BC Questions?

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-14-2004
BC Questions?
2
Sat, 07-10-2004 - 11:03am
I have a couple of questions about BC pills. I read the post on what is in each brand. I'm on OTC-LO. Is it the progestin that dries you out? And if you are having break-through spotting after using for 3 months is that caused by not enough estrogen? Also I have hear many ladies talk about losing their sex drive while on bc what exactly would cause this? Thank You in advance.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
In reply to: tmcat1959
Mon, 07-12-2004 - 8:37am
Hi there, thanks for stopping by! Yes, progestin can have a tendency to reduce your vaginal lubrication (and for some of us we get dry skin and dry eyes), and the estrogen component helps to bring it back. Late-cycle spotting is often caused by not enough progestin or too much estrogen, sometimes it's just that a different type of progestin is needed. Early-cycle spotting (like spotting after your period that won't stop) is thought to be caused by insufficient estrogen, but that doesn't happen nearly as often. And the loss of libido seems to be common among any form of birth control that suppresses ovulation, including methods without estrogen. Your ovaries produce testosterone in addition to their other functions, but when they're not functioning at 100%, they're not producing as much.

Does that help?

Judie
Co-cl for Birth Control
Judie Cl for Birth Control 
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-14-2004
In reply to: tmcat1959
Mon, 07-12-2004 - 10:49pm
Yes that does help. Thanks for your time. I have found this board very helpful & informative...keep up the good work!