Menopause can be a difficult phase of life for women. The hormonal changes that occur can bring along multiple symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and sleep problems.

In addition, menopause can increase the risk of developing certain health conditions, such as osteoporosis. To manage these symptoms and risks, many women turn to menopause pills. However, are menopause pills truly safe? This article aims to explore the truth about menopause pills and their risks.

What Are Menopause Pills?

Menopause pills are medications that women take to manage their menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood swings. These medications are usually comprised of either estrogen alone, or estrogen and progestin combination.

Estrogen is a hormone that naturally occurs in women’s bodies and plays a key role in regulating their menstrual cycle. Progestin is a synthetic version of progesterone, another hormone that helps regulate menstruation. Estrogen and progestin combination pills are used by women who still have their uterus, as the combination helps protect against endometrial cancer.

Types of Menopause Pills

Menopause pills come in different forms, including tablets, patches, creams, gels, and sprays. The type of menopause pill a woman takes is typically based on her personal preference, lifestyle, and health status.

For instance, women who don’t like taking pills might opt for a patch, instead. Some women prefer creams or gels because they allow for precise dosing and localized application.

The Risks of Menopause Pills

While menopause pills can help manage symptoms and health risks related to menopause, they are not without risks themselves. Menopause pills can increase a woman’s risk for several health conditions, including:.

Breast Cancer

Studies have shown that estrogen-progestin combination pills are linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. The longer a woman uses these pills, the greater her risk becomes, especially if she has a history of breast cancer in her family.

For this reason, women who are at high risk of developing breast cancer are typically advised to avoid menopause pills.

Blood Clots

Menopause pills that contain estrogen can increase a woman’s risk of developing blood clots. Blood clots can be dangerous, as they can potentially lead to a stroke or heart attack.

Women who take menopause pills are advised to monitor their symptoms carefully and notify their healthcare provider immediately if they experience any signs of a blood clot, such as swelling, redness, warmth, or pain in the leg.

Stroke and Heart Attack

Menopause pills have also been linked to an increased risk of stroke and heart attack. This is particularly true for women who are over 60 years old and have a history of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or smoking.

Related Article Menopause Medications: The Hidden Dangers

Moreover, women who take estrogen-only pills are at a higher risk of developing stroke or heart attack than those who take estrogen-progestin combination pills.

Blood Pressure

Menopause pills can increase a woman’s blood pressure, especially if she already has high blood pressure.

Women who take menopause pills are advised to monitor their blood pressure regularly and to make lifestyle changes, such as reducing their salt intake and exercising more, in order to manage their blood pressure levels.

Breast Tenderness

Menopause pills, particularly estrogen-progestin combination pills, can cause breast tenderness or enlargement in some women. This is a common side effect that typically goes away after several weeks of use.

However, some women may find this side effect bothersome and choose to discontinue using the pills.

Migraines

Women who have a history of migraines may find that their migraines become more frequent or severe when they take menopause pills. This is particularly true for those who take estrogen-only pills.

Women who experience migraines while taking menopause pills should speak to their healthcare provider about potentially adjusting their medication.

Other Side Effects

Other potential side effects of menopause pills include nausea, bloating, weight changes, mood changes, vaginal bleeding, and skin irritation.

While these side effects are typically mild and go away on their own, women who experience any severe or prolonged side effects should contact their healthcare provider immediately.

Conclusion

Menopause pills can be beneficial for women who are struggling with menopausal symptoms or who are at risk of developing certain health conditions.

However, women should be aware of the potential risks associated with these medications and should discuss their options with their healthcare provider. Women who are at high risk of developing breast cancer or who have a history of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack should avoid menopause pills altogether.