Birth Control Pill - effect on libido and mental health

[PPC]

Thank you so much PPC for your post! So many of your points really hit home with me!

I started the pills to help the heavy bleeding and horrible cramps when I was 17 (now 40). I was always on the 'lowest' dose possible of BC. I was on anti-depressants for many years. I thought it was the family issues going on, but I never thought BC would be a factor. I've taken St. Johns Wort to help 'stabilize' me for 10 years plus.

A year or so ago - I noticed major changes. The worst was a decrease in libido. I complained several times to my doctor and she increased the dosage of my BC. I did notice positive results but, also negatives. Just before my cycle the worst PMS I ever experienced. My doctor did offer to take me off BC, but the pre-BC scared me off.

Early menopause is common in my family. My doctor says until the blood test levels of a specific hormone (not sure which one) show a change and I have not had a cycle in a year - there was nothing she could do.

I'll talk to my doctor again about going off the BC to see my what 'natural' hormones levels and go from there.

PPC - Thanks again!

Have you ever had several months when you have been off the pill, just cycling on your own since you were seventeen?

At 17, do you remember how many days your bleeding would last and were your cycles less than 28 days? Of course I am not a doctor but I have come to understand that most women who have excessive bleeding are usually deficient in progesterone production. Estrogen builds the lining in the first part of the cycle, then progesterone ramps up after ovulation to combat anymore build up. It mantains the lining until the end of cycle where it allows for an efficient bleed.

A normal period should last 4-5 days and not gush like a river but a good flow is needed to cleanse the uterus. Progesterone deficient women often never have their uterus slough off enough, so it has to start a new cycle only partially cleansed. Also, they don't have enough progesterone to combat their estrogen so the 'build up' can get out of control. This is true 'estrogen dominance'. It's not that there is too much estrogen, just too little progesterone to make the right balance. I could take a guess that might have been part of your problem as it was mine.

Do women in your family start periods early?

Your doc is wrong. There are things you can do about your situation. It may be hard at first but you will be able to get to a far better state of health. Transitioning back to your own cycles may be a big change. I would think you would need to endure a couple of pill free cycles then test for Estadiol (E2) progesterone, and Testosterone (free and total). You can ask to check FSH also

It's best to test your levels between day 18-21 of your cycle. If your progesterone is much below 11 then that will give you an idea that progesterone therapy will help you. I'll get into the best way to do that later. If your estradiol (E2) is below 100, then we'll know you are scraping the barrel there also. Women really need E2 levels 100 and above to feel their best. EStradiol below 30 indicates menopause. Estradiol below 50 means, your'e almost empty and that will usually coincide with a rise in FSH. As E2 lowers FSH rises as your body keeps tyring to kickstart the ovaries back into gear.

Hope some of this helps. Hang in there.