LindsayGentlemen, this is another one of those posts you may want to skip. Although, if you choose to continue, I have included some special treats just for you.
As you may remember, I posted months ago about migraines and their possible connection to the birth control pill I was taking. I switched from a combination pill (combo of estrogen and progestin) to a progesterone-only pill. It was suspected that the severe fluctuation in estrogen levels that occur when on a combination pill was causing blood vessel dilation, resulting in (awful) migraines. My doctor’s thought was that my estrogen levels would not fluctuate as much (or drop as low) with a progesterone-only pill (often called the “minipill”), so I agreed to give it a go.
Photo via photopin used via creative commons license
Now, almost 5 months later, I’m dying to get off this pill. I’ve had a few less migraines while on the minipill, but it has not eliminated all migraines by any means. I have also noticed that I have been more oily (gross) – my face, hair, my skin all over. I’m like a fricken oil slick over here. I keep getting a weird acne/hive combination on my back, arms, legs. It’s not severe, but it is embarrassing. I’m a little old for breakouts to be an excusable and adorable part of growing up.
I have also noticed other side effects with the minipill, including hair loss, moodiness, dark and raw skin under my eyes, increased allergies and itchiness, and weight gain. I could probably deal with all these side effects if the pill completely eliminated my migraines, but it hasn’t.
So, for the third time in about a year, I’m switching birth control pills. AGAIN.
Going completely off the pill isn’t an option right now, as menstrual cycles (sorry, gentlemen, I hate the “m” word, too) make both dysautonomia and ME/CFS symptoms much worse in most women. A 2010 study found that, during certain times of a woman’s cycle, blood volume and cardiac output are reduced in POTS patients, while plasma norepinephrine and plasma epinephrine increase. Women with POTS are more likely to experience presyncope during menstruation than other times throughout the cycle. source.
“Given the fact that POTS women are more susceptible to orthostatic intolerance when both estrogen and progesterone levels are low, one simple approach would be to employ supplemental pharmacologic therapy, or perhaps behavioral modification during the EFP (early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle)”.
Source: Id (legal term meaning same as previous).
Hence remaining on the pill. I’m nervous about finding a new option that works better. How do I know I won’t just be subjecting myself to a new set of side effects? New day, same shit. Virtually all forms of hormonal replacement birth control options include weight gain as a side effect. As I have already put on some weight from my illnesses, I’m not excited about having to switch pills yet again.
But, if it cuts down on the migraines, I guess it’s worth it.
“When we are no longer able to change a situation – we are challenged to change ourselves.” – Viktor Frankl
Smell ya later.
Linds
I totally share your pain with the mini pill. For the same reasons as you I switched to it last year and oh my gosh it was horrible. I had the worst skin breakouts of my life and put on so much weight. I was like an oil machine, so much grease! It didnt help with the migraines or with reducing my ME/CFS symptoms with my cycle one jott. I came off it after 5 months. Phew. Im back on a combined pill now, still getting the migraines but so glad to be off the mini pill. Good luck, hope you find something that works for you.
Although I’m glad I’m not the only one who had a tough time with the minipill, I’m sorry to hear about your frustrations with it. I’ve had bad breakouts, too, and the keep getting worse. I’m so happy to be off it!
Linds,
What about an IUD. The hormone level is undetectable. I love my IUD worry free.
Brooke Araki
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I had considered an IUD, but my doctor said it is not recommended for people with migraines, and with my shitty immune system i would be at high risk for infection. it’s still a possibility, but not first in line.
I put on some weight too after starting HRT when I started menopause, because of hot flashes. But it has helped and I haven’t noticed any other side effects, I take 10 mg medroxyprogesterone a day, and 0.5 mg Estradiol a day. So it balances the estrogen and progesterone.
Have you thought about an IUD. Many women do not get a period at all with one (thus less fluctuation in hormonal levels). Or there are migraine meds specifically for those sensitive to hormonal fluctuations.
Lindsay
I hope you find a solution that helps with the migraines and doesn’t cause any other horrible side effects.
thank you!
Oh my. Managing the variables of evil in your medical treatment. So get it. I do wonder if medicine is on the right track when we’re given options that are varying degrees of less evil instead of options of good or healthy. I hope you find an option that manages your migranes.
thanks for your comment, Jenna!
you are so right….at this point, choosing a medication often involves picking the lesser of evils, especially as those of us with chronic illnesses tend to be more susceptible to the side effects. i often wonder if i’d actually feel better if i stopped all medication. sure, i’d be more symptomatic, but i wouldn’t have to deal with any chemical side effects.
OH MY GOSH! Holy smokes. I remember these days so well! I was so blessed to find a pill that worked for me years ago (way before my diagnosis, etc.) although in hindsight I always wondered if my migraines were related to the brain tumor (they aren’t, I’m sure, because I still get migraines on occasion).
Mine are cyclical (obvi) and I know my tricks of the trade that help me when they seem to get really bad (and interestingly enough, one month I can get a really BAD one, then the next month, a super tiny baby one. My migraines are B*TCHES!)
I’m so sorry you’re dealing with this too….interestingly enough I Had to get off the pill because of my age and the RISK of migraines because of the fear of clotting, etc….blah blah. You know the drill.
Hang on! You got this!
i’m the same – some months the migraines are completely debilitating, other months they’re minor. i worry about blood clots, especially with all the blood pooling in my legs from orthostatic intolerance. and, if i ever plan on having kids, i’ll need to get off the pill soon and give that a go. but, that’s a story for another post 🙂
thanks for the comment!
Have you ever worked with a doctor who can give you bio-identical hormones? I believe they will evaluate you every year and adjust your levels as needed, and you can adjust them on your own, each day, once you learn how it works. I don’t completely understand the process, but I know women who’ve been greatly helped by them.
no, i haven’t ever worked with a doctor who can give bio-identical hormones. in fact, until you mentioned it, i had never heard of it. i’m glad you brought it up though, i’ll have to look into it. i’m certainly open to any options that might be helpful. thanks, jen!
I have noticed this too. For the last 9 years I’ve been on a Mirena IUD. I stopped having periods all together, but still have some very faint pink occasionally around the same time I have an increase in autonomic dysfunction.