[Silent_tsol]

Hi, I guess I'm just wondering if anyone has encountered this.
Background:
My body hates birth control pills, over the years I've gone through like all of them. Finally I found Tri-cycle is ok, but left me with no sex drive. A while later I tried Seasonale (the one where you only get a period every 3 months). That one has been better and I even have a sex drive again.

The issue is that once in a while, I get a period that's not a period that lasts FOREVER. For example, according to the pill I should be starting around the 18th or so. But I've been going for a few weeks already and no signs of an end. I know that spotting is normal, but this just seems ridiculous. It sort of freaks me out thinking that it's not working at all. Anyone relate, or have and idea of what/why it's happening?

[PTSDlovemycats]

I think you should go check with you doctor.

[Silent_tsol]

I know the logical approach is to see the doctor. I did back in January for a very slightly different situation (it was happening only when I had sex). She did a pap, found nothing and said it would go away. Her philosophy for everything is "wait 2 months and see if it goes away" We really don't see eye to eye and I'm waiting to see if another doctor has space so I can start seeing her instead.

On top of that I have a needle phobia so getting myself to the doctor takes some time.

[sara76]

Hi. I've had a ton of problems with birth control, and I've been a sexually inactive lesbian for years (not by choice, but lack of opportunity). Since adolescence, I suffered from premenstrual dysphoric disorder. My mom used to write notes so I could stay home from school...

When my therapist pointed it out (a psychiatric nurse practitioner) and suggested I go to the doctor, they put me on birth control. One raised my blood pressure. Another made me gain weight. Another caused month-round spotting, and on another, I didn't have my period at all. I kind of liked that, but I started going to an acupuncturist who said that that isn't good.

When I lost my job, I lost my health insurance, and ran out of the birth control. I can't really afford to go to the accupuncturist without a job, but he at least has a sliding fee scale. I've been going to see him off and on for a couple years now.

Anyway, when I ran out of the birth control, he recommended some chinese herbs that I'm supposed to start taking 10 days before I start my period. I noticed differences right away. A shorter, less painful period. Less cravings, etc. One month, I forgot to pick them up (They cost under $7 per bottle, one bottle per month), and I realized that the benefits continued, despite the fact that I hadn't been taking them that month.

It's so awesome! My period lasts half as long, and like I said, it's less painful, I experience less depression, etc. I still have symptoms, but it's so much more manageable.

I suppose the situation is very different. The chances of me becoming pregnant are less than slim, so prevention is not an issue for me. I also wouldn't tell anybody to go out and get these pills without consulting with a Chinese Medicine practitioner. I just feel like it's such a miracle though, and am really bothered that it isn't more widely practiced.

It's so frustrating to have to keep going back to the doctor and chaning meds to try to find one that works best for you. I'm sorry it's so hard for you to get in. Keep it up, and I hope you find a doctor that is a good fit for you. If you are able to, a naturopath may have different insight into the problems you are having.

Take care,
-Sara

[Silent_tsol]

Thanks for your thoughts sara. I'm glad you have found something that works for you. It is more of a preventative thing for me though. Hopefully I can find a new doctor that can find something that works out for me too.

[cutebagaddict08]

I think you defiently should think about finding another doctor, especially if you feel you and your current doc don't agree all the time. You need to be comfortable with your doctor.

Have you thought of going off the pill to see if your body can regulate itself?

When it comes to birth control pills....it's complicated. Everyone has different reactions to different pills.

I was on one pill for about 6 years, my boyfriend (now husband) and I realized I started getting more and more anxiety, mood swings,spotting etc. I started tracking my symptoms and noted they would come about 2 weeks prior to my cycle like clock work every month. I was diagnosed with Pre menstural Dysphoric Disorder 2 years ago. (I did try another pill with the lowest dose of estrogen available, and that did not help. Also tried several anti depressants-that made me much worse. ) My husband and I agreed that I should try going off the pill, I was only on it for preventative reason. It's been 10 months off the pill, I still get the PMDD symptoms but they do not last as long and are less severe. I took myself off the anti depressants and now I only take an anti anxiety medication two weeks prior to my cycle.

Good luck to you!

[Lostime]

You may have breakthrough bleeding while taking Seasonale. Tell your doctor if this bleeding continues or is very heavy.
Your doctor will need to see you on a regular basis while you are using Seasonale. Do not miss any appointments.

http://www.drugs.com/seasonale.html

[Silent_tsol]

Ok, so things are a-clear again.
Step 1: Get new dr
Step 2: Make dr appointments

Thanks for the perspectives