Long-Term Patch Use: Safety & Alternatives

Question
Hi.

I'm wanting to know how dangerous it is for me to be on the patch? I've been on it for five years for medical reasons, and I'm worried that being on it since the age of 12 (before I was even a teenager) might lead to problems later on. If there was an alternative I would take it, but being cripple for a week out of the month isn't an option (the pain is so bad, I can't retain food or water the whole time). Is there another solution to my problem?

Answer
Hi Mariah,

Yes, I feel that it is dangerous to be on the patch. I have heard reports of women dying and of course, other risks. Are you on it because of sex or your periods? There has to be another answer. Let me ask a friend about food alternatives. I have heard much from her about how food can affect your whole body. Please email me at CHERYL51@aol.com and put ALLEXPERTS in the subject line of your email. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,
Diane Cheryl