Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => Personal Experiences => Topic started by: GypsyRoseLee on October 18, 2015, 07:37:44 PM
-
After taking Rigevidon continuously for nearly 60 days I had constant brown spotting and a couple of withdrawal bleeds. Overall my psychological symptoms were better but I was averaging 2 - 2.5 'good' weeks, followed by a few days of feeling iffy, followed by a week of Hell.
My GP suggested I try Gederal (Marvelon) to see if that would clear up the constant spotting and extend my periods of feeling 'good'.
So I stopped the Rigevidon 12 days ago and within 4 days had a 'period' which was heavier than usual. Within 2 days of stopping the Rigevidon my mood massively improved and after my 'period' finished I've had no spotting.
I have stayed feeling excellent for the last 10 days. So good, that I actually delayed starting the Gederal because I was enjoying how I felt so much (even got my libido back).
But started getting twinges of anxiety yesterday, and a general feeling of unease was starting. So decided to give the Gederal a whirl.
Day One:
Slept well but when I woke head felt buzzy, and had a general feeling of unease and didn't feel content or calm. Real shame as all week have been feeling so beautifully content and happy. Debated all day whether to start the Gederal but after feeling tired and rather despondant all afternoon I decided to try it.
Took first Gederal at tea time. Nothing to report as far too early yet.
-
Will be watching this closely and keeping everything crossed.
I do think you should keep at it for at least three months - looking back, my side effects didn't go for at least 3-4 months. I still get spotting now, always mid month and never an end of month end.
If I do ever switch to a conventional pill, yours would be the one I'd take if I had the choice.
-
Hi Briony
I do intend running three packs together again as my GP advised. I'll be pleased if I don't get spotting every, single day. But mainly I'm hoping for an improvement in how I feel on the bad days, and maybe fewer bad days?
-
Good luck GypsyRoseLee - hope this one does the trick for you re the number of good days vs bad days :)
Hurdity x
-
Thanks Hurdity. I'm not asking for a return to 100% normality, just something pretty close.
Day 2:
Slept fine, but woke and immediately felt very on edge. Nothing I couldn't cope with but very unpleasant nonetheless. Spent all day feeling agitated and unable to settle or relax. I have felt much worse in the past but it's still a miserable feeling when you can't feel any pleasure about anything.
Mood started to improve mid evening and I'm definitely feeling better as I type this.
I think the reason my mood started to dip a couple of days ago was because I had gone 10 days with no extra hormonal top ups. I guess it was only to be expected that I couldn't exist very long at all without help.
-
This post might be of interest and give you hope for the new pill:
http://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,29517.0.html
-
Thanks for that Briony, that is reassuring to read.
Day 3:
Slept well and woke feeling much better than yesterday thank goodness. Had a 'good' day feeling nicely positive and centered. None of the niggling anxiety or deadening feelings of depression.
Can't think that the Gederal has kicked in so soon, but I'm not complaining. It's also nice not to be dealing with the constant spotting too.
-
Day 4:
Had quite a good day today. Not the best but very far from the worst. Sort of middling to good maybe? No signs of any spotting either which is good.
-
Day 5:
Another good day, thankfully. Skin feeling and looking smoother and clearer already! Hurrah!
-
Sounds like a good start so far, GRL. I wonder how long til the Microgynon is totally out of your system and Marvelon 'in' it?
Found this link today and found it very reassuring. Hope you dont mind me posting it here, but it's likely anyone reading this will be interested in issues surrounding BCPs generally:
http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/Documents/Jul_-_Sep_10_Contraceptives.pdf
-
Day 6:
Nothing much to report. Still feeling good. Still toying with idea of not running Pill packs back to back to avoid prog build up, and maybe giving myself just a 5 day break in between?
Briony, I think Microgynon must have cleared my system pretty quick. After all, they say if you misd just one Pill you can fall pregnant don't they?
-
I think the 'dregs' might last longer, weird though that sounds. The reason I say this is that it takes several months to feel the full benefit (contraceptive properties aside). Equally, it took about 8 to 10 days for the side effects to hit me when I started taking the BCP.
This might be of interest with regard to running packs together:
http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/family_planning/1967103-Marvelon-3-packs
-
Maybe it varies from person to person? When I took BCP at 30 for gynae issues, they were sorted out by the end of the first pack - no breakthrough bleeds, spotting etc. I know other people who had to take them 3-6 months before they worked.
