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Original poster

Combined pill and bowel habits

65 replies

tryingtoexplainmyself · 17/04/2025 16:06

Has anyone had experience of the combined oral
contraceptive pill causing a change in bowel habits? It’s a coincidence that things have changed after starting it. Obviously if it persists I will check
in with my GP, but just curious.

OP posts:
MozzarElla84 · 02/09/2025 16:19

tryingtoexplainmyself · 02/09/2025 13:31

Thanks @Cluckyclucki think I’ll leave it until tomorrow now, but at least I feel a bit more informed if this happens again. I’ve never not had a withdrawal bleed before, I wonder why it’s happened.

It’s rubbish isn’t it? I feel I’ll end up either stopping the pill and risking the gynae stuff or having to go through a colonoscopy possibly unnecessarily

Yes it's so much work to figure out what to do, especially if you have to "choose" between which health issue you want to put up with over the other. I am currently in a catch22 with being iron deficient but not tolerating (even gentle) oral iron well as it's messing with my gut, and the progestin only pill not working to decrease menstrual flow (yet) but also not eligible for iron infusion because as long as the heavy bleeding doesn't diminish it is no use.... So until i have found a solution for that I have to just eat more red meat, which i dont really want to do cause, you know, the planet, and my gut health. 🤷

Taking care of yourself as a woman is a full time job! 😆

MozzarElla84 · 02/09/2025 16:21

Oh and OP, maybe you can ask for a CT colography? Not sure how they compare but less invasive.

Original poster
tryingtoexplainmyself · 02/09/2025 21:08

Oh @MozzarElla84I’m sorry, that’s hard! How are you feeling with the iron deficiency?

can you request those? That would be ideal. I really really don’t want a colonoscopy. I’m more worried about the prep than the procedure as I know you can be sedated. But I struggle even to drink much water at a time without feeling sick so I know tolerating it would be difficult!

OP posts:
TheLivelyViper · 03/09/2025 10:18

tryingtoexplainmyself · 02/09/2025 21:08

Oh @MozzarElla84I’m sorry, that’s hard! How are you feeling with the iron deficiency?

can you request those? That would be ideal. I really really don’t want a colonoscopy. I’m more worried about the prep than the procedure as I know you can be sedated. But I struggle even to drink much water at a time without feeling sick so I know tolerating it would be difficult!

You can't request but you can go to the GP and try and push for one. I know procedures aren't nice but if they get you answers, it's worth it. Sometimes during procedures I have to remind myself that I pushed really hard to get this, and it can spot what is going on.

An MRI on the abdomen could also help. Have you spoken to the GP yet? About trying to find a path for treatment.

TheLivelyViper · 03/09/2025 10:18

tryingtoexplainmyself · 02/09/2025 21:08

Oh @MozzarElla84I’m sorry, that’s hard! How are you feeling with the iron deficiency?

can you request those? That would be ideal. I really really don’t want a colonoscopy. I’m more worried about the prep than the procedure as I know you can be sedated. But I struggle even to drink much water at a time without feeling sick so I know tolerating it would be difficult!

Sorry duplicate post.

MozzarElla84 · 03/09/2025 15:48

tryingtoexplainmyself · 02/09/2025 21:08

Oh @MozzarElla84I’m sorry, that’s hard! How are you feeling with the iron deficiency?

can you request those? That would be ideal. I really really don’t want a colonoscopy. I’m more worried about the prep than the procedure as I know you can be sedated. But I struggle even to drink much water at a time without feeling sick so I know tolerating it would be difficult!

I think that what Viper said is good to remember, especially if you also have health anxiety- from what i know colonoscopy is the gold standard so the question is would you feel reassured enough with a CT? I really understand you re the colonoscopy prep though, I think I would also dread that more than the actual procedure. But if one day of suffering is the price to pay for knowing your colon is healthy, especially if this impacts your mental health, I would have the colonoscopy if your doctor would recommend one. If doctor doesn't see an indication based off symptoms and other tests than maybe the blood tests +colography could be enough.

Re my iron defiency; i feel like crap. So tired all the time and feeling like life is passing me by, too tired to do stuff with the kids, exercise, and the house is a tip. Hoping this gets sorted in a few months. I need to be patient with the minipil and if it doesn't work I will probably go for an endometrial ablation.

TheLivelyViper · 03/09/2025 20:24

MozzarElla84 · 03/09/2025 15:48

I think that what Viper said is good to remember, especially if you also have health anxiety- from what i know colonoscopy is the gold standard so the question is would you feel reassured enough with a CT? I really understand you re the colonoscopy prep though, I think I would also dread that more than the actual procedure. But if one day of suffering is the price to pay for knowing your colon is healthy, especially if this impacts your mental health, I would have the colonoscopy if your doctor would recommend one. If doctor doesn't see an indication based off symptoms and other tests than maybe the blood tests +colography could be enough.

Re my iron defiency; i feel like crap. So tired all the time and feeling like life is passing me by, too tired to do stuff with the kids, exercise, and the house is a tip. Hoping this gets sorted in a few months. I need to be patient with the minipil and if it doesn't work I will probably go for an endometrial ablation.

Show quote history

Have you been given iron pills by the GP? If the levels are very low you could push for an infusion instead.

Also have you tried a mirena coil, it can be better than the pill in many people, it thins your uterus lining so then there's less bleeding, and in some people even stops their period completely? It could be worth a try before ablation, if you want. Also have you tried tranexamic acid as well, it works best when you take it 4ish days before your period and then during your period as well. Not to put you off ablation, but just wondering if there's other options you could pursue. Ablation for most people does wonders, so it might be the right route.

