I am desperately seeking info on why my outbreaks have gone from regular but manageable to constant in the last month. I am 49 and in full perimenopause. I went off oral contraceptives 5months ago and perimenopause symptoms got worse (mostly anxiety/depression) and outbreaks started increasing. I went back on contraceptives one month ago to a different lower estrogen type (loestrin). Within a week I had an outbreak and tingling/itchiness that has not let up in 3 weeks despite being on daily valacyclovir (500mg, sometimes 1000mg). I am wondering if it is the progestin in the loestrin (which is norethindrone). This is different from my previous contraceptive which was desogestrel. Does anyone know more about the effects of progesterone on outbreaks? Ive come across a few studies on mice, as well as other comments from users of mirena coils who had sudden outbreaks. Any info/insight would be appreciated!