I am a 27 year old female that has been
taking oral contraceptives continuously
for 9 years. For 8 years, I took a
tri-phasic combined oral contraceptive
(Ortho-Tri-Cyclen), and was then switched
to Femodette, a low-dosage monophasic pill
prescribed in England containing 20 mcg of
ehinylestradiol and 75 mcg of gestodene.
Unfortunately, Ortho Tri Cyclen is not
available in the UK where I now live. I
had requested that my GP here prescribe me
a new pill anyway, as towards the end of
the 8 years on Ortho-Tri-Cyclen I began
experiencing mood swings with increased
frequency. I have two concerns:
(a) Is my new pill safe? Femodette is a
third generation pill with a hormone that
is not FDA approved in the US and carries
a higher risk of DVT. Why is not approved
in the United States? I have also been
noticing some strange changes to my body
lately, which may be side effects. I am a
healthy slim female and have been having
frequent but mild chest pinching or
“internal air bubbles” under my
sternum, ribs and breastbone at random
intervals for about two months, which my
GP has dismissed as stress. I have never
experienced this before, even in the most
stressful of situations. It is most
likely not cardiac, as I go running
routinely and the onset of this very mild
pain or ache seems to have no impact on
the frequency or onset of the symptoms.
Is it even conceivable that this is a side
effect? For years I took Ortho-Tri-Cyclen
with no side effects other than minor mood
swings.
(b) How long can I stay on the birth
control pill? Is this good for my body
and will it affect my breast cancer risk
after 9+ years of usage? I have a family
history of post-menopausal breast cancer
that is as follows: Aunt, Great Aunt and
Great Grandmother were diagnosed with
breast cancer in their early 50's. I am
very concerned that prolonged usage of the
pill will increase my breast cancer risk
and/or other health risks, but I do need
reliable contraception. My mother and
aunt suffered from Luteal Phase defect
when trying to conceive in their early and
mid 30’s after some oral contraceptive
use. I would like to become pregnant in
1-2 years, so please advise if it is wise
to stay on the pill until then, and if so,
which pill. On the increase of breast
cancer risk with prolonged pill usage,
British and American studies seem to be
conflicting. British studies suggest
there is a 25% added risk associated with
developing breast cancer after taking the
pill for 8+ years. I could use your
expert advice as GP’s here are not well
versed on the subject.