-
Yes, what you both say makes sense actually. I suppose when you are using the BCP to control hormonal fluctuations, then it will need to build in your system a bit.
Day 7:
Another good day to report. Still no spotting.
-
Day 8:
No change, still doing well. Libido seems to have disappeared since being on Gederal though? Not a huge problem, as everything is fine once I get going (ahem). Still no spotting.
The true test will be if I can make a full 4 straight weeks of feeling fine. Have never managed that yet since peri started.
-
Went to my GP after several months where I bled and had stomach cramps on days 14-16 of the month, but no end bleed. She agreed Q may not have been strong enough for me yet and eventually agreed I could try a conventional pill - providing I assured her I would stop immediately if I had a bad migraine. We agreed to try Marvelon/Gedarel first as it's more estrogen dominant (she admitted afterwards she takes this pill too).
The last day of Q was Saturday (days 27 and 28 are blanks so in theory I'd not had any hormone for 3/4 days). For some reason I decided to wait a few days before starting Marvelon - in my head it was to get the Q out of my system. Big mistake! Woke up today with a humdinger of a headache. By lunchtime I was aching and anxious - something I've not had for a while. I guess this proves one of the benefits of Q is that the whole standard pack ensures your'e not without estrogen for long enough to cause withdrawal problems, without having to take back to back. That 36 hours extra seems to have really affected me.
Trouble is, it's left me with a few dilemmas:
- If a four day break from a lower dose pill affects me like this, how will I cope with a seven day break on a stronger pill?
- If I have a bad headache now, how will I know (assuming it continues) whether it's the existing headache or a new one caused by the new pill (in which case I've been told to stop it)
- If I delay until the headache has gone, surely I will feel increasingly worse and it'll take longer to get it in my system again?
Been contemplating these issues all day, made worse as I'm not at work today and DP is away so more time to 'think' . (Have deliberately avoided the internet all day as I knew that would wind me up even more!).
Eventually, an hour ago, I just decided to take the first pill and see what happens.
... So here goes GRL. It'll be interesting to see how different/similar our Marvelon experiences will be, especially as we're the same age. For better or worse, hopefully we can give other members in our situation some insight into this approach.
-
For what it's worth I think you've done the sensible thing. I also had a couple of really nasty headaches when I finally stopped taking Microgynon.
Have you considered taking Marvelon back to back lime I have been advised to? Or instead shortening the withdrawal break to just 3-4 days per month like someone's (can't rember posting name) endicrinologist suggested? Enough to cause a bleed and stop a prog build up, but not too long that you get full withdrawal. I intend giving myself a shortened break every other month.
I am keeping everything crossed for you.
-
I can't really offer any advice Briony but just wanted to wish you good luck ;) :)
-
Briony are you going to do a diary? I'd be interested in reading how you get along :)
-
I forgot to take my pill 2 days running & started symptoms and some spotting, so decided I might as well have my break early. (Ovranette has changed the pack design recently and I am finding the new design makes it really easy to miss taking a pill >:( ) It's actually worked out well for me as it's meant I've had my bad days when I have been less busy. Although it was by accident this time, I'm thinking I will play around with my break in future to try to time it for when it won't matter so much. Might be worth trying that? (Though obviously not a good idea for ladies who are also using BCP as birth control!)
-
Day 9:
Another good day, though my skin isn't great. Bit blotchy and a few blemishes which is surprising as Marvelon is meant to be great for your skin.
-
Whoops, forgot to post last night!
Day 10 & 11:
Skin improved a bit. I am getting a good 6-7 hours sleep per night but waking very early and feeling like I should really drop back off but my head feels too wired, if that makes sense?
Overall mood still fine though I feel a little bit flat. Not the awful deadening depression that I often get, thank God but a more general feeling of vague malaise. But I am not complaining at all.
It's just that when I stopped the Microgynon for those 10 days I felt quite excited by things, and felt very lovey-dovey toward DH. Just a lot more alive really. Since being on Gederal I feel quite stable but with that slight flatness.
But very, very early days yet.
-
Have you had any nausea or bloating? I am on day four now and I feel 'bigger' - in fact, I can actually sense my boobs buzzing, if that makes sense? I guess this proves it's doing something, but not quite what I'd anticipated! I assume that I am getting more side effects this time as it's more powerful than Q? Feel very jittery and unable to concentrate. Must add though that it's very early days, as you say.
