Starting HRT....oral contraceptive Options

[Michah Hadley]

hey there,

Just started the pill today to try and help with my symptoms of peri. I am taking YAZ which I tried taking last year but my goiter blew up even more. Now I am trying again because my current doctor doesn't undertsand why my goiter went into overdrive with the pill. I was also on lithium at the time so not so good. Now I am lithium free and giving it another go.

My sinuses have gone into overdrive as they have not been happy, I feel a bit weak and more dizzy than usual, however I do not feel nauseous but my guts are still angry ferrets on crystal meth and I am freezing cold!. I found that the last time i was on the pill, it took away nausea when in fact I expected it to get worse and my headaches went down. I mean it is only my first day but i am wondering if I should prepare to feel worse before i feel better. I only lasted a month the last time. The thing is, if this pill doesn't work and my CA125 tumour markers don't come down, I may have to get surgery. I have adenomyosis and endometriosis. So got a lot more riding on this pill than just the peri symptoms(which are bad enough). Don't want surgey!!!

So anyway, just some personal experiences would be good.......if it worked for you or didn't.

Also, if you have had experience with being completely debilitated and unable to work.......how long it took between dx and treatment and going back to work. I have been off for a year but only dx recently and just started treatment which may or may not work. I also had 4 years of symptoms that got worse and worse so finally my body gave up and I had to quit my job and defer my degree. Just interested in everyones process and durations.

Cheers, michah.

[joyceveronica]

hey there,

Just started the pill today to try and help with my symptoms of peri. I am taking YAZ which I tried taking last year but my goiter blew up even more. Now I am trying again because my current doctor doesn't undertsand why my goiter went into overdrive with the pill. I was also on lithium at the time so not so good. Now I am lithium free and giving it another go.

My sinuses have gone into overdrive as they have not been happy, I feel a bit weak and more dizzy than usual, however I do not feel nauseous but my guts are still angry ferrets on crystal meth and I am freezing cold!. I found that the last time i was on the pill, it took away nausea when in fact I expected it to get worse and my headaches went down. I mean it is only my first day but i am wondering if I should prepare to feel worse before i feel better. I only lasted a month the last time. The thing is, if this pill doesn't work and my CA125 tumour markers don't come down, I may have to get surgery. I have adenomyosis and endometriosis. So got a lot more riding on this pill than just the peri symptoms(which are bad enough). Don't want surgey!!!

So anyway, just some personal experiences would be good.......if it worked for you or didn't.

Also, if you have had experience with being completely debilitated and unable to work.......how long it took between dx and treatment and going back to work. I have been off for a year but only dx recently and just started treatment which may or may not work. I also had 4 years of symptoms that got worse and worse so finally my body gave up and I had to quit my job and defer my degree. Just interested in everyones process and durations.

Cheers, michah.

Dear'michah'
You have certainly been through a lot.Am so sorry about that.

I actually considered leaving my job when I was first thrown into early Menopause.The symptoms were very bad but after about three weeks I began to feel much better on the HRT.

I pray that things do work out for you and that you will begin to feel better.Hopefully,you will be able to avoid the surgery.

Please keep us Posted.

Warm Wishes
Elizabeth

[Lady E]

If the yaz does not work why not try a different pill?I am on my third bcp and it works great.all women are different and some pills work well for some and make others worse.Yasmin made me depressed and gave me horrible leg cramps.I take sprintec now and feel much better.GOD-bless

[Michah Hadley]

Hi there, Thanks for your input.......I will give this pill a month and reassess. if it feels okay I shall stay on it. I have to go back and see my gynae and also need to get mammogram at some point. My God, will this ever stop? Looking forward to getting some of ME back and get rid of this anxiety.

By the way, did anyone ever get agoraphobia from the anxiety associated with peri? I have been in agoraphobic flux for months. I went on a trip a couple of months ago for 2 days that was 6 hours away and dealt with it really well. But since I got thyrotoxic, I have been terrified again. I mean I get all manner of vertigo and hate going in the car but sometimes okay. Very weird.

Anyway, thanks all......

[Sariah]

Hi there, Thanks for your input.......I will give this pill a month and reassess. if it feels okay I shall stay on it. I have to go back and see my gynae and also need to get mammogram at some point. My God, will this ever stop? Looking forward to getting some of ME back and get rid of this anxiety.

By the way, did anyone ever get agoraphobia from the anxiety associated with peri? I have been in agoraphobic flux for months. I went on a trip a couple of months ago for 2 days that was 6 hours away and dealt with it really well. But since I got thyrotoxic, I have been terrified again. I mean I get all manner of vertigo and hate going in the car but sometimes okay. Very weird.

Anyway, thanks all......

Michah,
I had sudden onset of massive anxiety and panic, and also developed a mild form of agoraphobia. I now realize it was all due to low E and low thyroid. And when I tried the progesterone the doc Rx'd me, it made me much worse. We had to cancel trips, I became fearful of going anywhere, event to the store, stopped socializing, etc.

