Jump to content
This site uses cookies. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. More Info... ×

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Getting Off Birth Control - A Good Idea?

Sweetfudge

Recommended Posts

Sweetfudge Community Regular
Sweetfudge
Posted

so i just got a gym membership and my husband thinks it would help maximize my work at the gym if i were to get off birth control. he's willing to compensate in keeping us from getting pregnant (condoms), but i guess i'm doubting that it will really help that much. and i'm terrified that i'll get pregnant. will it help? i do remember gaining a bit of weight right after getting on the stuff...just not sure what to do. thanks in advance :D

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


grey Explorer
grey
Posted

You might look into an IUD. It's more effective than the pill, has for many people less side effects (and I really don't think messing around with my hormones was doing me any good!), and has the bonuses of decreasing period length, bleeding, & pain, AND being really cost efficient (my insurance paid for mine!). And you don't have to think about it for years.

If later you want kids, it's also great because if you do want to have kids, you just have it taken out and then you can get pregnant. It doesn't have the fertility problems post-pill, post-IUD

For me, it helped my migraines to get off pills. Also, my sex drive went way up. I can't tell if I lost weight from that, I think I did a little - it shifted around, definately. I felt better (until I had my celiac flare spiral...).

I definately recommend it!

This is the link to IUD info at planned parenthood:

Open Original Shared Link

It's great info on the pros and cons. Best, of course, is to talk to your gyn.

so i just got a gym membership and my husband thinks it would help maximize my work at the gym if i were to get off birth control. he's willing to compensate in keeping us from getting pregnant (condoms), but i guess i'm doubting that it will really help that much. and i'm terrified that i'll get pregnant. will it help? i do remember gaining a bit of weight right after getting on the stuff...just not sure what to do. thanks in advance :D

tarnalberry Community Regular
tarnalberry
Posted

it's hard to say if it'll help *you*. it may help some people lose weight, but it's highly individual.

there are a number of other reasons to get off it, including the fact that is lowers the levels of free testosterone for most women, even at least a year after getting off the pill. the fake progesterones are ... *shudder*. I'm not a fan. sometimes the benefits may outweigh the side effects, but those effects are too often underplayed.

zarfkitty Explorer
zarfkitty
Posted

The pill doesn't affect my weight one way or the other. I take Yasmin.

Mango04 Enthusiast
Mango04
Posted

I gain weight when I go off the pill. Others lose weight though. There are so many different types of pills and they effect people differently, so it's hard to say.

Babygirl6915 Explorer
Babygirl6915
Posted

I quit taking the pill & started my gluten-free diet the same month & I dropped 10 lbs. I am not sure which helped more but I do notice I am not nearly as bloated feeling around my period as I was before. It is a trade off though as I take the pill for severe PMS related symptoms & those are all back with a vengance!!! <_< So it is just a personal decision. If you are terrified of getting pregnant either stay on current pill, look for a new pill, or try the IUD thing. I would LOVE an IUD but I have never had a child so they won't give me one. :angry:

CarlaB Enthusiast
CarlaB
Posted

I use the sympto-thermal method of natural family planning. It's as reliable as the pill without the side-effects.

Years ago (over 20) I took the pill for a short time. The worst side effect for me was lack of libido.

I would think it can only help your body's balance if you got off it. They are strong hormones.

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


grey Explorer
grey
Posted

Babygirl,

I have an IUD and I've never had a child ... if you're interested in one, I'd find another gyn. My gyn had no problem with an IUD for me, nor did my insurance company .. it cost $10 out of pocket! In fact, my gyn RECOMMENDS the Mirena for people with PMS symptoms.

It's the #1 form of protection outside the US - we're a little backward re. IUDs and some older practioners may not be as familiar with them.

Seriously - if you're having PMS Babygirl (and you're over 18) you might try taking the planned Parenthood info from the link I gave above to another gyn. It doesn't mention anything about that. Find one who works with IUDs and is experienced with the insertion (which is a more painful if you haven't given birth, because you're smaller, but it's totally bearable and over quickly).