-
No nausea or bloating, and no changes to boobs either yet? I am still hungry though most if the time and still 12lbs heavier than I was before starting HRT and now BCP.
Day 12:
Much better day today. Not that I have felt 'bad' but just feel better today. Still getting the early waking though, when I can just tell my body would really like to go back to sleep but my mind won't let it.
-
Briiony.. All the buzzing, humming and jitters you feel I associate with high estrogen. When I put on a higher patch around 'ovulation' time I can induce all those sensations. Buzzing, tingling, internal vibrations, jitters and anxiety. Add in the ability to weep at the drop of a hat and that sums up high estrogen ( for me). I'm guessing your body is reacting to the relatively 'high' dose of bcp.
Thanks for posting these threads ladies. You are helping vast numbers of us. Even if we don't post about it.
Tara
-
Tara, I reckon you could well be right. I also think the new progesterone is having an impact, especially in terms of my GI issues!
-
Day 13:
Very good day today. Mood up and stable. Still hungry as a horse though. But enjoying the calm and mellow mood.
-
Yes! The appetite thing (and I am only 5 days in)! ??? ::) ??? ::) >:(
-
Day 14:
Another good day mood wise, just wish I wasn't so hungry all the time. Definitely feel more bloated and cumbersime than usual. Still getting the achey left ankle much of the time but really so long as my mood stays buoyant I can cope with the aches and pains.
-
Hello GypsyRoseLee.
I've just replied to my own post, if you know what I mean, about appetite issues. Mine seems to have gone AOL at the moment and I see that you are hungry as a horse. Don't fancy a swap at all ?
I agree with the other ladies, your post is most interesting even to those of us not on your regime. Your comments help us learn the effect of hormones even when they are not strictly from HRT.
Take care.
K.
-
Oops forgot to post last night!
Days 15-16:
Mood still up and good. Appetite still an issue though but started eating more carefully today. Just haven't felt able to take control until today.
The true test of whether a more oestrogen laden bcp is better for me will come in the next few days. As of today I have been 'good' for 2 weeks straight. If I'm going to dip, then it will be very soon, as I haven't gone more than 2 good weeks since forever.
-
:thankyou:
-
Hi Kathleen
Back before starting HRT my appetite went very odd. Felt hungry but couldn't fancy anything. Would order a lovely meal in a restaurant then end up pushing it around my plate. I was just the same when pregnant, so shows it must be hormonal.
I also sent through a stage of despising anything sugary or ruch (not like me at all) and started nibbling on dried oakcakes (???) and craving very sour drinks. Again, must have been hormones. But I did lose nearly a stone.
I hope my posts are informing and helping some people. I think the BCP has been very overlooked in helping with peri menopause. If I can stop must one woman going through what I have been through I will be so pleased.
-
I'm still following with interest :), hope it continues going well for you :)
-
Day 17:
Nothing new to report. Still feeling good. I am poised for a mood slump though, as it's been over 2 weeks now that I have been feeling good, and I can't remember the last time I went longer than 2.5 weeks feeling good?
We're away this weekend and it will just be sod's law if my mood slumps just before.
-
Had enough of Marvelon yesterday (day eight) and decided to call the doctor to ask if I could switch to either Yaz or Mercilon (both 2mg estrogen rather than 3) as I think I am suffering from too much sudden estrogen. Just feel so yucky (hence reason not had the energy to post much). It came to a head last night when the nausea was keeping me awake, my lower back started aching, then I had severe stomach cramps. Was gone 2.00am before I finally fell asleep. Woke feeling tired and jittery.
Spoke to the doctor on the phone, but she has persuaded me to hang in there a little longer. She said emotional and physical side effects are both very, very common and usually go within the first month, so it would be silly to lose the potential benefits for the sake of a few weeks. She said switching to a 2mg pill is likely to have poor cycle control and the standard 3mg tend, in the longer run, to be most popular.
She also confirmed that it's fine just to have a 3/4 day break each month - enough to allow for a bleed if needed, but not enough to provoke withdrawal symptoms.
-
I feel for you Briony. I think you're extremely strong to even attempt to 'power through' those symptoms. I'm very familiar with them and not sure I could. Good luck.
Tara
-
Day 18:
Another very good day. Marvelon is definitely better for me than Microgynon.
