Stronger Dosage ofThe Pill?

Question

I have been on the pill for many years now due to the fact that I am a hemophiliac, and it helps thicken my blood so I don't hemorrhage every month when I have my period (I also get transfusions of platelets the day before hand, but that’s beside the point).
Due to several D&C's I've had done recently due to hemorrhaging, my doctor wants to put me on the highest dosage of Birth Control Hormones as possible.

However, I am hesitant because breast cancer runs in my family. My hematologist and GYN have told me that the benefits outrun the risks, but I am still hesitant.

Any opinions on the matter?

I have been told that I have to get a Hysterectomy as soon as I have children, and that the chances of me being able to have more then one child are very slim. So, to answer your question, a hysterectomy is in my future, but not for another 3 or so years.

My grandmother on my fathers side, and my aunt on my mothers.

Answer 1

For you, the risk of hemophilia is more immediate than the risk of breast cancer. You are better off addressing the more immediate and proven risk of the hemophilia, than the potential for breast cancer that may arise from taking estrogen.
You say breast cancer runs in your family, but you don't say who was affected (Mother and sisters rank higher as risk factors than aunts or cousins). Also, the age of onset of breast cancer is important when assessing risk. If your relatives all got breast cancer young, and it was particularly aggressive, your risk is higher. But if they were post-menopausal, and the cancer was not as invasive, or not estrogen receptor positive, your relative risk of developing the cancer from birth control pills alone is lower.
It appears that you want to retain your uterus for future childbearing. So the only way to permanently reduce the risk of both hemorrhaging, and the breast cancer from birth control pills would be a hysterectomy.
Given all this, I would guess you would be better off with the pills, and making sure that you examine your breasts monthly and get an annual mammogram.

Answer 2

Have you considered removing the source? A hysterectomy? I know it's drastic, but it may be the way to go- no more birth control pills, no increased risk of breast cancer. But of course, that's only if you never want children.
Also, a family history of breast cancer is only about 1-5% of your risk for actually getting it. You are much more likely to get it if you smoke, drink, are white, and if you started your periods early.
Have you talked to your doctor about Lo-Estren, or other pills that lessen the bleeding?

Answer 3

Have you thought about taking the pill continuously for three months - like on Seasonale (can be done with any monopahsic pill). You don't build up as much lining so bleed less than a normal period, and only have to deal with it four times a year.