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
Menopause

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Original poster

Contraception after 45

6 replies

browndeer36 · 22/02/2026 21:52

I'm 46 with pcos and been taking desogestrel minipill for heavy periods (and contraception) for last couple of years.

I didn't like the idea of the mirena but have been reading about links of desogestrel to brain tumours in women over 45 and breast cancer risk.

I'm wondering if there's a levonorgestrel minipill which might be better or any advice would be appreciated..

OP posts:
JenniferBooth · 22/02/2026 22:02

Im nearly fifty three and have been on desogestrel for four and a half years. I was also on the Depo for five years in my early thirties So i tick all the risk boxes. What also pisses me off is that im child free by choice and asked to be sterilised years ago but noooooooooo apparently depo was much better.

I started a thread on the news board when this was on the news recently.

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/in_the_news/5489394-depo-provera-contraceptive-injection?reply=150472209

Charliede1182 · 23/02/2026 15:00

There is a levonorgestrel mini pill called norgeston. You can easily buy it from online pharmacies if you can't get it from your GP.

However I would say don't sacrifice your quality of life over minuscule theoretical health risks with other contraceptives if something else suits you better.

There was a recently published study showing a LOWER risk of breast cancer with combined oral contraceptive pills than progestin only contraceptives.

Plus the significantly lower risk of ovarian, endometrial and colorectal cancers with the combined, but not with progestin only, contraceptives, which is never mentioned.

I don't need contraception but I take the combined pill continuously for health reasons and plan to do so until 55 in the absence any medical contraindications.

JenniferBooth · 24/02/2026 16:17

Charliede1182 · 23/02/2026 15:00

There is a levonorgestrel mini pill called norgeston. You can easily buy it from online pharmacies if you can't get it from your GP.

However I would say don't sacrifice your quality of life over minuscule theoretical health risks with other contraceptives if something else suits you better.

There was a recently published study showing a LOWER risk of breast cancer with combined oral contraceptive pills than progestin only contraceptives.

Plus the significantly lower risk of ovarian, endometrial and colorectal cancers with the combined, but not with progestin only, contraceptives, which is never mentioned.

I don't need contraception but I take the combined pill continuously for health reasons and plan to do so until 55 in the absence any medical contraindications.

Thanks. I would probably be ok with that Looks like it only has a three hour window but im in the habit of taking it at night after brushing my teeth so always remember to take it

EmmaCB1 · 04/04/2026 22:33

Charliede1182 · 23/02/2026 15:00

There is a levonorgestrel mini pill called norgeston. You can easily buy it from online pharmacies if you can't get it from your GP.

However I would say don't sacrifice your quality of life over minuscule theoretical health risks with other contraceptives if something else suits you better.

There was a recently published study showing a LOWER risk of breast cancer with combined oral contraceptive pills than progestin only contraceptives.

Plus the significantly lower risk of ovarian, endometrial and colorectal cancers with the combined, but not with progestin only, contraceptives, which is never mentioned.

I don't need contraception but I take the combined pill continuously for health reasons and plan to do so until 55 in the absence any medical contraindications.

Do you have any difficulty getting the combined pill from your GP? Mine has said that I have to come off it now that I’m 50 which is annoying as it suits me. I’m wondering about getting one of the newer combined pills privately, as apparently the risk of blood clot is lower. Thanks.

TartanCurtain · 04/04/2026 22:46

Charliede1182 · 23/02/2026 15:00

There is a levonorgestrel mini pill called norgeston. You can easily buy it from online pharmacies if you can't get it from your GP.

However I would say don't sacrifice your quality of life over minuscule theoretical health risks with other contraceptives if something else suits you better.

There was a recently published study showing a LOWER risk of breast cancer with combined oral contraceptive pills than progestin only contraceptives.

Plus the significantly lower risk of ovarian, endometrial and colorectal cancers with the combined, but not with progestin only, contraceptives, which is never mentioned.

I don't need contraception but I take the combined pill continuously for health reasons and plan to do so until 55 in the absence any medical contraindications.

Desogesterol is a POP though?

Youshouldbestrongerthanme · 04/04/2026 22:51

I've never been able to take the COP since having a TIA on it at 18, so was on the POP (bar three pregnancies) from then until about 42.
Very grateful to my husband that I don't even have to think about contraception now (I'm 45) as I am aware there are long-term risks.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page