Affects of Continuous BCP on hormone levels. - Women's Health Message Board

Greenoctopus18 · 04-28-2003, 05:32 PM

I have been told by a doctor to take BC pills continuously for treatment and I was wondering what affect this will have on hormone-related side-effects, such as low libido, yeast infections, etc.

I have been taking the pill for about 8 months the 'normal' way and each month I would have at least one yeast infection (one before and/or one after my period). I guessed that to be from a change in hormone levels, as I take all known precautions to prevent them from happening.
Now that I have to take the pill each day, should this no longer occur because there will not be a change in hormone levels?

I really don't like the idea of never having a period.. or even just one every 3-5 months. I like the reassurance of not being pregnant each month. I guess I can spend the money I save each month on PG test rather than sanitary products.
Does anybody know of any changes in the effectiveness of the pill once taken continuoulsy?
And which time of the month would I know to take a HPT?

Sarah68 · 04-29-2003, 01:47 AM

I agree that it is not good never to have a period. I think that you should, as it is your body's way of eliminating any toxins that it needs to.

Also, as far as effectiveness of contraception goes, I would have thought that if you take it continuously that it would be more effective. The BCP works by stopping ovulation every month and if you do not ovulate you should not get pregnant, so when you do stop taking the pill to allow yourself to have a period, then it will not be a natural period in that sense of the word. Anyway, maybe others know better than I do on this one, as I have never taken the BCP in my life, as I have never felt like interfering with my hormones, prefering to use more natural methods of contraception.

DenverGal · 04-29-2003, 12:31 PM

Sarah - Periods do not get rid of "Toxins" - there are NO toxins that build up in your uterus. It is a way for the uterus to shed the lining that builds up monthly. I am just replying b/c I've seen you say this several times and it is not accurate and can scare people unneccessarily.

I believe that using BCPs continuously would have the same or better effectiveness in preventing pregnancy, but I'm sure you can do a search to find out exactly. I think the best time to use the HPT would be the week that you would normally get your period, since this is the week you would normally see that you are not pregnant.

Sarah68 · 04-29-2003, 03:10 PM

Yes, I do know that when you have a period you shed the lining of the uterus, which is known as the Corpus Luteum. You do not need to tell me that.

However, what I say is that when you have a period it can help clear the body of toxins generally that have built up over the past month. I did not mean the uterus itself, but the body as a whole. I am sure you would also be surprised at how many bacteria there are in the uterus itself. Anyway, I do say this a lot and it definitely is not scaring people, so on this point I rest my case and you are wrong not me. We can see how many others agree.

Greenoctopus18 · 04-29-2003, 05:52 PM

Well, I don't know whether I agree or not. But I have to take them continuously anyway. I have read quite a bit about it, most being positive, but I still don't like the idea. I haven't searched for any adverse reactions yet. Hopefully i don't find too many.
Thankyou for the replies

I will just ask this again:
IF I have recurrent yeast infections due to taking the pill, is it possible that now that I have to take it continuously I shouldn't have the same problem, as there will be a constant level of hormones throughout the month? or am I wrong in thinking that?
I have always been on a monophasic pill, but the estrogen level drops before your period still, doesn't it?

THANKS.