Birth Control yeah or nay??

[GigglyAbby]

Please move this to an appropriate forum if this isn't the correct one

I'm 13 and I have always had consistent and regular periods for the past couple years Due to 6-8 days periods that are heavy with constant cramps and irritability -- my mom and doctor want me to consider using Seasonique [period every 3 months] Alesse or Ortho Tri-Cyclen [monthly periods] as a means to either reduce frequency of periods or to make them more bearable. I haven't denied to them I'm sexually active but I have no problem using still using condoms with the pill. I know that the hormones could screw things up. I'm not sure if I want to take the risk of getting on birth control. Due to the issues I've provided -- would you:
*Not get on birth control?
*Get a pill that allows periods monthly?
*Get a pill that gives you 4 periods a year?
*Choose another form of birth control? If so -- which one?

Thanks!

[Croconaw]

4 periods a year would be good

[NotShortButFunsized]

the best thing to do in any situation is talk to your gynecologist, they're the experts. she's talked to you she knows your situation, and also knows the positive and negative effects of any medication you choose to go on. shell also know all the other methods of birth control/hormone regulation out there, and will be able to make the best recommendation for you based on your needs and concerns. by the sound of it, you've already talked to a doctor, but it cant hurt to voice your opinions and concerns that the hormones could mess your system up in the future. keep in mind, both your mom and doctor want the best for your health, so neither of them would recommend a pill which would cause more harm than good, even though they both know everything has some side effects.

besides, like she said above, is four periods a year such an awful side-effect? obviously, if you feel monthly is more "natural" because that's how your body wants it or something, there's nothing wrong with that either.

personally though, i had issues with the side effects of the pill when i took it (also for harsh-period reasons) and had to go off it. however, everyone is different, and doctors monitor you to make sure bad things don't happen while you're on any treatment.