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PhyllisNJoe
My Box Is Broken
Member since 6/11 9145 total posts
Name:
Phyllis
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BCP at 40+ ?
TMI
Since turning 40 (literally the month I turned 40, AF became heavy w/large clots. It’s still fairly regular. 26-30 days. Painful and heavy. Really terrible. Can’t leave the house for more than an hour or so kinda terrible. I saw my OBGYN last month to talk about it. He offered BCP. Says it’s best bet. My endo may be out of control and with my age, it’s something that happens to some women. There are other reasons why I’m not ready for BCP but one medical reason is the concern for health problems that come with using BC as an older woman.
How many of you are on bcp at this age or older? Which one are you on? Any ways to combat the possible health concerns related ?
I would go on and take them continuously - to get a period quarterly.
Thanks
ETA: I had bloodwork and I’m getting a pelvic sono at the end of AF to check lining and look for any irregularities. So he’s not just putting me on bcp without checking for other stuff
Message edited 10/24/2017 12:22:33 PM.
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Posted 10/24/17 12:21 PM  |
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lorich
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Member since 6/05 9987 total posts
Name:
Grammie says "Lora Gina"
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Re: BCP at 40+ ?
Sadly what you're experiencing I've had my entire life...and it's progressively gotten worse as I age. I'm 41.
I won't go on BCP because I'm ultra sensitive to estrogen. On the lowest dose I cry 24/7 
I'm interested to see what your scans show and if he gives you any other alternatives. If you wouldn't mind, please share here or if you're more comfortable please FM me.
Currently my options are:
- Hormonal IUD - no estrogen here thankyouverymuch
- Lysteda - which has done nothing for me.
- NovaSure - I was actually scheduled to have this procedure done, but decided against it.
- Partial Hysterectomy - last resort.
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| Posted 10/24/17 1:45 PM |
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PhyllisNJoe
My Box Is Broken
Member since 6/11 9145 total posts
Name:
Phyllis
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Re: BCP at 40+ ?
Posted by lorich
Sadly what you're experiencing I've had my entire life...and it's progressively gotten worse as I age. I'm 41.
I won't go on BCP because I'm ultra sensitive to estrogen. On the lowest dose I cry 24/7
I'm interested to see what your scans show and if he gives you any other alternatives. If you wouldn't mind, please share here or if you're more comfortable please FM me.
Currently my options are:
- Hormonal IUD - no estrogen here thankyouverymuch
- Lysteda - which has done nothing for me.
- NovaSure - I was actually scheduled to have this procedure done, but decided against it.
- Partial Hysterectomy - last resort.
I will definitely update when I know more. I’m so sorry you suffer like this and all the time! I don’t know how I’ve gone through the last 4 months like this. It’s all too much. I was on the pill a lifetime ago and never had bad side effects so I’m hoping the same holds true now. But bodies change so who knows.
One of the reasons he’s checking me out and watches me a little closer is because my sister had endometrial cancer at 49. She started with the heavy horrible periods in her mid 40s. Biopsy every year Bc her lining was always thick and she refused BcP. Then her last biopsy showed cancer and she needed a full hysterectomy. We’ve were tested for all genes linked to pretty much any cancer (due to my uncle and 1st cousin being BRCA1 & 2+ ) and we don’t carry any.
But I will definitely update as I know more. I’m just nervous about BCP at 40+
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| Posted 10/24/17 1:58 PM |
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lorich
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Member since 6/05 9987 total posts
Name:
Grammie says "Lora Gina"
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Re: BCP at 40+ ?
Posted by PhyllisNJoe
I will definitely update when I know more. I’m so sorry you suffer like this and all the time! I don’t know how I’ve gone through the last 4 months like this. It’s all too much. I was on the pill a lifetime ago and never had bad side effects so I’m hoping the same holds true now. But bodies change so who knows.
