Irregular periods are the most common indicator that a woman has entered perimenopause and is heading toward menopause, the date confirming 12 consecutive months without a menstrual cycle. For women who struggle with irregular periods, it is possible for your doctor to prescribe medicinal treatment to improve this. Read on to discover more about the most commonly prescribed medication for irregular periods during perimenopause.
Hormone Replacement Therapy for Irregular Periods
Hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, is frequently prescribed for the treatment of menopausal symptoms - including menstrual cycle abnormalities -because it works to reinstate the balance of reproductive hormones.
Three-monthly cyclical HRT is recommended specifically for irregular periods. This involves the daily intake of estrogen and progesterone for 14 days every three months. This way, a woman will have her period once every three months.
However, because HRT can have serious side effects, such as an increased risk of breast cancer and blood clots, many women choose to pursue other forms of contraception instead.
Other Contraception Options for Irregular Periods
Additional commonly prescribed medicine for irregular periods are other forms of contraception, which also have an impact on reproductive hormones. Recommended types for this include:
Combined pill. This contains both estrogen and progesterone, which is safer for women who still have a uterus. The combined pill is taken orally for 21 out of every 28 days. Your period will come during the seven remaining days.
The patch. Estrogen and progesterone enter the body via a patch that is applied to the buttocks, outer bicep, abdomen, or upper torso. Women who don't want periods wear it constantly. Otherwise, it can be removed for a week, during which your period comes.
Intrauterine device (IUD). This is a small, flexible apparatus which is inserted into the womb, releasing a synthetic progesterone hormone in order to control ovulation. It causes periods to often become lighter and shorter in length.
Some forms of contraception can have health risks, including a higher likelihood of breast cancer and blood clots. As with HRT, it is therefore advisable to talk to a doctor about the different types to find a suitable one for you.
These are just some of the most commonly prescribed medication for irregular periods. Without a doubt, their efficacy will largely depend on individual receptiveness.
Luckily, there are many natural and effective options out there for irregular periods treatments. Click on the previous link to find out how to normalize your irregular periods during perimenopause for a healthier, happier you throughout this transitional time.
Sources
- NHS. (2016). Types: Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) | Irregular Periods. Retrieved April 25, 2019, from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hormone-replacement-therapy-hrt/types/ | https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/irregular-periods/
- Women's Health Concern. (2017). HRT. Retrieved April 25, 2019, from https://www.womens-health-concern.org/help-and-advice/factsheets/hrt/