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Going off the Pill

by KM

Wray:

I am 30 years old and have been taking Lo-Ovral birth control pill since I was 16 years old, initially to shorten my 9-10 day periods. I am married and am looking to go off the pill and use progesterone for health reasons but still do not want to get pregnant. I'm confused how progesterone works versus the pill. I understand the pill is synthetic and progesterone is natural but if I take progesterone every day will it keep me from getting pregnant like the pill? Or would I need to use other birth control methods to prevent pregnancy? Also, if progesterone fools your body into thinking you're already pregnant how is it better than the pill in that respect as far as being healthier? Also, do you have your period if you take progesterone every day? I've tried to read other threads on this topic, but am still not clear on the differences if I go off the pill. Thanks so much for the help.

KM

Comments for Going off the Pill

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Jan 17, 2012
 Going off the Pill
by: Wray

Hi KM I'm happy you are considering going off the pill, all drug based Contraceptives have the potential to cause harm. I recommend the copper T IUD, there's more info on the link I've given you. It is possible to use progesterone as a contraceptive, it's normally started about 8 days prior to ovulation. About 200mg/day is needed. But a word of caution, stress drops progesterone levels, so the protection could go when stressed. Unless the amount were increased. The pill is synthetic, with many adverse side effects, progesterone has none being natural. The body makes it monthly if not on the pill, this prevents ovulation and stops production of progesterone. There's more info on it's use as a contraceptive on this page here. Scroll almost to the bottom. Incidentally progesterone also controls heavy or long periods. Take care Wray
Jan 20, 2012
 I am going through the same thing
by: Miranda

Hello,

I can completely relate to your question. I am 30 also and and married. I have such severe PMS that my mood swings have gotten out of control.. they fluctuate constantly through the month. I went to my Gyn yesterday and she wants to put me on the progestin only pill.. I know its synthetic which is not natural but am confused as to what the difference is between that and progesterone if both are being used to prevent pregnancy.. don't they both stop ovulation? Is that healthy? I would like to do the cream but my Dr. is pushing the pill and want info so I can explain why I would rather take the cream... Good luck!
Jan 21, 2012
 I am going through the same thing
by: Wray

Hi Miranda Progesterone is not normally used to stop pregnancy, as doctors only offer the Pill. Dr Dalton would offer progesterone as many of her patients couldn't tolerate the pill due to the adverse side effects. It can make PMS worse, interestingly it was Dr Dalton who coined the term PMS over 60 years ago. She used progesterone successfully for many female problems for over 50 years, until her death a few years ago. If you look at the contraceptives page I gave KM, you'll get an idea of how harmful they can be. Whereas progesterone is not. Stopping ovulation is not harmful if progesterone is used, as you are replacing that which would not be made. But normally progesterone is used in conjunction with your cycle, not against it. So it's only used from ovulation, not before. So please look at the contraceptives page first, then if you do decide on progesterone, please look at our page on How to use progesterone cream. I recommend 100-200mg/day, anything lower I've found does not help if symptoms are severe, and it sounds as if yours are. Please also read our page Oestrogen Dominance too, as this can occur when first using progesterone. Take care Wray
Jan 26, 2012
 THANKS WRAY
by: Miranda

Thanks Wray!

Sorry, I just sent you another comment on my page, but realized you already answered my question here:) Ok sounds good, I think I will try to follow my cycle and use another form of contraceptive! Thanks for your advice:)

Miranda
Jan 26, 2012
 THANKS WRAY
by: Wray

Miranda Ok, let me know how you get on. Take care Wray

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