Birth Control and Cycle Issues After RNY

[Sjane 6]

I'm hoping someone here may have a clue since my doctor and I are stumped. I had gastric bypass surgery in 2012. For 8 years before that I'd been using a Nuva Ring to help regulate my periods. They had been heavy and irregular. It worked great. Then after my weight loss it stopped working. My periods became irregular and heavy again and it got to the point where I was having one every two weeks (with them sometimes lasting for two weeks at a time)! My doctor switched me to Seasonique. That was an epic failure. It was 10 times worse. My periods were so heavy and the cramping was so bad that it made me feel physically sick. And once it lasted for almost 3 weeks. So we switched again to another pill Generess FE. That seemed better. My periods were still irregular but I only had one a month and then only for 3 days at a time. That lasted for 7 months. Now the problem is back. My periods are starting two weeks after they stop and sometimes lasting for two weeks at a time again. I've had blood work done, I've had an ultrasound, and several pelvic exams. I'm healthy. But my doctor thinks that after my weight loss my hormones got out of whack and are causing this problem that we can't seem to find a fix for. Has anyone else run into problems with birth control after weight loss? Anyone have any suggestions? I'm frustrated and at a loss. I'm 34 and I'm trying to plan my life around my unpredictable, out of control menstrual cycle.

[MaryJane11 10]

I had an IUD and after surgery is stopped working so I just decided to take it out. That was six months ago. I'm just now getting back to normal periods but still get cramping and hormonal. My body had to work itself out.

[checkmeowt 27]

@@Sjane have they run any blood work for your hormone levels? have you tried going off hormonal birth control, for good or at least until your cycle begins to function normally?

I'm guessing it is your body adjusting to your weight loss, and switching different types of hormonal methods will also mess with it.

Good luck! I went off bc pills last July and I told the bariatrician today that I wouldn't be going back on hormonal birth control - I want nothing messing me up for when I'm ready to get pregnant.

[Sjane 6]

@@checkmeowt Hi thanks for the reply. They've checked my hormone levels and they seem to be okay. I actually need birth control because without it my cycles are horrible. Heavy and lots of pain. I see my gastric bypass doctor this Friday and I'm going to bring it up then. I need something that works without reeking havoc on my life. I don't know if kids are even on the table for me, but like you I don't want to mess up the chance either.

[checkmeowt 27]

@@checkmeowt Hi thanks for the reply. They've checked my hormone levels and they seem to be okay. I actually need birth control because without it my cycles are horrible. Heavy and lots of pain. I see my gastric bypass doctor this Friday and I'm going to bring it up then. I need something that works without reeking havoc on my life. I don't know if kids are even on the table for me, but like you I don't want to mess up the chance either.

If you're not certain about kids - or at least not for a couple years, what about an IUD?

[Sjane 6]

@@checkmeowt I really wanted to try an IUD but my gyno didn't want me to for some reason. Since this birth control isn't working either I think I'm going to push for an IUD unless there is a medical reason why I shouldn't get one. I'm ready for my life to return to normal. I talked to my gastric bypass physician assistant and she didn't have anything new to add. She just told me that weight loss and hormonal changes can cause these problems and to keep working with my gyno.

[checkmeowt 27]

@@checkmeowt I really wanted to try an IUD but my gyno didn't want me to for some reason. Since this birth control isn't working either I think I'm going to push for an IUD unless there is a medical reason why I shouldn't get one. I'm ready for my life to return to normal. I talked to my gastric bypass physician assistant and she didn't have anything new to add. She just told me that weight loss and hormonal changes can cause these problems and to keep working with my gyno.

I have heard that gyno's don't necessarily like to put IUD's in women who are younger/no kids, but I think that has changed mostly.

There should be no reason not to give you one if you're not planning on TTC in the near future.

I just read: "The main contraindication for use is recent pelvic infection and there are no specific considerations for use following bariatric surgery". It actually sounds like an IUD is the recommended method because of the rapid weight loss, hormonal types aren't as effective.