I am a mother of a 16 y/o daughter who I believe may be ready for birth control. What I'm wondering is what are the risks if any of starting her at such an early age. Does her risk of cancer double. Thank You!

My doctor actually told me that birth control decreases the risk of more cancers. I started when I was 17 because my period was so irregular

I started when I was 16 (last year) for irregular periods. My mom is a doctor and said it was perfectly safe.

I'm 18 now and started at the later half of the year I turned 16. I agree with ZoeMarie though, my gyno said it caused no harm starting young and actually might help with the cancer risks. If you decide to start her, I recommend Loestrin24. I know they affect everyone different, but I never gained any weight, and it helped what little acne I had, so that was a big plus :)

Birth control as the same side effects as if an adult would using it. You can always ask your doctor about it but just make sure that whenever she starts using birth control pills that she takes it everyday and never starts a pack late because I know how easy it is to forget.

If you have a family history of any cancers, in particular Breast Cancer I wouldn't put your daughter on any form of birth control which regulates her hormones.

Be sure to reveal to her doctor any family history of cancer, if he or she is a responsible doctor they will not expose your child to birth control pills or IUD's with slow releasing hormones and will likely recommend either a simple copper IUD or condoms; etc.