How Birth Control Medication Might Alleviate Symptoms of Perimenopause
Perimenopausal women increasingly turn to oral contraceptives for more than just birth control, according to experts. These hormonal medications can help alleviate some of the disruptive symptoms associated with this transitional phase.
For those who need a refresher, perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause, typically occurring in a woman's 40s or early 50s. It extends for up to a year after a woman's final menstrual period, when fertility declines, and hormone levels fluctuate, causing symptoms like irregular periods, hot flashes, mood changes, disturbed sleep, and vaginal dryness.
Birth control pills can help manage these symptoms by maintaining stable hormonal levels during the erratic phase of perimenopause. During some menstrual cycles, women produce an egg and thereby receive high levels of estrogen and progesterone. In other cycles, they do not ovulate, resulting in decreased hormone levels. This hormonal roller coaster contributes to various perimenopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, heavy irregular periods, poor sleep, cognitive impairment, irritability, and mood issues.
Two primary types of birth control pills that these women take are combination pills and mini pills. Combination pills contain both estrogen and progestin, and typically follow a 28-day cycle (21-day active pill and 7-day placebo). During perimenopause, many women take these pills continuously to avoid bothersome periods and minimize hormonal fluctuations. The advantage of continuous use is the consistent suppression of estrogen and progesterone levels.
Mini pills contain only progestin and do not have additional active components. They work by slowing an egg's journey through the fallopian tubes, thickening cervical mucus, and thinning the uterine lining. These pills may help prevent ovulation, though not as effectively as combination pills, and offer some relief from symptoms like irregular or heavy bleeding, but they do not provide the same level of relief as a product containing estrogen.
Perimenopausal women may find relief from oral contraceptives' benefits, including improved bleeding regulation, reduced risks of some cancers, improved acne management, hair loss prevention, and reduced hot flashes and PMS symptoms. However, some people should avoid these medications due to medical issues such as smoking, cholesterol problems, high blood pressure, obesity, and other conditions, as birth control may increase the risk of blood clots, heart attacks, or stroke in these individuals.
Menopausal women may struggle to determine when they have reached menopause while taking the pill, as ovulation typically occurs less frequently or stops altogether. Once women stop or diminish their pill use, they can observe their natural hormonal fluctuations and determine if their bodies have finished menstruating. At that point, women may decide to transition to a lower-dose hormone therapy option to manage their symptoms more effectively.
Other forms of contraception, such as the progesterone IUD plus estrogen and the vaginal contraceptive ring, may also provide relief from perimenopausal symptoms. While hormone therapy provides a lower dosage of hormones, there are fewer medical restrictions on who can take it. However, it is essential to remember that hormone therapy is not a birth control method, so sexually active women who are still fertile should consider other contraceptive methods to avoid unwanted pregnancies.
In conclusion, oral contraceptives can offer perimenopausal women benefits, including cycle regulation, symptom relief, and contraception. However, their use should be carefully considered based on individual health status and needs. Consulting a healthcare professional can help women determine the best approach for managing their perimenopausal symptoms effectively.
- The news about perimenopausal women turning to oral contraceptives for mental health reasons, beyond just birth control, is under debate in the health-and-wellness sphere.
- Science has shown that birth control pills can aid in the management of various perimenopausal symptoms, contributing to women's overall well-being.
- Fitness-and-exercise routines, along with a balanced diet, are often recommended to help address symptoms related to menopause, such as weight change and disturbed sleep.
- Women's health experts encourage open discussions about menopause and its symptoms, including menopause-associated issues like vaginal dryness and menopause-related cognitive impairment.
