I'm 44 yrs. old and have been on BC since approx. 22. I started with Loestrin 1.5/28 and just a few years ago changed to Kariva which I believe is the generic form of Mircette. I changed because I started getting bad headaches during my period. Well, now I no longer have headaches. But, my husband had a vasectomy in November and is now sterile. I'm getting ready to schedule my next yearly gyn visit next month and of course I will discuss with him the pill issue. I like the benefits of the pill, such as no cramps, no acne and cycle regulation. When I was younger before going on the pill and during the time I was trying to get pregnant I had real bad cramps and was always breaking out. But I also have a very low libido, which I'm wondering if that could be attributed to the pills. Also, what are the health issues of continuing/discontinuing the pills.

Just wondering about others who might have needed to make the same decision.

I didn't start on the pill until after I had my son. I was 23. (I am only 24 now). Before I got pregnant, I had very painful, heavy, and irregular periods. Now that I am on them, I am on a 28 day cycle with minor PMS cramping and "regular" blood flow. I wouldn't give the pill up if there was a chance these could come back.

As far as I know there aren't any health risks to the pill (unless you are a smoker and/or succeptable to blood clots--like they say in the commercials). However, since you are 44, I am not sure what your doctor will say about continuing the pill--since you are closer to the "big change."

Thanks for your reply. I've never smoked and don't have a tendency towards blood clots as far as I'm aware of. I'm relatively healthy, but could stand to lose some. But I'm aware that my age might be an issue. Heart problems tend to run on my mothers side and cancer on my dad's.

Sherry