So, I was thinking of going back on the pill....

[1ke]

One way to look at it - maybe 21 days IS a normal cycle for you.

For somepeople, normal is a cycle that varies from month to month! Charting will help you and your NFP teacher see what is normal for YOU.

A cycle under 25 days indicates a hormone imbalance/issue.

 

[Princess18]

whatevergirl, my wife has the exact same problem with her periods: the luteal phase is very short (they call this “luteal phase defect”). She will, on average, begin ovulating on day 22 or so. I recommend contacting a doctor trained in NFP (through, perhaps, the Pope Paul VI Institute), they can examine your cycles and try to help by administering more progesterone during the time you should be ovulating.

One piece of advice, though, DO NOT go back on the pill. It will only make things worse, my wife’s problems are directly caused by being on the pill for two years. The pill makes things worse by dramatically increasing the level of estrogen and decreasing, overall, your body’s level of progesterone. To lengthen your luteal phase, you need the exact opposite - meaning the pill will do exactly the opposite of what you’d be going on it for, which is obviously not good. My wife is taking high levels of B6, to decrease residual levels of prolactin (caused by being on the pill) and daily progesterone cream to try and correct many of the problems she encountered from being on the pill (and we have been off the pill for 8 or 9 months).

DO NOT use the pill!

I agree with this possibility. If I made the Pill sound like a “cure-all”, that was not my intent.

My point, really, was that IF the Pill is suitable treatment for you then you should not beat yourself up over it. I agree and hope that other forms of treatment (that will not render you infertile) will be appropriate and successful for you.

Let me know what happens … as it is something I may end up dealing with in the future.

 

[whatevergirl]

whatevergirl, my wife has the exact same problem with her periods: the luteal phase is very short (they call this “luteal phase defect”). She will, on average, begin ovulating on day 22 or so. I recommend contacting a doctor trained in NFP (through, perhaps, the Pope Paul VI Institute), they can examine your cycles and try to help by administering more progesterone during the time you should be ovulating.

One piece of advice, though, DO NOT go back on the pill. It will only make things worse, my wife’s problems are directly caused by being on the pill for two years. The pill makes things worse by dramatically increasing the level of estrogen and decreasing, overall, your body’s level of progesterone. To lengthen your luteal phase, you need the exact opposite - meaning the pill will do exactly the opposite of what you’d be going on it for, which is obviously not good. My wife is taking high levels of B6, to decrease residual levels of prolactin (caused by being on the pill) and daily progesterone cream to try and correct many of the problems she encountered from being on the pill (and we have been off the pill for 8 or 9 months).

DO NOT use the pill!

Thank you no beer! I don’t plan to, seriously…especially after reading through this thread. I think anything sythetic will cause problems, and thus, I experienced migraines, etc on the pill…trading one painful problem for another! I do feel overall better from not being on it. I remember my heart racing all through the month from being on the pill–and that has totally stopped, praise God.

1ke–if I get mine say every 22/23 days…there’s an imbalance you think?

 

[Linnyo]

When I was on the pill, it took 7 months for my periods to return after stopping the pill. I was only on it for a few months. My periods were regularbefore it and have never been regular since. This was over 8 years ago.

 

[AmberDale]

I didn’t read the whole thread (not a lot of time,) but I don’t agree with what one poster said about prometrium. IT DOES NOT MAKE IT EASIER FOR YOU TO CONCEIVE, ONLY MORE LIKELY THAT YOU WILL CARRY THE PREGNANCY.

Just going by what the Doctor said to me. I didn’t say “not” to take it. I was just told that. If he’s wrong, which is highly likely, then that’s fine also

 

[agapewolf]

Princess, you are correct that there is not a moral problem with taking hormonal medicine that might have a side effect of contraception.

The morality of it has actually been discussed on the forums many times.

The problem though, is that the pill is not medicine.

It has been declared a carcinogen…worse than smoking. It has huge side effects that have been hidden. It causes all kinds of cancers. It disrupts a functioning system of the body, and if the system is already struggling, it makes it even worse. It can cause permanent sterility. My friend was on it for 6 months and here she is 8 years later still struggling to get things back on track.

You can find a lot of info at www.omsoul.com. you can find docs there that will treat the body with respect and find the causes of problems rather than masking them

It may take awhile to get back on track, but going back on it won’t help anything. It might take a little bit of dealing with cramps and annoying bleeding issues, but thats a lot better than the alternative.

 

[Princess18]

I was browsing omsoul.com and came across this:

The diaphragm is a barrier method of birth control so it theoretically does not cause early abortion. At least one study has noted that women who use barrier methods such as the diaphragm or condom, or the withdrawal method, had a 137% increased risk of developing preeclampsia in future pregnancies.17 Preeclampsia, a complication occurring in some pregnant women, consists of a syndrome of high blood pressure, fluid retention, and kidney damage, which may eventually lead to prolonged seizures and/or coma. It is theorized that exposure to the male’s sperm has a protective role against preeclampsia.

