How Birth Control Can Mask Menopause Symptoms
Birth control pills are a common form of hormonal contraception. Combination pills contain synthetic versions of estrogen and progesterone, while minipills include only progestin, the synthetic form of progesterone.
Besides preventing pregnancy, birth control pills help stabilize your hormone levels. As you approach menopause, your body’s natural estrogen levels decrease. However, the synthetic hormones in birth control pills can prevent your body from recognizing this decline.
You may continue to experience a monthly bleed while on the pill or none whatsoever, depending on the type you take. Women on combination pills typically have a week of period-like bleeding each month. In contrast, those on the minipill may experience more irregular bleeding patterns.
However, birth control pills can also produce side effects that resemble menopause symptoms, such as:
- Spotting between periods
- Hot flashes
- Mood swings
- Changes in appetite
Identifying Menopause Amidst Birth Control Use
Most women reach menopause around age 51, but perimenopause can begin in your early 40s or even sooner. Signs like decreased breast fullness or a slower metabolism might suggest you’re entering this phase, but it’s challenging for doctors to confirm menopause while you’re on birth control.
There isn’t a definitive test for menopause, so monitoring your body for changes is crucial. Since birth control pills can mask menopause symptoms, it’s important to discuss with your doctor when and how to stop taking them. Depending on your situation, you may need to switch to another form of hormonal contraception or use barrier methods like condoms to continue preventing pregnancy.
If you stop taking the pill, your body’s natural hormones may take several weeks to months to regulate. During this time, you should stay in close contact with your doctor to manage potential side effects. If you’ve already reached menopause, your period may not return after stopping the pill.
What to Expect If You’ve Reached Menopause
As menopause approaches, your periods will likely become irregular. You might skip a month or two, have breakthrough spotting, or experience longer cycles. Once you’ve gone an entire year without a period, you’ve officially reached menopause.
Common symptoms during this transition include:
- Fatigue
- Night sweats
- Hot flashes
- Insomnia
- Mood swings
- Changes in libido
- Vaginal dryness
The decline in estrogen also increases the risk of certain health conditions like obesity, heart disease, and osteoporosis. Discussing these risks with your doctor, especially if you have a family history of high blood pressure or cancer, is essential.
Regular health screenings can help manage these risks and ensure your symptoms are controlled. If your menopause symptoms are particularly bothersome, your doctor may recommend treatments to improve your quality of life.
Treatment Options for Menopause Symptoms
There are several ways to manage menopause symptoms. Simple home remedies, such as reducing caffeine intake, lowering the temperature in your home, or using a cool gel pad while sleeping, can help alleviate hot flashes.
Maintaining a healthy diet, taking nutritional supplements, and exercising regularly can also improve your well-being.
For more severe symptoms, your doctor might prescribe hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in the form of gels or pills, or a low-dose antidepressant to help balance your hormone levels.
You can join a range of support services that Menopaus’ull Support Network offer to help support you further, especially speaking with other ladies who are going through similar symptoms.
Outlook and Next Steps
The average woman experiences perimenopause symptoms for about four years before menstruation stops completely, though this timeline can vary widely.
If you suspect you’re nearing menopause, consult with your doctor. They can help determine whether you should continue your birth control, switch to another hormonal therapy, or stop using contraception altogether.
Remember, this phase is temporary. While it can be challenging, your symptoms will eventually subside as your body adjusts to its new hormone levels. Treatment options are available, so don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor for support.
