Going off the pill at 50

Hi Cindy,
I'm sure being on the pill all those years might cause you to never have "normal" hormones before menopause sets in.
If I were your doctor, I would, at some point, do a transvaginal ultrasound, to check the thickness of your uterine lining.

My feelings about hormones are that when you make a change, you need to wait at least 2 months to see what its going to be like on or off them. But also, since you've been on BC so long, I think it might take alot longer for your body to adjust.....since you will probably be going through perimenopause too.......which will really confuse the issue.
Sorry I can't advise you about the cream, but since people usually have a progesterone deficiency, I would say you are safe continuing to use it.
I think its going to be a rough ride for you for awhile, while your hormones try to stabilize. Not to scare you, but my hormones have been trying to stabilize for about 10 years.
If you have too rough a ride, maybe your doc would consider putting you on a patch. My doc said that patches are smoother, and they can be cut into smaller patches, while you're trying to come off them.
Good luck Cindy. Its not easy being a woman!

Thanks Catherinet for answering me. So far I'm not having to bad of a time of it. The hot flashes and night sweats are tolerable. I worry about my blood pressure the most since If it doesn't come down soon I will have to bite the bullet and go on high blood pressure medicine (they said going off the pill would lower it). I just ended my 2nd month with no period and I can live with that also I just wasn't clear on if I should still use the progesterone cream during the 3rd month. I personally don't think it would hurt and it might just be helping me cope with the hormone im-balance issue.

Thanks
Cindy57

Cindy, I'm 51 and in a similar situation, but my experience has been completely different from yours! At least you seem to be actually going through menopause.

After more than 30 years on birth control pills, my Dr. took me off them because I've developed hypertension, as you have. Trouble is, I'm STILL not menopausal, as far as I can tell. I started my period a month to the day after going off the pills! Dr. had scheduled me to get a lab test to check my hormone levels, but I'm waiting for a callback from her to see whether this is necessary. I don't know whether the period was due to "leftover" pill hormones in my system or what.

Dr. says there's extremely little chance of my becoming pregnant at my age, but that I should use OTC contraceptives for now - so I'm using the sponge. (Easy to insert, by the way, but not so easy to remove!) DH says he'll get a vasectomy if his insurance will pay for it.

Hmm. Makes me wonder what the record is for latest menopause. My Dad says my late Mom didn't go through it until her mid-50s. I hope I won't have to wait until I'm 60.

As Danny Glover said in a different context, "I'm too OLD for this S%#t!"

Well, I just heard from my Dr, and she says that I'm definitely not menopausal yet, and that I can go back on the pill as long as my Primary Care professional keeps monitoring my blood pressure and it remains normal while on my medication. So, here we go again ...

Hi Cecilia thanks for writing me and letting me know your situation with going off the pill. I'm in the middle of my 3rd month and still no period. I haven't taken the natural progesterone for the last week and a half and hot flashes and night sweats are worse. I also have a problem with vaginal dryness that is starting to flare up so yes it looks like i'm perimenapausal/menapausal. Took my blood pressure a week and a half ago and it is still high 148/82. It was 158/95 while on the pill. It's come down some and I'm giving it till the end of this month before going on blood pressure meds. I am confused you said you were asked to go off the pill because of hypertension how high was your blood pressure? I would think at your age and with hypertension with or without menopause symptoms they would make you stay off. Yes the pill was definately masking my menapause symptoms lucky for me drat this high blood pressure.........

Cindy57

Hey Cecilia I forgot to mention birth control. What a bother. We have tried the sponge, condom, film, foam and jelly and I liked the foam the best until it started burning after awile. Now using the jelly. Being on the pill I never thought much in the last 30 years about contraception just to make sure I took that little pill every night. I know it's unlikely for someone my age to get pregnant but whoa not me not now my husband and I are talking about buying a retirement home in the next 5 years not about putting another kid through college.

Cindy

Hi Cindy,

Have you checked your BP at home? Many of us get "whitecoat syndrome" at the doc's and it doesn't reflect our usual BP.
I would definitely try other ways of lowering my BP before going on meds. Some people are really sensitive to salt and can bring their BP down just by backing of the salt. Also......how's your weight? Losing weight can bring it down too.
There can be side-effects to BP medicine that you might not like. Personally, I would try the other methods first.
You were on the pill a long time. Since your BP isn't dangerously high right now, I would give it more time, while doing some of the other things (including more excercise).
I got hypertensive during perimenopause and was put on a beta blocker. After 5 years on it, I decided to come off, since my BP was doing okay. It took my heart months to quit racing. So I would really try the other things first.
Some women miss several periods, then have a big one. This can go on a long time. Chances are, your endometrial lining is building up with blood and just not letting it go. I think you would be fine to use the progesterone cream.

Hey Catherinet thanks for writing back. Well apparently my blood pressure has been high for several months even years. Because I'm thin 125lbs and 5 7' my internest let me stay on the pill not realizing my blood pressure was high. It seems her nurse couldn't read/hear my blood pressure right because of my thinness. It wasn't until I was having female problems and went to a Gyn Dr that It was discovered. Around that time i also had an carotid artery ultrasound and was told it was high. I went to a surgeon for my carotid artery and was told it was high a few months later i gave blood and was told it was high, I went to several pharmacies and took pressure on machines and it was high. I went back to GYN and it was still high that's when she told me to go off the pill asap. I was floored I had all these people tell me it was high and it just didn't click with being on the pill. Went back to my Internest and nurse took it everything ok then got the doctor in and it was high she took it on both arms that's when we discovered I really had high blood pressure and her nurse was reading it wrong.

cindy

Hi Catherinet, I was reading what I wrote previously and noticed lots of words spelled wrong and choppy sentences. Just wanted you to know that I wrote that early this morning before work. I only had 5 minutes to gather my thoughts and write. Anyway thank you again for making me feel better. I agree that my body is messed up and I just need to give it time, let the pill get out of my system.
The problem is my doctor knows that I have a family history of heart disease and with my unexplained 50% blockage in both carotid arteries (no plaque build up) I don't know how long I will be able to fend her off from making me take blood pressure medicine. I started back on the progesterone cream last night it just seems to help with the hot flashes and night sweats they are starting to get to me and I have only been living with it for 2 1/2 months no wonder my friend and sister both are taking hrt they both said they couldn't deal with it anymore.

Thanks again for your advice, I'm off to the vitamin store for more cream.

Cindy

Very interesting ladies,am going thru similar things myself.Am 50,been on pill over 30yrs,have had high blood pressure since i was 30 and been on medication for that.My BP sometimes goes as high as 210 ova 110 for no apparent reason so of course have been advised to go off the pill,have only been off 4 days now and dont know what to expect.Already not feeling great.As for menopause have felt like i've been going thru it for 2yrs but blood tests dont pick that up till i've been off pill for 2mths.Really dont know what to expect and alittle worried.Must say the whole thing is abit sucky.Good luck ladies.

Turning 50 next month and been on/off the pill over 30 years. Thinking of going off the pill after my 50th birthday. I am glad to read all your comments above to give me some kind of general idea as to what to expect.

HI GALS, i am 47 and recently got off the pill after being on since i was 20. off twice to have my 2 kids. i went off this march and have not had my period yet. i know i'm having the peri symptoms, hot flashes and did have one night i woke up drenched. just lovely!!! all i can think about is , Lord it would be scary to get pregnant now that both kids are grown and gone. thanks to all you laides for describing what i've gone through. i also had elevated blood pressure so was told getting off the pill would help. it did. its back to the norm now. i get phantom perids as someone else deseribed them as. i get cramps just like i'm about the get a period and then no period. just waiting around to get a one. seems sooooo strange after all these years.

I went off the pill at 47 or so because I have high cholesterol and cannot take statins and am overweight so would be stroke risk. I also have hormonal migraines. My blood pressure went up and stayed up. I never had high blood pressure. I avoided blood pressure pills for over a year before giving up and taking them. I'm on a beta blocker (Atenolol) now as the calcium channel blocker (Lisinopril) gave me even more migraines.

13 months ago, my doctor, told me to go off the pill for no real reason except that I was 53. She did an FSH test and decided i was perimenopausal. Within one month I was right back to my somewhat, unpredictable cycle that I had lived with for years before going on the pill at 48 years of age. I am fed up with the not knowing when it's going to happen...I've had 11 periods in the past year and because I have no warning signs (didn't have them before either), I have returned to having my clothes ruined as a result of the accidents, not to mention the odd embarrassing situation. I didn't start my periods till I was 32 (there was no medical reason for the delay - just my body and how it wants to work). When I contacted my doctor's office to renew (reinstate) my prescription (which is a low-dose form), she refused. I am sure I am still ovulating and at this age absolutely do not want any surprise children (I don't have any and don't want any - neither does my partner). I don't smoke and have no other health issues; eat healthy, etc. I finally managed to get an appointment with my doctor and will be giving her one chance to hear me out. I travel a fair bit and have a very busy life (not stressful - just very busy) and having to worry about unpredictable accidents is not something I need. Guess I just thought I'd share my own experience. I do hope that just because I didn't start my periods til I was in my 30s; that I don't have to wait till I'm in my 80s to go thru menopause! haha

hey gals, It took 6 months after quitting the pill, but i finally got a period. i really thought it was DONE. guess it really does take quite some time for our bodies to adjust to such a major change after so many years on the pill. we'll see how this goes.

FYI....being on the pill you have a 1% chance of getting pregnant, being OFF the pill at age 50 you have less than a 1% chance of getting pregnant (your eggs are no longer good and without IVF, almost impossible for you to become pregnant. NO GYN would want a woman in her late 40's who has hypertension to be on birth control...VERY HIGH risk of stroke! As far as being on the pill to regulate your cycle, deal with it...wear a pad, you don't want to increase your risk of stroke/death to just be able to determine when you will get your period. I am 47 and on a low dose pill for high blood pressure and have just gone off the pill (about 6 weeks ago, still no period and yes, I too have been getting the hot flashes and night sweats, but I can deal with it.

wow I can't believe I started this thread almost 6 years ago. So much has changed in that time. I went on HBP meds and am still on them along with medication for high cholesterol. I finally got a period 9 months after discontinuing birth control pills. I went the next 4 years only having one period every 11 months. My husband and I gave up on practicing safe sex and trusted the dr. that I wouldn't get pregnant.

I am now into my 2nd year of not having a period at all. My hot flashes and night sweats were tolerable but the vaginal atrophy was unbearable and for the last 5 years I have been using estrace cream then estring and now femring which i really love. My hf & ns are controlled by femring (I am so enjoying that!).

I think the down side of me being on the pill for 30 years is exactly what catherinet mentioned so many years ago in her posts above. My uterine wall has thickened and now I need a biopsy and d&c to take care of it. (there is the scare of Cancer, so hoping biopsy is normal).

