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…”.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

In Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Sequential Combined Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Tablets and Patches: Pregnancy, Breastfeeding and Fertility While Taking or Using Sequential Combined Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) – Sequential Combined HRT and Fertility, page last reviewed 18 January 2023, the (United Kingdom) NHS note:

“There’s a chance that you could become pregnant while taking HRT as it does not act as contraception.

Even if you think that you’ve gone through the menopause, there’s a small chance that you could become pregnant”.3

Contraceptive Advice

What is contraceptive use advice?

In Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Sequential Combined Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Tablets and Patches: Pregnancy, Breastfeeding and Fertility While Taking or Using Sequential Combined Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) – Sequential Combined HRT and Fertility the NHS advise:

“You’re advised to use contraception for at least 1 year from your last period if you’re over 50 years old and for 2 years if you’re under 50 years old. Discuss this with your doctor or family planning practitioner”.4

In Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Sexual Wellbeing, Intimacy and Menopause the (Scottish) NHS Inform explain:

“It’s still possible to get pregnant during perimenopause so, if you need to, keep having conversations about contraception. If you use barrier methods with your partner, it’s important to keep using condoms as less lubrication and thinning vaginal walls during menopause can make you more vulnerable to contracting a sexually transmitted infection”.5

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:

“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”.6

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”.7

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”.8

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:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

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

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

New or Updated

  1. A Guide To Birth Control In Your 40s and 50s
  2. BMS TV: Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
  3. Birth Control Methods
  4. Birth Control Options: Things To Consider
  5. Can You Get Pregnant After Menopause?
  6. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2021 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Importance of Birth Control In Perimenopause
  7. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2021 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Importance of Contraception at Perimenopause
  8. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2023 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Hormone Therapy: Understanding the Risks and Benefits
  9. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2023 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Premature and Early Menopause
  10. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2024 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Preparing for Your Menopause Health Care Visit
  11. Contraception
  12. Contraception
  13. Contraception
  14. Contraception and the Menopause
  15. Contraception for the Older Woman: Hormone Replacement Therapy
  16. Contraception Choices: Know All Your Options
  17. Contraception: Methods of Contraception
  18. FAQs: Barrier Methods of Birth Control: Spermicide, Condom, Sponge, Diaphragm, and Cervical Cap
  19. FAQs: Combined Hormonal Birth Control: Pill, Patch, and Ring
  20. FAQs: Emergency Contraception
  21. FAQs: Hormone Therapy for Menopause
  22. Find A Menopause Practitioner [United States and Other]
  23. Find An AMS Member [Australasian Menopause Society i.e. Australia and New Zealand]
  24. Find Your Nearest BMS Menopause Specialist [British Menopause Society]
  25. HRT & Menopause Extra
  26. HRT Is Not #contraception and So If You Are Perimenopausal Then Added Contraception Is Needed
  27. HRT Questions Answered [Video]
  28. Hormone Replacement Therapy
  29. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
  30. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Sequential Combined Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Tablets and Patches
  31. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Sequential Combined Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Tablets and Patches: Common Questions About Sequential Combined Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
  32. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Sequential Combined Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Tablets and Patches: Pregnancy, Breastfeeding and Fertility While Taking or Using Sequential Combined Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) – Sequential Combined HRT and Fertility
  33. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Sexual Wellbeing, Intimacy and Menopause [+ Video: Menopause Is the End of Your Sex Life] [Other Languages and Formats]
  34. Let’s Talk About Perimenopause
  35. Mayo Clinic Minute: Perimenopause and Menopause [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  36. Menopause
  37. Menopause
  38. Menopause
  39. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
    Hormone Therapy and Contraception
  40. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – Stages of Menopause: Perimenopause
  41. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 2. Talking To Your GP About Menopause
  42. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit: A Woman’s Empowerment Guide
  43. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit: A Woman’s Empowerment Guide – Reproductive Aging and Midlife
  44. Menopause, Perimenopause, Hormone Therapy and Other Treatments With Madelyn Butler, MD [Podcast]
  45. Menopause: Identification and Management [NICE Guideline Published: 12 November 2015 Last Updated: 07 November 2024]
    Hormone Therapy and Contraception
  46. Menopause: Identification and Management: NICE Guideline [NG23] [07 November 2024]
  47. Menopause: Understanding the Changes and Finding Relief | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 256
  48. Mymenoplan.org [My Menoplan, United States]
  49. Navigating Menopause: Expert Insights and Solutions | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 245
  50. Perimenopause
  51. Perimenopause
  52. Perimenopause and Menopause Checklist: Translated Checklists
  53. Perimenopause and Menopause Symptom Checklist
  54. The Menopause Society Statement on Misinformation Surrounding Hormone Therapy
    Hormone Therapy and Contraception
  55. Videos & Podcasts: Videos – Menopause and Hormone Therapy: Current Perspectives and Controversies
  56. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – A Simple Approach To Menopause: The Menopause Quick Six (www.MQ6.ca)
  57. Webinars: Previous – Perimenopausal Contraception
  58. What Doctors Wish Patients Knew About Menopause
  59. When Does Perimenopause Start and How Do You Define the Beginning
  60. World Menopause Day 2024
  61. World Menopause Day 2024: Leaflet for Women

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: 01 February 2025
  2. Looking After Yourself During Menopause: Sex and Relationships – Contraception During Menopause: When Is It Safe To Stop Contraception? Last Updated: 20 September 2024 | 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: 01 February 2025
  3. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Sequential Combined Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Tablets and Patches: Pregnancy, Breastfeeding and Fertility While Taking or Using Sequential Combined Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) – Sequential Combined HRT and Fertility. Page Last Reviewed: 18 January 2023. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/hormone-replacement-therapy-hrt/sequential-combined-hormone-replacement-therapy-hrt-tablets-and-patches/pregnancy-breastfeeding-and-fertility-while-taking-or-using-sequential-combined-hormone-replacement-therapy-hrt/ Accessed: 01 February 2025
  4. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Sequential Combined Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Tablets and Patches: Pregnancy, Breastfeeding and Fertility While Taking or Using Sequential Combined Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) – Sequential Combined HRT and Fertility. Page Last Reviewed: 18 January 2023. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/hormone-replacement-therapy-hrt/sequential-combined-hormone-replacement-therapy-hrt-tablets-and-patches/pregnancy-breastfeeding-and-fertility-while-taking-or-using-sequential-combined-hormone-replacement-therapy-hrt/ Accessed: 01 February 2025
  5. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Sexual Wellbeing, Intimacy and Menopause. Last Updated: 14 March 2023. NHS Inform https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/womens-health/later-years-around-50-years-and-over/menopause-and-post-menopause-health/sexual-wellbeing-intimacy-and-menopause Accessed: 01 February 2025
  6. 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: 01 February 2025
  7. 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: 01 February 2025
  8. Looking After Yourself During Menopause: Sex and Relationships – Contraception During Menopause: When Is It Safe To Stop Contraception? Last Updated: 20 September 2024 | 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: 01 February 2025
Topic Last Updated: 01 February 2025 – Topic Last Reviewed: 01 February 2025

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