Expert: Bob Kambic - 4/3/2007

Question
I am 30 years old and have been using either oral contraceptives/depo/or nuvaring for about 7 years.  About a year after I started depo I began having irregular bouts of nausea/weakness/loss of appetite.  I had many lab tests all of which were negative, so we thought maybe it was the depo and I switched to the nuvaring about a year and a half ago.  I felt better for a while, but a couple months ago I began having these bouts of nausea (no vomiting) and lack of appetite.  I also have abdominal cramping, but mild.  It's usually in the evening, and doesn't seem to be related to when I eat.  I had numerous tests (CT, MRI, EGD) all of which were negative.  Last week I put in my new nuvaring and within 2 hours I had hot flashes, was very nauseated and couldn't eat...felt like I had the stomach flu.  Continued for a few days but was milder.  I finally put 2 + 2 together and realized my problems could be due to the nuvaring and I removed it.  That was about 8 days ago and I still feel nauseated most evenings, but no more hot flashes.  Could this still be related to my birth control usage and just be taking a while for my body to adjust?  How long until I figure it probably is something either than the birth control causing my problems?  And I have no intention of using any other hormonal birth control, my husband is getting a vasectomy in a couple weeks.  I would appreciate any insight you might have, thank you.

Answer
I am sorry for all the problems you have been having. This is a complicated history that you describe and it seems you have been taking the correct steps by going to physicians and having your symptoms checked. You are also aware of changes in your body related to activities such as contraceptive use.

You need to be under the care of a physician. Even though your husband is getting a vasectomy, it may be helpful for you to know more about your body and its regular cycling. I suggest getting fertility awareness training. This will help you relate symptoms of illness to monthly changes in your fertility cycle. http://www.irh.org/nfp.htm