OT - Birth control pill as HRT?
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I have been given the birth control pill as a form of hrt by my doctor. I am getting on ok with it and it has stopped the hot flushes that were stopping me sleeping at all but I'm a bit confused by it. Isn't hrt supposed to have progesterone as well?? I should have asked her this at the time but I didn't realise it was just Estrogen. Now she has moved on to open her own practice somewhere else and i'm not due to go back for another few months.
Anyone else been given this treatment?
I have heard of other women
I have heard of other women using BC pills as a form of HRT. There are a number of different types of BC pills which have different compositions.
I chose to follow the 'bioidentical hormone' route. I pay out of pocket for it gladly. I take a progesterone pill once/day and my sleep quality has improved immensely. I also take a troche of estradiol/testosterone. It is customized to my bloodwork, so it's not a 'one-size-fits-many.' (Also take thyroid, Vit D, and a few other vitamins to support my changing metabolism etc.)
I don't think they do that
I don't think they do that here, think you just get what you are given lol.
I was offered BC pills by my
I was offered BC pills by my in-network doctor. That and vaginal cream w/suggestions for lubricants. I was disappointed w/the options but understand keeping medical costs low.
I did some research and found a doctor outside the network w/a different approach ---
bioidenticals are just one part of the plan (vitamins/supplements/ diet, food sensitivities, excercise, yoga, meditation). A holistic view on life changes w/regular bloodwork to monitor.
My choice. My dollar. Worth every friggin' penny in my mind.
Perhaps you have compounding pharmacies (make their own pills/capsules) who could offer referrals.
The cancer issue came up for
The cancer issue came up for me too because my older sister has had breast cancer twice in the same breast, first at 37 with a lumpectomy and radiation therapy and then at 47 with a mastectomy. She is alive and well now although we are not close and so have had no discussions about it. My doctor at first didnt want me to have any hrt but I said I was willing to take the risk (I don't think it's hereditary) as my quality of life was miserable with no sleep at all. She insisted on me having a preliminary mammogram and after that was all clear she agreed to the bc as hrt.
I tried to do that for 2/3
I tried to do that for 2/3 years but I have other health issues - Rheumatoid arthrisits and fibromyalgia so the hotflushes at night were just too much to bear on top of all that. I hope it works out ok for you though
Yes mine did it as
Yes mine did it as well....... I asked why and she explained..
You are still young but due to stress and life your body wants to change, if we put you back on the BC, it will force your body for a year or to to be normal again, It did help for a year or 2 lol..... I stopped drinking it when my hair started falling out, and when I started gaining weight. I did not ask her ... I rather be moody with hot flushes then fat and bold.
you were unlucky there Acra,
you were unlucky there Acra, my hair has actually improved. Ive gained a little weight though. Although that could be the BP meds, beta blockers and another one.