Briony, I am so sorry you are struggling. It is so hard battling through the day when everything feels so grey. I do think your GP is fight in that you should give it just another few weeks, just to get past the first pack. At least then you can make a considered decision to stop/or not. You are doing so well to get this far it's only a little while longer. I think you were just the same when you first started on Qlaira?
You can do it girl!
I intend probably just having a 4 day break at the end of this first pack, just to see.
-
Thanks for the encouragement. I have decided to stick it out a bit longer providing things get no worse. Otherwise it will appear that the big struggle I had even to be prescribed a conventional pill will have been pointless.
One of the weirdest side effects I am now getting is fluid retention. I can literally 'feel' it on my hands and ankles. My socks almost hurt yesterday !
Starting Q was nothing like this - I just had a bit of itching, headache and it took a while for it to reduce my previous symptoms (pre pill symptoms). I guess the BCP is 4 times as strong so it's not surprising I feel so out of it.
I am also noticing that I can go from relaxed to hideously anxious in about ten seconds!
-
Day 19:
Another good day. Have even managed to lose 3lbs this week!
Briony, well done for sticking it out a while longer. A very stoic decision. In a way, I wonder if your body is reacting so strongly is just demonstrating how little oestrogen it was getting Vs. what it needed? I expect your system is havi g the shock of its life right now?
But the fact you are reacting like this makes me think that ultimately you really do 'need' this oestrogen maybe?
As for the fluid, that is weird. Maybe a mild diuretic would help? And the occasional 2mg if diazepam just to get you through the first month?
-
You're prob right to try and continue Briony (if you can just about cope with it) ;) I knew I couldn't carry on with Yaz! I don't feel wonderful but I'm so much better now than this time last week ??? I'm due to start Qlaira tonight 😬
So glad things are still going well GRL :)
-
Thanks both of you. To be honest, your logic was the same as mine - and it's the only reason I have persevered. I suspect you're absolutely right that my body 'needed' this amount of hormone. Much less nauseous today, but very, very snappy. One of the first days I didnt feel like I was about to cry too.
CHi Chi, it'll be interesting to hear how you get on. What hrt did you have previously? You may find that the Q is very similar so wont affect you adversely. The only thing I'd beware of, apart from random spotting, is slight changes (mental and physical) when you swap doses. I think it's day 7/8 ish when the progesterone goes up a dose but the estrogen stays the same. After a few months I hardly noticed it, but if you look back at my posts, I'm sure this is where I had my first (temporary) 'second thought'!
I'll be intrigued to hear how you get on as so far, there's not really been anyone but me on here taking it. Keeping everything crossed for you! x
-
We're away at the moment, in the back of beyond, and have only just figured out the WiFi.
But just to say, still feeling really good on the BCP. This has been one of the best weekends I have spent in years. I am going for hours and hours now actually forgetting that I have been so ill with my hormones these last 2 years. There was a time where it was all I could really think about because it loomed over everything and anything. My skin is really good too, so soft and smooth. No libido though. But I am hoping this might come back a bit in time?
I took my last tablet last night and have decided to give myself just a 4 day break. Hopefully enough to give me a bleed and enough to stop a build up of too much progesterone? But not long enough to give me too much of a withdrawal dip from the oestrogen either? It's going to be a bit of trial and error.
I have decided not to update my diary every day from now on. I hope what I have posted has been useful.
-
What a fantastic post - that's brilliant news. I am sure your posts will have been so useful to so many, even those who dont reply.
Would be interesting to know how you feel after the four day break, if you get chance to post?
The biggest thing I've learnt from recent weeks is how differently people - even those with similar symptoms and age profiles - respond to identical medication.
Yesterday was Day 12 for me and I had such a 'PMS' feel - quick tempered and sluggish. Woke today with a dull headache and slight spotting. I still feel it's side effects, so need to wait at least a fortnight before I give in totally. Otherwise I'll never know what I do need, if that makes sense? I cant cope like this permanently, but there's still a possibility it's just an initial reaction (I do often get initial side effects with medication so perhaps I am sensitive).