(And, if by chance you're in southern VA, I'll recommend my gyn, who I adored.)

grey

I quit taking the pill & started my gluten-free diet the same month & I dropped 10 lbs. I am not sure which helped more but I do notice I am not nearly as bloated feeling around my period as I was before. It is a trade off though as I take the pill for severe PMS related symptoms & those are all back with a vengance!!! <_< So it is just a personal decision. If you are terrified of getting pregnant either stay on current pill, look for a new pill, or try the IUD thing. I would LOVE an IUD but I have never had a child so they won't give me one. :angry:
Jestgar Rising Star
Jestgar
Posted
Babygirl,

I have an IUD and I've never had a child ... if you're interested in one, I'd find another gyn. My gyn had no problem with an IUD for me, nor did my insurance company .. it cost $10 out of pocket! In fact, my gyn RECOMMENDS the Mirena for people with PMS symptoms.

It's the #1 form of protection outside the US - we're a little backward re. IUDs and some older practioners may not be as familiar with them.

Seriously - if you're having PMS Babygirl (and you're over 18) you might try taking the planned Parenthood info from the link I gave above to another gyn. It doesn't mention anything about that. Find one who works with IUDs and is experienced with the insertion (which is a more painful if you haven't given birth, because you're smaller, but it's totally bearable and over quickly).

What she said.

Sweetfudge Community Regular
Sweetfudge
Posted
  • Author
I quit taking the pill & started my gluten-free diet the same month & I dropped 10 lbs. I am not sure which helped more but I do notice I am not nearly as bloated feeling around my period as I was before. It is a trade off though as I take the pill for severe PMS related symptoms & those are all back with a vengance!!! <_< So it is just a personal decision. If you are terrified of getting pregnant either stay on current pill, look for a new pill, or try the IUD thing. I would LOVE an IUD but I have never had a child so they won't give me one. :angry:

that's what my dr told me. i read that using an iud can cause damage to the uterus, complicating things for first time pregnancy.

I use the sympto-thermal method of natural family planning. It's as reliable as the pill without the side-effects.

what is this?

i'm also interested in getting off it b/c of a low libido. helpful?

CarlaB Enthusiast
CarlaB
Posted
what is this?

i'm also interested in getting off it b/c of a low libido. helpful?

Yes, I think it is helpful. You need to be sure your thyroid levels are good, too. There can be many causes of low libido ... the Pill can be one of them.

Natural family planning (nfp) is using the body's natural cycles to either avoid or achieve pregnancy.

The method I use is the sympto-thermal method. You look at symptoms -- cervical mucus, temperature, etc. to tell what part of the month it is for you. It is NOT old fashioned calendar rythym, this is a scientific method that uses clinical observations and is as effective as the Pill.

I've used it since 1993 and have gotten pregnant when I've wanted to and avoided it when I wanted to. My youngest is 9, so it's been working great. I have a serious reason right now to avoid pregnancy (medication that I'm on for Lyme), and it's still the only method I use ... I trust it that much.

An interesting statistic (please don't let it start a debate, it's just a fact), the divorce rate for NFP users is below 5%!!

You can get more info on it at Open Original Shared Link. That's where I learned it ... I taught it for 7 years, too.

tarnalberry Community Regular
tarnalberry
Posted

I also use FAM (fertility awareness method, and a catch-all phrase for a couple of methods which include sympto-thermal). I'm quite happy with it. (We do use condoms for backup.)

debmidge Rising Star
debmidge
Posted

I always gained weight on Pill and once really read the Physican's Desk Reference about the side effects of weight gain. It mentioned that at higher doses (like mine was) diabetics had to watch out as it could change their glucose levels.

Now, I am a firm believer in watching carbs to lose weight. I believe Dr. Atkins - that higher blood sugar levels cause and keep weight gain....also this was confirmed to me in books by Dr. James Herriot - animal vet --- he had a patient (milk cow) that had infection (prior to anti biotics) and the farmer was afraid the cow would die; cow was very, very thin, so Dr. Herriot on several visits injected sugar/glucose into the cow, cow fought off the infection and gained weight. Herriot knew that higher blood sugar level will gain weight - this was 1930's . Atkins says the same thing (1970's+).

