“It is important to realise that HRT is not a method of
contraception. If periods have not stopped before starting
HRT then a method of contraception should be used…”.1

Umbrella
What may the Hormone Therapy and Contraception Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Birth Control
  • Conception
  • Contraception
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
  • Hormone Therapy (HT)
  • Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT)
  • Pregnancy

Contraceptive or Not

Is hormone therapy (HT), hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) a contraceptive to prevent becoming pregnant?

No. The (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (JH) caution:

“Keep in mind, MHT is not a contraceptive”.2

Contraception Methods

What are some methods of contraception when using HRT?

In Contraception for Older Women: Hormone Replacement Therapy the (British) Women’s Health Concern (WHC) explain:

Hormone Therapy and Contraception“It is important to realise that HRT is not a method of contraception. If periods have not stopped before starting HRT then a method of contraception should be used in addition to HRT. Suitable methods to consider would be barrier methods, an IUD, the progestogen-only pill or the IUS. As well as being an effective method of contraception, the Mirena® IUS has the additional advantage of providing the progestogen component of HRT and so minimises bleeding problems and other side-effects that might occur from the progestogen”.3

Contraception

How long may women need to use contraception?

In Contraception for Older Women: Hormone Replacement Therapy the WHC also note:

“Once HRT has been started, it can be difficult to know when contraception can be stopped since HRT will often produce regular monthly bleeds. It is best to continue contraception alongside HRT until the age of 55 when contraception is no longer needed”.4

Health Care Provider

If I choose to use HT what may I choose to use for contraception?

In Looking After Yourself: Sex and Relationships – Contraception During Menopause: When Is It Safe To Stop Contraception? the JH note:

“Talk to your doctor about the best contraception for you”.5

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Hormone Therapy and Pregnancy?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Links

Where may I find Links related to Hormone Therapy and Contraception?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Contraception for the Older Woman: Hormone Replacement Therapy. Updated: November 2022:4. British Women’s Health Concern https://www.womens-health-concern.org/help-and-advice/factsheets/contraception-older-woman/ Accessed: 02 January 2024
  2. Looking After Yourself: Sex and Relationships – Contraception During Menopause: When Is It Safe To Stop Contraception? Last Updated: 07 December 2023 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/looking-after-yourself#sex-and-relationships Accessed: 02 January 2024
  3. Contraception for the Older Woman: Hormone Replacement Therapy. Updated: November 2022:4. British Women’s Health Concern https://www.womens-health-concern.org/help-and-advice/factsheets/contraception-older-woman/ Accessed: 02 January 2024
  4. Contraception for the Older Woman: Hormone Replacement Therapy. Updated: November 2022:4. British Women’s Health Concern https://www.womens-health-concern.org/help-and-advice/factsheets/contraception-older-woman/ Accessed: 02 January 2024
  5. Looking After Yourself: Sex and Relationships – Contraception During Menopause: When Is It Safe To Stop Contraception? Last Updated: 07 December 2023 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/looking-after-yourself#sex-and-relationships Accessed: 02 January 2024
Topic Last Updated: 02 January 2024 – Topic Last Reviewed: 02 January 2024

Print Friendly, PDF & Email