Last time we spoke about The Side Effects of Prescription Drugs, I was searching for answers to my reoccurring headaches. I thought the headaches were totally menstrual driven but yet refused to look at the root cause of the issue.
In speaking with my doctor, he suggested (if you remember) for me to stop taking my birth control prescription (Ortho-Cyclen Lo) that he prescribed me due to extreme heavy flow and cramping.
It’s been almost 2 months since I quit talking my bc pills and I’m happy to report that I’ve only had two (2) extreme headaches since then. I’ve also had two (2) normal menstrual cycles, which by normal I mean, light flow and lasting four (4) days!
This Makes Me a Very Happy Person
However, was the birth control the root cause of the headaches?
I’m still searching for the answer to that question. Although it appears that the bc pills could have been causing the headaches, there are also a few other things that could have contributed:
- Stress
- Sinuses
How Will I Know For Sure?
I will never know for sure as recently, just this past week, I had such a headache it kept me from work. I woke up with it. It lasted all day. The Aleve my doctor said to take didn’t even touch it. I stayed in bed all day long and ended up going to sleep with the headache.
So I analyzed it and looked for more root causes:
- Back to work Monday blues
- Propane heat – we heat our home with it and has been known to dry out my head
- Premenstrual headache
Did I figure it out?
Not exactly but I did wake up to my period the next day. I also even closed the heater vent next to my bed to see if that would help.
Do I know anymore now?
Only another 25 days should tell if it was premenstrual. Since closing the heater vent though, I haven’t woke up with a dried head.
If It Turns Out Not to be my Birth Control Pills, Will I Go Back on Them?
At this point, I don’t think so. I went on them because my cycles were so horrid. My flow needed to be regulated for sure.
In a few more months will my cycle go back to its old and nasty ways?
I certainly hope not but if so, I think that I will look for alternative, more healthy ways to eliminate the pain and gushers. The side effects and risks of birth control pills at my age are a little too many for my liking now.
There’s Always Alternatives
For every prescription medicine, there is always an herbal alternative. Are they as effective? I don’t know the answers to that but I’d be willing to try.
What Type of Menstrual Issues Do You Face?
I know I speak to a lot of you about Shark Week and how it affects you.
- Extreme flow
- 7-days and longer
- Cramping
- Back pain
And more! It shouldn’t be this way ladies. Let’s help one another out and share some of our secrets.
If you have menstrual issues, share them below. If you have remedies to offer, please share them as well. As a Community of Women experiencing similar issues, it’s imperative we try to help one another out.
Perimenopause and Menopause are right around the corner for some of us. Let’s support one another and discuss below.
