QuestionDear Dr. Solberg,
After more than a week of pain, an ultrasound found a 3.8 cm (I think) complex cyst on my right ovary. The doctor put me on birth control (Natazia) and is running a CA-125 test. A follow-up ultrasound is scheduled in three months. There is a simple cyst on the left ovary that is not causing problems.
I'm in my mid-40s and had a hysterectomy (just the uterus was removed) three years ago. Have never taken birth control pills and have some qualms about doing so now, though I don't smoke and am not overweight. It just seems like there are an awful lot of serious side effects and risks, including depression (I'm already taking medication for that). Also, since I haven't been having periods I don't know where I am in my cycle. Does it matter, then, when I start taking the pills? The doctor said to just start taking them and skip the two placebo pills at the end.
There doesn't seem to be any other treatment for these cysts, other than pain relievers (I take Ibuprofen when it gets really bad). So I'm feeling a bit apprehensive and would appreciate your perspective. Thanks so much!
Katharine
AnswerDear Katharine,
There really aren't a lot of serious side effects or risks with low dose birth control pills. When a woman takes the pill, she has an increased risk of blood clot problems (clots in legs and lungs), but much less than if she were pregnant. Most women have no side effects from the pill, and many women feel better while taking the pill. Millions of women have taken the pill, and the number of problems is fairly small. It's unlikely to increase your depression, although there is a possibility that it could. If you take the pill and don't feel well for any reason, you can just stop the pill.
It doesn't matter when you start the pill. If you were having periods, it makes a difference, because starting late in a cycle can increase the chance of breakthrough bleeding and reduce the birth control effectiveness. Neither apply to you.
