45 - going off of birth control after 15 years. Experiences?

[Anonymous]

OP here. You'd have to be having sex to get pregnant, so I'm not worried about that

The reason I want to try going off of it, is because I think it's affecting my cholesterol levels - specifically my extremely high HD. Statins won't help that, and there is no other explanation for my high HDL, with everything else. So I want to go off of it for a few months ahead of bloodwork and see how it affects things.

[Anonymous]

What’s the problem with HDL?

[Anonymous]

Very heavy periods. Just got an IUD to manage those.

[Anonymous]

I went off at 46 and had period cramps, acne, and heavier periods that got very irregular. I had been on BC since my early 20s and hadn’t had period cramps since then so they were pretty jarring. Went on HRT at 47 and am now 6 months without a period.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I tried and failed. Horrible cramping - so bad I thought I had cancer and got an ultrasound. Bleeding all month long. And my mood was horrible. My gyno said I could be on it til menopause, and that's what I'm doing.

NP but this is my fear. Anytime I've gone off I've had bad cramping.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. You'd have to be having sex to get pregnant, so I'm not worried about that

The reason I want to try going off of it, is because I think it's affecting my cholesterol levels - specifically my extremely high HD. Statins won't help that, and there is no other explanation for my high HDL, with everything else. So I want to go off of it for a few months ahead of bloodwork and see how it affects things.

High HDL is good.

[Anonymous]

Keep using a form of b/c if sexually active, unless you’re ok with the chances of pregnancy. (Two friends got pregnant in mid 40s, both had 100% healthy babies. And I had 2 miscarriages at 42. It’s not rare.)

When I went off after 15 years, in my late 30s, all of my depression and anxiety lifted. I had no idea that was the cause of it all for so long. My cycle was somewhat inconsistent, but cramping was about the same as with b/c.

You’re likely in peri, so I’d research that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I dunno about "obviously". I went off at 44. Expecting a baby in October.

This. Everyone knows people like this. I would not assume you can’t get pregnant. Have your doc check your hormones!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. You'd have to be having sex to get pregnant, so I'm not worried about that

The reason I want to try going off of it, is because I think it's affecting my cholesterol levels - specifically my extremely high HD. Statins won't help that, and there is no other explanation for my high HDL, with everything else. So I want to go off of it for a few months ahead of bloodwork and see how it affects things.

High HDL is good.

No, it's not. Very high HDL (over 100) is associated with an increase in all cause mortality. Mine is over 130 (all other stats and bloodwork are great).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I dunno about "obviously". I went off at 44. Expecting a baby in October.

Yeah, one of the dumber comments I’ve read on here. I know of two women who got pregnant in their late ‘40s.

[Anonymous]

I stayed on it until last year (age 53). When I stopped, I lost a few pounds without trying, which was a nice surprise. I'm still getting periods, but they're unpredictable so I never know when it's coming or how long it will last. No symptoms of menopause.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I stayed on it until last year (age 53). When I stopped, I lost a few pounds without trying, which was a nice surprise. I'm still getting periods, but they're unpredictable so I never know when it's coming or how long it will last. No symptoms of menopause.

The unpredictable periods are a symptom of perimenopause. Menopause is a year without periods.

[Anonymous]

I went off and had horrible hot flashes and night sweats.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My doctor is having me stay on it until age 52 to help with perimenopause symptoms. Aside from gaining a little weight (I'm 49) I dont have a lot of the symptoms my friends are dealing with so I'm glad I can continue for a few more years.

Same. My doctor also said I could stay on for a few more years (I'm 50). I have gained a few pounds but that's about it.

[Anonymous]

I went back on the pill at age 46 after being off it for 18 years! It is really helping with perimenopause symptoms - regulating my period, fewer GI issues, much less anxiety, no night sweats, etc.

I don't think I'd go off it at your age, but go ahead and give it a try and see how it goes.