05-02-2010, 22:03
Hi Tee Tee
most bcp negatively affect testo levels. This is especially true for those pills containing certain progestins. Cyproteroneacetat for example is probably the progestin with the strongest anti-androgen properties.
BCP has ruined my libido before, so I can relate. My libido always used to be quite high. Until my gyno prescribed me a certain bcp. At first I didn't even notice my declining libido until it had disappeared completely. And then I didn't attribute it to my bcp. When I realized what had caused it I stopped taking it. I was so afraid that it wouldn't come back - but eventually it did.
There are two possibilities for a lower libido. One is the type (or amount) of progestin that is used. The second is a rise in SHBG which testosterone binds to. This is more common for bcp containing estrogen though.
I don't know if you are still on your bcp. If you are I would recommend stopping it. And if you're already off it just give your body some time to readjust. It takes some time to break down those synthetic hormones and downregulate SHBG levels.
BTW here is a link I found concerning combined bcp and lupus. I don't know if it is of any help but thought it might be worth a read. It suggests that estrogen is not necessarily off-bounds for lupus patients.
Apart from that I agree with some of the other posters that noogleberry might be worth a try.
Good luck, hope you can get it sorted out!
most bcp negatively affect testo levels. This is especially true for those pills containing certain progestins. Cyproteroneacetat for example is probably the progestin with the strongest anti-androgen properties.
BCP has ruined my libido before, so I can relate. My libido always used to be quite high. Until my gyno prescribed me a certain bcp. At first I didn't even notice my declining libido until it had disappeared completely. And then I didn't attribute it to my bcp. When I realized what had caused it I stopped taking it. I was so afraid that it wouldn't come back - but eventually it did.
There are two possibilities for a lower libido. One is the type (or amount) of progestin that is used. The second is a rise in SHBG which testosterone binds to. This is more common for bcp containing estrogen though.
I don't know if you are still on your bcp. If you are I would recommend stopping it. And if you're already off it just give your body some time to readjust. It takes some time to break down those synthetic hormones and downregulate SHBG levels.
BTW here is a link I found concerning combined bcp and lupus. I don't know if it is of any help but thought it might be worth a read. It suggests that estrogen is not necessarily off-bounds for lupus patients.
Apart from that I agree with some of the other posters that noogleberry might be worth a try.
Good luck, hope you can get it sorted out!