The Pill does the same thing in some women - increases the glucose levels... so if I am extrapolating this correctly, it could cause weight gain.

There is a new lawsuit against "Nuva Ring" - it caused a stroke in a young woman (non smoker) who used it only 3 weeks. IUDs absolutely scare me..I'd rather have a baby than have an IUD...in the 1970's there was particular IUD which killed women (I forgot the name of it). Some women, like me, had problems and could not use diaphrams either.

You have to be very dedicated using the natural method and I'm sure ccli.org place can refer you to a practioner in your area that can coach you on this. I'd look into that.

CarlaB Enthusiast
CarlaB
Posted
You have to be very dedicated using the natural method and I'm sure ccli.org place can refer you to a practioner in your area that can coach you on this. I'd look into that.

Yes, there are teaching couples all over the country. If there's not one in your area, there is a very good correspondence course.

I remember some comments from you before ... I think you'd like it. During certain times of the month, if you're avoiding pregnancy, then you abstain. During other times of the month, you don't. This would probably be good for you because you'd have your times of the month where you are open to intimacy, then your times of the month where you are "off the hook" and can feel love and affection in different ways ... more like it was when you were dating.

It also helps both of you appreciate the mystery of the female body. :)

Obviously, I'm sold on it. :rolleyes:

grey Explorer
grey
Posted

Here's Mayo Clinic's table of various BC methods (including sympto-thermal). They have info on all the methods on links to the side as well, including the pros and cons to each (the pill, for example).

Open Original Shared Link

Mayo is saying the sympto-thermal is about 87% effective, but I think they include 'human error' - so, if you were very precise and good at it, the numbers would be higher.

I chose an IUD because I wouldn't be able to manage the method at this point in my life. There are a lot of pros to different methods - especially sympto-thermal it sounds like and of course your need to choose what fits you. Make sure you have all facts you can get.

Regarding the IUD, there have been a couple of common myths mentioned and I think it's important have the facts. It's far less dangerous and has far less side effects than the pill, for example, but a lot of people don't know the facts. So - here's some info and links.

On the safety of the IUD from the US CDC (Center for DIsease control):Open Original Shared Link

There were 12 deaths from miscarriage out of 2.8 million women using the Dalkon Shield (a specific kind of IUD) in the early 1970s, that tarnished the reputation of all IUDs and generated many myths that they are unsafe. No similar deaths related to IUDs have been reported since. 156 million+ women use it safely today. (World Health Organization (2002). "The intrauterine device (IUD)-worth singing about". Progress in Reproductive Health Research (60): 1

CarlaB Enthusiast
CarlaB
Posted
Mayo is saying the sympto-thermal is about 87% effective, but I think they include 'human error' - so, if you were very precise and good at it, the numbers would be higher.

Depends on the study as statistics can be easily manipulated. In fact, Mayo does not cite their source of information.

Here are some government studies that show a much higher rate. Open Original Shared Link

grey Explorer
grey
Posted

I just want to make clear that I didn't mean to say S-T method wasn't effective; what I meant was the Mayo seemed low on the % and offered a possible explanation. On the CCLI site, the page on "User Effectiveness" has similar stats as the Mayo if the methods aren't followed properly - which was the explanation I was aiming for, so maybe these are the studies where the Mayo numbers came from?

Open Original Shared Link

Why I brought up the Mayo site at all was because it offered a table about a *lot* of different methods with pros and cons. It cites sources at the end of the article as a whole, but I agree that it should have citations to where the stats come from. I liked that about the CCLI page.

So, I just want to say - utmost respect for the method and those who practice it. The all-natural element is especially appealing. My (our) choice was based on my ability to track my body, which at the time for physical and emotional reasons was harder to do.

I wasn't meaning to argue mehtods, my main interest was just provide more information about the IUD and counter some misleading information.

