Further considerations...

Dear All, For any woman presently taking Yasmin/Yaz or considering doing so, please research the forums as much as you can and listen to your body and trust it above all and any Doctors who tell you that your symptoms/side effects could not be attributed to taking Yasmin/Yaz. There are too many women here and at Yasmin survivors http://www.createforum.com/yasminsideeffec/viewtopic.php?t=183&mforum=yasminsideeffec or www.createforum.com, click on the link at the right for health and then on the hyperlink for Yasmin Survivors, who have suffered terribly, too many of us who were advised that not only /could not be Yasmin/Yaz but advised or recommended anti-anxiety medication. I declined, knowing the difference between anxiety I've experience in the past and the pain isolated to the left side of my chest and under my left breast, melasma, arrhythmia, muscle and joint pain, compromised vision in my right eye, exhaustion and fatigue. This experience, of being discounted by doctors is common enough, that a Doctor, originally trained in conventional medical practice advised that during Medical school, a professor actually advised the then full class of mostly males in their 20's that if a woman in mid-life came to them and complained to them of multiple symptoms that they were hypochondriacs and they should be prescribed anti-depressants/anti-anxieties. This Doctor's name is Dr. Hotze of the Hotze Health and Wellness Center in Texas. I highly recommend his book on Hormones, Health and and Happiness. After reading countless articles, publications online and in the bookstore, this book was highly informative and thoughtfully written. I learned so much about all the hormones, not just progesterone and estrogen and how low progesterone/hormone imbalances actually contribute to hypothyroidism (low thyroid), adrenal fatigue and allergies as a result of a compromised immune system. You can call to inquire and discuss your symptoms and establish whether you are a good candidate for their practice (Dr. Hotze is now a naturopathic practictioner/allergist who only prescribes and uses biodentical hormones). The number is 877-698-8698. Wanted to post some additional learning that just continues to confirm why the calcium/magnesium supplements were so helpful coming off of Yasmin and continue to be 7 months post Yasmin, 4 months post all artificial/synthetic hormones. Calcium- Regulates the heart beat. It is needed for normal blood clotting, contraction of the muscles, transmission of nerve impulses and the secretion of hormones. Ring any bells? For how many women complained here of the muscle spasms in the legs. Women who reported blood clots or arrhythmia (in my case.) Artificial /synthetic hormones deplete calcium levels. To follow other links here, hypothyroidism (low thyroid function which often accompanies low progesterone) is oftentimes also responsible for heart arrhythmia. Recall that Yasmin contains an anti-mineralocortoid as well as a potassium sparing diuretic. See other links posted here on understanding how Yasmin can effect your body. Recommended amount: 1000mg/day Magnesium- is listed as an absolute must. Magnesium is responsible for supporting healthy respiratory function, relaxes bronchial muscles. Asthma sufferers often deficient however there have been many publications about how large populations of people are magnesium deficient (lab tests/snapshots often do not capture this.) Magnesium is also a good preventative for the Heart. It CORRECTS Irregular heart rhythms, lowers* blood pressure and reduces the frequency of of angina (chest pain.) Recommended is 500mg/day. *Diuretics/artificial/synthetic oral contraceptives (birth control pills) reduce magnesium. Recall again that Yasmin contains dirosperinone -a potassium sparing diuretic as well as anti-mineralocortoid properties. Potassium/Sodium: Electrical potential fires nerve impulses and muscular contractions. (Ringing any bells for those of you who suffered from the restless leg symptoms?). Proper balance crucial to maintaining right fluid volume inside the cells as well as regulating blood pressure and heartbeat. (My blood panel results showed dehydration a year and a 1/2 after taking Yasmin). While my blood pressure remained stable (its always been unusually low),an arrhythmia I had years ago returned. Recall again here, that diuretics impact fluid levels as well as the levels of sodium/potassium. Yasmin's diuretic action through dirosperinone is a potassium sparing diuretic which means that it can increase potassium levels or off-set your body's normal balance between the two. Recommended is 200mg of potassium day to help off-set sodium imbalance. Excess Sodium: Can result in increased blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. Best wishes to all in health and healing.