Did the BCP knock out my hormone levels?

[twizler]

Here is my question: 3 mos before I got married I went on the bcp, Yaz. Before I took the pill, my whole life, I had a high sexual drive and arousal was not a problem. But after being on the bcp 2 mos, I noticed that I didn't want sex at all. By the time we got married, it was a big problem - sex is painful all the time, and even if I feel love for my husband, which I do, my body does not respond at all!!!

On top of this, I have vaginal dryness BIGtime, and I've noticed lots of other changes in my body - dry skin, dull hair, I just look older, etc. and my body doesn't "bounce back" the way it used to if I don't sleep enough. Also, I have anxiety attacks now!! Something is seriously wrong with me.

My question is this: I went off the bcp after 5 mos of taking it - and that was a year and a half ago and still nothing has changed. If anything my symptoms are getting worse! I'm not depressed, I get plenty of exercise, I eat healthy, etc. and my husband and I have a great relationship, and he's a really sweet understanding guy. But we never have sex and it *****!! I really want to, but it just hurts so much because I'm not ready for it - at least my body is not ready. :-(

So, did the bcp knock my hormones out of whack or what? I know I'm exhibiting a lot of the symptoms of low estrogen / progesterone, and I need to have that checked out. But CAN that even happen because of the bcp? Has it happened to anybody else out there?? And what did you do about it? I hear lots about Natural HRT and how it's supposed to be really great, but I'm only 29... is it okay to take something like that at my age? I certainly FEEL menopausal!!!

Help!

twiz

[cici2009]

Hi Twizler, I posted to you on sexual health board, explaining how bcp might play a role in this based on recent studies & other thoughts.  

I agree w/magda that it's very doubtful you're menopausal.  

best wishes to everyone.  

[magda_s]

I haven't had this happen but yes, hormones can absolutely mess with your body in numerous ways.  I would absolutely be going to a doctor ASAP and testing not only for estrogen and progesterone but doing a range of blood tests as it could be any number of deficiencies, perhaps totally unrelated to the bcp you were on.
It's doubtful that you're menopausal and it is likely something that's easy fixed, so why go on suffering like this??