Depends on the study as statistics can be easily manipulated. In fact, Mayo does not cite their source of information.

Here are some government studies that show a much higher rate. Open Original Shared Link

CarlaB Enthusiast
CarlaB
Posted
I wasn't meaning to argue mehtods, my main interest was just provide more information about the IUD and counter some misleading information.

Maybe someday NFP will work for you. :)

ItchyMeredith Contributor
ItchyMeredith
Posted

I used the non hormonal IUD Paraguard. I loved it!

Sweetfudge Community Regular
Sweetfudge
Posted
  • Author
Yes, I think it is helpful. You need to be sure your thyroid levels are good, too. There can be many causes of low libido ... the Pill can be one of them.

Natural family planning (nfp) is using the body's natural cycles to either avoid or achieve pregnancy.

The method I use is the sympto-thermal method. You look at symptoms -- cervical mucus, temperature, etc. to tell what part of the month it is for you. It is NOT old fashioned calendar rythym, this is a scientific method that uses clinical observations and is as effective as the Pill.

I've used it since 1993 and have gotten pregnant when I've wanted to and avoided it when I wanted to. My youngest is 9, so it's been working great. I have a serious reason right now to avoid pregnancy (medication that I'm on for Lyme), and it's still the only method I use ... I trust it that much.

An interesting statistic (please don't let it start a debate, it's just a fact), the divorce rate for NFP users is below 5%!!

You can get more info on it at Open Original Shared Link. That's where I learned it ... I taught it for 7 years, too.

thanks for the info, i'm going to read up on it.

Yes, there are teaching couples all over the country. If there's not one in your area, there is a very good correspondence course.

I remember some comments from you before ... I think you'd like it. During certain times of the month, if you're avoiding pregnancy, then you abstain. During other times of the month, you don't. This would probably be good for you because you'd have your times of the month where you are open to intimacy, then your times of the month where you are "off the hook" and can feel love and affection in different ways ... more like it was when you were dating.

It also helps both of you appreciate the mystery of the female body. :)

Obviously, I'm sold on it. :rolleyes:

sounds great. definitely something i could use :D

Sweetfudge Community Regular
Sweetfudge
Posted
  • Author

will i have a problem going off bc cold turkey? i've just gotten over withdrawals from not refilling my anti-depressant meds, and i don't wanna go through that again. but i'm at the end of my month, and wondered if i could just stop taking it? should be ok right?

tarnalberry Community Regular
tarnalberry
Posted

yes, birth control isn't something you wean off. in fact, there's one week a month you "go cold turkey" off of it anyway - the placebo pills. :)

CarlaB Enthusiast
CarlaB
Posted
yes, birth control isn't something you wean off. in fact, there's one week a month you "go cold turkey" off of it anyway - the placebo pills. :)

I agree.

confusedks Enthusiast
confusedks
Posted

Sweetfudge,

This is really funny because I am about to go on BC again to regulate my periods, but I was on it for awhile last year and it caused me to gain weight. When I went off of it, I thought I would lose everything I gained, but I actually had to diet, etc. to get the weight off. But again, it's totally different for everyone.

Kassandra

CarlaB Enthusiast
CarlaB
Posted

Kassandra, they don't really regulate your period ... the period with the Pill is false. There are even some pills that you can stay on for months at a time with no periods. It will seem more regular.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      130,410
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Nicola mcculloch
    Newest Member
    Nicola mcculloch
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.3k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Pablohoyasaxa
      Is it common to develop a wheat allergy in addition to Celiac Disease?

      By Pablohoyasaxa · Posted

      I feel your pain. Grain and gluten intolerant. Hang in there. This forum is very helpful
    • ElisaL
      Is it common to develop a wheat allergy in addition to Celiac Disease?

