The #birthcontrol factor in #fibro

I have been doing an extensive amount of research these last few weeks in preparation for going off my birth control. Particularly, the FAM or symptothermal or Justisse methods. Of course, this literature exploration has led to some interesting discoveries. I will try to find the exact ressources later on, when the fog has lifted.

I find it interesting how in the last few years, there has been a remarkable increase in literature about how birth control is actually not so good for you. I have a few different pdfs done by holistic practitioners about "Ditch your birth control" and "5 fabulous reasons to ditch your birth control". Plus a bunch of different resources that have snowballed into others. What a lot of people do not seem to realize is that there are non-hormonal alternatives such as the copper IUD and FAM type methods. I know when I think FAM, my brain goes to "I DO NOT want to get pregnant" as it is mostly used by women TO get pregnant. But, I am learning that it can be used to avoid pregnancy as well. Considering how much of a nut I am for detail, I know I can pull it off. I was able to remember to take the mini-pill at the exact same time every. This is the most detailed document on charting your fertility cycle that I have found so far. I am currently waiting for two books to come in as well (Taking Charge Of Your Fertility by Toni Weischler - this book was recommended to me by my Naturopathic Doctor and WomanCode by Alisa Vitti - this looked really interesting). In addition to the actual "how-to" and "why" resources, there have been some more detailed documents more about the physiological impact. One of the sites mentioned several deficiencies that birth control can cause: serotonin, B vitamins, magnesium, and CoQ10. And it wasn't just the one document. There is also the impact of having too much estrogen/progesterone in your body, which causes your body forgets how to regulate itself. Also, depending on when you started the birth control can have a major impact. One site mentioned that it takes 4 years after your first cycle for your body to regulate itself... I know I started birth control maybe 2-3 years after my first excruciating cycle.

I was 16 years old at the time. I have been on several different kinds. I started on aleese, then they switched me to aviane (after which I had an ocular migraine), given that I had an ocular migraine I was removed from estrogen based pills and put on the mini-pill, then an IUD (which was removed due to mass discomfort), and have since been on depo-provera to regulate my suspected endometriosis. Of course, my migraines got really bad at 17 years old and well, it kind of went from there. I have decided, with the guidance of my ND, to no longer take any of these. She put me on the "seed rotation" to balance my hormones. She upped my B vitamins intake as birth control can deplete the body big time of B vitamins. Amazingly, my abdominal pain hasn't seemed to have got much worse. In general, I am feeling better. We are working on getting me balanced; we are working on healing rather than using a band-aid.

Birth control seems to be used by doctors as a band-aid and "cure-all" for more uterine ailments, it seems, while keeping you from getting pregnant. I do not know if I would have been responsible enough when I was younger to do the charting, but if I was fully informed of my options, potential side-effects, and risks, I probably would have. Who the hell knows, really.

So, how does this all relate to fibro? Well, I take a variety of supplements (magnesium, CoQ10, 5HTP, vitamin B complex, vitamin D, and iron). I take them because I know I feel better with them and have experimented in seeing the effects when I do not take them to see if there is indeed a difference. If you look at the list of supplements that help compared to the list of items that birth control can deplete the body thereof, it is pretty damn close. One of the supplements that kind of confused me as why it worked was the CoQ10. I have found spotty literature on the impacts of it on fibromyalgia but with this new information, it makes more sense as to why it may work for me.

Each body is different. I will continue my research, expanding my knowledge and getting in touch with amazing practitioners to help me along my way. Yes, I am not particularly looking forward to having my period again. But, with magnesium on standby, I will survive the discomfort (who knew magnesium could help with pain!). I have made menstrual pads of organic, undyed cotton/bamboo and PUL material. I am ready. Goodness knows how long I will have to wait for the toxicity to leave my body to be replaced by natural hormonal balances. I can tell you this, my libido is already making a comeback!

Disclaimer: I do not endorse one method or another. I strongly encourage you to read up, become informed, and make the best decision for you. This is only a recount of my experiences and discoveries.

Figuring out my #fibro journey #naturally

Walking to work this morning, with a smile on my face, I had an odd feeling of peacefulness. Not sure where it stems from but could really be a combination of things. I went to bed last night feeling very proud and happy with a nice tidy and clean house. This morning I woke up and gradually got my day going, no rushing. There is always that twinge of regret of not getting the dogs out for a walk, but I am hoping it is not too hot after work to get them out and about. There will at least be playtime in the backyard.

I have been keeping fairly busy and still overdoing it every now and then. Like Saturday, I went to the gym and the market then ended up planting three shrubs later that day. Needless to say, I was in a pretty sore state that night and Sunday. By listening to my body, I managed to still be productive yesterday while recovering. even managed a pretty decent night's sleep without taking melatonin; I am suspecting that the melatonin is a new source of migraines. Little by little, I'm figuring it out.

I remember when I started this journey of figuring out how in the world to manage my fibromyalgia and some of my good friends were telling me, "if anyone can figure this out Amanda, you will". There have been times I was ready to give up but I am forging ahead with new knowledge and self-discoveries. Finding the right people and resources makes a huge difference! I am blessed to have met my naturopathic doctor and for her to want to work with me in this journey.

Here are some things that I have learned that I must abide by:

• Eat as clean as possible (one cheat item a week is okay, but do NOT overdo it)
• Avoid nightshades
• Keep away from peanuts and peanut butter
• Steer clear of gluten
• Keep dairy to a very bare minimum
• Eat lots of veggies and fruits
• Keep toxins to a minimum
• This means medications (which I have eliminated)
• Be aware of the products used on my skin and their effects
• Read every label very carefully
• Listen to my body very carefully
• If my gut is telling me something, listen to it (i.e. taking vitamins and get the feeling that I should take my iron supplement, listen to the feeling and take it)
• Be aware of the cues to slow down and be aware of nearing my exertion limits
• Keep moving, albeit slowly, on my recovery days
• Work on keeping a balance
• This means emotionally, physically, physiologically, and mentally
• Be thankful and love life

There are probably a few more items to add to that list, but it's a good foundation. It's fun sometimes to learn what works for my body and what doesn't. It's like getting to know myself on a whole other level of understanding. It's learning to love yourself inside and out, learning how to be self-compassionate, and most of all, learning how to be the healthiest I can be. 

Cheers

Day by Day, Little by Little

I'm back to work after taking three weeks off to work on myself. I decided that it was time to fully come off my medications and the only downside was slight lack of sleep the first couple of weeks, which is slowly getting back on track now. Even on days where I did too much, it seemed to take less time to bounce back. For all of this, I am very thankful and eager to keep up the work I am doing to get myself in good form before the September craziness happens.