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Birth control pill for peri menopause- flare risk?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 4/3/2024 7:40 PM (GMT -5)
I’ve entered peri menopause <insert ominous music here> and the symptoms of having a heavy period every two weeks are making me seriously consider taking my GP’s option of low dose birth control to ease this. However, I am terrified that the pill will cause active disease (which I have not had in ~9 years). Anyone have advice?
Posted 4/3/2024 11:30 PM (GMT -5)
I would consult with a reliable gyn RE heavy periods, rather than go with GP's advice. You may need pelvic imaging to rule out fibroid development, which can turn up in middle age, as I know from personal experience. Don't rush into anything chemical before you get tested in a practice experienced with treatment of females age 40 and older. / Old Hat (40+ yrs with left-sided UC; in remission taking Colazal)
Posted 4/3/2024 11:56 PM (GMT -5)
Excellent advise from Old Hat.
Posted 4/4/2024 5:39 AM (GMT -5)
Definitely see your gyn, but low dose hormones should play nice with UC. Maybe even help a little because you won't have to deal with the heavy periods. They will also help with hot flashes and mood swings that many deal with while going through menopause. After my periods stopped I switched from birth control pills to a low dose patch (combi-patch) that saved my sanity. I only stopped the patch completely about 2 years ago.
Posted 4/4/2024 10:40 AM (GMT -5)
Definitely make sure your gyn checks you out. I took a low dose progesterone only pill after trying the cream and having no luck with it. It made a huge difference for me and after two years I was able to come off it and my perimenopause symptoms have not returned. I think it also helped my UC too.
Posted 4/6/2024 4:05 AM (GMT -5)
I've been on birth control for years, doing 3 weeks on and 1 week off. However in the last few years I was getting terrible headaches during the 7 day
day break and when i casually mentioned this to my GP earlier this year she told me to take the pill continuously and just stop it a couple of times a year. Not only did the migraines stop but my bowel is quieter too... no more monthly abdominal pain (i can't distinguish between period pain and colitis pain...). I am planning on switching to HRT as soon as I'm too old for the pill (I'm currently 42). Obviously don't rush into anything but just wanted to reassure you that it doesn't have to be a negative for your bowel. I think monthly/weekly fluctuations do more havoc than keeping steady hormone levels.
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