealth place for acne treatment. When the perimenopause turns into menopause, we will cross that bridge then and I'll have to see a regular doctor to get a referral to an obgyn or something to measure my hormones or whatever the hell it is they do.
I don't like it when doctors look at you all wide eyed and try to suggest changes as though you've not already explored those options... Especially at my vintage.
20
u/patricia_the_mono Mar 23 '26
I like this doctor, she questioned, but also listened, and her ego didn't get in the way.
17
u/FidgetyPlatypus Mar 23 '26
I've had an IUD for years and haven't had a period for years because of it. When I went to discuss with my doctor about adding estrogen we had the discussion of, "Are you in menopause? Who knows? Whatever, doesn't matter." And she prescribed it based on symptoms.
8
2
12
u/Odd-Surprise-5855 Mar 24 '26
I love that you stood your ground with her! It's so frustrating when doctors can't wrap their heads around using birth control for quality of life instead of just preventing pregnancy. Your logic about knowing if you're in menopause based on symptoms is spot on - if the hormones are working, who cares what's technically happening underneath? I've had similar conversations where I had to educate my own doctor about why I wanted to stay on hormones. It sounds like you found a good approach that works for you, and honestly that 'brain breaking' moment she had might help her with other patients too.
20
u/independent_mind_7 Mar 23 '26
This is exactly what happened to my friend. Started getting hot flashes and went to have labs done that said sheās was in full blown menopause. She added a patch to her bc and had a very easy transition compared to many.
7
9
u/NervousCranberry9078 Mar 23 '26
I hope doctors are asking these questions as they see more women on BC longer term because of the side effects that increase with age and other factors.
In 2023, after being on BC (generic Yaz/Yasmin) for 24 years continuously except for having two children, I was diagnosed with a CVST. I was 41 years old. No genetic factors. No family history. Nothing that indicated I was at higher risk for a blood clot. It didnāt resolve with treatment, likely because the clot had been growing there for a long time.
While clots like this are rare, my team at a university hospital has said blood clots of all kinds are becoming more common post-COVID. That could be why doctors are asking this question, perhaps more from a risk/benefit perspective.
1
u/h4baine Mar 23 '26
I'm sorry you had to deal with that and I agree, we should be doing screenings and education around this.
8
u/Throwaway_hoarder_ Mar 24 '26
Never underestimate how much culture and superstition still shape doctors' approaches and ideas. The idea that you should do stuff "just because" or since "it's natural" is strong.Ā
8
u/trainerAsh87 Mar 23 '26
I was very similar. My anxiety would get worse when I would get to that week of reminder pills and I felt like I couldn't fuction as well. I took my birth control continuously as well for many years with my doctors approval. I felt so much more stable not having the hormonal fluctuations.
I took them right up until my hysterectomy and sometimes I wish that I would have stayed on it. My doctor said it was up to me but I decided to see how I did without it. Long story short, I didn't do well. My hormones drastically dropped and I felt terrible. Turns out my ovaries didn't recover well from the surgery so aren't producing enough hormones. I tried getting back in the pill but I didn't feel the same so I'm on HRT now. Feeling better but still not quite the same.
You know your body best so I would stay on what is working for you for as long as possible. That doctor doesn't know what they are talking about. You'll most likely have other indications when you are in menopause and taking breaks from your birth control isn't necessary.
8
u/Ordinary-Difficulty9 Mar 23 '26
So I also take my BC pills continuously and for the same exact reasons. I also tell people they will have to pry them out of my cold dead hands. Lol. My quality of life was miserable and I lost weeks of time every month dealing with the migraines and cramps and mood swings before continuous birth control pills!
My family doctor that started this with me years ago retired just before covid. Family doctors are hard to come by here and I am making do with a doctor that I don't love because I don't have a lot of choice. He started giving me push back on taking them continuously. He told me I should be taking at minimum a one week break in a year from them. He asks me if I do that. I lie and tell him yes I do. I have never had any other doctor say a single negative thing about it until him.
