BCP Questions

caterrachel · 09-02-2007, 02:11 PM

Hi, I hope it's ok to start a new thread. I have a couple questions about BCP, and I'm hoping you guys can help.

First off, I don't really get why people with PCOS go on bcp. You don't ovulate every month, so you go on a pill that stops you from ovulating... It doesn't make sense. I understand some women wanting to have regular periods, but it's not your real period. I would think that drs would prescribe a pill that makes you ovulate every month, so you have a natural cycle and period.

My next question is more personal. I don't want to have regular periods because, well, I hate my period. Have any of you tried Seasonale/Seasonique? Anyone use a regular pill and skip the period pills? I understand that period pills are light and not as bad cramping- is that the same if you only have 4 pill periods a year?

I also don't get bcp because of the side effects. PCOS women are at a greater risk of heart disease & heart attacks/stroke, so why would you go on a pill that increases those risks even more? If I remember correctly, bcp helps reduce the risk for ovarian cancer, which is greater in PCOS, so do you basically choose which disease you'd rather not have and take the pill for that?

That's all my questions now. Sorry it's so long, but I have a lot going through my mind. Thanks in advance for your answers

Navi · 09-02-2007, 02:19 PM

I don't really think the ovulation is an issue when it comes to BCPs. A lot of times (yes, I know there are exceptions), ovulation = no period, and it's not safe to go without since the lining can build up and turn into cancerous cells. At least if you're not ovulating on BCP, the lining won't build up and it decreases the risk of developing cervical dysplasia. Plus there is the added bonus of preventing pregnancy.

Seasonale is a wonder pill if you don't want to have your period every month. I liked it. I also tried doubling up with regular monthly BCP but had problems with BTB (and therefore switched to Seasonale). Though I do have to say, since going back to a monthly BCP, my period is a lot lighter and shorter and I don't feel so miserable that I would go back to Seasonale. Especially because it's expensive!

Part of the reason women with PCOS are at higher risk for heart disease is because of excess hormones, like testosterone. I'm sure being overweight/obese can also factor into it since many women with PCOS also have weight problems. BCP can reduce a lot of those excess hormones so I would assume that minimizes some of the heart disease risk.

Honestly, I'm just speaking from personal experience here. I've been on BCP for about 5 years and I feel fine. If you've read the literature and feel like it's not the treatment for you, then it's up to you to ask your doctor about other options, or find a doctor who will be more open to it.

tariana · 09-02-2007, 02:50 PM

I'm on birth control pills because they are the only thing that seem to keep my PCOS symptoms under control at all. If I'm off them, I feel really crappy. I have yearly checkups with a gynecologist and always ask her if there's anything better she'd recommend. So far, the answer has always been no. Since I've never wanted to get pregnant, and still don't, it works well for me.

Navi · 09-02-2007, 06:19 PM

I forgot to mention...If you really don't want to use BCP but need to regulate your period somewhat, you could just get a prescription for Provera every other month or few months.

ameliapaige · 09-05-2007, 01:38 PM

You can take Yasmin straight thru for 3 months at a time but they still want for you to have AF. BCP has helped me so much, while I would like to try soon to get pg I am really afraid to go off the pill! I've often wondered to a degree about some of the points you've mentioned. For me it seemed to be the lesser of the evils and offered immediate relief of some of my symptoms.