So would I do it again and stay on the pill that long? I don't think so. I have already cautioned my 30 year old daughter not to do it. Going off after being on for so many years threw me for a loop and I wish I could have experienced perimenapause /menapause at a much slower pace lol

I have been off my seasonal bc pill for about 15 days at the age of 52 after taking some type of pill for 31 years, with no pregnancies. I have no idea what to expect. I have recently developed high blood pressure and also have developed IBS supposedly but also my doctor found DPL which are benign tumors on my stomach lining due to years of being on bc pills which may be the reason for my stomach discomfort not IBS. Anyone out there with similar circumstances? I would love to hear from you.

I am about to turn 41, My doctor recommended I get off the pill since Ive been on them since I was 20 years old. My blood pressure is good, I am overweight and feel like my hormones are all over the place, I was tested and he said I am not in menopause. I also have been taking prozac for about 6-7 years for pmdd. (severe pms) I am tired of putting all this crap in my body and worried of the long term effects. Before going on the pill my periods were very painful, but basically regular give or take a few days. I want to stop because I want my body to adjust to being normal before I go into manaupause I also would like to get off the prozac just to see what a normal me feels like. Im kinda scared to make the switch. What do you think?

Hi, I stumbled across this post while trying to improve my garden, lol. I thought I would add my experience and may also be going off the pill when I'm 50, because I am thinking of going on it now. I'm overall healthy, stress free, happily married, great life, don't take any medication. I am 48, in perimenopause, which makes you feel like you are loosing your mind. My last year of periods have been anywhere from 20 to 49 days apart. Heavy, crampy for a few years. I feel like I am in reverse puberty, used to be a 28 day person. Back to bleeding thru the jeans, keeping a stash of "period only" panties. My moodiness was driving my husband crazy, he thinks I ignore him, when really I just kind of zone out and loose focus- then I get snappy when he asks me if something is wrong. Another wonderful symptom along with thinning hair too. Now that we have talked about it and I have been to the doctor, he is very understanding.

I suspect I had 2 incidences last year of what could have been uterus migraines, as I had sudden cramps, so intense it caused me to vomit. This happened twice about a week apart, during one of my extreme long/short cycles. I had an abdominal ultrasound, and another vaginal one, and they showed no irregularities! I am thankful. So for the last 8 months its been a mystery. I can only guess that it must be related to perimenopause.

I decided to get a prescription for a low-estrin pill to calm my symptoms. She checked my thyroid and its also normal. I hate even taking advils, but for years it has been my best friend every a month. This to my Dr. was very significant, and to me a last resort, like a desperate attempt, because I am so fed up. She knows its not typical for me to take any kind of meds. I took them at 18, went off to have 1 child, then continued till i was 35. My husband has a vasectomy, I have had no need to think about bc. I am sure it would fix my irregular periods, cramping, since you cannot disconnect your period from you hormones. I have tried to laugh it off as much as possible, but it wont improve your brain focus. I'm concerned with the long-term of taking them for a few years, then when I hit my 50's, how it will transition to menopause. So far, I have chickened out on going back on them, thinking maybe I will wait one more cycle to see if anything changes. I dread the thought that I could have those strange cramps again. I keep a prescription of Zofran just in case it happens again and I am away from home, because once the vomiting starts you cant stop it.

Hi tmnsaa, you sound just like me, 49, in perimenopause, moody, thought I was loosing my mind, etc. went to my obgyn and was prescribed a low dose birth control pill to 'even out my hormones'. I had previously taken the pill in my twenties and in my mid thirties switched to an IUD. Anyway , after exactly 2 months and 3 days on the pill, I ended up in the ER with pulmonary embolism (blood clots) in both lungs. had genetic testing done, and don't have any risk factors... nobody in my family had embolisms, I don't smoke, am not overweight,.... the only thing that changed was the birth control pills. I'm now on blood thinners for at least 3-6 months, and am very lucky to have survived without any apparent bad damage. to make the story short, please try more natural alternatives first, taking the pill at our age can be deadly. No bad mood, grumpiness, and annoyed husband is worth risking your life for.

Hey there thesonjas ,

First off, I am so sorry to hear of the ER visit, thank you for sharing the experience. I have been seeking options, increasing exercise,eating healthier non inflammatory foods. I could not bring myself to take them especially now after I read your post, I am glad that I did not. I think that over the years I have become sensitive to things, its possible that I could easily be one of those risks. I was supposed to start them weeks ago when period was at 28 day mark.-still haven't started- another long cycle, probably causing myself more stress over those pills. You are so right, my husband has been amazingly understanding. I have had friends tell me to try everything from yamcream to promensil.and menstrual cups! All thru last year I started these symptoms, and during it, I did not know what was going on right under my nose, now looking back at the big picture, I see the need to for taking time to really listen to your body and trust your intuition.

Hi Everyone! I have also been off the pill now for 6 months. After taking it for 20 years. Im 56 and have not had a cycle in these 6 months. I also have high blood pressure but have been on meds and its under control.

This has been the worst 6 months ever! Ive gained 25 lbs. having short term memory loss, can't sleep and having hot flashes. And my skin is starting to age more. Im going to the Dr this week and going back on the pill. Maybe a low dose Not sure but I felt mush better on the pill. More and More Drs are saying its safe for as long as you need it and actually is good for many health reason including looking younger.

Sarah

Thank you for this discussion. There really is no information out there on this subject.

I quit birth control after 31 years (age 46) without a break. I was a bit scared at the thought of menstruating - very light to non-existant periods on the pill. I've been off for six months now and so far so good.

I have experienced spotting that runs approximately 24 days..... I'm thinking I may be in perimenopause. No "real" period yet, but this is good.

No mood swings, although I was always emotionally steady throughout my cycle as an adolescent.

No hot flashes or other symptoms of menopause other that a shorter cycle with my faux spotty period.

If I get a "real" period, I'll post an update. I could not find information as to how long this might last on the web. Not worth going to a doctor for since I'm not sick and it is a pleasant side effect.

I have been off the pill for 7 days now after being on the pill for the last 20 years. I am 50 years old and my doctor told me that I must go off the pill at age 50 due to high risk of stroke, blood clots etc. I was terrified of doing this and still am but I am trying to get my head around it - that I am allowing my body to go back to its natural state. I too took the pill to stabilise my mood and to keep me "sane" as I have suffered from extreme mood swings and depression when not on the pill.

However I know my body has been going through peri-menopause for the last 3-4 years as I have suffered mild night sweats and sleeping problems during this time even when on the pill. In the last 7 days I feel as if I am going to get my period any moment as I feel bloated and crampy all through my abdomen, weird pains that I don't usually get. I went on the mini-pill 18 months ago and I bled constantly for 6 weeks. I had to beg my doctor to give me the full strength pill prescription again.

I'm hoping the same thing is not going to happen now I am off the pill "cold turkey". In the last 7 days I have noticed I am sweating every night in bed, in varying degrees of discomfort and it is waking me up every hour or so. I'm a little worried about how I am going to cope with this menopause thing in all honesty and I have warned my husband, daughter and the people I work with (even the guys) to be aware that anything could happen!

Hi girls,

I am 51 years old and have been on the pill for 30 years. The first 3 to 4 weeks off the pill was rough but tolerable. My sleep pattern was horrible. Could fall asleep but couldn't stay asleep. I got hot flashes and night sweats and the air conditioner just couldn't get cold enough for my liking.. HaHa. Anyway, after 2 months now off the pill going on my 3rd month. I still have not gotten my period. I'm ok with that. However, I still have discomfort in my lower abdomen and bloatness (if that's a word) and I feel like I'm going to get it but I don't. Also, I have soreness I feel like its coming from the inside of my vagina or its a urinary tract infection but it doesn't burn when I urinate. I have no idea what that is. Anyway, we are in this together and we will get thru this. Thanks for all the comments, I feel somewhat normal now and know its NOT just me going thru this alone. :)

Vanessa, I can't thank you enough for your post! I am 52 and have been on the pill for about 30 years (off three times for a year at a time while pregnant). I have been off for a little over a month. No period yet. The unknown is making me crazy! My symptoms are exactly as you stated and I am so happy that someone else feels the same way I do. I am seriously bloated in my lower abdomen and breasts. I think I have gained about 4 pounds!! The soreness and UT feelings you describe are happening to me. I am very moody too. I feel like if I would just get my period, I would feel so much better. I have no idea what to expect and I am already tired of feeling so crummy. It really helps that maybe this is normal? Thank you. Keep me posted.

Hey Vanessa and Mary!! ALL perimenopause symptoms!! As a nutritionist, I firmly believe that ALL diseases and symptoms occur from our gut out; gut brain axis. Dysbiosis, plaque in our bellies from toxins, stops proper nutritional absorption and hormonal imbalances rise. I went through menopause at 50, so many of you may not bleed again; this may be the start of your menopause journey!! Try eating oats now and then to clear the digestive tract and keep cholesterol down. Yogurt is good for the gut and blueberries for the mind. Cut back on sugars to decrease cravings; and for those of you battling high blood pressure, try eating a piece, 1oz., of dark chocolate daily!!! YES, chocolate; but DARK NOT MILK!! Dark chocolate has a higher rate of cocoa, which drops bp rates!! Good luck to you all!! It gets better!! Dr. Jennifer Kunz.

Thank you for the advice! The journey goes on...

Wow the original post was almost 9 years ago! I am 48 years old, had taken oral contraceptives for the last 30 years with only short periods of time off of them. I've now been off of them for three weeks and have incredible bloating with lower abdominal tenderness and aching. I'm sure I will get through this! But it really feels miserable right now. Thank you for keeping this thread going. We are all in this together!

I was miserable off of the pill and have had all kind of negative symptoms I'm 56 and I've gone back on the pill and feel better than I have in a long time. I think my body needs the hormones and some doctor say it's completely safe because their formulated different than they were years ago, happy to be back on the pill and feeling myself again

Ladies, Please! Please! do not be taking the pill after 50!

I was on birth control pill for 20 years straight and 6 months ago I almost lost my life to the birth control pill and being 50! It caused a DVT in my lower leg that gave me two large Pulmonary Embolisms (blood clots) in each lung, and at any second they could have reached my heart or brain and my life would have been over and me leaving my husband and two kids!! Its not safe as we get older with the hormones in the pill. I was on a very low dose too. I knew about a year ago from signs I was pre-menopausal but still on the pill. once I was forced off it I have not had a period in 6 months and have gone through the mini hot flashes, broken sleep and breaking out like I'm 15 (which I never broke out as a teen) And now at 6 months still no period but Im just now experiencing pain in my ovaries like i'm ovulating, its truly maddening all these symptoms and my own Doctor can't give me the run down until I have my yearly which I scheduled to have in two weeks. I am a true advocate that the pill is life threatening and I am truly blessed to be here today! Please ladies talk about this with your doctor!!! Your Doctor should not be prescribing the birth control pill after the age of 45!!!

