| Birth
Control Pills
QUESTION:
Hi!
I'm twenty years old, and I just started taking birth control three
months ago. The type I am on is Alesse. I read through the information
in the packet, and it says that serious side effects (such as stroke,
heart attack, blood clots, etc.) can occur in women taking the pill,
especially in women over forty who smoke four packs of cigarettes
a day. Well, I smoke...but I usually average MAYBE seven or eight
total cigarettes in one week. Sothat's maybe one a day. I'm just
worried that I might be killing myself or something. Like whenever
I get the slightest pain in my head or heart right before I go to
sleep, I will stay up all night because of that pain... and I am
just so scared that I will die in my sleep! Can you please email
me back and let me know the probability of this happening... and
if possible, please send me more information on the birth control
pill, relating to topics such as the side effects (stroke, heart
attack, etc.). Thank you!
Candice
ANSWER:
Dear Candice, Thanks
for your email. Birth Control Pills (BCPs) are known to be associated
with an increased risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, venous
thromboembolism (blood clots), breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
The longer the use the greater the risk. The apparent risk is very
small until the total continuous use exceeds seven years. Smoking
increases the risk.
I only recommend
abstinence until marriage and the committment of a monogamous relationship.
For birth control, I recommend the use a condom rather than estrogen
drugs, because of the serious risks. Although you smoke very little,
the chemicals in tobacco, deplete your body of an essential vitamin
and antioxidants. If you decide to smoke and use BCPs, I would recommend
that you take a high
potency multivitamin with 800mcg of Folic Acid, 1000mg
Vitamin C, and 400IU Vitamin E. Additionally, I recommend GSE
110, nature's most potent antioxidant.
Best in
health,
Dr. Hansen
NOTE:
Dr. Hansen also sent an attachment with articles as Candice requested.
i! I'm
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