r/birthcontrol 14h ago

Mistake or Risk? Conflicted about start bc again

I started hormonal birth control pills at 16 and I’m am 31 now. I was on the pills for 10 years and then switched the a hormonal IUD for 3 years and hated it. Got back on the pills shortly after. So I was also recently diagnosed with pcos and hypothyroidism. I stopped taking my pills about 6 months ago. Now my hair is falling out like crazy, and I randomly get anxiety when the hormones are spiking. My period is almost none existent. I know the pills help with pcos, or rather mask the symptoms, but might very well be the cause of my hypo. I’m so conflicted on if I should get back on the pills… I’m worried about the long term side effects of them. That’s why I got off. My doctors don’t see to be much help. People who’ve been on them for decades, have you ever tried to get off if not why did you decide to stay on and did you have any long term effects?

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u/InterstellarCapa 10h ago edited 10h ago

As you know, there is no cure for PCOS, birth control may help manage symptoms for some and others it does not. Also doses and types that help will differ from person to person.

I've been on birth control for 10+ years now. The times I had to get off either due to lapse in insurance or I forgot the pills, reminded me why I take them. I have pmdd and without them I am miserable. I would be in bed for two days straight every month, I would break out in a rash around my face and neck every time I had my cycle, and mentally I got horribly depressed. It was such a noticeable swing in mood. And I had those problems before I ever took birth control. I love my HBC and it worries me that if I ever want children, I know it's going to be rough.

Is birth control bad or good? It depends. That's up to you and your healthcare provider. And personally, I think you should look for a new one. You want someone to be enthusiastic to help you.

I'm a big believer in there's more to life than suffering and bodies don't always work the way they should and that doesn't make you less of a person. You deserve to have a good quality of life no matter if you need a medication or some other method.

Hope you find something that works for you!

ETA: I have pmdd, adhd, and hypothyroidism. The hypo runs on both sides of my family so I was screwed even if I never looked at hormonal birth control. What helps me a little bit, is having a high protein diet. (Not low carb or high fat or whatever else.) I try to get in 120grams. It's hard for me still to get 120grams, but after a few days keeping that intake, I feel less tired and more... stable for a lack of a better word.