L Monty, THANK YOU!! It is so hard to get many women to realize the dangers. Sarah, please don't take the risk!! Your doctor may be getting funded by the company making your bc, so he is not shy about putting women on them!! Calcium with D can help control the IBS symptoms, as will a little walking or yoga; zinc will tighten skin. Add turmeric and curry to foods to help with weight and turmeric is loaded with curcumin, which is good for the mind. Put Noxema on breakouts and let dry. This will surface a head that can then be shaved off; don't squeeze or it may leave a mole appearance if done wrong. For facial hair, pluck rather than shave. Plucking pulls from the root and will eventually stop the growth. For brown age spots, top with apple cider vinegar daily to get rid of them!! Sarah, please try natural remedies before taking the risk!! Sex is safe after 50, any eggs left are generally dead and the hormonal imbalance and symptoms can be controlled through proper nutrition!! Thanks again L Monty for sharing, Jennifer Kunz,PhD.

What a great feed. Lot's of information! Would be interesting to hear how the one's who wrote years ago ( I know someone did.) are doing today!

I wish I'd seen this thread 6 years ago. My hot flashes and night sweats when taken off the pill at age 50.....bad! No period, unless I go back on the pill, full dose. As a runner I ripped the back of my knee. Thought it was healed, ripped again. A year later the other knee, reripped it too. Keeping the knee inactive = weight gain, 20 pounds. My skin sagged, my hair thinned, double chin, liver spots on my arms. I look 25 years older. I tried going back to the pill, cutting it in half...that cut out the hot flashes and night sweats, but didn't repair the signs of aging. Now at age 56, I'm off the pill altogether. I still have very mild hot flashes, more like over heating on a hot day. I need to go on a diet and get my waist back. I console myself by saying I look as old as my husband. We're looking old together. The pill was a youth elixir for me and I didn't know it until I was taken off.

After reading Nicole's post I don't want to get off. I am 55 years old and have been on the pill for 31 years… She is right it is like a fountain of youth… my doc always compliments how perky my breast are…. I never breast fed or even had my milk come in… I have had more compliments on my skin since I am older than ever when I was younger…. I use to exercise regularly for 10 years, but in 2013 I got a promotion and quit exercising… my body loved that too… I have gained weight since I quit working out…. I have to say it is about 2-3 weeks I haven't taken the pill and really this has been the easiest… I tried when I was 50… lord I was miserable which made my husband miserable…. I feel perfectly fine this time… but after reading Nicole's post I don't know if it is worth it…. my biggest fear is thin hair… my mom and all of her sister's have that… I regularly use Rogaine because I fear it… I think I will go back to taking it every other day… I am not ready to age, even though I am the grandmother of 4…. I never felt any thing while on the pill… I felt wonderful… although I find I am sleeping better off of the pill…. what to do….

I am currently in this situation. Reading through all the different posts, I feel that it is true when people say it is different for all people. I have been taking high blood pressure medicine for about 4-5 years now and been seeing the same GYN for 26 years. He recently retired, forcing me to go to a new GYN who immediately took me off birth control considering I am 50 and already taking 3 blood pressure medications. She said she doesn't recommend it after the age of 40 with women with high blood pressure. The thing I am having the hardest time with is that when I asked her what I should take for birth control, she said I do not need to take anything. Everything I read says that it is unlikely but not impossible for me to get pregnant at age 50. I feel like my body has been trying to go into menopause for a while now and have even read that I could have already gone through it while on the pill and I would not know it. My husband said he will go have a vasectomy, but I don't want him to have to do that if he doesn't need to. I have never used any other form of birth control except the pill, patch and shot. It has been 5 weeks since I stopped taking the pill and I did not start my period. My hot flashes are more frequent and I have been very emotional.

its been 6 months, since my last post when I decided not to take the pill at age 48. I just went 3.5 months without a period and it came back, but only for 3 days, and no cramps. I am sure I am still ovulating, but not always having periods. Moods and hot flushes seem to be much better since March. So far so good, no pills, trying to get thru it naturally. Vitamin D was low, went on supplements. Cholesterol is a little up, but i think due to the hormonal changes, so went back on ACV. Watering the garden is great therapy!

I went off the pill two months ago. I'm close to 51 and I developed high blood pressure. So far no period. My life has been ultra stressful for last two years. Caught husband cheating. He left. Everyone devastated. Not sure if high blood pressure is due to age, genetics, stress, being on the pill or a combination. I am having terrible night sweats, hot flashes, irritability, weepiness, and brain fog. Haven't seen my gynecologist yet. He's always been super understanding. He performed the surgery removing my left ovary because of a giant cyst. He thought I might go into menopause then but no. I had a period 28 days after the operation. That was 5 + years ago. Went back on pill a few years later because of moodiness. What would those who are going through this suggest I request of him when I go? I can't stand the symptoms. I'm a middle school teacher and hot flashes and irritability while dealing with 12-year-olds are not the way I want to spend the rest of my career.

Hi I had to come off the mini pill after suffering an occipital stroke at the age of 49 I've only been off it since July and the blood tests i had done indicated that i was in fact in the menopause however i keep having what i can only describe as a lead up to a period my mood is all over the place and I'm not allowed anything i.e. patches to stabilise my hormones due to the risk of another stroke the only thing that keeps me relatively sane is exercise and after this mornings exercise i came home showered and i went to the toilet after having tummy pains this morning and could see what looked like discoloured blood? i don't get these sweats what my friends describe as they said i would know it if i was getting them phew what a bummer being a woman at times on that note Happy New Year Ladies ill see you on the other side ....... fingers crossed x

Hi, I'm 52 and have been on birth control since I was 20. I was off of them for a few years to have my children and then right back on them. My doctor said she won't let me go past age 55 on them. I have had no night sweats or hot flashes and to tell you the truth, I am afraid of experiencing any of these symptoms, especially mood changes. I know the pills are helping but I have no idea if I have gone through menopause or not but my periods are getting shorter. After reading these posts, I am even more concerned because I only see one doctor for everything and I have been on high blood pressure medicine for several years and am overweight. She is the one prescribing both my birth control pills and my blood pressure medicine and a water pill. And we have talked about my weight. I must say that I have been losing confidence in her over other situations. Lately, my feet have started tingling and I think it may be poor circulation. She does not know about that yet. I have been planning on starting to exercise and eat healthier now that the holidays are over. I'm very serious about that and will do it. My yearly exam is due next month and I am seriously thinking about changing doctors. I always seem to have bad experiences with any treatment my doctor prescribes. I don't know if it's bad luck or not but I'm afraid of any treatment she might give me. I'm going to see if my new health program works before I see a doctor to see if it will stop the tingling. My insurance covers preventive tests but once you are labeled as having a condition then they are subject to the deductible which is so high it's like not having insurance so I want to get my numbers in as good a place as I can by diet and exercise first. I just don't want to take pills for everything, especially if I can control it with diet and exercise. Do any of you think that I am playing with fire?

I am so very glad i have found this group of ladies that can validate my current state. I am 48 (almost 49) and have been on the pill for about 20 years non stop. I am under the care of a new Dr. And he is insistent that i stop taking the pill. I have never wanted to become pregnant, that is why i have never stopped taking the pill. I do believe it is time from everything i have read, but, I never expected to the have the effects I am now experiencing. My last period was January 28 2017. I stopped taking the pill after my cycle ended, and have yet to have another period. Tomorrow will start week 11. At first I felt fabulous, bettervghan I had felt in years, fantastic mood, energy, and sleeping well! Now things are quite different. I am more than bloated, have gained at least 10 pounds, and I am eating less. I had extremely sore breasts, had to keep my bra on..that lasted 4 weeks..have nausea at different times every few days and have cramping, that makes me think my period is gojng to begin, but, nothing. I am not sure if i am in peri menopause or menopause proper. I believe that being on the pill for so many consecutive years would effect my periods, but, not to this degree. I have searched for anyone going through anything close to ths, and happen upon this group. So happy to hear others with similar issues. Getting pregnant was something i tried my whole life to prevent, and this week found myself at the drugstore purchasing a pregnancy test for the first time n my life. I took the test which did show a negative result, are these tests 100% reliable? My husband is getting a vasectomy in August, and we have been very careful since I stopped taking the pill, I really dont believe i am pregnant because of how careful we have been, but these symptoms are driving me crazy..should I retest? Any suggestions or experiences would be welcome.

I too was on the pill for 25 years and after turning 50 my OB suggested it would be a good idea to get off. Well I have to say that it has been 4 years being off of them and I can honestly say that these have been the worst yrs of my life. The worst thing that has happened is I started to have burning and tingling in my scalp with lots of hair loss. I have been to every kind of MD and they all tell me that I am perfectly healthy. All I can attribute it to is my quitting the BC pills. I have experienced a horrible menopause as a result, and tried bioidentical hormones 3 times which seemed to make my burning worse. I am thinking of going back on the pill, but everyone is advising against it, if there is anyone out there who has gone back on the pill at 50 years please let me know how it has gone for you? Thank you so much Linda

After approx 80 days i finally had a very light period lasting only 3 days. Cramps very minimal. I guess i will have to wait to see what happens next month. I definately will never take BC pills again. I wish someone had told me the ill effects of coming off them after so many years. Just glad I finally had a cycle. Hang in there ladies.

Hi Ladies! I posted on here last year as a result of coming off the pill at 50 (after 20 years) and not liking it! At first I felt great, libido came back, hair was thicker, boobs grew,no period! and I wondered why I hadn't done it sooner - that didn't last long! My body went into full on menopause and I lasted 9 weeks on herbal crap that did stuff all! Went to my GP in tears after weeks of night sweats and no sleep and on the verge of a meltdown! I swear I would have have eaten/drunk anything to make it go away! Thankfully there was HRT - after 2 weeks the night and day sweats had stopped and I felt "normal" again! The HRT patches are the ones that you get a period and I have noticed my periods are heavier, more painful and last longer (like going back to being 16 years old)...and I'm "pre-menstrual" for at least a week-10 days every month (cranky, depressed, angry, no libido) I told my doctor about this and she has prescribed me the HRT continuous version with no period- just the chance of "spotting" - I haven't tried it yet, still on the other one - but I will try it soon and let you know how it works out! Good luck ladies - this seriously sucks! I've put on about 7 kilos since Sept last year and it won't budge!! We should be relaxing and enjoying life at our age! Mother Nature you cruel bitch! Next life I'm coming back as a man!

