going on the pill at 41

[bagpussmice]

I am thinking about going on the pill, I am 41.
The Doctor has advised there is one (can't remember it's name) which is a mini-pill and ok for older women.
Anyone else on the pill at this age - what side effects/downsides if any???

The progesterone-only, or 'mini pill' is often advised for older women. it can be taken up to the time of the menopause although it would be fair to mention to you that there would appear to be a small increase in the risk of having breast cancer diagnosed in women using, or who have recently used, a progesterone-only pill. However, the risk may be due to the fact the women using contraceptive pills tend to examine their breasts more regularly and therefore may pick up lumps at an earlier stage than otherwise. By ten years after stopping the progesterone-only pill, any extra risk of developing breast cancer would appear to have disappeared.
There is also a slightly higher risk of developing ovarian cysts, most of the brands of mini pill does not stop you ovulating, it simply increases your bodies natural defences against the tadpole invasion
There seems to be bit of debat ove what the best contraceptive for "older ladies" is.
The combined pill is not suitable for women with other risk factor, smoker, patient with history of blod dlots high blood pressure etc etc.
The mini pill could make your periods v irregular
or even stop them all together.
At the end of the day your gp should be helping you to make an informed choice by discussing the risk factors and benefits of all contraception. perhaps it would be an idea to make an appt with a family planning specialist
Just realised how long the post is sorry for going on!!!

thanks chapsmum.... I have already discussed with FP specialist... going again tonight to hopefully get some pills and try them out. She said if they didn't suit or i had problems I could stop them immediately...
not keen on the coil, so pill is the other option, just worried about getting headaches/weight gain etc.. but I guess you don't know until you try as it affects different women in different ways.

Hi! I'm 41 and have been on the mini-pill for nearly 4 years now. I have found it ok (great to not have to use condoms etc (yeuch!) so the spontaneitey (sp?)is still there) but on the downside my periods are very irregular, ranging between 4 and 6 weeks apart, which can sometimes play havoc with holidays etc. I also get PMT fairly badly some months (poor DH!)and my libido certainly isn't what it used to be pre-pill (poor DH again). Hope that hasn't put you off, and as you say, everyone is different so you may not have the same problems that I've had. Good luck!