Messed up hormones?

[Stephanie2004]

I am finally at a point where my IC only flares during my period. Problem is, I think my body is confused about when that is. I'm forty-five, so I could be getting close to menopause. For the past year or so, I've had mild spotting a week or two before my period. No big deal. But for the past three or four months, I've have basically two periods a month -- one longer, lighter one first, then a week or so later a shorter, heavier one. IC flares like crazy for both.

If my hormones are out of whack, would my gyno (who treats my IC) be able to even them out with medication? I've read about some people using birth control (which I'm not using now) to eliminate cycles and the flares that go with them. But I think I also read that it would be dangerous for those close to menopause. Is this right?

(I plan to talk to my gyno about all this, but I don't want to make an expensive self-pay appointment before I (hopefully) get insurance in the fall, unless there's a good chance adjusting hormones would work.)

[glowbug]

I am 43 and my gyno has me on birth control because my hormones were messed up. I was lucky, the pill also helped calm my IC down a bit.

[Sarojini]

I believe it is okay to try the pill to even out hormones, even near menopause. However, with a question like this, it's always best to discuss it with your doctor and mention the problems you are having. He or she may have ideas for you; I'm sure the double period is annoying, and I know from my mother's experience with menopause that it isn't an uncommon thing to happen during menopause. She had this happening for a while, and then her periods became very irregular (sometimes coming, sometimes not), and then they finally stopped altogether. SO, your doctor has probably dealt with the situation in the past and may know more about what to do. :) :grouphug: