Re: Help!
From: D.N. (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Mon, 13 Sep 1999 21:46:00 -0500 (CDT)
Hi,
Removing just your uterus will not get rid of PMS just the bleeding. The
ovaries are the problem for PMS. If the pill helps with your mood, stay
on it. If the one you are on does not help with your bleeding, etc. Try
a different one.
I have had a complete hyst and both ovaries removed. I have an ovarian
remnant left. I was on continuous bcps for a year and a half to keep my
remnant from getting cysts. (I have endometriosis). I had to quit
taking them because my migraine headaches became unbearable. I know
that it is weird to have to take the pill even though you don't need it
for birth control, believe me. The only time I was ever on bcps was
after having my hyst and ovaries removed! I also have aortic insuffiency
which causes a diastolic heart murmur. I occasionally get PAC and PATs
I have the fibrocystic breast disease (I also have had a biopsy). I am
40. The new birth control pills are lower in estrogen which do not
appear to have the same risks as the old ones.
Some antidepressants have been used to help with PMS and the depression
that accompanies it. Paxil in particular has helped me with depression.
Check with your doctor. It can make a world of difference. If that one
does not work, there are other SSRI's available. Don't give up.
When I was having regular cycles I had really bad PMS, so I emphathize
with your situation. I hated planning my life around my periods. On
top of the PMS, I bled very heavy. I had fibroids. So I understand.
Do talk to your doctor about the alternatives and your concerns. Don't
worry about your heart mumur unless a cardiologist says you should. My
cardiologist did not have a problem with me being on bcps after 40.
Your periods may also be changing because your are getting older. PMS
unfortunately can get worse as well as bleeding. If you can avoid
having a hyst, do it, it is not a lot of fun.
If you have anymore questions let me know.
Best wishes,
--
D.N.
At Mon, 13 Sep 1999, kitcat wrote:
>
>I am a 37 y.o. professional woman, happily married with two wonderful
>children. I have a wonderful job, wonderful husband, and we just bought
>a new house this year. So what's my problem? I am very depressed about
>still having to have a period every month. This may sound crazy, but I
>feel like this is controlling my life. I have had really bad periods
>the past two years with bad PMS. I had a tubal ligation 10 years ago,
>so I don't need birth control, but my gyn. went ahead and put me on
>Levlite which reduced the cramping and bleeding, but I still have
>cramps, I bleed for 6 days, I have break-through bleeding, I'm very
>tired at least a week before, and I become very depressed. My cycles
>have ruined many holidays including my anniversary weekend when we went
>to Myrtle Beach. I am so tired of hurting, bleeding, having to remember
>to have protection with me and remembering to renew my pills every
>month, and I feel like I have to plan my whole life around the time I'm
>feeling bad. It burns me more to have to take the pills when I don't
>even need birth control or better yet, I don't need a period! (I'm not
>having any more children) The other problem is I don't want to take the
>pill in my 40's because I don't know my family medical hx, I already
>have a heart murmur and premature contraction of the atria, and a
>fibrocystic lump in my breast. (removed in 1989), but my symptoms will
>become severe again when I go off. I also don't like not being able to
>have sex with my husband when I want. I cry every month now because I'm
>getting so depressed over this. I can't take 15 more years of this
>before I hit menopause. My children will be grown and out of the house
>when I'm in my 40's, and my husband and I want to travel, but I won't be
>able to because I have to deal with my cycles. My question is: if I go
>to my gyn., do I have the right to ask her to perform a partial
>hysterectomy (removal of the uterus only). I want to take control of my
>life and enjoy life before it's too late. I feel my mental health is at
>stake here because right now, I'm not being a mother or wife for about
>10 days every month. Please respond because I am desperate!
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