It has been just over 3 months that I’ve gone off the birth control pill and started Chinese Medicine. Reason I was on the pill was for horrible menstrual symptoms. I’m almost certain it was related to Celiac disease and intake of gluten. Since coming off the pill I have had 2 cycles that were mostly pain-free. Things are not back to normal yet, but my naturopath is assuring me to give it some time and keep on the Chinese meds. I’m taking Tang Kuei (Dong Quai) and Bepleurum and have had no bad side-effects. I have to say, I can’t quite believe how well things are going. Doctors had pretty much given up on me by age 16 in dealing with painful cramps. They seemed to think Tylenol 3′s + codeine was a decent solution, and birth control pills an ever better solution. Wow am I ever glad I don’t rely on doctors anymore!

I have had acupuncture twice and can’t believe how well it works. I was so skeptical about it but tried it out of trust for my naturopath. I have had 2 sessions before my cycle starts to try and ease any PMS symptoms and regulate timing. Literally within an hour of having the acupuncture session all PMS symptoms are relieved, it’s amazing. HIGHLY recommended that any woman with any problems related to their cycle seek out a good naturopath and/or acupuncturist. Also if you are worried about pain or anxiety with the needles, oh my goodness they are so harmless! Tiniest little sensation from them going in and then you forget about it. Plus you get at least 20 minutes of lying still which is a nice break.

So far timing is not at all regular but I’m being patient, it’s only been a few months! I feel better off the pill so that is worth it to me. And btw, libido is very much back, even after being on the pill for over a decade and being as sick as I was. I hope that gives someone out there some comfort to know, you can get healthy again! And if anyone is considering a gluten-free diet for endometriosis or any menstrual related symptoms – DO IT! Fluffy bread is not worth the pain and torture. Check out the GAPS diet (http://gapsdiet.com/) and the SCD diet (http://www.breakingtheviciouscycle.info/). I am not the only one reporting relief from pain due to these diets.

A few more things my naturopath suggested:
-magnesium for cramping: I take up to 600mg per day during crampy days, 200mg on a regular day
-fish oil: I did take some for the first month off, but now am stopping it, will post about that soon!
-vitamin C and bioflavonoids: instead of a supplement I am buying fresh lemons and oranges, and eating lots of sauerkraut
-vitamin D: I get mine from cod liver oil, plus an extra vitamin D supplement (no sun strong enough here in winter)
-walking every day: this has helped so much, and I do yoga once or twice a week
-lots of leafy greens: still working on this, I don’t do well with lots of veggies

Now another update, I had gone to no-poo (no shampoo or conditioner) last May out of frustration with the skin issues I was having. It has helped, but mostly it has shown me just how much I do NOT need shampoo or conditioner! Here’s a pic of me this past week, no shampoo or conditioner since last May. It’s not a super clear picture, but I think you can tell my hair looks ok, no greasiness, no tangles, I’ve even had compliments lately! Everyone keeps asking if I dyed my hair, saying the colour looks richer. Nope! I have used apple cider vinegar as a rinse a couple times a week, and an egg once or twice a week to wash with. No chemicals. I tried baking soda a few times but didn’t notice it doing anything so I don’t bother with that.

(BTW do you notice I look alive in this pic? I have energy! And I’m showing off my new scarf from Taiwan – gift from a friend)

I mentioned in the posts on my rash that I have been on the birth control pill and wish to go off. Well I will be doing just that in 1 week. Here’s a bit of back story:

I was 13 when I started having pain with my menstrual cycle. It was always heavy, 4-5 heavy days, following by another 3 or 4 light days. I would be in pain for about 4 days, with 2 days of such intense cramping I did not go to school. I would be constipated before getting it, for at least 3 days, then diarrhea for 3 days during it. BMs were quite painful as they passed too. I had nausea and mostly did not eat for the 2 worst days.

Advil helped a bit but I had to overdose on it for it to work. My doctor tried different pain meds but none worked. Most gave me heartburn that was intolerable. Finally she prescribed Tylenol 3 with codeine, which helped, and sent me to a gynecologist. The gyn said she suspected endometriosis based on my symptoms and the fact that my mother and both grandmothers had it. She didn’t want to do surgery on me to diagnosis it properly because she thought I was too “skinny” for it. So she put me on the pill at 16 years old, full time. I have not had a period since. 10 years.

The past few years I have become much more aware of treating health conditions naturally. For two years now, I have felt absolutely horrible that I’m on the pill. Every night I grudgingly swallow a little pill and swear to myself it will end soon. I know at this point that it’s hampering my healing and I need to at least try going off it. At this point I am not counting on the pill for contraceptive purposes, my partner and I will gladly use other methods. I’m actually hoping going off the pill helps with low libido and pain during intercourse, among other things.

On top of (or maybe because of?) the endo and digestive problems, I seem to have problems with my pelvic floor muscles. They are constantly clenched and tight, which makes using tampons and intercourse very painful. I have been seeing a pelvic support physiotherapist and it has helped tremendously. Basically we exercise the pelvic floor muscles and stretch them (yes manually..) and just force the body to re-learn that stuff in there does not mean pain! It has helped and I’m hoping that with more general health healing that finally I will be pain-free.

I’m really hoping that dealing with all my gastro problems will in turn help my menstrual problems. Many women with endo say that eliminating wheat and dairy has been very helpful. I have eliminated grains for almost 2 years now and only had SCD yogurt. I hope going off the pill will finally help me get rid of all Candida-like symptoms. I still have oral thrush, even after trying many things to make it go away.

I went to my naturopath who suggested a plan for me:
1. Stop the yogurt, at least temporarily. I do think I have some small problems with the SCD yogurt as I have had pale stools related to it. Pale stools can mean my liver is not producing enough bile, and you want a fully working liver to deal with endo, so bye to yogurt for now! I will attempt to reintroduce once I can gauge if it’s affecting symptoms or not.
2. Continue on my current supplements: multi-mineral, 2g vitamin C, 150mg Magnesium, B complex, fermented cod liver oil
3. Add fish oil, with more EPA than DHA, increase Mag to 600mg during painful menstrual days
4. Yoga, exercises, to relax my abdominal and pelvic floor
5. After one week (in order to give the fish oil a chance to work) I will go off the pill. I’m to keep a diary of any symptoms
6. Read the “Infertility Cure” in order to better understand what the heck is happening down there. This book is supposed to be a wonderful guide to all problems related to women’s reproductive health.

I have no idea what to expect, whether I’ll be in a lot of pain or not. I just know this is the next step in my health. Also after having that darn rash again, I really have to try something. Really, what’s the worse that can happen? I am in too much pain and go back on the pill?