I know the warnings, but I was just wondering if anyone out there is over 35 and happily using the birth control pill?

Sure there are plenty of women who do... it comes down to an individual choice. Depending on possible other factors that can increase potential problems with using the pill, smoking for example, do the benefits outweigh the risks to you? Some women stay on the same pill they have always used. Some women choose to switch to a lower dose pill in an effort to lessen the possible health concerns of the pill. Some switch to something different altogether to get away from any of the hormonal choices.

My doctor put me on the Nuva ring which has the lowest amount of hormones.

He said he would not prescribe it (or any other BC) to someone my age (42) if I smoked.

Thank you for your responses! I am concerned about the risks AND the hormonal changes. The side effect that bothered me the most when I was younger and on the pill were the migraines and weight gain or "bloated" feeling. I'm sure things have changed since then.

I'm under a lot more stress than I was then, too. Now I'm a single parent. I'm concerned about the mood swings, too.

Do you like the ring?

I'm happy with it. The first month on I had some mood issues but they have settled out. I hate taking pills, so this works well for me. The only big change is that I have grown a cup size.

I'm happy with it. The first month on I had some mood issues but they have settled out. I hate taking pills, so this works well for me. The only big change is that I have grown a cup size.


See, there's that weight gain issue again... ;)

I was prescribed the mini pill, or POP, meaning progestin only pill.

Is anyone out there using it? Thoughts? Side effects you've noticed?

My mother has been taking the pill for about 15 years without missing a day...
She is 49 and I have a 5 year old brother.

My mother has been taking the pill for about 15 years without missing a day...
She is 49 and I have a 5 year old brother.

Yes, I get the message. I know it's not 100% effective, nothing is.

I am concerned with the health risks of taking it and am still on the fence...

I'm happy with it. The first month on I had some mood issues but they have settled out. I hate taking pills, so this works well for me. The only big change is that I have grown a cup size.

Okay, I'm getting one. Big boobs, well I never! (No Mam, I don't believe you have!) I just saw my doctor today, she told me my IUD had to come out since it's been there for over 10 years. That's a drag.

Okay, I'm getting one. Big boobs, well I never! (No Mam, I don't believe you have!) I just saw my doctor today, she told me my IUD had to come out since it's been there for over 10 years. That's a drag.

Yes, that is a drag... I imagine. I guess you were happy with the IUD all those years.

Yeah the big boobs would be nice, but I'm assuming the big butt comes along with those.

I don't like the pill personally I am not a smoker and it was the cause of my stroke and I am only 28

i dont like the pill personally i am not a smoker and it was the cause of my stroke and i am only 28

I'm sorry to hear about your stroke, and at your age, unbelievable. Well, this is the kind of thing I'm worried about. My boyfriend does not want to have any more children and neither do I. Maybe he should just get snipped!

Yeah ask him my hubby did I am no longer allowed to take birth control so he took one for the team lol

That's great, and you know what? Really, it's not as bad for men as they think. Look at all the crap we go through with pills, etc. the way it affects us, the hormonal changes, the health dangers. Oh, and we're the ones who get pregnant and deliver the baby, etc. So, it's only fair that men "take one for the team". I like that.

Yep, I think I got my answer. Just wish I didn't pay for the pack of pills I do have. I picked them up and am supposed to start them when I get my period which is any day now... and I don't think I will.

Thanks for responding.

No problem glad I could help and good luck

Well, I decided to try the mini pill, Micronor. I'm at the end of the second pack and this is what I have learned:

It must work to prevent pregnancy because now I am no longer in the mood to have sex.

In fact, I feel no other mood lately other than sadness, which is terrible because all in all it's been a very nice summer.

I feel like there's a dark cloud over me and I'm always feeling so anxious about--everything and nothing. It's awful.

I have things to be anxious and worried about, just like everyone else does, but this just can't be normal.

I've been researching this on the Internet and found some other similar situations.

I am done with these.

Has this ever happened to anyone else out there?

I'm sorry to hear about your stroke, and at your age, unbelievable. Well, this is the kind of thing I'm worried about. My bf does not want to have any more children and neither do I. Maybe he should just get snipped!!

I would definitely investigate the snipping route if he feels he is done having children.
Given the change in your mood, which possibly is a result of the pill, personally I wouldn't go with hormonal options at this stage... not worth the risks given a very pausible alternative for your boyfriend.