This is REALLY misleading. Using a barrier method does not CAUSE preeclampsia. Barriers don’t CAUSE anything; they’re physical, not chemical. I don’t doubt that exposure to sperm assists in a healthy pregnancy but you can’t draw the barriers=preeclampsia conclusion from that.

Also:

Frequently, couples will use a spermicide in conjunction with their barrier method. A spermicide is an agent that is designed to kill the male’s sperm and is often sold as a gel or as an ingredient in the vaginal sponge. Toxic Shock Syndrome has been associated with the spermicide sponge.

The data they are using to back up that claim is from 1986. Due to problems with the sponge itself (not the spermicide) it was taken off the market, revamped, and re-approved. The spermicide was never the issue. Similarly, TSS was only an issue with tampons in the late 70s-early 80s because tampons were too absorbent. After they redesigned them it hasn’t been an issue. It is not surprising that sponge had the same problem. Again, spermicide does not equal toxic shock syndrome.

I value that they have a directory of pro-NFP doctors and that they aim to increase awareness, but the folks running the site are not doctors or researchers. They’re “pro-life veterans”. They’re drawing conclusions that are not accurate from research and data showing something else entirely. Please do not rely on data presented on the web in this fashion - try WebMD or something that is backed by accurate research.

 

[whatevergirl]

Princess, you are correct that there is not a moral problem with taking hormonal medicine that might have a side effect of contraception.

The morality of it has actually been discussed on the forums many times.

The problem though, is that the pill is not medicine.

It has been declared a carcinogen…worse than smoking. It has huge side effects that have been hidden. It causes all kinds of cancers. It disrupts a functioning system of the body, and if the system is already struggling, it makes it even worse. It can cause permanent sterility. My friend was on it for 6 months and here she is 8 years later still struggling to get things back on track.

You can find a lot of info at www.omsoul.com. you can find docs there that will treat the body with respect and find the causes of problems rather than masking them

It may take awhile to get back on track, but going back on it won’t help anything. It might take a little bit of dealing with cramps and annoying bleeding issues, but thats a lot better than the alternative.

what? a carcinogen? oh my gosh…what?

 

[Em_in_FL]

what? a carcinogen? oh my gosh…what?

Oh yeah… there are many links to breast and cervical cancers…
NOT highly discussed in public, of course…

 

[lizaanne]

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (or NSAIDS) such as Ibuprofen. Ibuprofen acts to actually stop the production of pain-causing compounds called prostaglandins. 3-4 Advil three times daily during menstruation.

I’ve been told by two doctors that messing with your prostaglandins can disrupt ovulation. Wouldn’t that make the problem of trying to get pregnant more difficult?

~Liza

 

[Princess18]

It has been declared a carcinogen…worse than smoking. It has huge side effects that have been hidden. It causes all kinds of cancers. It disrupts a functioning system of the body, and if the system is already struggling, it makes it even worse. It can cause permanent sterility. My friend was on it for 6 months and here she is 8 years later still struggling to get things back on track.

(sigh).

Again, you cannot take these claims out of context. Yes, oral contraceptives are on the Type 1 Carcinogen list but so are a whole lot of other therapeutic drugs.

From the American Cancer Society website:

The lists themselves say nothing about how likely the agents are to cause cancer. Carcinogens do not cause cancer at all times, under all circumstances. Some may only be carcinogenic if a person is exposed in a certain way (for example, ingesting it as opposed to touching it). Some of these agents may lead to cancer after only a very small exposure, while others might require intense exposure over many years. Again, you should refer to the agencies’ reports for specifics.

Not all carcinogens are to be avoided at all costs. The lists include many commonly used medicines, particularly some hormones and drugs used to treat cancer. Tamoxifen, for example, increases the risk of certain kinds of uterine cancer but lowers the risk of recurrence (return) of breast cancer, which may be more important for some women. If you have questions about a medicine you are taking that appears on one of these lists, be sure to ask your doctor.

Additionally, there is no research stating oral contraceptives cause PERMANENT sterility, only PERIODS of sterility. Big difference.

I don’t see anyone pointing out any of the research that backs up the GOOD that oral contraceptives can do, but believe me, there’s plenty.

Everybody loves to quote the scariest of statistics to prove their point. Please don’t take them all as gospel.