Hi Ladies, I thought I'd share an update. I'm still on the pill. My family is planning a big trip this fall and I don't want to upset anything until after that so I'm going to try and stay on them until after the new year. I'll be 53 then so hopefully I will have gone through menopause without experiencing the worse symptoms of it. I still haven't seen my doctor because I'm still trying to get as healthy as possible 1st. I've been eating better (not as good as I had hoped, but better). Haven't been exercising like I wanted to either. I need to get more sleep so I can get up earlier to work it into my schedule every day. Anyway I have lost 9 pounds since January and I have been eating a serving and a half of oatmeal everyday. When I eat chocolate it is dark with over 72% cocoa. I've been researching on how to bring down my blood pressure naturally (I am still taking blood pressure medicine as well) and I do think the oatmeal is helping. The last time I took it while shopping at Meijers, it was 131/86 which is really good for me. My feet still tingle but it's not as bad as it was and I think once I start exercising everyday it will help that.

I'm really sorry to hear that some of you are experiencing such harsh symptoms. I've been doing research on healing my gut and lowering my blood pressure on line and found a few products that I have been trying. I'm not advocating that they are miracle cures or anything and I don't get anything for promoting them. I just thought I'd mention them. Please do your own research, read reviews etc and if you think they might help you, you might want to give some of them a try. The 1st thing I tried is Great Lakes Gelatin Collagen Hydrolysate. I've been taking 2 Tbls twice a day since October. I haven't experienced the great fingernails and hair that some people report, but I have noticed that my mood is a lot better and I don't get crabby during my periods. Recently, I added Perfect Desiccated Liver to my diet and it's a little early to tell, but I think it is helping a bit with my energy levels and I know it is helping me even more with my mood and attitude. I also recently ordered some kefir grains from Yemoos and am making my own kefir which I drink a cup just about every day (you are supposed take a break now and then). I'm going to try to get up to 2 cups a day (you have to take it slow to make sure your body adapts). Kefir is fermented milk that is supposed to have many wonderful health benefits. I've been joking with my husband that I'm going to get younger. And just the other day he looked at me and said, "you know, you do look younger. You have a glow about you." Like I told the ladies at work, I'm just trying to be healthier and to feel better so I am trying new things. The next thing on the list is to try and make my own sour dough bread. Never stop learning and trying new things. I want to go into this next stage of life taking as few medications as I can. I've had so many bad experiences from reactions to medications, especially antibiotics, that I want to not have to take anymore than I already am. Good luck ladies. Let's keep the conversation going!

I was on the birth control pill for 26 years and just went off of it at age 48. I am now getting numbness in my feet and hands along with my lower back and back of my head. I have had no period for the past 4 months. I do break out in a hot flash every hour...which feels likes someone lights a fire inside me. I have had 3 pages of blood work, CT scans, MRI (didn't enjoy that test!), EMG (didn't enjoy that one either!), xrays, carotid artery study...etc...and everything comes back normal. Doctors think it may be menopause related from being on the pill so long. My blood pressure is normal. I can deal with hot flashes...but the numbness and tingling is driving me crazy. My doctor said that due to my age I would probably not get pregnant...but although I never win anything....a pregnancy would be what I would win....so my husband just had a vasectomy. I never realized being on the pill for a long time would cause such side effects from going off of it. Good luck to you all!

I have been off the pill since September 2016. I am 51, and have been on the pill since I was 18. Had a talk with my doctor and took the test that showed I was in " menopause range". Felt it was time to stop with he pills. So far- I have gotten my period every month, some cramping but not bad, mood normal, no night sweats or any sign of menopause.

Now -today, I am on day 39 with no period! Is this it?!

My daughter, showed me an app called CLUE, that I downloaded, and it helps me keep track. I like it. Check it out.

Glad to have found this thread! I'm 46 and have been on the very same pill since 18. I have never been off the pill; no pregnancies. I've never had any issues until about a year and a half ago when I started spotting about one week prior to period. My period used to start, like clockwork, on a Tuesday btw 10 and 2 and then be gone by Friday. Now, I start Monday night and not really done until the following Sunday. Plus, I have the spotting that occurs about one week prior to period. The spotting is almost heavy enough to wear tampons, for a day or two. I'm both eager and scared to go off the pill. Other than the pre-period spotting, my biggest complaint is vaginal dryness. Sex has become less pleasant so I'm wondering if going off the pill will help. I have an appointment with a gyn. next month and I'm hoping she will have some good suggestions for me. I've tried Premarin cream and it did nothing. :(

Hi all! I turned 50 last October and just finished my last round of pills last month. Had my period and now it won't stop. I have had a few hot flashes and night sweats but nothing that I can't handle. I am feeling like I'm anxious and waiting for something to happen. I have been on the pill for 30 years continuously. Never went off them for any reason! I'm a little scared for what comes next! I have an appointment with my gp next week, so I can discuss how I'm feeling! Wish me luck!!

Thanks for sharing- I'm scared about the changes that may take place if/when I go off pill. We have been on the pill same amount of time.

I too was on birth control for 30 years, got off it at age 50.5, had a blood test 30 days later to see if I was in the menopause. Blood work showed menopause levels. Also began getting hot flashes, horrific night sweats and was so irritable I didn't want to be around people. Was exhausted and could fall asleep but would be wide awake two hours later. Vaginal dryness was horrible. I couldn't concentrate on anything and just felt old. I started on HRT. It has been one week on this and I feel better! Last night I slept all night! For those getting off birth control and getting slapped with menopause, take the HRT.

I wanted to add my experience on this thread. I too was on BC for 27 years and stopped at 48 due to minor clotting in lower legs. I wish I would have stopped earlier! My sex drive came back 10 fold, vaginal dryness completely disappeared. It took 3 months for my periods to start again, and they have been mostly regular and light for 3 years now. I am 51 now. It just felt like the moment I stopped BC my body restored itself. Of course I am not in menopause yet and do not have blood pressure issues, so maybe this is why I had a good reaction to stopping. I hope this helps anyone deciding to quit BC.

I am 43 and have been on BC since 17 (off 2x for pregnancies). I haven't had a period in over 2 years (and prior to that they were light to non-existent for about 3-4 years) and my OBGYN says my BC (Yaz) will help with menopause. I have no idea where I am on the menopause journey other than occasionally hot but not crazy. I want to know where my body is without BC, but am afraid to open a can of worms and end up with horrible periods, acne and menopause symptoms I currently don't experience. Anyone else had a similar experience? I feel like getting off BC will be better overall for my health and allow my body to reset for the years ahead. OBGYN said it would help me through my menopause years. If I try going off and have issues, is going back on a problem? What to do?? Thanks to all those who have shared!

That's where I was. I got off the BC, had a blood test in 30 days. This confirmed my hormone levels were so low that I was "in menopause." During that month or so off the BC, I had menopause symptoms like night sweats, some hot flashes and irritability. Also I could not sleep through the night. I'm now on a hormone replacement pill. My doctor says it is safe and has the same hormones as BC, just much lower amounts. So, if you get off Yaz and are going through menopause, you can always take a hormone replacement but you really wouldn't need to go back on Yaz because if you are in menopause, the hormone levels in BC are way more than you need.

Just getting off of pill at age 48. Been on for over 26 years except for my 2 pregnancies... For 4 years before I got off the pill, experienced no periods, hot flashes, moodiness, migraines... A 3 day migraine caused my GYN to make me get off of the pill last week. So scared! No idea how my body will handle it. Doc says my body may start generating my hormones normally. Keeping my fingers crossed as I start this journey.

I know this is an old thread, but why does no one know about Chaste Berry? AKA Vitex. It is a herb perfect for balancing hormones... Wake up people... the GP does NOT have your best interests in mind, he or she is sold by Big Pharma, which is a BUSINESS. Big Pharma only cares about profit and keeping us sick. Herbal and other natural medicines are their enemy because if everyone discovered how safe and effective they really are they would shut down.

My name is Anne, despite the stupid name it gives me here. I had to delete and rewrite this comment to say so. Stupid houzz!

My aunt fell pregnant at 57. I have read about lots of women over fifty who got pregnant, though mostly ectopic. It makes me so angry that people on here, and other forums are advising its close to impossible get pregnant at fifty'.... GRRRRR!!!! This is problem with taking advice from people who are not even medically trained.

I agree with the person who said go on herbal instead of drugs. Don't do progesterone cream, do the herbal route. I also tried Vitex (chaste berry) and works a treat. You are NOT free from getting pregnant after fifty!! Just less likely, and a lot more likely for complications, meaning surgery and heartbreak.

I'd be interested in knowing what sort of symptoms you experienced that you have found Vitex to be improving? There are such a huge array of symptoms - it would be quite amazing if one herbal supplement could alleviate all of them.

I wish that I could say that in the decade sine the first post on this thread that more information is available- but there is not. I'm 53 and have been off of birth control pill for almost 5 months after taking low dose pill for more than 30 years with no problems. When my GYN took me off, she casually said, if you have any problems, let me know. I had no idea that the mood swings, lack of energy,inability to concentrate and generally feeling depressed was my body in estrogen withdrawal/menopause kick in. I almost lost my job because I could barely function. I was diagnosed with depression, sent to a specialist, who has now referred me back to my primary to talk about anti depressant meds. THEN - a wise woman said that I should read or listen to audio book called Menopause Confidential by Tara Allmen. There are very few things that I can point to that have been life changing for me, but this book is one of them. Now I understand what is going on in my body and can make choices that I feel are more appropriate for me. And- fingers crossed, not lose my job or my mind!

Thanks for sharing tixo129. I'm sorry you had problems going off - I see my new gyn. in a couple of days and am wondering what's in store for me. :(

I am 48, almost 49, been off of the pill for 3 weeks now (was on for 23 years), experiencing non stop hot spells 24/7, go to sleep but cannot stay asleep, bloating... Hopefully this all will level out in the next couple of weeks!

Yeesh. Had you ever been off the pill before? Or were you continually on the pill for 23 years? I've NEVER been off and have taken the exact same pill since 1989.

Jonellbadon....I went off the pill at age 48....6 months ago. The hot flashes are the worst for the first 2 months...then they will slow down. I now only get mild ones. I also started to take menopause essential capsules and they seemed to help. At first I had trouble sleeping at night but that also got better...with occasional restless nights. For some reason...all the fat in my body moved to my stomach! Not sure how to get rid of that. I am still dealing with numbness in my right foot but at least the numbness elsewhere has subsided. Only thing good is NO period since going off the pill. Good luck!

