Menopause is when a woman stops having periods completely. It is a natural part of ageing.
You may not know for sure if you have reached menopause when you're on the contraceptive pill, patch or vaginal ring. This is because hormonal contraception can affect your periods.
Menopause is usually diagnosed if:
- you're over 50 and have not had a period for more than 12 months
- you're under 50 and have not had a period for more than 2 years
- you've stopped having periods and are no longer able to get pregnant naturally
These rules do not apply if you're taking hormonal contraception.
In younger women, there are other reasons why your periods might stop.
Talk to your GP if you're worried about your periods.
Bleeding if you're on the pill, patch or vaginal ring
If you use combined contraceptives, you’ll usually have a monthly bleed during the 7-day break from the hormones.
A combined contraceptive has oestrogen and progestogen. Examples of combined contraceptives are the pill, patch or ring.
The combined pill may mask or control menopausal symptoms, such as hot flushes and night sweats.
These factors can make it hard to know when you've stopped ovulating and cannot get pregnant anymore.
If you're taking the progestogen-only pill, you may have irregular periods or stop having periods for as long as you take it.
Different types of contraception
Tests
There is no test to confirm that your symptoms are caused by the menopause.
But there is a test that measures your levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). This test can show if you still need to take contraception. Your doctor will advise you on what you should do based on your result.
If you're taking the combined pill, patch or ring, the FSH test is not reliable.
Stopping contraception
You can stop using contraception at age 55. Getting pregnant naturally after this is very rare.
If you reach menopause:
- age 50 or older - continue contraception for 1 more year, then stop
- under age 50 - continue contraception for 2 more years
Do not take the combined pill, patch or ring if you are over 40 and:
- smoke
- have a BMI over 30
Only very low-risk users can continue combined contraceptives between age 40 and 50.
The combined contraceptive pill and the progesterone-only injection should not be used over age 50.
Your GP may recommend that you change to a progestogen-only pill or another type of contraception.
Use a barrier method of contraception like condoms to avoid getting sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Content supplied by the NHS and adapted for Ireland by the HSE