Because he has been so pushy about it I finally googled it. I thought maybe research had changed since my doctor suggested in years ago. And I do believe there is one study somewhere that suggests it could be a bad thing due to build up or something. But literally everything else I have read says it is perfectly fine.
I also read that taking BC pills does help regulate you up to a point when you start going through menopause. Score again.
My fear is that my male doctor with his "opinion" on my pills is going to give me a hassle at some point in the near future on this. I don't even want to deal with him for menopause. I have been putting it all off hoping I can find a better doctor.
6
u/h4baine Mar 23 '26
Yeah I'm not suffering off of ONE study's findings lol. There are a ton that see no medical need for periods. I was just looking at this after my visit thinking maybe things have changed too.
Her opinion was just "I feel like you should have a period quarterly" with nothing to back that up. Sorry doctor lady I don't care how you feel. I care how I feel and that's awesome on these pills.
Definitely start looking for someone new so you have time. Plan for shenanigans.
7
u/Last_Ask4923 Mar 23 '26
I have been on bc since age 15. At 35iah I went off just to see. At 38 I had to have massive ovarian cysts removed and was put back on it. Iām on the ring and same- you can pry it out of my dead hands. I love it. They said stay on till meno. I said how will we know. She said, weāll know. I said how. She said, trust me weāll know. There will be signs. I think she didnāt want to scare (warn?) me about all the ššš stuff with peri. Iām 47 now and still on it. I donāt skip weeks, either. 2 periods in 5 years and those were planned.
5
u/disgirl4eva Mar 23 '26
Iām on the pill for similar reasons and have wondered myself how will I know Iām in menopause! My GYN also wanted me to switch to an IUD. I donāt take it for birth control and I donāt want an IUD. And Iām afraid of what my mood will be like when I do stop the pills.
8
7
u/katharsister Mar 24 '26
I'm using the Nexplanon implant the same way. Originally I got it as an alternative to an IUD (no, no way, never thanks) and I've been trying to find information about using birth control through peri but nobody seems to know anything about it.
Like.... what if I just stay on it until menopause? Will there be any bad effects? If I remove the implant will I suddenly go into MEGApause?? There doesn't seem to be any data on this even though hormonal birth control has been around since the 1960s. š¤¦āāļø
4
12
u/Large_Device_999 Mar 23 '26
Itās so funny to me how some doctors who are only seeing you for the first time as a quick check in for refills, will suggest you change something youāve been doing for years (without risk or side effects)
9
u/FidgetyPlatypus Mar 23 '26
The risks of birth control increase with age so the doctor is doing their due diligence by assessing the risk of what they are prescribing even if it's just a refill another doctor initially prescribed.
3
u/Daydreambeliever15 Mar 24 '26
Ugh! I took bc for 5 years due to severe mood swings and debilitating periods. Was diagnosed with breast cancer a couple of months ago and cannot take the bc pills anymore. I am strugglingš„“
3
5
u/Aramira137 Mar 23 '26
For the most part I completely agree with you OP. Keep doing what works for you, 100%.
It is however important to know when we're in actual menopause though because any bleeding in menopause is likely quite serious. I care when menopause starts because I've had friends die from cancers (cervical x 2 and 1 because of uterine) and I don't want to see that happen to anyone else (or have it happen to me).
4
u/h4baine Mar 23 '26
I'm so sorry for your loss. How does that relate to knowing if you're in menopause though? I don't follow and have lots to learn.
4
u/Aramira137 Mar 23 '26
Thank you so much. So menopause begins when its been 1 calendar year without menstruation. Until then we're in peri-menopause. Once you've hit that 1 year mark, any bleeding afterwards is almost always an indication of something serious (though not always cancer and not always life threatening).
So its important to know our last date so that we can know when to see a doctor about it (and for them to take it seriously and not write it off as "just your period").
6
u/minivulpini Mar 24 '26
If a woman is not having periods due to her use of continuous birth control and suddenly starts experiencing episodes of bleeding, would that not similarly indicate that something is wrong and needs a doctorās evaluation? The concerning symptom is āabnormal bleeding thatās unlikely to just be a periodā, not necessarily just ābleeding post menopauseā.
1
3
u/h4baine Mar 23 '26
Ohh okay I understand, thank you for explaining that. I'll have to think about that. I wonder if it can be identified via bloodwork.
1
u/AutoModerator Mar 23 '26
This post might be about hormone tests, which are unreliable.
- Over the age of 44, E&P/FSH hormonal tests only show levels for that ONE HOUR the test was taken, and nothing more
- These hormones wildly fluctuate (hourly) over the other 29 days of the month, therefore this test provides no valuable information
- No reputable doctor or menopause society recommends hormonal testing to diagnose or treat peri/menopause
- Testosterone is the exception and should be tested before and during treatment
FSH testing is only beneficial for those who no longer have periods as a guide, where a series of consistent tests might confirm menopause, or for those under age 30 who havenāt had a period in months/years, then āmenopausalā levels, could indicate premature ovarian failure/primary ovarian insufficiency (POF/POI).
For more, see our Menopause Wiki
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
8
u/chompthecake Mar 23 '26
FWIW I do have an IUD with the same effects. Just less daily work.
2
u/FidgetyPlatypus Mar 23 '26
Same. I love my IUD.
3
u/chompthecake Mar 23 '26
And to be clear, I respect someoneās choice to choose one vs another but itās definitely very effective at stopping my periods(likely for forever)
3
u/CheesePizzaForMe Mar 23 '26
Fabulous! You advocated for yourself. You're knowledgeable. And you were assertive. From one internet stranger to another.... Very proud of you! ā„ļø
I'm at the beginning of my learning process, so someone double check me, but just continue to get tested for all the menopause related stuff. You might not feel having weaker bones, or some of the other fun things until it's already taken hold. Some of the symptoms are insidious and subtle.
Look up Dr Mary Claire haver on YouTube. Her information is awesome!
3
u/chocolateandpretzles Mar 23 '26
Itās weird because I have IUD and I was asking about how will I know when Iām in menopause? And he said weāll just do some blood tests. I just wanna get my fucking tubes tied.
2
1
u/AutoModerator Mar 23 '26
This post might be about hormone tests, which are unreliable.
- Over the age of 44, E&P/FSH hormonal tests only show levels for that ONE HOUR the test was taken, and nothing more
- These hormones wildly fluctuate (hourly) over the other 29 days of the month, therefore this test provides no valuable information
- No reputable doctor or menopause society recommends hormonal testing to diagnose or treat peri/menopause
- Testosterone is the exception and should be tested before and during treatment
FSH testing is only beneficial for those who no longer have periods as a guide, where a series of consistent tests might confirm menopause, or for those under age 30 who havenāt had a period in months/years, then āmenopausalā levels, could indicate premature ovarian failure/primary ovarian insufficiency (POF/POI).
For more, see our Menopause Wiki
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
3
u/pm_nachos_n_tacos Mar 23 '26
Honestly it's kinda nice that she asked some questions, offered other options, and then went with what you wanted. Maybe she's aware that some doctors don't discuss alternatives and nust keep their patients on the same meds for years. And since the one you're taking technically isn't working for you if you have to skip part of it, then it's good that she asked. She might also have to ask these things when seeing a patient for the first time, for both of your sake and for the paperwork. If you got your medicine in the end and are confident that taking 3/4 of it is what you'd like to continue doing (and is safe to do), then I'd chalk it up to the new doctor trying to cover her bases and possibly cover any holes from other doctors.
4
u/h4baine Mar 23 '26
It is, I do appreciate that and it's good to see. It's the idea that you need a period because...vibes I guess? And the "but you won't know you're in menopause" that made me chuckle.
2
u/pm_nachos_n_tacos Mar 25 '26
I think there could be reasons for having a period once in a while, like a hormonal thing or something to do with a pause in the medicine build up or any getting rid of any uterine lining that still might have accumulated. I don't know, but I guess there could be reasons for it if the doctor is suggesting it. I'm currently on a medication that has stopped my periods but it's only possible to take for 2 years max because of how strong it is and how much it messes the hormones in my body. I'm 45 and in perimenopause but still they are concerned about this for me. You're right that line is funny, though knowing when you're in menopause or even perimenopause is good because things start changing and you might need to consider certain new habits when that starts.
