Question about going back on the pill...

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-07-2004
Question about going back on the pill...
4
Mon, 06-07-2004 - 12:32pm
Hello,

I am 39 years old and was on Ortho/Novum 1/35 in my 20's and part of my 30's (on and off) and never had any problems in terms of side effects, etc. I went off of them because I was having severe breakthrough bleeding and my doctor said they weren't working the way they once did, so I decided to go off of them.

Recently, my doctor has suggested I go back on BC pills because I have developed two uterine fibroids and a complex cyst on one of my ovaries, which are making my periods heavier than they have been in the past (except when I was on the pill, they were fine!)The first two days are very heavy, but with minimal cramping, lasting around five days.

After much deliberation, I decided to start the pill again and did on this past Sunday. However, I am MORE worried this time around than I was when I was on them before!! Is it possible to have blood clotting and severe side effects now if I didn't have them when previously on the pill (I am healthy, active, non-smoker, but did smoke when I WAS on them before)? My doctor has put me on Loestrin 1/20 because of the same progestin component as Ortho Novum 1/35, but went with the lower dose of estrogen to start out.

I don't know why I'm worried this time around, but just want to be sure it's still okay.

Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance for all responses!

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-29-2003
Mon, 06-07-2004 - 4:06pm
Really, anything is possible. You could do just fine like before or you may have some minor side effects. Your body may or may not act differently this time. If I were you, I would keep a journal and write down how you are feeling. Things such as headaches, moodiness, pain, ect. That way you will be able to "remember" readily how you are doing if anything should come up. My dr once told me that at my age, which is 39 also, it was safer to be on the pill then to be pregnant. Keep in touch and let us know how you are doing.

Josie

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-07-2004
Mon, 06-07-2004 - 5:39pm
Thanks for your reply. That is a good idea to keep a journal, but would it be possible to experience negative symptoms after only two days of taking the pill? I have felt a little numbness in my left leg today, but wondering if some of what I THINK I feel may be a little paranoia? :)

And yes, my doctor said something along the same lines of being pregnant at my age and the risks involved...but she also said I need to weigh the pros and cons and decide why I'm feeling so paranoid about it even though the pill is safe. However, after reading the one poor woman's post about two blood clots in her lungs after only two weeks, doesn't make me feel so good about taking it, either!!

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Tue, 06-08-2004 - 8:14am
--Technically-- the progestin in Loestrin 1/20 is not the same as the one in Ortho Novum 1/35, but it's only slightly stronger. The lower estrogen dose is typical for doctors prescribing the pill to women your age (the pill is prescribed to women in all stages of life, not just for pregnancy!). There are other low-estrogen pills that are available if you found Loestrin not to agree with you (Mircette, Alesse, and Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo, the patch and Nuvaring are also low in estrogen, and Yasmin will have a 20mcg version in the future)

I agree with Josie that a journal is a good idea, it could either help relieve your paranoia or just make it worse though! Some folks obsess when they're keeping track of everything, you just have to remember that when things go wrong there are usually symptoms, so keep all your doctor's appointments and you might have your blood pressure checked after you've been on the pill for a month or two.

Blood clots in the legs cause pain and redness and swelling and heat (think of blood pooling in one area--it can't do it for too long before you start to feel it). There have been two descriptions of blood clots in the lungs in the last several weeks (honestly, I've been hosting this board for over two years and these are the first two women we've talked to that have had blood clots, it can happen, but it doesn't happen often), so you'd be looking for fatigue, etc. Read through your patient information that came with your pills--it will tell you what to look out for as far as serious complications go (chest pain, a crushing feeling, severe headaches, etc.). Stay in touch with your doctor if you think you're having problems. While it's no consolation, I'd think you could have problems at any time, not just in the first few days or first few weeks, your body changes throughout your life.

Good luck! Try to be calm...everything may go just fine!

Judie
Co-cl for Birth Control
Judie Cl for Birth Control 
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-07-2004
Tue, 06-08-2004 - 9:51am
I just wanted to thank you for your reply. After only two days on the pill, I have decided I don't want to put my body on hormones, even though it might help. At this point in my life, I like a little predictability and at least with my period the way it is right now, I know what to expect. My doc says it's not necessary, but since I am now having sex again (after three years!!) it might be a good alternative to go on BC again...but, knowing the way I am, I would more than likely still use a condom anyway. And my periods are predictable, just heavy for the first two days. Maybe I will need to go on BC in the future, but for now, I have decided the extra worry and paranoia I am feeling is not quite worth it.

Thanks for the replies back, though. And for letting me post my question.