Contraceptive care is an important part of women’s health, especially during perimenopause. Many women in their 40s and 50s don’t get enough information about birth control. Did you know that almost half of pregnancies in women aged 40 to 45 are unplanned? Unintended pregnancies at this stage of life can be stressful and risky for both mom and baby. That’s why talking about contraception during perimenopause is so important.
Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause, which can last 5 to 10 years. During this phase, your hormones start to change. You might notice irregular periods, mood swings, or hot flashes. Even though your fertility is lower than it was in your 20s and 30s, you can still get pregnant until you’ve gone 12 full months without a period (that’s when menopause begins).
Even though it’s harder to get pregnant during perimenopause, it’s not impossible. Women aged 40 to 44 have about a 10% chance of getting pregnant each cycle, and for women aged 45 to 49, it’s 2%. Birth control helps prevent unplanned pregnancies, which can come with health risks like high blood pressure and diabetes during pregnancy.
There are many safe and effective options for birth control during perimenopause. Here are some of the most popular ones:
Birth Control Pills: Low-dose pills (with 10-20 µg of estrogen) can regulate your periods, prevent pregnancy, and even lower your risk of ovarian and uterine cancers. Healthy, nonsmoking women can use these pills until age 55 if there are no health risks.
Progestin-Only Pills: These are great for women who can’t take estrogen. They also help with heavy periods and may reduce hot flashes.
Birth Control Shot (Depo-Provera): This option works well but may cause bone loss and weight gain if used for a long time.
Intrauterine Devices (IUDs): Hormonal IUDs can last for 5 to 7 years and often reduce heavy bleeding. Copper IUDs don’t have hormones and can last up to 10 years. Hormonal IUDs can also be part of a plan to manage menopause symptoms.
Condoms: While not as effective as other methods, condoms protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and can be a good backup option.
You should keep using birth control until menopause is confirmed.
Here’s how you know:
If you’re under 50, wait for 2 years without a period.
If you’re over 50, wait for 1 year without a period.
Doctors can also check hormone levels, like FSH, to confirm menopause. Once menopause is official, you can switch to hormone therapy (HT) if needed to manage symptoms like hot flashes or night sweats.
Birth control is still important during perimenopause to prevent unplanned pregnancies and manage symptoms like heavy periods. At Sky Women’s Health, we’re here to help you find the best option for your needs. Whether it’s hormonal pills, an IUD, or another method, we’ll work with you to create a plan that fits your lifestyle.
Book your appointment today to learn more about birth control options and navigating the menopause transition. Let us help you take control of your health and feel confident during this time of change.