Question:
Birth Control

Hi all! My name is Crystal, I had the Lap RNY back in 08/03. I am currently having a hell of a time with PMS...I am 35, soon to be 36. Could some of you give me some insight to if you are on Birth Control, or anything? I have been on Zoloft, but my tummy cannot tolerate it now...It did help with my mood swings..But now my periods are fluctuating every month, i think i need to be on the pill to regulate them. I do go to my DR on Tuesday, any advice would help...I would like to know what birth control you are taking, and if it helps, does it make you nausea? Thank you......    — lippyblonde2000 (posted on September 10, 2006)

September 10, 2006
I am currently on depoprovera injections. I get them every three months & have no periods at all. I like this benefit & don't experience any side effects, but I have heard this is not for everyone.
   — Amy M.

September 10, 2006
I was just about to say the same thing as person above. The depo shot is great. No periods or PMS at all, unless you are late in getting the shot. Some people tend to gain weight due to water retention. Good Luck! Bobby Jean
   — roberta45

September 10, 2006
I have PCOS and needed to go back on birth control to manage my periods. My doctor suggested NuvaRing and I've been using it successfully since then. It's great for me because I'm allergic to adhesive so the birth control patch isn't an option. I don't have to worry about malabsorption issues as I would with an oral contraceptive, and it's so easy to use. I just insert one and forget about it for three weeks, then I remove it and have a period. You should definitely discuss all of the options with your PCP or gyne, but it helps to do some research on the options before you go. Best wishes for health and happiness.
   — djfoz

September 11, 2006
I would suggest staying away from Depo or any kind of long term shot or implant (or saving as a last resort treatment) because if you happen to have a bad reaction to it or it causes unwanted side effects, you can't just stop it and have to deal with it for 3 months or til it wears off. If you're not good with remembering to take pills, the nuva ring or ortho evra patch are great alternatives. If you are looking for something to eliminate pre-menstrual mood swings, there are lots of alternatives to Zoloft. There is a version of Prozac that is meant specifically for women who have severe PMS. If you haven't been to a gyn lately, you might want to go get a check up--it might be helpful to have your hormone levels checked to see what is causing the fluctuations (your PCP can also order hormone checking blood tests). Good luck to you!
   — mrsidknee

September 11, 2006
I am on the Depo Provera shot and absolutely love it. I am 4 years post-op. I had a baby 7 months ago, and I tried the patch, but I have been on the Depo for several years and I guess I am spoiled about not having any periods. I also like the fact I only have to get a shot every three months.
   — raye