 

[whatevergirl]

From my own personal experience though, Princess–I would have to say that the pill is really bad for women–from causing us to not understand how our bodies work, when it comes to reproduction (because it stifles and modifies the natural flow of things–no pun ) and because it physically hurts us…in the long run. I had debilitating migraines on these things–and it astonished me that they were attributed to the pill. I haven’t had ONE since I went off the pill…wow! That’s something! I also had strange mood swings…and they have pretty much passed. Although I get occasionally weepy during ‘that time,’ it’s nowhere near as unpredictable as it was. But, first and foremost…I am grateful to be following God’s laws, regarding natural fertility, as opposed to stunting it with pills…

I think that last night I had a moment of weakness…A poster here commented in this thread about the devil getting at us when we’re weak, and I think I was having a weak moment, and just thought…let me go back on maybe another pill…maybe I won’t get migraines on another pill…but the reality is–I made a conscious choice to go off of it for religious and physical reasons…and I think if I could encourage another woman to do–I’d do it in a minute. They are bad bad bad for our system…

You make valid and insightful points about the history of fertility…and the ebs and flows throughout time of how things have changed…but when you think about it, the pill did not empower women (I’m not saying you said that–just making a general statement) …it actually enslaved us to a lie. It did to me, anyways. For the first time …I am learning about cervical mucus, cycle changes…ovulation–I’m 39 and just learning? I don’t blame the pill, I blame myself for buying into the lies of our society that tell a woman to take control of her fertility by taking harmful drugs.

There’s so much money being made on hurting women in this world… (ie: abortion lie, contraception lie, etc)

Anyways–just my ramblings for the evening !!

 

[Feanaro_s_Wife]

I had debilitating migraines on these things–and it astonished me that they were attributed to the pill. I haven’t had ONE since I went off the pill…wow! That’s something!

**Can i ask a few details? Feel free to not answer if it is too personal. How long were you on the pill? Did you get the migraines right away or later? Are you certain the migraines were from the pill?

I ask because I have a younger sis who is still on the pill (to treat PCOS). She has many problems that could very well be pill related side effects, one of which is debilitating migraines.**

I also had strange mood swings…and they have pretty much passed. Although I get occasionally weepy during ‘that time,’ it’s nowhere near as unpredictable as it was.

**Wow, that was one of my biggest side effects too…only I didn’t know it. Hubby had tried to tell me but I thought he was exaggerating. But when I finally cleared all of that gunk from my system the difference was like night and day. I get a little PMS but nothing like the hormonal raving lunatic episodes I used to ,lol.

Malia
**

 

[whatevergirl]

Feanaro_s_Wife:
Hi Malia

No, not too personal…I actually took the pill for roughly 10 years total. (I went off it before this time, too–but this time I’m sticking with it) I am relatively convinced that the headaches were directly related to the pill, because I have been off the pill now since last July–and I have been migraine free. I had one day recently, where it was heading in that direction, but I never ended up in a full blown go-to-bed-turn-the-lights out migraine. They are so horrible, I can’t even express it. If you have had them–you know. Your poor sister!!! I know the pain she is in with migraines I did some research on migraines…and had been for some time–and when I lower my sugar/carb intake, they were better, but still would come on occasionally. I read though that one of the first things most docs look for when it comes to migraines…is if a woman is on the pill. Even though I was using it for medical reasons this go 'round, the byproduct was prevention of new life…I mean, it’s pretty effective, so to say we were open to life and taking the pill–seemed like an oxymoron. ha I would encourage your sister to seek medical advice before going off it–but I would bet my next paycheck that her migraines all but disappear, if she kicks the pill out of her life for good.

 

[newbetx]

A cycle under 25 days indicates a hormone imbalance/issue.

Where can I learn more about this. My wife is at 23 days. And each P (was I supposed to use AF?) is SO heavy. Has been for a few years. She used to be @ 28. She’s near 50 so we just figured that was it… but in the past 2 years she’s had spinal menengitus and her thyroid removed because of large nodules on it… I’m now trying to figure out which might be the cause and which the effect.

Yes, I’ve tried to get her to go to the doc on this… and no, she doesn’t take anything except a multi-vitamin. All meals are square.

Sorry for the side track, WG.

 

[whatevergirl]

Where can I learn more about this. My wife is at 23 days. And each P (was I supposed to use AF?) is SO heavy. Has been for a few years. She used to be @ 28. She’s near 50 so we just figured that was it… but in the past 2 years she’s had spinal menengitus and her thyroid removed because of large nodules on it… I’m now trying to figure out which might be the cause and which the effect.

Yes, I’ve tried to get her to go to the doc on this… and no, she doesn’t take anything except a multi-vitamin. All meals are square.

Sorry for the side track, WG.

No that’s ok–new. I think the thyroid has a lot to do with cyclical changes in women…I’ll try to find some resources on the net, and send them your way.

 

[Em_in_FL]

I would highly recommend looking into a local Reproductive Endocrinologist in your area…

This is the specialist who works in the field of OB/GYN and also addresses infertility and hormonal issues.
(Endocrinologists are the ones who treat thyroid issues as well… so thyroid issues are DEFINITELY intertwined with hormones and fertility)…

Here’s a basic definition of this specialty…
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reproductive_medicine

HTH!

 

[Zelie_Louis]

Please do not ask for or offer medical advice on CAF.