Where can I get more information on the effect of teens using b/c pills to fix regular heavy menstration?

Question

In particular I'm curious about weight gain, hormone interaction and any long term effects. My daughter is 13, almost 14. Thanks!

Besides from the doctor. I'd like to research and be as informed as possible before our appointment next week.

Answer 1

It really helps with heavy periods. My only thing was it made me emotional and break out and some weight gain. I was on it for a 8 months and tried 2 different kinds. Some women don't even notice a change so it just depends on the body. It seems like it is the only thing doctors have to cure period issues. So if she has to go it try the lowest dose of hormones also make sure if she hates it try a different kind until she might feel OK. Good luck!!!

Answer 2

I can give you my personal experience. When I first started my period at 13 or 14, it was just evil. Very heavy bleeding, intense cramps... nothing a kid should have to put up with. I dealt with it until I was 17. I got on birth control pills and my period went from being completely miserable to almost pleasant.... for a period, anyway. It also helped clear up my acne, which used to be really bad also. I didn't notice much of a weight gain on the pill, but the Depo Provera shot made me gain at least 30 lbs. If you're worried about the girl gaining weight, just make sure she's eating healthy foods and drinking plenty of water, and that should counteract what little weight gain there may be.

Answer 3

Dr. Dean's Comments: This is causing some controversy in medicine so you definitely need to talk with your physician. Are we turning the menstrual cycle into a disease? Is it reasonable to use hormones to stop something that is at worst an annoyance? No easy answers.





Source: Mayo Clinic Controlling Your Menstrual Cycle

A different way of taking birth control pills means women are deciding when and how often they menstruate. Instead of about once a month, periods can be timed to occur just four times a year or even postponed indefinitely.

The option of less frequent periods is welcome news for many women. Some women have health problems -- anemia, asthma, migraines or epilepsy -- made worse by their periods. For others, menstruation is painful and debilitating. And, menstruating can be a major inconvenience during vacations, athletic events or on the job.

Controlling menstrual cycles is a choice that women of any age can consider, says Rosalina Abboud, M.D., a Mayo Clinic gynecologist, in the December issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource. "Age isn't a limiting factor as long as the women are able to take oral contraceptives," she says.

Traditionally, women take oral contraceptives -- a combination of estrogen and progesterone -- for 21 days and then take a placebo for seven days. Menstrual bleeding occurs during the placebo week. Taking active pills longer postpones menstruation. Taking them continuously stops menstruation altogether.

Discuss your options with your doctor. For some women, oral contraceptives present risks, especially if you are older than 35 and smoke or have high blood pressure.

Answer 4

From the doctor, moron.