u/MrsLydKnuckles

Hello! Does anyone know if the sargassum is affecting Seven Seas beach in Fajardo? I tried the tracking map but no data was available for that area. Thanks for any insight!

I’m 43 and life is hard - I know many can relate.

I’ve had symptoms of perimenopause for probably two years now but my doctor claims I’m too young. I’ve also been on continuous birth control pills for about 6 years so I don’t cycle due to painful periods, PMDD, migraines, etc. She said since I’m on BCP, I shouldn’t have any symptoms of perimenopause.

My libido has been in the toilet and I’ve also noticed some atrophy in my vaginal area. It feels like my clit shrunk! She did prescribe me estradiol cream which I’ve been using for a couple weeks. To add, I had a couple stints where I came off the BCP about two years ago and my libido magically reappeared. But, my cycles did too. At the time, I didn’t want to deal with having a period, but now I see the pills may be causing other issues. Add in sleep issues, weight gain in the last couple years, night sweats and many other “fun” things and well… I feel like I’m dealing with peri. I also have ADHD and read a study that concluded that folks with ADHD tend to enter perimenopause even sooner than what’s considered normal.

I saw a new gyn last week who was totally on board with helping me as I’ve considered getting off the BCP and switching to something like Mirena IUD. I was on it in my 20s and remember having lighter cycles, which I might be able to tolerate better (the ruling is still out). But I’d really like my libido back and my bits not to dissolve back into my body, for at least a little longer! Anyway, new gyn prescribed testosterone cream - but the pharmacy shot it down since it’s not FDA approved for that use. I’m dealing with the VA hospital so the pharmacy is like traditional insurance companies who love to deny things.

So I’m wondering if anyone else has been in a similar boat. If so, what did you do?

I’m torn between getting off the BPC and trying the mirena since it supposedly has less of an effect on libido. Or trying to find a telehealth provider that may take pity on my soul and prescribe testosterone cream (with proper blood work of course). Or do I stay on the pills and just deal with my shrinking violet and hope the estradiol helps with continued use?

If you’ve made it this far, thank you for reading! It ended up being a bit longer than I expected (now if only my clitoris would do the same before it disappears forever…)