Ask Emily — menopause

QUESTION:

Can birth control or HRT prevent menopause?

ANSWER:

No. Though supplementing your body’s hormones with birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy can lessen your symptoms or even induce false periods, they cannot prevent menopause. Your body will gradually stop releasing eggs and slow its production of progesterone and estradiol (ovarian estrogen) no matter what external hormones you take. HRT and the birth control pill can simply mask the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause.

Learn more about menopause in women

More questions on menopause

Our Personal Program is a great place to start

The Personal Program promotes natural hormonal balance with nutritional supplements, our exclusive endocrine support formula, dietary and lifestyle guidance, and optional phone consultations with our Nurse–Educators. It is a convenient, at-home version of what we recommend to all our patients at the clinic.

• Start by assessing your symptoms with our on-line Hormonal Health Profile. It’s easy, informative, and free.
• To learn more about the Program, go to How the Personal Program Works.
• For further reading about your symptoms and other health topics, go to Explore Our Knowledge.
• If you have questions, don’t hesitate to call us toll-free at 1-800-798-7902. We’re here to listen and help.

Last Modified: 02/15/2008