Yasmin and breast tumor

Hi Sarah (Flowerbabies, 10/02),

Thanks for your response to my question (nightowl, 10/02). I've been away from home/computer for a couple of weeks, so I haven't had a chance to read your response before today. As you suggested, I'm reading all the other site postings about Yasmin and I'm amazed at the amount of problems people are posting. It's not always clear in each case the extent to which Yasmin may be the cause of these concerns. Still--if there are so many problems, why do doctors routinely prescribe this medication? I realize that big Pharma stands to make money from Yasmin, but there are other pills.

Also, your question about why I've been prescribed Yasmin at my age is a reasonable one. I've asked as well. I'm not a good candidate for HRT (is anyone really a good candidate for that?) because my mother had (and survived) removal of an estrogen-receptive breast tumor. So, apparently, "low-dose" contraceptives are a good alternative for perimenapause and menapause symptoms when the usual HRT is not an option. I have stopped taking the Yasmin and will live with the symptoms. I've increased my calcium/magnesium intake to prevent bone loss. I'll research the alternatives you suggested. Meanwhile, my sleeping has improved a lot, despite the hot flashes (which at this point are minimal for me). Thanks again. nightowl (by day!)