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Why Oral Contraceptives May Not Be the Answer for Menopausal Women

Hot flashes, an overactive bladder, irritability, lightning fast mood swings, sudden sweaty outbreaks, dry mouth, aching feet, and even swelling ankles are but a few of the symptoms associated with menopause. Women know that menopause - or "the change" as it is quite frequently referred to - will be coming eventually and thus they have a few years to get ready and investigate their options and health concerns when the time comes.

For other women the change comes suddenly and unexpectedly; this is usually the case when a woman is required to undergo an unexpected hysterectomy, suffers from ovarian failure, or has an endometrial ablation performed. All of these are triggers for hormonal imbalances, which are at the root of menopausal symptoms and have the power to cause such havoc and discord in the human body. Usually when the onset of menopause is suspected, a physician will do a complete blood panel workup and check particularly for hormonal imbalances.

Once all other physical causes are ruled out and menopause is pretty much the only condition left on the table, the patient and her doctor must decide on a course of treatment. To some the symptoms are so mild that they decline any kind of hormone therapy while others find that the roller coaster of extreme emotions is such a deterrent from leading a happy, normal life with family and friends that an equalizer needs to be introduced into her system. In such cases some physicians have begun to suggest the use of oral contraceptives, the pill, to smooth out the highs and lows of the hormonal spikes.

In theory this is a viable option but there are some reasons why oral contraceptives may not be the answer for menopausal women:

1. You have a history of hypertension that has been treated in the past. Oral contraceptives are known to aggravate this condition or bring it on even if you are only at a latent risk.

2. Your family history is marred by female relatives suffering from heart attacks and stroke and thus you are at a confirmed higher risk.

3. You engage in behavior that makes you are risk group, such as smoking.

4. You are identified as being a member of the risk group because of your weight.

Although some perimenopausal women have requested to receive oral contraceptives for the hormonal imbalance symptoms they are experiencing even if they are in a risk group, it is critical to remember that alternative medicines for the relief of the most uncomfortable symptoms of menopause are indeed available. These are frequently a lot safer than relying on the oral contraceptives that get the job done with the chemicals contained therein but which, at the same time, present an increasingly greater risk to overall health and wellbeing that might lead to serious complications and even shorten your life span. Before deciding to go ahead with oral contraceptives as your personal hormone balancing treatment at the onset of menopause, it is wise to discuss your options with your physician and perhaps even with a holistic healer.