I was on birth control for part of my twenties… and I have to say, I really liked it. I enjoyed the regular periods and the lack of PMS symptoms. It was great knowing exactly when things would start and end.
But once I wasn’t sexually active (between relationships, you see), I stopped taking birth control. I didn’t need it for the birth control aspect, and my periods stayed relatively regular for a few years after I stopped the hormones.
The doctor I saw at the teaching clinic said that he thought “birth control” wasn’t the best name. For women with irregular periods, hormones can really help even things out! But — like me — many women figure if they aren’t in danger of getting pregnant, they don’t need birth control.
In preparation for my hysterectomy in April, I’m on hormones once again. The doctors don’t think the hormones will do much to shrink the fibroids before surgery, but they are providing relief for some of my other symptoms.
The good: my period has been exceptionally light. I’m not worried about overflowing this month! And I’ve avoided the pre-period headache that’s been torturing me over the last few months. Those are both very good things. My cramps were much milder this month than they have been, too.
The not so good: the packet that came with the hormones warned about a bunch of potential side effects, including “abnormal hair growth”. So far, I haven’t noticed any hair in weird places… but I am experiencing another side effect: breast swelling and tenderness. They’re not painful, but they are uncomfortable, and right now NONE of my bras fit! That’s making dressing for work a challenge; the other morning I went through three different bras before option for an undershirt instead.
I know the swelling problem is only temporary… and I hate to go buy new underwear just for the next few weeks before my surgery! I’ll check out Goodwill, or see if I can borrow some gear from a friend. Still, I think the hormones are more helpful than frustrating. It’s nice to have a little relief from some of my symptoms!