      By ElisaL · Posted

      IDK how common it is but it does happen. I'm celiac, allergic, and intolerant to the fiber in grains. (Fodmaps) So not only do I get sick from cross contamination, also gluten free wheat statch/fiber, and beauty products with wheat will get me. While I don't stop breathing the full body hives and short breath are not fun. Then once I make through that me and the bathroom become reacquaint. Sigh if I didn't feel so much better with the restrictions on my diet I'd feel sorry for myself. Least it makes for some good jokes about how the gremlin that lives in my gut really hates wheat. 
    • Wends
      Ocd making gluten fears unmanageable. Need advice

      By Wends · Posted

      Hi Dora77. “Questions I Need Help With” “1. Is it realistically safe to eat food my mom cooks…” YES - you wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for your mother. Trust she still knows how to take the best care of you in her own way. Mishaps and cross contamination may happen - will happen on occasion, in fact - that’s life. But for the bulk of it as long as you’re aware of cc and try to avoid it for the most part, don’t sweat the small stuff! See the gluten free diet as a process. Own the process, Do Not let the process own you! “2. Do I need to worry about touching doorknobs, fridge handles, light switches, etc. that family members touched after eating gluten? What about public places like bus handles or school desks? Or like if i went to the gym, I would be touching stuff all the time, so there will be small amounts of gluten and those would get transferred on my phone if I touch my phone while in the gym. But I want to knos if it would be enough to do damage.” NO - this is OCD brain at its best! Hijacking your thoughts and justifying it because of the very real fear of gluten contamination. That’s OCD all over. Like a devil in the driving seat. Fears that are based on some kind of reality are hard to argue with. Boss it back! Recognise this for what it is. OCD using fear of gluten as its excuse to keep you entrapped. Own the OCD in this scenario, don’t let it own you. Normal cleanliness rules apply. Washing your hands before you handle food you’re putting in your mouth is fine. Washing after the gym is normal. Once daily cleansing wipe of your phone etc. Even if you did go rubbing your hands all over surfaces and licking them there might be a trace exposure to gluten possible. But I’m guessing you don’t usually do that sort of thing. Even if you inadvertently were to ingest trace gluten - it won’t be enough to do damage, no. It takes weeks to months of at least a few hundred milligrams of gliadin daily for the innate immune system followed by the adaptive immune system in coeliac disease to kick in and start producing antibodies and cause villous atrophy. “3. Is an endoscopy (without biopsy) enough to tell if my intestines are healed? I’d pay privately if it could help and if i dont get a refferal. Or do i need a biopsy?” Only biopsy, as the gold standard of diagnosis, can tell for certain if villi have recovered. Having said that video capsule etc. can give an indication of any inflammation. “4. Could my job (powder coating, sandblasting, etc.) expose me to gluten or damage my intestines through air/dust?” Assuming your employer provides all necessary PPE - appropriate mask and overalls etc. All you can do is take the precautions that are advised according to risk assessments and regulations of the relevant industry governing bodies? (I don’t know what this would be in the USA. Sorry. But there’s safety and governing regs in the UK for this sort of thing. Assuming it would be very similar over the pond in fairness). “5. Do I need certified gluten-free toothpaste, hand soap, shampoo, or moisturizer? (For example: Vaseline and Colgate don’t contain gluten ingredients but say they can’t guarantee it’s gluten-free.)” This comes down to personal threshold of gluten tolerance. People that are highly sensitive may need certified products. Especially those with dermatitis herpetiformis - the skin manifestation of gluten sensitivity. Listen to your body on this one. “6. Is spices like pepper with “may contain traces of gluten” safe if no gluten ingredients are listed? Or does everything need to be labeled gluten-free?” This one is easy - when following a strict gluten free diet, avoid products that say May contain traces of gluten. But it does not have to be labelled gluten free. There are many foods naturally gluten free. Having said that, there is nuance and personal tolerance threshold. If you’re super sensitive “may contain gluten” labelling is a godsend. But this kind of labelling is more aimed at informing customers with type 1 food hypersensitivity/ allergy reactions. The company is basically legally covering themselves, because there may be a risk of cross contamination. Not to be confused that it means there is cross contamination. In addition to products being labelled gluten free. Many products that are labelled can still contain gluten by the way - in fact any processed products labelled gluten free can still contain the allowable level of gluten (up to 20 parts per million according to Codex). A study was done not too long ago that showed gluten free processed products such as cereals, breads, flours etc. can and some are in fact contaminated and have above the legal allowable amount of gluten in them. While most gluten free products are fine for most celiac patients and tolerated, highly sensitive patients fail to heal fully if relying on processed gluten free products. The trace gluten exposure adds up for someone eating a typical western diet of gluten free cereal for breakfast, gluten free sandwich for lunch, gluten free pasta or pizza for dinner for example day after day, week after week. This is why, at least in the beginning after diagnosis, the gluten free diet should be one of whole real food - food that does not require a label. Meats, oily fish, eggs, beans, natural gluten free complex carbohydrates and vegetables according to custom and taste. Limit fruit as fructose worsens leaky gut and has been hypothetically linked to increased OCD and ADHD - Professor Richard Johnson