Can perimenopausal women use the pill alongside HRT

[Mindovermatter45]

Hi,

Just on a fact find, does anyone know if you can take the contraceptive pill alongside HRT?

Many thanks

I’m planning to. Going in to hrt soon and my doctor hasn’t said I can’t. I’m on the mini pill at the moment.

From what I understand, mini pill is fine but it's a no for the combined pill. But please get some proper medical advice on this

Yes you can - I've been told I can add HRT to the mini pill if I feel I need it.

Yes, I take the mini pill and have evorel conti patches. I’m 44 and have been in menopause since 37 due to autoimmune issues. I have lupus and don’t want to have any bleeding so have been on the mini pill for ages and then just added in HRT. I’ve tried all sorts along the way, you can add in Oestrogel and utrogestan if you prefer but that just made me bleed. The patches suit me best.

The mini pill is progesterone only and provides extra progesterone as part of the HRT, which I need.

Genetally you wouldn't take HRT alongside combined pill as the pill has higher doses of hormones. If you still need contraception then combined pull may be suitable for managing peri symptoms at the same time but it has disadvantages, particularly that it's an oral medication which increases blood clot risks. This, combined with the breast cancer risk from taking the pill as you get older, is why women are often advised to come off the combined pill around 50.or 55.

If you come off the pill but still need need contraception then mirena coil plus estrogen gel, patch or spray is a good HRT option. If you don't need contraception there are lots more options

mini pill- yes

combined pill- no.

You can also use a larger dose of the mini pill Noriday instead of another progestin as part of your HRT.