Now, after 6 months on thyroid and E, I am almost back to my old self again. It's a miracle, I truly thought I would never feel right again.

[Michah Hadley]

Michah,
I had sudden onset of massive anxiety and panic, and also developed a mild form of agoraphobia. I now realize it was all due to low E and low thyroid. And when I tried the progesterone the doc Rx'd me, it made me much worse. We had to cancel trips, I became fearful of going anywhere, event to the store, stopped socializing, etc.

Now, after 6 months on thyroid and E, I am almost back to my old self again. It's a miracle, I truly thought I would never feel right again.

Thanks Sariah......hopefully it passes when my anxiety goes down. I have started HRT. I have had problems with my ears so need to get them checked by an ENT I reckon......could explain some of the vertigo.

Cheers

Michah

[unsure@40]

I started YAZ a little over a week ago to help with my pms (PMDD) symptoms. Athough the dr. told me she didn't feel it was PMDD, but rather anxiety and depression when I asked her about YAZ she agreed to put me on it and I gotta tell ya, so far so good. My mood has been MUCH better and I don't feel as anxious as I was feeling. I still get upset about things, but I don't fly off the handle as quickly as before. I go back to the dr. in June so we'll see how things are going by then and hopefully this will do it. I've also noticed a slight difference in my weight, my pants seem to be a smidge loser, which would be an awesome benefit. I had started walking before I went on the pill, but didn't notice much of a difference and haven't been able to walk since going on it so I'm not sure, but I'm liking things so far.

[Michah Hadley]

I started YAZ a little over a week ago to help with my pms (PMDD) symptoms. Athough the dr. told me she didn't feel it was PMDD, but rather anxiety and depression when I asked her about YAZ she agreed to put me on it and I gotta tell ya, so far so good. My mood has been MUCH better and I don't feel as anxious as I was feeling. I still get upset about things, but I don't fly off the handle as quickly as before. I go back to the dr. in June so we'll see how things are going by then and hopefully this will do it. I've also noticed a slight difference in my weight, my pants seem to be a smidge loser, which would be an awesome benefit. I had started walking before I went on the pill, but didn't notice much of a difference and haven't been able to walk since going on it so I'm not sure, but I'm liking things so far.

Hi Unsure, good luck with it......keep me updated!! Would be interested how much things change for you. Hopefully all good. My gynea also dx me with PMDD but no AD's for me! Not yet anyway. He was happy for me to go on pill for that, peri and gynea problems. The strongest women have hurt their significant other or unsuspecting rude shop assistants in the name of PMDD. It is a very real debilitating disorder. It is horrible that we should feel so out of control due to some very nasty hormone disruptions. Man, i cannot WAIT till my symptoms go. I said to my partner, "get me a cage, quickly!!" he is great though and puts up with all sorts of crying, rage attacks, irritability and then screaming to be hugged and told I am okay. Man o man. I am still lovable.

[JZZ]

Hi Unsure, good luck with it......keep me updated!! Would be interested how much things change for you. Hopefully all good. My gynea also dx me with PMDD but no AD's for me! Not yet anyway. He was happy for me to go on pill for that, peri and gynea problems. The strongest women have hurt their significant other or unsuspecting rude shop assistants in the name of PMDD. It is a very real debilitating disorder. It is horrible that we should feel so out of control due to some very nasty hormone disruptions. Man, i cannot WAIT till my symptoms go. I said to my partner, "get me a cage, quickly!!" he is great though and puts up with all sorts of crying, rage attacks, irritability and then screaming to be hugged and told I am okay. Man o man. I am still lovable.

My best friend just started her 3rd month on Yaz for PMDD and heavy periods. She is doing very well and happy so far. It has alleviated her issues with monthly bloating too and has found it much easier to maintain her weight. She still feels a little moody just before the inert pills but doesn't want to slap everyone around her. lol Check out some of the yaz chats online. Seems you either love it, or you don't. Regards, JZZ

[unsure@40]

Hi Unsure, good luck with it......keep me updated!! Would be interested how much things change for you. Hopefully all good. My gynea also dx me with PMDD but no AD's for me! Not yet anyway. He was happy for me to go on pill for that, peri and gynea problems. The strongest women have hurt their significant other or unsuspecting rude shop assistants in the name of PMDD. It is a very real debilitating disorder. It is horrible that we should feel so out of control due to some very nasty hormone disruptions. Man, i cannot WAIT till my symptoms go. I said to my partner, "get me a cage, quickly!!" he is great though and puts up with all sorts of crying, rage attacks, irritability and then screaming to be hugged and told I am okay. Man o man. I am still lovable.

