Asthma and the Pill

[Xiave]

Since starting the combined pill a couple of months ago I've seen major improvements in my asthma control, with fewer flares that are less severe when they do happen. (It's also been really great for my skin and my mood and several other things, which are added bonuses!)

The problem I'm having is that whenever I take my 7 day break my asthma flares back up and badly - to the point where I've needed steroids both times and have been tempted to start my next lot without taking the 7 day break. My GP has said I can take three pill packs back-to-back, but at that point I do need to take 7 days off. While the pill has reduced my steroid use overall by a massive amount, it's frustrating to have these almost 'scheduled' flares every three packs.

My question is - does anyone else find that the break from the pill makes their asthma flare badly? And have you found any solutions to it other than taking back-to-back packs and just dealing with a flare when you do have to take a break?

[Troilus]

I have no experience of this, but would an implant be the answer? An implant releases hormones for about 3 years.

[ChrissieMons]

There are lots of different types of oral contraception - you might need to go to a clinic to get more specialist advice than your GP has.