I was on the pill for25 years and felt fine, going off has been the worst time of my life. Don't ever go off if you want to continue to feel normal

Well reading all these comments scares the hell out of me! I'm 53 and have been on the pill since 1989 (28yrs) after my second child. My Doc wanted me to get off them when I turned 50 but continues to write rx. I have been dealing with Hoshimoto (hypothyroid) since 2006 after Hurricane Katrina and boy has it wreaked havoc on my body. Out of 12 years only 4 has been good due to all the symptoms. Hair thinning, constipation, cold/hot, feet&leg pains, carpal tunnel type pains, can't sleep and the list goes on. Felt good with current doctor for 4 years up until 2 months ago and symptoms have returned.

I found this thread because I'm wide awake at 1:30am contemplating getting off BC. I figured I might start feeling better thyroid wise if I eliminate the extra hormone (BC). At 25 years old I didn't think about the effects of getting off BC. Wish my doctor would have mentioned that. So I guess if there is anyone that has dealt with thyroid and have discontinued BC. I'd like to hear your experience.

Thanks,

Angie

My doctor has suggested I switch to another bcp rather than go off them just yet. I've been on Ortho 777, the same pill continuously, since 1989. I started with breakthrough bleeding about 1 week prior to periods, about 4 years ago. Dr is switching me to Marvelon. I'm a little nervous about this switch - I almost feel like I just want to stop the pills altogether! Yet, I don't really want to become pregnant either at age 46. I don't have any children, and while I have some regrets about not having kids, it wouldn't be the greatest idea. My boyfriend is much older than me and I have health issues of my own. So, I'll try Marvelon I guess. ... (not too interested in IUD or foam or condoms).

I stopped the pill about four months ago. I had been on the pill for probably 25 years. I am 55 and my obgyn said that was the magic number to stop. I was terrified after reading some of these posts but to my surprise, I haven't had any problems. No night sweats, bleeding (spotting or periods), mood swings or anything of significance. Still a little worried about getting pregnant since I may not actually be through menopause. My doctor says "don't worry, you won't get pregnant". I'm not so confident so we'll use condoms for a while just to be safe!

I am also terrified after reading these posts. I will be 57 next week and was told by my doctor today to go off my bc. I have been on bc for 37 years after my son was born with no problems. Really not looking forward to this!

The Marvelon has been going fine after 2 months!

I'm 55, been on the pill most of my life; without it, my cycles were extremely erratic. Anyhow, my doc suggested that I "probably have gone through menopause" and said to try going off. So, after my last period about 6 weeks ago, I didn't open the next pack. I didn't have any symptoms that I would associate with menopause- but sure enough, my body decided it's not done, and got a pretty-normal-for-me cycle - spotting a couple weeks in, full period a couple weeks later. So... I'm guess I'm one of the 10% who haven't hit menopause by age 55.

I was glad to find this thread and like a lot of you, can't believe that ten years after the original posting, the medical community is still in the dark about a lot of this. I'm 50 and had been on the pill since my 20s (off a couple times, but not for long). No real issues until about 6 years ago when I started getting hormonal/menstrual migraines. My GYN put me on extended cycle BC, so at least I was only getting the migraines for a week every 9 weeks instead of monthly. My BP has been borderline over the last year and that, in addition to my wanting to get it over with, led to our decision to get me off of BC. That was four days ago. My biggest fear is that I'll have uncontrollable migraines. I've had a couple doozy hot flashes (soaked clothes, dizziness, nausea, hard time focusing), but since I now know what they are and they only last a few minutes, I'm not as freaked out. My sleep has been rough the last couple years, but not horrible. Fatigue and aches/pains are frustrating, but tolerable. For the last few days, I've had a background headache, really lousy sleep, and fatigue. What I'm blown away by is that neither my GYN or neurologist (who is collaborating with my GYN around the migraines) told me what to expect going off the BC. I have a suspicion that some doctors err on the side of not talking about possible side effects because they think the patient will worry about them. Well, I call BS on that. Information and community are the only things that have kept me sane through this and I'm guessing that will continue. I need to find new medical insurance and with that will plan on looking for a new GYN and possibly a naturopath (which are actually covered on some NH plans) to help with the rest of this journey. Thanks to the person who posted about Menopause Confidential. I'm going to see if it's on Audible so I can listen when I can't sleep! I am in the middle of reading Moody Bitches by Dr. Julie Holland and the section on peri and post-menopause and strategies to survive them are great. Oh, and for anyone else dealing with headache/migraine, I started on MigRelief about a month ago--combo of Mg, Riboflavin and Feverfew, which is supposed to help prevent migraines. I'll let you know what happens. Rock on, sisters.

I'll be 50 in January. About 5 years ago my gyn told me I could continue on the pill until age 50. I thought "then what will I use for BC?" But I think she meant I will be safe from getting pg". Last year my doc said I could try going off any time because the "periods" I am getting are probably only happening because of the pill. For the last 18 months they have been so minimal. Very little bleeding. Also my mom went through menopause around age 43-44 years old so I probably am there and just don't know it. I have woken up during the night sweaty but not the hot flashes the way I have heard others describe. My question is if we really do follow the pattern of our moms. Also if my periods while on the pill are super small like not enough to soak a liner let alone a pad then is this a sign of menopause? Thanks ladies!! Glad to find this page.

I have no idea if there is a correlation between our mother's menopause and ours. My mother passed away at 42 (breast cancer) and her mother at 39 (alcohol/diabetes) yet the grandmother died at 100. So far I'm ok since I made it to 46! Looking to hear others' responses.

Sorry you lost your mom so young. Mine passed away in 2016 after having a stroke and then heart problems. I was never close enough to have this discussion with her anyway but I remember when she went through menopause because she was a nightmare to deal with.

I have hormonal migraines and I am 53. I was on BC full cycle for the last 8 years and on BC low dose for 20+. I came off at my GYNs urgent request due to a spike in my BP in May. I just got my period this week. What a bummer. So many months without. But my migraines have not gotten any worse. In fact my neuron said often in menopause they improve. I am on a maintenance dose of zonegram daily. But really coming off BC has had no effect on them.

Has anyone tried Biote? Its hormone pellets the dr injects under your skin? My friends love it and say they have felt better than they have in years. More testosterone, therefore more energy, and more libido. I came off the pill at age 54, after my gyn said I shouln’t be on it anymore. My gp had kept me on it to keep me from having hot flashes, as I wasn’t quite into menopause. Mt gyn has me off bc for three weeks, then will have me do a blood test to check my hormone levels, and then will start Biote soon after that. Check it out. It looks great! My friends say they won’t go without it now.

Have any of you who have come off the pill at this age experienced problems with post-pill acne? Is there a way to avoid it when transitioning to HRT? When I discontinued the pill in my 20s, I broke out in acne and clogged pores even though I hadn’t experienced it before. Now I’ve been on an oral contraceptive for the past six months and would rather be on HRT. I believe I am menopausal or very close to menopausal. If cycles don’t return (due to menopause) then I’m afraid no estrogen will come back to offset temporary testosterone rebound when coming off the pill. I will be switching to HRT, which will hopefully help, but I understand that the pill is more powerful. Just curious if anyone has experiences or advice about this.

Well, I decided to stop taking the pill today. It's been 30 years and
although the switch to Marvelon has stopped the spotting I was getting
about a week before my period, I just don't like the dryness that I
continue to experience. Makes sex much less enjoyable - not that it's a
huge issue but maybe it's time to stop these pills anyway. I just turned
47 last week. I'm going to give it 3 months or so to see if there's any
difference. Maybe I'm even menopausal and don't know it. I'm very
nervous, actually, since I have NEVER stopped taking the pill since
starting it. I have no idea what to expect. I'm sure I'll live ....lol
....just a change in a routine that has me nervous. As for getting
pregnant? I don't think that will happen. My partner is much older than I
and has his own issues so conventional sex isn't the norm with us
anyway. I'll use the Monthly Period tracker to chart my days and well,
if we were to get pregnant, that's ok. Not that we want to get pregnant
but we're ok if it happens. I have no children, he only has one child.
Wish me luck!

Ladies, EVERYONE is different. I know we are all on here to find answers, but we can't tell others what to do or not do! That being said, I'll share my story and wonder if anyone has experienced similar. Have been on BC pills ( very low dose and same ones) since 16, am now 51. At 47, I started to experience sudden weight gain and mostly fat, and was told to go off BC to find out where I was. This Dr. told me to go off for 4 months so hormones could be tested. It was miserable, but I did it. Not in menopause, probably perimenopause. But this Dr. said " You're at that age, you just have to eat less and work out at least 2 hours a day!" WHAT?!?! That's your answer??? Well, needless to say, that was a MAN! Went to a Integrative Dr.......find out I had Hashimoto's!!! After finding the right dose of Armour - I was back in biz and looking better than I had in a long time!!! YAY!!! Then last year before my 51st b.day, I decided to find out if I was "in menopause" b/c its the age my Mom and older sister went through it, and I was practically unable to have intercourse due to unbearable pain with insertion - so didn't get very far!!! So, Dr. said, go off a week, and we can test FSH, which is apparently all you need to test to detect menopause. But I decided to stay off longer before being tested, so I could get an idea of my hormone levels. Started to have hot flashes, trouble sleeping and just felt BAD. So, after 90 days+ of being off bc pills, and no period, I had the hormone levels checked. I was most likely in menopause. But Dr. won't say for sure until no period for 1 year - whatever! So, Dr. recommends BHRT - combo of Est/Prog/Test....I start and OMG,I thought I had died and gone ot heaven!!! Felt amazing looked amazing and sex was working again YAY!!!!....NO, not so fast.......after 2 weeks....the downhill spiral started.....constipation( worse than I already always had dealt with my whole life - IBS) weight gain EVERYWHERE, but mostly in abdomen and hips, after never having weight problem my whole life, only having to increase exercise as I approached 50...feeling BLOATED ALL THE TIME, which made the weight gain more pronounced, breasts SOOOO tender and swollen....joint pain, fatigue.....the only plus, was sex still great again!!! So, then Dr. broke up all the hormones to decide which one was causing the issue. Mainly, lowering Progesterone......well, more of the same times 2!!! So, I am DONE.......I should have NEVER gone off BC pills.....I NEVER had an issue while on them - NEVER! This is a nightmare....and even if sex is great again, I dont want to have it b/c I feel like a whale and woudl rather not be naked in front of myself let alone my husband! So, yes, I am going back on BC pills, as I have no hypertension, or cancer family history. This sh** is insane, and I cannot beleive with this many women struggling for answers that more has not been done to find "cures" or otherwise. I applaud all the women on here taking charge to find what works for them...b/c clearly Dr.'s have NO CLUE, they really, really don't and are basically palying a game of craps with us all, until something comes up as a winner!! Best of luck to all of you.....I am certainly hoping going back on the pill helps me.....I'll keep you posted!! Best! C.

