Birth control/ endo question?

Question

i have endometriosis, and i was actually wondering if it is possible for me to not have a period, because i think it would lessen pain.

example: i'm on the nuvaring.

if i took my nuvaring out on the 30th, and put a new one in directly after, would that work to stop my period? is it safe?

do i absolutely have to talk to my doctor before just continuously do it?

Answer 1

Article from Endometiosis.org
"The combined oral contraceptive pill for endometriosis

The combined oral contraceptive pill has been used for women with endometriosis since the late 1950s, and for many years it was the main hormonal drug used [1].

The combined oral contraceptive pill is not just one drug. Rather, there are many different types, each of which contains a specific low-dose combination of synthetic oestrogen and progestagen (progesterone).

The main advantages of the pill are that it is inexpensive and is usually reasonably well tolerated by women [2]. It can also be taken safely for many years if necessary, unlike most of the other hormonal drug treatments for endometriosis [2].



HOW IT WORKS

Like all the other hormonal treatments, the pill does not cure endometriosis. Rather, it alleviates the pain of endometriosis by suppressing menstruation and inhibiting the growth of the endometrial implants.

Because everyone responds differently to different dosages of hormones, it is some times necessary to "experiment" until one finds the pill that works best, and has the least side effects."

to read the rest go to http://www.endometriosis.org/ocp.html

Answer 2

Definitely talk to your doctor. While in principle the method you describe would work, in reality, you end up with breakthrough bleeding and other side effects.

You might consider discussing progesterone-only (mini) pills; these are often used for endometriosis, as they can be taken without a break, and they contain no estrogen so you're less likely to bleed.

Another option to discuss would be a new pill that you take all year long without a break (Lybrel), or Seasonale, with which you only have a period 4 x per year.

No matter what, talk to your doc.

Answer 3

If you continue to keep the hormones in your body up your body will think you are pregnant and you should not have a period. It is a good idea to keep the level up so that the endometriosis doesn't keep coming back each month (or flare up worse) when you have your period. I know people that have endometriosis that take a birth control period everyday. Your GYN doctor can talk to you about that. Good luck

Answer 4

Since you have a known condition this should be discussed between you and your GYN. Endo. is very unpleasant and must be treated carefully.