A little background info. My menstrual cycle was all wrong from day one, my first period lasted for 45 days. So the gyno. put me on birth control pills to "regulate" my cycle. My cycles would still last about 10 days even while on the pill, but she said keep taking them (I was 15 then). So I stopped taking them when I was 18. Had 2 miscarriages, then my son. So then I go on depo for 3 years, I stop taking that and have another miscarriage and then had my daughter. I haven't taken anything since the birth of my dd in 2004. I went for almost 2 years with no period. Then I started what I thought was my cycle that lasted for 3 weeks. Long story short, over the last 2 years I have had episodes where I have menstrated so much I became anemic and was very close to a blood transfusion. The docs answer is to just put me on birth control, but I know there is a greater risk for heart attacks, strokes, blood clots, etc. He swears the pills are safe to take. But I disagree as my mom died from a heart attack at age 55 and my brother had a heart attack when he was 29. Dh and I say take everything out, but they insist on forcing me to take the pills.
My question is am I being paranoid about the health risks of the pill? Does anyone take the pill to "regulate" their cycle? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Compared to what your body is currently experiencing, I would take the pill. I took the pill for over 15 years with no side effects.

I too have never had a normal cycle. I didn't even start having a "period" until about age 16. Always sporadic- never had a clue when it was coming. At about 19, I went to a OBGYN who put me on birth control pills. I was not sexually active and as a college student it got expensive to be on them so I took myself off. I have since been on the depo shot and the pill. I love the depo shot.

Have you been dx with PolyCystic Ovarian Syndrome? That is what I have finally been dx with about 9 years ago. Check with your gyn. and see he thinks. The depo shot is what I am using now and I love not having a cycle at all.

feel free to pm me with any questions.

Given your history, I would find another doctor who is receptive to other methods. An option to a hysterectomy is an endometrial ablation. Here is a link for more info on that: Endometrial ablation

I also wouldn't want to go on birth control pills until menopause as they do pose risks, especially as we get older. Find another doctor who specializes in the problems you're having and find out your other options.

I was having extreme menstrual symptoms and heavy flow. My period was lasting almost 2 weeks, very heavy for 2 weeks. I was taking 2 iron pills a day. I had taken the pill up until trying for our first and then again between our two children. I tried to go without taking the pill for 2 1/2 years. I finally got tired of my quality of life and asked the doctor for the pill. She was shocked that I went that long with the heavy periods and other symptoms. I don't like it either but didn't want to chose the extreme options of ablation or hysterectomy.

My dh is concerned about me taking the pill but I told him that it is a quality of life issue for me. I'd rather be comfortable and be able to leave the house without worrying I'll soak through my clothing.

I am going to be 45 this month and have been on the pill since I was 19. I was initially put on it to regulate my cycle/help with extremely heavy bleeding & painful cramps. I went off it once when I was around 30, due to the cost, but I went right back into not having a period for 5-6 months & my Dh was terrified I was pregnant all the time, so I went back on the pill. I later learned I have PCOS, and the treatment for that, also, is the pill.

I do not worry the least bit about heart problems - the pill is very low dose compared to how they used to be in the past. I do not smoke and I am a very light drinker. HOWEVER - I do not have a family history of heart problems likes yours. My dad has heart problems, yes - he's in his 80's. But my mom did not, nor has anyone else - even at an early age.

If you are not comfortable with the treatment, seek a second opinion. I recently had minor outpatient surgery to have a uterine tumor removed. Very simple procedure. My best friend asked why I didn't just have a hysterectomy & be done with it. Well, why would I want a bigger surgery than what I need? Your doctor might be taking the approach of why do surgery if it's not needed.

ETA: My sister had an ablation and it helped immensely. Also - I was starting to experience very heavy/painful periods again last year, and it turned out to be that uterine tumor. Since I had that removed - I'm back to problem-free. Do not consider an ablation "extreme".

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with your history of miscarriages, I would ask your ob to run a panel of tests for blood clotting disorders before going back on the pill. There are quite a few, some are genetic, some are autoimmune, but they can easily be tested for with a blood test. If you have any of the blood clotting factors it could be EXTREMELY dangerous for you to be on the pill.

I have two blood clotting disorders, one genetic, one autoimmune. I will never be able to safely take hormones. I was on the pill for 18 years without any problems, but that was before the autoimmune disorder developed.