Question: I am 51 years old and have been taking Femcon FE 28 oral contraceptive to control irregular periods including heavy bleeding which was prescribed approximately 2 years ago to control the problem. I have always experienced long periods with a medium to heavy flow and some clots. I had a uterine ultra-sound which found 3 fibroids - 1 sm/med and 2 small (have family history of such )and a uterine biopsy at that time which came back normal and also have yearly pap screenings - last one was April of this yr - which have come back normal for the past 10 years. I always spot fairly heavily after a pap screening even while taking my pill regularly. The symptoms have started to reoccur and wondered whether there were any new Rx's out there that might work better. I have had my cycle for approximately a month now - on and off with breakthrough bleeding and large clots which is how it started 2 yrs ago. My Dr normally cannot see me while I am bleeding heavily. Left message two days ago but have not heard back. Wanted some advice on a possible pill replacement to speed up the process once she returns my call. Not sure if she's really up to date with everything available - somewhat old-school. She stated last year that if problems began again I may not have any other choice but surgery or ablation. Not really ready to go that route unless absolutely necessary.

Forgot to mention that I have been on oral contraceptives since I was 21 years old - so they were not prescribed as a new Rx - I was changed from something else to the Femcon.