Birth Control for 40 and older

[Yogajo37]

Hi Gals,
I was on BC for 22 years and went off about 8 months ago thinking it was effecting my libido. Well, my libido has not changed much since I stopped but my periods cause monthly flairs and unbelieveable cramping and PFD spasms. I went to a doctor who reccomended going back onto BC but I heard that women over 40 are at risk for bloodclots. I do not smoke and of course don't drink (thanks a lot IC). What have you heard? I am 41 well, will be next month.

Thanks!
Joelle

[Claredale]

I get the depo shot. I haven't been on any birth control for years since hubby took care of that. My periods were fine during my 20s (just mild to moderate IC) and most of my 30s (it became severe with pain pretty much 24/7, so if I did have pain, I didn't recognize it as related to my periods, then I started noticing that I had pain during my ovulation time when I finally got most of my pain symptoms under control. I keep a journal, so I went to my gyno and discussed my options. Since I went off the pill because it was causing my Eczema to stay active, we decided to try the depo prevera. I don't remember the difference, but I also didn't want to take a pill every day. My life of flares with the exception of two in almost 3 1/2 years. Plus even better for my loving hubby, I don't have PMS anymore. Even he would agree to that.

I have never smoked or had health issues, so my doctor said that I am not in any more risk then the majority of people. My blood pressure is rarely above 100/70 and I have had a couple of bone scans done since the depo shot can cause bone degeneration. So far I have bones of a person in their 20s. Not bad for a person that has a bladder that should belong to an 80 year old! LOL. I will be 43 next month. We are both August babies I see. Still no signs of menapause either.

T83