Birth Control Needed?

Question

OK, I am 15 years old. I started my period when I was 11 or 12. So whenever it comes, it comes earlier and earlier each month to the point where sometimes it comes 2 times a month. Not only that, but my flow is extremely heavy for someone with my small figure. I keep on telling my mom that I think I need to be on birth control, but she doesn't believe me. They nearly put me on birth control when I was 12, but my mom didn't want that for me. But now, I think I need it. Do I or not?

Answer 1

If what you are saying is true, and your doctor suggested birth control, I think it would be a good idea. Your mother probably feels that if she puts you on the pill, it would just be giving you permission to have sex. Have a talk with her. Explain that you are not interested in having sex (I hope that's the case) and that the pill would just make your life a heck of a lot easier.

Also, look into the side effects of the pill (see link below). The side effects are usually temporary, but make sure that if you really can't handle your irregular period, you know what you're getting into.

Best of luck!

Answer 2

Birth Control would probably help. That's what they do for a lot of girls that have heavier periods and have them more often, because birth control makes your period shorter and lighter. Of course, for the first month or so, your period will still be a little irregular, because your body has to get used to the birth control. And, you'd still have to talk to your doctor about it.

Also, remember that you'll have to take it every day, at around the same time. But, I think you should go to the doctor's. Most likely your doctor will prescribe a birth control pill. Tell your mom, and try to explain it to her, and that you want to go to the doctor's. Plus, you're 15 now, not 12. When you first got your period, your mom probably figured you'd kind of grow out of it, because your period tends to be irregular when you first get it and while you're still growing up.

I'm 15 too, and I have a doctor's appointment scheduled, my period isn't heavy, but my PMS and cramping is really severe. My mom figures they're gonna put me on birth control, and that's what one nurse said the doctor would probably prescribe/recommend.

Good luck, and I hope your mom will make an appointment. If not, try calling your doctor, (if you can) and telling them what's been going on, and ask them if they could talk to your mom and explain it to her.

And, if you go off the birth control, your body will have to adjust again.

DO NOT try to go to a clinic! They do not know your medical history, or anything like that. They could even possibly give you the wrong thing. Going to your doctor would be the best thing. Your doctor will prescribe the best possible thing they can think of, and maybe, it might not even be birth control.

Don't be scared by what other people are saying happened after they took birth control. Everyone's body is different, so everyone's body will react differently. Yes, you could possibly gain/lose weight and have other side effects, but you don't know, because everyone's body is different. If you do get put on birth control, and your side effects are bad, then stop taking it, and tell your doctor.

And, you'll probably have follow-up appointments anyway.

Answer 3

There's definitely something not right there. I think you need to talk to your GP, and probably get a referral to a gynaecologst (this is how it goes in the UK). They may well suggest provera injections or the pill to reduce the flow, they might suggest some other strategy. If you have a lot of pain with it, you *definitely* need to see someone, you don't have to just "put up and shut up" the way your Mum and I were always expected to. Times have moved on a *lot*.

In the UK, once you're past 13, you can go to the doctor on your own and they have to respect your privacy. I'd recommend that whatever choose you do, you at least talk to your mother about it, don't be secretive.

Apart from the long term health risks of starting to mess with your hormones so young, she's probably worried that you'll then start having sex too early, simply because you can. Only you can convince her that this isn't your motive and that she needs to trust you on this.

You sound very level headed and articulate for 15, compared with some of the girls who post here. Listen to what the doctors tell you and good luck.

Answer 4

it sounds like your cycle is about 24-25 days long, and that's how mine is, so I end up getting my period twice in one month also, this is not abnormal, what you should do is count the days from when you first start a period to the next time you start your period and that will let you know how long of a cycle you have, but you said you have a very heavy flow and that's not a good thing(not saying its bad either) I think that birth control will help you allot with your periods. Why don't you go to a family planning clinic, there you do not need a parents consent to receive birth control.

Answer 5

u need to talk to ur doctor it could be more important than just the pill there are other problems than plain old genetics that can cause what u have, and another thing is if u go to some doctors and ask for one thing such as the pill without telling her y u need it (she'll probably think for birth control) u might not get treated correctly. Let him or her know what going on with u and ask what they think u should do, discuss the possiblity of the pill and see how that goes. Not to be the bearer of bad new but some pills kill ur sex drive and u not being sexually active (i'm assuming) u might not be aware until u finally are (not that i'm saying to have sex so u know if ur on the right pill just saying there are good and bad effects of the pill).

Answer 6

Like Lizzy said, if it's around 25 days apart, there is nothing wrong with that. I would not recommend going to the clinic as she says, those doctors do not know your history, and birth control pills can cause a lot of problems, including gaining weight, high blood pressure, etc. If you go to the clinic and get the pills anyway, and mom finds out, (and she will, trust me), then she will never believe you when you tell her you didn't get them to prevent pregnancy, and you will lose her trust. Keep track of your periods for a few months, write down the start dates, so you know how far apart they are, and go see your doctor and ask if she thinks you need the pills. These pills are not something to be taken lightly, they can cause dangerous problems if you're not careful, I know, I took them when I was 18 and gained a lot of weight and developed dangerously high blood pressure and had to quit taking them. Trust YOUR doctor and your mother and don't go behind her back. You can't undo that.

Answer 7

It might help for now, but once you go off it your body is going to have to sort itself out again and you could have the same problem. Since your so young, I would recommend that you give your body another year or so to regulate itself and then think about birth control. Keep a journal of your start and end dates, as well as how you feel each day (cramps, etc) and you can start figureing out the schedule that your body is already on. I've been in your shoes. Good luck.

Answer 8

No it's normal for your periods to be out of whack for the first couple of years. If you go on birth control you have a high risk of heart attack, stroke, blood clots, infertility, and even death. This is with the patch and pills and shots. If you want kids when your older then don't go on the birth control. I knew a girl in school who was sexually active and she went on the shot and is now infertile because of the chemicals put in the birth control.

Answer 9

ask your mom to take you to the doctor - there may be more going on than just hormone imbalance - don't say birth control pills to your mom because she thinks your are asking her permission to have sex and are just making up the rest - tell her your are having bad problems with your periods - which you are - and you want to see a doctor to be sure that there is nothing seriously wrong like cysts or something like that.

Answer 10

Go to your school nurse. She'll be able to help out. In a lot of places, parents don't need to be informed or permission asked for their daughters to get birth control.

Planned parenthood is another good place to call. They offer free or nearly free services.

TX Mom