{"id":634369,"date":"2025-11-25T09:30:33","date_gmt":"2025-11-25T14:30:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=634369"},"modified":"2025-11-18T15:58:06","modified_gmt":"2025-11-18T20:58:06","slug":"birth-control-for-perimenopause","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/birth-control-for-perimenopause\/","title":{"rendered":"What’s the best birth control to treat perimenopause symptoms?"},"content":{"rendered":"

For many women, <\/span>perimenopause<\/span><\/a> marks a major turning point, the bridge between the reproductive years and menopause. As estrogen levels fluctuate, symptoms like hot flashes, irregular menstrual periods, and mood changes can disrupt daily life. While it\u2019s easy to think of this midlife transition as a time to leave birth control like barrier methods and copper IUDs behind, hormonal contraceptives can actually be one of the most effective tools for managing perimenopause symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here, experts share how certain birth controls can help smooth out hormone fluctuations, reduce discomfort, and support your quality of life during this stage. You\u2019ll also learn about the best types of birth control for perimenopause and additional lifestyle strategies to help you feel more like yourself again.<\/span><\/p>\n

Understanding perimenopause<\/span><\/h2>\n

\u201cPerimenopause is a transition period into menopause when we see changes to the menstrual cycle and hormones associated with the cycle,\u201d explains<\/span> Alissa Floman, MD<\/span><\/a>, a board-certified OB-GYN with WREN Obstetrics, Midwifery, and Gynecology in Gilbert, Arizona. \u201cTypically, your hormones are in a state of fluctuation, specifically estrogen and progesterone, which can lead to a myriad of symptoms.\u201d\u00a0 After menopause, your ovaries make very low levels of the hormones called estrogen and progesterone.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cycle changes are the earliest and most noticeable sign that perimenopause has begun. Per<\/span> The Menopause Society<\/span><\/a>, you could experience more or fewer menstrual bleeding days or a heavier or lighter flow, unpredictability, and the length of your cycle will start to vary.<\/span><\/p>\n

Research<\/span><\/a> shows that perimenopause typically lasts four to seven years, while the average age of menopause in the United States is 52, according to the<\/span> Office on Women\u2019s Health<\/span><\/a>. That means that for most women, perimenopause will start in their 40s, though some do see changes earlier.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPerimenopause is a time of hormonal volatility. Ovulation and the predictable peaks and troughs of <\/span>estradiol<\/span><\/a> and progesterone can be irregular and less orchestrated,\u201d explains<\/span> Alyssa Dweck, MD<\/span><\/a>, the Chief Medical Officer of Bonafide Health and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner. This can lead to many symptoms on top of an irregular menstrual cycle, Dr. Dweck adds. They include:<\/span><\/p>\n