Low Dose Oral Contraceptives

Low dose oral contraceptives are just as effective as the “normal” dose oral contraceptives in preventing pregnancy. However the risk of heart attacks, blood clots, and strokes associated with them is a bit lower than with normal dose oral contraceptives.

Low Dose Oral Contraceptives and Perimenopause

Low dose oral contraceptives are often recommended for women in perimenopause (the phase before menopause.) Most of these women are age forty and over when they enter perimenopause.

As a woman ages, the potential risk for blood clots, strokes, and heart attacks from the increased level of hormones that the pills are made out of can increase. Low dose oral contraceptives will allow women to prevent an unplanned pregnancy and possibly lower the risk of health complications compared to the risks of using a normal dose of oral contraceptives.

Low Dose Oral Contraceptives and Health Benefits

Yes, low dose oral contraceptives do come with a few benefits for women in perimenopause. Aside from preventing unplanned pregnancies, low dose oral contraceptives also have minimal side effects for most but not all women.

During perimenopause women still get their periods. However, periods can be irregular and heavy bleeding is also known to occur. Low dose oral contraceptives have been known to regulate the menstrual cycle and lighten the flow.

It is important to know that this is not the case for every woman. The important thing is with low dose oral contraceptives a woman who is experiencing perimenopause may benefit from these contraceptives, and the benefits should be seen within the first few months. If they are not the contraceptive can always be changed.