Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[dogdoc]

Ps Briony hope you keep us updated on your bcp use too. I'd like to know if it gets better for you.

[Chi chi]

So happy for you GRL  will miss the updates though as they were really interesting, I used to look forward to reading them 
Briony yes I know that feeling  I'm already thinking "what if"?  it's only day 2 for me on Qlaira and I have to keep reminding myself that anything I'm feeling now surely can't be down to the Qlaira  funny how your mind tries to play tricks on you though!   

I can't wait for all this to be over 

[Briony]

Chi Chi , I think you'll find that the emotions you get with Q will be less dramatic, but there will be more of them, if that makes sense? There are 4 or 5 times in the month when the dose shifts and you'll probably be ever so slightly aware of it. The good thing about this is there is an explanation for it. That makes it easier to handle, I found. Really hope it works out for you 

Dogdoc, I know just what you mean about the fear of changing. I think that's half the reason why I'm letting myself suffer at present - I  feel so rubbish, yet am scared I could make it even worse. I know if I just stop, I will get a banging headache, so am persevering till I have a better plan!

[Kathleen]

Hello GypsyRoseLee.

Just wanted to thank you for your informative posts and I hope you have continued success with your regime.

Take care.

K.

[GypsyRoseLee]

Thank you everyone, I am glad my updates have hopefully helped a few people.

I will still post on the site with occasional updates or just general chit chat, but not every day.

I took my last Pill on Saturday night and I'm already having a withdrawal bleed. Not heavy at all, and just very mild cramping. No PMS to mention really? Do intend starting my next pack on Thursday though, so just havi g a break of 4 days. I just don't want to be too long without oestrogen, as I just can't tell you how much better it hasade me feel this last month.

Over the weekend we were away with friends and several times I was nearly in tears because I was laughing so hard. I just can't remember the last time I was like that? It must be a few years? And even when I wasn't helpless with laughing I just felt so good within myself. Just quietly happy and optimistic. Just genuinely enjoying life.

These last few weeks on Gederal have made me suspect that I have actually been pretty depressed and low for most of each month for at least the last 3-4 years, so quite a while before I 'thought' my peri menopause truly started.

I think the low mood was caused by lower levels of oestrogen each month but because it happened so gradually I didn't notice? I was functioning fune and assumed I was doing okay, but I certainly wasn't doing sny laughing and I can't remember feeling 'happy'. I think I became used to feeling rather flat and grey all month except for a few days mid cycle when I ovulated, and felt noticeably brighter.

It was only when the awful anxiety and feelings of dread suddenly kicked in 2 years that I realised something was going horribly wrong.

[GypsyRoseLee]

Briony, I  hoping so hard that you will turn a corner very, very soon with Marvelon. I'm sure I have said this before, but the 2 GPs I saw told me to expect nothing for the first month on the BCP because it would still be infiltrating my system, then there should be 'an improvement' during the 2nd month. It would only be during the third month that I would experience it's full effect.

I am so fed up, for you, that you are struggling so much with these side effects. I suppose the question to ask is 'Are they getting any worse?' Or are you in a holding pattern while strong oestrogen is infiltrating your system, and your body is adjusting to the shock?

If the symptoms are grim, but stable, I really think you should stick with it into the second month. You have been so stoic in the past while waiting for Qlaira to work, I am sure you can do it again.

At least then, during the 2nd month if there are simply no.signs of any improvement, then you can make an informed decision.

Looking ahead I still think maybe a very high dosage patch with separate Utro for most of the month is a valid option?

[Briony]

Briony, I  hoping so hard that you will turn a corner very, very soon with Marvelon. I'm sure I have said this before, but the 2 GPs I saw told me to expect nothing for the first month on the BCP because it would still be infiltrating my system, then there should be 'an improvement' during the 2nd month. It would only be during the third month that I would experience it's full effect.

I am so fed up, for you, that you are struggling so much with these side effects. I suppose the question to ask is 'Are they getting any worse?' Or are you in a holding pattern while strong oestrogen is infiltrating your system, and your body is adjusting to the shock?

