I am 43 years old and have been on birth control for 6 years since the birth of my last child. I am 60 lbs overweight, 40 of which I ve gained this last year. And for the first time ever my blood pressure was 148/82. I ve never had even slightly elevated blood pressure. I am experiencing many peri-menopausal signs and wonder when I should stop taking oral birth control. Thanks. M