WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for September, 2000: Re: Is my oral contraceptive causing my varicose veins?

Re: Is my oral contraceptive causing my varicose veins?

From: anonymous@obgyn.net
Fri, 15 Sep 2000 07:32:34 -0500 (CDT)

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In reply to: Atosa: "Is my oral contraceptive causing my varicose veins?"
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Reply: Kelly Shanahan, MD: "Re: Is my oral contraceptive causing my varicose veins?"

Dear Atosa:

I had the same problem with birth control pills. When I was 25 I took them for 4 months and during that time developed spider veins. When I went off the pill they faded. Now I am 31 and I recently was on the pill again (this time for a year). Again I developed spider veins, and was starting to develop varicose veins as well. I stopped taking the pill 1 month ago and my veins are much less visible. I also had problems with aching and cramping in my legs when I was on the pill. (I also had many other side effects...bloating, breast tenderness, irritability, headaches, etc.)

I have no risk factors for getting these veins: I am thin and active and I do not stand a lot.

I realize that this is not considered to be a side effect of the pill. My Dr. insisted that the pill was not causing the problems with my veins. But it just seems like an incredible coincidence that I developed this problem twice in my life, both times when I was on the pill. This is too strong to ignore!

I have been off the pill now for a month and my symptoms are improving dramatically. I feel so much better overall too. If you feel that the pill is causing problems for you, at least try going off it for three months or so and see if your symptoms improve. It is not worth taking the pill if it is going to hurt you! There are other methods with fewer health risks.

Good luck to you,

Julia

At Wed, 13 Sep 2000, Atosa wrote: >
>I am a 25 year old woman with no children. I have been taking an oral
>contraceptive called Desogen, for almost one year. I have noticed that
>I am starting to get surfacing spider and varicose veins in my legs. I
>do not stand for extended periods of time. However, varicose veins do
>run in my family.These veins were not noticable prior to starting the
>medication. I also have a dull aching pain in my right leg. The right
>leg is also where the veins are worse. I have discussed the issue with
>my husband, and we are considering stopping the medication. Will the
>veins go away if I stop the pill? Is it possible that this brand is the
>problem? Would switching to another brand of oral contraceptive give me
>a better result. I have researched other birth control methods on the
>internet. If I choose not to take any more pills or use any type of
>inplanted device, then what are other reliable methods?

Next message: Joy: "Catheterization"
Previous message: Robin: "Re: pain"
In reply to: Atosa: "Is my oral contraceptive causing my varicose veins?"
Next in thread: Kelly Shanahan, MD: "Re: Is my oral contraceptive causing my varicose veins?"
Reply: Kelly Shanahan, MD: "Re: Is my oral contraceptive causing my varicose veins?"

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