published study on this recently. “7. Is continuing to only eat my own food the better choice, or could I eventually go back to eating what my mom cooks if she’s careful?” NO and YES. What you listed as your current, limited diet is nutrient poor. Correct it as soon as possible for your own sake and future health! Ditto what others have replied regarding vitamin and minerals that are lacking in malabsorption syndromes like celiacs and need replenishing. Gluten free products are not fortified. You were likely healthier, dare I say it, on a gluten containing diet for this reason. Your brain , and gut for healing and maintenance, needs lots of nourishment from omega 3s, B complex vitamins, folate, B12, iron, selenium etc. Meats, fish, natural fats that come with, do not fear - the brain is made of fat. Limit sugar, seed oils, and high glycemic cereals and fruit like bananas unfortunately as they can cause blood sugar highs and lows that can worsen anxiety in some people. Refined carbohydrates should be limited for the same reason. Fructose and simple sugars in excess feed the unhealthy gut bugs that wreak havoc with anxiety disorders like OCD. White potatoes can be problematic for some, also. It can take six weeks of elimination to see improvements. Note, consult your physician regards insulin adjustment if you reduce carbohydrates in the diet. Dr Bernstein diabetes protocol has worked for thousands. Ketogenic and low carbohydrate diets for mental and neurological conditions have shown improvements. Limited studies have and are being conducted under metabolic psychology and nutritional psychology. In a good proportion of anxiety disorders, mental, and neurological conditions including dementias, the brain is lacking nutrition and usable energy, not a drug. Similar in many autoimmune conditions, including celiacs, the prevailing hypothesis is that gut inflammation and resultant permeability allowing exposure to antigens begets triggering the genetically susceptible immune system response. Modern lifestyle exposure, one of the biggest being the food we choose to eat plays a huge role. Avoid ultra processed products, high in seed oils, refined grains, and sugar. Not just gluten can cause a leaky gut. Fructose, alcohol, egg white lysozyme, emulsifiers, added gums, the list goes on. “8. is cutlery from dishwasher safe if there are stains? Stuff like knives is used for cutting gluten bread or fork for noodles etc. I often see stains which i dont know if it’s gluten or something else but our dish washer doesnt seem to make it completely clean.” If in doubt have your own cutlery set, plate and dishes etc. for your sole use that you handwash yourself. Carry a camping fork/spoon set when out and about if needed. “9. I wash my hands multiple times while preparing food. Do i need to do the same when touching my phone. Like if i touch the fridge handle, I wash my hands then touch the phone. I dont eat while using my phone but i leave it on my bed and pillow and my face could come in contact with where it was.” That’s a classic OCD fear. Nothing to do with gluten as such. OCD brain is using gluten as the excuse here. I personally have the habit of using a cleansing wipe or dust cloth on my phone, nightly, that eases this sort of worry. For example a micro fibre dust cloth will do the trick, keep one on your nightstand? They are antibacterial as particles cling to the cloth. “10. Do i need to clean my phone or laptop if theyve been used by people who eat gluten? Even if no crumbs fall onto my keybaord, i mean because of invisible gluten on their fingers.”  NO. But again these OCD thoughts are hard to argue with. If in doubt, just a quick wipe with a cloth daily should suffice. Normal cleanliness practice. But if you don’t, or forget, don’t sweat the small stuff. “11. Does medication/supplements have to be strictly glutenfree? One company said they couldn‘t guarantee if their probiotics don’t contain traces of gluten.” Better if it is gluten free, yes. “12. I had bought supplements in the past, some of them say glutenfree and some of them dont(like the brand „NOW“ from iherb). I bought them and used them when i wasnt washing my hands so often, are they still safe? As I touched and opened them after touching door knobs, water taps etc. It was like a year ago when i bought those and even though i was eating gluten-free, I never worried about what i touch etc.” Still safe if do not explicitly contain gluten grains / derivatives AND if within the use by and use within dates. “I know this post is long. I’m just extremely overwhelmed. I’m trying to protect myself from long-term health damage, but the OCD is destroying my quality of life, and I honestly don’t know what’s a reasonable level of caution anymore.” Really hope these replies to your questions help. Just remember, in the midst of overwhelming thoughts and darkness under OCD clouded vision, the light and sunshine is always shining above. Take a moment or two when you are able in each day - even if it’s last thing at night - to meditate. Focus on something that you enjoy and appreciate. Or sit in a quiet space and try to relax and tune in to your higher self. Ask for guidance and soothing from your guardian angel. Over time it works but don’t worry if your brain is anxious. Eventually it will quieten down some. Try to focus on a real food, nutrient dense and naturally gluten free diet, this will help your anxiety and future health in the long run. Please eat real food - not cornflakes and sandwiches. Eat a steak, eggs or fish for example. Gluten exposures may happen, but don’t sweat it, dust yourself off so to speak, and carry on with a natural gluten free diet as best you can. Own your OCD don’t let it own you! Similarly, when it comes to a gluten free diet for celiac disease, own the process, don’t let it own you! You’re 18. That’s great. I’ve been managing OCD since childhood (in my 40s now. Many years of research, trial and error so to speak. Diet makes a difference. To quote Doc Brown to teenagers Marty and Jennifer, ‘ …your future hasn’t been written yet. No one’s has. It’s whatever you make it. So make it a good one.’
    • maryannlove
      Gluten free thyroid medications