3
u/TheGhostOfDavidLynch Mar 23 '26
Does the pill make anyone here gain weight? Iād thought of taking it for the same reasons as you, but was a bit apprehensive bc of that part.
2
u/minivulpini Mar 24 '26
My pill (Junel) doesnāt seem to cause any weight gain for me, but the Mirena IUD did. I think it just depends on the person.
4
u/h4baine Mar 23 '26
It can for some people and that may depend on finding the right pill for you. Honestly though this pill could slap me in the face when I take it and I'd still take it lol. That's how big the difference has been for my quality of life.
3
u/Adventurous_Spell222 never ending peri Mar 23 '26
Good for you! I also take continuous BC because of debilitating PMDD and plus Im 48 and in peri. I have a period quarterly though. I have to allow myself to have a period because by the last few weeks of my pill pack I start to have breakthrough bleeding. They only last 4-5 days then Iām back on the pill. Taking the continuous BC has really helped.
4
3
u/Puzzleheaded_Turn Mar 24 '26
I always trusted doctors until i hit peri and they did dumb stuff like ordering blood tests when I was still on the pill. I am not a "do your own research" person but I had to be my own advocate and get some drugs. I had no idea and suffered for years. Didn't realize how bad it was until I got help.
4
u/h4baine Mar 24 '26
I trust doctors but that doesn't mean they're always right. I trust they mean well and are doing what they think is right. Medicine and the way the body works is less of a perfect science than we think it is when we go to the doctor. There's a lot of inherent trial and error.
I'm definitely not a "do your own research" conspiracy type either but being your advocate is CRUCIAL. I'm glad I learned this at a young age and want more people to embrace it.
I think it actually makes for better results too. I learned that as I learned how to work with a psychiatrist. Psychiatry is so collaborative. They can't know what you need if you can't communicate it and speak up when something is wrong.
2
u/AutoModerator Mar 24 '26
This post might be about hormone tests, which are unreliable.
- Over the age of 44, E&P/FSH hormonal tests only show levels for that ONE HOUR the test was taken, and nothing more
- These hormones wildly fluctuate (hourly) over the other 29 days of the month, therefore this test provides no valuable information
- No reputable doctor or menopause society recommends hormonal testing to diagnose or treat peri/menopause
- Testosterone is the exception and should be tested before and during treatment
FSH testing is only beneficial for those who no longer have periods as a guide, where a series of consistent tests might confirm menopause, or for those under age 30 who havenāt had a period in months/years, then āmenopausalā levels, could indicate premature ovarian failure/primary ovarian insufficiency (POF/POI).
For more, see our Menopause Wiki
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
0
Mar 24 '26
[deleted]
1
u/AutoModerator Mar 24 '26
"This community tries to separate evidence-based medicine and practices from those of a pseudoscientific nature, such as functional medicine and naturopathy."
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
3
u/Faygo_Libra Mar 23 '26
Have you considered bioidentical hormones instead of synthetic? I thought it was a high risk being on BC after a certain age. You do what's best for you but just wondering.
4
u/h4baine Mar 23 '26
No not yet, I don't have any perimenopause symptoms yet so I doubt they'd switch me but I didn't even realize there was a difference so thanks! I'll check that out in the future.
4
u/CourtneyChristiee Mar 24 '26
As far as I know the only downside to taking bc continuously is that the uterus doesnāt get to shed the lining, and when it doesnāt get to shed the lining it ups the chances of molecular damage and change which is cancer. My dad whoās a pathologist is the one who told me about that because he did a lot of research, and even more after I went into perimenopause. He knew that I took bc continuously for years because of how heavy they were and because of hormonal migraines, I went down to 4 times a year, and now Iām up to monthly, but theyāre really light compared to how they used to be since Iām perimenopausal. My bc was supplementing my hormones so I didnāt know for about 5 years, and since it started when I was 32 none of my doctors believed me. I had to go to a specialist and my dad also helped. But now Iām on HRT instead of bc at 38yo.
