HRT or contraceptive pill?

[AntiqueMaps]

Hello

I'm 42, childfree, single. Never been pregnant and that's unlikely to change. Non-smoker and healthy weight. Have previously taken the combined pill without issue except maybe some breakthrough bleeding, esp if I ran packets together.

I've always had v light and relatively painless periods. But in the last couple of years I've been getting annoyed with how much of the month I'm spending with sore boobs/slowly increasing period pain.

Would I be best to go back on the pill? If so, which one? Or should I just go on HRT?!

Thanks

(Just be clear I have absolutely no intention of trying for a baby even if I did meet someone!)

I’m 54 still on the pill, no menopausal symptoms at all. Long may it continue.

Thanks @TheHairInClaudiasEyes - which pill are you on?

IIRC the one the GPs most often prescribe are not necessarily good for skin/weight. I have had trouble with acne/controlling my weight - not necessarily anything to do with the pill. Both now resolved with Roaccutane and Mounjaro thankfully!

I take Desogestrel 75 micrograms. The nurse said that on the list of considerations, age, weight, health, smoker, drinking, blood pressure etc the only con was my age. I’ve been told that 55/56 is the limit though so who knows what next year will bring.

Im 44 and on the pill. Yasmin. A wonderful invention. Couldnt be without it.

@SquadGoals75 thanks I think I was on that back in the day. I think there was some chat about you couldn't get it on the NHS? Do you get it privately?

I get it through NHS. Although I’m do remember it wasn’t available years ago. Or was that Dianette?

Yeah I always wanted Dianette as apparently good for weight/acne but it had higher than usual risk of blood clots so they ended up banning it.

The only thing to bare in mind is that the contraceptive pill contains synthetic hormones, whilst most forms of HRT contain body identical hormones. The latter are much safer for long time health. The former are associated with cancer risks as we get older.

Have you considered a mirena? Changed my life - I've had a handful of periods in the past 6 years

53 and on the pill- Norgestron.
Very few menopause symptoms.