Hormones?

[KLCTJC]

Anyone out there on birth control or any type of hormone? I think between a phlebotomy I had about a month ago and Besremi have thrown my hormones off. I have been on my cycle almost a month. I am perimenopausal being 41, but been reading a lot about interferons and the affect on menstrual cycles. Doctor at MD Anderson said I could do low dose birth control. Obviously, I don’t want to be on this long and only if I have to as it increases clotting risk. And I know that most people who have PV are supposed to be “older men”, but as we all know that is not always the case. I really think this is a side effect of Besremi and the phlebotomy combo. It is just becoming more annoying than anything. Just thought I would ask if anyone else out there has any input. Thanks!

[MAP44]

Hi KLCTJC,

I had a few crazy months like that in my late 40’s. I also experienced lots of clots with my cycle.

I have PV and my 22yr old daughter has ET. She is on a vaginal ring and is very happy. This was the only real birth controlled offered to her, the pill was a NO WAY for these MPN specialists. It has regulated her cycle and it has become very light.

I also have a girlfriend who had a vaginal ring but in her mid-40’s and had it removed years later with no complications and no more cycle.

Good luck. 🌸🌺🦋

[KLCTJC in reply to MAP44]

Thank you so much!!! Just reassuring someone else has had similar issues! I used to be on nuvaring when I took birth control which was a very long time ago. But good to know others are on hormones too. I don’t need birth control, my husband had a vasectomy right after I was diagnosed. My OB sent in a Low dose pill. I am hoping it resets my system! Wanting to look into ablation or something else if I keep having problems. This is so helpful. I think it is most perimenopause!

[MAP44 in reply to KLCTJC]

others on here use HRT. 🙂. Don’t stress you aren’t alone. If you haven’t seen an MPN Specialist I also highly recommend finding one. 🌷

[KLCTJC in reply to MAP44]

Thank you! You have made me feel so much better. I have a MPN specialist at MD Anderson, just haven’t met her yet!😆 My doc retired in February, Dr V he was amazing, but even though my appointment is in August still asked her and she suggested the low dose pill. I started the pill yesterday, fingers crossed it works for now til better solution.

[MAP44 in reply to KLCTJC]

Good luck 🎉

[ETket]

At 46, I’ve been on the Mirena coil for twelve years (diagnosed with ET eight years ago), having been told the pill was no longer an option because of one blood clot I had in the arm during pregnancy (pre-MPN diagnosis). It is deeply uncomfortable/unpleasant having the coil fitted/replaced but stopped the really, really heavy periods I had been having and has boosted my mental health by stabilising the fluctuations in mood I experienced every month.

[KLCTJC in reply to ETket]

thank you so much! Good to know. They said ok for me to take low dose estrogen pill. I don’t want to take it long. Hoping it resets my system as all hormones scare me. I have never had a clot but still! Luckily I don’t need protection from getting pregnant as my husband got a vasectomy right after I was diagnosed. Just reassuring other are on things that have hormones in them too like IUDs and rings, etc. if this doesn’t work quickly where I can stop it. Good to know the Mirena is an option. Thank you!!!!