Dr wants to change my contraceptive pill, Older ladies help please

[Abitskint]

Okay, I am 43, and have been on the same pill for about 8 years, except for the 18 months for conception and pg when I was 38, and a break last year while I had an op and recovery.

Went back on this pill in November. Dr just re-prescribed, but says that as I am now older (and presumably less fertile), perhaps we should change to a lower dose pill, or a different method. I can't face cap, and prefer not to use condoms, so it's either coil, or change pills, but I'm worried about upsetting my hormones, when I'm happy as I am.

Anyone been there, got any advice?

I'm 44. I tried a change about 2 years ago to one of those you take at the same time every day. A doddle I thought, I'm an organised person... well, I couldn't remember to take it at the right time, I found the whole thing stressful and the next time I saw the Dr he just said OK, switch back.... When I talked to him there didn't seem to be a huge number of reasons to change, I can't quite remember now. Sorry if not much help but hopefully you'll get more answers here and I would quiz the Dr more.

P.S. It was probably longer than 2 years ago, maybe 3-4

Abitskint, I've had the same sort of thing as you - am 37 and 3/4! I presume your dr is your GP and not someone specialised in FPA? My GP was quite happy for me to talk to a FP doctor and when I did, she was quite happy for me to keep on ovysmen, and I think I have been on that about 15 years bar pregnancy and now b/f, even tho its pretty old and highish dose so my GP was happy to go along with that
Don't think GP's have the specialist knowledge, just a broad view, so they are offering the best advice they can - but check at FP clinic, see what they say, I'll bet they are happy for you to keep your pill

Abitskint, I too am 43 and on the pill. I started taking it again last year after a break of a couple of years and wanted to go back on the one I was previously on because I felt it suited me. My GP wanted me to go on a low-dose one but when she found out I was a non-smoker and my blood pressure was fine, she had no problem giving me the higher-dose pill.
Have another chat with your GP and if you meet both of those criteria I'm sure it'll be fine.

My Mum (47) takes the mini pill if that helps and has done since her late 30's

I didn't want to go back on the pill at 38 after having ds1 and ds2. I had been on it since I was about 18 and felt that my body had benefitted from the three years I had been off it while having my children (we used condoms in-between pregnancies). I looked at our options and in the end my husband had a vasectomy as we were sure we were not going to want any more children.

Would you considor that or sterilisation as an option ?

ABS ( nice abbreviation hey !! ) - I went on the pill at 17 and except for 2 pregnancies have been on until now at the grand old age of 39 ( and a bit!! ).

Whenever I get my next prescriprion I ask my GP whether or not I should come off the pill or change and the answer is alway the same ...

If I am not having probelms with it - and continue to have OK blood pressure and continue not to smoke then I should be OK taking the pill till menopause ...

I am on a fairly low dosage - Microgynon 30.

HTH