Hello doctor, I am a 53-year-old female who has been on a low dosage of BCP continuously for past 17 years due to periods that never stopped and was bedridden for six months due to having no more blood left to pump my heart. Secondly, I was hospitalized and had three blood transfusions. Medically I was unable to have a period due to the issues. Now I have a new doctor and wants me to go off the BCP. I want an opinion on what to do as I cannot have a period. I have had other options done as well and none worked. Can I stay on them?
Hello. As you are 53 years now and your primary concern was menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding) which causes anemia and other issues. If it has been controlled with birth control since the last six months, then this indicates hormonal imbalances. Now at 53, you should be expecting your menopause soon, which cannot be found out if you remain on birth control, hence you can opt to stop them for two cycles and watch for bleeding. If any, then either you can restart or simply opt for hysterectomy (surgery to remove a part of the uterus) for failed medical management for menorrhagia, as fertility is not a concern in your case.