Expert: Norman Solberg - 1/21/2009

Question
I am 41 years old & originally went on the pill to control excessive menstrual bleeding at 16 years old. I want to get off the pill now, but am afraid of the bleeding. My doctor says that if that happens than just go back on the pill...Are there any other alternatives>>>

Answer
One alternative is the progesterone IUD, which causes periods to be lighter.  There are other hormonal and non-hormonal alternatives.  However, if you've been on the pill since the age of 16, there is only one way to know what your periods will be like, and that is to stop the pill.  Perhaps you won't even have periods.