Hello Ladies,

I started having symptoms about 8 months ago. It started with near passing out on the 14th day of my cycle 3 months in a row. I was taking Ortho Tri Cyclen which I have taken for some time. Anyway, symptoms continued with shakiness, dizziness, aura, nausea, cold hands and feet, tingling sensation down right arm, pressure sensation in neck, back of head and sisdes of face, fatigue, dry mouth and skin, acne, night sweats, insomnia, etc. etc. I have had the following tests: MRI, EKG, EEG, bloodwork, vertebral artery scan, pelvic ultrasound and endometrial biopsy. The only thing found was mitral valve prolapse which runs in my family and I was told was nothing to worry about. I did get a ton of relief after going to a chiropractor. Anyway, I switched to a new gynecologist (a woman) who didn't totally disagree with me when I said I thought I might be peri. She did switch me, though, to Loestrin 1/24 Fe. SO far (about 10 days in) I feel okay, no worse than usual. But here's my question(s): I have been on and off BCP since I was 16 due to highly irregular periods (no period for 3 months, then 6 weeks of bleeding, no consistent schedule). I'm 36 and still able to have children, but not planning any more. We have 3. Is it okay for me to be on the pill this long? I'm starting to worry about it-especially being over 35. I do NOT smoke. Also, if I go off the BCP, do I then ask for some other med to control these symptoms - bloodwork says normal, no thyroid problems either. Or, do I go off everything and take my chances? My husband is considering a vasectomy which would take care of the need for BCP. I gues my head is just swimming with so much info to process. If anyone is in a similar situation, I'd love to hear from you.

tHanks,
CJ