Menopause and the pill

[Lampeter1995]

Hi All.

I’ve got a quick question. I’m 49 and taking the pill (I use it to mask symptoms of endometriosis) but am thinking of stopping it.

I just wondered how I would know if I am nearing the menopause whilst taking it still. My GP practice nurse said I would just know (and that I would just know when to stop taking it) but my question is how this...how will I know that I have reached this stage? Sorry if it’s a stupid question. I’d appreciate any advice that you ladies could offerx

[BeeHoneyB]

Hi,

That’s a bit of a vague response from the practice nurse 😳

You won't know exactly when your menopause will hit. All you can do is pay attention to how you're feeling and notice changes. Keep in mind that symptoms vary greatly from woman to woman. Some women have no symptoms at all.

The average length of perimenopause is 4 years, but for some women this stage may last only a few months or continue for 10 years. Perimenopause ends when women have gone 12 months without having their period.

Menopause happens when you haven't had a period for 12 straight months and you aren't pregnant or sick.

I would do some reading around the subject and see if any of the symptoms regarding either are relatable to your current health and then consider next steps.

Good luck