Very Low Dose Birth Control Pills for Perimenopausal Women
Do you rejoice in the signs that your body is getting ready to say ‘goodbye’ to your period? and you’re itching to throw away your birth control? Don’t be fooled by a false sense of security: If you’re still getting your period, you can still get pregnant. When you stop menstruating, you’re not officially ‘menopausal’ until 12-18 months later, so you still need to continue birth control during your ‘perimenopausal’ period, which can last 3-5 years. Your doctor can measure your FSH or follicle-stimulating hormone through a blood test to see if you are in menopause. Do not rely on over the counter test kits as birth control pills can mask these tests!
Using a low-dose birth control pill
Many doctors don’t recommend sticking with hormonal methods like the patch, shot, and ring during perimenopause, but often recommend switching to a low-dose birth control pill like Alesse or similar that contains only 20 mcg of estrogen. Using a low-dose birth control pill will, in most cases, keep your menstrual periods regular while still protecting you from pregnancy. Low-dose birth control pills are taken in the same way as regular oral contraceptives, and you’ll be out of luck if they don’t work to regulate his periods during perimenopause.
Low-dose birth control pills also have health benefits.
Hot flashes and vaginal dryness are common symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, but they can be reduced with very low-dose birth control pills like Alesse. Osteoporosis and bone loss can also occur at this time and low dose birth control pills can prevent this in some cases. A better known benefit for all women, regardless of age, is protection against ovarian and uterine cancer through the use of low-dose birth control pills.
DO NOT take very low-dose birth control pills for perimenopause if you smoke OR if you have a history of blood clots, breast cancer, or heart disease.
Good news about side effects- Due to the very low dose of estrogen, fewer women will experience side effects and loss of libido, but if you’re unlucky, side effects can include nausea, breast tenderness, higher blood pressure, or headaches.
Barrier-based methods of contraception (diaphragm, cap, sponge, female condom, male condom, etc.) will be fine BUT keep in mind that as your periods become lighter and less frequent during perimenopause, it will be more difficult for you to keep track of your cycle accurately if you use ‘natural methods’ (fertility awareness) of birth control.
Stay in tune with your body during perimenopause
You may be in your forties or fifties and have plenty of “sex miles” still to go (hey, some claim this is the better part of your sex life!). However, perimenopause and menopause are times of big changes in a woman’s body, especially in the hormonal department. Now is the time to be attentive to what her body tells you and to ‘support’ this transition in the best way. you can stay healthy and of course, not get pregnant. You won’t be surprised to read that eating a well-balanced diet, taking a good vitamin supplement, cutting down on coffee and alcohol (just when you feel like it the most!), and getting some exercise is really good for you, but you also need to know how to drive. successfully this last stage of his ‘contraceptive career’.
Finally stop birth control
Your doctor will help you decide when to stop using low-dose birth control and how to manage your menopause. Please take the time to educate yourself and make your own decision about whether or not to continue using ANY form of hormones. (HRT) Your body needs support as you are coming off hormonal birth control and this can be done without hassle and with minimal symptoms. if you follow medical advice.