Are you joining the signals that your body is preparing to say ‘goodbye’ to your period? And are you wanting to ditch your birth control? Don’t be swayed by a false sense of security – If you’re still having your period, you can still get pregnant. When you stop menstruating, you are not officially ‘menopausal’ until 12-18 months later, so you still need to continue contraception 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 trust over-the-counter test kits, as birth control pills can mask these tests.

Using a low-dose birth control pill

Many doctors do not recommend staying on hormonal methods like the patch, injection, and ring during perimenopause, but they often recommend that you switch 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 periods regular and protect against pregnancy. Low-dose birth control pills are taken in the same way as regular oral contraceptives and you will be unlucky if they don’t act to regulate you 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 more well-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 during 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 lose libido, but if you’re unlucky, side effects can include nausea, breast tenderness, higher blood pressure, or headaches.

Barrier-based contraceptive methods (diaphragm, cap, sponge, female condom, male condom, etc.) will be fine to use BUT keep in mind that as your periods become lighter and less frequent during perimenopause, it will be more difficult for you to track your cycle with accuracy if you use it ‘natural contraceptive methods (fertility awareness).

Keep an eye on your body during perimenopause

You may be in your forties or fifties and still have a lot of “ sex miles ” left (hey, some claim this is the best part of your sex life!). However, perimenopause and menopause are times of great change in a woman’s body, especially in the hormone department. Now is the time to be aware of what your body is telling 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, reducing your intake of coffee and alcohol (just when you feel like it most!), And getting a little exercise is really good for you, but you also need to know how. successfully manage this last stage of your ‘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. Take the time to educate yourself and make a decision on whether or not you should continue to use ANY form of hormones. (HRT) Your body needs support as it is going off hormonal contraceptives and this can be done without problems and with minimal symptoms. if you follow medical advice.

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