      By maryannlove · Posted

      Unfortunately not going to be able to let you know how Amneal is working because I still have almost 3 month supply of Mylan.  Had annual appointment with endocrinologist last week (though get scripts for blood work more often) and since was on my last refill, she sent new script to pharmacist.  Staying on my Mylan until it's gone.  (I tend to build up a supply because after trying a couple of endocrinologists for my Hashimotos, one finally got my thyroid regulated by my taking only six days a week instead of adjusting the strength which had me constantly up and down.  Will be forever grateful to her.  Apparently high percentage of folks with Celiac also have Hashimotos so all this relevant/helpful on Celiac.com.    
    • KimMS
      Gluten free thyroid medications

      By KimMS · Posted

      Thanks for sharing this! Have you started taking the Amneal? I'm curious how it's going for you. My pharmacy gave me the option of Accord, Macleod or Amneal. I didn't realize that Amneal was formerly Lannett, or I might have chosen that one. However, I did read some anecdotal reports that some people had side effects with Amneal, so I chose Accord. I have been taking it for 3-4 weeks and the past 10 days I have developed extreme fatigue/sluggishness, joint pain and some brain fog. I don't know if it is the new levo med, but nothing else has changed. Has anyone else taken Accord levo? Any issues? It seems to fall into the "no gluten ingredients, but we can't guarantee 100%, but it's likely safe category." I'm wondering if it is worth switching to Amneal or at least getting my thyroid levels checked. If the med is causing my symptoms, I'm guessing it's not because of gluten but maybe the potency is different from Mylan and I need different dosing. Accord was recalled for lower potency, but my pharmacist said the pills I have were not part of that lot.  
×
×
  • Create New...