One of the reasons he’s checking me out and watches me a little closer is because my sister had endometrial cancer at 49. She started with the heavy horrible periods in her mid 40s. Biopsy every year Bc her lining was always thick and she refused BcP. Then her last biopsy showed cancer and she needed a full hysterectomy. We’ve were tested for all genes linked to pretty much any cancer (due to my uncle and 1st cousin being BRCA1 & 2+ ) and we don’t carry any.
But I will definitely update as I know more. I’m just nervous about BCP at 40+
I'm so sorry to read this about your sister. I'm glad she got the full hysterectomy and is cancer free.
Hoping everything is ok with you and BCP is the answer you need to stop this. It's a nightmare!
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| Posted 10/24/17 2:04 PM |
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Mrs-D-Girl
Love my fur baby
Member since 8/07 5183 total posts
Name:
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Re: BCP at 40+ ?
I am 42 and still on BCP. My doctor says it's totally fine, I don't have heavy periods and never really had any health issues related (Knock on wood).
Part of me wants to stop it, figuring I have been on them since I was like 18, but at the same time I do like that I get my periods at the same time every month and they are not heavy.
I tried going on a low estrogen one and I hated it!! Didn't work for me, was a beotch and didn't feel myself. I am on Tri-Phasel? something like that &n have been forever.
I keep telling my Husband to get snipped, he looks at me like I have 10 heads 
Message edited 10/25/2017 10:24:30 AM.
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| Posted 10/25/17 10:22 AM |
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PhyllisNJoe
My Box Is Broken
Member since 6/11 9145 total posts
Name:
Phyllis
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Re: BCP at 40+ ?
Posted by lorich
Sadly what you're experiencing I've had my entire life...and it's progressively gotten worse as I age. I'm 41.
I won't go on BCP because I'm ultra sensitive to estrogen. On the lowest dose I cry 24/7
I'm interested to see what your scans show and if he gives you any other alternatives. If you wouldn't mind, please share here or if you're more comfortable please FM me.
Currently my options are:
- Hormonal IUD - no estrogen here thankyouverymuch
- Lysteda - which has done nothing for me.
- NovaSure - I was actually scheduled to have this procedure done, but decided against it.
- Partial Hysterectomy - last resort.
Ultrasound only showed 1cm fibroid and my lining was only 0.3 (within normal limits at cycle day 6) So , it’s not anything physically wrong with my uterus. I’m waiting on the blood results to see what hormones show.
After talking to my friends, I have decided if everything medically checks out, before starting birth control, I’m gonna try acupuncture. I figure it can’t hurt to try that first.
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| Posted 10/29/17 10:57 PM |
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busymomonli
Resident Insomniac
Member since 4/13 2050 total posts
Name:
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BCP at 40+ ?
I am 47 and still on them. My doctor says it is keeping my perimenopause symptoms away. She also said that many women have an "oops" pregnancy at this age, so I was better off staying on it. She said she would like to keep me on until 51.
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| Posted 11/2/17 4:06 PM |
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lorich
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Member since 6/05 9987 total posts
Name:
Grammie says "Lora Gina"
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Re: BCP at 40+ ?
Posted by PhyllisNJoe
Ultrasound only showed 1cm fibroid and my lining was only 0.3 (within normal limits at cycle day 6) So , it’s not anything physically wrong with my uterus. I’m waiting on the blood results to see what hormones show.
After talking to my friends, I have decided if everything medically checks out, before starting birth control, I’m gonna try acupuncture. I figure it can’t hurt to try that first.
Great news that your uterus is healthy!
I'd be interested to hear about your hormone levels. I don't think my doctor has ever tested that and I've lived with this my entire life.
I think acupuncture is a great idea.
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| Posted 11/13/17 11:32 AM |
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PhyllisNJoe
My Box Is Broken
Member since 6/11 9145 total posts
Name:
Phyllis
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Re: BCP at 40+ ?
