What is the difference between hormone replacement and birth control

Read on for the answers to some common questions about how birth control pills can affect the symptoms of menopause. These hormones also help to support a developing pregnancy. Birth control pills contain synthetic forms of one or both of these two hormones. Combination pills contain both types of hormone. Taking these hormones can prevent the body from recognizing the natural decline in estrogen and progesterone that occurs during menopause.

As a result, the symptoms that a person typically experiences during perimenopause may not be as apparent or noticeable if they are taking birth control pills.

One such symptom is an irregular period, which is extremely common during this stage. However, a person who is taking the minipill, which only contains a synthetic form of progesterone, may be more likely to experience irregular bleeding and hot flashes during early menopause. The hormones in combination birth control pills will help to regulate the menstrual cycle and hormones, which will prevent many of the symptoms of menopause.

It is possible, however, that the pill will cause side effects that are very similar to the symptoms of hormone fluctuation. These can include:. People may also experience irregular periods or spotting between cycles, especially if they are taking the minipill. It can be hard to tell if some symptoms are side effects of the synthetic hormones, or are due to natural hormone fluctuations in the body. It can take some time for the natural hormones to kick back in and for regular menstrual cycles to begin again.

If symptoms continue when someone stops taking the birth control pill, including irregular bleeding, it is likely that they are going through perimenopause. Conversely, if the symptoms go away, these were probably side effects of the pill. When coming off the pill, it is essential to wait at least a few months to give the hormones time to readjust.

It is important to recognize the possibility that the birth control pill was masking perimenopause or menopause. If this is the case, then menstruation will no longer occur if a person stops taking the pill. If a person is on birth control, there is no way to know for sure. Someone who is taking the pill may still have regular periods because of the hormones in the medication. The average age of menopause is around 51 years old.

This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Hormone Therapy and Contraception. Links This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Now that my periods have stopped, can I discontinue contraceptives? Reviewed: 29 April Reviewed: November Secured By. In addition, birth control pills can regulate your bleeding. This can be a great help since irregular bleeding is one of the mostly widely experienced symptoms of perimenopause.

Many doctors feel that younger women with low estrogen levels need higher dosages of estrogen than that in standard HRT — and the estrogen in birth control pills is more potent than that in regular HRT. This is one of the key reasons doctors may suggest going on birth control pills for women with EM or POF.

The estrogen in birth control pills is most commonly a synthetic form called ethinyl estradiol. If you have POF or EM : here too the possibility of having your hormones set at a stable level can be a big plus. There are other benefits from the pill as well that apply to both situations: Studies suggest that contraceptive pills may help prevent osteoporosis.

This is a definite plus for young women going through POF or EM, since bone loss due to low estrogen levels tends to be rapid and can be severe source. It may also reduce your risk of ovarian and endometrial cancer, as well as benign breast disease fibrocystic breasts source. Other studies also have suggested that birth control pills may help protect against colorectal cancer, uterine fibroids and rheumatoid arthritis, but, in these cases, the jury is still very much out.

The synthetic estrogen in birth control pills also has its drawbacks. It is less easily metabolized — which makes your liver work harder. Birth control pills also may cause breast tenderness or nausea. While these side effects are highly subjective, they have been reported by some women.

In addition, there seems to be some debate where pregnancy is concerned.