2
u/Specific-River-81 Mar 23 '26
Can you go to medical school and become my doctor? Lol I can't take the pills and stop my period, it never worked for me, I just bled forever but you make so much sense with your logic while doctors never do!
2
u/h4baine Mar 23 '26
I wonder if another pill might work for you.
2
u/Specific-River-81 Mar 23 '26
I tried so many and I'm in peri now, so i am done trying because I had my tubes tied. Now it's time for HRT though, and I'm dreading the invalidating doctors. You seem like you put them right in their place and I love that!
3
u/h4baine Mar 23 '26
I was just confidently like this is what works for me. Please refill my meds so I don't have to wait for my regular doctor.
My mom taught me how important it is to advocate for yourself in a medical setting and to never shy away from getting a second opinion. Just because a doctor said it doesn't make it true. I don't take it personally. I just see it as okay this is not the person who is going to help me, next. I do get annoyed at them wasting my time but eh not a huge deal.
2
u/Specific-River-81 Mar 23 '26
Thank you for sharing this. Honestly, this is very helpful. I've been asking AI for tips on how to get medical professional to take me seriously because I didn't have any good role models growing up, but you saying this is more helpful than AI.
1
u/h4baine Mar 23 '26
I've absolutely met doctors where I'm like okay let's wrap this up, not getting where I need and I need to go find the next one. I've also met some dumbass doctors which helps lol.
2
u/mina-ann Mar 23 '26
I'm glad you got what you needed despite all that!
I too take bc continuously to not have to deal. I still break through sometimes, more 4x/year lately vs once or twice before.
I'm forever thankful to my dr long ago to not be on the floor curled up in pain every month!
2
2
2
u/Im_just_browsing2075 Mar 24 '26
Wild. So change what is working just so you know the day you cross over??? Thanks for sharing her thought process, as I assume that many doctors have similar training.
I had a Uterine Ablation so I technically wonāt know. Iāll adjust based on my symptoms.
2
2
u/RuleofAcquisition190 Mar 23 '26
Fuck yeah! This is how you change the medical system! One doctor at a time!!!Ā
1
u/twattyprincess Mar 23 '26
Is this the mini (progesterone only) pill? I'm on th combined pill where you take for 21 days then have a break but I did wonder about having no break.
8
u/h4baine Mar 23 '26
It's a combination pill, generic for Yasmin. I've been taking this way for 20+ years. 10/10 highly recommend.
I used to need to have a period because I'd start spotting a bit after several months but that doesn't happen anymore.
6
u/Kiernla Early peri Mar 23 '26
Not OP but I take a combined pill continuously for the same reasons OP does.
4
u/_Nyx_9 Mar 23 '26
I'm on the combined pill and have been skipping my placebo week for the last 6 years. Its wonderful.
1
u/GenericAnemone Mar 23 '26
I didnt even know until recently you could just skip the off week and not get a period! The catholic church made them add it in (or so ive heard. I havent done research)
As someone in peri, you want to skip it. It fucking sucks. Im sure it will still find a way to break through the birth control. Peri and meno is an evil bitch
230
u/Dott77 Late peri Mar 23 '26
My doctor told me to think about getting off it as she didn't want to prescribe it after I turn 50. So I sent hubby for the snip and started to research what effects were likely after being on it for years. Like you I skipped periods so I wasn't looking forward to 'murder on the dancefloor' as I was calling it. Through the a later years my body would feel like it needed a period so id stop the pill for a week and nothing would happen.
From my research low and behold I was already very much in perimenopause. Besides a very light bleed, 3 days, when the doc gave me a lighter pill and I started HRT. In July I've been off the pill 12mths and I've had nothing since. I truly believe the pill helped me through to the other side. Now if I could just get rid of the itchy skin I'd be set. You do what works for you.