Jump to content
This site uses cookies. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. More Info... ×
  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.




  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):



    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):


  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

gluten-free Birth Control Pill


Jen H

Recommended Posts

Jen H Contributor

Hi everyone,

I started taking Ortho Tricyclen about 2 weeks ago to help with recurrent cysts and endometriosis and I've been having a lot of headaches and nausea. Have any of you been on Ortho Tricyclen before and had to switch? Also, can you recommend a gluten-free birth control pill that you use that has been sucessful for you? Thanks for your help.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



StrongerToday Enthusiast

I take Kariva, (generic for Mircette) it is gluten-free as well as Seasonale (made by the same company). I take it because during the off week you still get a low dose of estrogen and it helped a lot with the headaches i would get during that week.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
happygirl Collaborator

I take the same as StrongerToday does....been on it for 4+ years and haven't had any probs with it. Hope you find something that works for you!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Guest cassidy

I was on bc pills for about 10 years. Then I tried the patch which I didn't like. It left a sticky band-aid type residue. Then I tried the ring. I really liked the ring and was on it for 3 years. It doesn't go through your digestive system so that is positive for celiacs. I only went off of it because we want to get pregnant.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Jen H Contributor

Thanks for posting gals. Not sure if I'm asking this the right way, but are there some BC pills that have a lower hormone dosage? Is that what is making me feel sick or is it my body getting used to the pill?

Kariva/Mircette sounds like a good choice. Any others?

Link to comment
Share on other sites
StrongerToday Enthusiast

You could try taking it at bedtime or with food if it's upsetting your stomach.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
penguin Community Regular

I was on ortho tri for a long time, but I switched to desogen when I got engaged, because I wanted to control when my periods were before the wedding, and during and after. Seasonale and desogen are the same drug, packaged differently. Switching was fine, but I think it slowed down my drive. I take the kariva now, too.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



jkmunchkin Rising Star
I was on bc pills for about 10 years. Then I tried the patch which I didn't like. It left a sticky band-aid type residue. Then I tried the ring. I really liked the ring and was on it for 3 years. It doesn't go through your digestive system so that is positive for celiacs. I only went off of it because we want to get pregnant.

I am on Alesse. I've been on it for 10+ years and never had a problem.

My sister is on the patch and we were just having this conversation the other day that she said she wants to switch because she is not that comfortable with it especially with a new article practically everyday about all the side effects like blood clots. One of my good friends uses the ring and raves about it. My sister is kinda forgetful about taking a pill so I was telling her that this might be a good option.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
jenvan Collaborator

NUVARING! I was on ortho for 10 years...just switched to nuvaring that past year. I definitely prefer it. For one, it is absorbed directly in your bloodstream and the dose of hormones is much lower. So it might be a good fit for you. It can take your body several months to adjust to the pills though. However, ortho may not be a fit for you. One tip for nausea--always take your pill with food, not on an empty stomach. If you want to hear more about the nuvaring, let me know.

PS--I will add to what Jillian said and say that blood clots are potential dangers of all birth control pills. DON'T smoke if you are on the pill.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Jen H Contributor

Thanks ladies. I recently started taking my pill with a small snack, before I sleep. I went off BC last year before I was diagnosed because I wanted to detox my body of all medicines (I was a mess). I believe I took Desogen before and that it worked well. Do you think I should try it again if it worked for me before? I have never heard of Nuvaring before. Is it a pill?

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Guest nini

I've been taking Microgestin (generic for LoEstrin) for almost 6 years now. It is a very low doseage hormone (hence the name LoEstrin for low estrogen). It works really well for me and I've been assured by the mfr. that it is gluten-free.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Jen H Contributor

I just read up on Nuvaring. Jenvan, does it help prevent cysts? Nini, do you find that you experience many side effects with your Loestrin? I've been getting alot of headaches on Ortho Tricyclen, which is why I'd like to switch. Are there less side effects with the lower dosage hormones?

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Guest nini
I just read up on Nuvaring. Jenvan, does it help prevent cysts? Nini, do you find that you experience many side effects with your Loestrin? I've been getting alot of headaches on Ortho Tricyclen, which is why I'd like to switch. Are there less side effects with the lower dosage hormones?

I was having too many side effects on Ortho Tricyclen and Ortho Novum which is why they switched me to Loestrin... I don't notice ANY side effects with it! I would like to get off the pill altogether, but don't want to have to take or insert anything else, so the only other option for me requires surgery, and I'm not willing to go there yet, neither is DH for that matter! LOL!

So to answer your question, I'd say yes there are fewer side effects on the lower dosage of hormones.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
jenvan Collaborator

Jen-yes, nuvaring does help prevent cysts. Granted I'm married and would do BC anyway, but cysts is why I went on BC 10 years ago--I had several rupture previously. The nuvaring may be intimidating to some, but I have several friends who love it too. You don't notice it, it stays in and is not a problem during you-know-what... :) Any other ?s

Link to comment
Share on other sites
minibabe Contributor

I was on the patch loving life.....then I went for my 6 month check up and she said that she is no longer giving out that prescription <_<

So after sitting there with her for about 40 mins.....I decided to try the Nuvaring. I am so so so happy to see that everyone that is using it loves it. I was a little hesitant about it, but after reading such wonderful things I am actually happy to try it. I actaully start it in a couple of weeks

Amanda NY

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Jen H Contributor

Thanks for your input everyone! I left a message with my GYN today and she'll be calling in a new prescription. I'm not sure I'm ready for the ring yet, but thanks for sharing your experience with it, Jenvan. I think I'll try a new type of BCP first and see how it goes.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
frenchiemama Collaborator

I have a Mirena IUD. It beats the hell out of any other birth control I've tried (and I've tried a lot: mini-pill = ok, but failure rates are too high for my comfort; desogen = hungry and moody; ortho = nauseated ALL the time; ortho-lo = irregular periods; ortho evra (patch) = terrible skin irritation; nuvaring = the only thing I actually liked other than the IUD).

