I had a severe reaction (vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain,
hospitalization, high white blood cell count) from taking
the oral contraceptive "Triphasil"- only after the second
tablet. After having this reaction I was told that it had nothing to do with the Triphasil, and to try taking it again the following month. I did so, and again I had the
same reaction- severe stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea,
hospitalization, dehydration and high wbc count. (again
after only the second dose of the Triphasil) Now, I would
like to know if it could be the estrogen (ethinyl estradiol)
or the progestin (Levonorgestrel) that caused these symptoms? My endocrinologist would like me to start taking
the oral contraceptive Diane-35 to help with excess
androgens in my system. From what I've read, Diane-35
contains ethinyl estradiol and cyproterone acetate.
I am extremely worried that if I had previously reacted
to the estrogen, that I will end up going through the
same ordeal a third time with this new birth control
pill. Could it have been the progestin (levonorgestrel)
that I reacted to? Why was I so sensitive to the
Triphasil? Can a person be allergic to these hormones?
My family physician had mentioned he'd never heard of anyone reacting this way. Thanks for any information.
Follow Ups:
Re: Birth control pill -severe reaction
Posted by Deb on February 15, 1999 at 04:37:43:
In Reply to: Birth control pill -severe reaction posted by Angela on February 14, 1999 at 20:32:25:
Hi Angela,
I can't give you medical answers, but here's a couple of thoughts :
- I haven't taken the pill for some years now, but I do remember I had to try different ones before I found one that didn't make me ill. Triphasil was one, but unfortunately, I can't remember how I reacted. My flatmate has recently gone through a lot of hassle with nasty effects from different pills (tho not as severe as yours) till she found one that kinda worked. So don't let them tell you the pill couldn't cause your problems.
- If it wasn't for the excess androgens, would you be choosing the pill for birth control? The reason I ask, is maybe there are other ways to handle the problem. Two good books that explain about effects of different hormones in your body : Passage to Power by Leslie Kenton and What Your Dr Won't Tell you about Menopause by Dr John Lee. Altho they are both about menopause, the Kenton book is a really interesting read for women of all ages, and I think the Lee book covers similar ground. One of these might at least start you on the right track to finding the information you need.
Good luck, Deb.
Re: Birth control pill -severe reaction
Posted by Walt Stoll on February 15, 1999 at 08:15:19:
In Reply to: Birth control pill -severe reaction posted by Angela on February 14, 1999 at 20:32:25:
Dear Angela,
I HAVE seen this kind of reaction several times and in each case it was due to an abnormal reaction of the hypothalamic regulating system for the endocrine system CAUSED BY THE UNBEARABLE STORAGE OF STRESS-EFFECT IN THE HYPOTHALAMUS we have discussed on this BB for years.
Time for you to get started with a serious SR program. if you want to understand this at a greater depth, get a copy of the most recent edition of Dr Pelletier's classic: "Mind as Healer, Mind as Slayer'.
THEN, if you still have questions, write again.
Walt