|  | Family Health | Womens Health

Perimenopausal Symptoms & Birth Control

Perimenopause is a transitional hormonal phase for women, typically occurring 3 to 5 years before the last menstrual cycle, which is the signal of full-blown menopause. During this phase, women start experiencing symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, night sweats and insomnia, while still being susceptible to pregnancy. Low-dose birth control pills are often prescribed to handle not only the hormonal fluctuations but also to prevent pregnancy. Oral contraception provides several benefits for perimenopausal women.

  1. Regulate Menstrual Cycle

    • Perimenopausal women often have unpredictable cycles because of fluctuating hormones, but a birth control pill has enough estrogen to often regulate the cycles.

    Prevent Bone Loss

    • The estrogen in birth control pills triggers the production of extra bone mass, thereby reducing the threat of osteoporosis.

    Relieve PMS

    • The cramping, irritability and bloating occurring with premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which often intensifies during perimenopause, is alleviated with low-dose estrogen found in birth control pills.

    Prevent Cancer

    • The estrogen in birth control pills serves as a protection against certain types of cancer in the uterus and ovaries.

    Ease the Transition

    • Birth control pills ease the transition from perimenopause to menopause by reducing symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, vaginal dryness, insomnia and night sweats.

Womens Health - Related Articles