Expert: Norman Solberg - 5/25/2011

Question
I was on the Yasmin pill due to excessive bleeding not contraception. I am now 50, not yet menopausal, been tested but decided to stop taking the pill few weeks ago and see how I go. I was sterilized at 36 and have had no partner since then. I am really suffering from painful excessive bloating in my stomach and abdomen and have not had this before and looks and feels awful. I am only a size 8/10 English size and not overweight. Is this a common thing to happen and will it go? Thanks

Answer
I suspect your bloating is due to high levels of estrogen, due to coming off the pill.  Your ovaries are being stimulated, causing the high estrogen.  It will likely get better over time, but may come and go.  During the years leading up to menopause, it's common for estrogen levels to fluctuate a lot, going from low to high.  When they're high, you may have bloating, breast tenderness, etc.  When they're low you may have hot flashes.  While you were on the pill, your hormone levels were constant from the pill.  It's hard to predict how long you may have the bloating, since your hormone levels are unpredictable.