Using pill to control bad periods...

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Using pill to control bad periods...
4
Thu, 08-26-2004 - 11:45pm
Hi,



I'm not sure this is the right place to ask this, but what I would like to know is do any of you use the pill to deal with bad periods? What I am thinking about is this - I have some awful pains during my periods (I have been to the doctor, had ultrasound, bloodwork, etc, and everything is physically normal), so bad I have to take Vicoden when the OTC stuff does not work. Also, the P is a nusiance when I want to go swimming and other such stuff. Do you think a doctor would prescribe something like Seasonale (isn't that the one where you only have 4 periods per year?) to reduce the # of periods that I have so I suffer only 4 times rather than 12 (I had a hard enough time getting my gyno to give me a few Vicoden)? I am not on any BC pills now, I don't use that method to prevent pregnancy, so I don't know if my gyno would want to give me the pill for just menstrual regulation. Has anyone gotten it for just that purpose? Also - are the side effects worth it? I have also heard that BC pills can prevent ovarian cancer, which runs in my family. One more question - how expensive is this stuff and do most insurers cover it? I really know nothing about BC pills, was only on them for a few months when my period quit while I was dieting.


Schrecken
"Never fear, Underdog is here!"
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Fri, 08-27-2004 - 1:58am
Hi schrecken, welcome!

Have you been checked for endometriosis? BCPs are often prescribed to regulate irregular and painful periods. I wouldn't think your doctor would have a problem with that. Seasonale might work well but there can be a lot of irregular bleeding while the body adjusts to the extended cycle hormones. Nordette is the same formulation of hormones as Seasonale packaged in a 21/7 regimen. You might want to try several cycles on that to see how you do before trying Seasonale. If I were you I’d certainly talk to my doctor about continuous use to lessen the unpleasantness of painful periods. Let us know what s/he says, ok?

Good luck,

      Jill

    

Avatar for lucy4980
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Fri, 08-27-2004 - 7:39pm
I've known several women who took BC to regulate their periods. I think it's pretty common. Talk to your doctor and if your doctor isn't willing to work with you, then find another doctor who will. This is your health. You should have a doctor who will work with you.

Side effects - some women react badly, others react just fine. I never had any negative side effects with the pill.

Cost and insurance - I have perscription insurance and it is always covered. I pay $15/month for name brand and $5/month for generic.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Fri, 08-27-2004 - 10:47pm
Thanks everyone for the advice - I actually was prescribed bc pills for a period problem years ago, but that was a different doctor and a different problem. The doc I have now got really weirded out when I answered her question about what bc I was using - I told her the truth. I do not have a sexual partner at this time and therefore I said "abstinance" and she acted rather surprised - she actually blurted out something like "WELL - that works REAL WELL!!!" to her assistant and probably everyone else in the hall outside. It was like she just blew off my whole problem of pain (she did give me the vicoden, but begrudginly), but then again I have a great internist so maybe I can get him to help me out. It's so hard to find a good gyno :-p



Lee


Schrecken
"Never fear, Underdog is here!"
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-08-2004
Sun, 08-29-2004 - 11:18am

How rude of her!


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