It has to be you and your doctor's personal decision given your family history and health history. I took them at 47 for about a year to lighten my periods and help my cramps. I am overweight and have a history of heart disease in my family. I do NOT smoke and do not have a history of blood clots in my family. If you smoke, you absolutely cannot take BCPs at your age. Blood clots are what lead to stroke and other scary side effects of BCPs. I was paranoid for several months thinking every little twinge in my leg or head was a clot or stroke. If you take them, you should also have your blood pressure checked regularly since BCPs can raise blood pressure. |