Any autoimmune people?

[Alex]

I have Hashimoto's and recurrent Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO). FUO is most likely autoimmune. I also have PCOS and a blood clotting disorder. Because of the blood clotting issue, I can't be on BCP. This is a problem because I don't have a cycle at all without progesterone to induce one and progesterone makes me craaaaaaazy.

So, enter the IUD discussion. I am nervous about having autoimmune issues and introducing a foreign object into my body. Anyone with an autoimmune issue and an IUD? Or LapBand? Or any other foreign object that I can't think of right now?

I obviously don't want medical advice (insert standard disclaimer here) but any sharing of experiences would be greatly appreciated

[beefjerky]

Hi! Autoimmune here. I have Hashimoto's and Celiac (and a random anemia because my red blood cells suck but that's another story for another day).

I did have an IUD (Mirena) but it was before I was diagnosed with both AI's. My experience was fucking terrible with the IUD. I felt even crazier then I normally am, it completely killed my drive and I cried all.the.time. That being said, it's been out for about three years now and I still cry all the time so I'm probably not any real help.

[Alex]

I don't want the Mirena but I gotta do something. I feel like I have zero options.
I'm sorry it was a nightmare for you

[beefjerky]

Would the copper IUD work for you? No hormones that way, might be a better option?

[bluefish]

Alex I also have PCOS so I understand how wonky cycles can be w/o bc. When you say that progesterone makes you crazy, are you talking like the high doses given to supplement pregnancy? The mini-pill (most) are very low dose.

Another option for cycle regulation could be metformin. I know a lot of women have success taking it. I'll be completely honest, I never could get over the GI side effects and quit taking it.

This is a real long shot, and something I'd definitely review with your endocrinologist first, but have you had your hormone levels checked? Ie testosterone &androgens?

Here's an excerpt from something I was reading for myself:

Oral contraceptives

Progesterone-only oral contraceptives are not effective in the management of androgen-mediated skin conditions.

Combined oral contraceptives contain two hormones, ethinyloestrodiol 20-35 mcg (an oestrogen) and a progesterone. They prevent pregnancy by suppressing ovulation and changing cervical mucus. There are various kinds of progesterone, which may be androgenic in nature and thus unsuitable for those androgen-mediated skin conditions (particularly levonorgesterol and norgestrel). Antiandrogenic or minimally androgenic progesterones (see above) are indicated in these women.

Their effect in hyperandrogenism is to reduce production of androgens by the ovaries, by the adrenals and at the receptor level in the skin. They also decrease circulating testosterone by increasing sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG



The medication spirinolactone or Aldactone, reduces the bodies testosterone level and blocks the androgen receptors. You can see why this would be bad for a male, but ok for a female.

Forgive me if I'm behind. Is your goal to temporarily or more permanently form a bc plan?
,
Oh the Places You'll Go!
*i am here*

[bluefish]

@beefjerkey it wouldn't happen to be pernicious anemia, would it?

Oh the Places You'll Go!
*i am here*

[Alex]

Aug 6, 2014 23:02:36 GMT -5 bluefish said:

Alex I also have PCOS so I understand how wonky cycles can be w/o bc. When you say that progesterone makes you crazy, are you talking like the high doses given to supplement pregnancy? The mini-pill (most) are very low dose.

Another option for cycle regulation could be metformin. I know a lot of women have success taking it. I'll be completely honest, I never could get over the GI side effects and quit taking it.

This is a real long shot, and something I'd definitely review with your endocrinologist first, but have you had your hormone levels checked? Ie testosterone &androgens?

Here's an excerpt from something I was reading for myself:

Oral contraceptives

Progesterone-only oral contraceptives are not effective in the management of androgen-mediated skin conditions.

Combined oral contraceptives contain two hormones, ethinyloestrodiol 20-35 mcg (an oestrogen) and a progesterone. They prevent pregnancy by suppressing ovulation and changing cervical mucus. There are various kinds of progesterone, which may be androgenic in nature and thus unsuitable for those androgen-mediated skin conditions (particularly levonorgesterol and norgestrel). Antiandrogenic or minimally androgenic progesterones (see above) are indicated in these women.

Their effect in hyperandrogenism is to reduce production of androgens by the ovaries, by the adrenals and at the receptor level in the skin. They also decrease circulating testosterone by increasing sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG



The medication spirinolactone or Aldactone, reduces the bodies testosterone level and blocks the androgen receptors. You can see why this would be bad for a male, but ok for a female.

Forgive me if I'm behind. Is your goal to temporarily or more permanently form a bc plan?
,
Oh the Places You'll Go!
*i am here*

bluefish
I am definitely aware of what my hormone levels are right now and what the normal, front line treatment for PCOS is.

My question is in regards to having an autoimmune disease and an IUD.
The goal is not for bc, it is to regulate my cycles without the use of bcp. I can take Provera, Prometrium or Norlutate to induce a period but even 7-10 days of that makes me a complete sobbing mess. High levels of Prometrium when pregnant caused the same issue.

I can not take any bcp because of my blood clotting factor regardless if it is the mini pill or not. I also can't tolerate Met/Gluc. I have tried many different herbal remedies also to no avail.

I'm just scared to put a foreign object into my body when my body sees itself as foreign and is slowly destroying it. It's really a no win situation I guess.

[MWOS]

I only have three minutes til my timer goes off so I can't write much now, but have you tried red raspberry leaf tea? 2-3 cups per day. I like it iced or in my morning smoothie.

[Alex]

Aug 7, 2014 14:31:37 GMT -5 MWOS said:

I only have three minutes til my timer goes off so I can't write much now, but have you tried red raspberry leaf tea? 2-3 cups per day. I like it iced or in my morning smoothie.

I have tried it but it might have been in conjunction with Vitex. Maybe I'll try it on it's own.

[MWOS]

Aug 7, 2014 20:30:02 GMT -5 Alex said:

Aug 7, 2014 14:31:37 GMT -5 MWOS said:

I only have three minutes til my timer goes off so I can't write much now, but have you tried red raspberry leaf tea? 2-3 cups per day. I like it iced or in my morning smoothie.

I have tried it but it might have been in conjunction with Vitex. Maybe I'll try it on it's own.

I've been using it for a couple months now to regulate my cycle. I can't have any foreign objects like IUDs because my body will reject them. I have PCOS.  I can't tolerate birth control. I feel your pain.

[katespade]

I have Hashimoto's, and I had an Implanon as BC for about a year and a half. I also have endometriosis and it caused some pretty major bleeding issues for me so I had it removed, but I tried that instead of an IUD because they could not physically get an IUD inserted when they tried. Other than the bleeding issues my body tolerated it fairly well. If your doctor thinks an IUD would be okay, an implant might be something else to consider.

[Alex]

Thanks katespade
I'm still undecided. I have too many opinions! Gyno, Endo and RE.

[kimmyo73]

I have Hashi's as well and have had two Mirena IUDs (one between 1st and 2nd kid and now post 2nd kid).  Not a problem either time.

Obviously with a clotting disorder, Mirena is out since it is hormonal but there are other options.  

Good luck on your decision.

[dragonfly08]

I have Hashimoto's and have had a Paragard IUD for almost 8 years without any problems.

[wanderlustmom]

I have hashimotos and have never tolerated hormonal birth control. Haven't had the cycle issue though--my periods have been regular. Good luck

[macchiatto]

Hey, I'm a long-time Bumpie but haven't been on GBCN much yet.
I have an autoimmune disease--MS and PCOS, but I don't have any foreign objects in me. Hadn't actually even thought about that being an issue for people with autoimmune diseases. Food for thought!