The bcp saga continues... I've been having some really strange symptoms lately, which seem to happen randomly, but simultaneously, throughout the day: hot flashes (face and ears feel hot), dull headaches, shakiness, irritability and visual disturbances in my left eye. I happened to be near a blood pressure machine yesterday when I was having one of these moments; my blood pressure was higher than it normally is. (Actually, I have consistently had low blood pressure over the years.)
So, after reading online about the relationship of bcp to increases in blood pressure, I have some questions specifically about what in bcps causes blood pressure spikes: Is it the estrogen or progestins? Would I possibly see different results if I tried a low-dose brand of bcp, maybe even one that contains a different progestin than Ovcon-35? Or, is it likely that any brand of bcp will do the same to my blood pressure?
I don't really want to quit bcp altogether just yet. They have really helped me manage my PCOS symptoms and have allowed me to lose weight. On the other hand, I'm 28 years old with a history of normal blood pressure... This is not a battle I want to fight.
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
It tends to be the oestrogen that causes bp problems, as women with high bp are allowed to use progestogen-only methods such as the Mirena coil and the mini-pill and are often advised to do so when they get high bp on the combined pill.
I have read that Yaz and Yasmin may be suitable still.
It may not be necessary to change to a progestogen only method - you could try a pill with lower oestrogen (20mcg) such as Yaz, Mircette/Mercilon, Loestrin 20. xx
Thanks for responding, Ashleystar! I have reservations about most of the low-dose pills... Loestrin is highly androgenic, isn't it? I am also reluctant to switch to Yaz, Yasmin or MIrcette because of the increased risk of blood clots associated with 3rd-generation progestins.
What are your thoughts on the progestin-only pills? I have been thinking all along that the estrogen in combination pills is what miraculously helps to decrease my high testosterone and the hair/acne issues associated with high testosterone. Does the mini-Pill help decrease testosterone, too, or is it mainly used for contraception purposes only?
Well, yes you're right, it IS the oestrogen that helps the acne etc, because even an anti-androgenic progestogen can give you androgenic problems if it isn't combined with some oestrogen. This was confirmed by my gynae, after I took Cerazette (due to doctor's messing up my health and thinking I shouldn't use oestrogen...) which is desogestrel (Desogen, Mircette) and it was awful. I got disgusting skin, my hair fell out a bit, I gained over 14 pounds in just 2-3 months. I begged the doc for a combined pill and they said sure since my migraines turned out to be headaches from another medication.
For women with PCOS, progestogen only methods seem to be very hit and miss. Some women get on well with them if they are localised to the womb (Mirena coil) as this can cause less side effects than if you digest a pill and it goes into your bloodstream and all the nasties start.
I have been on 3rd generation pills for ages. I don't worry about it. It was media hype. I have read loads that there is a slightly higher risk, but I have never felt well on the 2nd generation progestogens. Also I think if you don't smoke, and try to lead a healthy lifestyle, you should be fine!
Yes Loestrin is androgenic. Yaz or Mircette would be best I suppose.
The NuvaRing is another combined method but the hormones are localised "down there". I haven't tried it as it isn't available in UK and I am happy on Yasmin, but my flatmate seems to have the easiest life with her periods and never has spots or anything! But I have read some less good reviews, as I have for everything.
So for me, the mini-pill wouldn't be much good as it will always be more andorgenic than a combined pill, but perhaps the Mirena might be an option?
Have you thought of having a course of reflexology to help with bp issues? It is the most relaxing experience, and really helps with stress, periods, anxiety, pain...I would recommend it, as long as the person is fully trained, i.e. not a massage at a beauty parlour. A good reflexologist will be able to tell you things about your health just by touching your feet.
That sounds wonderful, Ashleystar. I will look into this. I've never really considered reflexology, but I have some interest in acupuncture. Also, a good friend of mine keeps trying to convince me to see her herbalist, who does iridology. I'm just not sure about it...
So, because of my history of low blood pressure, I saw a general practitioner yesterday for the recent spikes and flushing. He said he didn't think that I actually had any blood pressure problems, but it certainly seemed like I was experiencing some pronounced symptoms of anxiety. After I told him that my endocrinologist recently increased my thyroid medicine, he said he suspected that my recent symptoms were being caused by my thyroid being too suppressed. So, back to the endocrinologist I go.
I'm really hoping it's NOT the bcp that are making me have the bp spikes and the flushing, because I would like to stay on them. Honestly, I think my body needs the estrogen. (My estrogen level came back low by the time I finally decided to go on bcp.) Oh, and btw, I tried the NuvaRing a few years ago. And, even though I don't recall having many side effects, I constantly felt like it was falling out-- especially during Pilates class!
Yes definitely check out reflexology, it can relieve any type of congestion!
Well it really sounds as though it is the thyroid meds that are causing this, not your bcp, which, like you, I hope is the case as it can be corrected!
I too need the oestrogen!
Yes, I wouldn't fancy the NuvaRing either, it makes me feel a bit weird really, and I would constantly be worried it had come out!
Please let me know how you get on with the endocrinologist. I reckon this will be something easier to correct than it seems. And if you don't have a history of bp problems that's great. The anxiety would explain it!
Hey, Ashleystar! Just wanted to give an update: my endocrinologist told me to discontinue the compounded T3 for my thyroid, even though my labwork came back normal while taking it. He said he would start me back on a much lower dose of the T3 if I wanted, because I now feel like a zombie most days.
Also, I've decided to try a bcp with less oestrogen than Ovcon 35--either Yasmin or Mircette, I think. I've tried both many years ago, but I don't remember which was better for me. Have you ever tried Mircette?
Thanks for the update! I haven't tried Mircette, but was on her big sister pill, Desogen! It was great mostly, but I personally now find that it isn't strong enough for me (or at least it is perhaps slightly too androgenic despite being anti-androgenic, as I am sensitive!) and so I use Yasmin and after 6 months, feel fantastic! I would try Yasmin as it is in theory the best pill for PCOS.
I find my periods are so light and more manageable on Yasmin, and they were pretty painful and heavy on Desogen. I feel really balanced now.
BCP and blood pressure 
