Experts Back Natural-Oestrogen Pills for Women in Their 40s as Perimenopause Misinformation Spreads
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · May 25
Experts Back Natural-Oestrogen Pills for Women in Their 40s as Perimenopause Misinformation Spreads
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · May 25
Newer combined contraceptive pills using natural oestrogen could be a safer option for women in their 40s and even 50s, experts said, highlighting lower blood-clot risk than traditional pills containing ethinyl estradiol.
Social media misinformation is driving some women in their late 30s and early 40s to misread symptoms as perimenopause and wrongly assume they can stop contraception, raising the risk of unintended pregnancy.
Doctors said there is no single best contraceptive in perimenopause: progestogen-only methods, condoms and IUDs remain options, while hormonal contraception can also reduce bleeding, pain, fibroids, endometriosis and acne.
HRT does not replace contraception for women under 55 who have not reached menopause, experts said, because its hormone doses are generally too low to stop ovulation.
Specialists also cautioned that perimenopause symptoms can overlap with other conditions, including primary ovarian insufficiency, making GP assessment important rather than relying on online advice or costly supplements.
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