There is a myth that birth control pills will delay or prevent menopause. In appearance this is true, but in fact this is untrue. Once a woman’s body stops producing estrogen and progestin their natural period will stop. However women who take birth control pills into their menopausal years will still go through menopause – but they might never actually realize it.

Many perimenopausal women in their 40s are told by their doctors to continue taking birth control pills. This is because they still experience natural periods, and could get pregnant. Medical studies show that women who experience heavy or irregular menstruation will also benefit from continuous oral contraceptive use during this time, as their periods will stay regular.

Menopausal women who continue taking birth control pills even after they enter menopause will continue to get enough estrogen and progestin in her body from the pills. So regular periods will occur, even though the ovaries are no longer producing enough female hormones, and she won’t be able to get pregnant. At the same time a woman in her 50s taking birth control pills will likely not experience menopausal symptoms – hot flashes, cessation of menstruation, etc. – because her birth control pills will continue to supply her body with estrogen and progestin.

It is important to keep in mind that while missing out on menopause may sound fantastic to many women who are dreading “the change”, medical studies show that there are risks associated with continuing the use of contraceptives during menopause – even at low doses - due to the strong amounts of estrogen and progestin in the body.

If you are 50+, I recommend discussing the risks with your doctor before continuing with your birth control pill usage.  Research shows that women who smoke, regularly experience blood clots, have had or currently have breast cancer or heart disease, should cease taking birth control pills – even at very-low-doses birth control pills.