Birth control pills and IBS
Hi everyone!
I have looked up different articles on the internet regarding the pill and IBS, but I found mostly biased statements being entirely against it.
So what I’m really asking for are your own experiences (if there are any 😀) or maybe something you heard from doctors, because my gynecologist isn’t really knowledgeable when it comes to IBS.
Now to explain a little further:
There might be a possibility that I have endometriosis. My gynecologist advised me to take a birth control pill with just gestagen. In the first month I had zero issues but in the second I started to have really bad lower belly pain right around ovulation, it didn’t feel like the usual period cramps, rather like really sharp intestinal pain. I went to my gynecologist and told him about that. He suggested that I shouldn’t stop taking the pill but rather try to keep going until my cycle got used to the new hormonal influence. So I’ve done that for 2 more months but now, always around ovulation, I get bad nausea, heartburn, diarrhea that doesn’t really stop and fatigue. I had similar symptoms around ovulation and right before I got my period, but it wasn’t that much and if I had diarrhea it did stop on it’s own, now I have to take something to stop it for like 2 days until it comes again.
I just don’t know if it’s just my IBS that got worse on it’s own or the birth control pill that I take.
That’s why I hope for some experiences others had, so that I maybe can become a little bit clearer about my own situation. Oh and of course I will go to my gynecologist again, but I just don’t really know what to tell him at this point…
Ask your gyno to switch you to a progestin bc pill. I have been on Norethindrone for 6 yrs, never had a problem. Also, I don't have to deal with periods and I didn't gain weight! I hope you find an answer soon.
Be strong!
Thanks for helping another community member with what has worked for you. For everyone reading, it is important to remember that everybody's different, and it is best to reach out to your healthcare provider if you are experiencing any new or ongoing symptoms that you haven't found relief from. It's also best to talk to them if you plan to start or stop any prescription or over-the-counter medication. While we're happy to share our experiences, we cannot offer medical advice here for your safety. Thanks for being a valuable community member. Take care! - Samantha, IrritableBowelSyndrome.net Team
Did you end up finding a solution with your gynecologist?
I personally don't think that birth control impacted my IBS (I was on it when I got IBS and nothing changed when I came off), however my hormones in general impact my symptoms SO much. I've been pregnant twice. The first time I was almost IBS-free for the entire time, the second time I still had flares. My first postpartum was just one big giant flare, the second time around I felt great... As far as I can tell, there's no rhyme or reason to it, so I would just focus on finding a solution that works for you at this time in your life.
Here's an article about hormones and IBS: https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/triggers/can-hormones-trigger-ibs
I know that this is not exactly what you were asking, but I hope that it helps a little bit and that you'll be able to figure out a solution with your gynecologist.
Wishing you all the best, Karina (team member)Sadly I haven't had any chance to talk to my gynecologist yet. But until then I'm trying to get as much information as possible to ask him about. I also had a feeling that it might just be my hormones in general... so I also will check out that article that you recommended, thank you!
Hi, guys! I want to give you a little update. I finally had an appointment with my gynecologist and here is what we talked about and came up with: I couldn’t really tell him about my IBS, I tried but it got lost in the conversation. I told him that I still have something like a period and therefore period pain + the symptoms I mentioned above. He replied that the bc pill he prescribed me actually should have gotten rid of my period but also because I’m still quite young and my hormones are at their peak, it might take something stronger to do so. So he prescribed me a pill with a higher dose of gestagen which is also mostly prescribed to people with endometriosis. I also need to make an appointment for a laparoscopy because of my suspected endometriosis… Well that’s all. I hope the new pill works and I won’t have as much pain any more 😀
I am glad I can help. Yes, the anti contraceptive methods are effective but can be not the best if you want to get pregnant in the future.
I don't suffer from endometriosis, but I have a lot of experience with patients that do. With natural treatments you can improve that condition a lot.
Hi Elena thank you for your comments, though I have to say that I am not particularly against natural treatments, but I think in my case it's not going to do anything. I tried different things over the years from herbal supplements to other things and it didn't work. My pain was so bad that I was shaking while laying in bed and not able to get up. Also right now I am in the mindset of not wanting children in the future, I know that it can change and I am aware that if I suddenly want to have a baby it might not be that easy, but the important part is, that im aware.
But I am still glad that you gave your opinion and advise about this topic, maybe someone else can benefit from it 😀
Hello, yes, I know how frustrated it can be. It is really to do an integrative aproach: diet, supplements, microbiota... Everything in one go.
In any case, I hope you can inpuve your condition soon!
