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Birth Control Pill and Menopause
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nrichard61 posted:
Hi -I am currently on the pill and will be going off at the end of this June - My doctor and I are pretty sure that I am heading into the bit "M" - my question is this - for the past year, my periods have been extremely light and I was wondering if they will be nonexistent once i go off the pill - does the pill keep them going?
Also - any thoughts to other types of birth control after - we do not want a surprise baby at this point LOL
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Mary Jane Minkin, MD responded:
Dear nrichard61,
A couple of thoughts. Your periods are now being controlled by the hormones of the pill; so if indeed you are menopausal, you won't be getting any periods when you go off the pill; if you're not, you could actually get somewhat heavier bleeding. I would definitely use contraception for the first 4-6 weeks after you go off the pill-condoms would be fine. Then I'd get you're FSH checked-if it is high, that will show that you are going into menopause, and if it is quite elevated, you shouldn't need birth control. However, if your FSH is low, you could consider going back on the pill, and trying this all again next year.
Good luck,
Mary Jane
 
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nrichard61 replied to Mary Jane Minkin, MD's response:
Dear Dr. Minkin - Thank you so much for your response - it has put my mind at ease about what to expect going forward.
Thanks again - Regards Nicole (nrichard61)


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