Best contraception to stop periods long term

[patrollingpaws]

I'm coming up to 40 and finished having children. My periods are making me absolutely miserable, so I'm thinking of contraceptives to just stop them.

The only thing I've been on in the past is the pill. I'd be ok going back on that, and just taking it non stop, but are there any better options?

Something very convenient with few side effects would be perfect! I've heard that options like the implant or coil can either stop periods, or bring on loads of bleeding so I'm not really sure what to do. I'd like to have a good idea of what I want before I speak to the GP.

Thanks!

The progesterone only pill completely stopped mine and also stopped my hormonal migraines, so win win! I know some people do not get a long with it though!

The coil could also work if you wanted a long term option

Mirena coil pretty much stopped periods for me (v light spotting maybe one month in 3). I'm 46 and on my third one

Mirena coil. I had one fitted at 40 and have not had a period since. It is also licensed to use as HRT if you decide to use it. You can use oestrogen patches or gel without the need for progesterone supplement.
It takes a few months to settle in but then you are period free for at least 3yrs. They suggest replacing every 5 yrs but I found that 4 yrs was my limit before light periods crept back. I had severe endometriosis so was prepared to go through the spotting phase after placement because being pain free was worth it.
Im now post menopause and although I did use HRT for a short while I had to stop because of breast cancer diagnosis. I now take hormone blockers and mentally feel the best I’ve felt since age 8.

You need a hormonal coil like the Mirena or Kyleena. I have the latter and don't have periods at all.

The copper coil is the one that usually gives you heavier periods.

I'm on the progesterone only pill to manage symptoms of PCOS and I have no periods at all.
It's designed to be taken constantly without a break. My understanding is that the combined pill is not the first choice once you're over 35 due to increased risk of blood clots, so if you're open to taking the pill this may be the option that's offered to you.

The drawback of a pill compared to the long-term options is the risk of pregnancy if you miss a pill of course. That's not a concern for me as my husband had a vasectomy, but it may influence your decision.

Each body is unique and responds in different ways.

Both depo provera and a mirena coil stopped my periods completely which I loved at the time but the hormonal effects also really boosted my weight gain so I wish I had known that before.

I don't mind my periods at the moment but they are much lighter and more manageable now than they were when I was in teens/20s. If they go haywire again when I hit perimenopause I will be asking for a hysterectomy rather than taking hormones again.

Mirena 100%. I’m really sensitive to hormonal contraceptives and have had my current one in for 3 years and not a problem at all. Stopped my periods completely. Will be having it replaced until I reach menopause!

Thanks all! Sounds like the Mirena may be a good option. I'll have a chat with my GP

I'm in a similar position and got a Mirena but it absolutely hasn't stopped my periods. They're very light but come every single month which for me is worse than the pill, when I ran every other pack together and always timed them to avoid holidays, trips etc.
I'd take the mini pill but for contraception I think you need to take it at the same time daily which bothers me; I never forget but might be a good bit late some days! I loved the regular pill but got frustrated with trekking to my docs (distance because had to go to the "main" surgery for this, difficulty parking and getting the routine appointment) every six months to get the third degree, weight and blood pressure when mine have always been perfect, reminder I mustn't smoke (I'm hardly likely to take it up now!) and a hard time that I was using them too fast due to running packs together some of the time.
So not sure what the answer is!

Thanks @Rayna37 Perhaps it is a bit of trial and error to find out what works best.

Tbh, if the coil made my periods much lighter I would probably take that. They are just so horrendously heavy and painful at the moment.

Taking a pill at the same time very say would be a hassle for me I think.

You can talk to your GP or a nurse I think, and you can also book directly at a sexual health clinic. I got my coil fitted at a clinic because I figured they'd have more experience than my GP surgery. They were good.