I will definitely keep you updated on my progress...I'm still a little moody at the moment and should be ovulating right now so I'm thinking maybe that's why, but it's nothing like I was before. I completely understand the crying and rage attacks, but fortunately I too have a wonderful husband (just got married a week and half ago) that tolerates my mood swings and loves me anyway...don't know what I'd do without him and he certainly deserve a medal for all I've put him through

[Michah Hadley]

My best friend just started her 3rd month on Yaz for PMDD and heavy periods. She is doing very well and happy so far. It has alleviated her issues with monthly bloating too and has found it much easier to maintain her weight. She still feels a little moody just before the inert pills but doesn't want to slap everyone around her. lol Check out some of the yaz chats online. Seems you either love it, or you don't. Regards, JZZ

Cheers, JZZ. Yep, hear you on the love it or don't. I am feeling pretty moody at the moment myself. Could be from a whole bunch of things......don't know if it is specifically the pill.......we will see. I hope your friend is successful and she can find some peace.

Cheers,

Michah

[Michah Hadley]

I will definitely keep you updated on my progress...I'm still a little moody at the moment and should be ovulating right now so I'm thinking maybe that's why, but it's nothing like I was before. I completely understand the crying and rage attacks, but fortunately I too have a wonderful husband (just got married a week and half ago) that tolerates my mood swings and loves me anyway...don't know what I'd do without him and he certainly deserve a medal for all I've put him through

Congratulations on your yummy marriage!!! AHhh nice.......made my day. Yeah am a bit moody myself. Felling very unloved and cranky.

Good luck sweetie!! Speak soon.....

[unsure@40]

Just checking in...
Well, I finished my first month on YAZ. So far it seems to be helping with the mood swings and hot flashes and such. I took the last pill on Tues, May 26th, never started spotting until Saturday the 30th and I only spotted for two days. I started the new pack of pills on Sunday the 31st. I had no cramping, back ache or physical symptoms. The hot flashes were minimal on the actual days I was spotting. I only got out of control emotionally one day which is a HUGE improvement from before.
I am however, still feeling pretty bloated and I swear my boobs are swollen. I go to the Gyne on Monday the 8th for my pap so I'm going to discuss everything with her. I have this fear in the back of my mind that worst case scenario, I'm pregnant cuz the pill didn't work right or something...I'm sure it's just me being overly paranoid cuz that's exactly what I don't want...I'm 40, my youngest is 5. I'm so not interested in starting over with another baby...I want my freedom and independence back

[Michah Hadley]

Just checking in...
Well, I finished my first month on YAZ. So far it seems to be helping with the mood swings and hot flashes and such. I took the last pill on Tues, May 26th, never started spotting until Saturday the 30th and I only spotted for two days. I started the new pack of pills on Sunday the 31st. I had no cramping, back ache or physical symptoms. The hot flashes were minimal on the actual days I was spotting. I only got out of control emotionally one day which is a HUGE improvement from before.
I am however, still feeling pretty bloated and I swear my boobs are swollen. I go to the Gyne on Monday the 8th for my pap so I'm going to discuss everything with her. I have this fear in the back of my mind that worst case scenario, I'm pregnant cuz the pill didn't work right or something...I'm sure it's just me being overly paranoid cuz that's exactly what I don't want...I'm 40, my youngest is 5. I'm so not interested in starting over with another baby...I want my freedom and independence back

Hey Unsure,

Sounds like all is coming together to some degree for you. Excellent!! I have just gone into my second month of Yaz........I got nada on the sugar pills as far as periods go......then when I started on the second month, I got some spotting. I am EXTREMELY tired and moody, but my headaches have gone down and the hot flashes are less, the insomnia is also not as bad. And my boobs are also swollen! And very sore.......shooting pains and a bruised feeling most of the time........hopefully that passes. Hopefully your freedom and independence are intact! Good luck at gynae. I have had so many drs say, "are you sure your not pregnant?" And I say, "One has to have sex to get to that point!!" Good 'ole peri no libido.

Good luck sweetie, thanks for your update.......helps me where I am at.

[JZZ]

Just checking in...
Well, I finished my first month on YAZ. So far it seems to be helping with the mood swings and hot flashes and such. I took the last pill on Tues, May 26th, never started spotting until Saturday the 30th and I only spotted for two days. I started the new pack of pills on Sunday the 31st. I had no cramping, back ache or physical symptoms. The hot flashes were minimal on the actual days I was spotting. I only got out of control emotionally one day which is a HUGE improvement from before.
I am however, still feeling pretty bloated and I swear my boobs are swollen. I go to the Gyne on Monday the 8th for my pap so I'm going to discuss everything with her. I have this fear in the back of my mind that worst case scenario, I'm pregnant cuz the pill didn't work right or something...I'm sure it's just me being overly paranoid cuz that's exactly what I don't want...I'm 40, my youngest is 5. I'm so not interested in starting over with another baby...I want my freedom and independence back

My friend is just finishing her 3rd pack of Yaz and continues to do very well on it. However, she is finding relief from the bloating and moodiness too. Only problem is that not having the bloat gives her a false sense of security. Once she ate too many carbs and that (the carbs/pasta etc) caused her to be bloated and puffy. (But was only temporary.) Oh, and she has lost a few pounds too.