Navigating Birth Control Options Later in Life: Insights for Women in Their 40s and 50s
In the transition phase of life known as perimenopause, your periods become erratic as your reproductive hormones dwindle. You've officially entered menopause once you've gone 12 consecutive months without menstruating, but it can start earlier than you might expect.
Even with irregular cycles, pregnancy is still a possibility. Ob/Gyn George Drake, DO explains that despite irregular periods, your ovaries can still ovulate and if you want to avoid pregnancy, you'll still need birth control.
During perimenopause, you have multiple birth control options at your disposal. These options can be broken down into hormonal and nonhormonal birth control methods.
Hormonal options include:
- Birth control pills.
- Birth control injections (shots).
- Long-acting reversible contraception, like implants and intrauterine devices (IUDs), which contain progestin (a manufactured form of progesterone).
- Topical birth control patches and vaginal rings.
Nonhormonal birth control, or barrier methods, consist of:
- Condoms.
- Birth control sponge.
- Cervical cap.
- Copper IUD.
- Diaphragms.
- Spermicide and contraceptive gels.
If you're absolutely done considering pregnancy, nonreversible sterilization procedures, such as getting your tubes tied, are another option.
When it comes to selecting the right birth control for you, consider factors like your personal preferences and medical history. Dr. Drake emphasizes that there's no one-size-fits-all solution; the decision should be made with your healthcare provider.
Natural family planning, also known as the rhythm method, may not be effective during perimenopause due to irregular menstruation.
Hormonal birth control offers several benefits, including lower risk of uterine and ovarian cancer, regulation of menstrual cycles, relief from menstrual discomfort, decreased bleeding, improvement of acne, and enhanced bone strength (if estrogen-based birth control is used).
It's essential to consider potential drawbacks, such as an increased risk of blood clots, breast cancer, heart attacks, and stroke (especially if you use tobacco products). If you're over 50, Dr. Drake suggests reconsidering estrogen-based contraceptives due to these risks.
At some point, you may no longer need hormonal birth control. Dr. Drake recommends stopping by age 55, as your chances of pregnancy become lower.
Barrier methods, on the other hand, don't affect hormones and may cause allergic reactions, urinary tract infections, vaginal irritation, burning, and toxic shock syndrome (rare). The main risk with barrier methods is, of course, pregnancy.
When you're on hormonal birth control, you may not notice the typical menopause symptoms. If you're using hormonal birth control and approaching typical menopause age, consult your healthcare provider to discuss your options.
It's always a good idea to consult an Ob/Gyn for guidance on choosing the best forms of birth control for you at different stages of your life. They can also help manage perimenopause symptoms and explore whether hormone therapy is right for you.
- Hormonal options for birth control during perimenopause include birth control pills, birth control injections, long-acting reversible contraception like implants and intrauterine devices (IUDs), and topical birth control patches and vaginal rings.
- Nonhormonal birth control, or barrier methods, consist of condoms, birth control sponge, cervical cap, copper IUD, diaphragms, spermicide, and contraceptive gels.
- If you're using hormonal birth control and approaching typical menopause age, consult your healthcare provider to discuss your options.
- when you're on hormonal birth control, you may not notice the typical menopause symptoms.
