Q. I started early menopause at 37 and was told to go back on the pill. When do I stop the pill?

When you are 50 and review your symptoms and health with your health practitioner.

Q. I've been taking Logynon oral contraceptive since the birth of my youngest child 15 years ago. My periods have been light and like clockwork ever since. How will this affect the onset of menopause for me? I'm 45.

Taking the pill won’t affect the age menopause occurs. Your menopause will take occur at what age it was going to happen or will happen, whether you were taking the pill or not. However you may find it difficult to tell when it is occurring.

Q. Contraception for women at menopause At what point does a menopausal women know when it is safe to no longer need to use a contraceptive?

Contraception is necessary for 12 months after the last menstrual period.  Remember it is important to practice safe sex and use condoms in a new relationship at any age.

Q.  How long should you stay on the contraceptive pill?

You can remain on the contraceptive pill until about 50 if you do not have risks for cardiovascular disease (ie. smoking or obesity) and should then review your situation with your health practitioner.

Q. Perimenopausal women on the oral contraceptive pill - is this safe?

The oral contraceptive pill (OCP) is safe for use by perimenopausal women if they are healthy and not at risk of cardiovascular disease.

Q. What symptoms do you experience when your implant is running low? What is the timeframe?

Implants are replaced depending on blood levels not symptoms. Less than 300-400 picomoles per litre is recommended.

Q. Is it safe to stay on an OCP to age 55 rather than switch to HRT or cease all hormones? On ceasing OCP is there menorrhagia?

It is safe to remain on OCP to age 55 in consultation with your doctor or specialist if fit and healthy and not at risk for heart disease or stroke.

Q. If you are 51 and still on the pill do you escape all symptoms?

If your menopause occurred before 51 you will probably not have any symptoms when you come off the pill, however if you have not yet experienced menopause you may have symptoms.

Q. When you talk about 'hormone therapy', is that the same as the pill?

Hormone therapy contains oestrogen either the same or similar to our own oestrogens. The pill is a contraceptive and contains a much stronger oestrogen.

Q. How long do I need to keep using contraception?

You need to keep using contraceptives for 12 months after your last period.

Q. Is hormone therapy a form of contraception?

No, it is a lower dose of hormones than is needed to provide contraception.

Q. Recently, I had a mirena inserted for my heavy periods. Once the mirena is removed after 5 years, will I experience menopause symptoms like irregular bleeding, hot flushes, etc? I am 51 years at present.

Any hormone therapy in the perimenopause will not delay the period stopping nor symptoms developing if they are going to happen.

Content Updated May 19, 2008