QuestionDear Dr. Aukerman,
I would like to ask you a question. I am 29yo female with family history of ovarian cancer. I've been using birth control for 7 years (Ortho-Tri-Cyclen(3 years), Depo Provera shot(2.5 years), and currently on Mircette. I've never had any gynecological problems, haven't had children yet, so BC is taken as a bith control measure and to prevent ovarian cancer.
Several months ago I developed muscle/skeletal pain in the upper back area, which usually happens in the morning. Local physician at the community clinic ruled out kidney infection, and told me that it was a skeletal issue.
For the past several days I have been having extreme discomfort in the thyroid area, difficulty swallowing. My question is, could it all be related to birth control? I've been using it non-stop for a long time.
Do you recommend that I see a general care physician or endocrinologist, and what tests should I ask them to perform?
And do you think that it's a good idea for me to stop birth control pills to give my system a rest and get my hormones back to normal?
I sincerely appreciate your opinion.
Regards,
Anna Sahar
AnswerMy question is, could it all be related to birth control?
Could be but it is unlikely.
Do you recommend that I see a general care physician or endocrinologist, and what tests should I ask them to perform? Either would be fine but ask them to do a T4 free, a TPO, and a TSH
And do you think that it's a good idea for me to stop birth control pills to give my system a rest and get my hormones back to normal? I would get the tests first. YOu may want to ask your doctor if you could take the following nutrients to replace what it appears from your symptoms that you could be deficient. See below for the list to check with your doctor. OK?
These may restore balance in your hormones and muscles.
Omega 3 Fish Oil 1000 mg caps Start with two (2) caplets twice daily. e.g. TriOmega, Nordic Naturals (goal is 1000-2000 mg of total EPA and DHA daily)
High Potency B Complex (B-50, B100 or B150), Start with one (1) tablet twice daily.
Multivitamin (for age and gender), one (1) tablet daily.
Magnesium Oxide 250 mg tabs Start with two (2) tabs (500mg) twice daily.
Calcium 500 mg with Vit D tabs, Start with one (1) tablet twice daily OR Caltrate with vitamin D 1000 mg daily; (Do not take calcium within 4 hours of thyroid dose)
Vitamin C 1000 mg Start with one (1) tablet twice daily.