I am now beginning to worry about 'what next if this doesn't work?'. Chi Chi, you probably had similar thoughts? I could try Q, but know the fluctuations causes spotting and headaches. I could ask to try Yaz, which Prof Studd suggests on his site - it contains less estrogen than Marvelon and a slightly more natural (though controversial) progesterone. However, Chi Chi's experience has made me more reticent than I would have been. Alternatively, I could try and be 'creative'. I always felt best on the 3mg b/i estrogen pill days with Qlaira (this was natural, not synthetic, estrogen). I also loved taking Utrogestan, but hated the emotional hell dip after 12 days of 200mg. I therefore wonder if it's possible to take 3mg of bio identical estrogen with 100mg of Utrogestan, days 1-25 (ie similar to a pill's timing)? Anyone know if it's possible? For the time being, it's just me 'thinking out loud' to people who get it. I think I'd be too embarrassed to suggest it to my doctor - she'd think I am nuts!
-
I'm actually scared to try anything now Briony. As soon as I start something and feel like crap I stop. Patches only - felt good for a bit then crap, then stopped. Felt ok on utrogestan, within days of stopping = crap. Thought well I'll try to hold out and not take any hormones at all until I'm skipping periods ( they're all over the place but still sorta 'monthly ' between 21-35 days.
Thought I'd just use local estrogen for dryness. Tried vagifem. Horribly painful breasts and lower pelvic cramping like pms but worse and the face parasthesia and buzzing eyeballs I now associate with excessive estrogen. Don't think so!!
So I have no idea where I'm at. Having periods monthly tells me I still have estrogen even if not much. Maybe my loading more estrogen into the system is not helping at all. Going to "'break" for a month or two and see what happens.
Ready to be done now. :(
-
Ps Briony hope you keep us updated on your bcp use too. I'd like to know if it gets better for you.
-
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 ::)
-
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!
-
Hello GypsyRoseLee.
Just wanted to thank you for your informative posts and I hope you have continued success with your regime.
Take care.
K.
-
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.
-
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, 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]
-
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.
-
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.
-
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?
-
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?
-
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
-
Lovely to see you PM. I haven't seen you around for quite a while. How are you?
-
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
-
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!
-
Now been on Marvelon for 15 days the jitters have eased - but the constipation hasn't ???. From what I can tell, this is a progesterone issue? Am also spotting quite a lot, but not too concerned as it seems to be a common issue with this pill in the early days.
Still not convinced this is the pill from me, but I can certainly now feel the initial side effects wearing off, thank goodness.
-
Thanks Dorothy. My mood really slumped though within 2 days of starting my Pill break. I read the same happens to you so you are experimenting on duration of your breaks? How is that working for you?
I took my last Pill on Sat and planned to just give myself a 5 day break. My bleed started on Monday. But by yesterday I felt quite low and a bit anxious, so took my Pill last night. Already starting to improve.
Just worried if I don't give myself a bleed I will get a build up of prog and get side effects.
-
I start to get symptoms within 48 hours of stopping the pill - if my last one is Monday night, I am incapable of waking up on Thursday, not to mention hot flushes, shakes, aches etc. Although at least a shorter break means I don't have to put up with the symptoms for so long. What has helped is knowing that I can run up to 3 packs together and that the break doesn't have to come at the end of a pack. I can look ahead, pick a couple of days when I don't have to do much and arrange for my bad days to come then. E.g. we had a family reunion recently, so I took a break a few days before the end of a pack and then restarted just in time to be 'normal' (or as normal as I get now ;D ) for the family!
Currently it's ok as I am working part-time, but this will need to change shortly, and I'm not sure how I will cope then. I'm thinking if I run 3 packs together and arrange to have a break over a long weekend I could cope. The main problem work-wise is the tiredness - I literally can't keep awake. It does help amazingly though to know when I am going to have my worst days and to be in control of when they happen too to a certain extent. And even when I am having the break and feeling awful, I can look at my pill pack and tell myself that this feeling won't last, it will go away as soon as I start swallowing those pills again - it really helps!
-
Ive been reading a lot about this recently as I am very worried about the effect a pill break will have on my migraines (though to be fair, my GP is very happy for me not to take a break).
For peri menopausal women, a number of doctors/consultants now suggest taking 1mg of bio identical estrogen or a 50mcg patch during the pill free days. That way, you have a break from the progesterone without affecting the estrogen levels as much. This seemed like a good option and something I may consider. What do you reckon?
-
Might be worth trying. Although I'm still a bit fuzzy as to which symptoms are caused by a drop in estrogen and which by a drop in progesterone...
-
I am so pleased your jitters are fading Briony. Hopefully this means you have turned the corner? How does your mood feel?