Hello again!!! Need to add a postscript to my above post....re: my statement about never having weight issues my whole life. A year and a half before I turned 47, I dropped down 20lbs in a little over a month, to the lowest weight I had been since puberty! That's alot of weight to lose for me, I am 5'6", large breasted and muscular - well, I became RIPPED, but also lost some of my boobs which has NEVER happened....hubbs was not happy!! And most people, told me I was too skinny....but it was kinda fun, I wont lie! ;) Still, I don't know why it happened...I just suddenly lost my appetite completely! Most likely stress, as was dealing with aging parents and the issues surrounding. But then about 15 months later it started to come back and I had an appetite and then some and the weight came back on FAST...and it looked like it was ALL FAT. After that weight came back and little bit more, is when I found out about the Hashimoto's diagnosis, so the quick loss and gain back, could have actually been part of that! But after getting the right Armour dosaging down, I was back to my previous happy place weight! But then came the terrible decision to go off the birth control.....and here I am looking like the Stay Puff Marshmellow Man.....and miserable.....So, yes, I have had weight issues, but it was just that one time, and that was a thyroid issue....I get tested regularly and my thyroid is fine....this is ALL a female hormone issue and it sucks!!! If this happened to men, we'd have a "cure" already!! Off to take my BC pill......while crossing my fingers.....;)

Thanks for posting cmfield11 - was comforting to hear from another person who had been on BC for so long and around my age too. I've been off the pill for 2 weeks now and so far okay. I can't say if the dryness has gotten any better because I've been sick with a chest cold and then had minor surgery this week so no romance quite yet, maybe next week ;) I, too, will test the FSH levels soon to see where I'm at. If, after 3 months, the dryness doesn't get better and I'm not menopausal, then I'm thinking I'll go back on Pill. I like the regularity of it, that's for sure.

Hi Jennifer! Yes, It is comforting to know we gals are NOT losing our minds and this is all very real, as proven by how many women have posted here and for so long! I've looked on to other blog boards and there are many others in same boat, it's just criminal that the medical community won't pay more attention to THIS change in a women's life, as it really can be BEYOND disruptive! In any event, I do hope you continue on your smooth ride!! Please keep us posted! I will,too re; my new round of the pill....I don't know if its just pure hope, but I could swear I feel better already....I definitely don't feel as bloated today and it's only been a couple of days back on...we'll see if that continues....All the best! ; )

Gosh, some of these stories are freaking out as I try and make a decision about stopping the BC pill. I've read every comment on here, and I've just realized that at 58 years old, I seem to be the oldest one on here still taking the BC pill... I've taken it on and off since the age of 16. I gave birth to three daughters from my late 20's to early 30's and always went straight back on the pill afterwards. After having my first child, I ended up with a prolapsed bladder, bowel and uterus which got worse after each birth. I had the prolapse operation after my last child and they saved the uterus. The operation was successful for about 3 years and then it all prolapsed again... I had the operation again at around the age of 40 in which they removed the uterus as it was actually hanging out of me. Just before I had the operation, I took my last BC pill. I was thrown straight into peri-menopause after the operation, which the gyno had reassured me wasn't possible after I'd shown him an article saying this could happen... I experienced hot flushes, swollen boobs, and was so miserable that I wanted to kill myself. I was not expecting this after being reassured it wouldn't happen. After experiencing this, I rang the gyno and told him I was going straight back on the pill. He told me it was worth a try as I hadn't left it too long. My symptoms disappeared about a month later and I've been on it ever since. Sadly, the operation only lasted a few years and the bladder and bowel prolapsed again and I need the operation again. At 58, I'm holding it off as I don't know how many more times I will require this operation. It seems that I am weak internally. My mother had this operation twice and has needed it done a third time but has refused it. The side effects I suffer from taking Estelle - a really strong pill - is 7lbs weight gain, then it stops there, fluid retention all year but worse during summer, and the BC pill could possibly be the cause of the very bad varicose veins in my legs. They were removed about 7 years ago but came back worse. I'm so scared to go off the pill as peri-menopause was a nightmare for me.... If not for the pill, I believe I would have eventually killed myself, so it saved my life! I have other health problems not related to taking BC pills. My 84 year old mother had no real issues going through menopause, other than hot flushes which she said were tolerable. She still gets them regularly, which my Doctor told her is quite common. Say what??? We never knew this fact! My peri-menopause symptoms were much worse than my mother's experience with full on menopause.... I was given HRT to replace the pill for a few months about 6 years ago, but it didn't agree with me, so I ended up back on the pill. My Aunty, related through marriage, took the BC pill until she was 70 years old with no problems. After going off it, my Aunty had no menopausal symptoms - maybe she skipped them! My main concern is that no one seems to know much about the pill being able to stop peri-menopause and prevent full blown menopause.... I can't find any information on it. There is a genetic female history of hair loss in our family on my mother's side.... All her sisters suffered from it, as do my much younger female cousins. My hair has thinned out a lot over the years but not anywhere near as badly as my female relatives. I got lucky! I've managed to keep my figure and small waist and look about 15 years younger than I really am. I've been told that the hormones in the pill could have contributed to this. I'm too scared to go off the pill due to the unknown. If I get thrown straight into full menopause at the age of 58, I don't know if I could handle it along with all my other health issues I have that are not related to this. I don't know if I would be as lucky to stop it with the pill next time around like I did when I was 40. I'd really rather not take the risks that are associated with taking the pill at my age. One of my biggest concerns is my varicose vein issue which is causing major problems for me. I'm also scared of deep vein thrombosis although I've been told I'm not at risk, but who really knows? My mother has no varicose veins and I fear that the pill could be the cause of them. Sorry for the long comment! I'm so glad I came across this on here... All the best to everyone!

I'm 2 months from my 55th bday. Got on this post cause I've been on bc since late 20's, no kids, ortho-novum generic and have been having a lot of hot flashes since going off the pill. At last health check my GP asked when I was going to go off bc, I replied when I knew I wouldn't get pregnant! Hubs dumped me so I guess I am safe. Bp had been high but I attributed it to stress for the last 5-6 years. Not really overweight and fairly active so my doc attributed my high BP to white coat hypertension. I read recently that this type of hypertension has real dangers as it could indicate how you handle stress, so I decided a change was needed. Besides, long term hypertension can affect blood flow to brain causing a greater probability for dementia and other stuff so I started to check BP regularly at home. When home it can be high for a few days and then it goes down, then I stop checking it and after a while it is up a. Gain and I check it for a while and sure enough I have gone through this cycle a few times. So, apart from these posts I did not know 1) the pill is related to hbp (high blood pressure) 2) you may have light periods although going through menopause while still on the pill. So, this month I had made a decision to do more positive things with my mind and from the beginning of the month my top BP reading was in the 180's (yes, I know, dangerously high) and has dropped to 117. Crazy big drop! My BP was not like this since the first year of marriage! Don't know if this is related to no more bcp or positive changes in life or perhaps both cause I was only doing the positive changes for my blood pressure. Will let you guys know. I have had hot flashes for years, didn't know bcp helped with that, now that I'm off the pill (about 3 weeks) I have noticed more, but definitely related to my thinking, I think. Hahaha. Over the years I have gone through periods of a couple of weeks of hot flashes and then nothing, so don't know if that is what is happening again, although before I was on the pill. Periods had been very light last several years so I am curious if they will come back at all and if I had gone though menopause. My mom said she was about 55. I don't have any sisters and Mom didn't have any either. No increase in libido but that could be due to not nice husband. Worried about the acne cause I've always had back acne while on the pill, so hope that doesn't get worse. I actually feel clear headed and although I wake often due to hot flashes and snoring husband I don't feel any more tired. Really I feel pretty decent. As far as weight gain, gained about 10 lbs when I went though some stress a few years ago, didnt work out the same, ate a little more junk, but now that I'm feeling a little better, maybe I'll be able to get back to normal and drop it? Thanks to everyone for your honest posts. It has been a real eye-opener.

Welcome to the forum! As soon as I stopped BCP, the hot flashes came with a vengeance. Like 2-4 an hour and more night sweats. I've been off the pill for 3 months now and no sign of a period or withdrawl bleed. I've had a bit of cramping but nothing. Family dr started me on Clonidine for hot flashes but going to Gyn. this week for second opinion -- and sex has been painful/burning. Never like this before. Perhaps Clonidine would be good for you since it is a bp medicine. But sounds like you're making some positive changes in your mindfulness - that certainly helps. BP is definitely affected by stress.

I am 56. I am still on birth control. I take one a week. I have been on them since I was 20. I went for bio-identicals when I was 40, that was a disaster! When I was 48 I was peri menopausal and had a drop in estrogen and my high testosterone due to PCOS, caused a 25 lb weight gain and a bad case of cystic acne. I then started taking Spirolactone with my BC, the weight dropped by half and the acne cleared. My gyno then told me at 51 he wouldn't give me any BC he did no lab tests, didn't get a history of my mother and grandmother, just pushed an Estogel that his wife was taking and that he had samples of and that would cost me $150 instead of $10 for BC. I felt like he was pushing me on it so his wife could get her Estogel free! Anyway I dumped him I am still on Yaz but have weaned myself down to one a week. I have never had any meno symptoms. I lost the rest of the weight I also take powdered collagen and my hair, nails and skin are great. I will never stop taking bc I believe that our hormones control our entire bodies and mental health. BC is hormone replacement but big Pharma labels it HR and charges us double!

Are you still having a period? Because of taking birth control pills. You can reach me at SarahDkinner@gmail.com

Gyno gave me Vagifem tabs and advised I go back on Marvelon to help with hot flashes. However this time, she said for me to take Marvelon 4 packs at a time, then have a one week period, then go back to 4 months on pill. I may try the Vagifem to see if that helps with hot flashes - pharmacist said it might be enough to do the trick.

Well, I wrote back in Feb. about going back on pill. Did that and started to feel a bit more "normal".....but low and behold later that month....I got a period!!! WHAT?!?! Had not had one in years!!! When I was doing the typical 21 days on pill and 7 days of "placebo" I would get MAYBE a 1/2 day of spotting, along with all the great PMS side effects though!! So, I then was told to go on continuous BC, so I did. That was helpful for skipping the "symptoms". But that was before my adventure when I was trying to figure out if I was in menopause....and my trial with BHT( nightmare) and goign off the pill( different nightmare) to now goign back on the pill, but again continuously - no break! But I got a period during that time???? So, I atopped for a couple of days, but just went right back on and rode it out. But I felt like that 15 year old me who went on BC pills to begin with b/c of crazy heavy, unpredictable periods!! Cramps from hell, heavy bleeding, headache, gastro issues the whole nine yards! UGHHH....well, guess I'm not in menopause.....so get throught that and go along my merry way on the pill everyday......then 3 days ago...BOOM.....again period!!! WTF??? Same as before,cramps from hell, heavy bleeding, headaches, gastro issues, emotional...so I said to myslef, well, it came on on a Sunday, I'll just go through the "placebos" and treat it like a real period whiel taking BCP and then start new pack next Sunday....I mean, Hey, what else, can I do????? This has been a crazy ride!! but I cannot, for the life of me figure out WHY AM I GETTING A PERIOD WHILE ON THE PILL??? Does it mean it's not enough Estrogen to stave off a period??? I've never changed the BC pills prescription( very low dose prescription) since I was 15, 51 now, so is it too low and that's why?? Who knows....but neither do the doctors....so playing my own right now.....we'll see....This shoudl not be the case in 2018!! The fact that we don't know more about women's health is really unacceptable and we should ALL be outraged!!!

