The Pros and Cons of Taking the Pill to manage menopause symptoms

The Pros and Cons of Taking the Pill to manage menopause symptoms  

I came across an article recently that discussed the ways in which the contraceptive pill can be used to manage the symptoms of perimenopause. So, I thought I would explore it further.  

Menopause is a unique and natural chapter of life for all women, where reproductive hormones draw their final curtain. Even though this transition may come with some pretty undesirable side effects such as (but not limited to) hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, sleep issues and vaginal dryness – thankfully there are methods to help alleviate them. 

The contraceptive pill for managing menopause symptoms 

Contraceptive pills have proven very effective in managing menopausal symptoms so that you can ease through your midlife years without any trouble!  

The pill is more than just a way to prevent pregnancy. As we age, our hormones can act erratically and cause unpleasant symptoms. Thankfully, birth control pills which contain synthetic hormones that mimic natural ones in our bodies work to regulate body temperature and decrease these uncomfortable episodes as well long-term side effects of aging such as irregular periods or decreased libido by balancing hormone levels. Taking contraceptive pills is an easy yet effective solution for managing the complexities associated with getting older! 

Risks of Taking Birth Control Pills During Menopause 

While there are many benefits to using birth control pills for menopause management, there are also some risks associated with taking birth control pills during.  

1. Birth control pills can increase the risk of developing blood clots. The synthetic hormones in the pill can increase the risk of blood clots forming in the veins and arteries. This can lead to serious complications such as stroke or heart attack. However, “the modern kind with lower-dose formulations of oestrogen are much lower risk than what they used to be a couple decades ago,” weighs in vascular internist Deborah Hornacek, MD. 

1. Birth control pills can also increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer. While birth control pills can help to reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer, they can also increase the risk of developing others. For example, birth control pills can increase the risk of developing liver cancer, cervical cancer, and breast cancer. Studies have determined that long-term use of oral contraceptives increases a woman's risk of developing cervical cancer. In fact, the longer someone uses them, the greater their likelihood to be affected: 5–9 years has been linked with 60% higher risks and 10 or more years can double those odds. Fortunately though, it appears this danger dissipates when women stop taking birth control; research indicates an overall decrease in potential for cervical cancer after discontinuation over time. 

1. Birth control pills can also increase the risk of developing depression. The synthetic hormones in the pill can interfere with the body’s natural production of serotonin, a hormone that helps to regulate mood. This can lead to feelings of depression and anxiety. Although many women taking birth control pills experience depression and mood swings, researchers are left with conflicting results when it comes to determining a direct correlation. It has been found that depressive symptoms result in the most cases of discontinuation of these medications; however, a recent study demonstrated an even greater discrepancy between those on combination pills versus their non-medicated counterparts. 

1. Birth control pills can also slightly increase the risk of developing high blood pressure. The hormones in the pill can cause the blood vessels to constrict, leading to an increase in blood pressure. This can lead to serious complications such as stroke or heart attack. 

Alternatives to Birth Control Pills for Managing Menopause Symptoms 

While birth control pills can be effective in managing menopausal symptoms, they are not the only option available. There are a variety of alternatives to birth control pills that can help women manage their menopause symptoms. 

1. Try natural remedies such as diet and exercise to help manage your menopausal symptoms. Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly can help to reduce the severity and frequency of hot flashes and night sweats. Additionally, eating a diet rich in antioxidants can help to reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer. 

1.  Try lifestyle changes such as reducing stress and getting enough sleep. Stress can exacerbate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. Therefore, reducing stress and getting enough sleep can help to reduce the severity of menopausal symptoms. 

1. Try herbal remedies such as black cohosh, Ashwagandha, ginseng, and evening primrose oil to help manage their menopause symptoms. These herbs are known to have anti-inflammatory and hormone-balancing properties, which can help to reduce the severity of hot flashes and night sweats. 

1. Talk to your doctor about hormone replacement therapy (HRT). HRT is a type of treatment that replaces the hormones lost during menopause. This can help to reduce the severity and frequency of menopausal symptoms. 

Mother Cuppa blend a herbal tea that’s perfect for supporting you with your menopause symptoms. Our No1 Energise blend contains the powerful adaptogen plant Ashwagandha, used to bring about a sense of equilibrium on those fluctuating hormones.  

Buy Now 

Hormonal Replacement Therapy (HRT) 

Hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) is a type of treatment that replaces the hormones lost during menopause. HRT is typically prescribed by a doctor and can be taken in the form of a pill, patch, injection, or cream. The type of HRT prescribed depends on a woman’s individual needs and goals. HRT can help to reduce the severity and frequency of menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats. It can also help to reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer, such as breast and uterine cancer. 

How to Talk to Your Doctor About Birth Control Pills 

If you are considering taking birth control pills for menopause management, it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits. Your doctor can help to assess your individual needs and goals and determine if birth control pills are the right option for you. They can also help to answer any questions you may have and provide you with additional information about the risks and benefits of taking birth control pills. 

In conclusion the contraceptive pill can be an effective form and option available to you to manage symptoms. The synthetic hormones in birth control pills can help to reduce the severity and frequency of hot flashes and night sweats, reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis, reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer, and reduce the risk of developing endometriosis. However, birth control pills can also increase the risk of developing blood clots, stroke, and heart attack. Therefore, it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits before starting any form of menopause management. There are also a variety of alternatives to birth control pills that can help to manage menopausal symptoms, such as diet and exercise, lifestyle changes, herbal remedies, and hormone replacement therapy.