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Becky6 Enthusiast

I have the mirena IUD as well and love it! I have had it for 3 years. The pill made me sick, terrible migraines, moody and mean. I just don't miss them! I tried 6 different ones and had problems with all of them. good luck!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
jenvan Collaborator

well Jen, it is your body...so I guess its okay :) good luck and hope you find one you like!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Jen H Contributor

Thanks Jen. You crack me up.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 1 year later...
Butterfly619 Newbie
Thanks ladies. I recently started taking my pill with a small snack, before I sleep. I went off BC last year before I was diagnosed because I wanted to detox my body of all medicines (I was a mess). I believe I took Desogen before and that it worked well. Do you think I should try it again if it worked for me before? I have never heard of Nuvaring before. Is it a pill?

Hello, I was hoping you might know. I have Celiac disease and was given Desogen because I get bad migraines, sick cramps and had ovarian cysts. I cannot find a sure answer anywhere if it's gluten free. Either can I for sleeping pills because the manufacturer says they don't always list or test for Gluten. How have you found your information just through this site and other people? Any bad side affects when you first started Desogen? I am not active so I wish I didn't have to take it. I don't know how else to control the pain or if I am hurting myself more if there is Gluten in it..Thankyou for any advice really appreciate it. I found out I had Celiac through a letter in the mail with no explanation or advice! I have also gained weight since I stopped eating bread and pasta which is odd. SOS?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.


  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):



  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      125,811
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748

    SW71
    Newest Member
    SW71
    Joined

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):


  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      120.8k
    • Total Posts
      69k

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):




  • Who's Online (See full list)


  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):



  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • RMJ
      It will not undo all of the healing.  If it did, diagnosis of celiac disease would be much easier!  To have enough damage to see on an endoscopy requires several weeks of gluten ingestion. 
    • Jean Shifrin
      HI, I am new to this and am still in 'repair' mode, which I know will take time. But I'm wondering if anyone knows what happens if you ingest gluten after you have made a lot of progress in repairing your villi. Does anyone know if you just have a short-term issue? Or does an accidental ingestion of gluten derail all the work you've done and set you back to square one? Thanks.
    • Scott Adams
      Hydrolyzed wheat is wheat protein that has been broken down into smaller components through a chemical or enzymatic process called hydrolysis. This ingredient can be found in various products, including cosmetics, personal care items, and some food products. For people with celiac disease, hydrolyzed wheat is generally not safe to consume because it still contains gluten proteins, even in its broken-down form. Though hydrolysis reduces the size of these proteins, it doesn’t fully remove the components that trigger an autoimmune response in people with celiac disease. In food products, hydrolyzed wheat protein still poses a risk and should be avoided. With regard to the McDonald's French fries, the total amount of hydrolyzed wheat in the flavoring is small, and the amount that ends up in an order of fries is even smaller, and likely below 20ppm. McDonald’s states that the fries are gluten-free by ingredient and free from cross-contact with gluten-containing foods in their dedicated fryers. Third-party tests and statements by McDonald's confirm gluten levels are below the FDA threshold for gluten-free labeling (20 parts per million or less). So, while McDonald’s USA fries may be gluten-free based on testing, some people with celiac disease still approach them cautiously due to the past concerns and individual sensitivities.
    • trents
      Here is an excerpt from this article: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC82695:   Studies have shown that various peptidases of fungal, plant, animal, or bacterial origin are able to hydrolyze gluten into harmless peptides. According to SDS‐PAGE pattern, proteolytic enzymes hydrolyze gliadins (Heredia‐Sandoval et al., 2016; Scherf et al., 2018; Socha et al., 2019; Wei et al., 2018, 2020). Bacterial peptidase (Krishnareddy & Green, 2017), fungal peptidase (Koning et al., 2005), and prolyl endopeptidases (PEPs) (Amador et al., 2019; Janssen et al., 2015; Kerpes et al., 2016; Mamo & Assefa, 2018) thoroughly degrade gliadin fractions to decrease gluten concentration and influence celiac disease. Aspergillus niger derived PEP (AN‐PEP) were assessed in clinical cases for their impact on modifying immune responses to gluten in celiac patients (Lähdeaho et al., 2014). Guerdrum and Bamforth (2012) reported that PEP addition in brewing technology decreased the prolamin and all of the identified immunopathogenic gluten epitopes in beer production (Akeroyd et al., 2016). On the contrary, many of the recent investigations which employed enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), mass spectrometry, and Western blot analysis reported that PEP did not thoroughly destroy the whole gluten proteins (Allred et al., 2017; Colgrave et al., 2017; Fiedler et al., 2018; Panda et al., 2015), which indicates that beers treated with PEP are not safe for celiac disease patients. Anecdotally, this excerpt supports what we hear from the celiac community on this forum with regard to "gluten free" hydrolyzed wheat products and that is that some still react to them while many don't.
    • Scott Adams
      There aren't good studies that have been done on celiac disease remission, and I'm going from a distant memory of an older post here, but the longest remission that Dr. Stefano Guandalini from the University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center has witnessed was ~10 years, then the symptoms of celiac disease and the damage came back. The real issue though, is that you still could increase your risk of various related diseases and disorders by eating gluten, but again, celiac disease remission has not been studies enough to know what health risks you might face.
×
×
  • Create New...