Posted by lorich
Posted by PhyllisNJoe
Ultrasound only showed 1cm fibroid and my lining was only 0.3 (within normal limits at cycle day 6) So , it’s not anything physically wrong with my uterus. I’m waiting on the blood results to see what hormones show.
After talking to my friends, I have decided if everything medically checks out, before starting birth control, I’m gonna try acupuncture. I figure it can’t hurt to try that first.
Great news that your uterus is healthy!
I'd be interested to hear about your hormone levels. I don't think my doctor has ever tested that and I've lived with this my entire life.
I think acupuncture is a great idea.
Blood work was all within normal limits. So it’s literally just a change in my cycle - probably because I am 40.
Acupuncture starts this Thursday. I can’t wait.
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| Posted 11/13/17 8:50 PM |
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Kate
*****
Member since 5/05 7557 total posts
Name:
Kate
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BCP at 40+ ?
Interesting post. I’ve been on Ortho Tri Cyclen since my 20’s and I love it. At my last annual, my OB/GYN says I need to stop because I’m 40 and it’s too much estrogen. I’m upset about stopping, and I keep hearing about people staying on the pill until they are 50.
Message edited 11/30/2017 4:30:54 PM.
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| Posted 11/29/17 4:27 PM |
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Mrs-D-Girl
Love my fur baby
Member since 8/07 5183 total posts
Name:
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Re: BCP at 40+ ?
I am on the same one, always been and my doctor has never mentioned a risk of staying on it.
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| Posted 11/30/17 4:05 PM |
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Mrs-D-Girl
Love my fur baby
Member since 8/07 5183 total posts
Name:
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Re: BCP at 40+ ?
Posted by Kate
Interesting post. I’ve been on Ortho Tri Cyclen since my 30’s and I love it. At my last annual, my OB/GYN says I need to stop because I’m 40 and it’s too much estrogen. I’m upset about stopping, and I keep hearing about people staying on the pill until they are 50.
I meant to reply to you but wrote below 
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| Posted 11/30/17 4:06 PM |
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Kate
*****
Member since 5/05 7557 total posts
Name:
Kate
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Re: BCP at 40+ ?
Posted by Mrs-D-Girl
Posted by Kate
Interesting post. I’ve been on Ortho Tri Cyclen since my 30’s and I love it. At my last annual, my OB/GYN says I need to stop because I’m 40 and it’s too much estrogen. I’m upset about stopping, and I keep hearing about people staying on the pill until they are 50.
I meant to reply to you but wrote below
Thank you!
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| Posted 11/30/17 4:31 PM |
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PhyllisNJoe
My Box Is Broken
Member since 6/11 9145 total posts
Name:
Phyllis
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Re: BCP at 40+ ?
Small update:
I have been to 3 acupuncture appointments. AF came 5 days after my first one and I had a session while I had it.
I have to say.. It was less painful, lasted 2 days less and was only heavy 1 day! I'm hoping that with my next AF, it's better.
Problem with this is acupuncture is $240 a month and BCP is what.. $20? So I don't know how long I will do this. I'm hoping to get AF to a better place and then stop acu and see if it automatically goes back OR stays lighter for a bit.
We'll see
Will update again soon
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| Posted 12/1/17 3:36 PM |
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hmm
Sweet
Member since 1/14 7993 total posts
Name:
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Re: BCP at 40+ ?
Posted by PhyllisNJoe
Small update:
I have been to 3 acupuncture appointments. AF came 5 days after my first one and I had a session while I had it.
I have to say.. It was less painful, lasted 2 days less and was only heavy 1 day! I'm hoping that with my next AF, it's better.
Problem with this is acupuncture is $240 a month and BCP is what.. $20? So I don't know how long I will do this. I'm hoping to get AF to a better place and then stop acu and see if it automatically goes back OR stays lighter for a bit.
We'll see
Will update again soon
not sure where you live, but if you not far from Syosset there is holistic school and they have a GYN clinic. The cost is less then what your paying. I went during IF treatments due to the cost. my FSH lowered.
