Birth control pill and Chron's
Sun, December 06, 2009 1:00 AM
Has anyone's GI doctor told them they really shouldn't take birth control pills with Crohn's. Is there an increase in blood clots due to the Crohn's?
Joined Sep 11, 2009
Sun, December 20, 2009 11:57 PM
Reply posted for Terry5116.
I was told by my GI that women who have Crohns are prone to clotting when they flare due to a clotting mechanism that is affected by inflammation. Thus, any form or hormonal birth control was to be avoided.
I had a stroke at the age of 37 BUT was not on any kind of BC due to its dangerous side effects. All of the residents and the neurologists kept on asking me if I had been on hormonal treatment (including low dose & the patch) as it is a WELL KNOWN fact that Crohns pts. will throw clots if they are taking any of these things. Also, they quoted what my GI had told me, the blood tends to become sticky when flaring, thus causes clotting.
My gyn referred me to an RN well versed in natural family planning. (no, it is NOT the rythym method at all). Ive been using it for 13 yrs. to avoid having children due to my health issues. I can even tell when I am about to have a hormonal flare or an actual crohns flare just by my symptoms & charting. It is very successful in dxing cysts, endometriosis, and other female problems. I was able to learn via my chart that I am in the perimenopausal phase of my cycle.
Being on the pill only masks the symptoms & doesnt get to the root of the problems. That is why more & more women are looking into a healthier treatmnt. Our local chapter will be having an educational meeting on NFP this spring seeing as our female members are tired of taking another pill, want something that works w/their body, & is safe.
If a woman is on Crohns meds w/o any side effects & then is taking birth control w/problems like break-through bleeding, it is NOT the Crohns medication but the hormonal treatment as there are many side effects that Gyns & their pts. overlook--break through bleeding (ovulation), weight gain, mood swings, DVTS, stroke, heart attack, pulmonary embolism, & drug interactions w/what we take.
Joined Apr 8, 2008
Sun, December 20, 2009 1:00 AM
Reply posted for Terry5116.
I haven't heard not to take the pill. However, I do know that other risk factors put people in a higher risk category for blood clots (I.e. over 35, smoking). A lot has to do with age, other health issues, personal history, and also the dosage of the pill. The pill I'm on is a very, very low dose. I suggest talking with your doc to make sure your dose is appropriate with other meds you are on. It is better to be safe than sorry.
Lizzies Mom
Joined Sep 9, 2009
Thu, December 17, 2009 11:57 AM
Reply posted for Terry5116.
I havent been told that I was on the patch for a year and then switched to the pill in fact with my meds on MTX they wanted me on birth control.I havent had any problems yet keep my fingers crossed..
Joined Jul 23, 2009
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