My daughter, age 18, wants to go on the Pill.

Am I right in thinking there's a greater risk at her age that it might cause a heart attack? Wouldn't it be better if she waited till she was in her 20s, when I imagine it would be safer?

No, it's really the other way round, ma'am. The risks of heart attack and strokes increase as you get older. For young women of 18, the danger is very low indeed. However, I hope your daughter doesn't smoke - because the dreaded cigarettes do considerably increase the risks of the Pill.

Not everyone realises this.