Perimenopause is a natural transition period in women’s lives, typically in their late 40s or early 50s, and marks the beginning of menopause. Women experience various physical and emotional changes during this phase due to fluctuating hormone levels. Many women in perimenopause may consider taking birth control pills to manage their symptoms and prevent unwanted pregnancy.
Can lifestyle changes help menopause symptoms?
Numerous menopausal symptoms are caused mainly by fluctuating and declining estrogen levels. Rises and dips in hormone levels are to blame for many women’s emotional and physical symptoms, commencing as early as their mid-30s before reproduction stops for good.
Using natural methods to treat menopause symptoms has proven successful for some women. Others’ lives can be simpler at this difficult time by making certain lifestyle decisions or eating certain foods, promoting intestinal health. You’re not stuck if you prefer not to utilize hormones or can’t because of a higher risk of developing breast or other malignancies.
How can birth control pills help menopause symptoms?
Birth control pills are a type of hormonal contraception containing synthetic estrogen and progestin, which prevents ovulation and thickens the cervical mucus, making it more challenging for sperm to reach the egg. Although birth control pills are most commonly used to prevent pregnancy, they can also have other benefits, including managing perimenopausal symptoms.
Considering birth control pills for perimenopause?
The birth control Pill, which gives estrogen at a steady, predictable pace, may be able to help you manage many perimenopausal symptoms. The Pill can smooth out the dips and peaks of swings and balance the hormones you’re losing.
Hormonal birth control offers many women an escape (perhaps brief and insufficient, but an escape) from some of the more bothersome perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms. Spending a few years on the Pill if you have issues and qualify for hormonal birth control might be the best action (no abnormal clot risk, not a smoker, etc.).
Best birth control pills for menopause symptoms
If you still have regular or irregular periods, you may still be able to conceive. So using birth control is necessary if you have sexual relations with men. Perimenopausal women had the second-highest rate of unwanted pregnancies, right after teenagers. You can continue using other birth control options, such as condoms, but remember that the Pill does lower your risk of sexually transmitted infections.
If you want to experiment with birth control to treat menopause symptoms, you can weigh the pros and cons to decide what’s best for you.
Benefits of low-dose birth control for menopause symptoms
One of the primary symptoms of perimenopause is irregular periods. Birth control pills can regulate menstrual periods and reduce heavy bleeding, which can relieve women who experience unpredictable or heavy menstrual cycles. Additionally, birth control pills can alleviate hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings commonly experienced during perimenopause. The synthetic hormones in birth control pills can stabilize hormone levels, reducing the severity of these symptoms.
Birth control pills may also reduce the risk of developing ovarian and endometrial cancer. These cancers are associated with a woman’s exposure to estrogen. Birth control pills can lower the amount of estrogen in a woman’s body, thereby reducing the risk of these cancers.
Balancing hormones and low-dose birth control medications can ease the perimenopause transition for many women. This balancing can minimize the severity of endometriosis and help with hot flashes, mood swings, menstrual flow, irregular periods, and menstrual flow. Harvard Health states that in addition to preventing endometrial, ovarian, and unwanted pregnancies, birth control pills may also lessen vaginal dryness and stop bone deterioration. Low-dose birth control pills may also aid in the prevention of colorectal cancer.
Low-dose birth control pill risks
There are also potential risks and side effects associated with birth control pills. Women who smoke or have a history of blood clots, stroke, or breast cancer may not be suitable candidates for birth control pills. Some women may experience side effects such as headaches, nausea, breast tenderness, or changes in libido. Additionally, birth control pills do not protect against sexually transmitted infections, so it is essential to use additional forms of protection.
Hormonal birth control may also worsen migraines. Drugs containing estrogen shouldn’t be taken by women who smoke, have high blood pressure, or are at risk for cardiovascular disease. Research is being done to determine whether birth control pills lead to unpleasant sex and vaginal atrophy.
And since the prevalence of STDs among those over 50 is rising, the Pill does not offer protection from STDs like herpes, gonorrhea, genital warts, or HIV. Continue using condoms or another barrier measure to lower your chances of contracting an STD.
There are fewer side effects and hazards to worry about because the amount of hormones is minimal and modern formulations of the Pill are safer than earlier ones. According to studies, low-dose birth control does not result in weight gain, and for women over 35 who don’t smoke, vascular problems, including deep vein thrombosis and stroke, are typically not a problem.
The likelihood of a rise in breast cancer is possible, especially in older women or those with a family history of the disease (perhaps because they started using the riskier, higher-dose oral contraceptives available when they were younger).
When to stop using birth control pills?
A woman using mixed-hormone oral contraceptive may not be aware that she has reached menopause because the Pill can conceal menopause symptoms, including triggering “withdrawal bleeding” during the sugar-pill week. Numerous hormone menopause tests are available.
A woman and her doctor may be able to assess where she is in the menopausal process by having an FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) test done. A woman may benefit from switching from oral contraceptives to other options around that time if she wishes to understand more about her menopause symptoms.
Conclusion
Birth control pills can be an effective option for managing perimenopausal symptoms and preventing unwanted pregnancy. However, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider to determine if birth control pills are suitable based on a woman’s medical history and needs. Women who take birth control pills should be aware of potential risks and side effects and closely monitor their health. Birth control pills can be a valuable tool for women in perimenopause who want to manage their symptoms and maintain control over their reproductive health.
