by drjudy » Thu Sep 08, 2005 9:18 pm
Hi Susan,
Some women find that the pill smoothes out the hormonal fluctuations of perimenopause so they cannot tell at all when their natural periods would've stopped. Clues that you are finally 'there' do come from changes in the quality of your periods, or symptoms developing in the week off the pill such as hot flashes, night sweats, or migraines.
Women who are doing well on the pill, and have no cardiovascular risks such as hypertension, history of clots, or cigarette use, are often left on the pill until their early fifties, then tapered off through a low dose hormone therapy to either quit hormones altogether or to stay for awhile on hormone supplements, depending on their wishes and their health history as considered with their physician.
Some women are so symptomatic on the week off the pill that their doctor may suggest taking the pill without a break between cycles, or using a low dose of estrogen to support their levels between pill cycles.
You should definitely bring your questions to your next visit with your physician.
Best wishes,
Judy