That's a good idea about topping up just with an oestrogen patch during your withdrawal break. I have lots of 50mg patches left from when I was on HRT. If I remember I will run it by my consultant when I see her in 3 weeks.
-
Dorothy, when I was on Microgynon I ran 3 packs together, and from halfway through the first pack I got spotting every single day for the next 2 months, plus a light withdrawal bleed twice. Plus my symptoms kept breaking through. But this might have been because Microgynon didn't agree with me because it is so androgenic.
I agree with what you say about having that control back. Before the BCP I just felt so helpless in the face of my hormones.
-
Well it looks like I spoke too soon saying I felt properly stable on Gederal and didn't feel the need to keep a daily diary on here anymore. Almost from day one of starting Gederal I felt markedly better, stronger emotionally and like my old self. This went on for nearly 3 weeks (the longest period of feeling 'good' that I've had in a very long time).
In fact I felt so much better and so much more confident that I ignored my GP's advice and went ahead and had a withdrawal break when I finished my first pack. To be completely honest I think I entertained hopes of perhaps not needing to take it anymore? I felt so like my old self that I found it hard to remember how dreadful my hormones had made me feel over the last 2 years.
To quote Pretty Woman 'Big mistake. Massive. Huge'
Within 4 days of finishing my first pack my usual psychological symptoms were back with a vengence. Anxiety. Jitters. Very depressed mood. Bit of diarrhoea. Really unpleasant.
So rather than waiting the full 7 days before starting the 2nd pack I started it last Wednesday night. Within 24 hours I briefly thought I was improving, but it was a false hope. Had a really miserable weekend feeling so low and tearful. Plus had several bad headaches too. But at least my bleed finished (it had been fairly light for 5 days).
Then, relief, my mood suddenly improved on Sunday night. Phew, I thought. And it made sense to me. I had been off the BCP for 4 days, so it had taken 4 days for it to start working again.
But I only had a 24 hour reprieve. Last night I started to feel on edge and jittery with anxiety.
No depression, but my heart rate felt elevated. I suddenly have an itchy red rash on my neck and shoulders, with little red spots. Today I have felt anxious and on the edge of tears all day. Can't settle and just feel so miserable inside.
So I honestly don't know what is happening. I don't know what to do? I suppose all I can do is just wait and see? I just wish someone could explain why I responded so quickly and so well to Gederal in the first pack? And yet now, after just a 4 day break all my symptoms have come back and have been here for nearly a week. It just doesn'take sense.
So anyways................I will keep this diary updated again for a while to see if it helps me make sense of what is happening.
-
Hate to say this, but this makes me feel a little less of a freak. ;D
Joking aside, I think you need to look at in perspective if you can (know that's easier said than done): overall, you have felt better on the pill than beforehand and your bad times are cyclical, so it's clearly a hormonal issue; you responded to this new pill (overall) far better than the Microgynon so its estrogen bias is clearly better suited to you; your body, like mine, is hormone-sensitive (is that a word?) and has been deprived of estrogen for a while so it's going to take a while to sort things out; and you have suddenly drenched your body in this potent estrogen and then taken it away again, only for it to be re-drenched. With all that in mind, I'd not be too concerned yet.
I have been reading reviews of BCP to quite obsessive extents this past week and there do seem to be a number of people who've had a harder time on month two than one, so I suspect it's still just settling issues. The fact that going back on has induced the jitters - something I had from day two onwards - makes me think it may be the estrogen that's affecting us. Perhaps a few months of Mercilon (same prog but only 2mg estrogen) would be a sensible bridge for us both til we're more used to it? Even 2 mg of EE is still much, much more potent than anything we had in terms of HRT.
Am aware I am rambling - hope this makes sense?
B X
-
Thank you so much for such a supportive post, and what you say makes a lot of sense, as always. It's so hard to see the bigger picture when you're trapped inside the jitters. It's really good for someone to take your hand and talk some sense in to you.
I agree that maybe I'm reacting to an up surge of oestrogen. Or could it be progesterone? If only I had my personal endocrinologist on hand. But I don't have that centered and contented feeling which is attributed to progesterone I think? I am baffled by this rash, it's sore and feels like it's burning.
Have you decided to have a withdrawal break or not?
-
Day 8: pack two.
Actually ended the evening last night feeling better. It's so odd that the anxiety/depression so often lifts a little later in the evening. I would love to know why this is?
