Fertility Persists Through Irregular Cycles
Ovulation can still occur even as cycles become unpredictable.
- 51: Avg age menopause (placeholder reference value)
- variable: Ovulatory cycles (placeholder short note)
- present: Pregnancy risk (until confirmed menopause)
- 12 mo: Confirmation window (amenorrhea placeholder)
Why contraception is still needed
Placeholder: irregular periods do not rule out ovulation.
Placeholder: contraception recommended until menopause confirmed.
Low-Dose Hormonal Contraceptive Options
Low-dose pills can regulate cycles and reduce symptoms.
- low-dose: Dose class (placeholder short note)
- improved: Cycle regulation (placeholder short note)
- moderate: Symptom relief (placeholder short note)
- >45 yrs: Age caution (placeholder short note)
Benefits and cautions of pill use
Placeholder: pills help symptoms but carry age-linked caution.
Placeholder: cardiovascular risk factors should be reviewed.
IUDs for Perimenopausal Bleeding Control
Hormonal IUDs are effective for heavy bleeding management.
- high: Bleeding reduction (placeholder short note)
- minimal: Systemic hormone (placeholder short note)
- up to 8y: Duration of use (placeholder short note)
- low: CV impact (placeholder short note)
Why IUDs suit this life stage
Placeholder: IUDs combine contraception with bleeding control.
Placeholder: low systemic hormone exposure favors IUD use.
Non-Hormonal Barrier and Permanent Methods
Barrier and permanent methods avoid hormonal exposure entirely.
- none: Hormone exposure (placeholder short note)
- negligible: CV risk added (placeholder short note)
- method-dependent: Reversibility (placeholder short note)
- broad: Suitability (placeholder short note)
When non-hormonal methods are preferred
Placeholder: preferred when hormones are contraindicated.
Placeholder: permanent methods suit completed childbearing.
When to Stop Contraception at Menopause
Discontinuation timing depends on age and hormone testing.
- ~55: Stop age (typical) (placeholder short note)
- optional: FSH confirmation (placeholder short note)
- 12 mo: Amenorrhea needed (placeholder short note)
- gradual: Method taper (placeholder short note)
Deciding when contraception ends
Placeholder: stopping is guided by age and symptoms.
Placeholder: clinician review confirms safe discontinuation timing.