Post-WLS problems w/ birth control pills - ThinnerTimes

cnvh · 08-15-2007, 07:34 AM

I've been on birth control pills for about 7 years now (various brands at different times, about 5 or 6 brands total). I've switched around so much because it seems that, once I've been on a particular brand for about 8-12 months, I start to have breakthrough bleeding a couple of days before the "active" pills are finished. So my gyno switches brands, and breakthrough bleeding stops.

Well, this month I started getting my period A WEEK AND A HALF before finishing the active pills... So I have a call in to my gyno re: switching pills again. I suspect it has something to do with massive weight loss, since I know estrogen is stored in fatty tissue, so when you lose lots of weight all that estrogen is released back into your system...

Does anyone have any advice? I'm on the pill to prevent pregnancy, and getting my period while still on the pill makes me think the pill isn't doing its job. My gyno is familiar with WLS, but she's certainly no specialist in that department; I just want to know that I can RELY on a birth control method, you know? Forget suggesting the Depo Provera shot-- I tried that for 6 months a few years ago; I gained about 40 lbs. and was a raving lunatic. I'll NEVER do that again!

VanessaSFL · 08-15-2007, 07:39 AM

I am not on any BC but intrested in the responses.

I wish it was the other away around...Only take something to get your period and have a child.

I don't need anything except for my bladder down there these days.

Sny'sWife · 08-15-2007, 09:13 AM

I have a similar story before WLS that you do... switching pill brands constantly.

The shot is not an option for me, and I am waiting to see how my weight loss affects my cycle.

Like Vanessa I am very curious to see the responses.

taleci · 08-15-2007, 06:16 PM

I had just the opposite issue. I have had such heavy, heavy bleeding that I have become severely anemic. My doctor just put me on BC pills to control it. However, she did tell me it was the rapid weight loss that was causing excess estrogen to flee my body that was causing the super heavy bleeding.

JenBear7 · 08-15-2007, 06:38 PM

I think its a crap shoot... its all about absorbtion. I will never do the shot again either. I would say make sure you are using an alternate method of birth control until you get the pill working. My doc said that if the period becomes predictable (i.e. going with the flow of the pill).. then you can assume its affective.. HOWEVER.. if its not.. if you are getting breakthrough.. or the period isnt following the pills. then you arent safe.

By the way.. there is also the nuva ring.. I tried that too... HATED IT... just not as much as I hated the depo shot.. I couldnt get used to the ring.. and it really was just uncomfortable.. and it gave me major migraines..

My depo shot is just wearing off... just waiting on the next visit from aunt flo so I can start the pill again..

I hope you (and I hope me too) get it under control both the periods, and the protection...

Cinerbelle · 08-15-2007, 06:41 PM

Wish I could help too, but I haven't used any form of BC in over 6 years. I hope you are using a secondary source of BC if you don't want to get pregnant...just until your GYN figures things out.

Jeri · 08-15-2007, 07:24 PM

I was put on the bc pill 2 1/2 months due to heavy bleeding & being peri-menopausal and all the wonderful things that come with that.

Sure hope it keeps working after surgery because it's been a God send so far. I know it can be adjusted. I've just had enough of that. Hoping weight loss will help some of those issues and maybe I won't need that pill anymore.

cnvh · 08-16-2007, 05:56 AM

Thanks for your replies. I was playing phone tag with my gyno yesterday; hopefully I'll have an answer when I call later today. Guess it's back to the good old "back-up condoms" for the time being... yay.

Dayanara · 08-16-2007, 06:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cnvh

Forget suggesting the Depo Provera shot-- I tried that for 6 months a few years ago; I gained about 40 lbs. and was a raving lunatic. I'll NEVER do that again!

I was on that for 4 years. Went from just over 220lbs to 340ish. I didn't notice because at the time I was in a comfy relationship and he didn't care about my weight, so neither did I really. I also now have severe cramps that I am off it and before I never got cramps, really sucks. I do not recommend it to anyone anymore.

Have you tried NuvaRing or the patch? I was on NuvaRing for a while, had no issues with it and it is easy (I only stopped for financial reasons, my health insurance does not cover non-pill form birth control). Both have very low dosages of estrogen released over a period of time.

Duckie · 08-16-2007, 06:25 AM

I switched to an IUD (Marena). Pills didn't work after surgery... HATED the shot. I rarely have a period at all now. LOVE IT!