ask: Birth control pills in menopause?

There are many different schools of thought, and I can provide you with one perspective.

According to the ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) online patient education pamphlet, ACOG Approaching Menopause: "Many changes of perimenopause are related to a decrease in estrogen levels. Some are related to aging. The effects caused by the lack of estrogen can be treated. Hormone therapy (HT) can relieve symptoms as well as protect against certain diseases, such as osteoporosis. "

It is common for women to take oral contraceptives (birth control pill), as they contain estrogen and progestin, and is a form of hormone therapy. Is your birth control a combination of both of these hormones? (there are many different types). There are pros and cons to taking hormone therapy, and the decision to do so is based on your health and family history.

Pros of hormone therapy:
- reduces risk of osteoporosis
- reduces/eliminates symptoms of menopause

Cons of hormone therapy:
- increased risk of uterine cancer if using only estrogen (progestin added to reduce this risk)
- increased risk of breast cancer, if taking combined therapy

This is a short list. And, just reading the pros/cons only provides a small piece of the entire puzzle (the risks are slightly increased, but how slight depends on your current health and family history, for instance). Do you know the reasons your doctor prescribed this for you, and are you happy with the decision? Did your health care provider discuss the pros/cons with you, and, did s/he discuss all of your options with you? Did you receive information on the pros/cons of using hormone therapy versus nothing at all versus another type of "therapy"?

I started on a birth control pill, Yaz, about two years ago while in the throes of perimenopause. I'm 43 and have had a great experience with Yaz. I can't even imagine not being on it. I'm no longer having the heavy bleeding every month that I used to, and no more PMS. I feel like my hormones are relatively balanced. I practically feel like a teenager again.

I attended a medical conference in Tucson about a year ago and one of the speakers talked about the benefits of being on a birth control pill while in perimenopause up until menopause. It was generally encouraged by the medical experts at the conference, which I thought was interesting. For many reasons, the birth control pill can make the transition into menopause easier. But, I don't really know much beyond what I heard since I've probably got a decade or so to go till I get to that point.

I am a proponent of natural approaches to managing our body's health. At a recent medical conference I attended, Tieroana Low Dog M.D from the University of Arizona, Integrative Medicine Department, spoke very favorably about the benefits of using chaste tree fruit for a range of hormone-related symptoms that afflict women at several stages of life.

Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus) Vitex is used for the management of menstrual disorders, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and hot flashes in menopause. The key actives in chaste tree fruit support the pituitary gland's regulation of ovarian hormone production, directing menstruation, fertility, and other processes. This herb is used to reduce painful, irregular, or heavy menses; and regulate menses during perimenopause. Studies show that chaste tree preparations act in part by reducing prolactin and increasing progesterone. Dr Tieroana Low Dog recommends 500mg of crude extract for 90 days, but she recommends talking to an Integrative Medicine physician to ensure proper monitoring while taking this herbal supplement.

I am in perimenopause, and my doctor is suggesting I take low-dose birth control pills to help control my symptoms. It seems so odd now that I've

finally gotten to a place where I barely have to worry about pregnancy, to be taking the pill! Is this a common recommendation? How will it affect my hormones later on? Does it mean I'll be in perimenopause longer?

Would love to know anyone's experience with this.