After losing some weight, my period seems to have disappeared. I am not pregnant, and my doctor gave me a prescription for Provera - 2 tablets 2x a day for 5 days. I took it for one day, and then got nervous because I am 42, I smoke (I know, I know...) and was thinking that hormones can lead to a stroke for women like me. And I kinda feel like I will get my period when my body is ready. Additionally, I suffer from endometriosis & truly don't even WANT my period, so why should I take the medicine?!! While it make my cramps even worse? I studied the side effects & it seems like it's not a nice drug....so I was wondering if anyone has any experience taking this medication or has any advice for me.
Thanks in Advance!!
I've never been on the meds, but I just thought I'd throw this out there...
Could you possibly be going through early menopause? Happened to one of my friends.
I would suggest you work to balance your endocrine system nutritionally, with natural foods and natural supplements - not by using drugs and synthetic hormones. Also, using energy balancing therapies like acupuncture and reiki can help resolve things. Doctors are often quick to prescribe pills to try to make your body do things without exploring WHY the body is doing what it has been doing and how things can be addressed in safer, more harmonious ways. You didn't mention how you lost weight, but sometimes extreme weight loss diets can mess up our hormonal system by depriving us of some nutrients. That's one reason why nutritional supplements may be needed - and your smoking also depletes nutrients and antioxidants from your body. You can assertively take responsibility for your health rather than just going for the illusory quick fix proposed by the physician.
Without giving you all the details, I had a bad experience with provera, my reason for taking it was different, but I bled WAY too much. I wouldnt ignore not getting your period, but I would get a second opinion on your course of action.
I think I'd just let your body do what it wants to do. And it sounds like it just doesn't need to have a period right now. 42 is very young by today's standards but you may in fact be showing signs of menopause. I'd stay off the pills and just relax! Enjoy not having it for a while!
I took Provera for 1 year due to no mentral cycle. I was 31 and thought to be perimenopausal. We wanted more children so I wanted a kick start to get things moving. I had no cycle the entire time I was on it and I do not remember any side effects. I had just quit smoking and I understand the risks of hormone therapy and smoking. The result for me is that I did concieve at the end of that year but still had no cycle. Afterwards I went on Nuvaring and that has kept me consistent. In treality, the only reason for a cycle is to prepare the womb for conception, of course unless you have some other medical issue. I am ok now when there is no cycle and I have the hot flashes and night sweats to boot. Every body is different, do what you think is right for you.
Hi, J.. I think your instincts are correct. If you truly have endometriosis, you should not take estrogen, period. That'd like throwing gasoline on a fire. I would get another opinion. Sometimes the period can go away for a time and then reappear. How much weight did you lose? How quickly did you lose it? Your body might just need some time to readjust, particularly if you lost a big chunk of weight. If you're used to being a large percentage of body mass index and then you radically change it, your hormones are affected. I would definitely get a second opinion. Did the doctor do a pap before prescribing the pills? That's a factor to consider too.
I hope everything works out ok, including the endo.
Peace,
Syl
I have taken Provera off and on for over 20 years, due to irregular cycle and ultimately infertility. I have never had a problem with the medication. When I need to, I take it once a day for 10 days and by the 15th day I get my period. I have an agreement with my GYN - I don't go over 90 days without a cycle. Once I hit 90 days, I do an at home pregnancy test and if it comes back negative, which it always does, I then start to take the medication. I am a very anxious med taker and I have no problem with this one because I have never had a side effect. I have to admit, my period is usually very heavy by the time it comes but that is due to the 90 days and not the medication.
I know these are about to be some silly questions…but I so feel your pain especially when I to read the side effects to some meds…sometimes I feel it’s just not worth the risks
You are 42…so are you on “the pill”? If so and your still not getting your period than yes I might just think a bit more about taking it (“they” also warn about smoking and BC). If not perhaps nature is starting to take its course? My mom and My moms mom both started pre-menopause in their late 30’s, “they” also say our cycles are hereditary…I personally don’t know if I believe that as my mom and I have been night and day since I started years ago but it is what “they say”…lol!
I have a cousin who had missed a couple of periods she was about 28 at the time (and on the pill, she missed 2 full cycles) and they prescribed that med for her, she said when she got her period it was cramp free but was very heavy. But she did not have endometriosis either…I know all meds work differently for different people…Did you mention to your OB the smoking issue? Maybe there is something else’s you can try…give them a call in the morning…it can’t hurt…I’m sorry I was not really of much help…I hope everything works out for you.
