Oral contraceptives are a reliable and convenient method of birth control. However, doctors are reluctant to use them in women over 35 because of concerns about an increased risk of heart disease, stroke and cancer, despite evidence to the contrary. Studies have shown that the incidence of thromboembolic disease is related to the dose of estrogen and that the risk of thromboembolism is highest in women who smoke. With current oral contraceptives, there is no increased risk of cardiovascular disease or stroke in women without other risk factors. Oral contraceptives have been shown to protect against endometrial and ovarian cancer. The risk of breast cancer appears to be only minimally increased among women taking oral contraceptives. Thus, oral contraceptives offer a safe and effective means of birth control for women over 35, especially in the absence of other risk factors. Hormonal birth control methods contain artificial progesterone or estrogen and progesterone. They affect hormone levels in a person’s body, so many women report side effects soon after taking them. Some of the side effects disappear within a few months as the body adjusts to the hormones. Other side effects may develop after taking hormones for some time. Possible short-term side effects include: Bleeding or spotting between periods; Headache; Nausea; Breast tenderness; Weight gain; Mood changes There are several factors and possible side effects that every woman should consider when switching to long-term oral contraceptives: According to the National Cancer Institute, there is mixed evidence that hormonal contraceptives may increase the risk of breast cancer and cervix, but reduce the risk of endometrial, ovarian, and colorectal cancers. The hormones in oral contraceptives, including progesterone and estrogen, can stimulate the growth of some types of cancer cells and reduce the risk of developing others. Many studies have shown that women who have taken birth control pills are slightly more likely to develop breast cancer than those who have never used them. However, this risk disappears when tablets are discontinued for 10 years or more. It has also been shown that taking oral contraceptives for more than 5 years can increase the risk of cervical cancer. The longer the intake lasted, the greater their risk. References: Birth control & cancer: Which methods raise, lower risk. (2016, January 21)