The pill, also known as birth control pills, can sometimes be used instead of HRT (hormone replacement therapy) to help relieve symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. There are some important considerations when deciding whether to take birth control pills over standardized HRT:
Key Factors to Consider
- Types of pills - There are various formulations of birth control pills with different levels and types of hormones. Certain pills with estrogen and progestin may help relieve hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness.
- Hormone levels - The levels of estrogen and progestin in birth control pills may not be adequate to fully counter menopausal symptoms long-term compared to traditional HRT.
- Duration of use - Birth control pills are typically only recommended for short-term relief of menopausal symptoms, not lifelong HRT. The risks may outweigh benefits with prolonged usage.
- Side effects - Both birth control pills and HRT carry potential side effects like headaches, breast tenderness, nausea, etc. These should be discussed with your doctor.
- Health history - Personal and family medical history should be assessed before starting hormone therapy, especially relating to heart disease, blood clots, breast cancer, etc.
The Pros and Cons of Using Birth Control Pills vs HRT
Potential Advantages:
- Easier to obtain than standardized HRT prescriptions
- Lower hormone dosages may result in fewer side effects
- Can regulate periods or reduce bleeding with extended cycle pills
Potential Disadvantages:
- Not approved for long-term menopausal symptom relief
- Higher risk of blood clots and strokes with some formulations
- Not tailored specifically to balance hormone levels in menopause
Who Might Consider Birth Control Pills Over HRT?
Birth control pills might be an option over HRT for:
- Women near menopausal age looking for temporary relief of symptoms
- Women who cannot take estrogens and want to try progestin-only pills
- Women at high risk of blood clots who need lower dose hormone therapy
- Women needing contraception in addition to menopausal symptom relief
However,
most healthcare providers do not recommend extended use of birth control pills to treat menopausal symptoms. The risks tend to outweigh the benefits for long-term management compared with properly dosed HRT.
If considering the pill instead of HRT, have an in-depth discussion with your doctor weighing the pros and cons for your individual health situation. Track your symptoms and side effects closely and be prepared to adjust or stop treatment if issues emerge.
Overall the pill may provide some
short-term relief for perimenopausal or early menopausal symptoms when traditional HRT is not advisable or available. But standardized, professionally-managed HRT remains the gold standard for safely balancing hormone levels long-term during the menopausal transition.
