How do Birth Control Pills Affect Menopause?

Birth control pills have more to them then just preventing pregnancy. These oral contraceptives are widely used as an alternate for dealing with the symptoms of peri-menopause and menopause. Even though it is not officially approved by FDA (Food and Drug Administration), birth control pills are often prescribed by doctors for treating the symptoms of menopause.

Hormones in birth control pills that are effective at preventing pregnancy are also effective in treating number of problems that women face during menopause transition. The low-dose birth control pills that are based on estrogen, progesterone or a combination of the two are effective in some of the symptoms of menopause, for instance:

• Irregular menstrual cycle and hot flashes: During menopause uterus is affected causing bleeding in between the “normal” menstruation. Here a contraceptive pill helps in attaining needed balance of hormones for regular menstrual cycle. Just like regulating menstrual cycle, birth pills also helps women who experience hot flashes. However the way they help is still unknown but their assistance in maintaining the level of hormone seems to prevent occurrence of hot flashes.
• Ovarian and uterine cancer: Contraceptive pills are effective in reducing the incidences of ovarian, uterine and colon cancer.
• Osteoporosis: The birth control pills also help in improving the levels of estrogen thus preventing bone loss.
• Skin conditions: Birth control pills have positive affect in reducing skin breakouts or blemishes that are common during menopause.

Although the pills with low-dose are largely use for dealing with the above mentioned symptoms but many doctors still question placing a woman on pills for menopausal symptoms. Low-dose birth control pill warrants the same adverse concern for certain women as of the hormone replacement therapy namely blood clots, risk of cancers, gallbladder disease and negative effects on mood to name a few.

Ones stopped menstruating you may still need to continue with birth control pills in your menopausal transition period .i.e for 3-5years. With proper medical advice of your doctor you can decide on when to stop using pills and manage your menopause.

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