Hi, I really need an opinion on this. My doctor has suggested that I take Birth Control to regulate my period (comes once every three months) and higher my estrogen level due to it being lower than average. Also, it would possible help out with other health issues I've got. I'm just scared of the side effects. I know a girl who had a stroke caused by BC, and also it can lead to depression and internal bleeding. My mom said it's 100% up to me, even tho it's her insurance. PLZ HELP (I'm 14)
Have you talked to your mom about your fears? Or your doctor? What are your other health issues, if you don't mind my asking? Feel free not to answer that question, it is kind of personal.
There are risks to birth control, but you have to decide whether or not the risks outweigh the benefits.
Hormonal birth control of any type can cause blood clots, which can in turn cause strokes and other medical events. However, unless you have some type of pre-existing blood condition, your risk of developing a blood clot from birth control is quite low. Only about 1 in 3,000 women who are taking birth control EACH YEAR will develop some type of blood clot. The reason why birth control can cause blood clots is because of the estrogen in the pills. Estrogen itself does not CAUSE blood clots, but the higher the level of estrogen in your body, the higher your risk of developing a blood clot. Since you have lower than average levels of estrogen in your body already, I wouldn't be worried about blood clots. The birth control will likely only bring your estrogen levels up to "normal" levels... and you don't see women with normal estrogen levels getting blood clots all the time, do you? ;)
Birth control can affect your moods, this is very true. But, that's just something you have to watch out for. You know you, and you know your moods. If you do start taking birth control, and you notice that something is off with how you're feeling, bring it up. If you start feeling strange or sad or anxious or whatever else, talk to your mom.
I'll admit that I had to do some research to address your fear of internal bleeding. After the several things I read, it seems as though internal bleeding is only caused by IUDs that are misplaced/migrate, or ectopic pregnancies. Now, I'm going to assume that you'll be going on the pill, not getting an IUD, so that's one scenario out the window. And, if you're not sexually active (no judgement if you are, just saying), then you don't have to worry about ectopic pregnancy either.
In the end, yes, it is your decision. And can I just say that your mom rocks for even considering putting her 14 year old daughter on birth control? Seriously, give her a high five for me, because SO many moms would be offended if a doctor even suggested that.
What you really have to think about is that there are risks and benefits to EVERY medication we take. Tylenol, for example. There's a risk of liver failure if you take Tylenol. But is that going to stop you from taking it if you have a really bad headache? Did you know that heart failure is a side effect of DayQuil? But I bet you'll still want to reach for some if you have a bad cold and need to go to school. I know, those are scary things. And I'm not trying to scare you with saying those things. My point is this - EVERY. SINGLE. medication that is approved by the FDA has a list of every. single. side effect that has ever occurred from someone taking that medication. It may have happened one time, or one million times... it still needs to be listed on the warning label. So take it with a grain of salt.
If I were in your position, I would not hesitate for a second to start taking a low-dose birth control pill. Just keep an eye out for anything amiss when you start. If you're worried about something you're feeling, whether it be physical or emotional, bring it up. Better safe than sorry, right? Make sure you take it in accordance with your prescription and your doctor's guidance, and I think you'll really appreciate the things it does for your body!
