Hi Poppy, good to have you join us. I am not sure I can help you as I am 41 and well and truly over having babies. I have 3 kids-20,18,15 and 2 nearly 3 grandkids -2 yrs and 7 mths. My hormones have been totally eradic since the PA started 5 years ago and then periods stopped completely for 6 mths and then start again only last month. The doc said the medication is causing early menopause. I think the best thing would be to discuss the problem with your doctor, or maybe some other new mums might be able to help. All the best. Ally
It sounds like the pill is causing you more problems than it is protecting you from. It may be helping a bit but it defeats the purpose if you are miserable while on it.
You do have choices. if you want to stay on the pill then talk to your doctor about one that has a different makeup than your current one
You can also go off the pill use something else as contraception and see how your RA reacts. Odds are you will not see much change
Hi Poppy,
Welcome to the board! I agree with buckeye. It certainly does sound like the pill is doing more harm than good. Have you talked to your doc about this?
Welcome....Poppy!Hey Poppy and wlecome to AI!
I'm amazed at the hormone connection in all this. I understand your thoughts on why you tried BCP's and how it's going.
I think Buckeye is correct - this particular pill might be the problem and they do have different doses and make-ups so a different one with less hormones in it might make all the difference in the world.
Another question I have is do you know what you're thyroid is doing in all this? I'm not sure but I was under the impression that the thyroid is the master hormone regulator in all of this.
Also, I'm not sure but I think it's Buckeye that posts the link to a ton of info on the thyroid. If it is, Buckeye, could you repost it here? If Poppy needs it she can follow it - and I'd like to look at that link myself, please.
Pip
Poppy - welcome aboard, hope your personal journey through your disease process is enhanced by this BBS and we are all pulling for you.Poppy, wecome! I'm not surprised at your link with RA relief and hormones. This topic is truly fascinating. I also agree you need to talk to the doctor to have your meds tweaked but I'd be willing to bet that the right combo will give you the RA relief you need.
I had an interesting conversation with my OB/GYN recently regarding hormones and RA. I told her my painful joints and stiffness stopped when I went on hormone replacement (first in the form of a BCP) but came back when I lowered the estrogen dose. She said for some, BCPs and other higher hormone levels have a protective factor that keep RA at bay, while other patients get worse, like during pregnancy. The RA is there all the time, even if you're feeling better, but when your hormone estrogen level drops, either by a change in prescription or peri and/or menopause, the RA is triggered. Now here is where there's a disagreement among doctors: I asked the OB/GYN if the disease was still progressing, even if there was no stiffness, etc. She said yes. My internist says no....no pain, no damage. Next I ask the RD.
Anyway, I'll bet the right BCP will help your RA symptoms and stop your PMS too. Whether or not you can ignore the RA you know you have is something else again. You may have to treat it anyway to avoid future damage.
< =text/>_popupControl(); Hi Poppy and welcome to the board. You will find much caring and support from the wonderful members here.
I have nothing else to say about the problem that you are having since everyone else has given you top notch advice about it. Just wanted to welcome you and say hi!