Over 40 on the pill

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-30-2007
Over 40 on the pill
6
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?
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-18-2006
Wed, 05-30-2007 - 10:41pm

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.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Sat, 06-02-2007 - 8:58pm

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.

Judie Cl for Birth Control 
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-30-2007
Mon, 06-04-2007 - 9:49am

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!

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-01-2006
Mon, 06-04-2007 - 10:13am

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.

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Mon, 06-04-2007 - 11:25am

Hi curlyhappy,


      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Mon, 06-04-2007 - 11:35pm

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)

Judie Cl for Birth Control