Birth Control Pills at 40: Safety & Risks - Dr. Norman

Question
Dear dr norman

My sister is 40 years old and has been on yasmin birth control pills for 3 years now... she wants to start a new packet of pills straight after she finsihes her last one cuz she wants to skip a period for vacation... but the question is would it be ok for her to do so cuz her age is 40 years old? would she be at great risk of having blood clot or that it will cause menopause sooner. she is only worried cus she is 40 years old...so is it safe to take the yasmin on pack to pack  at age 40 to skip a period?

many thanks
jll

Answer
It's safe to keep taking the active pills to skip a period.  You're correct that pills increase the chance of blood clotting problems, which also increase with age.  However, the risk is the same for her whether she takes the pills continuously or not.  Staying active and walking are good preventive measures to help prevent blood clot problems.