MozzarElla84 · 03/09/2025 20:51

TheLivelyViper · 03/09/2025 20:24

Have you been given iron pills by the GP? If the levels are very low you could push for an infusion instead.

Also have you tried a mirena coil, it can be better than the pill in many people, it thins your uterus lining so then there's less bleeding, and in some people even stops their period completely? It could be worth a try before ablation, if you want. Also have you tried tranexamic acid as well, it works best when you take it 4ish days before your period and then during your period as well. Not to put you off ablation, but just wondering if there's other options you could pursue. Ablation for most people does wonders, so it might be the right route.

Edited
Show quote history

Thank you, yes I have thought about the Mirena but I had one before (before DC's) and it was a horrible experience; it got expelled and stuck in my cervix. I would consider trying one again but I have had 2 c-sections plus possible some minor uterine scars from procedures i've had during pregancies, so I am afraid of the scar tissue complicating things. It's not a definite no but am not too keen.
Haven't asked for tranexamic(sp?) yet so will look into that.
As for the iron; i used iron bisglycinate otc (discussed with gp) and it did bring my ferritin up but a little but I had to discontinue them after a few months as my gut didn't seem happy with it. I will definitely ask for iron infusion it in a couple of months if the periods dont settle, but i know (from friends) that unless you do something about the cause, the ferritin drops again fairly quickly...
So my plan is to get the periods under control and then ask for an infusion to get my iron stores back up enough that I can maintain it through nutrition alone.

TheLivelyViper · 03/09/2025 21:39

MozzarElla84 · 03/09/2025 20:51

Thank you, yes I have thought about the Mirena but I had one before (before DC's) and it was a horrible experience; it got expelled and stuck in my cervix. I would consider trying one again but I have had 2 c-sections plus possible some minor uterine scars from procedures i've had during pregancies, so I am afraid of the scar tissue complicating things. It's not a definite no but am not too keen.
Haven't asked for tranexamic(sp?) yet so will look into that.
As for the iron; i used iron bisglycinate otc (discussed with gp) and it did bring my ferritin up but a little but I had to discontinue them after a few months as my gut didn't seem happy with it. I will definitely ask for iron infusion it in a couple of months if the periods dont settle, but i know (from friends) that unless you do something about the cause, the ferritin drops again fairly quickly...
So my plan is to get the periods under control and then ask for an infusion to get my iron stores back up enough that I can maintain it through nutrition alone.

Show quote history

I understand not wanting that to happen with an IUS again, or even the fear being a barrier. Perhaps maybe just research it more or ask GP for pros and cons. Was there a particular reason that happened? Like something going on? Just as if they know why, it may be easier to prevent it.

Definitely ask for tranexamic acid, I'm very shocked they haven't given you any, I wasn't going to mention it as I assumed you tried it. It's first line for heavy bleeding. But honestly can be incredible, for most people I know, even if not it will definitely reduce it, if you take it on the dot every so many hours and before and during the period. Even whilst you wait for ablation, I'd definitely get the GP to prescribe.

I think you're plan sounds good, the infusion at the end will help and then your periods will be managed by then hopefully. I'd bring it up with your GP now and see if they're on board, they should be.

JenniferBooth · 06/09/2025 23:12

MozzarElla84 · 22/06/2025 21:29

I just started a similar thread about a progestin only pill. How did your bowel movements change OP and did it get better?

Show quote history

Can you link that please.

MozzarElla84 · 08/09/2025 18:36

TheLivelyViper · 03/09/2025 21:39

I understand not wanting that to happen with an IUS again, or even the fear being a barrier. Perhaps maybe just research it more or ask GP for pros and cons. Was there a particular reason that happened? Like something going on? Just as if they know why, it may be easier to prevent it.

Definitely ask for tranexamic acid, I'm very shocked they haven't given you any, I wasn't going to mention it as I assumed you tried it. It's first line for heavy bleeding. But honestly can be incredible, for most people I know, even if not it will definitely reduce it, if you take it on the dot every so many hours and before and during the period. Even whilst you wait for ablation, I'd definitely get the GP to prescribe.

I think you're plan sounds good, the infusion at the end will help and then your periods will be managed by then hopefully. I'd bring it up with your GP now and see if they're on board, they should be.

Show quote history

Thanks!
Going on the mini pill instead of trying other options first was my own idea as I am probably in perimenopause and wanted to see if it would help stabilize my hormones somewhat, and also use it as a contraceptive. I'm sure gp will go through other options with me if this (pop) doesn't work. Fingers crossed it will 🤞🤞

MozzarElla84 · 08/09/2025 18:38

JenniferBooth · 06/09/2025 23:12

Can you link that please.

Show quote history

I will look it up but only had one or two responses there i think

JenniferBooth · 08/09/2025 18:39

MozzarElla84 · 08/09/2025 18:38

I will look it up but only had one or two responses there i think

Show quote history

Its ok I found it thanks though Flowers

Original poster
tryingtoexplainmyself · 23/09/2025 10:02

@MozzarElla84sorry for the delayed reply. I haven’t yet been back to doctors as I’ve had almost 4 weeks of being back to normal for me. Today this have been bad again but I have been very anxious about something since last night so it’s possibly that having an effect. Will have to see how it goes for the next week of so and then decide what I want to do

OP posts:
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