Effects of Birth Control on Lab Testing?

Question

I started developing hirsutism at puberty. My dad's side of the family, especially my dad, is really hairy. There's only one other female before me, & she is hairy, but doesn't have any facial hair that I can tell. I had a lab test done to check all sorts of hormones to rule out PCOS. I had been on birth control for about 3 months at that point. When the lab tests came back, they were all down the middle normal. Would the Pill have had that significant of an effect on the validity of the results? I have asked this question before & peolpe write back telling me about PCOS. I know what that is & just b/c it is the most common hormonal disorder, does not mean it is the most common underlying cause for hirsutism. 95% of the time it is genetic. I have always had normal periods, (sometimes heavy), not overweight, low blood pressure, etc. No other symptoms except mild acne & oily skin. If my hormones were abnormal, that would be why PCOS develops, but according to my doc, they are normal.

Answer 1

I have PCOS and unfortunately I fall in to the 5% of women who do not have a genetic history for it.

The reason that some have mentioned PCOS (and myself included probably) is because like other diseases, syndromes, conditions, and disorders it has just as many atypical symptoms as it does typical ones. I've met a number of women who had no problems with weight issues (as one example) but they still had PCOS.

As for it being the most common hormone disorder out there, I wish that were true about it being the most commonly recognized hormone disorder because pretty frequently I still get asked what it is. And on here I often have to post a link about it when the subject comes up because I never know who knows what it is.

Thyroid problems can also affect us such as by causing possible excess hair growth.

Yes, the birth control pills can alter test results. How I found this out was because I asked my gyn about that and she told me that if we wanted to do those tests to see what was going on with some of my hormone levels I would need to stop the pill for a few days to get a true reading of what was going on.

I wish you the best in everything.

Answer 2

The Mirena IUD still contains hormones like birth control pills, specifically levonorgestrel. If you had problems with the pill, you might find you have the same sort of troubles with a Mirena. However, as far as dependability it is at least as effective- if not more so- than the pill. It's considered 99% effective, which is as good as it gets. The only thing better, with no side effects, is abstinence. Obviously not a real choice for you. The risk of pregnancy of any sort is very low. I have seen it happen only twice in my career. Once the IUD was left in place, although they monitored it closely. The other time it was removed. In both cases, there were very healthy babies born later on. No birth defects, no problems. In the first case, the IUD delivered along with the placenta- not a big surprise, that. If you wish to avoid the hormones, but still want to have the comfort of the IUD, look into using a copper IUD. The only other suggestion I would have is to consider a diaphram. Those are old fashioned, and have fallen from favor - but they are a dependable barrier form which doesn't depend on hormones. You have to be dedicated to the use, have to have one properly fitted, and use a spermicidal jelly with it for the best results. When the time comes you are ready for another baby, it's also easier to try since you just leave the diaphram out. WIth an IUD, you have to have it removed. It's also not as dependable as the IUD or pill. I think you should discuss the matter with your gynecologist to explore all your options first though, before you make a final decision. I couldn't tolerate the pill, so the Mirena wasn't an option for me either. I opted to take my chances with a diaphram. I can't say it was always lovely- as you sometimes have to stop in the midst of things and make a bathroom run. Not exactly romantic. On the other hand, I had good fortune with it, and my children were spaced out nearly exactly 2 years apart by design. Sometimes old fashioned isn't so bad. But if you can use the Mirena, that's fine too. Just talk it over with the doctor, then decide.