Oh Boy!. So glad I found this thread.... Went to gyn for my yearly and get my bcp script..Well... the dr said she can not refill my bcp at my age - 50 and with my hbp and other risk factors. I too have been on it for over 30 yrs with only a break 22 yrs ago with the birth of my twins. I told her, as my mom had always drilled into my head about being careful of the "change of life baby" as I do not want to get preggo (not much sex happening but even so) My c-section nearly took my life, so any future thoughts of pregnancies always gave me anxiety. The dr said if I got preg she would take the baby cause she is sure I will not get preg. She did to an ultrasound up in there- could she have seen any locked doors? I decided since it is the first of the month to stop the bcp. Scared shitless... I have a cruise (first one ever!) in two months and I don't want to feel like some of you in the above threads. I was so emotional after my dr visit yesterday I drank a whole bottle of wine! Getting older is supposed to be the golden years - ugh! Also, I am nervous about weight gain--I lost 50lbs last year, and slightly gaining a little now- on Weight Watchers with a goal to become lifetime. But will I gain again because of the horrid hormones?? This stinks...

-Sue from Jersey

Every woman is different but I posted in September 2017 that I had been off BC for four months and had no symptoms or issues so far. Well my update is great news - I am now off the pill for 12 months with no symptoms or issues! I think I actually went thru menopause maybe at age 51 (now I'm 56) with hot flashes as my only issue at that time. I know many women suffer terribly thru this but there is hope for an easy transition thru this period of life.

I have gone through a rough time and my doctors wouldn’t put me back on the pill either but now I have found a great doctor here in Myrtle Beach her name is Tracy Nelson. She has prescribed me bio identical hormone’s and it’s working wonderfully

Finding this thread has been wonderful, and frightening! I’m 57 and only began birth control 11 years ago when Peri-menopause caused such hemorrhaging for 9 months that I was practically housebound. My wonderful, female family doctor recommended BC, and had been doing blood tests every year or so to check if I was through menopause and no longer fertile, etc. Two years ago; at the last blood test, still possibly fertile! In the meantime, she retired, and her replacement (young guy) simply refilled prescription until last week! I got the “absolutely no more”. No warning, no ability to plan for a good time, in case this goes very badly. I knew I had to go off eventually, but..... Frankly, I’m terrified. Really hoping, since I’m 57, that the worst is behind me, and this is manageable. Just finished placebo week and should have begun again today. Regular pseudo period happened, but now what? I’ll check back in after awhile. I really feel for you just 50 year olds; Staying on until 57, I really hope I’m over the hump; I would not have been at 50! Thanks, sisters!

I was terrified of going off the pill after 30 years of being on it with no breaks. It was fine. I've been off for 4 months, no period and hot flashes like crazy so I've decided to go back on the Pill on advice from dr. I'm having too many night sweats so interrupting my sleep. My first FSH test in Feb was 75.4 and I just re-took it last week and came back with 92. So, going to go back on pill to try to stave off these hotflashes. I tried clonidine for a couple of weeks but it didn't really help. I'm 47.

Glad I found this thread.

Im 56 and have been told by my Dr to get off YAZ because they are not allowed to prescribe it at my age. Ive been stable on it for years. Im now on a patch and prometrium which gives me migraines, itchy skin and androgenic alopecia...yuck.

Ive had a blood test which indicated I am in pituitary failure for fsh hormone.

Id like to try going off it completely but dont know what to expect.

I'm now a month back on the Pill and my hot flashes are GONE - thank god! I'm sleeping through the night again too. Whew. I am taking Vagifem and that also has helped tremendously with the vaginal dryness.

My Doctor switched me over from Estelle to a lower dose eostrogen Pill - Femme. I think they're the generic names. I did research on both brands of contraceptive pills, and it's only been 2 weeks, but so far so good - no signs of menopause - winning! I was concerned over the problems associated with Estelle as it's a strong pill and I have really bad varicose veins. I'm planning to eventually cut back to one pill every second day and slowly stop altogether if I get no signs of menopause. This will be an experiment with a spare packet of pills on hand if needed. I'm determined to skip menopause if it kills me! I'm 17 months off 60 now, and after the dreadful signs of peri-menopause at 40 after my hysterectomy, and successfully stopping it with Estelle, I'm hesitant to take the risk of full blown menopause. If it gets me, I know I'll be one of those to suffer badly from past experience. My poor 84 year old mother still gets hot flashes! Not good...

Great reading this thread as I navigate this transition. Thank you all.

I'm 50, was on monophasic low-dose pill for 25 years, which corrected PMDD (as part of early research study), ovarian cysts, acne. Basically, the pill "fixed" everything. After "fixing" my disabling depression (PMDD) went on to grad school, launching my own biz, lots of good stuff. Overall I felt lucky to have a good quarter century and know what it was like to be "normal" after so much suffering. I took continuous-dose bc (3 months on, 1 week off) to prevent depression, which worked well for me. I was lucky to have worked with a research group that would prescribe it this way prior to FDA approvals of seasonal bc pills.

Given my fears of severe depression, I have prepped for going off BC pills since my 49th birthday and slowly tapered down (on advice from GP and research colleague) pills for a full year, until I was down to 1/4 pill 3 days a week. Though there was no way to test my FSH while on the pill, I sensed prior to 49 that things were changing -- brain fog started at age 45, vaginal dryness, even on the pill, started at 48, but became very bad once pill tapering began, and also weight gain/shift to abdomen. Started Vagfem 2 months ago which has worked very well for me for vaginal atrophy symptoms (urinary urgency, vag dryness). I completely stopped the bc pill 3 weeks ago then started phyto-estrogenic supplements (this is not a recommendation, but I'm one to experiment), including chaste-berry blend, resveratrol, and sea buckthorn oil for dryness. I'm definitely "hot flashy" but it's tolerable, skin breaking out, but using Retin-A and clay mask for now. BP normal, but it was inching up to the top of "good" while on the pill full strength. I want to keep BP down as I think this is a key to quality of life long term. Seeing a new gyn in 3 weeks (change in health coverage, unfortunately) and will decide whether further hrt is needed. I have scaled back my workload for now (normally a very heavy workload/hours) so I can keep up my "transition plan" - an absurdly healthy diet, light exercise every day, weights 2x a week, and allow myself to sleep in when insomnia hits (this is lifelong, but no tolerance for this getting worse). Worst habit is that I like wine...a lot. Trying to keep it to weekends, but I slip frequently.

With the exception of the last months of scaled back work, I have always worked long hours. I plan to build my business out in my 50s and am not into suffering if avoidable. I need this decade! Any hint of the harrowing depression that comes with PMDD and I will have a steady flow of synthetic estrogen in my veins in a skinny minute. For now, I'll try to fly without it.

I'll report back after the washout of hormones to add another "case study" to this thread. I encourage others who wrote about going off the pill initially to give us progress notes. It's very helpful to hear your challenges and also successes.

Thanks for all the information on this thread! I am glad to know I am not alone. 53 and went to GYN last month and suddenly had HBP. I always had Low BP and am slim and athletic (runner, swimmer, weights, yoga) so that was a shock! I have endometriosis and always had periods from hell which were helped by Ortho Tri Cyclin. I have been on and off BC since 18. Every time I have been off it has been hell. One child 10 years ago through IVF. Doc said I absolutely have to go off BC due to the HBP and age. Went off on June 9th, cold turkey. Had a "pill period" 5 days later. 30 days after pill period I started with cramps and bloating etc and waited for my period. Cramps went away after 5 days but no period! Bloating and weight gain remain. I have no hot flashes, night sweats, migraines, fuzzy head etc. I have moodiness but that is part of my personality LOL. It might be more than usual but I would be moody no matter what after going through 5 days of cramps from hell! Waiting to see if period comes after 60 days or not and will be visiting my GYN for hormone tests etc. Love to hear updates from everyone!

Hey Everyone! It’s now been 9 weeks since the last time I had a pill. Had a time the first month with headaches but they seem to be subsiding. The crazy thing was I had my blood pressure go UP after I stopped. WHAT??? I’m down 12 pounds since “before” (on purpose), so it’s the last thing I expected. Being super cautious, exercising, etc and keeping as healthy as I can. Actual menopause symptoms have been minor: mainly hot flashes, and a general crappy feeling around the time I would have had a period? No bleeding. Saw the OBGYN and did a blood test. I’m through menopause. So glad I was over 55 when I went off pill..

Follow up. I started my period the day after I wrote my comments
above. It is a pretty average period for me so maybe not going into
menopause yet!

I have just stopped using birth control about 2 weeks ago I'm 51 will be 52 in 3 months. I noticed that I had started to gain weight 10 pounds to be exact. Has anyone had this problem. I have been on birth control for 29 years non stop and have high blood pressure. But I am more concerned with the weight gain cause I am at 196 and it makes me sick. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you!

I am the same age, been on pill about as long. I went off a while back and the SAME thing occurred. All I can say, is if you are not in menopause yet, you need to keep things as consistent as possible. I went back on and the weight came off, and I felt better, too. I woudl also have you r thyroid checekd. I foun out 5 years ago, upon entering perimenpause , that I have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis....also causes weight gain! Best of luck....this whole thing is not definitely NOT EASY!!!!

I am confused about who actually does the test to determine if I am premenopausal is it the OB/gyn or GP both my docs say different things. I have the high blood pressure recently on meds & seems to be coming down into normal range.

There is no "real" test for it. A blood test of your hormones might reveal a decrease which is a sign...but b/c hormones fluctuate so much one day you could appear to be perimenopausal one day and 2 days later you may not. My doctor ( an integrative hormone specialist) says it's best to go by symptoms, as you know your body best. So, symptoms + blood work is best to get a better indication. And if you are on the pill you must be off a good 3 months + to get a decent read at all......