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| Posted 12/1/17 9:15 PM |
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PhyllisNJoe
My Box Is Broken
Member since 6/11 9145 total posts
Name:
Phyllis
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Re: BCP at 40+ ?
Posted by hmm
Posted by PhyllisNJoe
Small update:
I have been to 3 acupuncture appointments. AF came 5 days after my first one and I had a session while I had it.
I have to say.. It was less painful, lasted 2 days less and was only heavy 1 day! I'm hoping that with my next AF, it's better.
Problem with this is acupuncture is $240 a month and BCP is what.. $20? So I don't know how long I will do this. I'm hoping to get AF to a better place and then stop acu and see if it automatically goes back OR stays lighter for a bit.
We'll see
Will update again soon
not sure where you live, but if you not far from Syosset there is holistic school and they have a GYN clinic. The cost is less then what your paying. I went during IF treatments due to the cost. my FSH lowered.
I’m in islip. Convenience is a big part of this too because I go to a place in Babylon But thank you
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| Posted 12/3/17 10:05 AM |
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hmm
Sweet
Member since 1/14 7993 total posts
Name:
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Re: BCP at 40+ ?
Posted by PhyllisNJoe
Posted by hmm
Posted by PhyllisNJoe
Small update:
I have been to 3 acupuncture appointments. AF came 5 days after my first one and I had a session while I had it.
I have to say.. It was less painful, lasted 2 days less and was only heavy 1 day! I'm hoping that with my next AF, it's better.
Problem with this is acupuncture is $240 a month and BCP is what.. $20? So I don't know how long I will do this. I'm hoping to get AF to a better place and then stop acu and see if it automatically goes back OR stays lighter for a bit.
We'll see
Will update again soon
not sure where you live, but if you not far from Syosset there is holistic school and they have a GYN clinic. The cost is less then what your paying. I went during IF treatments due to the cost. my FSH lowered.
I’m in islip. Convenience is a big part of this too because I go to a place in Babylon But thank you
you're most welcome
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| Posted 12/3/17 10:30 AM |
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busymomonli
Resident Insomniac
Member since 4/13 2050 total posts
Name:
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Re: BCP at 40+ ?
Posted by PhyllisNJoe
Small update:
I have been to 3 acupuncture appointments. AF came 5 days after my first one and I had a session while I had it.
I have to say.. It was less painful, lasted 2 days less and was only heavy 1 day! I'm hoping that with my next AF, it's better.
Problem with this is acupuncture is $240 a month and BCP is what.. $20? So I don't know how long I will do this. I'm hoping to get AF to a better place and then stop acu and see if it automatically goes back OR stays lighter for a bit.
We'll see
Will update again soon
Birth control pills are actually free now.
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| Posted 12/6/17 1:58 PM |
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PhyllisNJoe
My Box Is Broken
Member since 6/11 9145 total posts
Name:
Phyllis
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Re: BCP at 40+ ?
Another update:
So far it Seems the acupuncture is really helping me. On CD3 of AF and it was a little heavy in the afternoon for a few hours but other then that, normal flow. It’s like a miracle ! Lol
I’m going to try and go to every other week and hope to still have this benefit.
But so far so good !
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| Posted 12/18/17 10:42 PM |
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PhyllisNJoe
My Box Is Broken
Member since 6/11 9145 total posts
Name:
Phyllis
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Re: BCP at 40+ ?
Another update:
First AF without acupuncture and it was definitely not as bad as its been! Maybe it helped my body regulate for a more "normal" AF? It was still heavy CD3. But nothing compared to what it's been since summer.
Going to wait on the Birth Control being that AF is becoming less horrific. But if it starts up again, I may have no choice.
To anyone else suffering, it may be worth it to try acupuncture for a couple months and see if it does anything. It was expensive (which is why I had to stop and see if it helped) but definitely worth it (so far)
Message edited 1/17/2018 1:13:39 PM.
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| Posted 1/17/18 1:13 PM |
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