If the symptoms are grim, but stable, I really think you should stick with it into the second month. You have been so stoic in the past while waiting for Qlaira to work, I am sure you can do it again.

At least then, during the 2nd month if there are simply no.signs of any improvement, then you can make an informed decision.

Looking ahead I still think maybe a very high dosage patch with separate Utro for most of the month is a valid option?

Wise words, and very much appreciated!

I share your theory re the 'holding pattern' (nice way of putting it!) and know, from desperate googling, that side effects for the first month are almost the norm so I doubt my GP would allow me to switch yet, even if I asked. The side effects are definitely getting no worse. A tiny bit of spotting (nothing like when I was on Q) and nausea, but not so intense. Also still constipated  - that has to be the progesterone

Thanks so much for your support and understanding. Will miss your posts, but am thrilled that you're no longer 'needing' to log in. Long may it last! B x

[Imagine a wine glass smiley since I cant find the one I wanted]

[GypsyRoseLee]

I think it's a definite positive sign that your symptoms are stable and not worsening. I think this is an unpleasant plateau that you have to endure just while your body adjusts.

I think it's the same for many drugs. A period of side effects while you recalibrate.I am keeping everything crossed for you that you will turn the corner really soon.

[GypsyRoseLee]

Quick update. On day 3 of my withdrawal break and mood definitely flatter and more fed up than it has been since starting Gederal. No sign of any anxiety or feelings of dread, thank goodness. But feels like normal PMS low mood, grumpy, irritable.

Still getting brown spotting with just a little bit of fresh blood. Not sure what that means? Presumably my lining hasn't built up very much which is surprising after taking 3mg of oestrogen for 21 days. When I was on the Pill in my 20s and early 30s I always had quite heavy withdrawal bleeds every month.

I'm looking forward to getting back on the BCP on Thurs. Might not bother with a withdrawal bleed after the end of the next pack. There's really not that much point.

[Chocolatechaos]

GRL did you have a lot of anxiety before the BCP? I have found my most troublesome symptom left over from peri with hrt 75mg patch is the jittery anxiety. This feels like panic at its worse which I use cbt techniques for. It is definitely worse at work aswell when I am under more pressure. Did you find anxiety went with the BCP?

[GypsyRoseLee]

Yes, I would say that the horrible jittery anxiety was the defining symptom of my peri menopause. Some times it would feel like genuine dread and fear, for absolutely no reason.

I became irrationally scared of very everyday events such as it getting dark outside, or having to queue in a shop. Like you, it sometimes verged on panic and I hated being left alone. Just someone leaving the room, or ending a phone conversation made me feel afraid, but 'of what' I simply have no idea?

Being on HRT didn't really help at all. But since changing to the BCP I have felt very much better. Infact it has been weeks and weeks since I can last remember feeling any anxiety?

 I can't tell you how wonderful it feels to not live with that fear/dread simmering away inside anymore. It feels like I have been reborn in many ways. Because even when I wasn't actually suffering with anxiety I lived in fear of the next anxiety bout, if that makes sense?

[pepperminty]

Hi GRL,

glad to see that after all these month you have finally found the answer!! As long as it works, tat's the main thing!! Long may it last.

Peppermintyx

[GypsyRoseLee]

Lovely to see you PM. I haven't seen you around for quite a while. How are you?

[pepperminty]

Hi GRL,

I am Ok thanks. A lot better than I was, the HRt seems to be working quite well at the moment. My periods are much shorter and lighter now and I am less tired! I have a new relationship with a lovely chap. So life is good. I am still applying for jobs at the moment , so once I get one, that will hopefully be the last piece in the puzzle. I still get the occasional wobble, but they appear to be less and less. For once I am looking forward to Xmas! I have been reading your posts and keeping track! So I see that you are on the up too!

Peppermintyxx

[Dorothy]

GRL, in my early 30s, I used to bleed very consistently on my pill break, both amount and duration.  Now, on the same BCP, I find both amount and duration fluctuate.  Hope this helps.

P.S.  Delighted to hear that you appear to have found a solution that works for you!