Long-Term Effects of Birth Control on Hormones & Metabolism: A Personal Experience

Question
I started taking birth control when I was 17 via depo. I did that for a year and stopped for a year because I had no period.  I learned that I it lasts twice as long for me.  However long I take it, that side effect will last that amount of time after I stop.  So I switched to Orth Cyclin and took that for about 2-3 years and then stopped (no insurance)and started back on it about 2 years later.  I took it for two years and switched back to depo for convenience.  I took that for a year, but this time when I stopped, not only did I not ovulate, but I started gaining 10-12 lbs. a week uncontrollably.  My doctors said my hormone levels were low.  They tried to raise them to no avail.  They had me try the pill again, but I started mensing a week earlier & with a lot of pain (not normal). I decided to stop all of it.  It took five years to get to where I can finally lose weight again, but if I eat more than 1000 cal. I gain weight.  I rarely (2-3 times a year or less) eat junk food, chips, deserts, ice cream, "comfort foods", drink soda, drink excessively, eat fast food, fried food or eat out very much.  I've taken on a low sodium, organic diet, drinking skim milk every so often and taking vitamins.  I've been eating this way for 8 years now.  I love to work out and I drink on average 96-128 oz. of water a day, eat baked, broiled or grilled meat (mostly chicken & fish, some pork and beef)and vegetables.  I rarely eat carbs, love fresh fruit and vegetables.  (I eat better than every trainer I've had and I surprised my doctors with my diet). I've gained a large amount (more than 10 lbs.) of weight by eating.  I'm concerned that this was caused by all the synthetic hormones over such a long period as I never had this problem before. Also, I should mention that I had just lost 75 lbs. (gained by emotional stress-loss of appetite for a year) when this all happened. Before that I had 18.8% body fat.  They checked me for all the typical causes and found nothing.  Is this possible or should I look at something else? I just want to know before I go before my doctor again in a few weeks.

Answer
Leah,

I have read some articles that proposed the theory that the hormones can be a long-lasting problem after taking birth control. But it seems to me that if you have been eating this way for 8 years that your should be in really good health. I don't know why you would gain 10 pounds. Was it a sudden thing? I'm glad that you are going to a doctor to find out what could be the problem. Please email me at CHERYL51@aol.com and we can talk more. I would like to do some more internet research and see if I can find any information on this. When are you going to the doctor? Write me soon.

Diane Cheryl