Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

for not wanting my 16 yr to go on the oill?

39 replies

theminder · 05/04/2011 09:43

My 16 my old has been having a nasty tummy before and during her period. Am I unreasonable for not wanting her to take the pill because of health reasons? My family, unfortunately are prone to cancer, when a relative has died its usually cancer related, therefore I don't want my daughter to take something that could provoke cancer. We have been to doctor and the medication he prescribed did not work. Is the pill the only answer? Surely there's something else?

OP posts:
Original poster
theminder · 05/04/2011 15:34

I thank you all for you replies. There were many that I found very useful and will investigate further.

I am a bit shocked at some of you and the asumption that because she is 16 I should not longer have a interest or concerns about her or her health!! As a mother I will continue to advise and guide my children into making educated and the right choices about their lives. Therefore just because she is 16 it does not mean I stop caring or worrying. Being 16 does not make you wiser or right over night. I just was asking for advise to the age old problem of the pill, and the risks it does have, especially as she is so young. You are correct in saying its her choice and its a choice she has made. Don't mean I have to like it. I respect and trust my dd, but that won't stop me being her Mum.
Believe me when I say that I do not want her to go through the debilitating pain during her cycle. My mother went on the pill at the beginning of the sexual revolution and had a full hysterectomy at 35. 2 of my aunts have had breast cancer and my grandmother died of cancer, back when cancer was just cancer and not put into different catagories. I am concerned that it appears to be the magic answer to period pain!! In this day and age I thought there would more options.
I am new to mumsnet and still learn the etiquete. I do not mean any disrespect to any of you, and thank you for your time to help me xx

OP posts:
TondelayoSchwarzkopf · 05/04/2011 15:35

Could she take progesterone only - the cancer risks (which are real if very small - though the pill is also protective against some cancers e.g. ovarian) are only associated with oestregen IIRC.

Anyway, as others have said, it's her choice to make, not yours - in conjunction with the full facts and medical advice. I have hideous periods - associated with anaemia, vomiting, fainting and times when I haven't been able to leave the house.

TondelayoSchwarzkopf · 05/04/2011 15:44

X-posted.

Please read Pink's link - this gives a good assessment of the risk / benefits of taking the contraceptive pill. It's not as black and white as X causes cancer - and there are benefits to taking it (in conjunction with barrier methods)

No-one has said you should stop caring or worrying - they've just pointed out that it is ultimately her choice.

Original poster
theminder · 05/04/2011 16:05

Oh my, reading Pink link brings a whole new debate to the issue of the pill and cancer - 10 years, in some cases, til you are risk free of cancer!!!poop my pants!!! ( no I am not an overreacting hypercondreact!! And no I cannot spell, lol )
Anyone know any more natural remedies?

OP posts:
HappySeven · 05/04/2011 16:51

I was given Ponstan and Ponstan forte before heading down the pill route. It's mefenamic acid which I think someone else recommended. It's not "natural" but it might be worth a try.

The only natural cure I found (well it's worked for me) is having children. I'm guessing that's not an option you want to try though!

Good luck.

LineRunner · 05/04/2011 17:08

OP, hi, trust me, I love and care about my teenage daughter to infinity and beyond! That's why I believe her autonomy is paramount.

I had also been thinking about taking her to a 'Well Woman Clinic' for information and advice, because she has to be comfortable with whatever decision she makes. Knowledge is power etc. Which is why you posted here. So we agree, don't we, because we are both trying to find out the best information. Important decisions should be based on the best available evidence, I would say.

QueenStromba is absolutely right that many GPs just do not take menstrual problems seriously enough. Half the population of the fecking planet will menstruate at some point in their lives. How about some honesty and decent clinical care when there are problems? I do not think that extreme pain, vomiting, fainting and missing school and work should be labelled as mere inconveniences. However, neither should women and girls be patronised and sidelined simply because they do menstruate.

God, sorry if I sound all serious and wanky.... I actually like a pint and a laugh in the real world.

Maryz · 05/04/2011 17:10

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

brighthair · 05/04/2011 20:51

I take the mini pill (I think there is less risks, blood clot etc with it)
I have awful periods, flooding, diarrhoea, pain from my legs, back, stomach. This pill has been a godsend, I have no periods at all on it, and no side effects. I came off it once (don't ask me why!) and was at the dr on the 2nd day of period begging to go back on it

Original poster
theminder · 06/04/2011 13:37

Linerunner - were we seperated at birth?? What you day is spot on. Why, simply because we are female, do we have to be fobbed off? You are so right, I want my childten to make educated, founded choices and not rely on simply what goes.
Once again, thank you all for responding - lots to consider xx

OP posts:
Original poster
theminder · 06/04/2011 13:42

Ps. I have not stopped her - she is 16. Does not mean I agree or that am happy about it. Just wish that, in this day and age, the pill was not the answer for her problems.

OP posts:
jasminetom · 06/04/2011 13:55

I went on the pill at 15 for bad periods. It did help with that but definitely made me more promiscuious (sp), something I now regret. I was an 80s kid as well, all that AIDS don't die of ignorance brainwashing. I am not saying this is always the case but was my experience.

expatinscotland · 06/04/2011 14:04

The pill is not definitively linked to cancer. Having too many periods is.

VeryStressedStudent · 06/04/2011 22:43

I would just like to say that at the age of 16 my mum actually took me to the drs and more or less told them to sort my periods out as I was irregular and in pain, and ok the cancer risk is increased slightly, but then I have found my drs keep a closer eye on me in that respect. Also I have to get a 6 month prescription so I can have check ups as opposed to some people I know who get a year or mores worth.

Asteria · 06/04/2011 22:59

OP - I went on the pill against my mother's wishes at 16 because my periods were horrendous (SP tampons and huge ST's flooded in less than 2 hours on the worst 3 days, 9 days of heavy bleed with fainting and anemia). I tinkered about trying to find the right pill until eventually I was taken off it altogether - my blood pressure was through the roof and my GP warned me never to take hormones again as I would cause serious damage. I also had my legsstripped of varicous veins at 19 Shock). A couple of years after that, after some nasty abdominal pain I was operated on to remove what was left of my left ovary and the melon sized cyst that had ruptured and destroyed it - the surgeon said it had ben growing for about 4 years, fromwhen I was on the pill.
I always worry what we are actualy doing to our insides when we take a pill that entirely stops or suppresses our body's natural functions (however horrid they may seem).
Could you try your daughter on alternative therapy first?

New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread