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Birth Control and Flare-Ups: Coincidence?


Tue, July 14, 2015 11:00 PM


Has anyone experienced a flare up from starting any form of birth control?
Also, what types of Birth control have worked well for you?

I started the pill, Orsythia, and within a week, had increased fatigue, nausea, increased diarrhea, and a yeast infection. Within another week and due to so many side effects, my Gynecologist switched me to trying the NuvaRing. Within 24 hours, I was so nauseated that I couldn't handle it anymore and stopped all birth control. This was my first time on any hormonal birth control. 

Now I'm in a full blown flare, including fatigue, diarrhea/constipation in a rotation, abdominal pain, bloating, some heartburn, joint pains, sinus pain and eye pain. I missed a week of work, and I'm trying to get better quickly because I'm getting married in a couple of months. All tests came back normal, except for the calprotectin fecal test, which showed elevation indicating inflammation. Vitamin D and B12 were ok, but not as high as the doctors would like. I also have a scope in two weeks, so I'm hopeful that they'll find more info there. 

Help! If you've had any flares that happened at the same time as starting a birth control, or if you've heard any research about this, please share. 

I'm currently on Humira and 6 mp, had 8 inches of small bowel removed in February, and previously had 2 obstructions that led to hospitalization. Any tips, help, advice would be great!

Thanks Ladies!

FPO kickcrohns
Joined Jul 14, 2015

Wed, July 15, 2015 1:57 AM

 Reply posted for kickcrohns.

More estrogen in the body does not agree well with Crohns. You should consider a progesterone only pill in your case. I have done a lot of research and talked to my GI doctor and naturopath about this. The downside is that the pill isn't as effective, however it helps lower Crohns symptoms and regulates the hormones in the body. Consider looking into it.

FPO kristendwyer
Joined Jul 6, 2017

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