OT - Birth control and weight gain (side effects). HELP
So, I just started the minipill a week ago and I have been bloated ever since. I am just under 5'8", and I had gotten down to 150 before the wedding, which is pretty slim for me because I'm really muscular. Well, the minipill is screwing with my weight already. I'm also foggy headed and stuttering pretty constantly, which is not nice considering I work as an instructor of English and I'm supposed to sound like I'm comfortable with the langauge that I teach. :S
I feel like I have exhausted EVERY TEMPORARY BIRTH CONTROL OPTION. I gained 30 pounds on the Nuva ring and ended up at 180 and an emotional wreck (crying while watching Disney movies, which is NOT ME).
Regular BC with estrogen turns me into an emotional nutcase and also causes me to gain weight.
I have been toying with the idea of getting an IUD, but it's a surgical procedure and DH wants to start working on having a baby within the next six months.
Has anyone had luck with ANYTHING other than just getting your tubes tied?
I am WAY OPEN to ideas right now.
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I'd really prefer to use a
I'd really prefer to use a tracking method, but I'm low thyroid so my cycles have always been all over the place. Last time I got pregnant (miscarry) it was literally three days after my period (I know, that should be impossible).
How is depo treating you? I had two friends who tried depo. One got horrible acne and gained thirty pounds. The other lost thirty pounds and became unhealthy skinny.
I'm low thyroid as well, so
I'm low thyroid as well, so any kind of BC with estrogen will really throw you off. Since you plan on trying again in 6 months, have you considered a diaphragm or Today's Sponge? Non-hormonal and temporary measures may be best for you.
Also, since you mentioned that you have thyroid disease, have you read this book yet? "Feeling Fat, Fuzzy and Frazzled by Richard and Karilee Shames. It addresses all parts of the endocrine system thyroid, adrenal and sex glands. It's my go-to book whenever I'm feeling off.
Good luck! I hope you can find something that works for you!!
Oh my gosh; thank you! I am
Oh my gosh; thank you! I am buying that book STAT! I feel fat all the damn time. I am constantly downing diuretics and my weight can make a ten pound shift day to day due to water retention. I actually almost never eat at restuarants anymore due to the salt content because I will bloat up like a toad. It's pathetic. I exercise all the time (run 1-2 miles 3 times a week, bicycle 5 miles 2-3 times a week, take the dog for walks, etc).
Thanks for the recommendation. I am really going to order the book tomorrow.
I'm going to look at this.
I'm going to look at this. I've been thinking about even just continually buying ovulation detectors and using them every day or every other day. Anything would be better than this weight gain roller coaster.
I am SO GLAD you shared your story about Mirena. That was actually my first choice with IUD's because they supposedly don't increase cramping. However, the weight gain would not be worth it at all. I'd rather cramp worse, honestly.
I'm getting the Mirena IUD in
I'm getting the Mirena IUD in a few weeks, so I'm really hoping your OB was just lousy at inserting it.
I'm 44 and DON'T want kids but need to get off of oral BC because of my thyroid issues. The Mirena IUD was recommended by two of my doctors due to my low progesterone. It would kill three birds with one stone, birth control, low progesterone and eliminating extra estrogen.
I will look up the loestrin.
I will look up the loestrin. I've noticed that my sex drive has taken a nose dive as well. I thought it was because I had been sick, but now I am starting to suspect the pill. At this point, I am seriously thinking about having some eggs frozen for later use and just getting my tubes tied. I am SO SICK of working really hard to lose weight and then having it all pile back on as soon as I start a birth control pill. My DH thinks I look good with more weight so he doesn't care, but I don't and I can't afford to buy all new clothes that actually fit at 180.
I've been on Yasmin for years
I've been on Yasmin for years and the one thing I noticed is that I can't take the generic version of this medication. Only the name brand. Taking the generic made me NUTS. Gained weight, bloating, cramps and oh my god was I psychotic (more than usual }:) ).
To be honest, I think it's attributed to my thyroid issues because I didn't have this problem until after I was diagnosed. Until then, generics were all I used because they were less expensive.
Every hormonal bc does the
Every hormonal bc does the same to me too...weight gain (I gained like 50 lbs on depo :jawdrop: ), makes me incredibly moody, no sex drive, etc, etc. They all make me feel crazy and miserable.
If you guys are going to try to have kids in the next year or so, my advice (although your hubby won't want to hear it), is condoms. You don't have to go through hell and won't have to wait months for your body to get back to normal when you are ready to get preggo.
This is honestly what I was
This is honestly what I was thinkin (and you're right; DH won't like it). But I do not want to start out 30 pounds overweight before I even get pregnant. I told him I'm going to give this another week, and if I am still stuttering and gaining weight, I'm going off of it. I couldn't even get my damn wedding ring on today due to water retention.
First, I am a guy so I am far
First, I am a guy so I am far from a lady plumbing topic expert. However, I slept with a lady last night, the same one nearly every night for the past 18+ years..... and no others!
My DW can not take hormone based BC due to clotting issues caused by elevated levels of estrogen.
She is alergic to latex so condoms are problematic with only lambskin and non latex polymer condoms as an option. I dont' mind though I will say they are not my favorite form of BC. She hates them.
We used foam and gels for years but at her August annual appointment her Gyno was adament that we not have another child due to the nearly fatal high risk status of her first pregnancy (Severe toxemia/pre eclampsia (sp?)) and wanted us on a more reliable BC method than foam/gel.
She got the copper IUD about 6wks ago and likes it very much. No complaints from me either from an amorouse perspective. However, keep in mind that non hormone based BC does not reduce possible PMS/mood swings or severity of menstruation so this is something you and DH probably want to discuss and be prepared for in case your symptoms increase in severity.
I offered to get clipped but she refused to support that option due to my status as a 30+ year juvenile onset T-1 diabetic and her concerns about healing issues (I don't have any but .... she tends to be sensitive to and protective of my chronic disease).
My DW said the insertion procedure was not surgical in nature but it was also not the most comfortable thing she has experienced. She said something about "budy, if you ahd been there when she put that thing in me I would have punched you!". :O So, apparently the installation is a bit uncomfortable.
So, if you are considering a non hormone option the copper IUD could be viable option for you. At least is has been for us.
My DW's paternal first cousin did Depo and went bat shit crazy for a couple of months. She locked herself in the bathroom, would not come out and food was pushed under the door to her. Norplant did not work out well for her either. Her husband called us several times when the cousin would ask for my DW. She lost a ton of weight and was unstable for quite a while even after she emerged from the bathroom.
Talk to your Doc.
Good luck.
Thanks Rags. I thought about
Thanks Rags. I thought about putting a note on here encouraging men to respond as well. I am glad you did.
I am thinking VERY SERIOUSLY about the copper IUD. A friend of mine got one last year and her report was very similar to your DW. She said the insertion was pretty painful (as well as the first two weeks) but after that she was fine. I have heard that it makes cramps and bleeding slightly worse, but compared to the other side effects of hormone BC methods, I think I can handle it. I am glad you let me know the procedure was not surgical though. That was the part that was really scaring me.
I quit taking the minipill today and this is the first day in over a week that I haven't felt dizzy and miserable. So, I guess I'll be making another appointment tomorrow.