Mini pill dangerous to take at 49?

[kazzawazzawoo]

I've been seeing the gynaecokogist due to painful periods amongst other things. She recommended a Mirena coil, but I'm not keen- had one before. I asked if I could take the mini pill instead and she agreed to a 4 month trial.

After the first three months on Cerazette I went to my gp for another prescription. As I'd had lots of bleeding on Cerazette I asked what she would recommend and she said the mini pill isn't ideal at my age (49) and why wouldn't I consider the mirena. I explained and she reluctantly prescribed Micronor, another mini pill.

Now I'm panicking that I'm too old for the mini pill and at risk of stroke or heart attack and have stopped taking the pill, as the constant bleeding and painful breasts were wearing me down too.

Now I'm terrified of the return of the pain during my periods. I don't have another appointment with the gynae until mid June.

Anyone else in the same boat?

I can't take mefenamic acid, it upsets my stomach. I don't like taking codeine due to IbsC. I don't think I should take ibuprofen as I'm on sertraline.

I've read that raspberry leaf tea can help with the pain. Anyone tried this?

[kazzawazzawoo]

Anyone in a similar situation?

[BertieBotts]

I thought it was the normal pill which was a risk of stroke and clots and the mini pill was considered safer?

[kazzawazzawoo]

I thought so too, patient information leaflet suggests risk, not sure how high.

[weatherall]

Can you get some kind of ovulation check to see if you still need contraception?

There's always condoms or the diaphragm if you want to avoid hormones.

[castlesintheair]

I'm a bit younger but have been taking micronor for about 3 years with no side effects so far. I had horrendously heavy and long periods and now they are no minimal. I don't think they are risky (my GP didn't say there were) esp if you are generally healthy and don't smoke.

[ilovepowerhoop]

I thought the mini pill was the preferred option over the combined pill at that age. I dont think she has her facts straight tbh.

www.netdoctor.co.uk/sex-and-relationships/medicines/micronor.html - does not mention any age restrictions

[kazzawazzawoo]

Sorry, forgot to say, I don't need contraception as dh had the snip. Just need to manage painful heavy periods.

[kazzawazzawoo]

I don't smoke, but I used to, I stopped 9 years ago.

[kazzawazzawoo]

I have read the patient information leaflet again and it does say about increasing the risk of blood clots, heart attacks and strokes, especially when getting older.

[ilovepowerhoop]

www.patient.co.uk/health/contraception-around-the-menopause - says you can take the mini pill until the age of 55 at which point you probably no longer need contraception

www.nhs.uk/Conditions/contraception-guide/Pages/menopause-contraceptive-pill.aspx - says you can take it until the menopause

[kazzawazzawoo]

Thanks, interesting reading. One of the articles says there is no evidence the risk of blood clots is increased. That's good enough for me