Has anyone experienced memory issues after going off the pill? I'm 52 and went off the pill 3 months ago because my doctor said she couldn't prescribe it anymore due to my age. All of a sudden, since going off the pill, I feel like i'm losing my mind! My memory is definitely getting bad. I am so terrified that I may be developing dementia, but am hoping it is hormonal and treatable. Any thoughts or advice?

A “new message” email brought me back here, so I thought I’d add a 10 month later update. And for HU-428134540, memory “fog” is a common symptom of menopause, so I figure stopping the pill cold turkey makes it really obvious! A good friend in her mid sixties told me the “sixties are great”, as everything levels out and the fog clears... so I am hoping! Fifty eight (58) years old, off the pill for 10 months, and never got a period, the headaches have lessened, hot flashes manageable but still occurring. OBGYN suggested black cohosh when I transitioned, and I keep taking it. No idea if it helps, but doesn’t seem to hurt so I maintain. Weight is my continuing struggle. And again, thankful I was older when I went cold turkey, because at 50 or so, it would have been much worse. Be well everyone!

Dear HU 428, I would get a new doctor my gyro did the same thing to me but I got a new doctor and I am still taking yaz at 57 although I take one a week now. I have never had a hot flash or any meno issues. They don’t tell you that even though your period stops you will still have meno symptoms you have to regulate your hormones or your life will be miserable.

Howdy everybody! Well, just passed my one year mark. Almost 56. No periods so I guess I am DONE! So annoyed with myself for not knowing that the pill induces a period. I probably went through menopause years ago. Hot flashes come and go, I found that monitoring my emotions helps as well as avoiding any quick temperature changes, as my body seems to go into overdrive to regulate it. So, for me, don’t like hot flashes but I’m not letting it dominate my life. Hubs likes a very, very warm room to sleep in, again, instead of getting upset, I just regulate me and if I wake up too hot, I don’t let myself get worked up about it. So while a night without waking up is rare, hot flashes or not, overall, my sleep is pretty good. I feel more rested now than I did on the pill. Additionally, as far as weight gain, started caring for parents and lost some weight. Weirdly being around them and eating on their schedule has helped me find my old way of life. I had been eating very little trying to lose weight, yet, now it seems like I can’t eat enough! So I’m going to say that perhaps my weight gain has been due to denied depression, sitting around depressed, eating unsatisfying food and thinking that the gym would compensate for a life that was mostly sleeping and sitting. Still little to no sex but glad to have lost some weight. Going to add body weight training and see how I do. Yes, menopause is different for everyone. I will say that for as much as I have read on exercise and other health related topics I am disappointed in myself for not educating myself better on menopause and am so ill prepared for what it brings. Guess, really, I still am I’ll prepared and uninformed. Also, apart from hearing an old lady complain about hot flashes, weight gain (which I viewed as “old lady“ normal) an occasional commercial about vaginal dryness, didn’t even suspect there could be issues. This is a huge part of life, all of the rest of our lives. Just a side note, since I’ve been busy with caring for the folks, I’ve not been to the gym but a couple of times in the past few months. Arms are getting that old lady crepy look, don’t know if it is due to menopause and/or lack of weight training. At home body weight work seems to be the most feasible workout time-wise for me, ill let you know if it is enough. Be strong gals!

Graykat44, not 56, 53, but can tell you weight training will absolutely make that "old lady" look go away! I have always been active in fitness as a Personal Trainer, but, too noticed 2 things, 1.That I was getting that slack look to my skin. 2. What used to work doesn't now. That being said, lifting HEAVY weights is the key! Using "pink girlie" dumbells isn't going to cut it anymore!! MAke sure you check with your Dr. that you are clear to lift, and then find a good trainer, or program that you can do. It may be you do way less reps, but that's ok, as long as you do them to muscle exhaust - that is where the change comes. And give you muscles plenty of time to recoup as well, that's where the rest of the change comes - recovery! We are strong, even at "this age" - so don't discount yourself just because of a number! And your body will thank you and work for you far into the future!! Good luck with all! :)

Hi I’m 53 and have been on birth control since I was in my 20’s. I have no issues - no high blood pressure, no weight issues, no diabetes no issues whatsoever - my cholesterol is 130. I work out etc. & my obgyn told me the “research says you have to come off bc at 53” which seems pretty arbitrary to me & what research??? I refuse. She wants to put me on a progesterone pill. I refuse to transition my body off of bc when I’m completely healthy and fine to start something new etc. I’m a teacher & I asked is she could continue the script for 10 more months & summer 2020 I’ll just stop the pill. Period. Whatever I experience will be over the summer. She said no ... so now what? I’m making appointments with new obgyns but I’m nervous. I can’t understand how she can just make decisions about my health without my input. Any suggestions?

Thanks DP

I'll be 60 in December, and while my Dr doesn't like the idea of me being on the pill, he still gives me scripts. If he decides to stop before I'm ready to go off it, I'll find another doctor or someone else to get it for me, like one of my daughters. My 86 year old mother still gets hot flushes which really bother her, although, she was lucky when she was younger and pretty much breezed through menopause. After my hysterectomy at around 40, I was thrown straight into peri-menopause which was a total nightmare. That's why I started taking the CP again. I switched from the high dose one to a low dose one about 18 months ago. No signs of menopause, but I'll still take it for as long as I can. There is no research on this subject, and nowhere have I ever heard or read that you must go off the CP at 53. Funny thing is; if you go off it and have symptoms of menopause, the doctor or gyno would more than likely give you HRT - more hormones! HRT didn't agree with my body well...

Hi Cathi thanks for commenting. Thats exactly what she said - hormonal therapy. I was like - it’s still estrogen. I have always been on a low dose bc pill. Now Im stressing bc my pack ends in two weeks & I need the refill. She called in a prescription for the progesterone pill but I’m not taking that. I might try an online doc or something. I’m going for my annual physical this week & my primary care is always amazed at my numbers. I’m going to speak with her about it & see if she can refer me or help in some way

thanks

You're welcome. Good luck with it all. The main thing is that you know you're healthy, as does your doctor, and that the CP isn't causing any problems. If it works for you, why change it? You'll know when it's best to stop taking it. All the best.

Thanks. Just an FYI to anyone reading ... I went onto HeyDoctor and completed the refill request - a year supply was refilled and sent to my local CVS - 20 bucks!

I'm 48 and back on the pill to deal with hot flashes. My obgyn told me I could stay on pill until her arbitrary number of 50, then I'd have to switch to HRT (if I was still experiencing hot flashes).

Hey ladies please keep in mind that some of these negative symptoms that are posted on this site vary from woman to woman depending on the health of the woman during and after the woman got off of the birth control pill. If you have prior health problems to getting off the BC pill this will probably exacerbate your health problems when you off of BC pills permanently. Obviously some of the symptoms are common amongst all the ladies, but some of the symptoms are unique to every woman, so you will not know what will happen to your body until it is your turn. Only you know how healthy you are and you also know once you get off of the BC pill if you plan on continuing to live a healthy lifestyle with diet and exercise and taking the appropriate meds prescribed by your doctor. The bottom line is, every one is different and unique.

I just found this group. I’m 49 and went off bc in October for the first time in 30 years (except when I had my kids). I’d struggled with night sweats and high blood pressure for years while on a combination pill. It never occurred to me that the pill could have been causing these problems. My primary doc suggested I take Metagenics Estrovera and a multi vitamin. Since going off the pill and taking the Estrovera, my night sweats are gone, bp is down and I feel great. Only problem is periods are lasting 8+ days and less than 3 weeks apart. Any idea how long it takes to regulate after stopping? Going broke on tampons!

I am so glad this discussion is on here! I am 52, and was just told to go off the combo pill in August, after being on it nearly continuously since 17 when I picked it up in college. My blood pressure had started to go up last year, so we figured this was the cause. I had never had high blood pressure before - usually the opposite. I tried reducing salt and increasing exercise for a bit, but it had little impact. So, I was recommended going off or switching to the mini-pill progesterone-only.

The first two weeks were fine, then I had a couple of weeks of constant overheating(no 'flashes', just constant hot). I read about how sometimes when you go off the combo pill, your insulin levels can be weird as your other systems take over estrogen and general thermostat regulation, so I cut out all the high spiky insulin foods(think sugar and white rice along with the rest of the online lists of foods to avoid) and reduced some caffeine, and the heat problem turned off completely.

Now it has been three months of progesterone only, and I can see my skin aging, and hair growth slowing. I had been having a lot of brain-fog issues the past few years, and those have not changed, sadly. It's very annoying, and I hope that part at least sorts itself out by 60. Bonus and unexpected - my internal base stress level has gone down. It's just easier to cope. I have added rice and sugar back with no problems, and overheating is completely gone. I am sleeping better, although now I have weird little dreams, when I have never been one to remember dreams much at all. I do not have more energy, and some of my hand strength is just gone. Also, mentally, I find I am more detached from things and people, but not in a depressed or destructive way. More the feeling of having a choice about being involved or not, rather than having an immediate reaction (like wanting to scream at the grocery clerk that eye-rolled when asking a valid question).

Hoping I am just done, but it's too soon to tell. I get mild cramping with no period, and some spotting during the week I would have normally had one in the '4th week off' time. But it's too soon to write off periods altogether. I am hoping most of the worst of it was masked during the past 5 years. But...I do have female relatives that didn't hit menopause until 56-65.

One would have thought with half the planet going through this in their lives that there would be more medical study and progress on this in the last 50 years, but apparently no. lol

I think starting a better workout routine and nutrition plan is next on the agenda. Wondering how much of my personality and priority-setting is hormone related. Will be interesting to see who I become now. Maybe my ten year old self has a chance again. :) She was fun.

Hey ladies. Went to my gyno yesterday. Hitting 55 in a week and no more BC for me. I am scared shitless about this. When I was younger my mother put me on the pill due to my bad periods. Not only have to worry about that, never used other contraception either. It's going to be a ride.

At my last annual, my gyno indicated taking me off bc in a year. Fast forward and that appointment is quickly approaching. Recently retired (55) so I finally have time to research my options. This board has been a great start!!! I’m shocked that it dates back so many years and although we are all different, we are all still struggling a bit. Anyway, I’ve been on bc since I was 16, so 40 years this year. Would appreciate tips on any good resources for me to look into to help promote overall understanding and options prior to that next gyno appointment.

I'm hearing the same thing, I'm approaching 58 in a few months. My doctor says that I won't get pregnant if I'm not on birth control due to my age. I'm thinking.... "you want to put that in writing?". Just read about a 65-year-old woman who conceived naturally and gave birth. Is my doctor going to chip in with the cost of raising a child if she's wrong? Babysit when I need to go to retirement planning seminars?

She already has me periodically going off the pill for a few months at a time to see if menopause would like to kick in, and there's no sign of menopause yet.