Slept well, though woke just before 5am. I'd had a good 6.5 hours sleep which is as much as I ever manage nowadays, so expected to lie awake until my alarm went off at 7am. I could tell instantly that my mood had improved and the jitters had disappeared. So that might be why (to my great surprise) I fell back to sleep, which never happens now.
Mood has been better today. I can't say it has been 'good' but an improvement on yesterday. Kept getting little pangs of hopelessness though, thinking 'when is this all going to end?'
I still have these little, itchy red spots across my throat, chest and shoulders with a few on my arms and legs. No idea what is causing it?
-
Day 9: pack 2.
Pretty much a repeat of yesterday. Felt quite a bit better during the later part of the evening. Slept fine. Didn't wake feeling any anxiety, but felt low and very miserable all morning. Mood started to improve during the afternoon. But I feel much worse than I did this time 2 or 3 weeks ago.
I can't think that just having a 4 day withdrawal break can have caused all this upset and misery. I am now starting to wonder if I'm just not tolerating the progesterone in Gederal, hence my continued very low mood, tearfulness, inability to feel joy/pleasure etc. Though I would have assumed I would be intolerant of it from the start? But I had nearly 3 very happy weeks on my first pack of Gederal. It doesn't make sense to me and I hate not understanding something.
I wonder what tomorrow will bring?
-
Day 10: pack 2
Fed up. Felt quite good all morning. But during the afternoon the low mood and anxiety came back. So utterly, utterly sick to death of it.
It's not that I'm sitting in the corner, rocking back and forth in distress. I'm not. I'm functioning and pining a smile on my face. But inside I have this insidious feeling of low level anxiety and depression that taints everything. It means I can't enjoy anything or feel any pleasure doing anything.
If I'm still like this by next week I am very tempted to ask my GP to put me on 20mg Citalopram and see how I do on that.
I am losing days and days of my life to this horrible feeling inside and I just don't want to lose anymore days while waiting to see if HRT/BCP might or might not help me today/tomorrow or next month.
That my depression and anxiety is cyclical is pretty clear. I can have 2-3 weeks of feeling fine. But then the depression and anxiety always comes back and can last a week or more.
And the real cruelty is that even during my 'good' weeks I am not fully myself or properly normal because I am absolutely dreading the next plunge into the anxiety/depression.
Tomorrow my Mum is taking me out to lunch (and I'm dreading it a bit). Tomorrow night we are having our best friends over (and I'm dreading it a bit). It's no way to live.
-
:foryou:
-
Hope the evening has gone ok? Xx
-
Thanks. Parts of it were really hard, having to sit there and chat and inside you're jittery with anxiety. But other parts were really okay.
Infact toward the end of the evening I felt nearly fine and nearly nodded off on the sofa as I was relaxed and sleepy. So I took myself off to bed, took Gederal, and within 30 mins my heart was racing and I felt so anxious. Couldn't drop off. Each time I tried my mind sort of jerked me back. Horrible.
Not sure if it was coincidence after just taking more Gederal or not?
-
I definitely felt a 'first impact' which lasted for an hour or so. I think others have found the same thing, but like I said in a different post, if you're starting on an even keel and have never known 'that' feeling, a momentary jitter is nothing. For people who've experienced anxiety, the slightest sniff of it and your whole body is on red alert. I did find that taking it after a meal, before bed, helped. Taking it on an empty stomach was not pleasant! X
-
Yes you're definitely spot on there. Once you've experienced the 'dreads' you live in fear of experiencing them again. People who have never experienced them will never understand, sadly (well, not sad for them obviously).
When I broke down in tears to DH yesterday I told him that it frightened me how awful I was feeling. Poor bloke was shocked and worried because he's only ever known me as being almost 'too' independent and often rather feisty.
-
Absolutely! That sounds like me! It's like I am a different person. Cant believe how fearless I used to me, compared to now. ???
-
Hi,
I'm not sure if any of you are still on this pill and how you got on. I've had 6 months of trying to find the right hrt without success and am thinking I might have jumped the gun a bit too quick. My GP is ok with me going back on the pill. I was on femodene, however, I've read that the desegestrel one (Marvelon and it has other names too) is better for peri menopause. I don't want to ask the GP for it and then just have to ask to change back the femodene after all the hrt switching I've been doing and I wondered how you all got on with it? I noticed from the posts that maybe you thought it too strong.
thanks so much.