Over 40 on the pill
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Over 40 on the pill
| Wed, 05-30-2007 - 10:07pm |
I am 42 and have been on the pill for roughly 20 years. All has been well. About 3 yrs. ago I developed malasma (hyperpigmentation) mainly above my lip w/a few spots on my face. I wear sunscreen, etc. but as you can imagine it has become quite depressing. The main question is this:
I don't want children, though happily married. I'm 42. I am latex sensitive and I feel trapped taking the pill which has worked so well but seems to be causing a self-esteem attacking skin problem. What are women over 40 using? How long are we taking the pill? Has anyone else dealt with this annoying pigment issue?
I don't want children, though happily married. I'm 42. I am latex sensitive and I feel trapped taking the pill which has worked so well but seems to be causing a self-esteem attacking skin problem. What are women over 40 using? How long are we taking the pill? Has anyone else dealt with this annoying pigment issue?

Have you considered either IUD option? The Paraguard copper (no hormones good for 10 yrs) or the Mirena (hormones good for 5 years) or a permanent solution?
There are pros and cons to all the options.
We don't hear about melasma too often, but when we do it's women of a variety of ages and with a variety of pill histories.
Thanks, Judie - very helpful info & consistent w/what I've been researching. I have been on Ortho Cyclen for some time (past history has always been an Ortho product-except for a few months on Yasmin - which I liked). I think I've always been on a fairly low estrogen dose. I hear the progesterone may be the biggest hyperpigmentation culprit - I know Yasmin has a different form of progesterone -- (FEEDBACK on that appreciated) - so I may try that again.
The pill is just such a perfect solution for me. I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM ANY ONE ELSE WHO HAS MALASMA (darkening areas on face - especially above lip). I do wear zinc oxide uva/uvb protection - started that consistently a couple of years ago.
Thanks again!
I'm 41. I have been told by my doctor that I can take BC until menopause.
I take Seasonale. I don't have melasma.
Hi curlyhappy,
Jill
I would think it would be possible for a different progestin to make a difference, but obviously there's no guarantee and you'd have to wait a while to see if anything was going to happen.
The progestin in Ortho Cyclen (norgestimate)