Improved
6112 HealthChanged
3786 LivesSaved
3568 Lives0 lives impacted in the last 24 hrs Learn More
I am sort of in menopause but I don't really know because if I am on the lowest dosage possible for the birth control pill how can I really know if I am going 12 months without a period since the pill gives you false one? I am afraid to go off it since I am happily married and still sexually active with my husband. My gyn says that it is good to stay on the pill since it can help me with my hormone fluctuations. I am really confused. I definitely have symptoms of menapause: sleeplessness, moodiness, occasional hot flashed etc. Do I need to find a new gyn and at least one who specializes in menopause. My mom went throught it at 50 but I am going on 53. Last year I had the blood test at the end of the 'cycle' but it said I was only starting...can that be accurate due to the pill?
Thanks,
Diane
Recent Posts
All user-generated information on this site is the opinion of its author only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. Members and guests are responsible for their own posts and the potential consequences of those posts detailed in our Terms of Service.
Add a Comment2 Comments
Hi Diane,
i think I have found information to your question. This info is from the American Family Physician.
"
If I'm taking birth control pills, how will I know when menopause starts?
You and your doctor will decide together how long you should take this medicine. You can stop taking very-low-dose birth control pills any time, or you can change to regular estrogen replacement therapy. The decision to change from the low-dose birth control pills to estrogen replacement therapy is usually made around the ages of 49 to 52. Your doctor can also measure a hormone called FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) to see if you're in menopause. If the FSH measurement is over 30, you've probably entered menopause."
A blood test to measure FSH levels will be accurate even while you are taking a low dose birth control pill.
Very low dose birth control pills contain the hormone, estrogen. The blood test measure FSH, a different hormone.
Maryann
December 15, 2011 - 5:16pmThis Comment
Thank you for the information, I really appreciate it. This is very helpful. I will be sure to ask her about taking the FSH measurement. It also puts my mind at ease about the low dose pill I am on. I heard about this website on the radio and it is a great resource!
December 15, 2011 - 5:44pmThis Comment