T1 and contraception (one for the girls I'm afraid)

[Unicornz]

I'm a T1 and I'm on the pill. I had been on Microgynon for 8 years when I moved to the UK and my English GP decided that it was better for me (being a diabetic) to go onto the minipill (called Cerazette). Apparently it's meant to be better because it only has one hormone in it instead of two and my GP said it could be better for more steady levels. Now, none of my Dutch doctors have ever mentioned anything like this to me before and I've never had any problems while on the 'normal' pill.

The problem is that I'm really not liking this minipill! My cycles have become really irregular (sometimes there's 4 months in between and sometimes only 1.5 weeks) and they last nearly twice as long as before, and I've started to get really bad breakouts of spots especially on my face and back. I've tried to sit it out at least a year but none of it has changed and to be fair I'd really like to go back onto my 'normal' pill although my GP advises me against it.

I was just wondering if any of you are still on Microgynon and do you notice anything with your levels?

 

[hyper-Suze]

Hi,

Really sorry, I can't help much I'm afraid, my method was the coil and then tried the implant. Never really fancied the pill as I'm useless at remembering tablets! If its any help, the implant was the best method I have every used. (obviously it is my personal preference) regular periods, bigger breasts and 3 years free of worry or needing to remember!!!

Hope you manage to sort out your dilemma with the mini pill!

 

[sasha1]

Hi hun,

Im not to sure I can help on this as Im not diabetic (my son is), but I do have much knowledge on our monthly cycle and a little on contraception.

I have personally tried most forms over the years, and before I had a hysterectomy several years ago, I found the Depo Injection worked best for me, and helped to control my irregular cycle.

It may be worth talking to your GP, and discussing all available options for you ..


Heidi
xx🙂

 

[staceyc]

hi i was on ceraztte for 6 years and loved it at first it was abit all over but then i never had a period for 6 years 🙂 then dr said they were not making ceraztte anymore i was abit gutted they then changed me on to the one you used to be one 4 weeks later i got pregnant lol i would try and stick with it a little longer, if the the patch is a good one i have been on depo beofre and that makes u put weight on 🙂

 

[katiekin]

hi! i am type one and on microgynon. i havent found any issue with it to be honest, and the nurse who put me on microgynon knew i was diabetic and didnt mention anything.
It is interesting to hear this theory though, i suppose like everything it probably effects everyone differently. however seeing as you were on it for 8 years with no particular issue i am surprised your GP changed it... i have been on the pill for about a year and like i say havent noticed a difference in my levels but as staceyc says it is probably worth trying to stick with it. I will definately bring it up with my GP next time i go!
xxxxx

 

[rachelha]

I took microgynon for years without anyone mentioning it could affect by blood sugars, weird. Have you noticed your levels being any steadier?

 

[Unicornz]

I took microgynon for years without anyone mentioning it could affect by blood sugars, weird. Have you noticed your levels being any steadier?

I really wouldn't be able to tell. My BGs have always been really erratic until I went on the pump 3 months ago, changing to the minipill alone didn't make any difference to my levels at all.

I have considered an implant as well, although the thing that's stopping me is that it still won't allow me to have regular periods (although the idea of getting bigger boobs does sound VERY appealing 😛).

Made an appointment with my GP anyway for next week, I'm going to try and go back onto Microgynon and if I do happen to notice a negative difference in my levels I will probably ask about an implant. Thanks for all your feedback!

 

[shiv]

I was on Microgynon for...7 years? And was fine on it. When I went to change pills a few weeks ago (I take the pill for PMDD more than anything), I had to speak to the specialist contraceptive doctor person. Basically it came down to the risk of stroke being increased on the pill, plus the risk of stroke as a person with type 1, means it's flagged up as a risk (contraindication or something?). Not sure if that's at all what your dr meant?

 

[hyper-Suze]

I have considered an implant as well, although the thing that's stopping me is that it still won't allow me to have regular periods (although the idea of getting bigger boobs does sound VERY appealing 😛).

Made an appointment with my GP anyway for next week, I'm going to try and go back onto Microgynon and if I do happen to notice a negative difference in my levels I will probably ask about an implant. Thanks for all your feedback!

Heya,
I actually noticed they became a lot more regular, it was nice to have something that made it easier in that sense. The coil messed everything up for me yet at the time I just liked having the 5year span of not needing to remember! (and there is no pain of it going in or out as the arm is numbed or as intrusive as the coil!)

Good luck with sorting out the pill or whatever you may choose!!! I'd really like to see how men would cope with the dilemmas us girls face...just to make their life easier too!!!!😛

 

[Natalie123]

Hi, Only just spotted this but thought I'd post as I had similar experiences. I was put on the mini pill when I first started on contraceptives but didn't like them. I went for months without a period but when I did have one it would be very light and last for up to a month 😱 It became ridiculous so my GP put me onto the normal pill and I have been fine since, I find the regular periods help me predict my sugar levels better now. I think Shiv is right about the increase stroke risk - I think there are other increased risks too, like DVT and heart problems but I decided, along with my GP that the risks were small enough that I could swap. The implant is also an option although didn't appeal to me and is the same single hormone as the mini pill.

 

[Cate]

Basically they don't like you being on the combined pill if you're diabetic, over 35, and/or overweight. It's down to the combination of risk factors, the combined pill ups your risk of ?stroke or heart attack (can't remember which!) and breast cancer.

I've just this week been switched over to cerazette from ovranette which is a combined pill, since I meet all of the criteria above 🙄. Not actually started taking it yet, but picked up the prescription yesterday.

Speaking of which...anyone know if I have to start the course on cycle day 1, or can I start it mid-cycle?